The Cameron University Collegian: December 5, 2005

COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Monday, December 5, 2005

News

Volume 79 Issue 13

Dancing into the world: Nuakavita

By Kathleen Kelly Copy Editor

Ebony Society gears up for a busy spring schedule.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 4

A&E

CU’s theatre production “Whose Life is it Anyway?” is fabulous.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 9

Sports

Looking for fun and relaxation? Check out activities in the Fitness Center.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 10

Her father said she came dancing into the world, so he bestowed upon her the Comanche name “Nuakavita.”

She danced for six years with the first professional theater group established to showcase Native American dance, the American Indian Dance Theater, based in New York City.

She has appeared in two PBS documentaries, is pictured on calendars, is on one of the series of “Discover Native Oklahoma” posters and has won numerous awards for her dancing, including being named World Champion twice.

Better known to her classmates as Bonnie Tomahsah, she is a communication senior and a member of the Comanche nation.

Tomahsah grew up in Apache, the youngest of five children. The daughter of a full-blooded Comanche, Harry Tomahsah, she was raised in the Comanche tradition, even though her mother, Laquita, is Choctaw and Chickasaw.

Tomahsah said it is customary for the Comanche to follow the traditions of the husband, as opposed to the customs of the Choctaw tribe. Although Choctaw, her mother chose to raise her family in the Comanche tradition.

“It was my mom’s choice,” Tomahsah said, “because of where she lived and her husband’s position in the tribe.”

Both of Tomahsah’s parents were active in community groups and committees and she remembers her parents taking her to meetings even as a very young child.

“My parents were very active in our Indian community,” she said. “My parents were very vocal. They were very vocal if anything happened to us at school. I always felt secure and protected because I knew my parents had a handle on things. They were behind their children 100 percent.”

Tomahsah said that her parents encouraged all of their children to participate in school sports. She said that sports were one area where “we knew our talent was, and we excelled.” One of her teachers, Joyce Scammahorn, made up a ball-handling team, doing a routine to songs.

“I loved it and I loved her. If anyone asked me who my greatest influence (in school) was, I would have to say it was Ms. Scammahorn,”

Please see TOMAHSAH, page 2

Dancing feet: Communication senior Bonnie Tomahsah placed first in the “Women’s Fancy Shawl” dance competition held in Coeur d’Elene, Idaho, in 2002. Tomahsah continues to perform and compete throughout the country.

SIFE competes in ‘Rumble by the River’

Voices

By Lisa Snider Managing Editor

Editorial board bids farewell to graduating members of the Collegian staff.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 9

Next Issue

Photo by Kareem Guiste

Hard at work: Students from around the area work hard on their project.

Seventh through twelfth graders met at Cameron for one “CULE” day.

Taking care of business

By Kenny Scarle

The next issue of the Collegian will hit stands Jan. 23, 2006.

Office: Nance Boyer 2060 Phone: 580•581•2261 E-mail us at : collegian@cameron.edu First Copy Free - $.25 for each additional copy Contents © The Collegian 2005

Staff Writer

The Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) proves that business can really be cool – CULE, that is.

SIFE just completed their third annual Cameron University Leaders and Entrepreneurs (CULE) Camp. This service of SIFE provides area young people hands-on experience to enhance creative instincts, explore ideas for new products and consider opportunities that can change the world.

Students from seventh grade through twelfth met in the Cameron

University Shepler Mezzanine last Monday to participate in a day of competitive creative activities. These are aimed at youth to brainstorm a product, select organizational leadership, develop business/marketing plans, create “brands” and packaging, write and videotape commercials and present their work to CULE Camp judges and observers.

Tyler Ferguson, business management freshman and co-president of SIFE, thoroughly enjoyed this year’s events.

“I loved it,” Ferguson said. “This is a great opportunity for young people to

Please see CULE, page 2

Word spread that the rumble was to begin Thursday night in Talequah – and it would last for three days.

No, this wasn’t a couple of gangs planning to meet in a vacant lot to fight for territory.

Actually, it was 20 teams competing for marketing rights for a new medical venture in the Tulsa area.

“Rumble by the River” was a case competition for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) teams from across the nation, one from as far away as Alaska, held Nov. 10-12 at Northeastern State University in Talequah.

Case competitions involve actual businesses that request specific business plans from student teams.

Medmentum, LLC partners requested the participating SIFE teams do a re-branding of Project Vessel, a wholly owned subsidiary of MLLC. Project Vessel is

a medical practice offering an entire line of cosmetic procedures from face lifts to massage, manicure and weight loss programs. They even house a juice and smoothie snack bar.

According to both Cameron’s SIFE President and business senior Ryan Henry, and assistant secretary/treasurer business freshman Kareem Guiste, a case competition involves developing a business plan including branding, marketing, financial analysis and whatever else is required by the business sponsoring the competition.

The teams received a packet of information about the company and the goals of the competition a couple of weeks in advance.

This allowed for needed planning and preparation before the Rumble.

Please see RUMBLE, page 2

News

2

December 5, 2005

RUMBLE, continued from page 1 CU’s SIFE team consisted of six students and two faculty advisers.

Business majors besides Guiste, were freshman Lana Ochilien, freshman Adrian Albert, freshman Tyler Ferguson and senior Karim Sifflet. Electronic engineering technology freshman Percival Sayers was part of the team as well.

CU MBA counselor Lisa Wolfe and business department secretary Cindy Johnson attended with the students.

The team departed on Thursday, arriving at the Talequah Vocational-Technology Center for refreshments and an overview presentation by two of the sponsoring doctors.

Working from rooms where the teams were housed at the Holiday

Inn, Guiste said they worked feverishly, “setting up camp,” hooking up computers, getting reports ready and practicing for the presentations. There was little opportunity for sleep.

“We had two to three hours of sleep between Thursday and Saturday,” Guiste said.

Within the CU team, members took responsibility for certain tasks. Sayers provided the technical expertise. He set up the equipment – projector and computer – making sure everything was functional.

During the presentation, Sayers had five minutes, of the 18 allotted, for set up. He then operated the PowerPoint slide show in conjunction with the speeches, listening for cues given by the

TOMAHSAH, continued from page 1 Tomahsah said. “She was great. She didn’t have any biases or prejudices.”

It was after graduation from high school that Tomahsah decided to follow in her brother’s footsteps and try out for a place in the American Indian Dance Theater.

“I already loved to dance – my goal in life was to be in the American Indian Dance Theater. That took me all over the world,” she said. “Nine different countries and all 50 states.”

She danced for six years before deciding to return home and attend college.

“I saw my friends going to college.

I thought, ‘If they can do it, so can I,’” she said.

Tomahsah said her parents played a significant role in her appreciation of Comanche traditions and spirituality.

“My family is very rich in culture,” she said. “Through all the time in school my parents still kept us in our culture. A lot of times on weekends when we had religious activities they would take us all out of school so we could attend.”

She said that the formalization of the beliefs of Native Americans into the Native American Church was a result of attempts in the late 1800s and early 1900s to discourage the passing on of traditions and customs. Tribes were moved across the United States and the children were placed in boarding schools where they were not permitted to speak their native languages.

Also, she said, the significance of the use of peyote in ceremonies

by Native Americans was not understood. Today, according to Tomahsah, those who use peyote in ceremonies are required to carry cards identifying them as members of the Native American Church.

“Imagine how Christians would feel if they had to carry cards all the time,” she said.

Tomahsah’s husband, Anthony Monoessy, is also Comanche and active in tribal ceremonies and peyote meetings. The meetings begin when the sun goes down and end at dawn when the companions bring water to the men.

Tomahsah said that the story of how the peyote came to the Comanche was told to her by some of the Comanche elders. She said the story is complicated, but that a man came to a Comanche encampment at a time when the Comanche were suffering great hardship. The man

did not look like the Comanche, so they were afraid. The man walked on water across a great lake to reach the encampment, and promised the Comanche that they would receive something to help them “live long lives and have food and live in their teepees.” The story continues sometime later, when a young Comanche warrior ventured off to an Apache encampment.

The Apache and Comanche were mortal enemies who would kill on sight. The warrior happened upon a teepee set off from the others and crept to the door. The medicine man inside the teepee ordered the blanket moved aside so the warrior could enter. Even though the Comanche warrior was ready for battle, the medicine man told the Apache not to attack.

“We don’t kill people who are brave enough to come in here alone,” he said.

He told the warrior that they had something that belonged to the Comanche. Even though the Apache and Comanche languages are different, through the miracle of the peyote they were able to communicate. Even more surprising, according to Tomahsah, is that the song the Apache sang was in the language of the Comanche. The medicine man gave the peyote to the Comanche warrior saying, “This belongs to you.”

Tomahsah said, “Comanche songs have power to them. When the Apache and Comanche sing their starting song, their midnight song and their water song, they sing in Comanche.”

She said her husband has a saying about the songs: “When they (other tribes) want to get serious, they sing Comanche songs.”

“I have seen miraculous things happen at peyote meetings,” she said.

In addition to attending college, Tomahsah works as the Comanche nation adult vocational specialist, helping others to get vocational training in order to gain employment or improve skills, increasing the opportunity for better jobs.

