The Cameron University Collegian: April 2, 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012

Crossroads

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Soldier formally charged for Afghan murders

Service trip Cameron students spend their week-long break helping citizens of Joplin, Missouri.

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Feature

Sports

Photo by Matthew Berberea

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

Speaking in defense: Seattle Attorney John Henry Brown speaks to the media in Lansing, Kan. after meeting with his client, Staff Sgt. Robert Bales, who is accused of killing several civillians in Afghanistan. Bales is currently being held in a military prison in Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

by Colin DuRant Staff Writer

Photography Aggie Central’s photographer presents another edition of Shutter Society.

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A&E

Hidden Treasures CU’s Department of Art hosts Dr. Fredrik Hiebert’s Geographic Live! presentation.

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A&E

Local eating A former CU student opens resturaunt, hoping to bring a different experience.

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Volume 86 Issue 21

United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales was officially charged on March 23 of 17 counts of premeditated murder against Afghan civilians and six counts of attempted murder and assault, according to a press release from the International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Bales, a soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, has remained in military custody since the incident, which took place on March 11, in the area of the Belambey, Panjwa’i district of Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.

The United States government acted quickly to condemn the killings and reach out to the families of the victims and the Afghan government.

Tennis Aggie tennis carried on their season during spring break with mixed results.

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News

In a statement released the day of the event, President Barack Obama expressed condolences toward the families and made overtures to the Afghan people.

“I am deeply saddened by the reported killing and wounding of Afghan civilians,” President Obama said. “This incident is tragic and shocking, and does not represent the exceptional character of our military.”

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta made similar statements the following day and spoke to directly Afghan President Hamid Karzai about both the killings and the steps the Department of Defense would take towards rectifying the situation.

Construction Lawton officials give insight on the lenghty contruction on 38th Street and Gore.

See BALES Page 2 Page 3

Against the odds

CU Forensics debates formidably at national tournaments

by Matthew Berberea Sports Editor

On March 17, two pairings from the Cameron University Forensics team travelled to Bellingham, Wash., for two national tournaments.

The first tournament was the National Parliamentary Tournament of Excellence and was held at Western Washington University.

The field consisted of the top 64 ranked teams in the nation including two duos from Cameron.

The two teams representing the Black and Gold were Brett Carlton and Paul Boudreaux and Zak Rajpari and Skylar Williams.

Boudreaux and Carlton entered the tournament as the 45 seed while Williams and Rajpari were ranked 60.

Carlton and Boudreaux were able to come away with four of a possible 12 ballots, splitting rounds with the College of Idaho and Willamette and winning outright against regional competitor Abilene Christian.

Both Carlton and Boudreaux explained that the competition was extremely difficult, not only based on knowledge but on the amount of support and resources available to them.

They said that many of these teams travel to these tournaments with a Director of Forensics, assistant coach and at least two graduate assistants.

Cameron, on the other hand, travels with Director of Forensics Dan Schabot.

See FORENSICS Page 3

Photo by Elijah Morlett

Setting the bar: The Forensics Team pose with their most recent awards from national competitions. The debate teams finished strongly in both tournaments.

Romney continues lead in Rebuplican primaries

by Colin DuRant Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

Securing endorsements: Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney meets with former President George H.W. Bush in Houston, Texas. Bush recently endorsed Romney for the presidential nomination.

Candidates for the Republican Party presidential nomination continue their primary campaigning as each week brings them nearer to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida, on Aug. 27. Four candidates remain in the race: Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, Rick Santorum, former Senator from Pennsylvania, Newt Gingrich, former Representative and Speaker of the House from Georgia, and Ron Paul, current Representative from Texas.

According to the Associated Press, Romney possesses a lead of 568 pledged delegates to Santorum’s 273, Gingrich’s 135 and Paul’s 50. To secure the nomination, a candidate must receive 1,144 delegates. As of press time there are 22 states with primary elections remaining, Maryland and Wisconsin being the next two on April 3. 1,258 delegates are left for the candidates to

secure.

Campaign rhetoric from both Romney and Santorum camps has intensified as Romney’s lead increased with a March 18 primary win in Puerto Rico and another win on March 20 in Illinois. Santorum has managed to stay in the race though, securing the Louisiana victory and 10 delegates on March 24.

Despite the large delegate difference, Santorum has not shown any indication of dropping out of the race, and was quoted in the Washington Post defending his candidacy against those who say his chances of securing the nomination are mathematically slim.

“Our math is actually based on reality of what’s going on in the states as opposed to this fuzzy idea that it’s going to be apportioned based upon what the votes are in the states,” Santorum said.

See PRIMARIES Page 2

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CU student presents research

By Jessica Goodman Staff Writer

Senior Speech Communication major Corbin Adams had the honor of presenting one of his research papers at the Sooner Communication Conference.

The conference took place on March 2-3 at the University of Oklahoma.

The Sooner Communication Conference is an event joining faculty and students from schools throughout the region and the nation. This conference specifically gives students and faculty the opportunity to discuss developments in theory and research from across the communication discipline. The conference also allows students to fine-tune research papers for other conferences and possible publications.

The Sooner Communication Conference allows undergraduates and graduates to present at a conference together on topics across the Communication board. These conferences also give the students the ability to practice presenting a topic to a specific audience.

Adams explained the complex nature of his research paper.

“My paper was a critique of a theory in communication called ‘The Coordinated Management of Meaning,’ ” Adams said. “This is a very complicated theory, but essentially it seeks to provide

an explanation of how we humans create and manage meaning through interaction.”

Adams’ paper is just one example of the many topics at the conference. The conference theme this year addressed the evolution in communication connections. Adams said he was honored at being selected to present.

“It was certainly an honor to have my paper selected for the conference and to get an opportunity to see some of the research others are doing within the field of communication,” Adams said.

According to Adams, the conference was an opportunity that he gained a lot from.

“Overall, I feel that I learned a lot from this experience, and I hope to participate in more conferences in the future,” Adams said.

While experiencing the thrill of presenting, Adams also had the opportunity to work with a professor at CU. Dr. Justin Walton, Associate Professor in the Communication Department, assisted Adams with this project.

