The Optimist - 01.18.13

Arts Page 5

Gold Winners

vol. 101, no. 30

Globes include snubs, easy choices, surprises and disappointments

1 SECTION, 6 PAGES

friday, january 18, 2012

INSIDE OPINION Gun control regulations should focus more on users, less on firearms

Page 4

SPORTS First baseball D-I recruiting class includes MLB player’s son Page 6

SPORTS Men’s basketball team handily defeats Incarnate Word

Page 6

SPORTS Tennis teams set to compete for last chance at LSC title Page 6

SPORTS Women’s basketball looks to continue conference dominance Page 3

NEWS Classes moving from Blackboard to OpenClass Page 3

curtis christian staff photographer JP Ralston, junior finance major from Plano, Josh Marshall, senior family studies major from Vernon, Chase Martin, senior graphic design major from The Colony, and Andrew Lang, junior theatre major from Abilene, practice their sing song faces at Gamma Sigma Phi’s first rehearsal of the year.

crime

Bike theft rates holding steady three were stolen from other areas in Abilene. managing editor One problem area was Smith-Adams; five bikes Twenty bicycles were re- were reported stolen from ported stolen or missing the off-campus residence to ACU police in 2012, two hall last semester. Hao Zhe more than in 2011.

Kok and Jonathan Teoh, Fourteen of these 20 Smith-Adams residents, are bikes were reported stolen among those who lost their in the fall semester alone. bikes to thievery. They said Eleven were stolen from they were caught off-guard university property and by the thefts.

josh garcia

Kok, sophomore computer science major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, said he thought his bike would be safe at ACU. “I am disappointed that such a thing could happen in Abilene,” Kok said.

Teoh, sophomore exercise science major from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, see thefts page 3

BIKE THEFTS BY YEAR 2008: 23 on campus, 3 off

2011: 15 on campus, 3 off

2009: 15 on campus, 5 off

2012: 15 on campus, 5 off

2010: 40 on campus, 5 off

administration

OPINION Managing Editor Josh Garcia explores risky situations

CAS dean settling in familiar post

Page 4

katie greene page 2 editor

OPINION Arts Editor Lindsay Palmer disagrees with the Affordable Care Act Page 4

NEWS Lynay changes Schizuka study hours to increase use Page 3

ONLINE SPORTS

The new permanent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is a familiar face in the dean’s office.

Dr. Greg Straughn accepted the change in position from interim dean for the college, which he had been serving as for the past six months. He had also filled this same position for a year in 2010 before Dr. Charles Mattis was named dean.

Straughn has also served in many other positions on campus such as interim pro-

straughn

“

I’m happy to serve however I can for as long as people need me to do that.”

Dr. greg straughn dean of the college of arts and sciences

vost, assistant provost of general education, honors dean and a professor and chair of the music department.

The College of Arts and Sciences is made up of 15 different departments broken into four units, making it the largest college on campus. Straughn volunteered to be interim dean

while also applying for the permanent position.

“We’ve got everything from the hard sciences to the fine arts and everything in between,” Straughn said.

“It’s a vibrant mix.”

The college is looking forward to the stability his appointment will provide.

Dr. Jeff Haseltine, associate

dean for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Human Services, said, “I expect continuity from what he was doing before and the types of relationships he had with the chairs and office staff.”

Making this appointment permanent will allow the college to continue building off of the work Straughn has already done during his time as interim dean.

“We’re very happy about his appointment,” Haseltine said.

Straughn plans to start this semester by looking at the long-term goals for the

college. “I’m looking forward to taking some time this semester to look a little further down the road to see what will position the college best in the next 1015 years,” Straughn said.

The College of Arts and Sciences will have a strong base for growth in the coming years under this new leadership.

“I’m happy to serve however I can for as long as people need me to do that,” Straughn said. contact greene at keg09b@acu.edu

university

Hanover to help faculty secure grants melany cox online managing editor For recaps of the weekend basketball games, go to: acuoptimist.com

PHOTOS For more photos from around campus, visit our Flickr page

During the 2012 fall semester, ACU joined with Hanover Research to provide a consultant for faculty who are interested in writing grant proposals.

The liaison position between Hanover and the university is being filled by Dr. Susan Lewis, interim vice provost.

Lewis said Hanover is a company divided into two branches: a research branch

ACUOPTIMIST.COM

and a grants branch. She said the university already has a contract with the research branch, and the contract with the grants branch was added in the fall.

“What Hanover does,” Lewis said, “is provide expertise in helping faculty members write grant proposals and find the grants that most closely relate to the research that the faculty are interested in doing. So they have a multitude of universities that they work with, and we’re actually quite excited to be working with them.”

“

What Hanover does is provide expertise in helping faculty members write grant proposals and find the grants that most closely relate to the research that the faculty are interested in doing.”

said there are several other projects lined up that will be sent in when Garver’s proposal is complete.