Her advice to those she counsels is this: “Find out about yourself and what you’re good at – and push yourself a little bit more than that.”

Tomahsah will graduate in December and expects to work in the field of public relations while attending graduate school at the University of Oklahoma.

speakers.

“There was only one mishap,” Sayers said. He missed one cue in a speech and was delayed with the slide switch, but that did not seem to impair the presentation overall.

Albert, Ferguson, Sifflet and Guiste took on different segments as speakers, while Ochilien presented packets to the judging panel. Following the 18-minute presentation, the panel of four judges was to have a five-minute opportunity to ask questions about the plan. One team member would field those questions, which would require the ability think quickly and provide knowledgeable answers.

After a rough practice among themselves to see who might best handle the question and answer segment, Guiste was chosen.

“We call it the ‘go-to’ guy,” Guiste said.

After a day of preparation, Friday evening the teams had an opportunity for socializing, with dinner, games and group pictures.

The CU SIFE team made their presentation at 8 a.m. Saturday. At the same time, three other teams were presenting their plans in other rooms in front of other four-judge panels. Eventually, four of the participating teams advanced in the competition. CU’s team was not one of them, but the team valued the experience, nonetheless.

“Cameron’s team, unfortunately, did not advance to the final four, but the experience was edifying,” Henry said.

Cameron hosts portfolio banquet

Photo by Aaron Gilbee

Keynote speaker Scott Meacham shares with students the experiences that led to his election as Oklahoma State Treasurer, responsible for managing Oklahoma’s finances. Meacham’s appearance on Tuesday was part of Cameron’s Portfolio Banquet where it was revealed that the Investment Portfolio class handled real money in the form of Don and Glenda Sullivan’s investments.

Don Sullivan is provost emeritus and former CU vicepresident.

Participants sharpened their speech and presentation skills and furthered their abilities to think on their feet. Representatives from Walgreens and Sherwin Williams and some of the other companies that sponsored SIFE teams from other areas were on hand to observe

and meet the individuals gathered.

“The experience was welcomed; we got the opportunity to speak with various executives of the sponsoring companies like Walgreens and Wal-Mart,” Guiste said. “I felt it was a very interesting and significant gathering.”

CULE, continued from page 1 get a taste of the business world. It is really great seeing these guys get ideas and take off with them. There were an amazing range of ideas and they were very creative.”

Specific areas of concentration for the camps include student-elected and developed leadership within small groups, brainstorming to “discover” new product ideas, developing business plans and marketing plans for the new products they develop, and creating marketing brands for the products.

They then illustrate their brands on the product packaging they designed and write and tape-record short television commercials.

Dr. Sylvia M. Burgess, Dean of the School of Business, is very enthusiastic about CULE. “CULE is an excellent way to promote market economics, entrepreneurship, personal financial success skills and business ethics among the area youth,” Burgess said. “It is never too soon to teach young people about the business world, leadership and

entrepreneurship. We hope to expand the communities we can serve and get more people involved.”

At the end of the day, students presented formal summaries of their products to CULE Camp judges and observers. SIFE team members and members of the SIFE advisory board served as judges for the events.

While scores were being calculated, the television commercials were shown to an audience of friends and family members. Trophies and medals were awarded to top performers.

Scholarships were also awarded to high school seniors planning to attend Cameron University.

“They wouldn’t be there if they didn’t really want to do this,” Ferguson said. “Some students have been planning this day in advance, bringing their ideas with them. It is really inspiring to see students working so hard for the things that they want.”

Voices

December 5, 2005

3

Our Voice

yL ea hH ick s

Stepping out of our comfort zones can be some of the most challenging moments in our lives. It’s nearing the end of the semester, and for those of us who are graduating, it is something that we fear.

ABC has created a show about it.

On “Wife Swap,” two completely opposite families ‘swap’ wives for two weeks to see how others live. For the first week, the wives must follow the rules and lifestyles of their new family. Then, the rules change and the family must follow the rules and lifestyles of its new mom. Although these families willingly signed up for this show knowing that they would be placed with someone completely opposite from them, they still somehow face culture shock when forced to step out of the comfort of their own ideas and routines.

About two weeks ago, I had one of the most horrible experiences of my life to-date, and it involved stepping out of my comfort zone.

I heard about a job opening in my current field, and I jumped at the chance to apply for it. Since I have only really been on one interview in my entire life, I knew it would be an experience I would not enjoy.

Like the participants in “Wife Swap,” I knew what I was doing when I went to the interview. I even knew some extra information given to me by someone who had previously interviewed there. But, that didn’t help me a bit. I still faced the same fear of the unknown.

After that interview, which didn’t seem to go well, by the way, I began thinking more and more about life in the real world. All of that thinking brought me to a sudden realization. As it gets closer and closer to the end of my undergraduate life at Cameron, I have realized

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Sinking to the bottom of the comfort pool: Life after graduation

Stillwater to be with the rest of her family.

Jennifer Hardy wrote for the Collegian as a newswriting student last fall and came on board in the spring to train for the business manager position she’s held this semester.

Juggling vendors, contracts and ads,

hi

of it late at night when fatigue renders us a bit punchy. We rejoice in each other’s successes, but also, as with any who spend a little too much time together, sometimes we vigorously disagree. These experiences come together to deepen friendships.

As the last week of classes arrives and finals stare us down, we prepare to say good-bye to four colleagues.

Amanda Rundle, after having written for the Collegian a few years back, joined the staff this fall as a news and feature writer. Ever dependable, Amanda has interviewed students and staff and faithfully turned out a story every week.

We wish her well as she heads to

ap Gr

Every semester the make-up of the Cameron community changes just a little. As graduates depart, new students arrive. In major courses you get used to the same people popping up in your classes, and you develop friendships. Then they graduate. They move on, while we sign up for new classes.

And their absence is felt.

The same is true here at the Collegian. Our body of editors, writers and artists evolves each semester, bringing in new blood, but requiring that we part with some on whom we’ve learned to depend. This is expected at the end of an academic year when the newspaper staff experiences a large turnover, but it’s particularly painful in the middle of a publication year, when we’ve finally gotten used to each other and gelled. We are a very close-knit community within the larger community. We spend great quantities of time together, much

Good luck, December grads

Jennifer was kept quite busy as she also attended classes and worked for a local business. She graduates in December, as well, and has many options open to her.

Aaron Gilbee did his stint as a newswriting student along with Jennifer. He came back to us as the Collegian sports editor in August with much enthusiasm.

We eventually adjusted to Aaron’s enthusiasm and appreciate the gold mine of design ideas that he has produced. Aaron has plans to begin pursuing an MFA in design next fall and to find an outlet for his creativity until then – hopefully a paying outlet.

Angela Sanders is in her fourth straight year of working in some capacity on the Collegian. She began, as most of us have, as a newswriting student and then staff writer in 2002-03. In the spring of 2004, she assisted then managing editor Chelsey King with layout and ad

that I can no longer ride the wave of comfort in my current job.

Right now, I work at Sylvan Learning Center, where I have been employed since high school. It has taken almost five years, but I have finally moved up in the ranks to manager status. Everyone comes to me for answers – even my superiors – because I know just about everything that there is to know about what Sylvan does.

However, all of my glory is about to sink to the bottom of the comfort pool. When I graduate, I have to venture into the unknown once again to face a new job with new people and new responsibilities.

I will need to learn the ropes of the new company I will be working for, and, more than likely, work my way up to the top once again. This will be my ‘rules change,’ and I know that it will prove to be one of my biggest challenges.

Until I began my search for a career, I never realized just how big my comfort zone with Sylvan had gotten. But now that I know it exists, I can only learn from stepping out of it.

I know that Cameron has prepared me for it, and the only thing standing in the Angela Sanders way of my success is me.

So, for anyone who is facing a rules change, but especially for those of you who are graduating in December, closely examine your life as it is now, because it will change. And, remember that stepping outside of a comfort zone is only a ripple in your ocean of success.

As for me, my job search continues as I continue to prepare myself for a rules change.

Angela is a journalism senior and the features editor for The Collegian. At press time, Angela, having recently stepped out of her comfort zone again, was rewarded with a job at the Lawton Constitution.

Film industry could learn from music video producers

Now, although this video is created to represent a Christian belief system, I think it can touch us all in its subtext. That is what most music is for, to help us relate to a greater form of ourselves and aspire to be more.

I have seen a lot of movies released lately that pale in comparison to this simple three-minute video, and it’s sad when you think about how much money goes into a two-hour production. Maybe movie producers and directors should consider less commercialization and embrace the form of the human essence instead. At least then I wouldn’t waste $7 and hours of my time on this planet watching Rob Schneider try to pimp himself. Frankly, almost anything is better than that.

David is a creative writing senior and a staff writer for The Collegian. He looks for meaning wherever he might find it - even in “Deuce Bigolo, European Gigolo,” where none was to be found.

Semester finals preparation

I’ve heard it said that videos and movies are often inconvenienced by the fact that they are required to show so much of a scene visually that it leaves nothing to the imagination, especially the context of the metaphysical.

Although I generally agree with this, I think that there are ways for us to manipulate video images to serve the metaphysical, instead of plague it. For proof of this, and in an effort to share the bliss I associate with this production, I offer the David Bublitz Chevelle “Vitamin R” music video as a prime example.

