The Cameron University Collegian: February 18, 2008

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

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Monday, February 18, 2008

News

Volume 82 Issue 4

Rock On Ruckus Network offers free downloadable music

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff

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Underappreciated African-American entertainers earn spotlight.

SEE PAGE 3

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ameron students can dance the night away to their favorite music for free.

The Oklahoma Board of Regents signed a deal in December 2006 with the Ruckus Network to offer all Oklahoma college students free access to more than three million songs. The only thing students need is a Cameron e-mail address and a computer.

“The Board of Regents are the ones who are paying for this service for our students,” said Debbie Goode, director of Information Technology Services.

While the deal was set in place in 2006, Cameron’s network wasn’t configured for the downloading services. Goode said the configuration wasn’t a problem and was taken care of within a short amount of time.

“All we had to do was switch a few things and open up areas within our network to allow file transfers,” Goode said.

Goode was contacted by a member of Ruckus more than a year ago inquiring about the service. She passed it along to the administration and it was later accepted. Goode called the download service a “no brainer.”

“This is a great thing for the students and faculty and staff on campus,” she said. “It saves everyone from the prospect of being sued by the recording industry. It was just one of those things that we needed to offer for our students.”

Goode hopes students will use the Ruckus Network to download their favorite songs instead of attempting to use illegal fileshare programs.

“We haven’t had too much of a problem here on campus with illegal downloading,” she said. “We probably get one infraction a month. But it’s still a serious problem.”

To access the three million songs on the Ruckus Network, Cameron students only need to download the Ruckus Media Player.

See DOWNLOADS Page 4

Sidewalk discussion returns to SGA debate

By Bira Vidal Collegian Staff

Cameron Homecoming and Alumni Weekend merge.

SEE PAGE 7

Sports

Photo by Kerry Myers

The teaming masses: Representatives of more than one hundred companies gathered in the Science Complex last year during the Red River Career Expo. This year, there will be nearly 120 companies represented in the annual career fair.

Annual career expo kicks off Thursday

By Kerry Myers Collegian Staff This Thursday, Cameron will be hosting its 11th Annual Red River Career Expo from 12:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the Cameron Fitness Center.

Almost 120 companies from across the nation will participate in this year’s expo.

These companies will be recruiting Cameron University students from a wide range of degrees and backgrounds.

Criminal Justice, Nursing,

Business and Science are just some of the fields that are being targeted.

See EXPO Page 2

A resolution made its way back to the Student Government Association agenda, and a new resolution, calling for an enhancement in the current presentation of resolutions has been proposed.

Students also nominated two members to represent the SGA in the Homecoming race.

SGA members again analyzed one resolution, calling for the implementation of sidewalks in various locations in the Cameron Village. The resolution will add sidewalks in the Village to connect the West buildings (A, B, C and D) and the East buildings (F and E).

Senators and representatives voted on the legislation and passed it.

The legislation will be presented to President Cindy Ross and according to Senator Bonnie Emert, it shall be completed no later than December 2010.

See SGA Page 2

Math professor solves publishing equation

Senior pitcher to say goodbye at the end of

By David R. Bublitz spring season.

Collegian Staff SEE PAGE 9

Voices

Bloggers beware.

SEE PAGE 5

Celebrating his 18th year as a Cameron University Mathematics professor, Dr. Ioannis K. Argyros has seen a great deal of success.

Hailing from Greece, Dr. Argyros received his bachelor’s degree in math from the University of Athens and his master’s and Ph.D. in math from the University of Georgia. Before coming to Cameron, he taught at both the University of Iowa and New Mexico State University.

Well-versed in the way of numbers, Dr. Argyros has been an important part of the CU Mathematics Department through his passion to educate his students and his constant, vigilant efforts to expand and improve his existing impressive mathematical knowledge.

Dr. Argyros accomplishes this through research, writing and editing. Having already published 14 books and over 500 peer-reviewed essays, Dr. Argyros was excited to use his writing and publishing experience to help educate some of the upper-division Cameron Mathematics Department students.

See MATH Page 2

Hard work pays off: Cameron Math professor Dr. Ioannis K. Argyros recently published his 15th book. Argyros believes that his writing helps him become a better educator.

Graphic by Jim Horinek

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MATH continued from page 1 He provided his students the opportunity to help him with his 15th and newly published book, “Computational Theory of Iterative Methods.”

“Some of the students assisted me with the introductory chapters by solving some exercises at the end of those chapters,” Dr. Argyros said.

The new book deals mainly with research Dr. Argyros collected in the area of computational math and contains results on numerical methods to solve real-life problems.

While Dr. Argyros admitted that part of his job is to do research, he said that he likes to keep himself updated and build on information that is already out there. He said this process of educational evolution has helped him become a better teacher.

“My number one purpose is to educate. It [writing and publishing] improves me as a teacher because I have to take into account how students think. An integrated teacher should be not only one who reads someone else’s book, but also one who has written books for the students,” Dr. Argyros said.

Dr. Argyros said that the most challenging part of writing the new book was tying down the results, simply because of how sophisticated they were.

Despite this challenge, he has already begun collecting theory from his research papers in preparation for his next book.

In between his work as a teacher and a researcher, Dr. Argyros also serves in an official capacity on more than 12 mathematical journals. As an editorial board member, he reviews papers, regularly communicates with publishers, contributes to policy, and has a say in advertising in all 12 publications.

For biographical information on Dr. Argyros and for the titles of his published works, visit his Web site at www.cameron.edu~ioannaisa.

Representative Paul Williams and Senator Summer Hurley presented a resolution to improve the current process used to propose new resolutions.