Lewis said representatives from Hanover will Dr. susan lewis visit the university Tuesday interim vice provost and Wednesday. During that time they will attend Lewis said several proj- on the depth of the project, it meetings with faculty and ects have already gone could take three weeks to six advancement officers to through the process with weeks,” Lewis said. discuss how Hanover can Hanover and she is pleased She said Hanover is cur- continue to support the with the company’s work. rently working with Dr. work of the university.

“The way that Hanover Matthew Garver of the deworks is that we have a queue, partment of kinesiology contact cox at so they work on one project at and nutrition to put togethmkc09b@acu.edu a time for us and, depending er a grant proposal. Lewis

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friday 1.18.13

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friday

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saturday All Day - Track Texas Tech Invitational

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sunday

monday

All Day - Martin Luther King Day

9 p.m. 9 o’ clock at University Church of Christ

All Day - Track Texas Tech Invitational

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9 p.m. Sundaes on Mondays at the Campus Center Living Room

1 p.m. Women’s Basketball at TAMUKingsville 3 p.m. Men’s Basketball at TAMU-Kingsville

Chapel checkup

7 92 @acuoptimist The Optimist

Announcements Students interested in joining The Wildcat Reign can sign up at thewildcatreign. com. The Wildcat Reign aims to provide students the ability to facilitate Wildcat pride on campus and serves as a linking point between students and Wildcat athletic events.

ACU Leadership Camps is looking for college students to serve on summer staff.

Pick up an application in Room 10 in the lower level of the Campus Center.

The 6th annual Student Art Contest for Summit is open for submissions. The ACU Ministry Events Office calls any current ACU student to submit their original artwork, photography, drawing, painting or other creation to visually communicate the 2013 Summit theme: Margins. Submissions must be received digitally to summit@ acu.edu by Feb. 15. One select work will be awarded a cash prize of $100 and used to advertize the 2013 Summit.

The Tedd Tripp Parenting Seminar is Feb. 1 at 6:309:15 p.m. and Feb. 2 at 8:3012 p.m. at South Side Baptist Church. Registration is $12 per person and ends Jan. 25th.

Zumba Fitness Party is Jan. 24 from 6-7:30 p.m. in SRWC. Cost is free for SRWC members and $5 for the general public. Special guests REFIT will be present.

Abstract submission for the Undergraduate Research Festival is now open. The 5th annual ACU Undergraduate Research Festival will be April 4-5. To submit your abstract or get abstract writing tips and information on the review of abstracts go to the Research Festival Blog at blogs.acu.edu/researchfest.

optimist@acu.edu Police Log Police log

Weekly Stats for week of Jan. 8-Jan. 15

01/08/2013 9:30 a.m. An ACU 01/11/2013 11:20 p.m. ACUPD faculty member reported the responded to a loud party call. theft of an iPad. Warning issued.

01/08/2013 7:23 p.m. ACUPD 01/13/2013 11:40 p.m. A resireceived the report of a suspi- dent called ACUPD reporting a cious male trying to get into prowler on her roof. vehicles. Investigation revealed that no vehicles had been bur- Police Tip of the Week: ACUPD glarized. welcomes you back to campus.

Have a safe semester and re01/09/2013 3:58 a.m. ACUPD member to always report suspiofficers assisted APD with a fight cious activity to ACUPD immedi[assault/family violence] call at ately. the Greyhound Bus Station on Highway 351.

Administrative activity Alarm Animal call Assist Barricades Building lock/unlock Check building Disturbance Escort Fight Foot patrol Found property Hazard Information report

7 2 1 3 3 12 74 1 4 1 6 3 1 1

Investigation follow up Maintenance: university assets Monitor facility/lot Motorist assist: Jumpstart

Other Unlock Other Parking lot patrol Parking violation Patrol vehicle:

Maintenance

Refuel

4 1 11 5 2 7 5 9 1

Prowler Random patrol Report writing Suspicious activity Suspicious person Theft Traffic stop Training Welfare check

1 14 8 1 5 2 5 3 1

Total Events: 212 2 6

Volunteer Opp0rtunities The Center for International Education is looking for conversation partners for international students to practice English, conversations and cultural learning.

Partners meet for one hour each week at a time and place determined by the partners. For more information contact Laura McGregor at 325-674-2821 or laura. mcgregor@acu.edu.

St. John’s Episcopal School is seeking volunteers to paint metal playground equipment anytime MondayFriday after 3 p.m. and Saturday anytime. For more information contact Rebecca McMillon at 325-695-8870 or flores@stjohnsabilene.org.

Center for Contemporary Arts needs a gallery assistant to greet patrons, answer phones and answer basic questions about the Center and its programs. This opportunity is open Tuesday-Friday. The Center for Contemporary Arts is located at 220 Cypress Street. For more informa tion contact Jessica Dulle at 325-6778389 or visit: http://www.center-arts.com/.

Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to take pictures and videos in preparation for the launching of their new website as well as maintenance of the site after the launch. This opportunity is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Kathy Walker at 325-677-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com.

The National Center For Children’s Illustrated Literature is looking for volunteers to greet patrons, assist with art activities, sell books and make visitors feel welcome. Help is also needed for special events like Artwalk and exhibit openings. The NCCIL is located at 102 Cedar St. For more information on times and dates contact Debby Lillick at 325-673-4586 or visit: http://www.nccil.org/index.htm.

