The Optimist - 02.08.13

Arts Page 5

Seeing Double

vol. 101, no. 35

friday, february 8, 2013

Theatre comedy to be a play within a play

1 SECTION, 6 PAGES

local INSIDE OPINION Most debt-prone generation to acquire big government debt

Page 4

Financial help saves Drive-In but because of multiple fundraisers, a loan, digital student reporter format coming into play and new equipment, the Have no fear, the Drive-In is drive-in is here and openstill here. ing new doors.

The Town & Country Along with the upgrades, Drive-In had indeed been gaming, Monday night in danger of closing perma- football and similar activinently due to slow business, ties are possible.

Margo herrara

“If money is able to be made, we aren’t going to stop,” said Ray Andress, one of the owners of the Town & Country Drive-In. The drive-in has been pretty quiet during this time and will continue to be like that until March. Right now, all the movies being

shown are rated R. “This is the season of the R,” said Andress.

Right now the drive-in is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but when the weather is nicer, it will open up on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The busiest time is during the sum-

ag department

mer and the crowd varies depending on the movies being shown. Many family type movies come out during the summertime and holidays so that is when the most money is made.

Andress wants to prosee movies page 3

local

Abilene roads prove dangerous in January

NEWS Business Services reduces food court restaurant hours Page 3

NEWS Students’ Association gives out $41,000 to student organizations Page 3

josh garcia managing editor

SPORTS

riders. One of the riders shouted, “Nellie is being stubborn!”

Erin lectures the new riders about the safeties and rules of handling a horse.

“The relationship between a student and a horse is just a really a neat thing,” she said. “Where a student can gain lots of confidence about themselves, as they are successful from riding. It’s also good for the horses as they connect with the students. They form a unique friendship.”

The students can be seen holding on to unstrapped reigns to learn how to steer. With the help of the instructors, the class begins to rope and strap their horses with equipment and saddles before riding. Students ride their horses to an arena to practice. The students are instructed to perform patterns and tasks to help build their foundations in riding.

At the end of the day, the class returns, with heads held high, as they ride their horses to the stables. The students dismount and remove the saddles from the horses. The achievement of riding was extremely fruitful.

One of the students, Kimberly Panther, sophomore animal science major from South Lake, was seen brushing and patting her horse after the class had ended.

Four traffic-related fatalities occurred within the city of Abilene in January.

This is up from December 2012, during which only one fatal accident occurred. There were no fatal accidents in January 2012.

These numbers do not include the Big Country.

On Jan. 3, a pedestrian was killed after being struck by a truck on South First Street.

On Jan. 9, a van and 18-wheeler collided on Interstate 20, fatally wounding the driver of the van.

On Jan. 10, a pedestrian was killed after being struck by a truck on Sayles Boulevard.

On Jan. 26, a man died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash.

The Abilene Police Department responded to 274 different vehicular crash incidents in January. George Spindler, APD public information officer, said driving a motor vehicle is one of the most dangerous things one can do on a daily basis.

“There’s no predictability involved in traffic crashes and the stats speak for themselves concerning quantity,” Spindler said. “However, what these stats don’t tell you is that the majority of crashes are typically preventable, though there may be contributing factors.”

At least 10 ACU students have been involved in vehicular accidents in Abilene and the Big Country in the past two weeks. Jimmy Ellison, ACU police chief, said accidents that involve ACU students are difficult to track.

“ACUPD only tracks the traffic incidents which occur on-campus, or those which we respond to within the extended jurisdictional area,” Ellison said.

At around 9:30 Tuesday morning, an ACU student was crossing the intersection between University Church of Christ and campus when he was struck by a vehicle being driven by another ACU student. Names have not been released. Ellison said it is a miracle accidents like this don’t occur more often.

contact lim at dkw11a@acu.edu

contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu

Football team welcomes inaugural D-I recruiting class on signing day Page 6

SPORTS Men’s and women’s basketball sweep Commerce Page 6 photos by adrian patenaude staff photographer Above: Lauren Atkinson, senior psychology major from St. Louis, MO, saddles up with the horse and horsemanship class. Below: Horse and horsemanship lab instructor Erin Davis talks to students during one of the class’ labs.

ONLINE WEBSITE Our web host’s server went down late Wednesday night and hadn’t been fixed when we went to press. It will be restored soon with the following stories and more acuoptimist.com

EQUESTRIANS 101

Ag students trade in classroom, desks for farm, saddles

NEWS Three seniors going for sixth and seventh Sing Song wins acuoptimist.com

VIDEO See Denzil Lim’s video report on the Horses and Horsemanship course

acuoptimist.com

VIDEO See JP Festa’s video report on the football team’s signing day

denzil lim staff videographer From the four walls of a classroom to the open farmland, ACU students learn about and ride horses weekly.

