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Monday, November 5, 2012
Inside Sports
Volleyball:
Aggies back on track against Southeastern.
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Women’s Golf: Aggies place sixth at Oklahoma Intercollegiate Oct. 22-23.
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Crossroads
Volume 87 Issue 6
Texting simulator drives home safety James Meeks Staff Writer
AT&T has started the “It Can Wait” movement to raise awareness of the dangers of texting and driving, allowing students to experience the dangers through a driving simulator. The simulator came to CU on Oct. 16 as part of AT&T’s campaign. PEER Awareness, an organization committed to the health and wellness of students across the nation, provided the machine. Deano Cox, regional manager of external affairs for AT&T, explained how texting and driving is endangering millions of Americans both on and off the road. “Our campaign is focused on a simple and powerful message: that nothing is worth risking your life over, so a text can wait,” Cox said. “This event is being held throughout the entire nation, and AT&T has a full core press in educating teens and parents in the dangers of texting while driving.” Cox explained that AT&T has developed a downloadable app for AT&T customers. The company is also encouraging other cell phone companies to develop their own to app to reduce accidents caused by drivers who text. “When person texts you, the app automatically sends them an automated message saying that you are driving and will respond at their earliest convenience,” Cox said. “The app sends the automated message when the vehicle is going over 25 mph.” Lieutenant Joe Williams of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said he sees people driving while on their phones
Photo by Misty Neal
In the hot seat: Senator Don Barrington takes his turn in the texting simulator Oct. 16 at Cameron University. Barrington attended the event which was held to raise awareness of the dangers of texting while driving. all the time. With current laws, Williams explained that he cannot simply pull someone over if they are on their phone and that accidents caused by texting and driving have gone up significantly over the years. “Your requirement as an operator of a vehicle is to pay attention 100 percent of the time,” Williams said. “We don’t want to knock on anybody’s door; I have had to do it numerous times and so have a lot of other troopers across the state that their loved one has been killed or seriously injured in an accident.” According to PEER Awareness in 2008, distracted drivers directly caused 37 percent of all collisions. The
largest proportion of these collisions involved young, inexperienced drivers under the age of 20. As students learned more about the dangers of texting and driving, the simulator showed students how many times they swerved lanes, ran off the road and hit other vehicles and pedestrians. Physical Education major Xavier Landrum was one of the many students that went through the simulator. Landrum explained that during the simulator he had to text and drive simultaneously, which was unfamiliar territory for him. “I never text that much while I drive,” Landrum said.
“Usually, I come to a complete stop at a red light when I text, so it was different After his run, Landrum realized how dangerous texting while driving can become when full attention is not on the road. According to a recent PEER Awareness study, 89 percent of American adults believe that texting while driving is, “distracting, dangerous and should be outlawed.” The Oprah Winfrey Show has also raised awareness of the dangers of texting while driving, and 22 states have banned it. Senator Don Barrington, Chairman of Public Safety and Homeland Security, also
attended the event to raise awareness, He explained that it is not just the driver at risk, but the people around them as well. “It just takes a split second to run over someone, run into something, hurt yourself or kill someone,” Barrington said. “I appreciate AT&T bringing it down and setting up the equipment for the students at Cameron University” PEER Awareness and AT&T will continue touring the country with their simulator to keep combating texting and drive. More information about texting and driving and its dangers can be found at www.peerawareness. com.
ROTC cadets top in nation Kaylee Jones
Farmer’s Market: Lawton farmers come together to offer a fresh alternative.
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A&E
new officers each year. Cameron’s George D. Staff Writer Keathley Department of Six senior cadets from Military Science is currently Cameron University’s ranked as the third best Comanche Battalion were ROTC unit in the nation ranked among the top (of the 273) by the Order 10 percent of the nation of Founders and Patriots according to the National Organization. Order of Merit list. The six honored with the The list, released distinction were: Ariel T. annually by the U.S. Bergeron, Briar C. Bohach, Army Cadet Command, Patrick T. Hornsby, James is comprised of 5,580 T. Howarth, Ebony Q. Starr prospective cadets across and Joshua C. Wood. the nation. USACC presides Lieutenant Colonel David over the Army’s senior Zaccheus said he was proud ROTC programs at 273 of those honored. universities, providing over “They’ve earned it. It’s 60 percent of the Army’s hard work. It depends
on their GPA, their performance at LDAC (Leadership Development and Assessment Course) and then what they do on campus,” Zaccheus said. “They have worked their tails off to get it. It’s no joke that out of over 5,500 folks, we have six of the top 10 percent.” The cadets’ standing is determined by their GPA, which accounts for 40 percent and leadership performance, which accounts for 60 percent. See ROTC Page 2
Photo by Kali Robinson
Top of their class: Justin T. Howarth and Ebony Starr prepare for training Oct. 26. They are two of six CU seniors ranked in the top 10 percent of ROTC in the U.S.
Biology staff members document rare find Charlene Belew
Nepali Night: Event showcases Nepali customs, culture and cuisine.
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News
CU Be Smart: Progam aims to offer assistance, education to single parents.