The Christian Ministries of Abilene: Food Pantry is searching for volunteers to greet and interview neighbors, do computer entries, shop with neighbors, take groceries to vehicles, bag, stock and pick up orders on Mondays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

The Food Pantry is located at 701 Walnut St. For more information contact Becky Almanza at 325-673-1234 or cmapantry@aol.com.

The Christian Service Center is seeking volunteers to help assist with filling requests for items such as clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, etc. from the donation center, sort and organize donations and occasionally pick-up donated items. Volunteers are needed every weekday

and the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Roberta Brown at 325-673-7561 or at robertabrown51@ hotmail.com. For more information on the program visit: http://www.uccabilene.org/ministries/csc.htm.

The Food Bank of West Central Texas needs volunteers to help sort and stock food and other items any weekday Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. The Food Bank is located at 5505 N. 1st St. For more information contact Janice Serrault at 325-695-6311 or abfoodbk@camalott. com.

gmail.com. To serve on Tuesdays contact Allen Daugherty at 325-660-6949 or ale.al@suddenlink.net. To serve on Wednesdays contact Jane Harvey at 325-695-0092 or jharvread@aol.com. To serve on Thursdays contact Margaret Beasley at 325-692-4149 or mbeasley5@suddenlink.net. To serve on Fridays contact Rachel Brown at rdb08a@acu.edu.

Eternal Threads is seeking volunteers to help with packing and organizing shipments, labeling products, errands and cleaning any weekday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information contact Pam Early at 325-672-6000 or pam@ eternalthreads.com.

Meals on Wheels Plus needs volunteer drivers to deliver afternoon meals to seniors and adults with disabilities Monday-Friday between 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.

Training is provided. For more information contact Samantha Barker at 352-672-5050 or visit: http://mealsonwheelsplus.com.

Christian Homes & Family Services is seeking volunteers to do minor landscaping such as raking, trimming bushes, minor apartment repairs and general upkeep MondaySaturday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information contact Shaylee Honey at 325-677-2205 or Shoney@ ChristianHomes.com.

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for a variety of needs including sorting and pricing items in the thrift store, helping in the kitchen and/or doing yard work. Times are flexible. Volunteers are needed throughout the week Monday-Saturday. The Salvation Army is located at 1726 Butternut St. For more information contact J.D. Alonzo at 325-677-1408 or visit: www.satruck.com.

The Abilene Public Zoo is seeking volunteers to help clean/feed animals, assist zookeepers and assist with educational classes any weekday any time between 12 p.m.-4 p.m. They are also seeking volunteers to help with general labor such as grounds cleanup and painting any weekday at any time between noon and 4 p.m. For more information contact Joy Harsh at 325-676-6487.

The House That Kerry Built is looking for volunteers to assist in the day care of medically fragile children any day Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. Contact Keith Loftin at 325-672-6061.

Hill Resources is seeking volunteers to encourage and entertain mentally delayed individuals Monday through Friday any time between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information contact Michelle Espinoza at 325-673-3346 or mespinoza@hillresource.com.

The International Rescue Committee is seeking volunteers to work with refugees who recently moved to the U.S., teaching English, helping with homework and mentoring. Contact Susanna Lubango to make an appointment at 325-675-5643.

The Covenant Place of Abilene is seeking volunteers to lead singing and/or play piano for residents. For more information contact Ann Erwin at 325-793-1144.

University Place is seeking volunteers to help with the resident birthday party for residents the third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 p.m. For more information contact Linda Tijerina at 325-676-9946.

Breakfast on Beech Street is seeking volunteers to help set up, prepare and serve breakfast to homeless/lower income folks any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:30 a.m. or Tuesday at 5 a.m. B.O.B.S is located at First Christian Church on 3rd St. and Beech St. Service times must be scheduled in advance. To serve on Mondays contact Jody Depriest at 325-669-3312 or jody.depriest@

The Oaks at Radford Hills is seeking volunteers to participate in activities, go on outings and provide social stimulation for residents any day at any time. For more information contact Michelle White or Sonia Serrato at 325-672-3236.

Rescue the Animals is seeking volunteers to work at the adoption center doing a variety of tasks including cleaning, socializing and grooming the animals Monday - Saturday from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. For more information contact Mindi Qualls at 325-698-7722 or rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com.

The CAC Department is seeking volunteers to participate in Special Olympics, by helping mentally/physically challenged people play games and sports Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For more infomation contact Angel Seca at 325-690-5235.

For additional volunteer opportunities visit: www.acu. edu/campusoffices/ccsl/ministry-service/volunteeropportunities/

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news/sports

Friday 01.18.13

women’s basketball

‘Cats prepare for TAMU-K Javelinas Daniel Zepeda sports reporter The Wildcats will continue Lone Star Conference play in Kingsville this weekend as the Lady Wildcats will take on the Texas A&M Javelinas this Saturday at 1 p.m.