“I’ve learned a lot from Dr. Walton throughout my undergrad career, and working with him was certainly a highlight of the conference,” Adams said.

While working with Dr. Walton, Adams also saw projects from other students who were presenting scholarly research.

“This conference consists

Photo courtesy of Corbin Adams

Communicating with confidence: Speech Communications senior Corbin Adams pose for a picture. Adams presented his research at the Sooner Communications Conference on March 2-3 at the University of Oklahoma. of mostly graduate students — and some undergrads — presenting scholarly research to an audience of peers and professors,” Adams said.

Adams was pleased with the experiences the conference afforded him.

“While the conference was a great opportunity for growth both professionally and personally, the opportunity to learn from Dr. Walton in a different context, outside of the classroom, is perhaps the experience that I value most

from this conference,” Adams said.

Cameron University makes student learning a top priority and having students like Adams present research at larger universities helps CU stay true to its values.

38th street construction nearing completion

By Tiffany Martinez Staff Writer

Citizens of Lawton have experienced a long seven months of construction in quite an active part of town: Northwest 38th Street, between Cache Road and Gore Boulevard. The construction, which is adjacent to both Cameron University and Comanche Memorial Hospital, is set for completion in the summer of 2012.

City of Lawton Engineer and designer of the 38th Street reconstruction, Jonith Grundmann, said that planning out the details for this project took 4 years.

“Major challenges prior to construction consisted of developing the plan and specifications, coordinating utility relocations, and acquiring additional right-of-way,” Grundmann said.

However, now that the project is underway, Lawton residents are growing impatient with the pace of its development.

La’Shaunte Casher, a 21-year-old Psychology major at CU, said she understands the need for construction along the roadway, but that the production feels untimely.

“I do like that the roads are being repaired, because they needed it badly,” Casher said. “I just wish the construction process moved along more quickly. It’s such a vital road.”

Grundmann assured that the significance of 38th Street was taken into consideration when creating the blueprint for this construction project.

“As an arterial that feeds Cameron University and Comanche Memorial Hospital, down time was a major consideration,” Grundmann said. “We are well aware that closing 38th Street between Gore and Cache to thru traffic is a major inconvenience to all who use it on a regular basis— but when considering safety, time and cost, it was determined to be the best option.”

According to Grundmann, Sherwood Construction Co., a construction business of Catoosa, Oklahoma, began work on the 38th reconstruction project in early September, and

Photo by Elijah Morlett

The long wait: Lawton citizens travel on the busy intersection of Northwest 38th Street and Gore Boulevard. The construction project is expected to be completed this summer. has 240 calendar days allocated for the project.

“The days allocated are adjusted due to circumstances beyond the contractor’s control, such as bad weather or utility conflicts,” Grundmann said. “At this point, Sherwood has been given an addition 21 days, but the estimated completion date changes every month.”

Sherwood Construction, Grundmann explained, is also the contractor for another construction site in Lawton — The Oklahoma Department of Transportation Project.

“Major contractors may work a number of projects simultaneously, and the problem is sometimes you are not their number one client, so they will put off your project to go work another one,” Grundmann said.

According to Grundmann, this is the reason that the

Primaries continued from page 1 At a campaign stop in Wisconsin on March 25, media outlets quoted Santorum criticizing Romney on his ability to campaign against “Obamacare”, due to Romney’s history with a similar healthcare system Romney implemented while Governor of Massachusetts.

“Pick any other Republican in the country,” Santorum said.

“He is the worst Republican in the country to put against Barack Obama.”

Santorum later defended his statements as being specifically

targeted towards Romney’s healthcare record.

On March 26, the candidate spoke out in response to pressure from a New York Times reporter on the issue.

Santorum said: “Quit distorting my words. It’s bullshit.”

Santorum’s campaign later released a statement on the outburst.

“Earlier today, while campaigning in Wisconsin, I criticized Romney and Obama for their outrageous healthcare legislation,” the letter read.

“Predictably, I was aggressively attacked by a New York Times reporter all too ready to defend the two of them, and all too ready to distort my words. Let me assure you, I didn’t back down, and I didn’t let him bully me.”

Romney’s campaign team has been quick to capitalize on Santorum’s attacks. In a statement to the Associated Press, Romney spokesman Ryan Williams said Santorum’s remarks were becoming “increasingly shrill” as his hopes of election slid away.

Romney has come under attack from many conservatives as well after his campaign strategist Eric Fehrnstrom

City of Lawton set out an incentive for early completion: A bonus of $1,000 per day for every day prior to the expected completion date.

“This is a first on a city project that I am aware of,” Grundmann said. “This fixed date would only change under very specific circumstances.”

Jerry Ihler, Public Works Director of the City of Lawton, is delighted at the progress made thus far and feels that it will only benefit the people of Lawton.

“When the project is complete the citizens of Lawton will have a much improved roadway which provides access to major facilities community: Kid’s Zone, Cameron University, and Comanche County Memorial Hospital,” Ihler said.

spoke about the changing nature of the election during a CNN appearance on March 21.

“Everything changes. It’s almost like an Etch A Sketch,” Fehrnstrom said. “You can shake it up and restart all over again.”

Opponents capitalized on the remark, with both Santorum and Gingrich bringing an Etch A Sketch to campaign events.

Etch A Sketch manufacturers Ohio Art Company reported an increase of sales and stock prince in an interview Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Romney’s campaign has in many ways already shifted focus towards the fall election. Romney was quick to criticize President Barack Obama’s “hot mic”

remarks at a meeting with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev in South Korea regarding U.S. missile defense capabilities.

ABC News quoted the President’s comments.

“This is my last election,” President Obama said. “After my election I have more flexibility.”

The Washington Post quoted Romney’s quick condemnation of the remark.

“President Obama signaled that he’s going to cave to Russia on missile defense,” Romney said, “but the American people have a right to know where else he plans to be flexible in a second term.”

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CU alumni give back through phonathon

By Tyler Boydston Staff Writer

Cameron University’s annual Phonathon started up this semester on Feb. 27 and will last until April 5. The Phonathon began in the spring 2010 semester and has been held every fall and spring term since its inception.