Presently, resolutions are introduced to the SGA with the authors responsible for explaining it and giving supporting arguments that prove the necessity of the resolution for all Cameron students.

Representative Williams explained the resolution would facilitate the process of presenting new legislation, making use of the Cameron SGA Web site, Facebook, and Cameron’s TV station CUTV. Senator Kari Murphy presented a friendly amendment to the resolution. The first amendment stated the authors of future legislations are required to bring a research of the legislation to all SGA

members.

The research would be composed of valid arguments the author finds to support the need of the legislation and to show some proof that there is indeed a problem. Students voted on the amendment and approved it.

In the next order of business, students scheduled the resolution vote (as a whole), to this week.

Senators and representatives will still have the opportunity to voice their opinions and ask last minute questions before voting.

President Jeff Wozencraft stated this semester’s state convention for all Student Government Associations is coming up and students were encouraged to apply for it.

“Just letting you know the applications for Oklahoma Student Government Association are due today because we’re picking

(senators) tonight,” President Wozencraft said.

As a Presidential update, President Wozencraft said President Ross reviewed the legislation from last year concerning the addition of shelves and hooks in all restrooms on campus.

“I talked to President Ross, and the legislation about the shelves and hooks in the restrooms was approved,” Wozencraft said. “They’ll make some modifications.”

The last topic of the meeting was the selection of this year’s homecoming nominees.

Liberal Arts Senator Marisa White and Mu Phi Epsilon Representative Adams Gutierrez were both selected by the SGA members to run for homecoming king and queen.

In the Feb. 11 issue of the “Collegian,” the first runner-up in the Miss Black CU pageant was incorrectly named.

Ashley Virgil was the first runner-up and Wandee Albert was the second runner-up. The “Collegian” staff regrets the mistake and any confusion it may have caused.

EXPO continued from page 1 Employers attend the career expo to provide career information, look for candidates to fill internships or jobs and to increase students’ awareness about companies.

Cameron is co-sponsoring the event with the Fort Sill Chapter of ACAP, the Army Career Alumni Program. ACAP is designed to make families successful in the transition from federal service.

Jennifer Pruchnicki, the Director of Student Development said that the event has grown tremendously over the years.

“Its not just a local event anymore,” Pruchnicki said.

“It is fantastic that the word has gotten out.”

Pruchnicki recommends those who attend the event bring several copies of a current résumé and dress to impress.

“Many companies will be doing interviews on site, come prepared to network,” Pruchnicki said. “There

February 18, 2008

will be tons of information on various careers available.”

It is important to prepare for the event to make successful contacts. Prepare answers to sample questions from employers and formulate questions to ask representatives about their respective companies. It is important to make the most of this opportunity and approach prospective employers prepared to showcase talent and potential.

Career Services would like to remind everyone to bring a business card, dress appropriately, approach employers with a positive attitude and don’t hesitate to join a group.

A complete list of employers attending the event and more career expo tips can be found at www.cameron. edu/redriverexpo.

For more information about the career expo and résumé assistance, visit the Career Services office at 314 North Shepler or call 581.2209.

Campaign 2008

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Time for a change: Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama greets supporters gathered at the Kohl Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus on Feb. 12. Obama swept the Potomac primaries on Feb. 12 to take the lead over Hillary Clinton in the race fof the Democrat presidential nomination.

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DOWNLOADS continued from page 1 Chris Utah, director of Campus Sales for Ruckus Network, said students don’t need to fear about adware or other problems with downloading a new program.

“The Ruckus Media Player is basically a souped-up version of Microsoft Windows Media Player,” he said.

The songs are downloaded through the Ruckus Media Player and can be played on any software that

supports the Microsoft PlaysForSure subscription standard. Unfortunately for many students, neither iPods nor iPhones are compatible with the DRM protection. The Ruckus Network Web site, www.ruckus.com, has a link to a list of compatible music players.

“The recording artists and studios rely on the Windows DRM to protect their music,” Utah said. “It’s unfortunate one of the most popular music players doesn’t support it.”

Students can have their Ruckus Network account on up to two computers. However, students need to plan ahead if they want to 1. “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by change computers.

Souja Boy No Tell’Em “If you have a 2. “Apologize” by OneRepublic computer at the college 3. “Crashed” by Daughtry and one back home, you 4. “Over You” by Daughtry can have your account 5. “Psycho” by Puddle of Mudd on both computers and 6. “Piece of Me” by Britney Spears keep the music between 7. “Gimme More” by Britney them,” he said. “But, you Spears can only switch every 30 8. “The Way I Are” by Timbaland days to a new computer feat. Keri Hilson and D.O.E. after you have your two 9.

“Conquest” by The White accounts secured.”

Stripes The Ruckus 10.

“Apologize” by Timbaland feat.

Network also ties in OneRepublic with Facebook accounts.

Students can link their Facebook and Ruckus Network accounts and display numerous stats on their Facebok pages for their friends to see.

“You can show everyone what songs you downloaded recently they can switch their e-mails and and your most played music on there,” continue subscribing for the faculty Utah said. “Then they can go and download them in their Ruckus Media and staff price as an alumni.

“When you graduate, you probably Player to listen for themselves.” will have downloaded thousands of Cameron faculty and staff aren’t songs,” Utah said. “We don’t want left out in the cold. All Cameron you to lose those and we want you employees can subscribe to the to continue downloading our latest Ruckust Network for $8.95 a month and download an unlimited amount of offerings. We’re adding new stuff daily.” songs. After students have graduated,

The week’s top 10 downloaded songs

Voices

February 18, 2008

5

Politicians need to lace up their boots God knows that I am always willing to join the fray whenever and wherever called. While I have been called a lot of things in my life, including—only God knows why—a feminist, I have never been called a pacifist. I firmly believe that if America is wronged, then force is at times necessary.

