COLLEGIAN THE CA M ERON U N I V ER SIT Y
Monday, January 30, 2006
News
Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926
Volume 79 Issue 15
Do you believe in magic?
What’s all the ‘BUZZ’ about? SEE PAGE 10
A&E
Lightnin’ strikes the CU Theatre. SEE PAGE 6
Sports
Photo by Kenny Scarle
Getting started: Krista Lemley, chemistry senior, and Dr. Danny McGuire work on synthesizing compounds used to grow crystals. Lemley has been working with McGuire for two years and plans to continue her work in graduate school.
By Kathleen Kelly Collegian Staff
The flame red crystal is poised tenuously at the tip of a delicate glass filament as the mystery of its molecular structure is slowly revealed. The ebb and flow of melodious sound fills the room. To the uninitiated, it seems magical. To students of chemistry, it is the culmination of hours of lab work conducted under the
Basketball team wants Moore. SEE PAGE 9
Voices
Lock and load: Will principals armor up for class? SEE PAGE 3
Office: Nance Boyer 2060 Phone: 580•581•2261 Email us at : collegian@cameron.edu First Copy Free - $.25 for each additional copy Contents © The Collegian 2005
That was all it took
supervision of Dr. Danny McGuire, assistant professor of chemistry, and signifies the wizardry of the 21st century. Krista Lemley and Jesse Wilson, chemistry seniors, are two of the students working with McGuire this semester. Each works in the chemistry lab once a week. Lemley began working with McGuire two years ago, synthesizing compounds used to grow crystals. A recent incident led to an unexpected outcome.
See CHEMISTRY, page 5
Luck, be an Aggie
By Kenny Scarle
By Blake Red Elk
Collegian Staff
Alan Biffle knows what he wants, and he is well on his way to getting it. Biffle, interdisciplinary studies senior, has been steadily working towards his career ambition: his own production business. After graduation, Biffle plans to move to Nashville to start his own company, producing short films and music videos. But this wasn’t always the plan. “Before coming to Cameron,” Biffle said, “I attended UCO for almost two years. I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I just took the basics.” The classes he has taken at CU have given him a focus for the creative talents that were just waiting to be tapped. As a student with an emphasis in music and television production, Biffle first took field production with Dr. Matt Jenkins, associate professor of communications. He also worked in some labs and on CUTV shows. He found the work interesting, particularly the production side of the business. “Everything Alan does (in school) is bringing him closer to his goals,” Jenkins said. “It’s refreshing to see his passion and motivation in attaining his ambitions.” Last fall, while volunteering to assist with the sound equipment for the annual Cameron University Country Jazz Fusion concert, Biffle met Mac Wilson, manager for The Johnny Hiland Band. The headliner for the concert, Johnny Hiland, is a guitar prodigy who has performed sessions with country music superstars Ricky Skaggs,
“I made a mistake when I was synthesizing a compound in the lab,” she said. McGuire said it wasn’t a mistake. “It was an unexpected result,” he said. “We synthesized a compound that apparently is both soluble and insoluble in the same solvent.”
News Writing Student
Photo by Kenny Scarle
Editing away: Alan Biffle works on a music video in the editing lab. Biffle plans to become a producer after graduation. Toby Keith and Randy Travis, among others. Hiland was eventually signed to a record deal with Steve Vai and recently made his solo debut with his self-titled album. “I spoke with Mac, Johnny Hiland’s manager,” Biffle said, “and mentioned to him my ambition to move to Nashville and produce music and video.” That was all it took. Wilson wanted to see what this kid from Cameron University could do. He asked to see a sample of Biffle’s work. From footage taken that night, Biffle created a demo of Wilson’s client. Wilson liked it. He liked it so much that Biffle has been
See BIFFLE, page 2
Viva Cameron! Feb. 6 to Feb. 10 is Cameron University’s annual Homecoming Week. The theme for this year is: “Luck Be an Aggie,” with a week full of exciting and free events for all students with a casino theme. “We’re bringing the excitement of Las Vegas right here to campus,” said Student Activities Director Courtney Hardin. “We’ve come up with some really fun events for students.” The week kicks off on Monday night with a “Casino Night” to be held in the Shepler Mezzanine at 7 p.m. The evening will feature slot machines, blackjack, poker and other casino games, but it is also a charity event. “To get into Casino Night, you have to bring canned food items. Each can is worth $100 play money for the games but each person can only earn a maximum of $500,” Programming Activities Council (PAC) Cochairman Frank Myers said. The cans will be donated to the Lawton Food Bank. Tuesday night will feature comedian Tess Drake in the Shepler Mezzanine at 8 p.m. “You’ve seen Tess on BET, Comedy Central and NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing.’ She’s amazing,” Myers said. Wednesday is the highlight of the week.
See HOMECOMING, page 7
News
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January 30, 2006
Workforce Oklahoma paves road to employment for CU students By Kelley Burt Collegian Staff
As students move through college and branch out on their career paths, utilizing resources is a necessity. Cameron University has teamed up with Workforce Oklahoma to provide students with free job assistance from 1:30-4:30 p.m. every Thursday in North Shepler, room 113. Workforce Oklahoma
representative Kevin Haselton said students are provided with the opportunity to utilize various resources in the employment arena. “A representative from Workforce will assist students in initiating job searches and creating plans for integration into the workforce,” he said. The service offers an introduction to state and federal job opportunities, as well as to companies seeking to invest in interns, possibly leading to future employment. Haselton said that Workforce is a nationwide organization funded by the federal government. Workforce provides job assistance services to the public on various levels. Workforce is a group of for-profit and nonprofit organizations that work together
within individual communities to help employers and job seekers find one another. “Employers can post new job positions, free of charge, and search for resumes of individuals who fit their specific requirements,” he said. “Job seekers can conduct job searches based on their specific interests and/or qualifications.” In addition to facilitating contact between employers and job seekers, Workforce provides various education and training classes and assists in creating clear, concise resumes. Workforce also has the resources to contact an employer or job seeker via email or telephone. Workforce Oklahoma’s main office is located at 1711 SW 11th St. and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In the main office, four representatives assist an average of 160 individuals daily. CU’s quiet classroom provides an alternative location where students can utilize all of Workforce Oklahoma’s resources with the benefit of individualized attention.
