The Cameron University Collegian: November 10, 2008

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

Monday, November 10, 2008

Informing the Cameron Family Since 1926

Volume 83 Issue 10

C meron : Online

News

Online Payment Service

By Jim Horinek Collegian Staff

CU student wins regional leadership award.

SEE PAGE 2

A&E

“It really is a service that the university students would expect us to have and now we have it.”

— Glen Pinkston VP of Business Management

Online Payment A look into the fashion of this fall.

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Sports

1. Log into MyCU, using your username and password. (If you have trouble logging in, please call the Student Computing HelpDesk Coordinator at 581-2338).

2. Click on the ‘My Info’ tab.

3. Select ‘Online Payment’.

4. Fill out the form with the required information.

Would you like to add your tuition and fees to your MyCU shopping cart?

With the implementation of a new online payment feature, Cameron students and faculty can make payments online.

In the past few years, Cameron has seen many changes and updates. Previously, the MyCU system received a facelift.

However, according to the Vice President of Business Management Glen Pinkston, this convenient change was necessary.

“We were late bringing it [online payment] up, but we are caught up with it now and are pleased that we are able to offer the service,” Pinkston said. “It has just gotten to the point that it is just more of an industry standard in terms of the service level. It really is a service that the university students would expect us to have and now we have it.”

Pinkston believes that the online payment service is something that students and parents have a right to expect.

“For a student, or a parent, to say ‘we want to make payments online’ is a reasonable expectation of a university,” Pinkston said.

The service allows students to pay for tuition, fees, housing, meal plans and any other expense without the hassle of standing in lines or even leaving home. Additionally, students and faculty can use the system to add money to their account to use for oncampus food services.

According to the Department of Community Relations, students and faculty can access the payment system from any computer by signing into their MyCU account and choosing the online payment function.

5. Click ‘Submit’ once to authorize your information to be submitted for payment.

Online Classes

By Joshua Rouse Collegian Staff

Many classes can now be taken anytime, and anywhere thanks to the Internet.

In the past five years, Cameron University has taken a proactive stance in offering more online courses to students said Dr. John McArthur, CU’s Vice-President of Academic Affairs.

“For the last six years, we’ve had double-digit increases in the number of students taking online courses each year,” Dr. McArthur said. “Since the fall of 2003, the online enrollments have jumped 50 percent.”

Next semester, students will have the option to choose from 83 online courses. While the number of traditional face-to-face classes still greatly outnumbers online classes, that margin is shrinking. During the next academic year, which

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begins next fall, many students will have the option of taking their entire degree program online.

“We’re doing these seven programs to start and we have five more depending on the success of those seven,” Dr. McArthur said. “The next step is going to be the feedback from the students. If they’re successful and find they’re enjoying them, we’ll respond to that need.”

There is a catch to the online courses. An additional $40 per credit hour charge will be added to the standard tuition. While taking an online course, there is usually a very loose structure. Dr. McArthur said there aren’t required meeting times set up for online courses. Instructors can set guidelines and waypoints throughout the semester, but the majority of the work and structure is up to the student.

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MCC slated to be finished in fall of 2009

By Megan Mefford Collegian Staff

CU Volleyball closes out season.

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Voices

Guns N’ Roses releases ‘Chinese Democracy.’

SEE PAGE 4

The McMahon Centennial Complex is on track for completion by November of 2009. After completion, the campus will be one step closer to accomplishing Cameron’s overall goals for the second century.

According to CU President Cindy Ross, the McMahon Centennial Complex’s first floor will house a game room, a dining area, the Cameron University Bookstore, the One-Stop Shop, a coffee shop, an art gallery and a food court, which will

include Pizza Hut, the Sky Ranch Grill and Sub Connection, President Ross also said that the art gallery will display student, faculty and guest art while providing a unique aspect to the building.

“One thing we try to do every time we construct or renovate a building is to be sure and incorporate the fact that we are an academic institution. That is part of the reason that we will have an art gallery,” President Ross said. “It will provide a place where our students and our faculty and guests can display their art. It is not going to be a private room, but it will provide something unique about this building

that most areas don’t have.”

The first floor will have a covered patio facing the south that will allow students, faculty and staff the opportunity to look at and enjoy the Bentley Gardens while sitting outside, and the recreation and dining areas are also placed on the south side of the building where the view can be enjoyed from inside as well.

“As we have done construction and renovation,

See MCC Page 3

Senator Obama becomes President Obama “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

Photo by Jim Horinek

Historic moment: As President Elect Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech, a group of students gathered to watch history being made.

— President Elect Barack Obama 2008 Election Acceptance Speech

MCT Campus

Warm reception: On Nov. 4, President Elect Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the USA. He gave his acceptance speech to an adoring crowd in Chicago.

News

2

November 10, 2008

CU student wins regional leadership award

By Alexis Del Ciello Collegian Staff

Photo courtesy of Community Relations

Student leader: Junior Business Management major Ryan Faucett recently won the Central Outstanding Student Leader Award.

Ryan Faucett, a junior Business Management major and student leader, was recently honored with the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) award for Central Outstanding Student Leader.

Faucett, a Presidential Leader University Scholars (PLUS) student, the Programming Activities Council (PAC) cochair and officer in the CU Student Government Association (SGA), was nominated by Zeak

Naifeh, CU’s Director of Student Activities, for his efforts in campus activities and organizations.