However, the decision to use military force is never justified by the ability to project military power. In other words, the fact that we can does not mean that we should.

David L. The decision to use military force must be made by competent leaders, and the mission must be worthy of the resulting sacrifices made by the soldiers, their family, and their friends.

The use of military force to achieve any goal is always accompanied with sacrifice. Therefore, the need to accomplish the goal must outweigh the sacrifice. The military should not be viewed as a big brother who gets revenge on a bully who has beaten a younger brother. A military response is a last-resort corrective response used to right a wrong done to our country.

Its use is for situations which can be corrected in no other way.

We should never consider the use of America’s military force lightly. The best Bublitz measure of when America should send its sons and daughters into combat is found in the willingness of those who order our forces into the fray to join them there.

Maybe our politicians would benefit from some frontline

guard duty in a combat theater of operations.

I believe the best perspectives are gained through experience. Those who lead a war effort generally benefit from a personal war experience only if they share the dangers with those they send to the fight. This generates a more objective perspective.

No greater appreciation for the consequences of war can be found than in those who experience the fight first-hand.

The fear associated with war and felt by soldiers is tangible. It makes sense to have this type of fear added to the decision-making process when contemplating war.

It is easy to send someone else to fight.

It is a whole other matter when men and women have to lace up their own boots, kiss their own families goodbye, pick up their own weapons, and look through their own gunsights with their own fingers on the trigger. To feel the urging paralysis of a consuming fear of death, that

explodes somewhere in the space between your heart and your spine, not only provides perspective for the moment but also provides a clarity of the situation unattainable without first-hand experience.

To be successful in hundreds of such moments is a mark of profound proficiency. It goes without saying, in my mind, that America’s military is the very best in the world because of our recent experience of this kind.

However, it is too bad for our military that the same cannot be said of America’s politicians. It is too bad that America’s politicians are not placed in a life or death situation when they face each of their decisions. If they were, they would receive a clearer perspective and a greater proficiency through natural consequences. Under these circumstances, good politicians would survive and remain, and poor politicians would be lost to attrition.

This is how it is for a soldier.

America’s soldiers

Be careful what you blog

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

Your myspace could impact your office space

By Sanyika Calloway Boyce MCT Campus The content of your MySpace page can hurt your future job opportunities.

MySpace, FaceBook, LiveJournal, Bebo and Xanga are just a few of the most popular social networking sites that have become a virtual mecca for everyone from aspiring musicians to everyday people wanting to connect with a larger world.

These online gathering places are ripe with information, photos, videos, blogs and personal profiles of users who are all proud to showcase their talent, give their opinions about everything from the war to their favorite potato chips and even vent their frustrations about their stupid boss who wears an oh-so-obvious hair piece.

Ruminations, musings and rapid-fire posts are the content that is king on these sites, but could your 4 a.m. admission about the wild party you had that got out of hand—which you’ve long since forgotten about—be the very thing that comes back to haunt you when looking to

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get accepted into graduate school, applying for an internship or fellowship or, better yet, a well-deserved job?

Consider this, in October 2006 CareerBuilder.com surveyed more than 1,150 hiring managers about their hiring practices.

About 12 percent said they check out potential candidates’ profiles on social networking sites as part of their screening process. Even scarier, at least 63 percent admitted to not hiring a job applicant based on what they found.

Could your “innocent” picture of last year’s over-the-top Halloween costume keep you from getting to the first rung of the corporate ladder, let alone the corner office?

It could. Companies large and small are increasingly concerned about the image that they have with consumers and being seen as places where people will want to do business.

Last December, the popular restaurant chain The Olive Garden fired one of its general managers who’d worked with the company for more than 16 years.

The firing was not caused by the employee’s MySpace page, but rather her daughter’s page.

Denise Petrella’s daughter had posted pictures of her 18th birthday party. The teen was told not to drink repeatedly by her mom so as a “dumb prank” she and a few of her friends grabbed empty beer bottles from the recycle bin and pulled Petrella into the pictures just for “fun.”

Unfortunately, when the pictures came to the attention of her employer, the fun ended abruptly. Petrella had been recognized repeatedly by her company for her great work and was even highlighted in a company-wide media campaign just a few years prior. However,

exist and thrive in this environment because they are personally held accountable for their level of proficiency. It is sad that the same is not true of those who send our soldiers to war.

If I could change one thing about America, it would be to make the proficiency of our politicians equal to that of our soldiers.

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Board

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The Olive Garden felt that the images were damaging, as the girls in the pictures were underage and they represented this “family friendly” restaurant in a manner that was inconsistent with its brand.

Harsh? Maybe, but the action was well within The Olive Garden’s legal rights, and it is not the only company taking such a stance. According to WiredSafety, a nonprofit organization specializing in Web security, employers now routinely scour the Internet for anything written or visual about their company online, especially anything, or anyone, that could damage the brand.

The “Vegas Rule” of “what happens here, stays here,” no longer applies. What’s said on MySpace is echoing all over the world and could affect you (and possibly your parents) in the workplace.

Here are a few steps for keeping your posts and pics from coming back to haunt you.

1. If you’ve posted something that is potentially questionable, delete it and your profile. It will be a bit of a drag but since most sites save your final contents in case you decide to reactivate, this is the best way to wipe out the damaging profile and posts.