KRT Campus
Photo by Kenny Scarle
BIFFLE, Continued from page 1 commissioned to produce a sixminute video for Johnny Hiland, tailored specifically for submission to the Boston Pops. This is Biffle’s first big break in the music industry. Biffle’s ambitions aren’t limited to the production of other people’s products, but also include his own music. With 15 original songs, eight of which have been produced, this pop-country musician has been hard at work. “I write, perform and produce all of my own music,” Biffle said. “I want my legacy to be showing music to others. But not just any music – innocent music – music that is family oriented and based on love.” Biffle, a vocalist for only three years, is no stranger to music. He has been involved with it his entire life. Growing up onstage in church
playing various instruments, he feels that is a definite influence in what he does. “Churches always have a ‘country’ feel to them, it seems to me,” Biffle said. “I’ve been around it my whole life.” This path wasn’t always smooth. When he decided to expand his musical repertoire to include vocals, he began to take voice lessons. That’s when he found some people close to him weren’t so supportive. “I remember one very painful moment of my life,” Biffle said. “Someone very close to me heard me sing for the first time, and it was all he could do not to laugh. He was someone I looked up to, and it really hurt. But I had the courage to believe in myself, even when other people didn’t.”
Cameron honors the McCasland Foundation President Cindy Ross is proud to announce a Cameron Village apartment building has been named McCasland Hall in recognition of the generous contributions the McCasland Foundation of Duncan has made to the university through the last two decades. The University of Oklahoma, Cameron University and Rogers State University Board of Regents, CU’s governing body, unanimously approved the action during Wednesday’s regularly scheduled meeting in Norman.
“For more than 20 years, the McCasland Foundation has self lessly invested in the lives of Cameron University’s students,” Ross said. “McCasland Hall will stand as a lasting monument to a foundation that has provided countless opportunities for CU students in Duncan, Lawton and throughout Southwest Oklahoma.” Barbara Braught, Executive Director of the McCasland Foundation, said the foundation was honored by the recognition. “This is a great distinction,
one that the McCasland Foundation will cherish,” Braught said. “The McCasland Foundation is proud of its relationship with Cameron University. We believe that by supporting the educational endeavors of Cameron University, we are supporting the future of Southwest Oklahoma and the entire state.” The McCasland Foundation has provided more than $2.5 million in gifts and pledges for numerous student scholarships, capital improvement projects and 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 21 22 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35
ACROSS 1 Stately display 5 Promenade 10 Type of school 14 Gen. Bradley 15 Jeopardy 16 Libertine 17 Rational 18 Ink ingredient 19 Actor Holliman 20 Start of e.e. cummings quote 23 Glossy fabric 24 Ham’s brother 25 Drenches 29 Faces the day 33 Oven setting 36 Palindromic address 38 “Giant” ranch name 39 Part 2 of quote 40 Part 3 of quote 42 Part 4 of quote 43 Sharply defined
45 46 47 49 51 53 57 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 1 2 3 4 5 6
Norway’s largest city __ in the belfry Serengeti stalkers Gossipmonger Exploits Totally confused End of quote Medicinal plant Colorful mounts Stable dweller Leslie Caron film Stingless bee Met highlight Abound Favorable responses Vichy very DOWN Military stations Nebraskan metropolis “Olympia” painter Argument’s proposition Simians Thaw
37 40 41 44 46 48 50 52 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62
Make beer or coffee Some beans Inventor Gray Early neonate Kerouac book, “On the __” Continental currency Ill-gotten gains Lennon’s love __ incognita GPs’ org. Pugilist’s triumph Pert Thompson of “Family” French state Utters Musical family name Comrade “Twittering Machine” painter 5,280 feet Northern constellation Male progeny Mighty Ducks’ home Tub accessory Substantially made Label Put in mothballs Bart or Ringo Unearthly Vicinities Cartoonist Kelly Nastase of the nets Lacquerware Vietnam neighbor Actress Bancroft Employs
36 endowed lectureships. Each project has enhanced Cameron’s ability to provide students with a top quality education and collegiate experience. “The McCasland Foundation and Cameron University have been tremendous partners,” Ross said. “Together, we are working to make Cameron the ‘University of Choice’ in
‘Eight Weeks to Optimum Health’ subject of discussion At 3:15 p.m. Thursday in the library reading room Professor Becky Pazoureck will facilitate a discussion of Dr. Andrew Weil’s book, “Eight Weeks to Optimum Health.” Read the book, participate in the discussion and learn how to take advantage of your body’s natural healing power.
Southwest Oklahoma. As Cameron enters its second century, this partnership will continue to provide excellent educational opportunities for our students.” McCasland Hall will be officially dedicated during a special ceremony scheduled in March.
President Ross hosts open door meetings CU students are welcome to visit with president Ross at Open Door meetings scheduled from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Feb. 10 and from 4-5 p.m. March 23. The meetings are informal and may cover a wide range of topics. Call 581.2201 to reserve a time for a meeting.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT UPDATE
At the weekly Student Government Association (SGA) meeting last Monday, the January 2006 Financial Report was approved. The 24th Annual Oklahoma Student Government Association Spring Conference will be held at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma on March 4-5 . For more information on attending, contact the SGA Office at 581.2444.
Legislation was brought before the Assembly to change the name of “Enrollment Clinic” to “Gold Rush.” The legislation will be voted on next week. Vice-President Larry Kruse addressed the Senate regarding the CU Lectures and Concerts Committee. This committee funds events for the entire Cameron community. Proposals for a Cameron event are due no later than March 3 in North Shepler, room 324.
January 30, 2006
Aspirations abound in alternate reality
A
fter class on Friday I robbed a bank. I walked right in through the front door and hunted down every single guard I could find, working my way from the front of the building to the back, and incinerated them all in a fiery Hell I’m positive the innocents of Paragon City will work into ode and tale. I ripped the bank vault door from its hinges, took the money in one hand, and made my escape in a matter of 15 minutes. The only proof of my fiasco is a series of charred corpses and a vault once full, now empty. To speak my name is to utter vulgarity. To speak of my deeds is to utter sin. I am death and I am destruction. I am hate and I am revenge. I am Temporal Flame, Mercy Isle villain and Dominator extraordinaire. What did you do after class on Friday? When Cryptic Studio’s “City of Heroes” hit the stores in 2004, I did everything in my power to get a copy of the game and Internet access at home, including finding and keeping a job. Now, with the release of the “City of Heroes” expansion pack (City of Villains), I officially have no real-world life. I’ll admit it. I’m completely taken by the idea of possessing super-human abilities and using those abilities to better our planet. But let’s be honest. Wouldn’t it be cooler to use your powers for Evil instead? Well, Halloween 2005 I got my wish. Cryptic released “City of Villains” and now I spend endless hours in my room – hours I should probably spend doing my homework – robbing banks, various Paragon innocents David Bublitz kidnapping and beating down any who believe they can stand in my way. But the thrills don’t end there. As a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game), “City of Villains” offers its players opportunities to team up with each other, combat each other and even form huge super-groups with base-building options. Probably my favorite characteristic of the game is the powerselection opportunities and the costume options. As a player you have the ability to create practically any kind of hero or villain you want. The powers range from fire-manipulation to electricity, dark-energy, mind-control and a plethora of other abilities that leave you craving more. If that wasn’t enough, Cryptic releases upgrades in the form of issues, adding more powers, more costume options and more missions for seemingly endless game-play opportunities. For a writer and avid comic book fan like myself, “City of Heroes” has been like a dream come true. But I think that the game really speaks to me on a human level. We all aspire to be more than what we are; it’s human nature to do so. But Cryptic has given countless people planet-wide an opportunity to be those heroes – or villains – they dreamed of being as children. Cryptic has given us an opportunity to fly the sometimes not-sofriendly skies and rescue or curse the innocent masses. Cryptic has given countless people worldwide an opportunity to free themselves from the shackles of their mortality and to become more than just human. They’re heroes and they’re villains. They’re saviors and they’re tyrants. They’re the “City of Heroes” players across the globe.