Jason Davis, ACU Rhoden Farm manager, and his wife, Erin Davis, both ACU graduates and from Abilene, instructs students on the ways of riding, breeding and management principles of horses. The Horses and Horsemanship course provides students with an opportunity to gain not only three credit hours, including a PEAC credit, but also a break from the routines of a work filled life.

Students are expected to attend a class period and a lab. Jason conducts

the class period that educates the students in the categories of riding, grooming, training and basic skills of a horse.

On the other hand, the lab brings the students onto a 400 acre, ACU owned, farmland that Jason and Erin manage.

On the farm, Jason, with the help of his wife, guides the students in raising and riding horses. At the beginning of the course, students are responsible for their own unique horse.

“They start to learn that each horse has their own personality,” Jason said.

“Some are mischievous. Some like to go a little bit faster than others. You’ll form a bond and most of all the horse gets to learn about you.”

Students start to discover the different characteristics of their horses as the horses learn to move with their

campus

Cupid to shoot electronic arrows gabi powell acuoptimist.com

OXFORD Marissa Jones, our Oxford correspondent, details her latest experiences abroad theoxfordcommablog. wordpress.com

features editor Gone are the days of Chapel dates and Bean romancing. ACU Computer Club is offering students a different way of courting this Valentine’s Day: a virtual match made in heaven.

The ACU Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) is bringing ChristianMingle.com to cam-

pus with its annual club fundraiser, ACU Cupid. The online compatibility test uses questions modeled after eHarmony dating tips to match students with a potential mate.

Allen Taylor, a junior information technology major and president of ACM, said this is the first year the club has really promoted the event.

“The quiz has been done at least every year I have been here,” Taylor said. “I began the process of tweaking the quiz my freshman year

Abilene Christian University

when I built the mobile version and changed its formatting. Last year, I changed the quiz algorithm to be based on categories and this year I added myACU sign on capabilities.”

The test features questions on the five love languages, as well as general interest questions to present results of the top five most compatible, five least compatible, and five “best friends.”

“Each question is given points in any of eight categories we have

created. Then results are picked by comparing the points in each of the categories and choosing the closest matches,” said Taylor.

The club is hoping to top twohundred test-takers and have an estimated half to pick up their results. ACM started marketing and launched the quiz earlier this year, Taylor said.

Blake McAnally, junior computsee love page 3

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friday 2.08.13

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friday

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saturday

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sunday

monday

3 p.m. RED Fashion Show interest meeting in DMC 320

All Day - TRK - Don Kirby Open

1 p.m. Baseball vs East Central

4 p.m. Baseball vs East Central

11 a.m. Softball vs Colorado State University Pueblo

1 p.m. Softball vs Colorado State University Pueblo

2 p.m. Baseball vs East Central - DH

8 p.m. RED Fashion Show interest meeting in DMC 320

4 p.m. Softball vs Eastern New Mexico 7:30 p.m. Title of Show - ACU Theatre

All Week - Survive the last week of Sing Song

5 p.m. Softball vs Central Oklahoma 5:30 p.m. Cultural Crossover 5:30 p.m. Women’s Basketball vs Tarleton State 7:30 p.m. Title of Show - ACU Theatre 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball vs Tarleton

Chapel checkup

28 71 @acuoptimist The Optimist optimist@acu.edu

Announcements The Ad/PR club is selling Valentines for $1 each in the Campus Center Feb. 7-14 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

ACU Theatre presents its winter musical comedy, [title of show] in Fulks Theatre Feb. 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23. For tickets, call 325-674-2787.

Spots are still available on Spring Break Campaigns going to various locations. For more information contact Liz Lurz at evl09a@acu.edu, Wilson White at www09a@acu. edu or stop by the SBC office in Bible 322.

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.

Abstract submission for the Undergraduate Research Festival is now open. The 5th annual ACU Undergraduate Research Festival will be Apr. 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.

A RED Fashion Show interest meeting will be held Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. in DMC 320. For more information contact Sarah Kelly at sak08a@acu.edu.

The OME is having Cultural Crossover during the men and women’s basketball games Feb. 9. There will be food, decorations and music from different cultures. Sign up to host a table before Feb. 7 on the link found in the annoucements part of my.acu. edu.

University Park Apartments is offering weekend housing options for people visiting for Sing Song. For more information call 325-738-4600.

Police Log Police log

Weekly Stats for week of Jan. 29-FEB. 5

01/29/2013 11:55 am ACUPD responded to a suspicious person call in the 800 block of Washington. A tenant heard a noise at the door and upon checking, found the front door open and a W/M, mid 40s, 6’2”, black goatee, wearing dirty clothing (black shirt and blue jeans), seemingly homeless, standing inside. He left after the tenant confronted him.

02/03/2013 00:36 am ACUPD responded to reports of a loud party in the 1600 block of Smith. The party was shut down, owner warned.

01/31/2013 10:32 am Area residents reported a black “box type” vehicle that has been parking on Lincoln near Ambler for the past two weeks. An officer contacted the vehicle occupant and learned that he was homeless. He had no warrants and was advised to relocate.