2. Often information online stays around indefinitely, so even

after taking step one, you might need to go a step further and clear cached pages by asking Google to delete them. Find out how at searchengineland.com and type in “third party page removal” in the search box.

3. Be aware that at least 62 percent of employers monitor Web activity on their company servers. This means that if you’re visiting a site for personal reasons during work hours—or—using work equipment—you could be nabbed for the content and fired for using company resources inappropriately.

4. If you’ve had something posted about you that could be damaging to your reputation ask the person to remove it. If they refuse, you could use a paid service like ReputationDefender. com that will help erase info for a fee of $29.95 per occurrence.

This is pretty serious stuff, so I suggest applying the golden rule to all Web posts, “If in doubt, don’t.” Don’t risk it, because what’s “innocent,” “funny” or just a “dumb prank” to you or your friends could be viewed very differently by someone who has to make an admissions, hiring or firing decision concerning you.

In the fight of MySpace vs. Workplace, it seems like employers are winning. Stay out of the crossfire and you’ll be just fine.

Editor-in-Chief - Jessica Lane News Editor - Josh Rouse Assistant News Editor: Jim Horinek A&E Editor - Amanda Herrera Sports Editor - Kareem Guiste Variety Editor - Bira Vidal Assistant Editor - David R. Bublitz Copy Editor - Laura Batule

Newsroom Staff Ads Manager - Kelley Burt Cartoonist - Thomas Pruitt Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Chris Allison, John Robertson, Alexis DelCiello, Kerry Meyers, Brandi O’Daniel, Ashley Wilkerson

Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller

Newswriting Students Jenifer Biles, Donnale Mann

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.

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Look behind you: Below, John Barrymore (played by Bryan West) appears in ghost form behind Felicia Dantine (played by Amanda Billings) during rehearsal of a scene from ‘I Hate Hamlet.’ The production premieres Feb. 21.

Visiting the past: Above, Andrew Rally (played by Chris Jefferson) pulls his sword on the ghost of John Barrymore, a dead actor who used to live in Rally’s apartment.

Left, Rally and Barrymore discuss their connection to Hamlet. From left are, Bryan West and Chris Jefferson.

‘I Hate Hamlet’ takes humorous edge Laura Batule Collegian Staff

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n Feb. 21-24, 2007, the Cameron University Department of Theatre Arts will present, “I Hate Hamlet,” a comedy written

by Paul Rudnick. The play will transport theatergoers to a top f loor brownstone apartment just off Washington Square in New York City.

Rudnick was inspired to write the play when in 1987, he

moved into the very apartment John Barrymore had lived in seventy years earlier, when he was performing his celebrated role of Hamlet.

“Paul Rudnick wrote the play after living in an apartment that actually did belong to John Barrymore,” Scott Richard Klein, Chair of the CU Theatre Arts Department and “I Hate Hamlet” director said. “Rudnick actually held a séance to communicate with Barrymore. It inspired him to write this play.”

Andrew Rally, played by Christopher Jefferson, a CU sophomore majoring in theatre arts, is a young, successful television actor who relocates to New York City and moves into a Gothic, brownstone apartment.

While his career is in limbo, he is offered the opportunity to play Hamlet onstage. This brings to light Rally’s abhorrence for all things Hamlet.

The ghost of John Barrymore, the esteemed actor whose portrayal of Hamlet is considered

Oscar Corner

‘Blood’ up for ‘Best Picture’ The achievement of the American Dream through legal means has never been portrayed as uniquely dark as in “There Will Be Blood.”

Nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, this film is well worth seeing. Director Paul Thomas Anderson, whose previous films provided such weird images as raining frogs in “Magnolia” and a good performance by Adam Sandler in “Punch-Drunk Love,” has churned out another strange tale about an oil prospector’s rise to power.

This time his film is more conventional and not a quirky ensemble piece.

Character actor Daniel Day-Lewis turns in another powerful performance as Daniel Plainview. As the film opens, we see Plainview mining for silver in New Mexico. After that the film jumps in time from 1898 to 1902, when he strikes “black gold.”

This beginning is shown in almost complete silence except for the eerie music of composer Jonny Greenwood and Plainview saying the one line, “there she is,” when discovering silver. The eerie music breaking the silence gives the film a “2001-esque” feel.

The story jumps to 1911, with Plainview trying to con townsfolk into selling their land so he can drill oil and keep most of the profits for himself. He uses his adopted son H.W. as a prop to appeal to the hearts of the people.

Plainview gets a visit from a mysterious stranger named Paul Sunday (Paul Dano). Sunday informs Plainview that there is an ocean of oil under his family’s goat farm. Sunday assures Plainview that the oil is there and land can be bought cheaply. Plainview travels to the hamlet in rural California called Little Boston, and discovers that there is indeed oil at the Sunday ranch.

Plainview will eventually build a 100 mile pipeline to the Pacific Ocean and make a deal with Union Oil in order to bypass shipping costs. Plainview then talks Able, the patriarch of the Sunday family, into selling his ranch. Plainview promises the townsfolk of Little Boston that the money from the oil will help the town flourish. But Able’s other son Eli (also played by Paul Dano) sees through Plainview’s charm.

Eli is an evangelical preacher who “heals” people during his sermons. Eli demands Plainview make a $5,000 donation to his church. After Plainview witnesses one of Eli’s sermons, it becomes clear to him

By Chris Allison, Collegian Staff

that Eli is his enemy, a con man who hides his dark nature. The struggle for power between these two men becomes a major part of the plot.