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McDonald said. “After shooting the animals, the Newswriting Student hunters realized that these Cameron University animals might be important Biology instructor Brandon to local biologists and have McDonald and associate scientific value. By donating Professor Dr. Michael Husak these specimens, these hunters are in the process of creating participated in citizen science. a biological publication about “Dr. Tyler brought in a skull the collared peccary, a species from the javelina from Tillman similar to pigs also known as County back in 2008. Darrin the javelina. Gunter called me in December Those that have contributed 2011 to announce the discovery to this publication include of the javelina specimen in McDonald, Dr. Husak, Jefferson County, which had Professor Emeritus Dr. Jack been shot by an acquaintance Tyler, and Cameron Alumni of his just days before.” Darrin Gunter. Dr. Tyler McDonald said that and Gunter were responsible although ancestral species for collecting two javelina of the javelina resided in specimens and providing Oklahoma prior to the ice age, information on them. these two javelina specimens “Both of these specimens are the first to actually be were shot by hunters who documented in Oklahoma. were out to shoot feral pigs,” “This will be the first direct
documentation of the javelina specimen in Oklahoma. They are normally found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona,” McDonald said. “We are putting this discovery up for publication due to the fact that this species is new for our state.” McDonald said that in earlier years, several publications — including the 1989 book “Mammals of Oklahoma” — had predicted that the javelina would eventually move northward across the Red River. McDonald and his co-authors’ publication on the javelina provides confirmation to these predictions. “We refer to these skulls as voucher specimens – they serve as evidence for the presence of this species in the state,”
McDonald said. “Before it was just speculation from people who had the credentials to make these speculations” McDonald said that the actual publication on the javelina specimen started in the last week of September and was submitted on Oct. 2. “We submitted it on October second. After it goes through the editing and revision processes, it will be likely published in the 91 volume of the ‘Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science’ journal sometime in December,” McDonald said. The two skulls from the recently found javelina specimens now reside in the CU Museum of Zoology. “We have put these skulls in with our collection of over 1,000 vertebrates,” McDonald
said. “These skulls will now be permanently residing here in our museum with catalogue numbers.” Although there is no direct evidence that javelina populations will be permanently residing in Oklahoma, the authors of this publication plan on staying vigilant for any sightings, photographs, or rumors concerning the javelina in the southern portion of state. “It’s important to monitor species moving northward like this, because it changes what we know about biodiversity of this region,” McDonald said. “In addition, this might be one more example of subtropical species expanding their range northward in response to climate change and our alteration of the environment.”
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November 5, 2012
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CU Be SMART offers assistance Eloise Herbert
Newswriting Student
Cameron is looking after the needs of student-parents through its CU Be SMART program, housed in North Shepler’s Parent Resource Center. CU Be SMART, launched in September, provides student-parents with information on emotional and educational support as well as the resources and encouragement to complete their degree program with little or no setbacks. SMART is an acronym for Single Mother Academic Resource Team, and a component of the program is Kids’ College. According to Program Coordinator Lavonne Bynum, the office is constantly challenging itself to meet the diverse needs of a shifting student community. “We recognize there is a need in our diverse student population for students who are parents to know that they have the support, resources and available connections through the community — through the campus — to help them succeed in college and show their family how to succeed as well,” She said. CU Be SMART was
one of the new initiatives projected in President Ross’ FY 2013 budget. Bynum said the Board of Higher Regents conceptualized the program, but Cameron chose to modify the program to target all parents rather than single families. She said the program’s goal — through the Kids’ College leg — is to provide parents with a safety net in the absence of regular child care to allow them to be totally engaged on campus. “Our Kids’ College helps parents attend workshops and other developmental activities held on campus regardless of the hour,” she said. “We have activities planned for children ages three to twelve for students who wish to take part in SMART Academy and other university workshops. Our care givers implement a variety of activities for toddlers and older children so they develop themselves alongside their parents. Bynum said the parents’ positive reaction to the program has propelled them to plan and implement their concepts in over-drive. “We started a parent resource room recently, and parents are already aware of that room,” she said. “. It’s the parents’ personal space,
Photo by Eloise Herbert
Work and Play: A child talks to a caregiver at the Kids’ College. CU Be SMART aims to give parents the opportunity to attend campus workshops and developmental events while having their children cared for. where they can have a place to bring their children while on campus without being a bother to anyone; they can come in and find a quiet place to study, and the room has computer access, comfortable seating arrangements and quiet toys for the children to play with while parents work,” she said. According to Bynum, connecting with the parentstudent populace and helping them understand that they can
have it all — success in college while effectively managing their families — is what she likes the most. “I am a non-traditional student. When I came back to school after being gone for so long, I realized how much more diverse the student population at Cameron was,” she said. “I was able to juggle being both a successful college student and parent, and I wanted to help others make that connection.”
Bynum said that, in addition to Kids’ College, the program offers developmental workshops in areas of time management, parenting classes, developing good study habits and stress management. She said students with children should capitalize on what the Parent Resource Room offers as Kids’ College is only one outlet of the CU Be SMART program. “Parents should visit the center at least once,” Bynum
said. “They should find out what we have to offer them and how we can help them. They can also sign on to meet other resourceful organizations and better yet, encourage family involvement.” Students seeking more information on Kids’ College or any element of the CU Be SMART program can visit the Parent Resource Center in North Shepler Room 311 or contact the office at 580.581.2793.