According to Athena Jarvis, Director of Development and University Advancement, the Phonathon uses student workers to call CU alumni for donations that go toward the school, with alumni having the chance to choose where the money donated goes to.

“The money received goes to the unrestricted, unless the person donating tells us where they want to put the money,” Jarvis said. “If they want it to go to a certain department, they are able to say where they want it to go.”

According to Jarvis, the Phonathon also works as a way to connect current students and CU alumni.

“CU’s Phonathon is a great giving opportunity to promote an affinity between the alumni and the Alma mater,” Jarvis said. “By having current CU students calling, it’s a great way to start an open line of communication to our Alumni. Who better to call an alumnus than someone that has walked the same halls, sat in the same classrooms and may even have had an instructor in common?”

In addition to connecting students from CU’s past and present, it also manages to keep alumni who are not in the immediate Lawton area updated on the status of the school.

“A lot of our alumni do not live in the Lawton area, and our students are able to receive updates on them as well as updating them on what’s happening

Photo by Elijah Morlett

Phonathon Fundrasing 101: CU Students Cameron Buckner and Kaysa Williams call alumni in an effort to raise funds and keep them abreast of campus changes. The Phonathon program began in the Spring of 2010. at CU,” Jarvis said. “We like to let them know about Plan 2013.”

The recruitment for this year’s Phonathon found students through advertisements and public appearances, Jarvis explained.

“We begin by recruiting and hiring great student callers, as they are the key to a successful Phonathon,” Jarvis said.

“This year we put an advertisement out on the web page asking for student workers. We also put up a table at the MCC to recruit students. This, however, isn’t a work study program.”

According to Jarvis, the students who worked for the Phonathon this year also had to go through training in

order to work the job and to know the routine in which the phone calls were to be made.

“We set up training to allow the students to practice calling and following a line of communication to get them comfortable in making calls,” Jarvis said. “There’s a skill to this that has to be picked up over time.

It’s really about opening up a line of communication and listening to the person on the other line.”

The student workers also set up information based on the alumni they are calling in order to know more about the alumni they call.

“We go through our alumni database

and make pledge forms that have the individual’s name, contact information and when they graduated, with what degree, that way the callers know who they’re calling,” Jarvis said. “We always start by confirming or updating the alumni’s address, phone and email to ensure that they are receiving information about current events at CU.” The Office of Development, in charge of the event, has a goal this semester for the Phonathon to reach.

“Our goal this semester is $20,000,” Jarvis said. “So far we’ve made over 10,400 phone calls.”

Forensics continued from page 1 The team said this is a testament to their ability to research and come up with positions on their own.

“It shows how strong we are independently,” Boudreaux said. “I feel like we are already doing a lot with the resources we have. When you get to those later rounds you are not only competing against the debaters, but the whole team.”

Rajpari and Williams were able to score a win against Northwest, claiming two out of 12 possible ballots in the preliminary rounds.

Although neither team moved onto the elimination rounds in the tournament, Rajpari said it was an honor to be a part of the prestigious tournament. As a freshman he will have the opportunity to make his way back to events like this in the future.

“When I first came on the team I wanted to feel like the team needed me and I needed them,” Rajpari said. “It feels good to be contributing to something big that is only going to get bigger.”

The next tournament for the Aggies was the National Parliamentary Debate Association National Tournament on March 22, also held at Western Washington. This time the field consisted of over 170 pairings from 55 schools.

Both teams from Cameron performed well, as neither team had a losing record. Boudreaux and Carlton went 5-3 on ballots in the prelims, while Williams and Rajpari were 4-4.

This tournament marked the first time in school history that a Cameron team qualified for the elimination round.

Carlton and Boudreaux fell behind 2-3 after the first five rounds, and had to win three straight rounds to qualify for the elimination round. Carlton said that they did not like their chances after day one.

“I told Paul when we got back to the hotel that we stood no chance,” Carlton said. “We had to go 3-0 tomorrow and the odds are not in our favor.”

The duo did exactly that, though, and punched their ticket to the elimination round, defeating Azusa Pacific,

Bales continued from page 1 “I condemn such violence and am shocked and saddened that a U.S. service member is alleged to be involved, clearly acting outside of his chain of command,” Secretary Panetta said. “I told President Karzai that the American people share the outrage felt by President Karzai and his fellow citizens.”

In a move that provoked ire from Afghan citizens, the Department of Defense moved Staff Sgt. Bales while in military custody to the military prison in Leavenworth, Kansas. Secretary Panetta responded to these concerns at a press gaggle from Kabul on March 16.

“The investigation is being done pursuant to the military code of justice, of military justice, and that it is following the procedures provided under that code,” Secretary Panetta said. “We will move forward with this investigation, we will complete it and we will hold the

Photo by Elijah Morlett

Cameron University’s All-American: Paul Boudreaux was one of seven debaters selected as National Parliamentary Debate Association All-American, a first for CU. Cedarville University and College of Idaho.

Unfortunately, the team was unable to make it past the triple-octo rounds, losing to William Jewel College in the elimination round.

In addition to being a member of the first team to compete in the elimination round, Boudreaux was chosen as one of seven selected as a National Parliamentary Debate Association All-American,

another first for Cameron. He said that it was the ultimate individual prize he could receive as a member of the forensics team.

“It is the crowning achievement as a competitor from the most respected organization that we are a part of,” Boudreaux said. “It feels good to be a representative of the organization.”

individual that was involved here accountable.”

Still, some Afghans believe that a trial in the U.S. will not bring them the level of justice they desire. In an interview with the Washington Post, Mohammad Wazir, an Afghan who lost 11 family members in the attack, expressed concerns about the investigation and trial.

“This is not acceptable for us,” Wazir said. “We want him to be tried in Afghanistan, in our presence.”

The U.S. government has not commented on the motive or state of mental health of Staff Sgt. Bales.

Details surrounding the exact circumstances of the shootings will presumably become clearer during the investigation, but according to early reports from officials, Bales was taken peaceably into custody.

International Security Assistance Force-Afghanistan spokesman Lt. Cmdr. James Williams said, “It appears he walked off post and later returned and turned himself in.”