The Sunday oil well soon gushes, but its eruption injures H.W., causing him to lose his hearing.

Plainview is caught up in the excitement of discovering that he has claim to an ocean of oil, but he is deeply affected by his adopted son’s tragedy. After the tragedy, no amount of wealth can close the frustrating gap that is now between them.

“There Will Be Blood” is similar to “Citizen Kane,” where Orson Welles spends his last days wandering mad around his mansion. But unlike “Kane,” Plainview does not regret his life. The film also could be compared to a “wolf-man” movie where the audience sees Plainview slowly transform into a despicable person, but the film is not a slasher movie as the title suggests. The title alludes to the fact that the way Plainview is running his life and business and that he will eventually have “blood” on his hands.

Paul Thomas Anderson makes an unforgettable film that combines all the elements from past movies into a great gumbo of American Cinema without any trademarks from his previous films.

The cinematography is wonderful. I also enjoyed the score, which unfortunately missed out on an Oscar nomination due to a technicality.

Paul Dano gives a great dual performance after shining in last year’s “Little Miss Sunshine.” Even though his performance can sometimes be a little irritating (especially his voice), it would have been nice to see him nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

Daniel Day-Lewis proves once again that he is one of the greatest actors working today. Unfortunately, he does not make movies very often, but when he does, he dominates every scene. I found his performance in “There will be Blood,” to be better than Bill the Butcher in “Gangs of New York.” Plainview is a complex character and Lewis’ portrayal is probably the best performance of last year. It would be very shocking if Day-Lewis does not get an Oscar this year.

This is a powerful film, but I must warn you that it is two and half hours long and is a little slow.

In my opinion, “There Will Be Blood” tied with “No Country for Old Men” for best film of last year.

“Blood” is a once in a lifetime experience at the movies.

legendary, shows up drunk and in full costume at Rally’s apartment. Bryan West, a junior majoring in Theatre Arts plays the f lamboyant Barrymore, a thespian on a mission. That mission is to convince Rally to play Hamlet, and the intoxicated apparition will stop at nothing (to include a challenge to a duel) to persuade him to do so.

Cast and crew members have been hard at work memorizing lines and building sets for this production.

“Those interested in being part of this play signed up the first week of class this semester,” Klein said. “Rehearsal is from 7-10 p.m. Mon. through Fri. for about five weeks. The cast members have been great. They meet the deadlines for memorization of lines and development of characters.”

Considered a comedy, “I Hate Hamlet” sends an important message about passion, courage and motivation.

“The play has a great message regarding the importance of art and art in society,” Klein said. “In the end, Andrew chooses a career of being on stage over television.

Even though he starts out hating Hamlet, he eventually grows to love Hamlet.”

Show times for “I Hate Hamlet” are 7:30 p.m., ThursdaySaturday, Feb. 21-23 at the University Theatre and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. Students with a valid CU ID receive one free admission. Adult ticket prices are $12. All senior citizen and military ticket prices are $10. For reservations, call the Cameron University Theatre ticket office at 581.2478.

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Cameron Homecoming: New traditions merge with old for ‘Destination Cameron’

By Alexis DelCiello Collegian Staff It is Homecoming Week at CU March 18-23, so get your bags packed and your passport updated and ready to go.

“This year’s theme is ‘Destination Cameron.’ It doesn’t matter how you make it back, as long as you make it back home,” Zeak Naifeh, CU Director of Student Activities, said.

This year’s Homecoming combines several campus events, allowing CU family and friends to find their way back to the traditionrich Land of the Aggies.

“This year’s Homecoming events include alumni weekend, parents’ weekend [brand new this year], CU’s athletic Hall of Fame and the #1 Aggie Fan contest,” Naifeh said.

“There’s a lot happening so everyone will want to make it back for this event-filled week.”

Jennifer Holland, CU Dean of Student Services, Amanda Husak, Director of Student Placement and Naifeh started the Aggie Parent Association, one of the organizations involved with this year’s Homecoming festivities.

“It [Aggie Parent Association] encourages current students and their parents to join in and see what is going on at Cameron, allowing parents to become involved in their student’s academic life,” Naifeh said.

This year’s ‘Destination Homecoming’ activities take off at 1 p.m. Monday (today) on Cameron Field with Aggie Softball, followed by a performance by music guest ‘InPulse’ at 9 p.m. in CU’s Shepler Center Ballroom. “‘InPulse,’ is a group of four guys who sing, but it is kind of different, they don’t have background tracks.

One guy is a beat box and the others sing a cappella,” Naifeh said.

CU Homecoming Schedule Monday InPulse (Music Group): 9 p.m. in the Shepler Ballroom.

Tuesday Dance and introduction of candidates: 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. in the Shepler Ballroom.

Wednesday Homecoming King and Queen voting: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Student Activities Building.

Thursday Homecoming King and Queen voting: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Student Activities Building.

Bon Fire Pep Rally: 6:30 p.m. at the Cameron Stadium Field House.

Friday Comedian Retta: 9 p.m. in the Aggie Gym. Saturday Games: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Aggie Gym.

Alumni Weekend Schedule Friday University update with President Ross and presentation of Golden Associate Medallions: 2:30 p.m. at the McMahon Center at Cameron Village.

Campus Tours: 3:30 p.m. beginning at the McMahon Center at Cameron Village.

Athletic Hall of Fame and Alumni Reception: 4:30 p.m. in the Shepler Lobby.

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Dinner: 6 p.m. at the Cameron Fitness Center.

Homecoming Comedian Retta: 9 p.m. at the Aggie Gym. Saturday The 1987 NAIA National Championship Football Team touch football game: 10 a.m. at Cameron Stadium.

