From Bombs to Democrats

The UNLV campus had tight security today. Metal detectors were placed in front of the stairs at the Cox Pavilion to ensure a safe debate. As if securing a college campus for possible future presidents weren’t enough to keep security busy today, there were some additional threats this morning.

There were rumors of a bomb threat at the Wells Fargo across the street from the student union this morning. Whether or not this is the case, many cop cars were at Wells Fargo this morning and Maryland Parkway was blocked off and prevented some students form getting to class on time. Nothing has been published to determine whether or not this information

At around 5 p.m. security was surrounding the Cox Pavilion. Even after such an anxious day, the well armed policemen smiled for a picture. Thanks guys!

All Photos By: Sonja Corliss

Students get involved

The students at UNLV have always been involved, whether by choice or obligation. If there is an event nearby, the students will have something to say about it, for or against. The Democratic Presidential Debate set the students and staff up for a wild and busy time.

Supporters of the Democratic candidates slept overnight in their cars to wake up as early as possible and rally for support for their candidate. The two predominant groups were promoting Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Both groups received honks, and cheers from passersby.

The campus was filled with CNN folk, reporters, the press, the Secret Service, security, photographers, journalists and aspiring students.

CNN had a stand where students could express themselves. They were welcome to watch the live debate from the North Field (the big patch of grass near the library and CDC), and make buttons for their candidate of choice. This photograph was taken while these students watched the debate on a screen to the right.

There was more than one watch room. Since the main watch room inside the student union was only available to those on a list or with a CNN badge, CBC B building A room 113 hosted a viewing with free pizza and drinks to boot.

Even though the room was not full, the reactions from this crowd were almost intimidating. Most of these viewers were very involved; especially during the topic of giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. It was nice to see that students, regardless of the distractions in Las Vegas, can still invest some time into their future.

All Photos By: Sonja Corliss

Parking Lot What?

It is baffling to see what the UNLV students and staff have to put up with every time a big event comes to the Thomas and Mack or Cox Pavillion. If the Rodeo wasn’t enough this year, the Presidential Democratic Debates of 2007 will surely be enough to put the students and staff of UNLV over the edge!

The Presidential Democratic Debate page of UNLV’s website gives specific location as to where students and staff may park. It lists who is allowed to park where in what lots. The problem is, how — unless you have parked there previously — are you to know which lot is which?

I read and re-read this page and decided that I had a general idea of where I could park. When I arrived at school at 8 a.m., to my surprise the lot that I thought was open, was closed off. This is my seventh semester here and I apparently still do not know which lot is which. The only factor that helped me find parking this morning was the cones allowing me through. Maybe the next event should be planned better!

P.S. We need more parking. At 8 a.m. the parking lot was already 1/3 full.

At 5:15 p.m. the lot was still packed!

 

All Photos By: Sonja Corliss