02/03/2013 01:15 am ACUPD responded to the report of a loud party in the 2500 block of Garfield. Shut down and warned.

02/04/2013 12:25 pm A student reported that a W/M about 28 YOA, med build, brown hair, maroon shirt, blue jeans approached her at McDonald Hall and was asking personal questions. During the investigation, the male showed up at ACUPD saying he had just moved into the area and was seeking info about Abilene. He was advised about maintaining appropriate conversations.

01/31/2013 12:50 pm ACUPD assisted APD in checking a house in the 2400 block of Lincoln. A burglar alarm had been activated and the back door was standing found standing open.

Checked OK, possibly was wind that opened the door.

02/03/2013 00:36 am ACUPD responded to reports of a loud party in the 1500 block of Washington.

The party was shut down, owner warned.

Abandoned Vehicle Accident Administrative activity Alarm Assist Back up officer Barricades Building lock/unlock Check building Escort Foot patrol Forgery Hit and run Information report Investigation follow up Lost property Monitor facility/lot Motorist assist: Jumpstart Other Unlock

1 Noise violation 2 Other 11 Parking lot patrol 2 Parking violation 6 Patrol vehicle:

1

Maintenance 1

Refuel 19 Random patrol 83 Report writing 3 Robbery 10 Special assignment 1 Suspicious activity 1 Suspicious person 2 Theft (non vehicle) 3 Traffic stop 1 Training 14 3 3 4

3 2 14 3 1 7 7 3 1 1 1 4 2 5 1

Total Events: 226

Police Tip of the Week: The suspicious person going to several student homes has been identified, but students should still be cautious about opening doors to strangers, engaging in conversations, etc.

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 grocer-

ies 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.

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.

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 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.

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@ 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.

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

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news

friday 02.08.13

campus

Food court hours cut for the semester jocelyn nederhoff student reporter The food court’s operating hours have been reduced this semester, a change that will keep meal plan prices from rising but subsequently reduces student worker hours and restricts accessibility to dining services for students.

Einstein Bros Bagels, Pizza Hut Express and

Quiznos will now close at 9 p.m. instead of 10 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays. Weekend hours remain the same.

The new hours will keep meal plans at an affordable price for students, said Anthony Williams, ACU’s chief business services officer.

This is an attempt to better accommodate families who are desperately trying to pay for the rising costs of higher education.

“Food prices naturally rise each year, forcing us to charge students more for their meal plans,” Williams said. “By cutting the number of hours ACU Dining Services pays for labor and operation, students can keep their meal plans for next year at the same price.”

Despite the positive effect on meal plans, not everyone in the ACU community is happy about the

change. Students can no longer buy food from the Campus Center on late nights and weekends, and employees who rely on their job to pay the bills are given fewer hours to work.

“We have to deal with the changes even if we are unhappy with our hours,” said Eve Angel, sophomore psychology major from Los Angeles. “The only alternative is quitting and finding work elsewhere.”

Angel has worked at Einstein’s for two years.

“I’ll be moving off campus in the fall, and it will be tough to pay rent with these reduced hours,” said Olga Najera, sophomore biology major from El Paso.

Najera’s hours are being reduced from 17 hours to nine hours a week with the changes.

Hours for The World Famous Bean, Starbucks, The Fatted Café, Oasis Juice and

Snacks and P.O.D. Express at Bagel Wagon in the Hardin Administration Building will remain the same.

Paloma Cavazos, a sophomore political science major from Alvaredo and a student worker in the Bean, said she was thankful her work hours will remain the same. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

students’ association

SA divies up funds to 55 student groups joshua garcia managing editor The Students’ Association granted over $41,000 to various student organizations this semester in their budget meeting on Wednesday.

Executive Treasurer Joseph Austin, along with Chief Financial Officer Kevin Coldewey, spent the last four weeks meeting with campus groups to discuss their expenses for the semester.

Combining the needs of student groups with SA’s own expenses, Austin and Coldewey

presented the comprehensive budget as a bill to Congress.

Last semester, student groups spent 96% of the money they were granted by SA. Austin, senior accounting and pre-law major from Houston, said SA doesn’t get any unused money back to use later.

“SA is granted $90,000 dollars every semester, and these funds do not rollover from semester to semester,” Austin said.

ACU Lacrosse, a new organization, both requested and were granted the most mon-

ey, asking for $18,070 and receiving $3,850. Extra money was granted from SA’s office supplies budget after a mathematical mistake was discovered in the bill, bringing the total up to $4,125. Lacrosse members received some push back from Congress, but were ultimately supported due to their extensive planning and growing number of members.

Only one organization, Wildlife Society, was granted its full request. It was given all $100 it asked for.