Voices
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Our Voice
Bill 2075 merely a prompt for dialogue? Will public school principals and superintendents soon be the exceptions in our “gun-free school zones”? Apparently, they could have all along. State Rep. Glen Bud Smithson, D-Sallisaw, has authored a bill intended to allow school superintendents and principals to carry firearms on school property where they are employed if approved by the school board. For most of us, the idea of principals with loaded guns conjures up a number of possibly tragic scenarios. But those who support the idea have their arguments. In a Jan. 6 press release from the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Smithson explained that his writing the bill was the result of multiple requests from rural school superintendents and principals who were concerned about the safety of students and teachers in the event of violence. With rural schools being located farther away from law enforcement personnel, school officials are the first line of defense should there be a problem. Those rural school officials chose their target well. Smithson is a firearm safety instructor and retired police officer, certainly an authority in the area of weapons and safety. His bill includes the provision
that a carrier be licensed to carry a concealed weapon, which involves classes, a background check by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), passing an exam and fingerprinting. With guns on campus the potential for harm seems to outweigh the potential for good. Violent situations that might call for a gun are rare. If they occur, what are the chances that the gun-wielding official will be in the right place at the right time with the right constitution to pull the weapon? And then would it be effective? Or would it prompt the very violence its presence is supposed to suppress? Then too, there is a bit of ambiguity about why the bill was written in the first place. According to Keith Adams, also a firearm safety instructor as well as a teacher at Lawton High School, the law already reads that though possession of a firearm or weapon on school property is a felony, exception is made for “a peace officer or other person authorized by the board of education.” (Section 1280.1 Amended-Possession of Firearm on School Property). If the mechanism is in place to allow those authorized by the local boards of education to carry firearms, new legislation seems redundant, unless there’s another reason for bringing it up.
Is education no longer a valued commodity? Stanford University is one of the world’s great research institutions, so when the school’s president talks about American universities in the 21st century, it pays to listen. In a discussion about China and India outstripping the United States in math and science education, Stanford’s John Hennessy was asked whether U.S. universities should give preferential admission to American students in those fields. “Maybe so,” said Hennessy, himself a distinguished engineering researcher, “if we could get these students in the first place.” The National Science Foundation warns that America is not producing enough researchers to maintain the country’s leading role in science and technological progress. As Hennessy indicated, U.S. graduate applications in the sciences and engineering are down. True, mediocre K-12 education plays a big role in this crisis, and, yes, there must be systemic reform. But the Stanford president told us that there’s a more fundamental problem the American people have yet to face: a widespread loss of faith in education’s value.
Immigrant communities used to be especially devoted to education, he said, but “now you only really see it among immigrants from Asia.” He mentioned Condoleezza Rice’s grandfather, a sharecropper who worked hard to get a college degree and who, by instilling in his descendants a deep belief in the transformative power of education, produced within two generations one of the most powerful women in the world. This is what education can do for those who believe in hard work and scholarly self-discipline. That used to be most Americans. What happened? How did we fall from a nation that respected teachers and treasured the gift of learning into one with an entitlement mentality? Lawmakers in Texas and Washington can tool with education policy all they like, but no tax will require lazy students to do their homework, and no law can make self-indulgent parents care deeply about their children’s education. Parents in China and India aren’t making the same mistake. — KRT Newswire Dallas Morning News
Corrections and Clarifications In last week’s story featuring Julian Bond’s visit to Cameron, The Collegian neglected to mention that Bond’s visit was hosted by jointly by Cameron Campus Ministries and Cameron University. The Campus Roundup section referred to new student email addresses incorrectly. The new address should read: user ID@studentemail.cameron.edu. The music and theatre spring entertainment story on page 6 should have carried the byline: Regan Frizzelle. Photo credit for the CU centennial story continued on page 6 should have been by Rhyan McGuire. The Collegian regrets the errors.
THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Board
Managing Editor - Lisa Snider News Editor - Sarah Warren Copy Editor - Kathleen Kelly Asst. Copy Editor - David Bublitz A&E Editor - Joshua Rouse Sports Editor - Christina Frye
Newsroom Staff
Bus. Manager - Kenny Scarle Layout Assistant - Kareem Guiste Cartoonist - Thomas Pruitt Financial Officer - Susan Hill Photographer - Rhyan McGuire Webmaster - Sheldon Rogers Staff Writers - Petulah Olibert, David Bublitz, Jessica Lane, Regan Frizzelle
Faculty Adviser
Christopher Keller
Newswriting Students
James Norris, Blake Red Elk, Joan Hagy
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.
News
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January 30, 2006
Is customer service headed for extinction? By Michael McLeod KRT Newswire
The idea came to Frank Ulrich in 1947. It was way ahead of its time. It arrived, as good ideas often do, in the form of a simple question: What if people could pump their own gas? How strange that notion must have sounded in an era when elevators had operators and sodas had jerks. Yet when Ulrich offered customers of his Los Angeles gas station a discount of a nickel per gallon to man the pumps and fill `er up, he doubled his business, selling $500,000 in gasoline in the first month. It would take another 25 years for his strategy to catch on across the country. Even then, motorists and social commentators were suspicious: You’re asking customers to share the workload? Now look at us. We pump our own gas, bag our own groceries and pour our own Slurpees. We check ourselves in at the airport and out at Wal-Mart. We use ATMs to get cash. We wrap, weigh and mail our own packages at the post office. We rent DVDs, buy movie tickets and process photos from machines. We navigate through Web sites to buy products, pay bills, do our banking. We weave our way, often painfully, through telephonic, automated voice-message systems to do the same thing. Soon, judging from technology that has been field-tested, we’ll routinely walk into a hotel lobby, bypass the front desk, and use an automated kiosk to select a room and receive a card key. We’ll pull up to the drive-through lane of a fast food restaurant and use a multicolored 3-D computer screen currently being field tested by NCR Corp., and then we will ask and answer the eternal question: “Do you want fries with that?” Analysts say a third of all “service interactions” are self-serve. Within four years, it will rise to better than 50-50.