“We’ve been playing at a really high level recently,” head coach Julie Goodenough said. “We have been taking away things from every game, whether wins or losses, and applying them to our future games.”

The Wildcats are coming off a 76-65 win against the Incarnate Word Cardinals this past Tuesday.

The win put ACU at 11-3 overall and 6-2 in the LSC which is good enough for

third place behind Tarleton State (7-1) and Midwestern State (7-2), and was Goodenough’s 300th career win as a head coach.

“I have been very blessed to have been a part of great coaching staffs all over and to have been able to coach great players,” Goodenough said.

“I received many phone calls and text messages congratulating me on the milestone; it means a lot to have people take the time to tell me that.”

The career mark is going to have to be put on the side for now, as she says the main point is still to win games.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to take the time in the off season to look back and reflect,” Goodenough said.

“But for now, the main thing is Kingsville and making sure we can take care of business there.”

The Javelinas are 3-11 overall and last in the LSC with a 1-7 record. The Wildcats are currently riding a four game winning streak.

“We want to be sure that we don’t get distracted,” Goodenough said. “When we stay focused and play the game like we want to, then we’re unstoppable.”

With a win on Saturday, ACU would become the third team in the LSC to reach seven conference wins, and would tie them with Midwestern State for second place. contact Zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu

mandy lambright chief Photographer

Megan Brackenbury, freshman interdisciplinary major from Oconomowoc, Wis., and Roy Cervantes, senior nursing major from McAllen, lead worship during the first Immersed chapel of the semester.

organizations

Schizuka now offical Lynay study room peyton mosley student reporter A regular conference room in the Hunter Welcome Center, called Schizuka, has been repurposed into a study area for ACU program Lynay members.

Schizuka, the meeting room for the Lynay organization, has in the past been available to Lynay members during scheduled hours. However, this semester the faculty has made some changes.

Last semester, 500 hours were logged in Schizuka by Lynay mem-

bers during its limited hours. This year, with its new hours from 8 to 5, that number is bound to increase.

“Good grades may not come easily to everyone, but everyone can work hard to be the best they can,” states Mrs. Lea Watkins, program director of Lynay. The purpose of the changes to Schizuka are to make this hard work a little easier on the Lynay members.

Lynay is a program on campus led by Dr. Gary McCaleb and Mrs. Lea Watkins that exists with the goal of establishing community through diversity.

This program contains 200 students who meet once a week. Each student has been identified as a potential leader, and the program exists to help nourish these student’s leadership qualities during their years at ACU. In addition to their meetings, each member of Lynay is required to complete 20 hours of community service a week. To fulfill this requirement, many of the members are involved in programs such as Treadaway Kids, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Meals on Wheels.

While many study locations exist around campus, Lynay has sought to

further nurture the study For this reason, the faculpractices of its members. ty has changed Schizuka into a place where its members Good grades may not come can study in peace, anytime during regular school hours. easily to everyone, but “Schizuka serves as a everyone can work hard to constant reminder of the importance of preparing and be the best they can.” studying,” said Dr. McCaleb, Lea Watkins vice president of ACU and lynay program executive director of Lynay. director “Even though you are working in the community and The locations around doing service hours, that campus that are open does not diminish the imto every student are fre- portance of your studies and quently overcrowded and making the most of your oploud. The library itself has portunities at ACU.” become more of a social McCaleb explained that meeting place than a qui- Schizuka gets its name from et place to study. the famous Japanese figure

“

skater who believes that hard work is the key to greatness and that success is not based on talent alone. This mirrors the faculty’s belief that hard work is the key to success, not just natural intelligence.

The changes to Schizuka are based on the effort, and the work, that is necessary for deliberate practice.

The room is now available any time during regular school hours for Lynay members to help these students on their road to success. contact Mosley at pmm10a@acu.edu

academics

OpenClass to fully replace Blackboard soon katie greene page 2 editor The Spring 2013 semester is the last that students and faculty will see Blackboard.

Pearson’s OpenClass is the new learning management system that will be in full use by the Fall 2013 semester.

ACU’s contract with Blackboard ends June 1 of this year, which caused the Adams Center to start searching for a new learning management system that

could replace Blackboard and be more functional.

OpenClass was just one of many learning management systems considered for full use in ACU classes.

OpenClass made its debut on campus two years ago through beta testing in a small number of ACU classes. ACU has spent these past two years working with Pearson to give feedback and develop the learning management system into what it is today.

Students in classes that participated in the beta testing

were able to give feedback to their professors about what they wished to see changed in OpenClass.

Mindi Thompson, director of Instructional Design for the Adams Center, said, “A lot of the things we see in the new versions are features that we recommended.”

This unique partnership between Pearson and ACU has allowed OpenClass to be more personalized for ACU as well as more functional for other schools who choose to use it across

the country. “We have been able to see from the ground up the ways that it was moving and developing,” Thompson said.

While there has been some negative feedback, the Adams Center looks forward to the new opportunities that come with this learning management system. “It’s easy for us to forget back to when Blackboard was new, how hard that was to learn,” Thompson said.