Mind Games: Battle of the Brains ROTC continued from Lizzy Owoyemi
Malcolm said. “This semester we have gotten better, but we cannot announce where we are in the tournament because of Staff Writer the televised scheduling. We are still competing, though, and we are doing very well. ” Seven Cameron University students are participating in Malcolm said that the tournament is only for public and the fall 2012 Mind Games Tournament, an event that the private universities in Oklahoma. The first competition was Chickasaw Nation, Oklahoma Energy Research Board and held on Sept. 11 at the KSBI studio in El-Reno KSBI-52 sponsor. According to Malcolm, there are seven students on the The Mind Games is an Oklahoma Academic Challenge Mind Games team this year: team captain Jacob Jardel; Rachel aired every Sunday nights on prime time at 6 p.m. The McLain; Ross Holley; Shawn Mietchen; Brent Chappel; program brings together students from Oklahoma colleges, Britany Pyfer and Joel Frambes. universities and high schools in a weekly battle of the brains. “Each of these students are specialized in different topics,” These students compete for a $200,000 scholarship. Malcolm said. “I am in charge of choosing who is on the floor, According to Lani Malcolm, the Academic Services and all I do from there is sit back and watch. The game is just Coordinator and coach of the academic team, the show is like what we see on Jeopardy.” produced at KSBI TV in Oklahoma City and broadcast According to Ross Holley, a sophomore Accounting major, weekly on prime time. The tournament is a televised academic the moderator would ask a question, and the students buzz in competition, and the high school segment started this year. to answer. “The show is aired on prime time every week,” Malcolm “You do not get to choose questions, so we have to prepare said. “They air the college segment each week, and they started a high school segment this year. We do not get the TV station for everything,” Holley said. “On TV, the audience can see the questions, but the contestants cannot see them, so every in Lawton, but we can view it online.” Teams are comprised of three main players and up to three member of each team has to pay attention to really answer the questions. If you interrupt the moderator and you are wrong, alternates who may be substituted in during the games. All the other team gets the point.” teams will receive scholarship awards or a school donation Holley explained that questions were based around topics either as a consolation prize or as the week’s winning team. such as literature, history, mathematics, science, pop culture According to Malcolm, CU students participated in the tournament last year fall and spring. She said CU students are and video games. The team meets to practice on Wednesdays, Thursdays and still in this year’s tournament and are doing better than last Fridays to go through questions from past tournaments and year, as the CU team claimed victory in the first round over a prepare for each competition. team from Southwest Christian University before moving to Those who are interested in watching the show can go to the second round to compete against a team from Rogers State www.ksbitv.com/mind-games. University. “In fall last year we did well, but in spring we did better,”
Crossword
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All cadets are required to maintain an overall GPA. of 2.0, along with a 3.0 in military science. In order to achieve a competitive active duty position, they must maintain a 3.2. At the time of their evaluations, CU’s senior cadets had an average GPA of 3.45. Ebony Starr, an active duty option cadet at CU with 13 years of military experience, said she was excited to see the results of her hard work. “I was excited, but I worked hard,” Starr said. “I decided to come to Cameron knowing that they were in the top 3 percent of the nation… I knew they had high standards. Everywhere we go, everyone knows Cameron.” Upon her graduation, Starr will be promoted to second lieutenant. Joshua Wood, also an active duty option cadet who had been stationed at Ft. Sill for seven years, said it was a pleasant surprise to be ranked in the top ten percent. “I was excited. I was shooting for top 20 percent to be honest,” Wood said. “My wife was like, ‘No, you need to shoot higher than that. Shoot for top ten.’” Ariel Bergeron, a 21-year-old psychology major, was less surprised with her ranking. “I worked really, really hard. So it was kind of expected,” Bergeron said. “It was still that ‘I want to know, yay’ but I knew.” Derrick R. Bieller, Christian S. Gordon and Cody M. Jones were also recognized as distinguished military graduates, ranking in the top 25 percent of the nation. Cameron currently has 21 senior cadets, 17 of which will enter active duty upon graduation. Four more will enter either the Army Reserve or the National Guard. 65 In an unusual way 66 Student’s stressor 67 Very familiar note recipient? 68 “Fetch my smelling salts!” 69 Avg. levels
31 Furthermore 32 Synagogue scholar 1 Chinese temple instrument 33 Times to send in the 5 Nestling noises troops 10 Leave at the altar 34 “Full House” co-star Bob 14 Diva’s showpiece 37 Panama crosser 15 Group of experts 39 Co. in Paris 16 Pierre’s possessive 40 “Sesame Street News 17 Return on one’s Flash” reporter investment, in slang 41 Hula swivelers 1 Goes on and on 20 Replay technique, briefly 46 Family-friendly, filmwise 2 Unwritten 21 Relaxing time in the chalet 47 German coal valley 3 Barcelona boy 22 “There oughta be __” 48 Native American groups 4 Joke writer 25 Hi-fi spinners 50 Sierra Nevada resort 5 HMO alternative 26 Plain dessert 52 Tax-sheltered accts. 6 Musical sensitivity 30 Playing decks 7 One-named Irish folk singer 53 Store opening time 35 Diplomatic bldg. 8 Magazine with a Stylewatch 54 The “I” in IHOP: Abbr. 36 Juanita’s aunt 55 End-of-the-week letters spinoff 37 Yukon’s country 56 Scandinavian literary 9 Eat noisily, as soup 38 Prada imitation, perhaps collection 10 Elbows rudely 42 More greasy 58 Bakery call 11 “In the morning” radio 43 Extended family 59 Happy host 44 “Bon voyage!” 60 Spreading trees 12 Security device 45 Fruity-smelling compound 62 Ancient 13 __ torch: patio light 46 Jay-Z, for one 63 Yiddish cries of dismay 18 Finish the laundry 49 L.A. bus-and-rail org. 19 Perform another MRI on 51 Speak indistinctly 23 Oldman or Newman 52 Begin 24 Ragamuffin 57 Gate-hanging hardware 26 Orange __ tea 61 Announce one’s arrival 27 Old Dodge autos gently ... as opposed to words 28 Horseshoe-shaped that start 17-, 26-, 38- and fastener 46-Across 29 “The Trial” writer Franz 64 Voting no
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A&E
November 5, 2012
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Nepali Night shares culture and cuisine James Meeks
Niroula then introduced the officers of the organization Staff Writer and began singing the National Anthem of Nepal. The anthem The Cameron University was followed with a short film Nepali Association (CUNA) presentation of social activist hosted Nepali Night on Dil Shova Shrestra. Oct. 27 at the McCasland “We are glad to have some Ballroom. people who have sacrificed The event was held to everything — money, their show people at Cameron rooms, everything,” Niroula Nepali customs and provide entertainment through dances, said. “We are fortunate to have them in this world.” songs and cuisine. Niroula explained that Jinesh Niroula, the master Shrestra started taking elderly of ceremonies, began the women into her home to care festivities scheduled for that evening by sharing the history for them and give them a comfortable place to stay. of the organization. Niroula said proceeds from According to Niroula, ticket sales that would be CUNA was formed in 2008. It took time for the organization sent to Shrestra so she could continue her charity work. to establish its presence and Niroula then began gain momentum on campus. showing the audience how “It took us a really long time to be good at something,” the Nepali people celebrate and prepare for the Dashain Niroula said. “Our programs were not organized, but when Fesitval, an annual holiday that commemorates the victories of I look today I would say we the god and goddesses over the have come a long way and it demons. The 15-day festival is all because our friends and is also known for its emphasis families.”