The pervasiveness of self-serve technology represents a cultural sea change, one that has crept up on us, like a real-life version of all those science-fiction films and movies featuring evil machines that take over so gradually that no one notices them until it’s too late. Sometimes life imitates art. Just pick up a phone and try to work through the mouse-maze circuitry of an automated customer-service line to reach a human voice. What may come as a surprise is that some machines can recognize your pain. Though automated phone lines rank among the most aggravating self-serve devices, the speechrecognition systems that handle calls from consumers are growing more sophisticated. Some have been designed so that “at some level, emotions can be understood,” says Peter Mahoney, vice president of Scansoft Inc., which designs speech software. The newest generation of machines can respond, he said, to “certain words and the volume level.” Take, for example, a customer who has lost baggage and is trying to get help through an airline’s automated response system. If the caller says “I am angry” or uses a number of other words including those of the unprintable variety he might be quickly relayed to a human attendant, Mahoney said. The technology is here to stay: Having computerized systems handle customer queries and complaints costs a tenth of what it would take for a company to staff the lines with humans. So improvements, when they come, will come through technological breakthroughs. “You’re going to see these systems become more and more adept at understanding variations in human speech,” he said. If they don’t, there is always the “cheat sheet” approach. Paul English, a software engineer in Arlington, Va., became so frustrated with computerized voice systems that he created
a Web site (paulenglish. com/ivr/) that customers can use to learn to bypass the computerized voice system and reach a human attendant. There is a learning curve in the new technologies, for consumers and merchants. A key: Keep it simple. Sometimes, particularly as the devices were being introduced, the self-serve aisles in grocery stores could be a frustrating logjam of customers unsure of how to use scanners. It wasn’t uncommon for them to give up, leave their groceries and walk away. But some customers have adapted. Beverlye Photo by Lisa Snider Neal, 58, of Self serving: A CU student utilizes the ATM in the library eliminating the need to Winter Park, travel to the bank. Electronic interaction may soon take the place of human contact. Fla., emerged from the selfMendelsohn might have added will tell you there’s a special on cat serve aisle of an Albertsons with a a corollary: People want to be food when you get to that aisle,” single shopping bag in her arms. queueless. said Don Paschal, director of Self “I just use the self-serve when I Americans hate waiting in Check Solutions at Fujitsu. have a few things,” she said. line, which helps explain one No matter how sophisticated Soon, supermarkets may feature of the most successful self-help the technology becomes, it’s a “smart cart” being test-marketed devices: the airport kiosks that unlikely that merchants will stray by Fijitsu Transaction Solutions. enable people, many of whom have from an early lesson of self-serve: A customer would log in to a made their reservations through Be sure that staff members are computer attached to the cart. automated systems, to check in always on hand in case snags arise. The computer would access the faster. At one Home Depot, cashier customer’s previous purchases and, A recent study found that Brian Delawder mans a single based on that, alert the customer 38 percent of airline passengers monitor, watching four self-serve to sale items. use check-in kiosks, waiting half kiosks as a trickle of afternoon “If it knows you buy cat food, it as long for boarding passes as customers slip past. Delawder passengers who use an airline is alert to the Achilles’ heel of representative. the kiosks: If a customer scans “I don’t need to burn calories a purchase but doesn’t put the telling somebody who I am, where product down immediately on I am going and what seat I want,” a scale that checks its weight as says Paul Schweer, a software an antitheft measure the system developer who travels frequently. grinds to a halt. “And there’s none of the ambiguity When that happens, Delawder and inefficiency when you’re trying can simply take over the controls, to talk to somebody in a crowded like a co-pilot bailing out an errant airport.” trainee, without even moving from Apart from the frustration of his station. Often, customers don’t dealing with automated systems, even realize he has stepped in. behavioral scientists have long A number of expensive understood that consumers grow self-serve efforts have flopped, angry at machines faster than they including a device that customers get angry at human attendants. of a greeting-card shop could use Isn’t there a sentimental factor to design cards. Experts say the involved here? Aren’t we losing system failed because it was just something important, the more too complicated. and more we rely on machines, and “The secret of self-service is the less we have “face time” with four words: Don’t Make Me our fellow human beings? Think,” said Francie Mendelsohn, “In a word,” said Ulrike president of Summit Research Schultze, “no.” Associates, which researches Schultze, associate professor customer reaction to self-service of information technology and kiosks. operations management at Southern Methodist University, studies the effects of our growing reliance on self-serve technology. “In most cases, it’s not as though you are sacrificing a valuable human experience,” she said. “Take the example of ordering a hamburger at McDonald’s. The person you are talking to is just rattling off information from a script: `Do you want a large Coke with that? Do you want this or that special?’ “An electronic interaction isn’t going to be much different. When was the last time you had a conversation with somebody at a checkout line that changed your life?”