John Weaver, dean of Libraries and Educational

crime

Thefts: Police preach prevention continued from page 1 did not file a police report.

He said he was surprised someone thought his bike was worth stealing.

“I never thought people would be so desperate to steal a bike with flat tires and no air,” Teoh said.

Jimmy Ellison, ACU police chief and director of public safety, said more often than not, bike theft is committed by off-campus individuals who need transportation or are trying to make a quick dollar. He said victims should always file a police report.

“If you don’t file a police report, you stand zero chance of getting your bike back,” Ellison said.

“If we have that information, it enables us to identify a trend or a pattern. It

gives us a more accurate picture of what’s happening on campus.

In 2010, the ACU police saw a spike in bike theft.

Forty bikes were stolen in the fall semester alone.

“That year, we did some targeted patrols, increased staffing and some specific surveillance operations around problem areas,” Ellison said. “We ended up making a couple arrests and recovering some of those bicycles. Once we did that, we noticed that our numbers went back down to average.”

Ellison said that while ACU police do as much investigative follow-up as they can, some crimes simply won’t be solved, especially if the police don’t have the necessary details.

“It’s critical for people to know the brand name and serial number of their bike,” Ellison said. “If you know those things, we can enter that bike into a computer, we can go around and check all the local pawn shop records to see if that serial number has been sold or pawned.”

Most serial numbers are on the bottom of a bicycle, near where the pedals meet.

In addition to recording the serial number, brand and model, owners may also want to take a picture of their bike.

“Students could, to reduce the risk of a bike theft, always lock the bike if it’s not being used, and make sure it’s a quality lock,” Ellison said. “If you see somebody that’s hanging around a bike rack, or

men’s basketball

Cage: Team wins 93-76 continued from page 6 shared the basketball effectively, tallying 19 assists and putting all five starters in double figures.

Lloyd and Lawton played well off of each other all night long, accounting for 24 and 18 points respectively.

“It’s lovely to have a two-headed monster like that in the backcourt,” Lloyd said. “A lot of teams in our conference don’t

have two guys like Eric and I.” Center Stephen Werner and power forward Cornelius Cammock combined for 27 points, and Simms had a career high 17 points to go along with his nine rebounds.

“It was just a huge team win for us,” Simms said.

“The unity we are forming with these type of wins are big for our team. I love it, the win is the best part for

me.”

ACU will be back in action Saturday when they travel to the beach to take on Texas A&M Kingsville in a matinee matchup scheduled for 3 p.m.

contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu

acting suspicious around a bike rack or taking multiple bikes off a rack and looking at them, there wouldn’t seem to be a legitimate reason for that.

When you see that type of activity, call ACU police and report it.” contact Garcia jtg10b@acu.edu

Technologies, said, “Uniformly what I have heard from faculty is that OpenClass is easier to use than Blackboard.”

This ease of use, among other things such as administrative use, features offered and cost were all things that the Adams Center considered while making the decision on what new learning management to system to use.

Like Blackboard, there is an OpenClass app

available in the Apple App Store through which student accounts can be reached without having to first access the myACU homepage.

For more information about OpenClass, visit their website at www.openclass. com or visit Pearson’s website at www.pearson.com.

contact greene at keg09b@acu.edu

Opinion

Friday 01.18.13

4

Editorial

Regulate the criminal, not the weapon the issue SInce the mass shooting at Newtown, Conn., the government has focused its attention on gun control policies.

our take The government needs to give more attention to the people pulling the trigger than the guns themselves.

Columbine High School.

Virginia Tech. A movie theater in Aurora, Co. Sandy Hook Elementary School.

A few years ago these names and places, scattered across the country, would not have been grouped together. They represented something different.

The recent shooting at

Sandy Hook has sparked a flurry of debate about gun violence and how to control it. Sadly, shootings at schools, malls and other public places are not as uncommon as they should be. However, after 20 innocent children were gunned down in Newtown, Conn., politicians quickly took to disagreeing about how

to stop it from happening again.

What is the best way to control gun violence?

First, it is impossible to simply get rid of all the guns. It’s impossible and it’s unconstitutional. The second amendment clearly states, “the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

During America’s revolution the British made efforts to disarm the Patriot militia and placed embargoes on firearms and ammunition. The colonies felt their rights were being taken away.

So since citizens are al-

lowed to own guns, how do we keep them from getting into the wrong hands?

On Wednesday, President Obama presented 23 executive actions to increase gun control. These actions include requiring background checks for everyone trying to purchase a gun, a ban on military-style assault weapons and a 10-round limit for magazines.

The president urged Congress to “help rather than hinder” law enforcement by punishing those who sell guns illegally and keeping police officers on the job.

While gun rights activ-

ists might complain, in theory, the plan could help.

But it’s important to look at the big picture.

A gun is just a weapon.

Someone has to pull the trigger.

The law already requires licensed gun dealers to complete background checks before someone buys a gun from them. If Congress decides to make universal background checks the law, private sellers will have to complete them too. This includes individuals who sell their weapons at gun shows, which are one of the most popular places to buy guns.

But will private sellers comply with the law?