Class of 1957, 1982 and 1997 Alumni Reception: 11 a.m. at the Shepler Center Centennial and Wichita Rooms.

Alumni Awards Luncheon: 12 p.m. in the Shepler Mezzanine Ballroom.

No cost to attend but reservations are encouraged.

Tickets are required and must be obtained through the alumni office at 581.2988.

Not only are there new flight plans for this year’s homecoming, but the once “traditional” events of homecoming have been revamped for faster boarding times.

“We are mixing things up this year,” Naifeh said. “We are still having our traditional Homecoming dance, but this year we are introducing our homecoming king and queen candidates during the event. Typically we have not done that in the past, but now students can put a name with a face when voting.”

Continuing ‘Destination Homecoming’ on Tuesday is CU’s Homecoming dance at 9 p.m. in CU’s Shepler Center ballroom.

Naifeh said voting for the 2008 Homecoming king and queen candidates would take place Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Student Activities Building (SAB)

After a long night of dancing and trying to overcome jet lag, CU students can enjoy a free pizza lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday in the SAB. “Students can get free lunch and vote all at the same time,” Naifeh said. “Then, they can taxi over and participate in the Homecoming blood drive in the Student Union study room from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With CU’s centennial year finally boarding, homecoming planners wanted to bring back pieces of CU’s history.

“There was a bonfire in Cameron’s history from the 1920s,” Naifeh said. “We are going to try and bring it [bonfire] back this year, but if we are still under the burn ban we will move the pep rally to Aggie gym.” [Burn ban permitting, the bonfire pep rally will take place at CU’s Stadium Field House at 6:30 p.m.

Tying up the last few items on the itinerary are a comedian, basketball games and the homecoming king and queen coronation.

“On Friday we are going to have a comedian in Aggie gym at 9 p.m.,” Naifeh said. “We are encouraging alumni, students, parents and the community to join us for this event.

The comedian is Retta.”

Retta has a half-hour special on “Comedy Central” with her work being featured on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”

Finishing out the week of early arrivals and late departures, “we have the men’s and women’s basketball games at 2 and 4 p.m.,” Naifeh said.

Want to volunteer or help plan events like CU homecoming?

Attend a Programming Activities Council (PAC) meeting on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the SAB or contact Zeak Naifeh at 581.2217.

Sports

8

February 18, 2008

CU fails to hold off Lions, still in hunt

Photo courtesy CU Online

The Jumper: Senior guard Maurice Cubit shoots over a Lion’s defender for two of his 14 points at the game that night. The team will return to the Aggie Gymnasium on Feb. 23 as part of CU’s Homecoming events organized by PAC and Cameron Athletics.

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director Looking to move into third place in the Lone Star Conference North Division and closer to a postseason berth, the Cameron

Aggie men’s basketball team (4-17, 2-4 LSC-North) tonight hosted the Lions of Texas A&M University-Commerce. CU entered the night in fourth place, and unfortunately that’s where they remained after falling to

TAMU-C by the score 93-78.

Had they won, the Aggies would have moved into third place one spot ahead of the Lions. Now CU is tied with Northeastern State and East Central at fourth place. The top four teams in both the LSC North and South divisions advance to the LSC Championship postseason tournament.

“We are still in the hunt,” Head Coach Maurice Leitzke said. “We are still right there in fourth place.

We had a lot of guys contribute tonight and I’m pleased with the team’s effort. We just couldn’t get the breaks we needed.”

Cameron made nearly every other shot as they finished the game with a team shooting percentage of 49.3 percent. While that kind of shooting consistency is what a coach looks for, it was not enough to match TAMU-C impressive 61.9 percent shooting percentage.

The Lions out-rebounded the Aggies 36-19, but CU won the turnover battle by only giving the ball up 7 times to TAMUC’s 23 turnovers. Cameron took four more shots than A&MCommerce, 67-63, but only went to the line for four free throws in the entire game.

Texas A&M-Commerce started out the game with the lead but

Cameron kept it close and refused to go away. The Aggies went into the locker room at halftime down 38-33 and came out determined to keep the game close. The Lions remained in the lead until CU took over for the first time with 13:30 left in the second half. The lead continued to change hands a number of times until TAMU-C went on a long scoring run to put the game out of reach. “(Texas A&M) Commerce had a couple of kids that played really, really well in a fast-paced game,” Coach Leitzke said. “They are a good, solid team, and playing a team like that helps us to prepare for postseason play. We are still in the hunt.”

Three Aggies finished with a team-high 14 points but no player recorded more than 5 rebounds in tonight’s game against Texas A&M-Commerce. Juniors Dave Smith, a guard, and Chad Allan, a forward, both reached 14 points with Smith going 6-12 and Allan going 6-10 from the f loor. Senior guard Maurice Cubit was the other Ag to record 14 points, going 5-10.

Smith also recorded 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal in his team-high 38 minutes. Allen led the team in scoring through the first half and also finished with 4 assists and a rebound in

26 minutes on the f loor. Cubit recorded an assist, a block, and a steal in 27 minutes of play.

Junior forward Leslie Malone was the only other Aggie to finish with double-digit scoring numbers as he recorded 10 points on 5-11 shooting. He also contributed 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal in his 25 minutes.

Sophomore guard Greg Morgan barely missed out on a points-assists double-double as he finished with 9 points on 4-13 shooting with 7 assists. He also recorded a strong 5 rebounds and 2 steals in 35 minutes of play.