Congress came into conflict over Wishing Well. Due

to a miscommunication, Wishing Well leaders did not meet with Austin to discuss their budget before Wednesday’s meeting. They were initially granted $200 of their requested $1,050. Congress argued for around an hour about providing Wishing Well with more funds. Ultimately, Austin modified his bill by removing $200 from Omega Dance Company and granting it to Wishing Well. Blair Agan, Edwards Hall representative, successfully proposed to move an additional $30 to Wishing Well from the Outdoor Club and the American

“Three bins needed to be painted so they could be placed on campus,” said Dial, senior political science major from Lexington, S.C. “They’re J.P. Festa going to be placed in front of Barret Hall Teague for a while, and then representative they’re going to eventually be across East North 16.”

Andrew Saucedo SA meetings are conductOnstead-Packer BSB ed on Wednesdays at 5:15 representative p.m. in the Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building Society of Interior Designers , Room 114 and are public. bringing the total to $430.

SA Executive President Rebecca Dial also provided an contact garcia at update on the recycling bins jtg10b@acu.edu SA paid for last semester.

Two representatives did not attend the meeting on Wednesday

organizations

Ad/PR students win advertising awards elizabeth weiss staff reporter Morris & Mitchell, the student-run advertising agency, recently received 3 Addy Awards from the American Advertising Federation.

The Addy Awards is an annual competition put on by the American Advertising Federation that honors excellence in the advertising field. The com-

petition begins at the local level, and winning entries move on to the regional and national competition.

They have a student category and a professional category, but since Morris and Mitchell work for real clients, they compete with the professionals.

This year, Morris & Mitchell won 3 Addys for the work they did for Pura Vida Salon & Spa. One bronze Addy for a Fall Sales

Promotion, a silver Addy for the stationary package they created for them, and a gold Addy award for the logo design.

Arielle Moncure, senior advertising and public relations major from Kansas is excited about the recent awards. Moncure is the group account director, which means she oversees all of the operations of the agency.

“Between the generous

gift the agency received from Elise Mitchell, and the recognition we are receiving for our work, this has been an extraordinary year for Morris and Mitchell,” Moncure said.

Morris and Mitchell has been competing in the Addys for the past two years.

Since the agency began competing, it has submitted 6 entries and has won awards for all of their submissions. Morris and

Mitchell is very proud of its accomplishments.

Pura Vida account director Taylor Edwards and creative director David Singer contributed greatly to these awards. Other contributors include Morris & Mitchell alumni Michael McCarty, Julie Neil and Katie Beth Ware.

“It’s a huge honor to win in the professional category as students, and Morris & Mitchell is so excited to

see all three of our entries recognized with awards this year,” Edwards, advertising and public relations major from Houston, said. “We’ve been working on the Pura Vida account since spring of 2012, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see our ideas in production.” contact weiss at emw09b@acu.edu

local

Movies: Drive-In theatre rescued from closure cooler-charge,” said Andress.

Many drive-in theaters vide more to get more. One don’t allow outdoor food, but idea he is very excited about he doesn’t want to take that is Monday night football. He away. wants to open the doors and “It all comes down to have admission be free. What people’s understanding,” said will have to change is outdoor Andress. food charge.

Looking at the up and “We are having to fight coming technology, Andress with outside food being wants to have a new type of brought it and therefore, we sound system that no other want to start charging for a drive-ins have. When people continued from page 1

come in, they will be able to a little girl and don’t ever want select between four different radio frequencies. Andress I’ve been going to the will give them a brochure that Drive-In since I was a little includes information and pictures of the different radio girl and don’t ever want to frequencies so customers will see it go.” know what to choose.

“I’ve been hearing all Kate Bacon sophomore family studies about new things coming to major from abilene the Drive-In and I love the sound of them. I’ve been going to the Drive-In since I was to see it go,” said Kate Bacon,

“

sophomore family studies major from Abilene.

The Drive-In was built in 1956. Andress and his coowner, Glenda Thornton bought the drive-in in 2000.

There are two screens and the car capacity is 1450. The drive-in is located on 2902 Vogel St. Thornton deals with the property and building aspect and Andress deals with the

equipment and knowledge of the movie business. Andress loves showing movies on a big screen outdoors.

“Some kids have never been exposed to something like this so I want to give them a chance to experience this,” Andress said. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

campus

Love: Students participate in compatability quiz continued from page 1 er science major from Abilene and ACM secretary, was one of the first to take the tests when improving the matching system.

“I took the quiz my freshmen year before I was involved in the ACM, and got matched with a really cute girl that I took out on a few dates,” he said. “We had a lot of fun together, but ended up

being super involved in our class work that semester and the relationship sort of trailed off. We are still good friends and still hang out on occasion.”

An entertaining and creative approach to fun-

draising, ACU Cupid’s track record proves it can produce Cupid-caliber results.

“Side note, a close friend of mine and his girlfriend took the test just for fun and ended up get-

ting matched with each other, so we know the test is pretty accurate,” McAnally said.