John Henry Browne, a criminal defense attorney from Seattle, will represent Staff Sgt. Bales.

Browne appeared in an interview with Charlie Rose

on “CBS This Morning” on March 23 and spoke about his meeting with Staff Sgt. Bales and speculated on his mental health.

“This is going to be a very difficult case for the government to prove, in my opinion,” Browne said.

“There’s definitely brain injury, no question about it.”

Families of the victims in Afghanistan have allegedly received reparations in the form of money from the U.S government. According to reports from the New York Times, each family received $50,000 for each person killed. Media reports speculate total reparation payments are likely in excess of $800,000.

U.S. government officials have not confirmed the amounts of the settlements, but as reported in the Washington Post, Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings, an ISAF-A spokesman, financial payments are sometimes used in incidents like this.

“Settlement claims are, in most cases, a sensitive subject for those who have suffered losses, andusually the terms remain confidential,” Lt. Col. Cummings said.

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April 2, 2012

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The costs and pains of Hollywood’s 3D trend

by Tyler Boydston Staff Writer

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

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The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Edmond Sun via the Duncan Banner. The first issue is provided free of charge. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.

3D used to be a really fun, cheap gimmick that Hollywood put together for horror movies in the 80’s, when the franchises were slowly starting to take a nosedive in profits. 3D not only helped garner more money in ticket sales, but it was also just a fun experience. With different things being thrown at the audience in 3D, I found myself jumping in my seat when I first put on the blueand-red in middle school to watch a horror film on DVD. It was just good, cheesy fun.

What we have now, though, is what people call photorealistic 3D, the kind of three-dimensional film in which we can tell what characters are closer to the screen, but neither the action nor the scope of the film are really enhanced. This kind of 3D is every bit the cash grab just like what we had before, but it’s no longer fun.

Before I begin to rip into the trend of 3D films, I think I should first say that by now it seems like beating a dead horse.

Like making fun of “Twilight,” many people have said it before under the delusion of sounding original. Unlike most of them, I’m going to do something completely off the wall: I’m going to say something nice about it. After that, though, I’m going to continue my complaints and rant about it as much as I want.

There are some good things about 3D, things I’ve spent many hours trying to figure out — just so I don’t feel so cheated. With some movies, like “Jackass 3D” and “A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas,” the filmmakers tried to make fun of the 3D trend, or at least throw as much at the viewer as possible, taking full advantage of the technology at their disposal and being fun.

Other films, such as “Green Lantern,” utilizes the technology bring out the scope of the film, with the scenes taking place on the planet Oa in the film really shining.

Our Views

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

The unsigned editorial under the heading “Aggie Voices” 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.

Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.

More money awaits: Director James Cameron arrives at the ‘Titanic 3D’ UK film premiere at the Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, West London, on March 27. The relaunch is one of many films to be re-released for the sole purpose of being in 3D. Sadly, that’s all I can positively say about this new trend in movies. On the negative side, though, there is quite a bit.

When I saw “Fright Night” in 3D I realized something: I couldn’t tell what was going on.

The dark glasses I had to wear to see the film in three dimensions also made the already dark film nigh impossible to see. With as many night scenes that the film had, it was difficult to fully comprehend the actions taking place on screen. Watching it again in 2D made things a lot more clear.

The price of a ticket for a 3D film hurts my heart as much as my wallet. Tickets for 3D films usually run about three dollars more than tickets for films in 2D. This fact coupled with rising ticket prices makes me almost always choose to see films in 2D. Another thing that bothers me about the trend in 3D cinema is the re-releasing of older films converted to 3D to make more money. Companies

will usually throw out terms like “commemoration” or “grand scale,” but money is almost always the endgame for situations like this.

As much as I enjoyed a lot of Disney’s films when I was younger, I don’t care to see their films re-released in 3D. Even James Cameron’s film “Titanic” is soon going to be re-released in 3D. What I don’t understand about the re-releases, more than anything else, is that a person who pays to see these movies in 3D is only doing so for the 3D experience; after all, they can already find these films on TV on a regular basis. Why watch “Star

Wars” in the theaters for $12 when it’s a lot easier to catch it on Spike TV on the weekends?

The point I’m trying to make is loud and clear: Hollywood is desperate for money. If it wasn’t clear enough when “Lion King” got re-released last year, then once “Little Nemo” gets the re-release treatment later this year it should become painfully obvious. Maybe we should all just go see movies in 2D when given the chance.

Hopefully the 3D fad will die away soon enough, so we don’t all have to pay ludicrous amounts of money to waste away 100 minutes of our day.

Tattoos: The stories past the initial pain

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Photo courtesy of the Associated Press

by Aaron Gill

Asst. Managing Editor If there is one thing I know, it’s the adrenaline rush I get from getting in a black chair and my heart racing as a tattoo machine starts up.

When I think back onto all the tattoos I have gotten over the past three years, I realize that there were times in my life that I was in need of guidance or something that just made everything feel better, so I would go and get a tattoo and it would feel as though the pain went away. Now, I know that sounds a bit ridiculous and possibly redundant but the pain I felt inside at points of my life were far greater than the pain of any tattoo.

To date, I have fallen asleep through five of my tattoos and it is honestly one of the most relaxing experiences I have ever had. For me to be able to just fully relax as needles constantly puncture my skin and ink is injected into my pores is just something that makes me feel good.

I get asked all the time why I get tattoos and it is mostly by people that tell me they do not like tattoos or think they are

scarring my body. In that sense I can agree, I am scarring my body but not in the sense they believe I am.

The scars I have are colorful and tell the story of a lifetime.

I always refer to myself as a human canvas or just another storybook because that is exactly what I am. This may sound demeaning but I feel that people listen to stories if there is some kind of visual representation attached to it.

With my tattoos I can provide just that.

I was asked at a track meet my senior year why I had five tattoos at the age of 18 and my response was because they all meant something dear to my heart. The girl that asked the question was very religious and basically told me I was going to hell because I defamed the body I was given by Christ and that I would forever be dubbed a sinner in her eyes.