“Physically we are just tired,” Coach Leitzke said. “This is a good time for an off week. We will be able to regroup and refocus and make a run towards the postseason.”

The Aggies are off this weekend and next travel to Ada, Oklahoma, to take on the Tigers of East Central University on Wednesday, February 13. The Aggies and Tigers tip off at 8:00pm on the campus of ECU. Tonight’s game was the final home weeknight game of the season for CU, who only has three home games remaining on their 2007-2008 schedule. Their final three games fall on consecutive Saturdays from February 16March 1.

CU softball go 1 in 3 at ACU Classic

By Craig Martin Sports Information Director Facing off against some of the toughest teams in the entire nation, the Cameron Aggie softball team (5-6) this weekend took

part in the Abilene Christian University Classic tournament in Abilene, Texas. The tournament featured some of the best teams in the NCAA and included a few other Lone Star Conference teams. Cameron went 1-3 in the

tournament and had their fifth and final game cancelled due to weather.

“We definitely faced some tough competition,” Head Coach Richie Nye said. “I’m glad we played who we did when we did, so when conference play starts we will be

that much better. Offensively we hit some good pitching, but we need to make some improvements defensively. A few plays could have caused some very different outcomes.”

On Friday, Cameron fell to the nationally ranked (#9) St. Mary’s University Rattlers, 10-8. The game was extremely close as CU held a 4-0 lead through the first 3 innings. SMU battled back with a pair of 5-run innings, but CU made it interesting with a 4-run top of the seventh inning that nearly tied the game. The Aggies committed 5 errors in the game.

Sophomore pitcher Ashton McBride was awarded the loss after going 5.0 innings giving up 6 runs on 8 hits. Junior shortstop Megan Young had a great game, knocking in a team-high 2 RBI on a double to leftfield. Senior outfielder Sammi Adams also had a solid game offensively as she was the only Aggie to record multiple hits, going 2-3 with an RBI. In CU’s nightcap, they lost to the host Abilene Christian Wildcats, 9-4. ACU was ahead from the very beginning after a 3-run first inning, and they were up 8-2 after just four. Cameron and Abilene both recorded 10 hits in the game, but CU also totaled 3 errors.

Pitchers Sherry Tetreault, a sophomore, and Giselle Guzman, a junior, split the pitching duties against ACU as both went a solid 3.0 innings. Tetreault faced 17 batters and gave up 5 runs on 6 hits. Guzman faced 16 Wildcats and gave up 3 runs on 4 hits. Junior third-baseman Chelsey Jordan was Cameron’s most productive offensive player versus ACU, as she went 3-4 with an RBI and a double.

“Sammi (Adams) and Chelsey (Jordan) both continue to hit the ball really well,” Coach Nye said.

“Ashton (McBride) pitched really well in the second day, and she kept the other teams off balance. While they didn’t hit her very hard at all, give them credit for their timely hitting.”

On day two of the tournament, Cameron started out against #11 Emporia State. CU once again made it close but ended up losing their third straight game by the score 5-2. The Aggies took an early 1-0 lead but found themselves

down 3-1 after the third inning.

CU attempted to rally late in the game but did not have enough. The Aggies recorded another 2 errors in the game, while the Hornets did not record any.

McBride was saddled with her second loss of the tournament despite pitching a complete game with 5 strikeouts. She went 6 innings giving up 5 runs, only 3 earned, on 9 hits. Senior thirdbaseman Melissa Bour hit CU’s only homerun in the game, and finished 1-3 with an RBI. Junior infielder Jenna Boren was the only Aggie with multiple hits as she went 2-3 with a pair of singles.

In Cameron’s fourth and final game they defeated a tough Northeastern State RiverHawk team by the score 10-3. The Aggies came out of the gate strong and scored runs in four of the seven innings. A 6-run sixth inning put the game out of reach for good.

CU still struggled defensively as they recorded another 3 errors, giving them a total of 13 for the tournament.

McBride pitched another complete game, going all 7.0 innings facing 32 batters. She allowed no earned runs and struck out 1 batter while walking only 3. Jordan and sophomore outfielder Courtney Clifford both had very impressive games at the plate as they both recorded a game-high 3 RBI. Jordan went 3-5 with a homerun while Clifford went 3-4 with a double.

“In Saturday’s first game we didn’t hit the ball too well, but in the second game we came alive and wound up with a lot of hits,” Coach Nye said. “It’s a funny wrap-up because NSU beat ESU, we beat NSU, and we got beat by ESU and some others. When we get everything going all at the same time, who knows where we could be in the rankings.”

CU was slated to play Southeastern Oklahoma State on Saturday evening, but the game was cancelled.

The Aggie softballers travel back to Abilene this Thursday, February 14, to battle the ACU Wildcats in a double-header at 1 p.m. CU then travels to San Angelo, Texas, next weekend to take part in the Angelo State University Invitational.

Sports

February 18, 2008

9

Dillon pitches his last

Senior baseball pitcher Cody Dillon gives last services to CU Aggies

By David L. Bublitz Collegian Staff The exciting 2008 Aggies baseball season is under way with the Aggies adding many new players to complement their new facilities for the new conference championship season. Head Coach Todd Holland’s recruiting efforts and the players’ dedication to individual training during the off-season have strengthened an already tough roster and provided the Aggies with the first 4-0 start in more than 20 years.

Holland explained that the mixture of the recruiting class and the returning players appears to have provided this year’s squad with a unique balance and depth.

“We lost a couple guys from last year so we had to retool at some positions,” Holland said. “I think we have a good recruiting class, as far as a good mix of high school and junior college kids, as well as some four-year transfers who came in.”