News
January 30, 2006
CHEMISTRY, continued from page 1
Photo by Kenny Scarle
The challenge facing them now is to map out the structure of the compound in an effort to re-create it in the lab. The process of synthesis begins with the solvents. According to McGuire, many of the solvents used to synthesize compounds are easily contaminated by air. This means the solvents must undergo a process of distillation, or purification. Wilson is very familiar with the process. “I’ve worked with Dr. McGuire for two semesters,” he said. “This is my third semester.” Wilson said the purification process involves extracting air from the selected Shlenck flask, which is connected by a system of tubes and levers to a vacuum system, and then flushing the flask with nitrogen. The process is repeated three times. In this way, contaminants are removed from the solvent. “It’s tedious, very tedious,” he said. Lemley said they were working on purifying methylene chloride to be used in a reaction. “I think about that every day,” she said, “and how great it is that I know what it means.” When a crystal is successfully synthesized, it is taken to the physics lab where students under the supervision of Dr. Clinton Bryan, associate professor of chemistry, carefully place it under a microscope. Epoxy is used to affix the crystal to the tip of a glass filament. It is then placed in a rack to wait its turn in the diffractometer. Located in a glass case near the center of the physics lab in the Sciences Complex, the X-ray diffractometer is used to measure the angles and intensity of X-rays reflected from crystal samples. McGuire said mapping the geometry of crystals, or solving the structure, is critical to successfully replicating the compound in the chemistry lab. The sound heard upon entering the physics lab is the sound generated by the machine as X-rays refract off the crystal. Bryan and McGuire agreed that those working in the physics lab appreciate hearing those sounds. “In the past, one researcher used a baby monitor so he could listen for the sounds as
he sat in his office,” Bryan said. “I’ve come in at three in the morning to check on a sample when it was too quiet.” The work in the chemistry lab is not confined to test tubes and flasks. McGuire said he has a student assisting with mapping the geometry of the compound being studied. The work is done on a computer. McGuire said the structure derived from data taken from the diffractometer is compared to the computer-generated structure. The objective is to have a match between what was hypothesized to be the structure and what the structure actually is. “Dr. Bryan’s work is extremely important to me,” he said. Bryan finds his work satisfying. “I find solving the structure of molecules intellectually stimulating,” he said. “The structure activity of the compound — can you make a relationship between the structure and the behavior? Then you can engineer the structure.” McGuire said that a potential use for the compounds presently being synthesized includes designing molecular switches. “These switches can be fundamentally used as on-off switches,” he said. “Not only are molecular switches being designed to decrease the size of computers, they are also used as model systems for studying biological switches in the case of certain enzymes and proteins.” Students selected to work with McGuire have the advantage of gaining handson experience in the lab using various specialized pieces of equipment. In addition, students may have the opportunity to continue their education in graduate school at little or no cost to them. Working in the chemistry lab has opened up doors for Lemley; she said this past summer she worked on research at the University of Kansas and she has been offered a spot in the graduate school there. “There are opportunities out there for science majors,” McGuire said. “Students can conduct research and attend graduate school, and the university will pay the student. Any student who has worked with me has been well-placed.
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Lifestyles
6
January 30, 2006
A taste of the Big Apple in Lawton
Photo by Rhyan McGuire
Feeling up for a sandwich anyone?: Gandolfo’s Deli, which makes a variety of 60 types of sandwiches, opened it’s doors in July 2005. The deli is located at 4404 NW Cache Rd., next to Lowe’s. According to CU students, the meals are tasty and affordable.
By Blake Red Elk
News Writing Student Who knew the Big Apple could taste so good? Located at 4404 NW Cache
Rd. next to Lowe’s, Gandolfo’s Deli brings variety, style and affordability to Lawton’s culinary landscape. Gandolfo’s Deli owner Jared Fuqua is a native Lawtonian.
“I was born and raised in Lawton,” he said, “and I wanted to bring this type of store here to Lawton because it’s different.” Stylishly decorated in a New York theme, Gandolfo’s
go. Most people who have heard about Starbucks are not only going for the coffee, but for the
Starbucks chief executive officer (CEO), the company’s growth depends not only on the sale of
Deli maintains an at-home atmosphere with a touch of the big city. Featuring names like the “Central Park,” the “New York Yankee” and the “West Side Story,” even the menu pays tribute to the city that never sleeps. Gandolfo’s Deli is a refreshing alternative to the “burger and fries” routine so many college students fall into. Communications senior Zach Fort agrees. “Gandolfo’s is great because it’s unique,” he said. “The food is awesome and it’s a fun place to eat with friends.” Open since July 2005, Gandolfo’s Deli hopes to target Cameron University students with a little-known discount that is offered all day, every day. Sandwiches are buy-one-get-onefree when you present your CU student ID card. Multimedia freshman Derek Murphree said, “It’s cool because I don’t have a lot of money to go out and eat. This food is really good and really cheap.” With this discount, it is quite easy for two people to have a quality meal for approximately five dollars. Using atypical ingredients like avocado, cream and feta cheeses, salsa ranch dressing and pepperoncini in addition to the regular sandwich toppings, Gandolfo’s boasts over 60 different sandwiches on the menu. Junior political science major Kara Morris said, “They use really unusual ingredients on their sandwiches and I never get the same thing twice. I wish I
could make these at home.” Fuqua commented about the freshness of their products. “We get here at 5 a.m. to slice the meat, chop the fresh vegetables and bake the bread,” Fuqua said. “It’s all done right here in the store, in front of the customers.” Making everything fast and fresh is what sets this delicatessen apart. Growing in popularity, Gandolfo’s Deli has become the hot spot for lunch since it is so quick and tasty. The team there understands busy schedules and often has orders out to the customer in less than three minutes. The managers also understand the importance of their workers’ busy schedules. Jeny Ann Roig, CU concurrent student and Eisenhower High School senior, has worked at Gandolfo’s Deli for four months. “They are really good at working around my schedule. I’m involved with Bleacher Bums and Key Club at Ike in addition to taking six hours at Cameron,” Roig said. She said the family atmosphere and friendly service made her want to work here. “We always greet our customers as they come in the door and we keep the store very clean and tidy,” she said. “We take pride in our work.” It shows. Gandolfo’s Deli is open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays.
in the people business serving people,” he said. One of the ways that Starbucks connects with people is by hiring qualified staff, which in turn helps create an atmosphere of family. There is no question that Starbucks wants not only to sell a product, but also to create an experience. Amy Lemay, Starbucks district manager, said her job is all about creating the Starbucks experience for every customer. “My job consists of simply coming in everyday, having a coffee and talking with people,” she said. “Lawton is ready for this experience. The parking lot has been filled everyday and the drive through has been nonstop with thirsty coffee connoisseurs.” Prior to opening the store, a team came from Oklahoma City to do extensive training with all the partners. Among the trainees is Taylor Desjarlais, music sophomore. He said he is excited about the opportunity to get to work at such a cool place.
“This place is so busy,” he said. “People come from all around to get a cup of coffee. The cool thing is I get to drink a cup, too, and I don’t have to wait in a long line.” Shultz wrote that the company has a motto they adhere to. Their goal is to generate in every town the positive desire to do everything to the best of one’s ability. The company wants to set the tone for living life to the fullest, while working at the same time. “Care more than others think wise. Risk more than others think safe. Dream more than others think practical. Expect more than others think possible.” — Howard Shultz
Starbucks, the masters of coffee making, finally here By Regan Frizzelle Collegian Staff
The smell is vibrant and the taste is smooth and delicious. It is desirable enough to be addictive. Starbucks is here. Finally. After many months of renovation and remodeling, Starbucks open its doors on Jan. 13. This world renowned coffee company has brought us a little more class, and has given our community a place to relax and share thoughts and ideas. No better way to do it than over a fresh blend of coffee, smothered in whipped cream. People have been drinking coffee for years. Some like it black, and some like it drenched in sugar and cream. The fact that people have communed over a cup of coffee for centuries was the very reason for the expansion of the company. What is most interesting about Starbucks coffee is you don’t even have to like coffee to
atmosphere. According to the book, “Pour Your Heart into It,” written by Howard Shultz,
coffee, but on the connection the people have when they come to buy a cup. “We’re not in the coffee business serving people. We’re
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Do you enjoy far away places? Foreign languages and other cultures? Bring the world to your doorstep by hosting a foreign exchange student! Call Stacy at 678.0662 for all the details.