The song alone speaks to society and how it sometimes blatantly manipulates us against who and what we aspire to be. It speaks to finding Christ, or perhaps any other medium, to properly steer us on our path to individual and soul-evolving enlightenment.

The music video complements these ideas in a variety of ways. To begin, it opens on a scratchy television screen, a symbol of chaos and disorder. Then, we are given the image of the lone figure at the far end of a hallway, a man on his way to becoming the man he wants to be. Come the start of the second verse, the man in the hallway begins moving to the other side, his moving towards enlightenment (symbolized by a flashing green icon). Along the way, he’s almost stopped by two scientists, practitioners of Skepticism, offering him peppermint candies (or alternative, but non-permanent ways to satisfaction). But the man doesn’t fall victim to the symbolic easy out and catches the image of an angel at the end of the hallway, so he continues across until his finger disconnects an incoming call in his real-world office job and he looks up to a picture of the sky, his eyes full of life and satisfaction.

In between the flickering images of this hallway scene, we get cuts of a man in a hospital room, playing his guitar. In the middle of the room, there is a bed, and on either side of it a series of tables with plates of meat (a symbolic living of the flesh) and apples (which directly relate to the original sin). The guitarist is away from all this though, playing his riffs with his instrument wired into a packet of blood, the blood of Christ.

design, writing a few stories as the need arose. Angela took the A&E editor position last year, producing pages of entertainmentoriented articles, while attending classes and holding down another part-time job. She scaled back her responsibilities this fall to features editor and assistant copy editor as she made plans for after her December graduation.

As these four venture into the next chapter of their lives, we hope they find rewarding work and enjoy happy lives. The experiences they had while working on the Collegian will be some small part of that.

Congratulations, guys.

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Board

Managing Editor - Lisa Snider News Editor - Sarah Warren Copy Editor - Kathleen Kelly A&E Editor - Joshua Rouse Sports Editor - Aaron Gilbee Features Editor - Angela Sanders Graphic Artist - Leah Hicks

Newsroom Staff

Bus. Manager - Jennifer Hardy Cartoonist - Thomas Pruitt Financial Officer - Susan Hill Photographer - Scott Pratt Layout Designer - Kareem Guiste Webmaster - Sheldon Rogers Staff Writers - Lauren Slate, Amanda Rundle, Jessica Lane,

Faculty Adviser

Christopher Keller

Newswriting Students

David Bublitz, Selby Bush, Regan Frizzelle, Christina Frye, Amanda Herrera, DeAnn Justus, Danielle Murphree, James Norris, Petulah Olibert, Jolene Price, Blake Red Elk, Joshua Rouse, Kimberly Ryans, Kenneth Scarle, Amber Veit.

About Us

The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Times Record News in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Letters Policy

Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis.

The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length.

Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks.

All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. No nicknames will be used. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification.

Letters can be sent by regular mail or e-mail to collegian@cameron.edu, or they may be dropped off at our office - Nance Boyer 2060.

Our Views

The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author.

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Our Voice” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board.

The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma.

Don’t take it so seriously, GOSH! Good luck from The Collegian.

News 4 Ebony Society gears up for a long year of activities December 5, 2005

By Petulah Olibert Staff Writer

Cameron University’s Ebony Society is gearing up for what they promise will be an exciting year.

With numerous service projects and social events lined up, how much more exciting could college life be?

The society, first formed in the early 1970s under the name the Afro-American Society has been more active than ever, keeping the mantra of the organization – to celebrate African American culture and enhance individual member growth – alive.

Throughout the year, the organization undertakes numerous and varied projects.

“To date, we have completed five service projects,” said Lifus Todd, Ebony Society president.

“We wrapped Christmas boxes, held a canned food drive for the Salvation Army, helped with a fund-raiser for the Carriage Hills Elementary football team, made Thanksgiving baskets and hosted a fashion show.”

The objective of the society’s fashion show was to allow students an outlet to express their creativity while simultaneously raising funds for the victims of hurricane Katrina.

Although their aim is to give back to the community, the Ebony Society doesn’t neglect its members.

“Along with our service projects,” Todd said, “we also host socially enriching activities for our members to enjoy. There are seven

Courtesy Photo

Merry Christmas: Members of the Ebony Society prepare gifts to donate to the Salvation Army. The gifts will bring warmth and cheer to area families during the holiday season. in all; a pizza party, Diversity Day, a tailgate party, the Southwest Oklahoma Military Appreciation Bowl, a Miss Black CU tea, the Halloween carnival and a poetry night. Our goal is to give back to our members and to let loose for a change.”

One of the group’s biggest events is the Miss Black Cameron University Pageant. This year, the 27th annual pageant will be held on Feb. 11.

According to Todd, the pageant pays homage to American women of color, celebrates black heritage and highlights the commitments and achievements of current and future black leaders.

“The Miss Black CU pageant is an exciting event,” Todd said.

“Already applicants are preparing feverishly to be the one to snag the prestigious title of Miss Black Cameron University.

“The categories for the pageant

consist of an interview portion, an ambassadorial wear segment, swimwear, talent, evening wear and question and answer segments.”

Eligible persons must be between the ages of 17 and 26, must be unwed, a member of the Ebony Society and a full-time student at CU. The pageant winner receives a tuition waiver and an automatic entrance into the Miss Black Oklahoma pageant.

But no one leaves empty handed. The winner, as well as the runners up, is awarded cash and remaining contestants receive savings bonds.

In keeping with tradition, the Ebony Society continues to break tradition by implementing new and more varied activities for its members each year.

In the works are benefit walks, a step show and the Meet the

Cheaper books for CU students

By Regan Frizzelle Newswriting Student

Books for free.

Some college students have found a new way to save money on the textbooks they need for their classes: Swapyourtextbooks. com, a new Web site was created on the basis that students should come together and benefit from each other.

The Web site allows members to search the database for the particular book they need for their class, as well as place their own books on the database and disclose the condition that their books are in. This allows members to value books on credits and trade freely with other students nationwide.

For as long as universities have been providing education, they have required students to acquire books, according to some students, at great cost.

“I haven’t really bought a lot of my books from our school bookstore. I usually go online and try to find them a lot cheaper,” vocal performance sophomore Lisa Taylor said.

Many college students have to apply for financial aid in order to attend school. On top of other school expenses, they pack on more for books.

Taylor said she sees the Web site as a help, because, like many other students, she depends on financial aid. If she could swap her books for other books, she could then request only the amount of money she needs for tuition.

Swapyourtextbooks.com site co-founder Aaron Francis said that with students paying such high tuition, it’s important to reduce the prices of the textbooks.

According to a survey conducted on the University of North Texas campus in May 2005, an average college student will save an estimated $615 a year by using swapyourtextbooks.com.

This Web site is different than most other book Web sites, because some of the co-founders are actual students themselves.

Like other students, they feel the pressure of having to buy expensive books.

“As a college student myself, I know how it feels to spend $400 on textbooks, then receive $100 back,” Francis said.

The company is trying to make higher education attainable through the savings that come from utilizing their Web site.

With the apprehension of paying tuition costs, covering housing costs and even the higher gas prices now, they are trying reduce the worry of paying for books.

Students are not the only ones to worry about the cost of textbooks; parents are often the ones footing the bill.

“I will definitely go online and look up the Web site. I am always looking for ways that I can save me and my parents money, and this will be a way I can do that,” music education freshman Taylor Desjarlais said.

The Web site is also constantly having small giveaways, like free books, to get students to sign up.

“How many college students don’t like something for free?” Vice President Brian Gilmore said. The Web site has taken many of their ideas from other successful Web sites like e-bay and Netflix, so they can provide functionality and feedback options for students and, at the same time, bring success to their company.

Greeks night.

“We are also looking forward to celebrating African American history month, where we plan to invite Julian Bond to speak on campus,” Todd said. “We are also organizing movie nights and spirit nights where we go out as an organization to support the basketball team.”

But according to Todd, the vision for the club is far from being complete as he plans to leave the club with a greater legacy than that with which he found it.

“That will be a hard task to accomplish, since the Ebony Society is already a phenomenal organization,” Todd acknowledged. “The Ebony Society is run by its members.

Anyone who has an idea will be heard. I assure you, it is the most exciting club on campus.”

Ebony Society member Chris Galloway seconds his opinion.

“The Ebony Society is definitely the thing to do this year. Our activities do not just stop with the warm weather, and they are targeted toward everyone. We host activities all semester long,” Galloway said.

“This semester, the pizza party and Diversity Week were lots of fun. Shortly after that, we were able to work with the Latin Alliance to bring one of the more popular poets in the nation to Cameron University.

“As a club, we stress nonmember participation too, because the Ebony Society encourages everyone. The coming semester promises to be our best yet.”

Courtesy Photo

Sheer Grace: Marcia Prince prepares for her turn on stage at the Ebony Fashion Show.

News

December 5, 2005

5

Competition spurs writers to strive for excellence

By David Bublitz Newswriting Student

Many early 16th century philosophers believed that writing, and art in general, was the key to finding Truth in the universe.