on family gatherings as well as a continued renewal of community ties. During the presentation, Niroula had two members of CUNA demonstrate the tika. Elders placed the tika on the foreheads of younger family members to symbolize the blood ties that bind them together. This ritual, they explained, renews their community ties. After the demonstration, dinner was served so people could sample Nepalese cuisine. Dessert featured Baklava, a desert pastry that had the texture of a cracker and the sweet taste of syrup flavor. Dancers moved in unison to the beat of the music as the audience watched each of their steps. The singers provided energy and displayed emotion in their lyrics, giving the feeling that they were not Photo by James Meeks in a university ballroom but were instead celebrating in the Night of Nepali song and dance: Nepali Night invites students to experience streets of Nepal, enjoying the customs and cuisine native to the country. The event provides cultural entertainment. music of their culture.
Centennial Singers wow with vocal prowess
Photo by Carson Stringham
Show time: The Cameron University Centennial Singers raise their voices during a recent concert. Since the Singers include dedicated vocal music students, they are often scheduled to sing within a few moments of notice.
Carson Stringham Newswriting Student
Any Cameron University student with a desire to sing may join the Concert Choir,
but only a few dedicated vocal music majors may become a part of the Centennial Singers. Mrs. Doris Lambert, an Associate Professor at Cameron and current
conductor of the Centennial Singers, said that the group is the most recent incarnation of a recurring show choir that the Music Department has put together over the years.
The group takes its name from its inception, as it was formed during Cameron’s centennial year in 2008. Lambert said one of the reasons the Centennial Singers
remains separate from the Concert Choir was to allow to voice students an opportunity to focus on performing in a professional environment where they would not be able to do so elsewhere. “The Centennial Singers was designed as a training group for music students who are majoring or minoring in Vocal Performance,” Lambert said. “Because the Concert Choir is open to everyone, we wanted to provide an opportunity for vocal music majors to have a small ensemble experience that would allow them to perform music that they could not do in concert choir.” Another advantage of being a small group, according to Lambert, is that the Singers are relatively mobile, allowing for them to travel with very little notice to perform at various university functions. Because they are the go-to singing ensemble for Cameron, they
can expect to be called upon at almost any time. The Singers keep a repertoire of music ready for just such occasions. “If President Ross has special guests here and she wants some entertainment, she can call and say, ‘There is going to be a party in two weeks, can you give us 15 minutes of entertainment?’, and we can reply, ‘Yes, we can.’” Music majors who wish to join the Singers must first audition for Lambert, singing either a song from a Broadway musical production or a piece of popular music. The reason for these limitations, Lambert said, is to help the students to not only showcase their singing ability, but for her to see their stage presence and showmanship. “Because we are the go-to group on campus, the quality has got to be over the roof; that way, we can step in anywhere and people will say, ‘Wow, what a great group.’”