Interested in placing a classified ad? Contact the Collegian by email at collegian@cameron.edu or by phone at 581.2261.
News
January 30, 2006
7
HOMECOMING, continued from page 1 An all-school Pep Rally will be held at 12 p.m. in the Aggie Gymnasium. The athletic department will be serving free food and the rally will feature the athletes, CU cheerleaders, homecoming candidates and plenty of free prizes. At 6 p.m. the Aggies will face Southeastern Oklahoma State University on the court in the Aggies Gym. The 2006 Homecoming King and Queen
crowning ceremony will be at halftime during the men’s basketball game. Free pizza will be served in the Student Activities Building at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Hardin knows that college students traditionally crave pizza. “Free pizza is always a big draw so be sure to come early,” Hardin said. The Student Activities Building will also be hosting slam poet Bradley Hathaway at 8
p.m. Thursday night. Myers was particularly excited about Bradley’s visit. “Bradley is a great artist and he’s nothing like we’ve ever seen. Everyone should come by and see him perform because he will blow your mind,” Myers said. Homecoming will wind down with a dance in the Shepler Mezzanine at 9 p.m. The event has a semi-formal dress code. “We thought a semi-formal
dance would be fun since college students don’t get to dress up very often,” Myers said. As always, all events sponsored by PAC are free to all students. Voting for Homecoming candidates will take place next Monday and Tuesday in the Student Activities Building. Voting is also possible on CAMSIS. For more information contact PAC at 581.2217. Courtesy Graphic
A&E
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January 30, 2006
Legendary guitarist performs at CU Theatre Jessica Lane Collegian Staff
When Mike “Lightnin” Wells walked onto the stage at the Cameron University Theatre, applause filled the auditorium. Wells plays an older style of music, traditional American blues and country folk, so naturally the free concert was partly occupied by those familiar with that generation’s music. Wells looked up appreciatively at the crowd, appearing a little weary from his recent journey to his first concert in Oklahoma. “You probably ought to hear me first,” Wells said as the applause died down. Wells began the performance with “Kansas City Blues” on his vintage resonator guitar, which he used in its entirety by tapping the guitar’s body and plucking the strings at the end of the tailpiece with a thumb pick. Additional taps could be heard in the crowd on the floor and the backs of chairs. Wells said he doesn’t select a play list for his performances. “I just pick a first song and go from there,” he said. His spontaneous inventory of songs included: Lead Belly’s “Keep Your Hands off Her–You Know She Don’t Belong to You,” Jimmie Rodger’s “My Rough and Rowdy Ways,” and Robert Johnson’s “Love in Vain.” Wells also combined Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” with Blind Boy Fuller’s “A Thousand Women” into one piece of music. Wells exhibited another one of his talents as he played “That Old
Familiar Tune.” He’s an exceptional whistler. Wells played all acoustic instruments, some simultaneously, including harmonica, ukulele, kazoo, and two vintage guitars from the 1930s. He said he prefers vintage instruments because they capture the sound of the music styles that he likes to play. The harmonica was Wells’ first instrument, which he started playing in the third grade. He was inspired by a song on the radio: Alvin and the Chipmunks’ “Alvin’s Harmonica.” He said that this anecdote used to embarrass him, especially when it made its way into print. He said that age softens the blow of embarrassment. Many heads in the audience nodded in agreement. Wells has been playing music for over 30 years. He found playing in bands disheartening because he felt like he was the only one pursuing the music full time. He has played in Europe three times and said he would like to go again. Wells tried to end the concert with “Bye, Bye Blackbird,” which he invited the audience to sing along with him. But the long applause persuaded him to play one more song. “Here’s one that will make you want to leave,” Wells said, and began to sing, “How I Miss the Mud in Peoria…” bringing the song to life with humorous character voices. Wells has said part of his mission is to preserve these traditional styles of music. “I’m just afraid it will get forgotten,” he said.
Photo by Jessica Lane
Playin’ the blues: Blues guitarist Mike “Lightning” Wells performs at the CU Theatre. The legendary guitarst began his career with the “Kansas City Blues” band and has evolved into a solo performer.
Vampires, werewolves go bump in the night By Josh Rouse Collegian Staff
When the sun goes down and the moon comes out, the undead will awaken. Vampires and werewolves are staples in horror. Since the days of Lon Chaney, Jr. and Bela Lugosi, audiences have been frightened and amazed by these otherworldly creatures. Director Len Wiseman’s “Underworld: Evolution” takes those movies and throws them out the door and replaces them with enough blood, guts and action, you would swear it was “Pulp Fiction” with vampires. Kate Beckinsale (“Pearl Harbor”) returns as the vampire Selene who is caught in the middle of an age-old struggle between werewolves and vampires. She becomes an exile of the vampire clan when she kills their leader, Viktor, to protect Michael, a “Hybrid” who could be the key to ending the war. The original vampire, Marcus, is revived from hibernation and seeks to find his brother, the first werewolf, William. If they were reunited, they would bring destruction down upon the world. Selene and Michael plan to prevent the family reunion. In recent years there has
KRT Campus
Move over Anne Rice: The vampire huntress Selene draws her rifle in “Underworld: Evolution.” Director Len Wiseman takes the classic vampire character and breathes new life into the undead body. been an influx of vampire and werewolf movies. Movies like “Blade,” “Wolf,” “Interview with a Vampire” and “Queen of the Damned” have brought in big bucks at the box office. With the box office in a current slump, “Underworld: Evolution” debuted with $28 million. In 2003, the original
“Underworld” debuted at only $21 million. Perhaps it is Kate Beckinsale in leather or the steamy sex scene toward the beginning of the movie, but “Underworld” Evolution” attracted many 18-24 year old males at the box office, edging out last week’s leaders, “Hoodwinked” and “Glory
A&E Briefs “A Russian Spectacular” There will be a piano recital at 8 p.m. on Friday in the University Theatre. Tickets are $6 and $4. Call the Department of Music at 581.2440 for more information. Lawton Philharmonic Society’s “Denim, Dinin’ and Dancin’” Will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday at the Great Plains Coliseum. Tickets are $30 per person. There will be silent and live auctions and dancing to music of the Grissleheads. For tickets and more information call the Lawton Arts for All office at 248.5384.