Sure, at that point in my life I had sinned but I was still a virgin and I have never touched alcohol or done anything that was illegal. I had told a few white lies here and there, but certainly nothing that was constituted as a sin that would send me straight to hell to rot in eternal damnation as she so eloquently put it.

That night I made it a mission to find this individual on Facebook and send her my story behind the tattoos and ask if she felt the same way.

She responded almost instantly to the story with remarks that were not introduced in our previous conversation. The funny thing was that once she had heard about the story of every tattoo it was as if she was

more accepting of my lifestyle and saw me in a completely different light. We then became friends and from then on I would send her pictures attached with a short story of why I got the tattoo and she would respond with whether or not she liked the tattoo.

The moral of that story is that if I could change one person’s mindset on tattoos and the institution of tattooing as a whole, I must have been doing something right for all the people that had ever been talked down to that had tattoos.

Today I woke up and looked down at my foot and saw the anchor I got about a month ago and smiled because it is something that I have been drawing since I was about 12-years-old. The reason for the anchor with love in the banner is because love is what keeps my feet firmly planted n the ground. I’m not talking about any kind of puppy love or a relationship, but rather the kind of love that springs out of a relationship with people whom you become extremely close to. That love is something that helps me get through my days.

I have told people on multiple occasions that when I get older I want to be that sleeved-out old man who does not care what society thinks.

In some ways that statement stands true, but in other aspects I have said I will never get tattoos that are demeaning to people in certain points of their lives.

I do not want to have to deal with people judging me in a professional environment when I go into an interview.

I want to get a job that cares more about the work I do and the content I produce rather than my outward appearance.

I know this will be a long shot but hopefully it will happen.

One day maybe people will just be all around more accepting of tattoos as generation gaps are closed.

Here’s to hoping.

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April 2, 2012

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Shutter Society

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Photo by Kelsey Carter Photo by Kelsey Carter

Capturing the sunset: As the sun drops low in the sky, several interesting images can be made.

By lining up the sun on different intersections, two examples of rule-of-thirds are created.

Rules to remember for remarkable results

by Kelsey Carter Staff Photographer

I first discovered I had an affinity for photography in high school, when I would look at National Geographic’s nature photos day after day instead of paying attention in class. That

passion exploded once I got a camera of my own. However, I was suffering a pretty tragic setback — I did not actually know how to make a great, or even relatively good picture.

It turns out I am not an adroit photography robot, and that it is not actually as simple as snapping the shutter when it comes to creating an artful image. Photography is, like many other activities, a learned skill with rules and techniques, some of which are essential to beginning a new hobby.

When I realized that I was not an innately a talented photographer — which took some convincing — I chose to educate myself with a book, Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure. I recommend this read for any new shutterbug,

especially those that don’t quite understand what it means to adjust the shutter speed, aperture and ISO to create “correct” exposures or things like depth of field.

Once those skills are mastered, if you’re anything like I was, you will be running out the door to shoot those correct images. When you upload for any post processing, though, you will find that they look good, but somehow lacking.

When I arrived at this stage, just as before, I just kept on reading. Any composition book or web page I come across I try to dig into, because I have found that rules combined with exposure aid in making a picture a work of art. A few easy-tolearn rules of composition essential for creating an artful

image include rule-of-thirds, depth, lines and perspective.

The rule-of-thirds is accomplished through dividing the image seen in your viewfinder into nine segments, then placing a subject of interest on the intersecting lines of some segment. The object can rest on the right, left or even the upper and lower thirds.

Depth is an interesting principle to play with; it can change the entire look, feel and perspective of an image.

Adjusting the aperture or making objects lying in the shallow, middle, or deep space appear in focus are ways to create shallow or deep depth-offield.

Lines are one of the five elements of design in art, and they play no small role in

photography. Lines may be used to lead the photographer’s eye to or away from an area of the image. They may also create rhythm and patterns, which create a strong positive feeling for the eye to look at.

Perspective is simply where the camera is at when the image is taken. Is it overhead? Level with the horizon? It can make all the difference in what you are trying to convey.

What is important, though, is that the photographer remembers that these rules are not concrete, and it is up to the creativity and discretion of the artist to make the photograph how they will. One of the keys rules in photography is to consider breaking the rules; but that is a topic to be discussed later.

Photo by Kelsey Carter

Slowly taking images: A glassy looking waterfall is created by slowing down the shutter speed and adjusting the aperture in order to get a correctly exposed image. The repetition of lines seen in the water draws the viewer’s eye and holds it.

Photo by Kelsey Carter Photo by Kelsey Carter

A closer look: A very shallow depth of field makes the edges of this book stand out while the edges of the image remain blurred. By choosing to shoot with a macro lens and adjusting the aperture so it is wide open, depth of field creates a unique look for this ordinary book.

Seeing the lines: This soft, neutral photo captures a more subtle, but intriguing, use of lines. Hard lines are seen across the pipe as they lead the viewer’s eye to the lines in the hand holding it, while the lighter, flowing lines made by the smoke carry the viewers eye to the photo’s corners.

6

Sports

April 2, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Aggies send ENMU packing

by Aaron Gill

Asst. Managing Editor

The Cameron Aggies baseball team hit a hot streak earlier this month sweeping Eastern New Mexico at home March 24 and 25.

The Aggies took the Greyhounds out in a four game series with three of the games being walk-off wins.

Game one for the Aggies started out with Taylor Lyons hitting a lead off double to start the Aggies off with a man in scoring position. Josh Dawson was next up to bat and kept the Aggies alive with a single. Brad Blumer hit into a groundout double but not before Lyons crossed over home and credited the Aggies with their first run of the day.

Eastern New Mexico responded in the top of the second tying the game 1-1.

There was no scoring action until the top of the sixth when the Greyhounds scored their final run to bring the game to a score of 2-1.

The Aggies fought back in the bottom of the seventh when Tyler Cox scored off an error by the second baseman and tied the game to send it into extra innings.