The single student masses can visit acucupid. com to submit their tests until Wednesday, Feb. 13.

Valentine’s Day, students can pick up their results in the campus center from 11:30-1:30 p.m. for $1. contact powell at gmp10b@acu.edu

Opinion

4

friday 02.08.13

Editorial

Congress selling debt, Gen Y ready to buy cording to a USA Today report, 43 percent of this generation, also known as the Millennials, has collected too much credit card debt already.

And now we come to

the issue Federal debt continues to climb past $16.5 trillion, and if it isn’t fixed, will be left to the generation with the worst debt problems.

our take Congress needs to learn from past debt problems and solutions, not raise the ceiling again.

The American generation prone to acquiring the most debt is about to acquire a lot more – from the government.

The federal debt held by the public is higher than it’s been in more than 60 years, $16.5 trillion, according to a Congressional Budget Office report on Tuesday. $16,500,000,000,000.

The debt is projected to grow, at a slower rate, for the next 10 years as well.

This is the debt Generation Y, including those of us in college now, will inherit.

This generation has proved to embrace the get-it-now, pay-for-it-later mentality every time Apple releases a new device for checking Facebook. Ac-

shrank over the years until the 1970s, slowly grew, and rose sharply again in 2008.

Republicans and Democrats haven’t been able to agree on how to reduce the debt. Some are disagreeing how to raise the ceiling.

“If the sewers on your street flood and fill your home on Only in Congress would this with sewage, do you raise your home’s ceiling or clean be a realistic discussion. If sewers on your street out the waste?” the flood and fill your home with sewage, do you raise your home’s ceiling or clean out the waste?

President Obama’s adthe debt ceiling, which had ter World War II, the fed- ministration has reduced been raised to $16.4 trillion. eral budget deficit grew to the rate at which the counWe reached that last month, around 110 percent of gross try has been accumulating so the Senate suspended domestic product, higher the debt, according to the the limit until May 19. Now than it is now. The GDP CBO report. Unemploy-

“

the government can borrow more money for three more months, because that’s how you get out of debt.

This isn’t the first time the nation has gone through this problem. Af-

ment rates are expected to drop to 5.2 percent in 10 years. So there is some good news in the country’s finances.

But the Millenials, who were born between 19802000, must remember the “Do as I say, not as I do,” mindset of the different governments that have gotten us to where we are now.

Our spending habits don’t bode well. But our history gives us hope. We tightened our belts before, we can do it again. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

ben miller

Oh dear, christian College (flashback to this time last year)

column

Faith mandates spur conflict CROOK IN THE GUT JOSHUA GARCIA

Religious conflict in the Middle East and northern Africa is a testament to the complexity of cultural relativism.

Islamism is the belief that the religion of Islam must be the guiding force for the social, political and personal lives of humanity. It’s unsurprisingly rampant in this region. Mere opinions of secularists are no match for the true, unquestionable word of God manifested in the Quran. To the Islamist, it seems unreasonable not to adopt and enforce an Islamic government.

Be that as it may, there are few aspects of this type of society that are redeeming. Women are horribly suppressed, the cruelest of punishments are inflicted for crimes and disagreements of opinion are perfect justifications for violence. The Islamist states have become breeding grounds for religious tyranny and terrorism.

Western culture, which undermines the core values of not only Islam but also Islamism, is a pervasive threat to Islamist states. It has a tendency to permeate, even unintentionally.

Western culture is not without its own flaws. Regardless, the values of the Middle East and the West are at odds, and the Middle East has proved reactionary in more ways than one.

More conservative Muslims have struggled politically and violently against the changes brought by the figurative--and literal-Western invasions. Others in the region have seen the possibilities in allowing change to occur and, de-

spite their hope, have suffered for it, sometimes resorting to violence as well.

On Wednesday, the liberal Tunisian opposition leader Chokri Belaid was shot dead outside his home. Tunisia, located in northern Africa, is ruled by Islamists, who Belaid argued against in the hope of creating a more tolerant, secular government.

Leftist groups exploded in angry protest as a result of the assassination. This even lead to the death of a police officer. Tunisian Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali announced his intentions to dissolve the government and form a nonpartisan one to steer the country safely into its next election.

Jebali is a member of the Ennhada Movement, a moderate Islamist political party.

Members of Jebali’s party refused to allow the dissolution of the government, claiming their right to legitimate rule through election. Emhada is the largest and most successful political party in Tunisia.

Its secular competitors have fallen behind.

Tunisia, ironically, is considered by many to harbor the Middle East’s greatest chance of achieving a stable democratic government. Doesn’t seem to be much of an exception now.

Oppressive religious tyranny across the globe may not always have a direct impact at home, but the unjustifiable suffering of millions is difficult to ignore. contact garcia at jtg10b@acu.edu

hashtagACU 9:18 a.m. Feb. 7

I think I would be more motivated to read if ACU had AR points. #acuprobs

@tarababank

9:55 a.m. Feb. 7

I would really enjoy Sing Song practice if it wasn’t for choreography. Also, singing.