Possibly. But what if they are more focused on the money in the customer’s hand?

Gun control isn’t the real issue. The real issue is “people control.”

Yes, the law should be used to control the sale and use of guns, but it should also be used to help people who have the potential to become violent. Don’t treat the symptoms and ignore the disease. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

EVAN’s marks

column

evan marks

Human rights for everyone CALL ME, MAYBE

LINDSAY PALMER

I have always been proud of my country. Being a part of a country where everyone is free to believe what they want is an amazing thing we all should be proud of. It makes me proud to be part of a country that does not force laws prohibiting my rights as a human being or as an American Citizen.

Lately, as we listen to what is going on around us, there seems to be things changing.

Where our country is headed,may not be where we want it to be.

In America we are granted human rights which are defined by the Declaration of Independence as “Right to Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.”

I feel as though some of

provide contraceptive coverage to women, despite the fact that it may violate companies’ religious freedom and liberty.

Attorney Peter Dobelbower, lawyer for Hobby Lobby, says that Hobby Lobby does not provide coverage for abortion-inducing drugs in its health care plan. The result of their refusal to comply is a $1.3 million fine for each passing day. What gives the government government the right to violate the religious freedom and liberty of this company?

The more research I did, the deeper the information went. I was glad to see that religious entities such as places of worship are exempt from the Act. However, this has not stopped It makes me proud to the assault of lawsuits that have started.

Many non-profit Cathobe part of a country that lic Universities and hosdoes not force laws that pitals have complained about the Affordable Care prohibit my rights as a Act because it violates Catholic Doctrine. It was human being or as an reported that a compromise that was hopefully American Citizen.” underway.

But why should we have to compromise what we believe? I understand the other sides stance and I respect it. However, I do not our liberties to do what we personally believe that a want, have been changing. country that prides itself in In 2010 Congress passed having so much freedom the Affordable Care Act should be infringing on and now it has become one the religious freedoms of of the most talked about its citizens. and controversial mandates.

The Affordable Care Act contact Palmer at has the requirement that lsp10b@acu.edu most health plans must

The American people are fundamentally risk takers.

I say this as a spineless wimp myself. It’s all right, it’s true. I can’t imagine jumping from a plane or going in big on a horse race. Or even getting too physical in a sport.

I’ll spare you the cheese of recounting the many moments in American history that involved a successful gamble, political or otherwise, but we’ve been laying all the cards on the table since the birth of the nation. While capitalism

hashtagACU

9:00 a.m. Jan. 15

“

8:01 p.m. Jan. 15

I tried to respond to my teacher calling role but my mouth was still frozen.

@hollyyholmes

7:56 a.m. Jan. 16

I clearly hate myself which is why I signed up for 8 am classes everyday.

@Shacara_Shacara

11:59 a.m. Jan. 17

My semester wouldn’t be right if I wasn’t in a class full of freshmen. #TheyHateMe #NoIDontEatInTheBean

@DarciHalstead

column

The great American risk takers

2:19 p.m. Jan. 16

8:27 p.m. Jan. 16

CROOK IN THE GUT JOSHUA GARCIA

“Does it smell like rodent urine to anyone else in here?” -first words from my history teacher’s mouth. Gonna be a good semester.

@sydney_alicen

9:59 a.m. Jan. 17

Singing the Veggie Tales theme song in psychology. #theACUdifference

@joshsmith_93

In your introduction you can say if youre single and available and if you are you can put your number on the board. #acu #typical

@kendram34

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trade-off. After all, we’ve been taught that through risks are rewards. It may not be the best way, but it’s part of the American way, whether we consciously realize it or not.

We surrendered to the idea of playing an all-ornothing game when we could just modify a few rules. Nations all over the world have found and are continuing to find a balance between safety, risk and freedom. Surely America could do the same. The question is, would we want to? Would altering America’s inherent risk shred part of its identity?

contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu

6:47 p.m. Jan. 16

Used a staple remover to help me peel my banana this morning. #exceptional #innovative #real

I consider buying textbooks as a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

@addiefs

How would I describe my first week of classes? Like an Aretha Franklin song. Because it’s raning homework.

@wild_indeed

@lindsay_vandy

3:26 p.m. Jan. 17

10:03 a.m. Jan. 17

editorial and Letter Policy Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing

thrives on risk, there was a lot more at stake than money when Americans declared independence, pushed west or explored interstellar space.

Perhaps the most remarkable risk of all is the extraordinary amount of freedom granted to each citizen. Just about all of these freedoms can lead to less than ideal results.

Liberty does not necessarily lead to safety, prosperity or goodwill, but we made the bet on liberty.

That was a pretty danger-

ous thing to do.

Our risky nature may be subconscious; it may be that we don’t fully understand the deep sea of potential consequences that lurk beneath the freedoms we’ve bestowed on ourselves. Then again, history has shown us just about every possible negative outcome of our lifestyle. Our rights have been abused countless times, some abuses obviously more horrific than others.

Our political and economic systems have failed us throughout our history.