“I nominated Ryan for the regional student award because he is one of the outstanding students in our office,” Naifeh said.

“He is involved in PAC, student government, Beta Rho and a ton of other organizations, and he is a leader in all the organizations. I thought he would be a good fit to recognize one our students who really works hard to bring the life, excitement and leadership to our campus.”

A group of CU students

attended the NACA Central conference in Tulsa on Oct. 15 through 19, where Faucett was surprised to hear his name called for the Outstanding Student Leader Award.

“It was Friday afternoon. We were at lunch. I didn’t even know I was nominated. I didn’t even know there was the award,” Faucett said.

“They started talking about PAC; we are the only delegation that names our activities council PAC. So when they started talking about PAC I kind of started listening more and was like ‘what are they talking about?’ Then they talked about the award and started describing what the award was about. Then they called my name. I was just really surprised, but it was nice to get recognized.”

The NACA conference’s purpose is not to compete for awards against other delegations or students but to gain ideas for campus events and activities.

“As far as really competing against each other, we try more to get to know each other and find about each other’s campuses,” Faucett said. “We find the acts to bring to campus; its acts from all around the world: magicians, musicians, comedians, bands and hypnotists. They all come and perform. Between showcases we get to meet them. It’s a lot of watching and finding out who would be good to bring to your campus.

“Then we go with all the other schools so we can form what we

call ‘block booking,’ which is taking schools that are around you and schools that are in your region and forming blocks with them,” Faucett said. “If we want a musician and three schools around us want him as well, we can get them on a path and then we all get them at a cheaper price because he’s going through the area anyways.”

Learning about other university campus’ ideas is one aspect of the conference, but CU holds its own when delivering campus activity ideas.

“We tell people about our foam dance and that we get a big turn out at that every year. A lot of schools don’t do that kind of thing,” Faucett said. “They hear that idea and think ‘Wow, that’s a really great idea. Why don’t we do something like that?’ Then we are the same way, ‘why didn’t we think of that?’ It’s a great way to meet new people and bring together our ideas.”

After his freshman year, Faucett knew the organizations he wanted to associate with at CU. “I started as a freshman and have been a PLUS scholar,” Faucett said.

“That has helped me a lot; just to get your feet wet and know where you’re at and get your bearings under you and say ‘okay, this is what leadership is, and this is what I need to excel in and I’m good at.’ Getting involved in PAC my freshman year, I kind of realized what I wanted to do and where I wanted to be around campus.”

Scribner a major asset to CU Forensics Team

By Nicole Roams Neweswriting Student

See page 3 for solutions.

Jordan Scribner, a Cameron University freshman, is one of the newest members of the CU Forensics Team.

Scribner, a Speech Communication major, comes from Tulsa and is an accomplished competitive speaker. While in high school, she won competitive speech honors in three out of her four high school years.

Her specialty is Original Oratory, which is a 10 minute persuasive speech. Scribner placed third in the state in this event during her sophomore year, qualified for nationals her junior year and placed fourth in the state during her senior year.

Scribner said that she is excited to be a Cameron student and to be a part of the forensics team.

“It’s nice to be able to come here and be involved right away,” she said.

Scribner was interested in attending Cameron University because of the strong Communication program and the nationally renowned Forensics Team. She had heard of CU through friends that attended the speech camp held here every summer.

“Cameron had exactly what I wanted,” Scribner said.

Scribner said that she is going to be attempting parliamentary debate this year and has been practicing her debate Photo courtesy of Daniel Schabot skills.

One of Scribner’s high school teachers recommended her to the CU Director of Forensics, Dan Schabot. Scribner was quick to let Schabot know that her attendance at Cameron was definite. Scribner now has a speech team scholarship to attend CU. “Jordan is one of the most active freshmen we have,” Schabot said. “She is always involved and where we need her to be.”

Schabot explained that Cameron University and Bishop Kelley High School have a very good relationship and that Bishop Kelley is a top high school program for speech and debate.

“We are lucky to have Jordan here at Cameron,” Schabot said.

For the Forensic Team’s first competition in October, Scribner worked on persuasive speaking and prose interpretation, Schabot said.

Scribner said that she is enjoying college life and becoming involved in campus life here by joining PAC (Programming Activities Council) and being a PLUS (Presidential Leaders University Scholars) student.

The CU forensics program is nationally ranked among Pi Kappa Delta senior colleges and universities. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor society for Intercollegiate Forensics Speakers.

News

November 10, 2008

3 CLASSES continued from page 1

PAYMENT continued from page 1 The feature will then prompt the user to fill in necessary information.

Specifically, the user can choose how and what he or she wants to pay for.

The system accepts several different major credit cards; including, Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover.

The make-up of Cameron’s student population makes this new option a very useful tool for many. For example, Cameron has a very large international student population. Thanks to the system, the parents or family members of these students can very easily make payments.

According to Pinkston, the online payment feature is based through a server system that the state of Oklahoma has set up, for this purpose, for higher education institutions.

“The states secure server processes the payment and puts the money in our account,” Pinkston said. “It then charges the credit card, prompts us of the transaction and sends us the information that we need to post it to the individual’s account.”

Security is also taken into consideration.

“The states system offers things that are necessary for this type of system to work. Such as, encryption and a secure Web site. These things are just standard when dealing with credit cards,” Pinkston said.