Constance Squires resonates with reading Sarah Brewer
Sill as the Cold War comes to a close. A&E Editor While reading “Reverb,” Hometown author Squires introduced her Constance Squires read from newest character, Austin a draft of her next novel, filmmaker Ray Wheeler. In tentatively titled “Reverb,” to the novel, Wheeler travels students, faculty and staff, to Medicine Park to make concluding the 2012 - 2013 a documentary about Lena Visiting Writer Series on Jack, a 70s rock star who the evening of Oct. 12 at the continues to captivate him Cameron Exchange. with her songs as if is she Squires holds a Ph.D. were his spirit guide. in English from Oklahoma Squires described her State University. She directs character — a chanteuse who the MFA program in Creative emerges from seclusion to Writing at the University of sing her signature ballad in a Central Oklahoma, where she bar that loses its electricity in teaches undergraduate and the midst of severe storm — graduate workshops in the from the perspective of her short story and the novel. narrator, who becomes even Her fiction has won a more enchanted with her. number awards and has Squires continued to appeared in numerous convey feeling in her writing literary journals, including through figurative language, “The Atlantic Monthly,” and made music resonate “Bayou,” “Eclectia,” “Identity with the loud riffs and soulful Theory,” “New Delta Review” vocals of another medium. and other publications. “When it comes to Her recent nonfiction has describing the insides of the appeared in “Salon,” “The music, the only thing to do Village Voice,” “Largehearted is metaphor,” Squires said. Boy” and on the NPR “There is a metaphor here of a program “Snap Judgment.” guitar solo feeling like driving Her debut novel, “Along on hairpin turns.” the Watchtower,” was According to Squires, the winner of the 2012 this passionate performance Oklahoma Book Award. The comes from her curiosity with story follows protagonist celebrity culture. Lucinda Collins, a girl who “I think I have always comes face to face with the been fascinated by musicians, sacrifices her military family who can so easily become so makes from Germany to Fort ethereal; yet they are just real
people,” Squires said. “I have always been aware of how weird and awkward celebrity culture can be. By making my characters musicians, I can remove one more level from the creative process.” Squires sets the stage for her character’s return to form in Signal Flare, a saloon similar to the venue she said she remembers visiting with her friends when she was a teen. “When I was a teenager, I somehow got into a very seedy dive bar on Fort Sill Boulevard,” Squires said. “The people that ran the place were amused by us because we would dance like fiends. They played terrible heavy metal music that made Spinal Tap look like Led Zeppelin. In my head, this is where they are.” Squires said she sets her work in locations around Lawton and contemporary Comanche County for specific reasons. “When studying literature, I noticed how the things that matter to a culture come from where particular novels are set,” Squires said. “This part of the world does not exist on the literacy map yet, but it matters to me.” Both of Squires’ novels not only mention familiar locales around Fort Sill and Lawton, but also show a thematic progression from her debut
novel to her early manuscript. “I think these areas are full of stories and I have a special interest in trying to tell some of them,” Squires said. “There is a weird, wild history to the place that shadows the present. Maybe because feeling homeless in
the way that afflicts Army kids is a big theme in ‘Along the Watchtower,’ ‘Reverb’ is about having a home, deciding where your home is and making a stand.” Although her work cannot be classified as autobiography, Squires said her fiction
tends to mirror some of the moments she has experienced in her life and makes its own statement. “It’s sort of like what she has done with her life in the book is what I’ve done with my writing, making it stand for this area,” Squires said.
Photo by Sarah Brewer
Homecoming reading: Author Constance Squires reads from her current draft of “Reverb.” Squires sets her fiction in familiar locations in contemporary Comanche Country, and her writing evokes the passion and power of rock music.
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November 5, 2012
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The mouse is strong with this one
Alex Rosa-Figueroa Copy Editor THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-Chief - Matthew Berberea News Editors - Teewhy Dojutelegan, Tiffany Martinez Crossroads Editor - Dianne Riddles A&E Editor - Sarah Brewer Sports Editor - Tyler Boydston Copy Editor - Alex Rosa-Figueroa Aggie Central Editor- Mitch Watson Archivist - Mitch Watson
Newsroom Staff
Financial Officer - Susan Hill Staff Writers - Amanda Goemmer, Lizzy Owoyemi, James Meeks, Kaylee Jones Circulation Manager - Matt Thompson Advertising Manager - Matthew Berberea Photographers - Kali Robinson, Misty Neal
Newswriting Students
Charlene J. Belew, Jordan K. Godlewski, Terry I. Gonzalez, Mei Ling Grooms, Michaela D. Haire, Philip D. Harrington, Eloise A. Herbert, Dena N. Jennings, Kaylee M. Jones, Sadie L. Jones, Whitney N. Mefford, Jaime R. O’Bannon, Melissa C. Solis, Shelby M. Stancil, Kaitlyn M. Stockton, Carson B. Stringham, Matthew L. Thompson, Cindy A. Walter, Skylar D. Williams
Faculty Adviser
Dr. Christopher Keller
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available each Monday during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution The first issue is provided free of charge. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Disney Princess Leia. When you wish upon a Star Wars. A long time ago, in a wonderful world far, far away. Honestly, I could keep these cringe-worthy blights on the English language up all day, but since brevity is the soul of wit, I think I will cut to the heart of the matter. On Tuesday, Oct. 30, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger announced the company’s recent purchase of Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. If you just felt a disturbance, as if a million nerdy voices suddenly cried out in terror, then you are probably one of those million that were suddenly silenced, because with this acquisition, the House of Mouse has full reign and control over the “Star Wars” franchise. What does this mean for you? Well, nothing, honestly — we are only talking about a movie series after all, and the real world has bigger concerns like taxes and hurricanes and something of mild importance happening on Nov. 6 (“Halo 4” fans, your time has come.) — but if you’re a fan of George Lucas’ magnum opus, you might be a little concerned to hear Disney’s plan to make an brand new trilogy. Yes, with plans for “Star Wars Episode 7” in 2015 and a new “Star Wars” film hitting theatres in the years to follow, it looks like the franchise will be going strong and telling stories for years and years (and years) to come.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Aggie Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
nearly as bad as some would claim), I know my way around a lightsaber, and I know what a Bothan is. I’m kind of a massive nerd. Nevertheless, I am not entirely invested in the story. I do not care who shot first, or that Darth Vader built C-3PO, or whether Boba Fett blowing his way out of the
Sarlacc really counts as canon or not. My concern does not lie with the idea that Disney will ruin the series, or that “Star Wars” franchise will spiral further into an state of soulless marketing, writhing in the gnarled claws of Disney’s accountants. I got that out of my system when Disney bought Marvel.