Maybe we do want the risks themselves—maybe we just can’t imagine life without them, maybe we would somehow feel less free if they were eliminated. Or maybe we are just willing to make the

Contemplating asking the kid in my class how much he wants for the llama sweater he’s wearing #itsasweetsweater #noshame

9:06 a.m. Jan. 17

9:31 a.m. Jan. 17

Nicki Minaj is probably my favorite Dr. Seuss character.

Dr. Beck plays 80’s music before class! #Respect

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5

arts

friday 01.18.13

NOTABLE GOLDEN GLOBES WINNERS •Best motion picture - Comedy or Musical •Best performance by an actor in a motion picture (Hugh Jackman)

•Best television series-drama •Best performance by an actress in a television series-drama (Claire Danes)

•Best performance by an actor in a motion picture (Daniel Day-Lewis)

70th ceremony features surprises Wyatt Morgan staff writer The stars were out to dazzle once again as they hit the red carpet last Sunday evening for the 70th annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony in Beverly Hills, Calif. The event was co-hosted by former and present SNL actresses, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

The ceremony, which highlights outstanding films, television series, and their stars, saw a few productions that

dominated the field. Collectively the crew behind Les Misérables walked away from the theater with three Globe Awards.

The films Argo and Django Unchained followed closely in Les Misérables’ wake with two awards each.

This year’s ceremony, as expected, experienced multiple snubs, pleasant surprises, and easy choices as the awards were allocated and the stardust settled at the end of the night. The biggest surprise of the evening came when former U.S. President Bill Clinton appeared onstage

•Best motion picture •Best director for motion picture (Ben Afleck)

to introduce a montage for the Spielbergproduced presidential flick Lincoln.

Shortly after Clinton left the stage, emcee Amy Poehler cracked, “Wow, what an exciting special guest… That was Hillary Clinton’s husband!” For as brief of a cameo role as Anne Hathaway had in Les Misérables she was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her touching performance as Fantine. Not only did Ben Affleck’s thriller film Argo escape with honors for Best Motion Picture in the drama category, but Affleck himself,

•Best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a motion picture (Christoph Waltz) •Best screenplay for a motion picture (Quentin Tarantino)

EVENTS 18

JANUARY 21

Phillip Mahon

MEZAMIZ COFFEE HOUSE

Campus Center Living Room @ 9pm

contact Morgan at jwm10c@acu.edu

•Best mini-series or motion picture made for television •Best performance by an actress in a mini-series or motion picture made for television. (Julianne Moore)

19 24

Sundaes on Mondays

was awarded Best Director for his work.

In the television category, Game Change, HBO’s political drama film centered on Sarah Palin, won three awards. HBO also claimed two awards for their rising hit television series Girls.

Notably at the top alongside Game Change with three awards was Showtime’s series Homeland.

Eric Logan

MEZAMIZ COFFEE HOUSE

Zumba Fitness Party 6pm @ Rec Center

sports

friday 01.18.13

standings

Tennis

Teams set to trample competition jimmy isbell sports reporter After a successful end to their season last year, the men’s and women’s tennis teams have begun their last run for a Lone Star Conference title as well as another successful postseason.

The teams hit the weights and condition before sunrise, and practice up to three hours per day to prepare for an expected path to the 2013 National Championships.

Both teams are confident this season with many new

6

faces swinging their rackets, including Nada Marjanovic for the women’s team. Marco Bensley, a South African, and Nicklas Wingord from Buenos Aires, Argentina, play for the men’s team.

The team reached the national tournament for the past two years and expects to reach the national tournament for their third consecutive season.

Senior Alfredo Desiati from Rome, Italy, believes this year’s team is ACU’s best ever.

“We have a solid team with high expectations for

ourselves. I expect to win the conference title, play our best during regionals and try to compete at our highest level at nationals. If all of us play our best that week, I think we’ll have a pretty good chance winning nationals,” Desiati said.

Like all teams have their rivals, ACU has multiple within the LSC and nationally. Saint Edwards University has always given ACU trouble throughout the years.

“We’ve always been better than them in conference play, but we always seem to

have minor problems that lead to us losing. So this year we are looking forward to destroying them,” Desiati said.

Junior, Micah Hermsdorf was awarded ITA Academic All-American last fall and looks to play conference rivals Cameron and Midwestern State.

“Usually at nationals we meet Lynn University a rival the past few years. For years we never beat them in team tennis, but last year we finally beat them in the quarterfinals,” Hermsdorf said.

The men’s team kicks

their season off at home against Oklahoma Christian, Trinity and Tyler College. The women’s team plays Centenary College and Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. Each team plays Feb. 1.

The team would love your support as they play at home this year.