Although the new service is a great tool for students and faculty, Pinkston believes that there are drawbacks to the method of payment that is required by the online system.

“I think one of the things that is a downside of the system is that a credit card is not the best way to fi nance your education,” Pinkston said. “It opens up that whole can of worms about being smart with your credit cards.”

Dr. McArthur said that could be one of the reasons online courses have become so popular.

“It’s become a matter of convenience.

It’s convenient for adult learners with work schedules because they can attend class and communicate with students on their schedule,” he said. “I think some students are more comfortable with technology and I think they like the newness of it.”

With the rising energy prices earlier in the year, Dr. McArthur said it was assumed many commuting students would take online courses to avoid traveling to and from Cameron frequently, but that has not been the case. He said there is a wide demographic of people taking online courses, including many students who live in the Cameron Village.

“We thought many students would take the online courses to avoid driving,” Dr. McArthur said. “But many of our students who take online courses live here in town. It’s become a matter of convenience.”

The process of determining whether a course should be taught online is thorough. Dr. McArthur said faculty and

students can suggest certain courses to be offered online, but the course must pass through a series of tests before they can be approved.

“We look at all of our courses and the first priority is that it meets academic integrity standards. Is it educationally sound to teach a course in a given format?

That’s the first thing and if the answer is no, we don’t do it,” he said. “The second thing after we’ve determined the course is academically sound, we determine if it’s better face-to-face, better on television or better online. And we go from there.”

Dr. McArthur believes some courses offered at Cameron are often better if they’re online rather than in a traditional environment. With the latest advancements in technology and the use of the Internet, students can get more out of the course by taking it online rather than taking it directly from a professor.

“They can incorporate media better online than they could in a traditional setting. It adds more for some of the classes,” Dr. McArthur said. “It’s not just one person talking anymore, they’re interacting.”

MCC continued from page 1 That it is something that, I think, really adds to the whole ambiance of the college experience,” President Ross said.

In addition, President Ross said that the second floor of the McMahon Centennial Complex will encompass many things, including offices, board rooms and places for students to participate in various activities.

“The second floor will have an executive board room and a lot of student activity space. There will be places for students to meet, an office for the SGA and an office for PAC. There will be a student organization meeting room, a work room and the Student Activities Director will be located there,” President Ross said. “On the south side of the second floor we have the ballroom, and that will seat up to 400 people for a sit-down dinner. It is also divisible, so we can have a lot of other functions in there that are smaller in nature.”

The second floor will also have a balcony on the south side looking over the Bentley Gardens.

The McMahon Centennial Complex is a student union, but is much more than just that, Dr. Ross said. Essentially, the new student activities complex will only be a part of the total transformation of Cameron University and how it affects its students.

President Ross said that for “Plan 2013: Choices for the Second Century,” a plan for the first five years of Cameron’s second century, Cameron University is committed to four goals that the finished McMahon Centennial Complex will represent. Two of those goals are becoming the university of choice in southwest Oklahoma and offering the college experience of choice.

“This building is absolutely critical to offering the college experience of choice for students to have a place to go to congregate, to socialize, to study, to eat and to Graphic courtesy of Community Relations play. This will be the focal point of the campus; this will be the center of campus life,” President Ross said.

Being the location of choice for community and regional events and being the partner of choice by expanding existing and developing new community and area partnerships that will contribute to the growth and prosperity of southwest Oklahoma are the last two of the four goals that Plan 2013 highlights. President Ross said that the McMahon Centennial Complex will affect greatly the success of these goals.

Voices 4 2008 election presents new beginning for nation, Cameron November 10, 2008

exactly 1,800 voters turned out on Election Day. There were so many people lined up at the Elgin precinct that the results weren’t reported until around 11:30 p.m.

Tuesday night.

Perhaps we have come to a point in our society where we actually do something instead of complaining.

For the past eight years, all I have heard from people is how bad George W. Bush was.

It was always “Bush sucks,” “Bush is an idiot,” “impeach Bush,” and so on. And yet, the turnout at the 2004 election wasn’t anything to write home about. For the last four years, it seems as if people lived to complain about the government and how bad it was.

Americans love to sit around a card table with a cigarette in-hand and complain about how bad things are, but before this election, no one ever wanted to do anything about it. I’m glad to see that changed this year.

It was also good to see the quality of election interaction around campus.

Last Tuesday, everything was abuzz about what was happening and who was going to win at the end of the night. Some people were lost and had no idea where to turn to get the information. The major networks like Graphic

by Jim

Horine

k

Last Tuesday night was stressing for just about everyone in the country in some form or fashion. Americans, old and young, male and female and Republican and Democrat chewed their nails, wiped the sweat off their brow and had to force their legs to stop twitching as the results from the national election poured in.

At the end of the day, America spoke and Barack Obama was elected as president. Well, I take that back.

Americans in Ohio, Florida and Pennsylvania spoke and Obama was elected as president.

I was standing up at the Comanche County Courthouse Tuesday evening helping to relay the precinct numbers as they came in. I almost felt bad for Obama supporters. There’s honestly no reason for them to vote. Well, I wouldn’t say that, but there was no way that Obama was going to carry Oklahoma, so it almost seemed like the vote was placed in vain. But getting out to vote was the most important thing to begin with.