Road.” Len Wiseman weaves a story that is compelling enough to propel an action film, but does not bore the viewer with multiple plot twists and overdone clichés. There are a couple of twists that are hinted at throughout the movie, but nothing truly surprising.
Relative newcomer Tony Curran (“Flight of the Phoenix”) is astounding as Marcus. He plays the role of a bloodthirsty vampire perfectly, but also nails the role of a caring brother. For those who have seen the original “Underworld,” many of the questions left unanswered will be explained. There is an extended f lashback scene that opens the movie and establishes the framework for the entire film. Selene’s character is also explained in further detail, including her ascension in the vampire ranks. But do not fret, those who have not seen the original movie will not be lost. There are many f lashback scenes from the original movie. The ending leaves the movie open for a sure sequel that will pick up where this movie ends. In fact, the worst part of the movie is the ending. It was probably one of the weakest endings since “The Village.” This could be one of those types where the third movie will close the franchise, but time will tell. Len Wiseman has hinted at making this a trilogy, but he was waiting to see the results at the box office. With nearly $30 million on its debut and the top spot at the box office, things are looking bright for a third “Underworld.”
“Resevoir Dogs” star Chris Penn dies The brother of Oscar winner Sean Penn has died. Chris starred in famous movies “Rush Hour,” “Muholland Falls,” “Corky Romano” and others. Penn’s body was found in his Santa Monica condominium Tuesday by his housekeeper. He was 40. Courtesy Photo
Sports
January 30, 2006
Moore glad to be back in the game By James Norris
News Writing Student As a transfer student in 2004 from Richland College in Dallas, Aggie guard and senior Eric Moore hopes to make Cameron one of the elite teams in the Lone Star Conference. With Moore’s help, the Aggies finished 15 and 12 in 2004 giving Cameron its first winning season since 1998. Moore also captured second team all Lone Star Conference North Division honors. Moore says having family and friends around at a very young age allowed him to take a different route for his life. “Around the age of eight or nine I kind of looked up to my uncle.,” he said. “Not having enough money, I made a basketball goal out of a bicycle tire, and he would teach me how to play the game. “My family and friends wanted me to make a better life for myself, and basketball was it for me. It was my way of staying out of trouble.” Playing basketball was good for Moore, but at one time in his life he thought the game he loved would be taken from him. “In seventh grade I thought I was cut from the team, but after going to the locker room the assistant coach came to me and told me I was on the team, and I have been playing ever since,” he said. Since that day, Moore’s game has soared to new heights. As a
Courtesy Photo
Eric Moore is back: Moore drives to the basket in last year’s battle against UCO. Moore tallied 21 points in the game. senior at O.D. Wyatt High School in his hometown of Forth Worth, Moore was picked as his team’s offensive player of the year. Later, as a sophomore at Dallas’ Richland College, Moore was named an all-regional and all-conference selection. However, Moore’s passion for the game did not stop there. After being recruited by Cameron Head Coach Garrette Mantle, Moore decided to bring his game to the division II level, but soon found himself in the same situation; he
was back in that locker room in seventh grade. Coming into the 2005 to 2006 season Moore had to sit out the fall semester due to eligibility problems. According to CU Sports Information Director Steve Doughty, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulates player eligibility. “A college athlete is allowed eight semesters of eligibility or four years in which they are allowed to participate in college
athletics,” he said. During his time at Richland, Moore took off one semester of basketball to pursue his degree, thus taking away one semester of eligibility from playing basketball, leaving him to sit out the fall 2005 semester. “It was hard sitting out. It felt as if I wasn’t part of the team, but coach (Mantle) and the players kept me motivated and made me feel like I wasn’t an outcast, because at the time all I had to do was wait,” Moore said. Moore returned to the team on Dec. 19. He hopes that his leadership and his uncle’s love for the game will shine through him and give him the ability to lead Cameron to a Lone Star Conference Championship and a spot in the Division II basketball tournament. For now, Moore is just happy to be back playing the game he has loved nearly all his life.
Upcoming Games Feb. 1 in the Aggie Gym 6 p.m. Lady Aggies vs. Texas A&M Commerce 8 p.m. Aggies vs. Texas A&M Commerce
9 Basketball Recaps • Ladies winning streak ends, but will return • Men won a tough battle against LSC; came out shining like gold
Lady Aggies hit speed bump CU Sports Information Cameron owned a 41-29 rebounding edge, but shot just 27.6 percent from the field in the second half against Northeastern State on Wednesday, ending a six-game winning streak with a 55-50 loss to the Lady Reds. Brittany Cooksey scored a team-high 13 points for the Lady Aggies, but it wasn’t enough in a battle of Top 5 regionally ranked squads. Cameron (11-7), which entered the game ranked No. 5 in the region, dropped to 2-1 in Lone Star Conference North Division play. It was the first loss for Coach Dick Halterman’s Lady Aggies in over a month, dating back to a 66-50 loss to top-ranked Washburn on Dec. 21 in Las Vegas. In a game that featured nine ties and 13 lead changes, neither team held more than a sixpoint advantage throughout the contest.