Now, four centuries later, art of all kinds is still held in the highest of esteem. It is in this spirit that the Haag family decided 10 years ago that the art of writing would be the best medium through which to honor a passed family member.

About ten years ago, the Haag family initiated the Matt P. Haag Scholarship writing competition.

Matt Haag was a student at

Cameron and a graduate at the University of North Texas who specialized in creative writing.

In memory of Matt, writers who are enrolled in Cameron classes can submit works of fiction to the English Department in Nance Boyer to compete to win the $250 scholarship reward.

In an effort to include the entire family in the critiquing process, manuscripts are sent out with a critique sheet to at least 35 different family members all over the country. Every critic submits the critique sheet with the top three favorites. All votes are tallied and the winner is selected.

CamSTEP helps graduate students obtain certificates

By Jessica Lane Staff Writer

Deciding what to do with one’s degree is a challenge many Cameron graduates face. After all the time spent in classrooms, some graduate students decide they would like to spend their careers there – in the classroom.

“I liked the idea of being a teacher before I started college and the program fit perfectly into my plans to teach art. It also allowed me to complete a master’s program at the same time,” said Larry Johns, who is a graduate student and pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching.

CamSTEP, which stands for Cameron Secondary Teacher Education Program, aids graduate students in obtaining their teaching certificate, according to Jennifer Dennis, assistant professor and MAT coordinator.

There are three phases involved in CamSTEP. In the fall semester, students spend the morning at their assigned public school sites where they observe and may or assist with teaching tasks.

Then they attend a class which meets from noon to 3:30 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Graduate students learn the skills involved in teaching such as lesson planning, assessment, and selecting and organizing content. Dennis said students also learn about pedagogy, which is the study of teaching.

“The process of going to class and of actually being in the classroom provide the best of both worlds. The professors work at making everything as useful, educational, and real-world as they can,” Johns said.

During the spring semester, graduate students apply their skills in secondary school classrooms.

They meet with CamSTEP three weeks out of this semester and are evaluated.

There are currently 23 graduate students participating in CamSTEP, 19 Lawton students and four from Duncan.

A variety of 10 degrees can go into the program. Those are: art, English, French, Spanish, math, instrumental and vocal music, science, social studies, speech and drama.

According to Dennis, graduate students who go on to pursue their teaching careers get paid $1,200 a year more than the average beginning teacher.

Johns said he has been pleased with the program.

“The program is fantastic.

It provided for everything a beginning teacher could ask to be taught and then some. It has helped me tremendously,” he said.

“I could have gone the alternative route and skipped this part but I know I would not have been as well prepared by any stretch of the phrase as I will be when I complete CamSTEP.”

Wilma Whitaker, a creative writing student, won the award last year with her submission entitled “Suicide Hill.”

“It’s a story about a 12-year old boy named John who finds the dead body of an older teenage boy in a creek near his home,” Whitaker said. “It’s primarily an initiation story. I wrote the piece for a techniques of fiction class, but subsequently revised the piece for both the Matt Haag competition and for acceptance in the Spring 2005 issue of The Oklahoma Review.”

Eric Haag, a relative of Matt’s and one of those chiefly responsible for the competition, was particularly interested in involving as many students at Cameron as possible.

“We want to get as many people as we can to participate,” Eric said.

Students interested in getting involved should provide two hard copies and a CD or disk version of

Courtesy Photo

their work, not exceeding 6,000 words, to Jacqueline Miller in the English Department office.

Author’s name is not to appear on the manuscript, but include a cover

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 21 24 25 27 30 32

Enroll for Spring 2006 Semester

NOW! And get your choice of classes

Classifieds Tutoring: Reading, writing, algebra and more. Caring, certified teachers, positive reinforcement, mastery learning, diagnostic and prescriptive. Sylvan Learning Center, 351.9100.

Interested in placing a classified ad?

Contact the Collegian by email at collegian@cameron.edu or by phone 581.2261.

sheet with your name, address, phone number and story title. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Dec. 12, 2005.

ACROSS 1 50 Cent or Eminem 7 One who abandons his faith 15 Eagle in the night sky 16 Invested in knighthood’s highest order 17 Grandiloquent 18 Provoking to action 19 Sucker 20 Edge along 22 Recumbent 23 Informational pamphlet 25 Come-on 26 Military landing field 27 Wrenches apart 28 Off one’s rocker 29 Exhausts 31 Separated couple in Miami?

32 Irene and Vernon 34 Caress rudely

37 38 39 42 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 54 55 56 57

Disclose Songstress Horne More frequently Turns to present another side Roman magistrate: var.

Lab tubes Postulate Majorette’s rod Literary miscellany Minute crustacean Sign of twins Soaking, as tea Unmelodic Visor Hempen neckties?

DOWN 1 Vermin poison 2 Underwater zoo 3 Professes

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 43 44 46 48 51 53

Petunia for one Hebrew prophet Half a diameter Nimble Window division Killer whale Allowances Groups of four Like an opera song Sawbuck Lawn trimmers Chest of drawers Natl. network Melody Betrayal School org.

Monument honoring a dead person Declare positively Is relevant Insect sensors Toasts Hits the hay Allow to Take a stand against Fictional snowman Examination taker Stout work shoe Via ___ (Rome thoroughfare) Cop’s ID Fleming’s super spy Successor of the OSS Bovine comment

6 The Lunch ladies: Starbucks holiday drinks

By Gretchen Perrenot and Kimberly Durnan KRT Newswire

Happy Holida ys

Gift ideas that inspire motion

Now that chilly weather has finally penetrated, we can nurse a hot Starbucks holiday drink in the warm confines of a neighborhood coffeehouse.

This time of year, the java experts offer wintry brews such as eggnog and gingerbread lattes. We loved the Peppermint Mocha Latte and the Classic Hot Chocolate, but the Tazo Chai Eggnog Latte, well, read on...

CARAMEL APPLE CIDER

By Kristen Gerencher

Apple juice, cinnamon syrup and caramel drizzle, optional whipped cream Price: $2.50 Portion size: 12 oz. (tall) Looks/smell: Looked like a cup of beer.

Texture/taste: Sweeter than sugar.

STEAMED APPLE CIDER

Steamed apple cider Price: $1.95 Serving size: 12 oz. (tall) Looks/smell: Smelled like apples.

Texture/taste: Tasted like hot apple juice.

Kimberly: Not bad, but nothing special. I would rather have their coffee.

Gretchen: This doesn’t even have caffeine in it, so why bother?

Score: 3 lunch bags

KRT Newswire

Kimberly: Oh, dear. I could feel the sugar coursing through my veins after half a sip. It was so sweet it hurt my dentist’s teeth.

Gretchen: A shot of bourbon would have tamed the sweetness and warmed us even faster.

Score: 3 lunch bags PER SERVING (without whipped cream): Cal 230; Fat 0 g (0 g sat); Fiber 0 g; Chol 0 mg; Sodium 15 mg; Carb 55 g; Calcium 0 percent; Protein 0 g; Weight Watcher Winning Points 5

PER SERVING: Cal 180; Fat 0 g (0 g sat); Fiber 0 g; Chol 0 mg; Sodium 15 mg; Carb 45 g; Calcium 0 percent; Protein 0 g; Weight Watcher Winning Points 4

CLASSIC HOT CHOCOLATE

PEPPERMINT MOCHA LATTE

Steamed milk, mocha syrup with optional whipped cream and chocolate drizzle Price: $2.20 Portion size: 12 oz. (tall) Looks/smell: Smelled chocolaty.

Texture/taste: Tasted like it was made from quality chocolate.

Espresso, steamed milk, mocha syrup, peppermint syrup, optional whipped cream Price: $3.20 Serving size: 12 oz. (tall) Looks/smell: Smelled like a chocolate mint Texture/taste: A beautiful blend of chocolate, mint and coffee. This was the quintessential winter drink.

Kimberly: This was a great cup of hot chocolate that was not too sweet. But frankly, I prefer the Nestle Rich Chocolate instant cocoa for only 80 calories.

Kimberly: Delightful. I suggest ordering this drink for the adults in the family, getting the kids apple cider and hot chocolate, and then driving around the neighborhood to take in the holiday lights.

PER SERVING (with nonfat milk and without whipped cream): Cal 210; Fat 2 g (0 g sat); Fiber 1 g; Chol 5 mg; Sodium 150 mg; Carb 40 g; Calcium 30 percent; Protein 12 g; Weight Watcher Winning Points 4

Gretchen: The peppermint flavor lingered pleasantly on the taste buds.

Score: 5 lunch bags PER SERVING (with nonfat milk and without whipped cream): Cal 220; Fat 2 g (0 g sat); Fiber 1 g; Chol

Gretchen: Kimberly is right; the Ladies tried some instant brands that were pretty darn good – and you get 10 servings in box for almost the same price!

Score: 4 lunch bags

Reservations for the “CU Under the Stars” program are accepted on a first-come basis and can be made by calling the physical sciences department at 580.581.2246 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The program will be cancelled if the weather is bad or if the evening sky is overcast. Additional information is available by contacting Kurtis Koll, Ph.D, CU physical sciences professor, at 580.581.2886.