By the end of the day, more than 80 percent of eligible voters in Comanche County had placed their ballots. That is an unheard number for any election.

It seems that this year was one of the most politically charged years I’ve ever experienced. Not even 2000 or 2004 were as bad as this year, and people wanted to get out there and support their respective candidate.

I was really surprised to see the results as they came in. One precinct with around 3,600 people reported

NBC, ABC and CNN just had the same bland coverage with different talking heads.

A group of R/TV and Journalism students gathered together in the CUTV studio Tuesday evening and worked until after 11 p.m. to deliver live election coverage.

There was a lot of hard work put into it from everyone involved and, judging by the end product, it all paid off.

I want to personally congratulate everyone involved with that. I didn’t get a chance to check the coverage out live. Thank Comanche County Courthouse for not having wireless Internet access. Welcome to the 21st Century!

But between the online blog, which was updated

by Journalism students, and the CUTV coverage, it was great to see balanced commentary for Cameron students

MCT Campus

by Cameron students.

It seems as if the 2008 election really set precedents that could be history-making. We now have the first African-American president. We are entering into a new age in one of the most turbulent times in our nation’s history and, on a more local basis, a new age of learning has been achieved by CU’s Communication department. Perhaps potential students can see the coverage the Communication students put together and see it as a good reason to come to Cameron University.

After all, we’re the

Joshua Rouse

‘Chinese Democracy’ released before democracy in China front man Axl Rose, It feels like 1995 GNR quickly faded out there. from the spotlight.

With O.J. Rose, often Simpson on trial characterized by and Metallica, reclusive and erratic AC/DC and Guns behavior, has become N’ Roses releasing the J.D. Salinger of new albums, it’s like music in recent years. an episode of The The limited exposure Twilight Zone.

GNR has had over The Simpsons, the last 15 years has Metallica and been over inter-band AC/DC have disputes, production all remained rumors and tour somewhat in the cancellations. limelight over the past years through The largest rumor surrounding music tours, endorsement deals, the group has been the books written and existence, production crimes committed. and status of the long Then, there’s awaited album Guns N’ entitled Chinese Roses, Democracy. known The aptly by rumors and fans as odd reports GNR; a surrounding the band that production of was at the this album could pinnacle of fill a textbook on fame in the bizarre behavior and early 90’s with bad business practices. powerhouse hits MCT Campus Sticking to the facts is difficult like “Sweet Child of Mine,” because few details can be validated.

“November Rain” and “Welcome to Here’s what we know. The album the Jungle”. With musicians leaving has been listed as in-production the band and the erratic behavior of

Bennett Dewan

for the past 15 years, and according to the New York Times it’s cost over $13 million in production fees, prompting the album to be referred to as “the most expensive album never made.”

The album is supposedly finished and in post-production, but it’s hard to blame fans for their continued skepticism. Chinese Democracy has, after all, been promised, scheduled and then pulled from distribution and scrapped completely numerous times. Each time Rose has dismantled the entire album and started from scratch. In 2007, the album was supposed to be released on separate occasions and still no product was produced.

The band also cancelled part of a 2006 tour because of the record.

The official reason given was that the band needed more time to focus on the finalization of the now mythical record.

Also weighing into the already impossibly surreal situation was an official spokesman for Dr Pepper who, in March of 2008, stated that the company would give each and

first university to have such extensive coverage of a general election.

THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY

COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief - Joshua Rouse News Editor - Jim Horinek A&E Editor - Bira Vidal Sports Editor - Bennett Dewan Copy Editor - John Robertson Video Editor - Kyle Luetters

Newsroom Staff Ads Manager - Kerry Myers Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Alexis Del Ciello, Raven Weiss, Valerie Pennington, Monica Garner

Faculty Adviser Dr. Christopher Keller

Newswriting Students Brooke Adams, Aduke Adesida, Kathryn Batule, Brandy Belew, Lauren Bennett, Greg Boxell, Taylor Brunwald, Justin Cliburn, Jeramy Eidson, Monica Garner, Anna Hataway, Kyle Luetters, Megan Mefford, Solitaire Merrill, Jorie Palmer, Nicole Roames, Chelsea Robertson, Melissa Rodgers, Saman Samii, Meagan Searcy, Rashmi Thapaliya, Raven Weiss, Brooke Whiteley, Nikki Yowell

About Us

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every person in America, aside from former GNR members Slash and Buckethead, a free can of their product if the album was released this year. While many are left pondering the connection between a rock band and free sodas for the nation, GNR seems ready to make Dr Pepper pay out on its outrageous claim.

Geffen Records, Guns N’ Roses’ label, has signed an exclusive deal with Best Buy to sell the album. If that’s not enough proof that Chinese Democracy has come to fruition, the track listing and album artwork are now available for viewing along with a release date of Nov. 23.

The only question now is what this long-awaited recording will sound like.

The challenge for Rose and GNR will be keeping a recording 15 years in the making relevant to today’s listeners. It is clear that there is still a fanbase out there since everyone who was between the ages of 12 and 25 in the early 90’s hasn’t died off from the shame of wearing acid-washed jeans.

Some who have heard it claim that it will be the second coming of Revolver (the Beatles). There is a part of me that hopes Chinese Democracy will be two songs and then an hour of Rose screaming nonsensical phrases into a microphone. After all, what can we expect from a guy that only comes out in public once every other year?