Blumer came to the plate for the Aggies after a defensive stance earlier in the inning and again hit a single to get on base. He advanced on an error committed by the Greyhounds third baseman. Blumer scored the game-winning run as the Greyhounds second baseman

Photo by Brandon Neris

Legging it out: Josh Dawson hustles to second and gets under a tag against Eastern New Mexico on March 25. Dawson batted .300 for the weekend and drove in four runs as the Aggies swept the Greyhounds and improved to 16-14, 4-4 on the season could not handle a ball hit to him by none other than the man who tied the game, Tyler Cox. The Aggies took game one with a final score of 3-2.

The Aggies head coach Todd Holland said the Aggies played well but needed some work at the plate.

“I guess a win is a win, but there are better ways to win,” Coach Holland said. “You’ve got to take advantage of the opportunities throughout the

game. I hope this sparks us; we’re really passive at the plate. We need a better approach.”

Game two for the Aggies started off with a bang as Lyons, Blumer and Andy Garcia all crossed the plate in the first inning.

Eastern New Mexico battled back in the second and third inning scoring one run in each.

The Greyhounds set up the game for a comeback as they scored two runs in the sixth to

bring the score to 4-3 in their favor.

With bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh Kevin Waukau stepped into the box and finished the night off for the Aggies with a walk off single.

Day two for the Aggies came out with the exact same result as they finished with the sweep winning game three and four with scores of 9-0 and yet another walk off game 5-4.

Game three for the Aggies was

a shutout as starter James Rhodes pitched a complete game allowing only four hits.

Coach Holland was astounded with the game Rhodes pitched and the way the Aggies pulled out the W. “Rhodes pitched a great game for us today,” said Holland.

Game four for the Aggies was another nail biter as it came down to the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Aggies were down 4-2 going into the bottom of the ninth and next up the plate was Andy Garcia. Garcia led off the inning with a single to right, followed by a shot to shortstop by Waukau.

Nick Smith was next up and reached on a bunt laid down the third base side.

Cox then came to the plate and hit a single straight to center sending both Garcia and Waukau across the plate for the Aggies to tie the game 4-4.

Benshell Garcia followed that with a shot to right field and put the game-winning run in scoring position on second. Taylor Lyons drew a walk and set the stage for Josh Dawson. Dawson delivered the game winning single scoring cox for the Aggie victory, 5-4.

Coach Holland was pleased with the way his Aggies came ready to play ball but said they still have some work to do.

“It’s always good to play at home,” Holland said. “It seems like the last at-bats always win games. We just lost two like that in Canyon (West Texas). I am happy about our four wins, but we could have done more.”

Photos by Matthew Berberea

Photos by Matthew Berberea

Perfect at home: Sophomore Florencia Tornero and freshman Nicolai Ferrigno hammer backhands during their matches against Southeastern Oklahoma State March 28 at Streich Henry Tennis Complex. Ferrigno and Tornero both won their doubles and singles matches to help the Black and Gold claim 9-0 victories for the men and women.

Aggie Tennis quiets the Storm at home

by Colin DuRant Staff Writer

While many Cameron students spent their spring break vacationing, Cameron Aggie tennis carried on with their spring season with the men and women experiencing mixed results on the road before returning home March 28 to defeat the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm.

The men began their road trip with a loss against the Laredo Junior College Palominos in Kingsville, Texas.

The men earned some early success in doubles competition with both the No. 1 team of Nicolai Ferrigno and Mateus Campos, as well as the No. 2 pair of Thomas Peixoto and Gonzalo Garzon earning wins 8-3, 8-6 respectively. The pair of wins would be the men’s only success of the day however as the Palominos went on to sweep singles to secure the win 7-2.

The next match for the men was against Lone Star Conference opponent Incarnate Word in San

Antonio. Despite strong singles performances from Peixoto, Duje Janjic and Jorge Gerosi, the men would fall to the Cardinals after failing to pick up any doubles victories.

The matches continued the next day against the St. Mary’s University Rattlers picking up a win, 7-2. All three doubles pairs picked off the St. Mary’s teams to begin the match with a 3-0 lead.

In singles play, Peixoto, Janjic, Garzon and Angelo Lencioni all picked up wins at the No. 1, 2, 4, and 6 slots.

For their last road match, the men faced St. Edward’s University on their home courts in Austin, Texas and secured a narrow 5-4 victory. Only the doubles pair of Janjic and Lencioni managed a win putting the Aggies at a 1-2 start to the match, but strong singles performances from Peixoto, Ferrigno, Garzon and Campos allowed Cameron to win.

Coach James Helvey felt especially strongly about the performance from senior Mateus Campos in the match.

“Mateus won the match for the

guys,” Helvey said. “He was the last match on and one set down.”

Returning home to play the Southeastern Oklahoma State Savage Storm the men managed a home sweep, taking the win 9-0.

The men didn’t drop a single set in the No. 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 positions in singles play. The victory brings the Aggie netters to a 13-6 record on the season.

The women began their spring break play in Kingsville against Texas A&M-Kingsville. The ladies secured a 9-0 win against the Javelinas, dropping only two games in the entire match.

The next day, the Lady Aggies took to the courts against the Incarnate Word Cardinals and earned a 6-3 victory. Only the doubles pair of Elvira Sholles and Antonia Moberg won in doubles play, 8-3, but Amanda Moberg, Julia Puckhaber, Sara Londono, and Antonia Moberg all won in their singles matches at the No. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 slots respectively.

The women picked up another win against St. Mary’s University, 8-1, in San Antonio. After losing one doubles match at the No. 2

position, all six singles matches ended up in wins for Cameron with none of the women dropping a single set.

Carrying on with their road trip, St. Edward’s fell to Cameron’s racquets 5-3. Only the number three of Julia Puckhaber and Antonia Moberg secured a victory in doubles play, 8-2. For singles, Amanda Moberg, Julia Puckhaber, Florencia Tornero and Antonia Moberg all picked up wins to secure the overall victory.

Coach Helvey expressed

satisfaction with his team’s success in San Antonio.

“We had two great wins today,” Helvey said. “I’m very proud of how both the men and women played.”

At home, the women achieved a mirror sweep to the men’s against the Savage Storm of Southeastern Oklahoma State, 9-0. Amanda Moberg and Sara Londono managed an 8-0 win in doubles at the No. 1 position.