This problem was an issue throughout my retail career, from the time I graduated high school in 2009 until March of 2011. While I still work in customer service today, the job I work at now is a much different experience, as the customers I work with are people I see on a daily basis. The customers I have now know me — and vice versa — so the problems have been limited. With this all in mind, I still see the irate customers when I go shopping, or when I talk to friends who are still in retail. The worst customer I ever received was one who threatened to get me fired amidst a barrage of expletives as a result of not being able to return his video game that he had bought four months prior. After causing a scene in the middle of the store, a manager finally came to save the day. The manager did not stand up for the lowly employee who had just dealt with the traumatic experience, though; instead, he gave the customer his money back and sent him on his merry way. The stories I hear from friends are sometimes even worse. So, why do these stores constantly stand up for malicious customers instead of
the employees that work for them day-in and day-out? The answer is simple: money. Employers’ concerns generally reflect a “Money now, questions later” attitude, and the loss of one customer does not bode well when it comes time to count profit. Losing a customer represents a loss of money to them, while losing an employee in a large retail chain is just another person they no longer have on the payroll. Through training videos I was forced to watch at a former job, I was always told to make sure to keep every customer. Kicking out a customer if they were too rowdy was never a concern that was covered. In the revolving door that is retail, an employee can be replaced in an instant with someone off the street looking for a job (or not
replaced at all, depending on monetary concerns versus how crucial it is to have an extra person). So now that we are going in to the holiday season, and retail stores are soon to find themselves filled with both hired holiday help as well as an excess of deal-hunting customers, we should all take time to stop and think about how we treat the
The customer is always wrong
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And this is where — as I crack my knuckles, glaring at the computer screen — my editorial truly begins. Now, if my casual abuse of time-honored quotes did not clue you in, I’m something of a “Star Wars” fan. From the VHS days of the original trilogy to the modern age of DVD special editions (which are not
This editorial is not a tirade against the “inevitable” degradation of a beloved franchise. No, I am just upset that a story cannot end. “Star Wars” was a nice story, with a nice beginning, middle and end. Heroes fought villains, the dark side pushed the forces of light to the edge of oblivion and when the credits rolled, good had triumphed. Corruption was purified and evil was defeated. The story, after three movies of hardship — and three movies of computer generated buildup shortly after — came to an end. So what idea could be better than undoing all that hard work and continuing the saga? I detest the idea of uprooting a perfectly good ending. When a story is over, why not leave well enough alone? I do not know many people clamoring for the continued adventures of Charles Foster Kane’s decaying estate, or the escapades of Rick and Renault in Brazzaville. Does anyone really need to know what happens after the buildings drop in “Fight Club?” Does anyone want to see what Mattie Ross does with the rest of her does? Does anyone — anyone — care to see the marvelous misadventures of an elderly Rose DeWitt Bukater in her post-Titanic twilight years? I do not care about new “Star Wars” movies. I do care about the desecration and utter defilement of storytelling. If a story is over, let it be over.
Tyler Boydston Sports Editor
The customer is always right, or at least that is the phrase that I heard throughout my time working in retail. Whenever someone wanted to return a movie three months after buying it, or tried to return things on a near-daily basis, I always thought there was something extremely fishy going on. However, I was always told that, unfortunately, “the customer is always right.” There is something very dangerous about this phrase, though. If the customer is always right, then I was most certainly wrong a majority of the time, and if the customer was irate, then it was my fault (even if it wasn’t). The customers can belittle and destroy the employees of stores as long as they wish, unless the stores finally speak up. What, then, is the problem, if the stores can kick people out? The problem remains because the stores themselves rarely ever actually remove customers unless actual harm is brought upon an employee or another customer.
employees that so often get harassed. The most difficult time for them is the holiday season, and that season is fast approaching. Black Friday will pop up at the end of November with seemingly no warning for most of us, but those on the other side of the counter will be counting the days until holidays are over.
November 5, 2012
www.aggiecentral.com
5
Crossroads
Photos by Sarah Brewer
Farmer’s market provides a bountiful harvest
Sarah Brewer
Manager Angie Ellis explained that farmers in Southwestern A&E Editor Oklahoma pool resources Local farmers and artisans throughout the season. gathered at the Lawton “It has been difficult, but we Farmer’s Market Fall Festival have quite a few vendors who to mark the end of the have access to wells bring in harvest season on Oct. 27 water throughout the season,” at the Comanche County she said. Fairgrounds. Ellis said the Lawton This Fall Festival celebrated Farmer’s Market provides a having a bountiful bath service to the community that of products because the includes bringing fresh fruits Southwest Oklahoma Growers and vegetables from the farm Association — a non-profit to the table. organization — sought to “We are not about making assist local growers. money; we are about providing Lawton Farmer’s Market a service to the community,”
Ellis said. “We are also about healthy eating. We want people to start eating like they should be and cook for their kids so that they know how to eat well.” Ellis encouraged area students to get involved with the Lawton Farmer’s Market. “We have invited FFA high school students to give them an outlet to sell their produce and raise money for their boosters,” Ellis said. “We have experienced growers here, but we are also looking for young blood.” Marlow farmer Jack