I never thought I would see the day that this record was released. In fact, I would have wagered that I would have had a better chance of watching the Loch Ness Monster eat Michael Phelps, but I was wrong.

There are reports that Chinese Democracy is the first part of a trilogy, so the third album can be expected for Christmas 2038. Make sure to reserve your copy today.

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.

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.

Sports

November 10, 2008

5

CU Volleyball play last games at Aggie Gym

By Kyle Luetters Collegian Staff The Cameron Aggies Women’s Volleyball team kicked off a three game home stretch on Oct. 28.

The Aggies took the court to face the Oklahoma Pan Handle State Aggies for the second time this season. Cameron easily handled Pan Handle State by winning the match in a three set shut out.

Cameron started off the first set trailing for most of the opening scores but eventually took the lead on the heels of great serves by junior Lauren Ellerbrock and held the lead through the end of the first set, winning with a score of 25 to 14.

Ellerbrock, a junior Setter, once again led the team with 26 assists.

For the match, Ellerbrock racked up 10 defensive digs, one kill on two attacks and led both teams with two service aces.

Junior right side hitter Lindsay

Pazuik also had a great match.

Dubbed the “South Paw Striker” by one announcer, Pazuik led both teams by racking up 10 kills on 22 attacks. She also had seven defensive digs, a service ace and a block assist.

Cameron retained its momentum from the first set by racking up scores of 25-15 and 25-22 in the second and third sets. With the victory, Cameron improved to 13-10.

However, that momentum would be lost on Oct. 30 when the Aggies found themselves shut out by the Abilene Christian Wildcats.

With set scores of 25-23, 25-19, and 25-19, Cameron started off strong but slowly tapered off as the evening progressed.

Offensively, it wasn’t one of Cameron’s better matches as none of the offensive hitters stepped up with big games. However, the play of Adrienne Lawson stood out. Lawson, a freshman Outside

Hitter, racked up nine kills on 36 attempts with five errors. Fellow freshman Outside Hitter Nikita Abbott saw limited time on the court but proved to be invaluable with three kills on five attacks with no errors. Abbott also contributed a blocking assist.

Blocking seemed to be where the Aggies faltered in the match against the Wildcats. That night, the Wildcats went on to out-block Cameron nine to two.

With the offense experiencing an off night, the defense stepped up to keep Cameron in contention.

Senior Haley Hatch led both teams with 22 defensive digs. Hatch also contributed three assists on the night.

With the loss, Cameron was dropped to a record of 4-6 in the Lone Star Conference and 10th place in the overall standings.

On Nov. 1, a Senior Day event at the Aggie Gym honored seniors Haley Hatch, Veronica Reeks

and Whitney Long for their achievements and contributions to the Aggie Volleyball team. It was also the final home match for the season.

Hatch once again led the team with 18 defensive digs. She also contributed one assist. Long had a great match offensively and recorded 12 kills on 37 attacks. She also recorded a service ace, a block assist and two solo blocks. Reeks added five defensive digs as well.

Unfortunately, these efforts were not enough, and the Angelo State Rambelles were able to claim the match by winning three sets to one.

Cameron’s set win in the contest came while facing a shut out in the third set. With set scores of 18-25, 23-25, 25-22 and 16-25, Cameron was able to keep it close in the second set but faded in fourth set.

The Cameron team now hits the road for the final two matches of the season. On Thursday Nov. 6, they will travel to Commerce,

Texas to take on Texas A&MCommerce. The final regular season match is scheduled for Nov. 8 in Denton, Texas against Texas Women’s University.

If Cameron qualifies for the Lone Star Conference playoffs, they will play in the LSC Championship Tournament. The tournament will mostly likely be hold at the West Texas A&M in Canyon, Texas.

Photos by Bennett Dewan

Thunder rolls into OKC sport scene Collegian Staff

MCT Campus

Thunderstruck: The Oklahoma City Thunder, the first professional sports team in state history have begun play at the Ford Center. The team collected their first win as a franchise on Nov. 2 by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-85. On Nov. 22 the Thunder will play the only other NBA team to set up shop in Okla., the New Orleans Hornets. The hornets played in the Ford center after being forced to relocate due to their arena taking heavy damage during Hurricane Katrina.

Oklahoma’s first professional basketball team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, lost its first home game on Oct. 29 to the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 98-87.

The Ford Center sold out with 19,136 spectators in attendance for the historic first game. Although their first home game against the Bucks did not fall in their favor, the Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves with a score of 88-85 on Nov. 2.

The Thunder will face off at home with the Orlando Magic this Wednesday. Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu are expected to play well and offer plenty of competition for the young franchise. Both Magic forwards have significantly higher stats than Kevin Durant, the Thunder’s shooting guard. Lewis leads his team with an average of 20 points a game while Turkoglu averages 17.3 points a game.

An NBA franchise has tried to make its way to Oklahoma City since the New Orleans Hornets played their home season in 2005 at the Ford Center after Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of the Louisiana city. An opportunity arose when Howard Schultz, the chairman and CEO of Starbucks and Seattle SuperSonics owner, petitioned the league to move his team to Oklahoma City. On July 17, Schultz sold the team to a group of Oklahoma businessmen led by Clay Bennett for $350 million.