In singles, the women continued with their success without dropping a single set.

7

A&E

April 2, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Archaeologist shares story of Bactrian Gold

by Sarah Brewer Staff Writer

Archaeologist, explorer and curator of the National Geographic exhibit, “Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul,” Dr. Frederik Hiebert, spoke to staff, faculty and the community on March 27.

The Cameron University Art Department sponsored the visit, and his lecture was presented in concurrence with Cameron’s triennial Academic Festival, “Afghanistan: Its Complexities and Relevance.”

Dr. Hiebert has traced ancient trade routes overland and across the seas for more than 20 years. He has led excavations at ancient Silk Road sites across Asia, from Egypt to Mongolia.

In addition, he conducts underwater archeology projects both in the Black Sea and in Lake Titicaca.

His discovery of lost Bactrian gold in Afghanistan in 2004 is the focus of his exhibit, which drew over a million visitors in the United States and continues to tour around the world.

Dr. Hiebert was welcomed at a luncheon held at the MCC Ballroom entitled, “A Taste of Afghanistan.” He gave a presentation of his past endeavors and a preview of his forthcoming lecture as guests dined on Afghan cuisine Sodexo

the discovery one of the largest collections of intact ancient art that is said to exist.

The tale began in 1988 in Afghanistan, after the nation had endured 10 years of a violent civil war. Government and National museum officials worried that the museum in Kabul would be destroyed or looted, so they moved its historical artifacts to secret hiding places before the Taliban initiated a campaign to “destroy all images” in 2001.

In 2003, reports revealed that several trunks from the museum that had been deposited and at the Central Bank in Kabul and were still intact.

For Dr. Hiebert, the news revived the hope of finding the long-lost artifacts.

“For two decades, we had discussed the fate of the Bactrian gold,” he said. “Nobody knew where it was; in fact, there had been rumors that it had been stolen or melted down or taken away to Russia. “ photo by Sarah Brewer However, when the vault was cracked open, Dr. Hiebert and Hidden Treasures: National Geographic archaeologist Dr. his team were skeptical when Fredrik Hiebert discusses ancient Afghan culture and how he they saw piles of old plastic bags found the lost Bactrian Gold. containing beads and jewelry instead of gleaming mountains prepared specifically for this little Persian’ and it’s true,” he occasion said. “It all melds together into a of gold.

“We had never seen anything According to Dr. Hiebert, unique flavor.” like this,” he said. “I was Afghanistan’s food is indicative During his lecture later in expecting this to be a moment of its culture. the evening Dr. Hiebert told a of wonder but for most of the “People will say, ‘that tastes story of an ancient culture and people who were there, it wasn’t.” a little Indian’ or ‘that tastes a of modern heroism, recounting

Dr. Hiebert described the instant he and his team realized that the contents of the plastic bags were confirmed to be the hidden treasure they had been searching for.

“Finally—and I remember this moment so clearly— our excavator Viktor Sariandi pulled out a flower hair piece made of gold,” he said. “He looked at it and his eyes got really large. It was at that moment that the aura of disbelief fell from the eyes of the Afghans and realized they had saved their own cultural heritage.”

Dr. Hiebert then explained how the artifacts were selected for the exhibits and dismissed claims that these historical objects were are kept out of Afghanistan for safekeeping.

“These treasures are the best ambassadors Afghanistan has in terms of telling the story of a unique culture that has been important to the world for thousands of years and continues to be important today,” he said.

Dr. Hiebert hopes that the exhibition changes every misconception people may have about Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan has a deep cultural heritage, and if we can get that understanding and we can get your curiosity up about Afghanistan as an interesting place for human interaction than our exhibit and our work has done its job,” he said.

CU Spring breakers aid photo recovery in Joplin

by Sarah Brewer Staff Writer

Cameron University spring breakers had the history of Joplin, MO and the legacy of photographer Murwin Mosler at their fingertips when they alphabetized over 25,000 negatives excavated from the rubble of his daughter’s home after it was hit by the May 22nd tornado and were brought to the Joplin Museum Complex (JMC).

The project, one of many restoration assignments AmeriCorps designated for volunteers serving in Joplin, continued the work of preserving the city’s history. Volunteers worked to reunite the city’s residents with the photographs Mosler has shot of their family members.

The contents of Mosler’s work stretches from 1939 to 1986 and includes wedding portraits, yearbook pictures and community photographs that were published in “The Joplin Globe,” the city’s newspaper.

Mosler was a well-known

Joplin resident, and his private collection is the subject of a pictorial history book Brad Belk, the JMC’s executive director, wrote.

According to Belk, the collection of negatives was recovered from Mosler’s studio and then added to the previously archived negatives and portraits at the JMC. “Mosler’s studio was in the heart of the storm, and ironically, everything in his building and former studio was destroyed but two connected walls,” Belk said. “Volunteers rescued them, but some that were retrieved from the tornado zone may not be as well takencare of because they were out in the elements for a day.”

Belk hopes to reunite photos with people who might have forgotten about them or were unaware of their existence entirely.

“We’re hoping to connect to people who have lost everything,” Belk said.

According to Belk, the tornado is a historic moment

The Silver Spoon brings local flavor

by Colton Rowe

photo by Sarah Brewer

Pictures of the past and present: Kehinde Adedeji ensures each batch of negatives are sorted correctly. The JMC project was one of many CU volunteers completed in Joplin. that residents and historians alike have explored and documented.

“People have shot pictures and footage with their phones and cameras. Five documentaries are being produced and two books are being written. There’s a lot of information out there,” Belk said.

CU students and spring breakers got a better glimpse of how a thriving mining community grew into the city of Joplin when they sifted through the negatives and later walked

through the many exhibits on display at the JMC. Kehinde Adedeji did not expect to organize a collection of photographs while in Joplin, but the 22-year-old sophomore Information Technology major later recognized the importance of his service at the JMC and wanted to continue to do more to assist the staff in their preservation efforts.

When a JMC staff member unearthed another negative of a wedding portrait of Jane Pitt, actor Brad Pitt’s mother. Adedeji was fascinated that Mosler’s work included so many Joplin

residents and touched so many lives.