Sayre Jr. has experience in abundance — he inherited his knowledge of farming from his grandfather and has been tending his land and managing J and P Produce with his wife Patty for 12 years. Sayre has watched as the Lawton Farmer’s Market has taken root in the community, but he still believes their business has room to grow. “Since I started here, the Lawton Farmer’s Market has grown considerably,” Sayre said. “We would like to see more growers here. Events like the Fall Festival really draw people in, but some people still do not know who we are.” Sayre said participating each Saturday in the Lawton Farmer’s Market has alleviated the burdens that come from selling independently and he appreciates the support and solidarity he has found among other growers in the area. “Before I joined the Lawton Farmer’s market, I had a bunch of vegetables that went to waste. I put a sign out by the highway and I had a few customers, but I had a lot of waste,” he said. “We get together and share growing tips and techniques with each other. It is like one big family here, and we help each other — If one of our farmers here needs equipment, one of us comes over and brings the equipment to help till and plow their land.” However, Sayre would still like the community to know how buying locally benefits the people who plant crops in his home state. “Some people go to markets out of state — not that there is anything wrong with going to markets out of state — but this hurts local growers who plant with their sweat, blood and tears. This is hard work,” Sayre said. Sayre said he especially enjoys making connections with his customers. “My fondest memories are the smiles on faces of people who tell us they are glad we are here growing fresh, local produce,” Sayre said. “They enjoy what we do, and they let us know.” Turkey Creek Lavender Farm’s Cathy Field said she shares her love of lavender with a wider audience when she takes the products she makes to the Lawton Farmer’s Market each Saturday morning. “It allows us as farmers to develop relationships with the people who come to the market,” Field said. “For example, there are people who
are devoted to our Lavender Lemongrass soap, and they stock up every time they come to the market.” Field described the delight she has for lavender, and she said she especially enjoys sharing its delicate scent with people who pass by her stand. “The most exciting time for me is when the lavender is blooming and I can take fresh cut bundles to the market,” Field said. “So many people have never seen fresh lavender, so when they talk about the smell and the beauty of it I am so excited to be able to share that with them.” Field said she thinks more people should know about the specialty goods that are also available at the Lawton
Farmer’s Market. “People tend to think the farmers market and think food, even though we instituted the first Saturday craft vendor day this year, and had the Tomato Festival and Harvest Festival. Perhaps it not widely known that we offer more than just fruit and vegetables,” Field said. Field wants the Lawton Farmer’s Market to become something of a one-stop shop for groceries and goods. “Ultimately, I hope the community sees the farmers market as a go-to resource for buying local, whether it be lavender, herbs, fruit, vegetables, pastured chicken and turkey or handmade items.”
6
Sports
November 5, 2012
www.aggiecentral.com
Aggies back on track after Storm CU Sports Information
Kathryn Evans recorded 18 kills for Cameron but their late season skid continued, falling to Texas Women’s in straight sets (18-25, 25-27, 18-25) Oct. 27 at Kitty Magee Arena. “We competed well and played really well this afternoon,” said head coach Doug Tabbert. “We just had a hard time stopping them offensively. They (TWU) are really good with some big arms and when it got down to crunch time they did what they needed to do to get the job done.” In set one the Aggies (8-19, 3-13) started strong getting out on front 11-6 over the Pioneers (18-6, 124) but that lead diminished after a 6-1 run by TWU forcing Cameron to burn a timeout to regroup. The timeout was not enough to shake the TWU momentum as they would take five out the next six points winning the set 2518. Despite a strong effort in the second and third set, Cameron once again found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard as they fell in three straight
Photo by Matthew Berberea
Killing the competition: Freshman Kathryn Evans kills against Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The match took place at home on Oct. 30, with the Aggies winning each set. They will next play at home against Abilene Christian on Nov. 9. sets. As a team the Aggies hit .173, with 37 kills, and 59 digs, the Pioneers on the other hand hit .283, with 57 kills, and 75 digs. Both
teams were even with eight blocks. “This was a rough road trip for us but it will be good to get home and play and some teams on
our court this next week,” Tabbert said. “I told the team after the match that if they commit to the same effort as we did today in the remaining matches,
anything can happen still.” Next up for Cameron was a home match against non-conference opponent Southeastern Oklahoma Storm. CU started the match strong with two five-point rallies in set one to put them ahead for the whole set and give them the win 25-18. They then followed with a back and forth set two up until a 13-13 tie when CU went on a 10-3 run that would put them well ahead 22-16. After a bit of a rally by Southeastern, Cameron finished it off for a 25-21. The third set started off slow for the Aggies as they fell behind 1-6 to the storm, but a CU 12-3 run put them up 13-9. After two Southeastern points, Cameron had another rally to put them up 17-11. The set then went back and forth until the Aggies were able to put it away 25-23. “I told my players that it is always good to get a win, it is always good to get a sweep,” said head coach Doug Tabbert. “We had some good moments, we had some bad moments, we struggled in things we should be better at, but at the same time we controlled the outcome, and it is
always good to get a sweep especially.” Cameron’s freshman tandem of Shannon Dulaney and Kathryn Evans led the way offensively with 14 kills each. Evans was efficient on the night with a .375 attack percentage on 32 attacks. Rebecca Green added to the Aggie attack with 10 kills and Annelise Carpenter added nine kills of her own. They were all assisted by the experienced setter, Jenna Risoli, who had another double double with 42 assists and 12 digs. Julisa Ocasio had another impressive defensive night with 31 digs, getting her closer to 1,000 in her career at CU. Risoli, Ocasio, Mariah Westlake (16 digs), and the rest of the Aggies combined for 91 digs on the night. “Kat was very efficient, and that is what you always look for. We had some balance today with Shannon and Kat having 14 kills each, and that is the kind of balance you want to have,” said Tabbert. “Julisa is so talented and she has tools that most players do not have. She is so experienced and has made such a huge impact for us last year and this year. It is exciting to watch her play.”