The Thunder enters this season with the 2007 Rookie of the Year, Durant, who started his basketball career at the University of Texas. He was taken as the second overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft by the SuperSonics.

P.J. Carlesimo remained as the head coach of the team after its move to Oklahoma City. He’s been a basketball coach for 37 years, 14 of which have been in the NBA. Tickets are on sale with prices ranging from $10 to $250. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the

MCT Campus

He shoots, he scores: Kevin Durant, the 2007 NBA Rookie of the Year, shoots his last jump shot as a Seattle Sonic in 2007. official NBA Web site at www.nba.com or by calling 405.208.4600. Season passes as well as individual game tickets are still available.

MCT Campus

A&E

6

November 10, 2008

Fall fashion gathers pieces from past

By Solitaire Merrill Newswriting Student

Kathleen Nash Psychology

Photos by Solitaire Merrill

Ralynn Goss Criminal Justice

The air is turning a little colder, and the days are becoming darker and shorter. Fall is here and it is time to pull out warmer clothes.

It is not always easy to figure out what looks are hot and what looks are not. Well, have no fear.

Here is the scoop on fall fashion trends this year.

This season’s trends have taken a lot of inspiration from the late 80’s. Remember Saved By the Bell, The Cosby Show, and Family Ties? Those were the days of big shoulders, crazy colors, leggings and lots of layers. Writers at http:// liketotally80s.com summarize the 80’s as a time of unique fashion.

“We didn’t accessorize - we ‘excessorized’ and loved it,” they wrote. “The 80’s fashions were reflective of a people trying to find themselves.”

Well, after much searching, the 80’s are back, but some modern editing is crucial to getting the trends right.

The trick this season is to incorporate some of the classic 80’s pieces with a modern twist. Wear chic fall fashion for 2008, not 1988. Cynthia Nellis, a Style Scoop writer for http:// fashion.about.com, recommends heavy editing when trying to bring the 80’s to the new millennium.

“Retro-inspired fashion never really means that anything goes: acid-wash jeans, legwarmers, fringed boots and other fads of the decade are best left in the ‘80’s,” Nellis wrote.

Anita Cheung, a fashion writer for http://beauty.ivillage.com, breaks fall trends into styles that anybody can wear off the runway.

Bold colors like pink or chartreuse mixed with muted tones of grey, brown or black make your look fresh. However, mixing the bright colors with the neutral ones is the key to avoid looking like an 80’s

punk rocker Metallic gold or silver shoes and handbags update any simple look this fall. One or two pieces will be enough. Gold and silver look especially sharp with neutral colors. This trend also works by adding something as simple as a gold chain belt.

Accessories are ultra-feminine this fall. Chunky, substantial bracelets and necklaces are an easy addition to a favorite outfit and are kind to the wallet. Colored beads, big crystal necklaces and studded, oversized handbags are easy to find and affordable.

If there is a skirt in the closet you hate to leave behind because of the cooler weather, pairing it with some colored or textured tights can bring it right back into fall. To avoid becoming featured on a fashion “don’t” list, keep either the tights or the skirt a solid color. Combined, patterned legs and a patterned skirt are too busy.

In another variation of a similar silhouette, wide belts with long tunic tops can be flattering and versatile. These can be worn over snug jeans or leggings depending on preference. Yes, leggings.

They’re back with a vengeance.

If you are wondering if you can wear them, refer to these guidelines from bloggers at http:// simplyoohlala.com. They advise that leggings should never be worn with a small top. They look best under a dress or denim miniskirt, and they should always be opaque, never sheer.

Many fashionable college women are just jeans and tshirt types. There are plenty of choices for these denim lovers. Ripped vintage jeans are making a comeback. Rips should be minimal and deliberate care should be taken to not expose too much. Be trendy, not tacky.

Jeans will only keep away some of the chill this year. Luckily, sweaters are back in a staggering

assortment of styles. Throwing a new sweater on an old outfit can change the look quickly. With all the different necklines, materials, lengths, styles and patterns to choose from, the possibilities are almost endless. Some popular fall choices include cable stitches and argyles. An inexpensive but worthwhile investment this year is a comfy scarf. They come in all colors and lengths, are very versatile and add a little spice to a drab day.

What wardrobe is complete without shoes? There are so many to play with this year that finding a look that you love will be easy. Again, the key for this year’s trend is variety.

Everything from colored ballet flats, to peep-toe Mary Janes to patent leather are popular this season. Tall boots, short boots, flat boots and booties are all fads for fall. With so many choices, it is easy to find something stylish, comfortable and affordable.

Buying new kicks does not have to break the bank. Be thoughtful about how long they need to last you and how often you will wear them. If you want a pair of pink ballet flats to go with your new tunic and leggings, you can get away with something less expensive if you will only wear them a handful of times,. You may get more for your money this way.

The most important accessory needed to pull a look together this season, however, is not for sale. Marilyn Kirschner, editor of http://fashionlines.com offers some advice about the power that self-confidence can have in your fall fashion.

“Just keep in mind that whatever you do, do it with style and above all, confidence. You’ll find you can get away with anything,” she wrote.

With that in mind, stay warm, look great and have fun making the old new again by playing with trends this fall.