“It was amazing to know that she was from Joplin and it made me want to keep working,” Adedeji said.

Adedeji learned how the work of preservation begins not only with keeping photos, but also in acknowledging how photos are valued for the subjects they depict and allow their memories to live on.

“I know those pictures will bring memories when they are returned,” Adedeji said. “These pictures will live on.”

photo courtesy of The Silver Spoon

Local Cuisine: The Silver Spoon offers local dishes ranging from sandwiches to cakes

Staff Writer

The Silver Spoon, a new addition to downtown Lawton, invites guests to eat some homemade-style meals.

The Silver Spoon is a bistro-like restaurant that serves dishes such as soups, salads and sandwiches. In 2006, Vera Oldham opened the Silver Spoon Kitchen and Bakeshop in Walters as an extension of the catering service she had been providing out of her own home. However, the Silver Spoon proved so popular that, six months ago, Oldham moved her restaurant to downtown Lawton.

Oldham was originally a resident of Lawton, but moved to Walters to enjoy the countryside with her family. She now commutes from her home in Cotton County to the Silver Spoon.

Oldham describes the Silver Spoon as part of her home and her staff as part of the family.

“The Silver Spoon is really an extension of my kitchen,” she said, “We have a very homey feel here; everyone is like family.”

Some of the staff actually is family; Oldham’s youngest son Austin is co-owner and one of the chefs.

The restaurant has three main areas: the dining area, the loft, and the red room.

The dining area, located at the front of the building, is where most guests eat. The loft

is more popular after dark, when alcohol and live music burn up the night. Finally, the red room is located in the back, and can be reserved for private parties.

Oldham describes the restaurant as elegant, but familiar. The rustic look of the new building was based on the Silver Spoon’s former residence.

“The building we moved from was very old, and when we moved here, I wanted to keep the nostalgia,” Oldham said.

Part of that nostalgia, Oldham explained, is a large, wooden door built into one of the walls, standing like a portal to a fantasy world.

“This building used to be a Johnson’s creamery, and that door was the door to the old freezer.” she said. “We had to remove twenty-two coats of paint to get it back down to the wood.”

The Silver Spoon has strong ties to Cameron. Oldham majored in business at Cameron, and several members of her staff are currently students.

Oldham says that, of all the compliments she has gotten, she gets one over and over again.

“People are always telling me, ‘This is the kind of place Lawton really needed,’” Oldham said. “The live entertainment helps give an energy to the place, and let’s patrons enjoy live music.”

To learn more about The Silver Spoon, call 1.580.357.6800, or check out the Silver Spoon’s Facebook page.

8

Crossroads

April 2, 2012

www.aggiecentral.com

Photo by Sarah Brewer

CU students join Joplin disaster relief

by Sarah Brewer Staff Writer

Photo by Sarah Brewer

Photo by Sarah Brewer

Photo by Sarah Brewer

Photo by Teewhy Dojutelegan

Photo by Sarah Brewer

Soaked with rain, mud and sweat, CU students joined hundreds of volunteers in Joplin, Missouri, at the Elks Lodge during their spring break to haul fallen tree branches and debris from the tornado-devastated area.

The Elks Lodge was one of the first sites where the EF5 tornado touched down on May 22, 2011, and it was the first task CU tackled alongside other volunteers serving in Joplin during their spring breaks.

Together, they all formed lines like brigades of firefighters and passed debris piece-by-piece to the edge of the wooded area for curb side pickup scheduled for April 16.

Debris removal is still crucial to ongoing recovery efforts in Joplin, as many of its residents cannot dispose of some of the hazardous materials alone.

CU students working at the Elks Lodge, including 22-year-old biology major Rebecca Aremu and 20-year-old communications major Bishaka Karki, embodied the spirit of service and remained upbeat despite working in a downpour of freezing rain.

Karki said that bonding with other volunteers made her experience enjoyable.

“It’s like we all knew each other because we’re working as a team and doing the same thing,” she said. “It feels really good to see all the people who came out to help in Joplin, even though they were not directly part of the disaster.”

Aremu believes that service should be given no matter what the situation.

“It’s not about having a take-care-of-your-own mentality. If we say ‘take-care-of-your-own’ or ‘mind-your-own-business,’ then there isn’t going to be anyone doing what we’re doing,” Aremu said. “We all have to lend a hand when the alarm sounds, because we never know when a disaster will happen to us.”

Reactions to the wreckage in Joplin varied among CU students.

Some, like Aremu, were rendered speechless at the sight of cavedin buildings and rubble still piled high on main city streets. “ The funny part is that we never get natural disasters in Nigeria.

The only things we get are floods when it rains heavily,” Aremu said.

“We don’t have tornadoes, we don’t have earthquakes; we don’t have anything like that. This is my first experience seeing how severe a tornado can be.”

The CU Spring Breakers served alongside experienced volunteers who have been working with non-profit organizations like Relief Spark since the May 22 tornado.

Sidney Ray launched the organization with a group of friends in California after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in September 2005.

According to Ray, teams of volunteers may overlook local agencies and organizations, but those local groups depend on their assistance nevertheless.

“Volunteers serving in a small town may not see or hear of existing non-profit organizations that need post-disaster help because they are focusing on debris removal, but those non-profit organizations need just as much help,” Ray said.

CU students completed a variety of other assignments for local organizations, including walking and bathing stray cats and dogs at the Humane Society, archiving negatives from photographer Murwin Mosler’s studio at the Joplin Museum Complex, and mudding and prepping walls for a paint at the House of Hope, a nondenominational center that provides faith-based counseling to teens.

Ray applauded the tenacity CU students demonstrated while serving Joplin throughout their spring break trip and was glad to hear that they had received a well-rounded perspective of the resilient city.

“It’s one of the best ways to go about recovery alongside rebuilding homes,” Ray said. “It all builds community and brings people together.”

Photo by Sarah Brewer

Hand to hand and piece by piece: Cameron University students pass the remnants of fallen trees with other volunteers near Elks Lodge in Joplin, Missouri, during spring break. Volunteers remained positive despite working in less than perfect weather conditions on all but two of the five days they were in Joplin.