@claygreenwalt

column

Black history still carries meaning CALL ME, MAYBE

LINDSAY PALMER

If you were grabbed and asked to explain what Black History Month means and what it represents, what would you say? This month is a special one but throughout the years, the history and meaning have almost been forgotten.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson, son of a former slave and graduate of Harvard, first started “Negro History Week” in 1926. The week was chosen because it marked the birthdays of two men who significant-

ly impacted the African American population.

The purpose of the “Negro History Week” was for people to recognize how black history has became essential to American history. Though African Americans were recognized for years, it wasn’t until the after the 1930s they earned a respectable place in the history books.

In 1976, the federal government recognized the expansion of “Negro History Week” into “Black History Month.”

Though “Negro History his oath of office during Week” may have marked February. The Greensboro, N.C. Civil Rights Move‘Black History Month’ ment milestone also took place during “Black Hisis a special month but tory Month.” The list of it seems like the true meaningful events that happened on this month meaning has been lost continues to grow.

How many of us actuthroughout the years.” ally knew the history of the month that we so proudly celebrate?

“Black History Month” is a special month but it seems like the true meanthe birthdays of Frederick ing has been lost throughDouglass and Abraham out the years. Too often it Lincoln, the expansion of feels as though some peoit marked more significant ple use this month as an dates. excuse to blame and focus Feb. 3 is the date that on the oppression. the 15th Amendment was passed, the amendment that granted blacks to contact palmer at vote. Hiram R. Revels, the lsp10b@acu.edu first black senator, took

“

8:43 a.m. Feb. 7

8:55 a.m. Feb. 7

11:31 p.m. Feb. 6

I’ve come to understand that “college life” is really just an ongoing battle between finishing assignments and Netflix series

@jimadavis

Your kids gonna be like “Mom why were you takng duck-face mirror pics back in 2009?”, and you will have no good answer for them.

8:47 a.m. Feb. 7

I am a master of getting coffee after having just brushed my teeth.

@lukeschumann

@hayleysissy

@whatsCookin68

12:16 am. Feb. 7 11:16 a.m. Feb. 7

Can somebody bring me Little Panda, please? OR you could bring me a little panda...either works, really.

@em_brynn

Midsprint down the hallway, in the midst of crisis, I thought to myself, “man I should really be on Bay Watch or something...” #RAoftheyear

@lauren_zanotto

10:58 a.m. Feb. 7

2:20 p.m. Feb. 7

Okay-it should be illegal for attractive men to run shirtless on the Lunsford. I almost walked into oncoming traffic... #distraction

@abby_mcadams

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newsroom (325) 674-2439

Teacher: “who are you texting? Whats their name? I wanna know!”

Me: “Im tweeting...”

Teacher: “ooh, what are you tweeting about?”

Me: “you.”

sports desk (325) 674-2684

11:31 a.m. Feb. 4

2:42 p.m. Feb. 7

Walked all the way to chapel with my skirt tucked into my shorts.

Happy Monday.

@MorgBear62

Tried to use my school ID to pay for my sonic drink. So that’s how my afternoon is going.

Hey guys, Drenched chapel has been moved. Immersed is still in Moody, and Sopping, Soaked, & Drowning chapels are back on next Thursday.

@kaseyannmorgan @treytres3

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friday 02.08.13

arts

photos by Adrian Patenaude Staff Photographer Above: Haleigh Motz, junior theatre major from Abilene; Matt Silar, junior theatre major from Algonquin, Ill.; Jacob Alexander, sophomore theatre major from Amarillo; and Rachel Faulkner, junior theatre major from Cambry, Ind. prepare for upcoming show.

Below: Cast of Title of the Show prepare for upcoming musical with full dress rehearsal and feeback from director.

INSERT ‘TITLE’ HERE ACU winter comedy musical a show within a show Wyatt morgan arts writer ACU Theatre is putting the finishing touches on its comedic winter musical, [ title of show ] set to run February 8-9, 15-16, and 22-23 at Lewis and Jerry Fulks Theatre in the Williams Performing Arts Center. Yes, the proper name of the production is [ title of show ].

Adam Hester, the director of the twopart act, describes [ title of show ] as “an inventive and entertaining musical that will appeal to a broad audience, especially to college students.”

“After it played off-Broadway and then made its way to Broadway, it collected a large group of people who loved the trendy references and the infectious music,” Hester added. Some of the play’s success is attributed to a series of YouTube videos done by the creative team cleverly entitled “The [ title of show ] show” chronicling the progress of the musical to Broadway.

The performance is the account of a group of thespians creating the play, itself, from conception to the show’s production. Writers Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell inspired the performance in the spring of 2004 after receiving word that the deadline to enter the New York Musical Theatre Festival was a mere three weeks away. The play’s storyline

closely follows the real events that Bowen and Bell experienced while drafting a script and writing the music for the performance at the festival.