The Cameron University Department of Physical Sciences will host the “CU Under the Stars” program at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 20, on the east lawn of the Sciences Complex.

Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes or have the opportunity to view the stars through both a 10-inch Meade telescope and 13-inch Dobsonian telescope, provided by Cameron.

There is a limit of 25 participants for the program and participants should be at least 6 years old. Binoculars, a comfortable lawn chair and a blanket are recommended for the evening.

Toys and toiletries collection

PLUS scholars will continue collecting toys and toiletries through Friday for distribution by the Department of Human Services. The toys and hygiene items are intended for children aged from birth-18 years old.

Donations may be dropped off at the following locations: Student Union, the Student Activities Building, N. Shepler, Nance-Boyer, the Administration Building, the Science Complex and Burch Hall.

Courtesy graphic

Star-gazing opportunity

7

SAN FRANCISCO – Fitnessoriented gifts can be tricky if you’re unsure how they’ll be received.

There’s a risk of offending the recipients by implying they need to get off the couch and get in shape. But for many active people and others looking to get started, sporty presents will be welcome this holiday season.

As more Americans heed publichealth advice to get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and boost disease-fighting capacity, those playing Santa on a fitness mission can find a host of affordable products designed to complement or jump-start a workout routine.

Whether it’s a gift certificate, an interactive video-game trainer, pedometer, padded bicycle shorts or thermal accessories for winter sports, gifts that make exercise more comfortable can help motivate and keep people on track with their goals, experts say.

Smaller gifts such as yoga mats, exercise videos or DVDs, balance and stability devices and elastic bands will consume neither your budget nor all the space in your house, said Cedric Bryant, chief exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise.

“There are a lot of low-cost options that can have a relatively high degree of appeal for folks,” he said.

Michael Spezzano, national health and fitness specialist for the YMCA of the USA in Chicago, said popular yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi-related fitness regimens breed good gift opportunities.

“Those mind-body programs have grown significantly over the last five years,” he said. “They require minimal equipment: a mat, in some cases, blocks, rubber bands or straps. They’re very portable.”

PEDOMETERS AND NEW GYM SHOES Americans spend about $6 billion a year on home exercise equipment every year, with more than half of purchases occurring around the holidays, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, a trade group of 700 companies that make sports equipment.

Many also buy gift certificates so their recipients can attend group exercise classes, get a massage, join a gym or try a few sessions with a personal trainer.

Pedometers and heart-rate monitors, such as those from Polar USA, Reebok and Timex, are capturing more consumers’ imaginations as the message takes hold that you need to move more and gradually increase the number of steps you take per day, SGMA spokesman Mike May said.

“People are looking to supplement or complement their workout regimen with bells and whistles that will help them chart the progress they’re making,” he said.

Spezzano agreed. “A pedometer is a great stocking stuffer – even small hand weights people could use at home for strength training.”

Shirley Archer, author of “The Walking Deck” and a health educator and fitness specialist

for the Stanford Prevention Research Center in Palo Alto, Calif., recommends the Accusplit Eagle, which sells for about $30, for people who want a low-tech way to track their steps and distance. Those who want more functionality and don’t mind a heftier price tag ($129) may prefer WalkStyles’ DashTrak, she said.

Gift givers can also make strides with presents of new gym shoes or suggested participation in America on the Move, an initiative that promotes adding 2,000 steps and cutting 100 calories a day. It offers free support and tracking, and a starter kit with a quick-start guide and Accusplit pedometer for $24.95.

Individuals and families can join at no cost, Affiliate Manager Lauren Roth said. “There are all sorts of ways they can see each other’s progress when participating as part of a group.” Visit the Web site.

MORE GIFT IDEAS Those who think fitness gifts are a good idea but are stumped for suggestions may want to consider the following ideas, experts say: Try “exergaming.” For around $35, you can get a personal trainer who makes unlimited house calls.

Maya from Yourself!Fitness is a virtual personal training program for PlayStation2, Xbox or a personal computer that mixes a variety of workouts based on individual characteristics and preferences. With interactive prompts, it assesses a user’s abilities and makes adjustments to target areas of weakness, said Phineas Barnes, chief executive of Respondesign, the developer of Yourself!Fitness in Portland, Ore. Maya even gives you guilt trips if you miss a scheduled workout.

Along the same theme, Sony’s new Eye Toy: Kinetic is due out this month, and younger people may

enjoy Dance Dance Revolution from Konami.

For those looking into home gyms, experts advise investing only if you know you’ll use one. Another prudent step for first-timers is to shop at a secondhand equipment store such as Play It Again Sports or 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment in the Midwest for discounts on other people’s workout commitmentsturned-clothes hangers.

Treadmills, elliptical machines and stationary bicycles can make watching TV at home anything but sedentary, and they come in various sizes and prices. Despite their bulk and generally higher cost, treadmills and stationary bikes are still the most popular equipment purchases, May said. About 47.5 million Americans used a treadmill last year and 31.4 million used a stationary bike. The treadmills Consumer Reports recommends in its December issue are the Schwinn 820P for $1,300 on the lower end and the True Z4 HRC for $2,300, Landice L7 Series Pro Sports Trainer for $2,900 and Precor M

Graphic by Sarah Warren

9.31 for $3,000 on the higher end.

Whether it’s specially designed socks or gym shorts, sporty apparel that keeps the sweat at bay can make for a thoughtful gift, Archer said. “People need to get away from wearing old T-shirts to work out,” she said. “There are materials like wicking that are comfortable,

breathable and make your exercise experience more pleasant.”

Finally, a gift of tickets to a sporting event or dance performance reminds recipients what the human body can do, potentially motivating aficionados to work on their own physiques and athletic abilities.

A&E

8

December 5, 2005

Movie industry degraded with sequels, remakes

By Joshua Rouse A&E Editor

It appears as if Hollywood has lost most of the originality that it had in the late 80s and 90s.

But who can blame them. Two of the most hyped movies this year were original stories, but flopped horribly.

“The Island” was a sciencefiction action film from director Michael Bay (“Pearl Harbor”) about two clones on the run in a futuristic world. “Fast and the Furious’” director Rob Cohen returned with “Stealth,” a film about an artificial-intelligence controlled fighter plane that gets a mind of its own. Together, they did not even break $100 million at the box office.

Taking a look at the top 10 box office movies of the year, six were remakes or sequels. “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” is the top movie of the year so far with $380 million. “War of the Worlds” is in second with $234 million, followed by “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Batman Begins,” “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” and “The Longest Yard.” So it comes to no surprise that remakes and sequels are the order of the day.

You have to go back to 1998 to find a top box office movie that was not a remake or a sequel.

That movie was the WWII epic, “Saving Private Ryan.” So are the writers in Hollywood just being lazy after their recent murmurs of another strike? Actually it’s the people who are determining the success.

Arguably, the best movie of 2004 was Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby.” But it barely grossed $100 million, compared to “Shrek 2,” a sequel which has grossed over $400 million. There is a big difference between a boxing drama such as “Million Dollar Baby” and a family movie.

This year alone saw “Cinderella Man,” a very entertaining and well-directed movie about boxing legend James Braddock during the depression, fail miserably at the box office. But “Revenge of the Sith,” a movie nowhere near the

KRT Campus

Do not make him angry. You will not like him when he is angry: Three-time Oscar winner Peter Jackson brings his epic remake of “King Kong” to the big screen for the first time in 30 years. quality of “Cinderella Man,” made $380 million.

People fear change as a whole.

If something is good, they want to stick with it. The same goes with movies and Hollywood.

While Hollywood has been in a slump lately, it is still putting out good movies. However, the only successful ones are sequels or remakes.

Next week, Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” will be released in theaters, just in time for the holiday rush. Jackson’s version is based on the 1933 movie about a giant ape that is captured in the jungle and let loose on Manhattan.

Everybody knows the story about how he climbs the Empire State Building and proclaims his dominance. There was a mildly successful remake in 1976 starring Jeff Bridges.

But this version takes the movie back to its roots in Depressionera 1930s. Jackson plus the Kong franchise equals big bucks at the box office. Even if Jackson had not directed it, the movie would still

A&E Briefs ‘Working’ Auditions for the Theatre Arts Department production of “Working” will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 at the University Theatre. Call 581.2346 for more information.

Magic Lantern Film Society “12 Angry Men” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 13 in the Student Activities Building.

rake in the money. Why? Because it is “King Kong,” and that alone makes it a cash cow.

“War of the Worlds” was released on June 29 and just recently made it to DVD on Nov. 22. It was the second most successful movie this year, and it was a remake. While the names of Spielberg and Cruise added to the success, an installed fan base was already rabid to see the movie. I know. I was one of the rabid fans who watched for every little detail.

And the movie was successful – mainly in part because of the legend that is “War of the Worlds.”

The original is a classic among science-fiction fans and remains a cult favorite, even today.

Hollywood is lazy; that is a proven observation. With loads of video games and books being turned into movies and remakes being flooded into the market, it is no wonder why the box office is struggling. But ironically, the sequels, remakes and adaptations are what are spurring the movie industry right now.

Next year looks to be more of the same. The most hyped movies are “Mission: Impossible 3,” “X3,” “Superman Returns” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” As time goes on, there will be more movies added to the list, but none of them are original.