Men’s golf team takes second at Invitational Tyler Boydston
overall over the course of the two days. Sports Editor Freshman Cullen Stahl The Cameron University remained one stroke behind them with a 222. men’s golf team tied for According to men’s head second place at the Bruce golf coach Jerry Hrnciar, Williams Memorial Invitation on Oct. 22 and 23 Stahl performed well in the tournament as the only in San Antonio, Texas. freshman representing On day one of the tournament, the team scored Cameron. “For a freshman, he did a first-round total of 295, really well,” Hrnciar said. following with a second “He has the ability to shoot round score of 293. On low.” the second day, they shot Other CU players a combined 296 in round included senior Kregg three to find themselves Wood and junior Michael with a score of 884 overall, tying with Incarnate Word. Kelly, who tied for 24th with an overall score of 226. Seniors Trey Lawson and Austin Weaver tied for The sixth player from CU, John Ruzich, played not as a ninth in the tournament, part of the team; he played both scoring a total of 221
individually, scoring with a 239. The winner of the Invitational was Abilene Christian University, who shot with a score of 851 for the tournament. Hrnciar said the team’s second place stance was a testament to consistency, though Abilene Christian’s ability to shoot under par was what stopped the team from making first place. “We were more consistent,” Hrnciar said. “The problem is that we did not have but one round under par, and Abilene Christian had multiple rounds under par. We have more depth than they do in my opinion, but their
frontline players are very capable of shooting it under par.” According to Hrnciar, his team still shows need for improvement by having the mentality to consistently shoot under par. “Our short game needs continued improvement,” Hrnciar said. “We have got to have the mentality to shoot under par. Abilene Christian is number four in the country, and there is not any reason we can not move into the top 20. We have the ability to do so, we just have to keep working on it.” Hrnciar also said the difference between playing the Bruce Williams Memorial Invitational and
Holden shot a 160 and 164 over the course of the two days respectively. Anderson tied for 48th while Holden tied for 60th. According to women’s head golf coach Rick Goodwin, the team’s fall from third to sixth place over the course of the two rounds showed that the team needs to step up to face with Midwestern State and Tarleton State, which were first and second place, respectively. “The first round we were about as good as we could be,” Goodwin said. “The second round, we had a couple players fall off and that cost us the score. We had all the schools from the Lone Star Conference in this tournament. We just need to get to where we can compete with Midwestern State and Tarleton State. We are getting better, but so is everybody else.” Third place in the tournament went to Central Oklahoma, with a score of 594 over the course of the two days. Goodwin said the team has a strategy to improve their game once they return
in the spring semester, aiming to lose two shots a person. “We talk about how to get better all the time,” Goodwin said. “Basically what we talk about is losing two shots a person, so eight shots for the four girls who count toward the team. With that in mind, we would have been tied for third with Central Oklahoma. We talk about it all the time, and the players need to see where they can save a couple of shots each round. The information we get from Golf Stat lets us know where we stand as far as birdies and pars. We can break it down statistically and keep up with our progress or lack thereof.” With this tournament being at home, Goodwin said the only problem was his time away from the team due to his hosting duties. “The drawback is that I have a lot of obligations as the host, which hurts my coaching a little bit,” Goodwin said. “I try to get out there a little bit each day with the players, but I also have to help with the scoring. With hosting, though, it is usually a plus. It is your
other tournaments was the course itself. “The big difference with this was we were playing on Bermuda grass greens instead of bent grass,” Hrnciar said. “It is a whole different ball game then. We adjusted better this year than any of the past teams that I have taken, but the course was demanding throughout the greens.” According to Hrnciar, the team has now become accustomed to the winds that affect the golf course. “When you get in the fall in south Texas, the weather is generally pretty good,” Hrnciar said. “It was breezy, but that was not a major factor. We are used to that.”
The golf team is next set to play in the Lion Classic on Nov. 5 and 6 in Dallas, Texas as their last tournament of the fall season. Hrnciar said the team will be competitive for their final tournament — not only on the course, but off it as well — as they will be competing against one another in order to play in the final tournament. “We are going to take two teams, so it is going to be competitive against outside competition and within the team,” Hrnciar said. “It is a fun course, and I think it will be a good experience in general.”
CU women’s golf places sixth at Intercollegiate Tyler Boydston
round score of 73, and juniors Aleesha Holden, Sports Editor Lindsey Alexander and Cameron University’s Kylee Johnson shot 76 each, women’s golf team recently playing together for a team played host to the Oklahoma score in the tournament. Intercollegiate on Oct. 22 Freshman Alexis Thompson and 23 at the Hill Golf shot a 78 on the first day. Course on the Fort Sill On the second day of the military base, where the team tournament, the team shot a placed sixth overall. 310 and found themselves at During the first day of the sixth place. tournament, the team had a Strickland scored a 76 on third place standing with a her second day and placed team score of 301. ninth in the tournament Seven members of the overall. While Johnson team went out to tee off at scored a 75 and tied for 16th, the tournament, with five Alexander scored 80 and playing as a team and two Thompson shot 78, which — junior Shelby Anderson tied them for 31st in the and senior Johnna Holden tournament. Aleesha Holden — playing individually. rounded out the team with Anderson scored a 78 while an 83 on the second day, Holden shot an 83 that day. tying her for 44th. Sophomore Jaqueline Individual players Shelby Strickland shot a first Anderson and Johnna
Photo courtesy of Sports Information
Aim ahead: Sophomore Jaqueline Strickland watches her drive. Strickland placed ninth individually in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Oct. 22 and 23. home course so you should be more familiar with it, and it should not beat you up on travel.” The Oklahoma Intercollegiate was the last
tournament for the women’s golf team for the fall season, but they will return in the spring on Feb. 8–12 in St. Augustine, Florida to go against Flagler University.