“Most of our matches are right after chapel or in the evenings, so we’d like a big crowd,” Hermsdorf said. contact isbell at jri10a@acu.edu

men’s basketball

men’s basketball

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

MSU UIW Cameron TAMU-K WTAMU Commerce ENMU TSU ACU ASU

7-1 5-2 5-3 4-3 3-4 3-4 2-5 2-5 2-5 2-5

11-4 9-6 9-5 8-6 11-4 10-7 6-9 8-6 8-7 5-10

women’s basketball

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

TSU MSU ACU UIW ASU WTAMU Commerce Cameron TWU ENMU TAMU-K

7-1 7-2 6-2 5-3 4-4 4-4 3-5 3-5 3-6 2-6 1-7

11-3 12-3 11-3 9-5 7-7 8-9 5-8 4-10 5-10 3-13 3-11

briefings The ACU volleyball team will be holding open tryouts January 27th in Moody Coliseum for ACU students, high school seniors and potential walk-on players. The tryout will be held at 1:30 p.m. To get more information, contact head coach Kellen Mock or assistant coach Jason Bibler.

ex- factor All former ACU football players in the NFL have been eliminated from post season play.

Rookie runningback Daryl Richardson finished the season with 475 yards rushing and 163 yards receiving for the Rams.

Wide Receiver Clyde Gates had 224 yards receiving for the Jets in 2012.

deanna romero Staff Photographer

Senior center Steven Werner shoots a layup in Moody Coliseum Tuesday night against the University of the Incarnate Word. The Wildcats defeated the second place Cardinals, 93-76.

‘Cats cage the Cardinals scored several buckets down the stretch when the assistant sports editor Wildcats had already taken their foot off the gas and The men’s basketball team coasted to a huge home took on the best team in the victory.

Lone Star Conference TuesThe ‘Cats scored 55 points day night, and ACU domi- in the first half alone, while nated Incarnate Word for 40 shooting over 60% from the minutes in route to a 93-76 floor. Shooting guard Elliott victory.

Lloyd knocked down a couThe final score did not ple of open three pointers to reflect the way the game set the tone for a fast-paced looked, as the Cardinals first half.

matthew sloan

“My point guard Eric Lawton penetrated they left me open,” Lloyd said. “When he drives I have been taught to just slide to the corner and be ready to knock down shots, so that’s what I wanted to do for my team and get us going offensively.”

Incarnate Word was riding a five-game conference winning streak into Moody Coliseum, but they were unable to match the ‘Cats te-

nacity on the glass, as ACU out rebounded the Cardinals, 30-23.

“We told ourselves before the game and this whole week that we were going to come out strong and play as hard as we can,” senior Dosh Simms said.

“Mentally we were focused and physically we prepared ourselves, so to come out the way we did was exactly what we wanted to do.”

ACU also throttled the Cardinals down low, racking up 51 points in the paint and 15 second chance points. ACU’s physical play led to frustration for the Cards and eventually three technical fouls would be assessed to various UIW players and coaches throughout the contest.

Meanwhile, the ‘Cats see cage page 3

baseball

D-I class features son of MLB player edward isaacs sports editor ACU sports is already seeing the effects of moving to Division I next semester. Head coach Britt Bonneau and his coaching staff signed the first D-I recruiting class in Wildcat baseball history.

The group consists of seven high school players and includes the son of a former Major League Baseball all-star.

“The guys that we signed is the start of a foundation of freshmen that will come in and begin our future in Division I baseball,” Bonneau said.

A breakdown the recruits are below along with comments from assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Brandon Stover. contact isaacs at jei08a@acu.edu

2012 Division I Recruiting Class INF Gunnar Buhner (Fall City, Wash./Mount Si High School): Hit over .350 this past summer with the Kansas City Royals Area Code team and the O’Brien Auto Group 18U squad.

“The son of former MLB player Jay Buhner. Can play around the field, should be able to play anywhere for us.”

C Kendall Kerns (Tyler/Brookhill High School): Batted over .500 the past two seasons and earned back-to-back first team all-state honors.

“Big strong kid who needs to polish up a little bit but should be able to do a lot of good things for us.”

C Connor Messman (Scottsdale, Ariz./Brophy Prep High School): Helped team reach state championship game “Tall and skinny, can throw and hit. Should be

good behind the backstop.”

SS Tanner Buxton (Aubrey/Aubrey High School): “Big kid who will continue to grow and fill out.

Should be a really good infielder for us.”

SS Aaron Draper (Plano/Plano West High School): “Hard-nosed, plays the game the right way.”

OF Taylor Waters (Mesa, Ariz./Basha High School): “Hard-nosed guy who plays the game aggressively all the time, a max effort guy.”

RHP Joe Boyce (North Bend, Wash./Eastside Catholic High School): “Big strong kid who throws in the upper 80s low 90s. Should develop into a good pitcher and achor our pitching staff for the next few years.”

Safety Danieal Manning recorded 77 tackles, had two interceptions, and forced three fumbles and started all sixteen regular season games for the Texans.

The Bengals’ Bernard Scott and the Bears’ Johnny Knox are both rehabbing from injuries they suffered in the NFL and hope to be back for the start of training camp next season.

Upcoming The men’s and women’s basketball teams play at Texas A&M Kingsville on Saturday.

The track and field team will be in Lubbock Friday and Saturday for the Masked Rider Invitational at Texas Tech University. Both the men’s and women’s teams compete there.

The women’s tennis team will play their first exibition of 2013 at Texas Tech on Saturday.