Where has the originality

gone? Long gone are the days of “Casablanca,” “The Godfather,” and “Citizen Kane.” Today, movie fans are stuck with “Shrek,” “Spider-Man” and “Harry Potter.”

While they may be entertaining movies, they are nowhere near the quality of the glory days of Hollywood.

Yahoo! Movies

A dentist’s worst nightmare: Johnny Depp stars as Willy Wonka in Tim Burton’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra returns after two-year absence concerts for over 10 years. Frantzie Couch, a continuing student who previously obtained her Staff Writer bachelor’s degree in computer science, sees the Recently Cameron University and the Lawton orchestra as an important factor in our community.

Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) held a press “This is a great thing for Lawton; we are one conference to announce the return of the orchestra of the few communities in Oklahoma that has to Lawton. managed to preserve the tradition of a local The spring concert is scheduled for Feb. 18, at philharmonic orchestra,” Couch said. the McMahon Memorial Auditorium.

Cameron students, faculty and staff support CU’s Earl Logan will the reformation and will direct the spring concert. provide support through Logan has conducted staffing, logistics and concerts for the orchestra community recognition. in the past, and he and the “We are excited for other CU staff and faculty the future of both LPO are looking forward to the and Cameron University,” new avenues the return of Underwood said.

LPO will make available Former Director and for not only Cameron, but General Manager of for the Lawton community the LPO Thomas Labe as a whole. was pleased to see the According to Von reinstatement and hoped Courtesy Graphic Underwood, Interim Dean the orchestra will again of the School of Liberal reach the very high, Arts, “Cameron University artistic level their performances had reached under recognized the importance of the LPO to the conductor and musical director Miriam Burns. cultural and economic life of the community and “I think it is really great that they are working our faculty and staff have been delighted to join in hard to get back on their feet. They are certainly an helping to re-launch the orchestra on the firmest asset to the community,” Labe said. footing for the future.”

The second concert is scheduled for March 11 LPO offers CU students and the rest of the at the McMahon Memorial Auditorium, and will community a chance to perform with professional be conducted by CU graduate Jon Kalbf leisch. The artists in a symphony concert setting that many concert will feature works by Verdi, Copland and communities aren’t able to obtain.

Rimsky-Korsakov.

The Lawton community and CU students have For questions and ticket information, contact missed the performances over the past two years, Lawton Philharmonic Society President Cathy and look forward to their return.

Caccioppoli at 580.591.3441, or Ronda Norrell at Don and Frantzie Couch have attended LPO 580.695.0101.

By Christina Frye

A&E

December 5, 2005

9

Tripod machines invade home video

By Joshua Rouse A&E Editor

Tom Cruise goes to war in his latest summer blockbuster. But this is not any war on foreign soil. This war takes place right underneath the feet of every American man, woman and child.

The enemy is not some foreign dictator or terrorist. No, it is something much more deadly.

Welcome to the universe of “War of the Worlds.” It is a universe where Americans are refugees in their own country, migrating from town to town trying to find shelter from an unstoppable army of killing machines.

“War of the Worlds” was originally a book published by the great H.G. Wells who was known for other science-fiction classics, including “The Island of Dr. Moreau” and “The Time Machine.” The book was set in turn-of-the-century Victorian England where cylinders rained from the sky.

Massive tripod walkers emerge from the cylinders holding boxes that shoot heat so powerful it is invisible, but burns everything in its path.

Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise decided to remake the 1953 classic, which took place in California. This new version was based on a David Koepp script. Koepp has been known for great films like “Jurassic Park,” “Carlito’s Way,” and “Mission: Impossible.”

This time, “War of the Worlds” takes place in modern day New Jersey and focuses on Ray Ferrier (Cruise). Ferrier is a cookie-cutter deadbeat dad with two kids (Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin) whom he cares nothing about. His ex-wife drops them off for the weekend. Soon after, a strange electrical storm develops over the neighborhood and triggers a series of events that leads to the war of the worlds.

Massive tripod machines emerge from the ground and begin toasting everything in their path.

Ray struggles to keep his children safe as he fights his way to Boston in hopes of finding his ex-wife.

KRT Campus

Martial law in full effect: Ray Ferrier (Cruise) pushes past National Guard soldiers as he tries to board a ferry with his family in “War of the Worlds.” The film debuted on DVD on Nov. 22.

Along the way, he meets Ogilvy (Tim Robbins), a half-crazy ambulance driver whose family was lost in the initial attacks in New York City. He takes the Ferriers in with an idea of leading a resistance against the intruders.

“War of the Worlds” is rated PG-13, but definitely pushes the limits. There are some curse words throughout the movie. But there are three scenes in particular, including a river full of dead bodies that really adds that kickin-the-jaw to the movie.

The movie feels so realistic that I actually felt totally immersed in the it. I would go so far as to say this movie had just as much emotion as “Saving Private Ryan.”

“The Day After Tomorrow” touched on Americans fleeing the United States in hopes of a better life elsewhere, but this movie hits

home with it.

There is a scene where the Ferriers pass a bulletin board with missing persons pictures and descriptions, while above an American flag flaps proudly in the wind, even in trying times.

While Dakota Fanning may be the next Elizabeth Taylor in the movie industry, her reputation takes a hit with this movie. Her character was supposed to bring more emotion and sorrow into the story, but she seemed to be more of a hindrance than anything else.

Right after the attack, she begins screaming at the top of her lungs so loud that it made my ears ache. Through the whole movie, she is out of place and annoying.

Rumors were spread during the filming that this movie would break two-and-a-half hours, well above the average movie time.

Instead, without the credits, this movie clocked in at less than two hours.

It appears as if Paramount Studios demanded this movie be that short. The ending is very rushed and weak, and was the one thing that will keep this from being mentioned with such science-fiction greats as “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Star Wars.”

Spielberg spared no expense on the special effects and computer generated imaging.

The tripods are so lifelike, they deserve an Oscar. “Revenge of the Sith” has been the flagship for the Best Special Effects Oscar, but it would be a travesty for this not to win.

The whole scene when the tripod first emerges is nothing short of amazing. The destruction is the best that has ever been

filmed on camera. It blows away the likes of “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow.”

Even with its weak ending and annoying moments, “War of the Worlds” is a must-see for any science-fiction fan or Spielberg fan. It may not be as good as “Jurassic Park” or “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” but it is very close.

“War of the Worlds” hit DVD shelves on Nov. 22 in two different sets. One is the single disc set that has just the movie and one small featurette about designing the enemy, while the second set is $10 more but contains a load of extra features including behind the scenes, trailers and deleted scenes.

It is well worth the extra money if you are a movie lover or looking for a gift for a movie lover.

Theatre production offers insight into life

By David Bublitz

Oklahoma Holiday Activities Lawton: The 77th Army Band Holiday Concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13 in the McMahon Memorial Auditorium. For ticket info call 442.2010.

The annual Boulevard of Lights is on display along Gore Boulevard from Fort Sill Boulevard to 2nd Street.

The Traditional Christmas Celebration will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the 1st United Pentecostal Church on SW G Avenue. There will be free food, door prizes, games, karaoke and more. The event is hosted by Campus Ministry International. Call 647.9358 for more information.

Duncan: Lighting the Trail will be on display starting at 7 p.m. through Dec. 31 in Fuqua Park. For more information call 255.3644.

The Duncan Community Christmas Dinner will be held on Christmas Day at the Stephens County Fairgrounds. Call Larry Lawler at 439.5706 for more information.

News Writing Staff

“Life” is a term of relativity.

Sometimes it’s hard for us to find our own places in it, define what makes life worth living and even act on those things once we have come to believe what we choose to believe.

However, in the case of Ken Harrison it’s not difficult to realize what is important in life, at least not for him.

In the most recent production for the Department of Theatre Arts, “Whose Life is it Anyway?,” Harrison, played by Matthew Sigers, is left crippled and bedridden after suffering a brutal car accident. Completely unable to move much more than his head, Harrison realizes that life as he knew it was generally over the second he got into the car accident.

After careful consideration, he decides that he is ready to take on the last great journey in Life, Death.

What follows is a tangled whirlwind of argument, laughter, tears and despair, all eventually leading up to a soul-aching climax that will have you biting your lip until the last second.

Each of the actors was fabulous and Siger’s performance was top notch. I have to admit that there were two things that did kind of bother me, though.

The first thing was the accents.

They threw me off a little bit

Photo by Christina Frye

Preparing for the final journey: Matthew Sigers plays Harrison, a man who is paralyzed and ready to face Death. because they honestly weren’t very convincing in some places, but I found that I was eventually willing to overlook them in consideration of the story and the actors and actresses. The second concerned some of the actresses’ shoes. I wouldn’t normally have cared what they wore on their feet, except that you could hear the clomp-clompclomp of an actress’ shoes every time she came on stage. This was distracting because sometimes the actors and actresses that were on stage weren’t dealing directly with the scene taking place.

I do, however, want to mention

how much I enjoyed the way they had the stage arranged. They basically cut the audience into four sections and performed straight in the middle of everybody, using all sides of the room. I think this really opened things up for them and gave them more dimensions to play around with.