Jacob Alexander, sophomore theater major from Atlanta, Georgia, one of the five individuals performing in [ title of show ] explained that “because the show is writing itself as the story progresses, it’s like the audience is right there discovering it with us.”

Alexander went on claiming that the show “is going to be a very different experience for our patrons because it’s much more intimate than most of our productions. The physical setting is closer even than performances in Culp Theatre.”

The first showing staked to begin at 7:30 P.M. on Friday, February 8, features a talkback directly afterwards in which the audience is encouraged to ask questions, discuss themes, and hear commentary from the actors, actresses and director.

All other show times are also slated for 7:30 P.M. but will not feature talkbacks.

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at any time or at the box office from 1-5 P.M. Call the box office at 325674-2787 ext. (2787) for tickets and inquiries regarding [ title of show ]. contact the Morgan at jwm10c@acu.edu

sports

friday 02.08.13

standings

men’s basketball

ACU’s clutch free-throws sink Lions matthew sloan assistant sports editor The men’s basketball team travelled to Commerce with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, and left the Lion’s den with a 60-57 win.

The victory puts the ‘Cats in the all-important eighth position in the Lone Star Conference, with eight teams qualifying for postseason play.

ACU shut down the Lions in the first half, giving up just 18 points in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Wildcats headed into the locker room at half-

6

time with a 30-18 run.

“Our guys just really bought into the game plan,” assistant coach Brian Burton said. “Commerce shot the ball really well at our place last time, so we wanted to make this game less of a shootout. We took longer offensive possessions and surprised them with the zone.”

In the second half, ACU fought off an A&M Commerce team that was surging in front of the home crowd, putting together several runs to narrow the ACU lead. Well-timed buckets from Elliott Lloyd and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch by several men

in purple and white finished off the home squad.

“Nothing is more important than free throws when it comes to finishing games,” Burton said.

“I think every conference game we have won we have shot free throws well. In a one possession game, free throws are huge.”

Lloyd finished with a game high 15 points and six rebounds. Dosh Simms had another double double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Eric Lawton scored 12 points to go along with his four steals.

“Since the first West Texas game, we have been a lot

better team since we had Dosh,” Burton said. “I am excited for Dosh, I can’t say enough about who he has been for the program. He is blue-collar and a workhorse for us. The way he is playing really represents who he is.”

The importance of this victory cannot be overstated for ACU, who is searching for their first playoff appearance in five years. Wednesday’s victory sets up an enormous game against Tarleton State in Moody Coliseum on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

With a win, ACU will have won twice as many conference games as they did all of last year, with

things looking up for head coach Joe Golding and the basketball program.

“The way you build a program is to keep doing it right,” Golding said.

“We have to keep working hard and recruiting good student-athletes and people that ACU can support and be proud of. I think we have done that this year, we have good kids and good guys and I think that the Ws will come. We are playing good basketball and we are not ever going to quit.” contact sloan at mes10b@acu.edu

football

Staff signs 18 D-I athletes

men’s basketball

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

MSU IWU Cameron TSU ENMU WTAUM TAMU-K ACU Commerce ASU

11-2 8-4 8-5 6-5 7-6 6-7 5-7 5-8 4-7 2-11

15-5 12-6 12-7 13-6 10-11 12-6 9-10 11-10 11-10 5-16

women’s basketball

Team

Div.

Ovrl.

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

12-2 11-2 11-3 10-4 8-6 5-8 5-9 4-9 4-10 3-11 2-11

17-3 15-4 16-4 14-6 12-11 7-11 8-12 6-13 5-17 4-16 4-15

briefings Former ACU track and field star Nick Jones was recently chosen to be honored by the Panhandle Hall of Fame. The ceremony will take place Sunday in Amarillo.

Senior golfer Alex Carpenter finished second in the Jones Cup Invitaitonal last weekend with a score of 215. Carpenter finished one stroke under par.

Who’s Hot

paige otway Staff Photographer

Head football coach Ken Collums and Alumni Relations Officer Grant Boone discuss the state of the program and the 18 new Wildcats.

