Technician is a disgrace to the University

I’ve been a longtime reader of Technician, but lately I have been very frustrated by the number of simple grammar and spelling errors that are appearing in the columns. A recent issue of Technician was an exception; it was even worse than usual. The story about the gymnast, Brittany Vontz, had a typo in the first sentence, as well as glaring typos in the pull quotes. In fact, the same word was misspelled twice in 30-point font. This is something a spell checker would fix easily, had you run one. Even still, mistakes THIS BIG should be easy to catch without any help.

In the “Mr. Engineer” article on the front page, someone named “Moll” is referenced and quoted throughout the article, but is never introduced in the piece. The above-mentioned errors are embarrassing, and reflect poorly on both the Technician writers and the University. To the copy editors: I know many of these articles are submitted after you leave, but these perpetual mistakes should be as disappointing to you as they are to me. I hope that you take my criticism into consideration and implement some changes because right now Technician is a disgrace to the University.

Zack Capets

junior, aerospace engineering

Disappointed in Technician Twitter

As I watched my beloved Wolfpack take on the Clemson Tigers in the ACC Tournament, I diverted my attention to Twitter. To my extreme disappointment, @TechSports reported: “We’ve played 31 games, and Javi still thinks he’s J.J. Redick #clemson 5 #ncsu 2 after a three-pointer.”

I’ve got two issues with this. The first, based in fact, is Javi Gonzalez has the best 3-point goal percentage on our team followed by Horner and Wood. Second, why are these students who write about our teams spouting these hateful things? Aren’t there enough State haters out there? Do we really need the student newspaper knocking our team? I say no. I may be a blind optimist when it comes to Wolfpack athletics, but isn’t that what fandom and loyalty is about?

I called out @TechSports on Twitter to which they responded: “The school newspaper is run by students who covered every pathetic moment of this season so they know enough to knock.” I’m not OK with this. Yeah, it’s been a rough season, but we won three of the last four games. The teams we beat were ranked.

I’m disappointed in @TechSports. With fans, student leaders and writers like them, who needs Tar Heel fans?

Kati Cadenhead

alumna, class of 2007

The Census is critical

The 2010 Census is more than just a survey. It’s absolutely critical to deciding how to fund our schools, where to build new hospitals, roads and businesses, and how North Carolinians are represented in all levels of government.

In fact, for every North Carolinian who goes uncounted, North Carolina loses more than $1,500 each year. Every dollar and every Census form counts, especially in these tough times.

In North Carolina we should receive our 2010 Census forms by March 22. It only takes about 10 minutes to complete the 10 questions, and your personal information will not be shared with any government agency, business or individual.

My husband, Bob Eaves, and I will fill out the Census form and return it, and I’m asking everyone across the state to do the same.

It’s easy, it’s important and it’s secure. The future of every community in North Carolina depends on it.

Bev Perdue

governor of North Carolina