Although euthanasia is a disputed topic in many circles, I think this play gives a good look into the life of a patient in question. You come to relate with him and understand him, which can make him a hero in many people’s eyes.

Sports 10 HPE: The degree worth its weight

December 5, 2005

The increase in poor health habits creates a need for more teachers

By Christina Frye Staff Writer

Are health and physical education important to you?

Do you like sports?

Do you want to change the future?

Maybe you should seek a career in the Health and Physical Education field.

Joe Jones, interim chair for the health and physical education (HPE) department, encouraged students to enter the field.

“We encourage CU students to seek a profession in the HPE field because it is a vital part of our society,” Jones said.

“It is a job where you get paid to work out, have fun and teach people how to make themselves better.”

Jones admitted that there is a bad news situation in society that has created a good news situation for HPE teachers.

“With rise in the levels of obesity, poor nutritional habits and inactivity in our society today, a greater need for HPE teachers has been recognized,” Jones said, “and that means there will be several more jobs opening up for our graduates.”

At Cameron, there are four areas of concentration for HPE majors: PE and health, PE and health alternative (this involves a state department certification), PE and safety, and sport/fitness management.

Upon completion in these concentrated areas, students will be able to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in HPE. Further state certifications may be necessary for graduates to be able to teach in public schools, but most of the classes and information are covered at CU. Janet Schmahl earned her HPE degree at CU and has taught in the HPE field for 20 years at Hugh Bish Elementary School. She said that childhood obesity is on the rise, especially in the past year, and it is her job to help solve the problem.

“We moved to Lawton when I was in the fifth grade, and I had always wanted to be a PE teacher,”

Schmahl said. “If I did it all over again, I would still pick the PE field.”

HPE courses cover many sports, to include: archery, badminton, bowling, camping, sailing, skin and scuba diving and self-defense.A good instructor will learn to incorporate as many activities into his/ her classes as possible.

“Sports are everywhere in society today,” Jones said.

“People are always talking about football, baseball and basketball.”

There is something about teaching and coaching sports that Jones said is very important to not only the teacher/ coach, but also important to the students and to society as a whole.

“In my opinion, HPE teachers teach a lot more than just sports; they also teach students about self-discipline, self-esteem and leadership,” he said.

“If you take away HPE programs, you will see a lot of kids getting into trouble.”

Jones is experienced in the HPE field. He earned his bachelor’s degree in both HPE and history from Oklahoma Baptist University, and his Master of Science degree in both HPE and counseling guidance from Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Jones said that HPE careers offer a way of life that is enjoyable to follow.

“You will either love it, or hate it. It’s a field you don’t go into to make money, but it is a very rewarding profession,” he said.

For more information on the HPE degree program, call 581.2400.

Photo by Aaron Gilbee

Passionate about what they do: The softball team huddles before a scrimmage earlier this year. At “A Kid’s Night Out,” the team will provide activities to entertain children all night long or until they fall asleep, whichever comes first.

Fitness Center to host events

By Aaron Gilbee Sports Editor

Before the break, the fitness center will host a children’s lockin, three days of massage and an energy-filled high school swim meet.

Starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10, the Aggies’ softball team will spend the night with young children from the region in a fundraising lock-in.

This will be the first time that softball coach Brent Shaw will have organized a “Kids’ Night Out” in the fitness center.

“There are 15 girls and two coaches who will be in charge of all the activities that occur that night,” he said.

Shaw divided the team into groups that are to program games and entertainment for the children.

Health and physical education senior and softball player “Pinky” Farrow described how they will cater to children from pre-school to eighth grade. She said that parents can expect that their children will be fed. They will also play board games, basketball and racquetball or ride scooters.

Animal science junior Jessica Hutton was tossing around the idea of a “dive-in” movie where the

team’s three lifeguards will ensure everyone’s safety.

The funds from the event will support the softball’ team’s expenses for equipment, uniforms and travel.

Parents can sign their children up using one of three ways. There will be a sign-up opportunity from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Pizza Hut located at 2122 W. Gore Blvd. The athletic department will also sign children up all week by phone at 581.2302.

The final opportunity happens with a sign-up before the event in the Fitness Center.

“We want all the kids to come out and have a night of fun with the softball team,” Farrow said.

As a part of Academic Festival VI, Student Activities knows that the finals are stressful for us all, so they have sponsored “Masseuse and Juice.” There will be three nights of therapeutic massage from 9 to 11 p.m. starting Dec. 13. Drop on by the center to release those sore muscles and to be nourished.

At 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 6, area high schools will compete in a swim meet. The energy and excitement of close competition combined with the fan support echoing off the pool walls provide an entertaining experience not to be found in an arena.

Oklahoma City finds a passion after New Orleans’ disaster: NBA’s Hornets

By Mark Emmons KRT Newswire

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Their road uniforms still are emblazoned with “New Orleans.” But forgive the NBA’s Hornets for being a little confused about where exactly to call home.

This vagabond franchise, just a few years removed from Charlotte, was chased out of New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina, which ravaged The Big Easy with heartbreaking fury. It found shelter from the storm, and a welcoming red carpet, in Oklahoma City.

But the Hornets don’t know where they will play next year. And while their official temporary name is the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, it hasn’t exactly stuck.

“No one has created a perfect moniker yet that’s caught on,” said Roy Williams, head of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. “Sometimes you see Oklahoma City/N.O. Other times it’s New Orleans/OKC. Or it will be just New Orleans or Oklahoma City. Right now, they’re still Jekyll and Hyde.”

Here’s another label to attach to the Hornets: surprising. In Okla-homa, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, the Hornets also have managed to find some victories. The team, which started last season 2-29 en route to an 18-64 year, is 6-7.

And the silver lining to this story of a team caught up in a natural disaster is that Oklahoma City – eager to make a statement about being a big-league town – has gone crazy over the Hornets. The team is averaging 18,656 spectators and has

sold out three of its first six home games.

That warm reception has prompted the question of whether the Hornets will ever return to New Orleans. In many ways, the franchise is symbolic of the larger discussion about the city’s future.

“From strictly a business standpoint, maybe it seems like a slam-dunk to stay here,” said team spokesman Michael Thompson.

“But we’re from New Orleans.

Our homes were under water and our friends are in dire straits. The last thing New Orleans needs to hear right now is that it’s going to lose something else because of the storm.”

Unlike the NFL, which has suffered a public-relations disaster with Saints owner Tom Benson seeming to posture for a move in the hurricane’s wake, the NBA and the Hornets are being careful to take a wait-and-see approach about a return. Oklahoma City officials, who know all about tragedy after enduring the 1995 federal courthouse bombing, also are sensitive.

“From Day One we have acknowledged that this is New Orleans’ team,” Williams said.

“If they go back to New Orleans, they’ll return with our fondest memories and best wishes. But if circumstances arise where that can’t happen, then our door is open.”

In fact, it’s wide open.

Oklahoma City is only the 45th-largest TV market and has about 1.25 million residents in the metro area. It also has no national standing.

When the Hornets had to relocate, Oklahoma City offered its 19,675-seat Ford Center, which

was built as part of a failed attempt to lure an NHL expansion team and opened in 2002. The city also provided office space, employee housing and up to $10 million in guarantees to cover any revenue shortfalls. But the Hornets have been so popular – selling 10,000 season tickets – that the city will make money.

“What we’ve always suffered from here is a sort of non-image,” Williams said. “But being able to support an NBA franchise conveys a message. It tells people that there’s a real city there. It makes us a player.”

If the Hornets do go home, Oklahoma City has proved – like other one-horse NBA cities such as Sacramento – that it has caught the pro basketball bug. Commissioner David Stern said if any other team were to move, Oklahoma would be the top destination.

The fan support has been off the charts. The Hornets traded former All-Star center Jamaal Magloire to Milwaukee for swingman Desmond Mason – a move that gave the locals more interest in the team (Mason attended Oklahoma State).

But the Hornets also have played far better than expected.

Chris Paul, a candidate for rookie of the year, is averaging 16.8 points, 6.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds.

Speedy Claxton, who came to the Hornets in the deal last season that brought Baron Davis to the Warriors, has been a revelation, averaging 13.2 points and 4.5 assists off the bench.

It’s been a honeymoon and one noticed by New Orleans’ newspaper, the Times-Picayune. It noted Sunday that the temporary home could become a permanent

one because “the NBA can’t close its eyes to what’s going on in a city where there’s no competition for the entertainment dollar and very little to do in a city for nighttime enjoyment.

In that sense, New Orleans can’t compete with Oklahoma City ...”

The Hornets leaving New Orleans would be much easier to take than a Saints departure because the NBA team arrived in 2002, while the NFL Photo by Michael Perez franchise has Oklahoma lovin’: Philadelphia’s John Salmons, been part of left, is fouled by New Orleans’ Chris Anderson (12) the city’s fabric in the second half on Nov. 21. for decades.

Hornets owner first time over the Thanksgiving George Shinn, who knows what weekend to find it an almost total it’s like to be a community pariah loss. Now he, his wife and 6-weekafter wearing out his welcome in old daughter – born just after Charlotte, has bought a house in the hurricane – are in corporate Oklahoma. But with six games later housing in Norman. this season scheduled to be played “All of us have those moments, in Louisiana, Shinn says publicly where it’s 2 a.m. in the morning that the team belongs to New and you think, `Man, how did we Orleans. end up here?’” Thompson said.