Holland believes that the diverse recruiting class mixes well with his veteran players providing a balanced roster with depth at all positions on the team.

“We are a very balanced team with good pitching, good defense and good hitting,” Holland said. “I think this kind of balance is what a coach looks for; to have the team at an even keel across all aspects of the game throughout the season.

One of the veteran Aggies that will help to keep the Aggies balanced is senior, R/H pitcher Cody Dillon. Dillon is a marketing student who hails from North Little Rock Arkansas, and is one of two returning senior pitchers for the Aggies.

Dillon’s work ethic during practice and in the off season contributed to the Aggies’ stingy defense during the 2007 season and helps to set the tone for this year’s squad according to Head Coach Todd Holland.

“I recruited Cody when he was a sophomore at Pratt Junior College,” Holland said. “He came in during the spring semester and he helped us out big-time last year.

So this season, we are looking for him to do big things for us.”

Dillon is a native of North Little Rock, Ark., who

played high school ball for Sylvan Hills High School. After high school graduation he went to junior college at Pratt Community College in Pratt, Kan., playing for two years with the Beavers. He then transferred to the University of Arkansas for one semester before finding a home with the Aggies.

Dillon concurs with Coach Holland’s assessment of the 2008 Aggie crew. According to Dillon, the Aggies roster is deep and cohesive.

“The pitching staff is very deep this year,” Dillon said. “We have nine or ten guys who can throw strikes and give our team a chance to win. Our greatest strength is that everyone on the team gets along well; the team chemistry is great.

We have fun playing the game and I think that helps a lot when it comes to winning a game. You’ve got to play well together and have fun to win.”

According to Dillon, besides the familiar Aggie strengths of good pitching and defense, Aggie fans should witness more production on the offensive side of the game and greater consistency in the more fundamental game aspects from the 2008 Aggies crew.

“As far as hitting, we have a lot of power,” Dillon said. “We can spray the field from foul pole to foul pole. Also, I think a big difference from last year to this year is we can execute the small plays consistently.”

Another noticeable difference between the 2007 and the 2008 Aggies roster is the physical size of the pitching staff.

“We got some pretty big guys this year on the pitching staff,” Dillon said. “We did not have that as much last year. I think the size of some our pitchers will be a little intimidating to the teams we play and that may help us out.”

According to Dillon, the offseason training programs of the individual players will play a big part in the success of the 2008 season.

“I think we are going to surprise a lot of teams who may take us lightly,” Dillon said. “This year, our guys took it on themselves to spend a lot more time in the gym, running, and hitting in the cages in the mornings or at night during the offseason. It almost seems like there are a lot more guys on this team who want it more; to win. And they are willing to give up things other than baseball to get the job done.”

The dedication of both the new and the returning players is evident during the Aggies afternoon practices.

It is evident that the players on this team expect to go deep into the postseason.

“I think everybody this year realizes why they are here and that is to play and win,” Dillon said. “I

fence, a new scoreboard, and a new club house. We’ve started this season at 4-0 and I think people are starting to realize that we are here, we are going to play, and we are going to win.”

The excitement of the Aggies 2008 conference championship season is in the air and on the face of every ball player

think our dedication, our cohesion and our competitiveness are the strongest points of this team. When we come out to practice or to play the game our intensity is always very high, and we know we are both physically and mentally ready because of our dedication during the off-season.”

Aggies players hope to be able to count on bleachers full of screaming Aggies fans during home games. The home field advantage was absent for much of the 2007 Aggies season. Dillon feels this season will be different.

“I think this year we are going to put more people in the stands,” Dillon said. “When there are more people in the stands that want to see you play, you want to put on a better show. It adds more excitement to the game, and makes playing more fun; it helps us want to come out here every day and get better, work harder, and finish the season off right.”

Aggies fans will enjoy upgraded facilities at McCord Field this year and the players are very excited about the 2008 season.

“I’m really looking forward to this season,” Dillon said. “We have new facilities including a new

on the team. Aggies baseball fans can get the game schedule online at the Cameron University home page. The Aggies travel to Angelo State this weekend to face the 2007 LSC champs. The next home game weekend for the Aggies will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Feb. 29 at McCord Field against Eastern New Mexico.

Variety

10

I

t is the Year of the Rat in the Chinese lunar calendar and Cameron students gathered to celebrate and bring luck to the approaching new year.

The International and Asian Clubs sponsored the Chinese New Year Festival at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 at the Baptist Student Union. The Student Development Office and the Communication Department also supported the event.

Students from different high schools in the area helped with the presentations. Xiaowei Ding currently teaches Chinese at McArthur High. Her students performed Chinese music and dances throughout the program.

Duncan High students were also present.

Participants of the festivity learned some aspects of the Chinese culture. For days prior to New Year’s, families stay up cleaning the house. On the first day of the Chinese New Year, families celebrate with fireworks

February 18, 2008

and watch national television.

According to Jingshu Zhao, member of the Asian Club and festival hostess, the Chinese New Year reveals more than a celebration — it helps spread the traditions.

“The importance to celebrate the Chinese New Year here is to let people know the culture in Asian countries,” Zhao said.

“It is a really good event for the International Club.”

This year is the Year of the Rat. The moon motions count the Chinese years, unlike other countries that take in account the motions of the Earth and the sun. The calendar also takes into consideration the Chinese horoscope that feature 12 animals.

Students and attendees were able to experience the Chinese culture and taste the Chinese food that was served. They also played games that tested their knowledge on various aspects of China.

Photos by Bira Vidal Photo Collage by Bira Vidal