Gabrielle Mitzs Public Relations

Lisa Castanon Psychology

‘Opera scenes’ sweeps audience to various sceneries

By Bira Vidal Collegian Staff

Photo courtesy of Community Relations

Keeping the music going: Vocal Music majors experienced the production of different arias from a variety of operas. “Opera Scenes” received the support from the Southwest Oklahoma Opera Guild.

The Art exhibition “Forty Years and Counting” opened the Centennial Celebration for Liberal Arts night on Nov. 1, and the Music recital “Famous Opera Scenes” concluded the night with the participation of Cameron students in different opera collections from world renowned performances.

The Southwest Oklahoma Opera Guild helped the Cameron Music department to carry the performance that took place at 8 p.m. at the Cameron University Theatre.

The cosponsorship made it possible for opera supporters from the local area and CU students interested in the art of opera to experience famous compilations from different opera works. Associate Music Professor Dr. Earl Logan explained that the contribution from the Guild is vital.

“The Opera Guild endowed lectureship helps produce operas around here,” Dr. Logan said.

According to Assistant Music Professor Jan Logan, the decision to show a variety of pieces from different operas instead of a full production came from the possibility of a larger participation from CU students and the native language usage in some of the pieces. “[We gave the] young cast the opportunity. So, instead of a full production, we felt like [we should] give more range to students to participate,” Logan said. “[If we performed a] full opera it’d be in English, [but with] ‘Famous Opera Scenes’ we could do it in other languages.”

Students welcomed the challenge to present the pieces in a variety of languages. Most arias come from Italian based operas, but some of the pieces were in English and French. All Vocal Music students receive the specific training to skillfully present the opera pieces to the audience in other languages and dialects.

“It’s difficult for some students. We teach them phonetically [the languages], and most of them have it pretty good. The [best training] is through fast repetition,” Logan said.

But phonetics is not the only obstacle that Music majors encounter while performing in other languages. Vocal Music junior Jonathan Phelps stated

that students must concentrate and focus on the language of the piece and the technique of the opera.

“I try to memorize it [because] it’s hard to time [the aria]. The diction, what you’re going to sing, kind of makes it difficult,” Phelps said. “[But] the more you do it, the better you get. Practice makes perfect.”

The first opera piece of the night gave the audience a taste of Mozart’s opera “The Marriage of Figaro.”

Some arias CU students performed from the piece were “Voi, che sapete,” “Sull’aria ‘To Romeo’,” and “Deh vieni, non tardar.”

Sabrina Harrell, a Vocal Music sophomore, described the opera scenes as a good method to stay musically fit. “[Opera] takes a lot more work. The singing style is different [and you need be prepared] technically and vocally,” Harrell said. “It takes hard work outside rehearsal as well.”

As a complement to the first piece, students performed “Don Giovanni,” another of Mozart’s compositional works. The concert presented “What, O God, Do I see?,” “Dalla Sua pace” and “Il mio Tesore in tanto” from this piece.

After the works of Mozart, the singers presented a selection from Carl Otto Nicolai’s opera composition “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” The piece “No. 1 Duet - Allegro” came from the first scene of the opera and showed a particular operatic characteristic: the application of the voice and poetic composition to set the dramatic events taking place on-stage.

Concluding the recital, students performed popular opera arias Bizet’s “Carmen” and Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.” The latter opera became astonishingly well-known through the vocal power of Luciano Pavarotti. “Famous Opera Scenes” gave students the chance to experience a more traditional musical genre.

“Most Music majors understand they need to be involved,” Dr. Logan said. “That goes with the territory.”

The “Famous Opera Scenes” recital was part of Liberal Arts Week. CU students and local community had the opportunity to attend different concerts, performances and seminars throughout the week of Oct. 30 to Nov. 7.

A&E 7 Dead town residents speak in ‘Spoon River’s Anthology’ November 10, 2008

Community Relations Cameron University’s Department of Theatre Arts continues its 2008-2009 Season, A Celebration of the Cameron University Centennial, with “Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology.”

The American classic will be presented November 13 through 16 at the University Theatre. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology,” conceived, adapted and arranged by Charles Aidman in 1963, is based on Masters’ riveting 1916 collection of poems. The play chronicles the life and world of a fictional Illinois town, Spoon River, by having its former residents - now “sleeping on the hill” in the town cemetery - come back from their graves to speak.

The characters enjoy a freedom and frankness in their thoughts that they never would have shared when alive, providing a candid

look at small-town life and the human condition that is equal parts humorous and poignant.

The audience is introduced to ghosts from a small town who tell

of interesting and secret lives.

With live music, acting, dance and pantomime, the play features around 70 of Masters’ poems, ordered and dramatized to portray

some of the United States’ chief historical periods - including the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the influx of pioneers and immigrants, and the rise of industrialization.

“Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology” is both moving and comedic as it portrays American life as it was in the 19th century.

Starring in the production are CU students Rebecca Craft, Casey Foster, Brandi Goldsmith, Erin Hoff, Brett Jolly, Eli Ramirez, Angelika Ramsdell, Brenda Sodano, Bryan West and Neila Photo by Bira Vidal Ettienne.

Students Watching over you: Brenda Sodano and Brandi Goldsmith, Brett Jolly and Neila working Etienne play the residents of Spoon River.

behind the scenes are Shelli Fox, Christopher Jefferson, Darren D. Howenstine, Mandi Bongiorno, Jeannette Williams and Katherine Handy, all of Lawton/Fort Sill; Joshua Tyler of Frederick; and Kevin Lasorsa of Cache.