Pierson says Seahawks are going to the Superbowl “We’re a road Roethlisberger vs. Hasselbeck team,” safety sounds more like a beer-tasting Troy Polamalu contest than a Super Bowl. In said. “We’re Pittsburgh and Seattle, they the Pittsburgh don’t care. It is a matchup not Steelers. We many expected, and the winner have fans might be even harder to predict. everywhere.” The Steelers have been to SuYet you can per Bowls before. The Seahawks hear it now. The haven’t been anyplace. Steelers will do Somebody will send a map of everything in how to get to Detroit, and it will their power to be fascinating to hear how many keep playing the of Seattle’s “12th man” fans can underdog role. make the trip. KRT Campus They are the “Everybody in the stadium first sixth seed is coming,” Seattle coach Mike Sizing up the Superbowl: Seattle Seahawks fans (from left) Jeff Schumaier, Bruce McMillen and Brad Carter celebrate a to make it. The touchdown by the Seahawks against the Carolina Panthers during second quarter of the NFC Championship game. The SeHolmgren said. Seahawks are But this game will be a home ahawks defeated the Panthers, 34-14, at Qwest Field in Seattle, Jan. 22, and will meet the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl the No. 1 seed date for the Steelers, and not just in Detroit, on Feb. 5. in the NFC. because running back Jerome The Seahawks Bettis grew up in Detroit. are the league’s The Steelers are as national ourselves as a running football top-scoring team. The Seahawks “Everyone put overwhelming title game Sunday by a bigger as a sports team gets. The team,” Cowher said. “We started have the league’s most valuable margin than the Steelers won the pressure on us,” receiver Hines Seahawks are so regional not to get Ben back at that time, player, Shaun Alexander. All AFC. Ward said. “It was overwhelming everybody remembers they too, when he came back from his the Steelers have is a The Seahawks and Steelers for everyone, including the played in the AFC for (knee and thumb) injuries.” run-down, 33-yearlast played in 2003, and Seattle veterans.” most of their 30-year The Steelers and Seahawks old Bettis. This year? won. The Seahawks have won history. both love to run and stop the No quarterback eight of 14 games between the “People said there was no way Pittsburgh fans run, the twin keys to success. It’s as young as Ben two franchises. we could do this three weeks in will descend on a familiar formula on which the Roethlisberger has a row,” Ward said. “There was The Seahawks got to stay Detroit in droves. Bears pride themselves. It also ever won a Super home and win two playoff games. more pressure on (the Broncos) For one thing, they is telling to note that both the Bowl. Seattle’s Matt The Steelers had to go on the than on us.” can drive. They Steelers and Seahawks ran and Hasselbeck has been road for three games and beat The Steelers will use the same already have the stopped the run better this year around longer and reasoning against the Seahawks, the top three seeds, wearing chains on their tires. than the Bears did. paid more dues. themselves to a frazzle. who coasted down the stretch They have so much Because the best teams play Seahawks coach By Monday night, the Steelers after wrapping up home-field experience finding run defense as well as they run, Mike Holmgren won and their fans will happily advantage. tickets that places like the biggest games usually get Don Pierson a Super Bowl with conclude that no one in their By contrast, the Steelers Cincinnati, Cleveland decided by which quarterback Green Bay in 1996. have been in playoff mode since right mind will give them a and Indianapolis plot KRT Campus passes better. Roethlisberger’s Steelers coach Bill chance of succeeding in Detroit. Dec. 11, when the Bears went to ways to keep them passer efficiency rating for the Cowher lost one in It will be tough duty, but Pittsburgh after the Steelers had away. season was 98.6, Hasselbeck’s 1995. they will find a way to stay lost three games in a row. The They invaded the Denver 98.2. The Seahawks led the league “disrespected.” On Sunday, they Steelers ran all over the Bears airport Saturday night waving That makes it hard for either in sacks, so who are the Steelers and started on a seven-game said this year was easier for them their yellow Terrible Towels. team to play underdog, not that to brag about their stif ling than last year, when they were winning streak. They were on the streets, in both won’t be trying every day defense? 15-1 and lost the AFC title game “The Chicago game was a parking lots and scattered for the next two weeks. The Seahawks won the NFC at home to New England. big game for us establishing throughout the stadium.
The Back Page
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January 30, 2006
The Buzz is in: CU student’s new product By Petulah Olibert Collegian staff
If there was ever any doubt as to Cameron University’s ability to prepare students for the working world, let it now be put to rest. Recent Cameron graduate Leo Turner has unceasingly sung Cameron University’s praises. Singling out the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team, he said: “It doesn’t matter what major you are, it is inevitable that you will be thrust into the business world. What SIFE does is prepare you for entrance into that world. I think SIFE is the perfect molding tool.” After graduating, one of the companies Turner worked with through SIFE offered him a position. He is now part owner of the Daugomah Communications Company. Brian Johnson has a similar testimony. After a 10-year stint in the military, Johnson directed his energies towards a business degree at Cameron University, mainly because he wanted a challenge and business provided that outlet. While pursuing his studies, Johnson became a member of the SIFE team, which, together with his classes, was a combination instrumental in his success. “I think Cameron is great,” he said. “Jokingly, I call it Harvard on the hill. It is a tough school but they do a really good job there. Their expectations are high and so you have to work really hard to get stuff done. “SIFE was challenging as well. I think SIFE should be a requirement for students. Being in the club makes you think about things you normally wouldn’t.” That foresight led him to Buzz Water, a caffeinated drink, he said, perfect for students and working professionals. “Buzz water is produced in Canada,” Johnson said. “It is caffeinated, bottled water. Caffeine and water are the top two most ingested products in the world.” Johnson and his partner Steve McGregor worked out the kinks in removing the bitterness of
caffeine from the water by adding different amounts of various minerals to the water. “When you drink Buzz Water, it’s like you’re drinking any bottled water out there. The only difference is it has a kick to it,” Johnson said. He said the beverage has many benefits. “I’ve lost about 30 pounds by drinking Buzz Water and keeping away from sodas and other drinks,” he said. “I always have tons of energy and my kids make Courtesy Photo comments that Get the Buzz: Brian Johnson is the managing partner of BuzzOklahoma, LLC. Last week Johnson took Buzzwater to I’m much easier Dewey, Okla. where a production team was filming an episode for ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.’ to get along with now, because I’m caffeinated water with no sugar, no itself, since it does not have the market side of business through a not so tired all the time.” calories, but all the caffeine would sugar and the calories like soda, project I did in one of his classes Johnson said he used to drink be a wonderful thing.” it doesn’t give you the shakes or and Dr. Chester introduced me seven Mountain Dew sodas a day According to Johnson, there is make your hair feel crawling or to more in-depth ways to doing for the caffeine. a big push for caffeine today. “It itchy.” business plans. “It had the most caffeine of any is good for you in that it increases Although Buzz Water started “When it came down to it, I soda on the market. Then I got your short term memory capacity in Canada about nine years ago, it had no clue how much planning it fat because sodas average about and promotes higher brain was brought to the United States took to have a business and three 110 calories each,” he said. “Then function,” he said. “In a three year only recently. years is a long time,” he said. “But I I tried drinking study, if I remember right, they According to Johnson, being in would recommend to anyone who coffee, tea and dark determined that caffeine is actually business is very complicated. wants to start a business, to go for sodas, but they good for you. It makes you smarter “I’ve been working on doing this it.” give me really because it helps you to focus and for about three years and there is According to Johnson, it was bad breath. increases short term memory. a lot of planning and sacrifice that Sidney Frank who said that one I had always Students retain more. comes with business. However, should not be afraid because fear drunk a lot of “Caffeine also boosts CETES has been instrumental will keep you from success. water, so I metabolism and is a natural in the beginning and planning “I keep that in mind,” he said, decided appetite suppressant. So if you process of this deal. Dr. Burgess “because if you never try anything that a want to lose weight, caffeine is a has been wonderful, Dave Smith new you will become stagnant.” great supplement, and Buzz Water introduced me into the niche
Courtesy Graphic