2013 Division I Signing List DB D.J. Arnold (Wichita Falls/Wichita Falls Rider High School): Height 5-10 Weight 180 DB Quinton Baker (Austin/ Manor High School): Height 6-0 Weight 180 DB Quentin Bryant (Riesel/ Mart High School): Height 6-0 Weight 180 RB De’andre Brown (Lewisville/Lewisville High School): Height 5-9 Weight 180 RB Randy Gober (Waco/La Vega High School): Height 5-8 Weight 185 RB Herschel Sims (Abilene/ Lamar University): Height 5-8 Weight 215

women’s basketball

Won’t be eligible to play until 2014 because of transfer rules. Played at Oklahoma State in 2011. Had 242 rushing yards as a true freshman at OSU. OL Sam Fodale (Shreveport, La./Evangel Christian Academy): Height 6-1 Weight 280 OL Austin Hisler (Cedar Park/ Cedar Park High School): Height 6-4 Weight 250 OL Riley Mayfield (Cedar Park/Cedar Park High School): Height 6-7 Weight 285 OL Chance Rieken (Comfort/ Comfort High School): Height 6-4 Weight 270

OL Hayden Wall (Hallsville/ Hallsville High School): Height 6-4 Weight 275 WR Cedric Gilbert (Lancaster/ Cisco Junior College): Height 6-2 Weight 220 “He is a well-rounded wide receiver,” said head coach Ken Collums. “Like a guy we haven’t had here in a long while. He is going to be able to hurt people with his speed.”

DE Josh Hailey (College Station/A&M Consolidated High School): Height 6-6 Weight 230 DT Gabe Hernandez (El Paso/ Chapin High School): Height 6-1 Weight 285 DT Josh McKinnies (Houston/

Mayde Creek High School): Height 6-1 Weight 280 QB Kade Munden (Waco/ China Spring High School): Height 6-3 Weight 195 Threw for 1,599 yards as a senior and ran for 449 yards.

Second team all-District 173A selection.

QB/Ath Will Weathers (Tyler/ Brook Hill Academy): Height 6-2 Weight 210 Had an offer from Air Force.

Completed 100 of 144 passes for 1,420 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2012.

Rushed for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.

P/K Nik Grau (Grapevine/ Grapevine High School): Height 6-1 Weight 195

Freshman guard Whitney West has been lighting up west the scoreboard in the past week. West dropped a career-high 17 points against ENMU last Saturday, but then broke that mark with a 19 point performace on Wednesday at Commerce. She is also shooting 48 percent from three this year.

West’s combination of length and quickness also makes her an excellent defensive player.

Upcoming The men’s tennis team plays at Belmont Univeristy at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and then plays at Lipscomb University at 6 p.m.

The women’s tennis team plays Trinity and Central Oklahoma at home all day.

The softball team plays a double-header at home on Friday starting at 4 p.m. against Eastern New Mexico and East Central University.

The baseball team plays at home against East Central University on Friday at 4 p.m. They will play a doubleheader Saturday starting at 2 p.m. and one game Sunday ACU went into the zone defense was really LSC in Kiara Wright so a lot Tarleton State for second starting at 1 p.m.

‘Cats conquer Lions in Commerce daniel zepeda sports reporter The Wildcats took home a huge win Wednesday night as they defeated Texas A&M Commerce 75-61 and secured a spot in the Lone Star Conference Championship tournament.

“I’m really proud of our players for keeping their composure and for showing a lot of discipline on the road,” Head Coach Julie Goodenough said. “The road tests are pretty difficult considering there are a lot of good teams in our conference, and it’s great to be able to earn a win away from Moody.”

break down 33-28, but opened up the second half with a 12-2 run and never looked back. They outscored Commerce 4728 in the second half, behind great play from all up and down the lineup.

Junior Renata Marquez had a stellar performance with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Freshman Whitney West also had a great night as she added a career high 19 points on 6-8 shooting, including 5-7 from behind the arc.

“We did a great job of stopping their press and taking high percentage shots in the second half,” Goodenough said. “Our

good. We prevented them from getting the ball inside and forced them to take outside shots.”

With the win behind them, The Wildcats will focus on one of their biggest challenges of the season so far. The Tarleton State Tex Anns will come to Abilene Sat. Feb. 9 in what can be expected as an intense LSC battle.

Tarleton owns a 15-4, 11-2 LSC record and are currently second in the conference, one game behind first place Midwestern (17-3, 12-2) and one game ahead of third place ACU (16-4, 11-3).

“Tarleton has arguably the best post player in the

of defensive emphasis is going to go towards her and making sure she doesn’t get the ball where she’s comfortable and hopefully we can disrupt her game,” Goodenough said.

“They also have a great shooter in Payton Adamson so guarding her close all night, especially at the three point line will be important. The next few days are going to consist of heav y, defensive minded practices and just getting mentally prepared for Tarleton.”

The Wildcats have lost their last eight games against Tarleton, but are 8-2 at Moody. A win on Saturday could tie ACU and

place in LSC with only five games left on the schedule.

“The game on Saturday is the biggest game of the season for us so far, so right now we are focused just on Tarleton,” Goodenough said.

“I know that we are going to play our hardest and play the best we can.

It’s great that we clinched the tournament, so we don’t have to worry about that anymore. Now, we can focus just on Tarleton and making sure we get a win on our home court.”

contact zepeda at djz11a@acu.edu

The women’s basketball team plays Tarleton State at home at 5:30 p.m.

The men’s basketball team plays Tarleton State in Moody Coliseum Saturday at 7:30 p.m.