It’s still where the hearts of “Oklahoma City has been great to team employees reside. Thompson us, but this is not our house and it’s lived less than a mile from where not our stuff. You think sometimes, the 17th Street Canal levee broke. `I just want to go home. Can I do He returned to his condo for the that please?’”

Sports

December 5, 2005

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Cameron knocks off #23 Central Missouri Sports Information

In one of its most impressive offensive efforts under head coach Dick Halterman, the Cameron women’s basketball team posted an 80-77 upset over 23rd-ranked Central Missouri State Saturday evening at Aggie Gym. Cameron shot better than 50 percent from the field and reached the 80-point mark for just the fourth time in the last four seasons to move to 2-3 on the year.

The Lady Aggies had four players score in double-figures, including Brittany Cooksey and Joneatta Brown, who shared game-high scoring honors with 17 points apiece. Tiffany Williams added 15, while Melissa Steen chipped in 12.

Cameron finished the game with a 50.9 shooting percentage, including 64 percent in the second half, while limiting CMSU to just 37.9 percent from the floor.

The Lady Aggies trailed 38-34 in rebounding, but forced 22 turnovers and had six blocked shots, including three from Brown. Cameron also held a 2316 scoring advantage at the free throw line, overcoming 11 CMSU three-pointers in the game.

Central Missouri State, which defeated Cameron by 19 points earlier this season, got 12 points each from Lindsey Maple and Meagan Fromm. Cameron held Cydney Franklin, who torched the Lady Aggies for 20 points in CMSU’s 87-68 win on Nov. 19, to just six points on 3-of-5 shooting.

Coach Dave Slifer’s Jennies got off to an impressive start

Saturday, using a stifling fullcourt press to open up a 20-6 lead midway through the first half.

CMSU led by as many as 16 in the opening period and entered the locker room at halftime with a comfortable 40-28 lead.

But Cameron dominated the second half, shooting 64 percent from the floor in the period to enable the comeback. The Lady Aggies opened the second half with an 10-4 run capped by Steen’s second straight bucket to make it 44-38 with 16:13 to play.

And when the Jennies extended the lead to 10 on an Anna Rorvig jumper, Cameron answered with a 6-0 spurt that included a breakaway steal and layup by Williams to reach within four.

The Lady Aggies didn’t take their first lead of the game until the 6:09 mark of the second half, when Cooksey drove in for a layup that made it 65-64. Central Missouri tied the score twice on Rorvig free throws, but never regained the lead. After Rorvig hit a pair of charity tosses to tie the game at 67-67 with 5:02 showing on the clock, Cameron converted nine of 14 free throws the rest of the way to hold off the Jennies.

Central Missouri cut the lead to just two on three-pointers

by Kara Rewerts and Fromm down the stretch. But each time CMSU threatened, the Lady Aggies upped their lead at the line. After Fromm made it 79-77 on a trey with two seconds to play, Taylor Campbell hit one of two free throws and Ciara Carroll intercepted CMSU’s ensuing inbound pass to seal the win.

2008 Olympics Mascots: the five friendlies

A note about soccer

By Sarah Warren News Editor

“He shoots!

He scores!

Goooooaaaallllllllllllll!”

The game of soccer dates back to the Han Dynasty during the 2nd and 3rd centuries in China. Eventually, it spread to the Greece and the Roman Empire. With improvements in transportation, soccer spread to England, Scotland and the rest of the world.

As the game matured sport organization and new rules developed. The football association was formed in 1863, and six years later in 1869 it was official that there was to be no hand touching.

The term soccer was born in 1880 when a student took the “soc” from the word “association football” and added an –er.

Known in most of the world as football, what America calls soccer has been slowly growing in popularity in the states. With Major League Soccer growing, the win of the USA women’s team during the last World Cup and America hosting the world cup in 1994 many soccer enthusiasts are flocking to the soccer fields.

Dave Litterer, author of “An Overview of American Soccer History,” wrote: “The event garnered unprecedented press coverage in the American media, and though the naysayers vented their disparagement towards the game, many other people discovered the game for the first time, and were primed for the arrival of major league soccer two years down the road.”

Although Cameron does not currently have a team, a few students have taken it upon themselves to continue playing the game.

Economics and MIS freshman Kareem Guiste, from the Commonwealth of Dominica, and electronics engineering technology freshman Parcival Sayers, from Granada, along with a few of their fellow classmates get together on Friday evenings to play at the Cameron gym.

Guiste has been playing soccer since high school and fell in love with the game back home.

“In the Caribbean soccer is a very much liked sport,” he said. “ I have played for my high school and college back home.”

He added that “there are millions of soccer fans in the Caribbean.”

Guiste feels Cameron should have a team to showcase their talent.

“We would have loved the opportunity to showcase our talent. As a matter of fact I do have my soccer gear,” he said.

There are currently 16 players who get together at the gym around 5 p.m. every Friday to play a game.

However, Guiste wouldn’t mind if more students came out.

“That would be fantastic if more would join,” he said. “Though we are satisfied with what we have, more are always welcomed, thus, making it more competitive.”

Both players are excited about the upcoming World Cup this summer, which will be hosted in Germany.

Sayers is keeping his eyes on Trinidad and Brazil while Guiste is rooting for France, Brazil and Portugal.

Whether watching the game from home or getting out in the field, or, as in the case of Guiste and Sayers, playing in the Cameron gym, soccer is a growing sport for everyone to enjoy.

“It is simply a beautiful game,” Guiste said. “The skill you display, the talent you offer, the joy of the competition, scoring a goal, the competitive nature, the rigors of being fit and the physical nature of it.”

Ten smart ways to indulge your cravings this holiday season KRT Newswire Want to control your cravings?

If you have the willpower to limit yourself to a small single-serve portion of a high calorie, high fat food you crave, than many dietitians would say, “Go for it!” But most Americans tend to overindulge. A simple solution is to find a lower-calorie alternative that tastes great.

These 10 healthy alternatives from “Family Circle” magazine will fulfill your desire for a particular taste, offer some nutritional perks but most important, satisfy that craving without packing on the pounds.

1. POTATO CHIPS (1 ounce – 152 calories): Try light microwave popcorn (5 cups – 100 calories).

Popcorn provides 9 grams of fiber, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. Also, popcorn is more filling and takes longer to eat than potato chips so you should feel more satisfied than you would with a small bag of chips.

2. SALTED PEANUTS (1 ounce – 166 calories): Lightly salted toasted soy nuts are a great alternative (1 ounce – 120 calories).

With a third less sodium and two times more protein and fiber than peanuts, soy nuts keep you full longer. Less salt also means less

bloating.

3. PACKAGES CHEESE SPREAD AND CRACKERS (6 sandwiches – 200 calories): Light mozzarella cheese sticks (1 ounce) and 5 whole grain crackers (161 calories). New FDA food guidelines indicate that more than half of your daily recommended grains should be whole grains. Real cheeses, instead of spreads, will more than double your calcium intake. By far, it is a much healthier choice.

4. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES (2 small – 137 calories): Substitute chocolate chunk biscotti (1 – 90 calories. With 15 percent less sugar and 40 percent less fat than cookies, a biscotti offers chocolate satisfaction without packing on the pounds.

5. CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE (a slice – 326 calories): A half a cup of low-fat chocolate pudding with a light whipped cream topping (129 calories) offers you that creamy chocolate taste but has a lot less fat compared to the pie. Pudding is also a good source of calcium.

6. MILK CHOCOLATE CANDY BAR (1.55 ounces – 235 calories): Small chocolate-covered granola bar (130 calories) has the taste of real chocolate but 1/3 the

saturated fat and a bit more fiber.

This is a heart-healthy switch.

7. SWEET POTATO PIE (a slice – 340 calories): Try a baked sweet potato topped with a half-cup of mini-marshmallows (142 calories).

This alternative offers four grams of fiber and more than 33 percent of the daily value of vitamin C, shown to reduce the risk of breast and oral cancers.

8. CREAMED SPINACH ( a cup – 169 calories): A cup of steamed spinach with parmesan cheese (52 calories) is a vitamin powerhouse containing nutrients that keep eyes healthy. It also slashes the fat to keep your waistline too.

9. FRIED CHICKEN WITH SKIN ( breast – 364 calories): Baked chicken tenders (3 –140 calories) are an excellent alternative because removing the skin and baking the chicken breast lowers saturated fat from five grams to less than one.

10. MACARONI AND CHEESE (1 cup – 380 calories): One cup of whole wheat pasta with olive oil and garlic (214 calories) delivers three times the fiber. It also switches a mostly saturated fat snack to a monounsaturated fat alternative which helps lower bad cholesterol, making this a heart-healthy pick.

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The Back Page

December 5, 2005

Photos by Chrisina Frye

Courtesy graphic

Getting in the spirit: Gore Boulevard is once again filled with the lights and images of the upcoming Christmas season. The project is completely funded by donations and will be on display through the beginning of January.