This production of “Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology” is directed by Scott Richard Klein, Chair of the Theatre Arts department. Dr. Gregory Hoepfner, CU Associate Professor of Music, serves as music director and accompanist.

Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Christina Dickson is designing the costumes and makeup, the lighting is being designed by stage technician Michael Ewing, and the scenery is being designed

by Don Evans, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens, military and non-Cameron students. Cameron students with ID receive free admission.

For more information or to reserve seats, call the University Theatre box office at 581.2478.

New movie releases bring fresh air to silver screen

By Kyle Luetters Collegian Staff This weekend at the box office, High School Musical 3: Senior Year once again took home the weekend crown. “Musical” took in an additional $15 million to raise its total since release to over $61.8 million. A sequel to the Disney Channel’s highly successful “High School Musical 2,” this third installment has been a huge hit with families and teens alike.

This week’s new release, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” debuted at No. 2 with $10.7 million. The Kevin Smith film stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks, and is about two friends who, when

down on their luck, decide to make a porno to help raise money to pay their bills.

This movie was fairly decent.

Judd Apatow produced it but it wasn’t quite as well crafted as something like the “40 Year Old Virgin” or “Knocked Up.” This movie just lacked the great number of laugh out loud moments that are usually a staple of Apatow movies. There was one scene in the movie that could have been one of those moments, but it occurred at a dramatic moment and left the audience confused. In addition, the movie had a genre shift about two thirds of the way into it. Up to that point, the movie had been a raunchy comedy, but

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after the two main characters have intercourse for the first time it quickly turns into a romance movie, and both characters realize that the relationship they thought was platonic for so long quickly turned serious.

Once again, Rogen turns in a great performance as a loveable dork. Elizabeth Banks is simply beautiful and is fantastic in this one. The supporting cast is hit or miss. I’m going to say wait for DVD on this one. It was decent but nothing like what I normally expect from Apatow.

“Saw V” came in at No. 3 with $10 million in sales. It has now taken in over $45.8 million since its release last weekend.

Clint Eastwood’s “Changling” expanded to wide-release this weekend as well and took the No. 4 spot at the box office. Angelina Jolie stars as a single mother who is victimized by the police who botched the investigation of the disappearance of her son.

Finally, “The Haunting of Molly Hartley” rounded out the top five. This movie, starring Haley Bennett as a teen being followed by a mysterious force, had a weak debut with only $6 million taken in.

This coming weekend, the spotlight will be on two new movies as Hollywood looks to

Michael Crichton (1942-2008)

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R.I.P. legend of science-fiction writing: Michael Crichton, best known for works like “Jurassic Park” and “The Andromeda Strain” died Nov. 4, 2008 when he was 66 years-old. Many of Crichton’s novels including “Rising Sun” and “Sphere” have been adapted into popular films.

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bounce back from a disappointing Halloween weekend. The overall box office take was down 38 percent from the same weekend last year.

“Role Models” and “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” will headline this weekend’s new releases. “Role Models” stars Seann William Scott and Paul Rudd as two thirty-somethings that work for an energy drink company. One is just coming out of a break up while the other is a free spirit. In an energy drink fueled frenzy, they trash the company’s truck and are forced to complete 150 hours of community service work.

“Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” continues the tale of a collection of zoo animals from New York

that is stuck a continent away. The penguins then hatch a plan to get them back to the U.S. by means of a crash-landed military plane. All goes according to plan until the plane crash-lands in Africa.

Both of these movies are great and are worth taking a date and paying full price.

Be sure to check out the Film Geek show on youtube for reviews of these movies.

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8

Variety

November 10, 2008

The tales of the dead come to life in

Edgar Lee Master’s

Spoon River Anthology

The constricted, hopeful and ruthless: (Left) Bryan West, (Center) Brenda Sodano and (Above) Rebecca Craft perform as residents of a ghost town who receive the post-mortem chance to relate their past lives through poems and songs.

In the small town of Spoon River, nothing seems to be what it really is. Living residents are nowhere to be found but, on the side of a hill, dead residents are reciting and singing of their past lives. Each resident has a different statement and rhythm that accompany the tale of suffering or great achievement.

At Cameron University, students will represent those residents and their stories. The play, conceived by Charles Aidman, brings to life the poem collection of Edgar Lee Masters. The poems reveal in much more depth the relationship between life and death and how humans tend to forget the real meaning of living.

As a historical piece, the play will demonstrate how American life in the 19th century was. As secrets are revealed, the audience will have the opportunity to relate with each character.

The Theatre production will receive aid from the Music Department with the special collaboration from Associate Music Professor Dr. Gregory Hoepfner.

The play will take place at 7:30 p.m. from Nov. 13 to Nov. 15.

On Nov. 16, the performance will be at 2 p.m. Both productions will occur at the Cameron Theatre.

Through the river: The cast of ‘Spoon River’ touches up final details for the play’s opening night at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 at the Cameron Theatre.

Narrating dead tales: The residents of Spoon River tell their stories. (From left to right) Brandi Goldsmith, Neila Etienne, Bryan West, Brett Jolly and Rebecca Craft.

Photos by Bira Vidal Photo Collage by Bira Vidal