The Optimist Print Edition: 12/04/2009

Optimist the

Vol. 98, No. 28

Discover X

PAGE 5 1 section, 8 pages

Friday, December 4, 2009

BREAKING NEWS, VIDEOS, PHOTOS, DISCUSSION AND EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

acuoptimist.com

LIBRARY

Hours revised for student needs Ben Warton and Colter Hettich

Wednesdays and Sundays if they wish.

The rationale was to encourage participation in congregational Mark Tucker, dean of Staff Report life. We’ve noticed it doesn’t necessarily have that effect. library and information MARK TUCKER Brown Library sees late- resources, said the idea Dean of Library and Information Services night traffic during finals is not a new one, but exweek each semester; but tending hours was not Tucker gave the credit didn’t have additional was revise the schedule. for the first time, students feasible in the past.

“We have a set bud- dollars just to add hours,” We’re not actually open to this year’s Students’ may study in the library from noon until midnight get for personnel and we Tucker said. “What we did any more than we were.” Association, specifically

President Charles Gaines, for communicating in a way previous proponents had not.

“It had to do with the way [Gaines] approached it,” Tucker said. “He said he understood the com-

FOOD COURT

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

It’s in the Bag(el)

see HOURS page 4

Student resource remains unused Sondra Rodriguez Managing Editor

KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer

The first Einstein Bros. Bagels west of Interstate 35 in Texas will open in the McGlothlin Campus Center’s Hilton Food Court in January. Einstein Bros., part of Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc., based in Lakewood, Colo., will offer bagels, coffee, salads, desserts and sandwiches. The university selected Einstein Bros. “based on student feedback gathered through surveys and focus groups,” according to a university press release.

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

The Students’ Association Congress pledges to “see every student connected, equipped and empowered,” according to its mission statement. As a way of fulfilling this mission statement, SA provides students with free resources – resources most students don’t take advantage of.

These resources include a copy machine equipped with a variety of colored paper, materials for creating banners and flyers, butcher paper, utensils for club events and myACU announcement space, said Luke Cochran, executive treasurer see SA page 4

CLIMATE

Committee to announce Winter weather arrives finalists in mid-January Tanner Knauth Sports Editor

Colter Hettich

QUICK FACTS

Editor in Chief Presidential Search Advisory Committee members will meet with potential finalists at an undisclosed neutral site this weekend. The committee will announce at least two finalists during the first week of the spring classes.

“We don’t know for sure, at this point, how many finalists we will have. It depends on how the interviews go,” said Don Crisp, chair of the Presidential Search Ad-

The Presidential Search Advisory Committee remains on schedule.

Here is what you can expect in the coming months: Early November – applicant screening continues Early December – committee interviews finalists n Mid-to-late January – finalists visit ACU campus n February – board of trustees announces final decision n n

visory Committee. “We will only have finalists we think have a chance at being the next president of the university.”

After the Oct. 30 applicatio deadline, the committee sifted through the prospects using a screening sys-

Forecast Fri

39° 20°

tem recommended by Academic Search Inc., the firm hired by the university to assist throughout the process.

Crisp said committee members “followed up” on every reference see FINALISTS page 4

Abilene saw its first snow of the season as temperatures dropped below freezing Tuesday night.

Patrick McCullough, meteorologist for the San Angelo National Weather Service, said although it rarely snows in Abilene, this is the time of the year to expect it.

“To see snow twice in one week rarely happens in this area,” McCullough said.

McCullough said the National Weather Service predicts cold temperatures the rest of the week and possible snow late Thursday and into Friday.

“Right now, the National Weather Service is saying

Inside Sat

49° 35°

Sun

57° 31°

CALL OF DUTY is one of countless blockbuster video games that feature graphic and glamorized depictions of violence.

Harmless? We think not.

Page 6

KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer

Caitlin Roden, senior family studies major from Grandview, puddle-hops while Dakota Sandifer, senior math major from Abilene, follows her through the water.

Saturday, Dec. 5 should be the coldest day this week, with a low of 18 degrees,” he said. The record low for Dec. 5 is nine degrees.

McCullough warned drivers to be careful and to

watch for icy patches, especially on bridges and overpasses, as snow melts and refreezes on the roads. contact Knauth at

txk07a@acu.edu

Online WILDCAT FOOTBALL season ended with a loss to Northwest Missouri State on Nov. 21, but the journey was an exciting one. We pick this season’s top 10 moments.

Page 8

VIDEO

LOUDandCLEAR

Are you enjoying the weather? a. Yes, it feels a little more like home. b. No, how am I supposed to keep my tan?. c. I’d enjoy it a little more with a canceled class.

ACU Jazz Band in the Studio

Visit acuoptimist.com to join the discussion.

2

Campus Day Friday, December 4, 2009

CALENDAR AND EVENTS

4

5

FRIDAY

Last day of class Last day to withdraw from the university

SATURDAY

2 p.m.

ACU Women’s Basketball vs. Southern Oklahoma

6

About This Page The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities. Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@jmcnetwork. com.

To ensure an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

SUNDAY

2 p.m.

2nd Annual Film Festival Celebrating Social Activism

4 p.m.

ACU Men’s Basketball vs. Southwestern Oklahoma

Chapel Checkup

Credited Chapels to date: Credited Chapels remaining:

71 0

5 p.m. Free Marriage Class at the Texas Family Institute

Police Log Volunteer Opportunities The Salvation Army needs volunteers to help shoppers select Angel Tree toys, keep Angel Tree records, label items and collect gifts. Contact Cecilia Barahona at 677-1557 for more information.

The Christian Service Center needs volunteers to fill requests for clothing, bedding, kitchen utensils, etc., from the donation center. Volunteers may work from noon-4 p.m.

Friday or Saturday. Contact Jim Clark at 673-7531 for more information.

The International Rescue Commitee needs literacy teachers. Volunteers will help refugees learn to read and write. All

volunteers are required to attend an IRC orientation and a literacy workshop and must commit to two to four hours per week for at least three months.

The Noah Project needs volunteers to cover the domestic violence crisis hotline between 6 and 10 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Contact Yvonne Myers at 676-7107 for more information.

Breakfast On Beech Street serves breakfast to homeless and low-income members of the Abilene community and is in need of volunteers to serve and prepare breakfast. Breakfast is served at the First Christian Church on 3rd

Street and Beech Street from 6:30-7:15 a.m.

Volunteers must arrive at 5:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and 5 a.m.

Tuesdays. If interested, visit the First Christian Church’s Web site at www.fccabilene.org/outreach.html.

Love and Care Ministries needs help with its clothing ministry and street feeds at 9 a.m., 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. MondayFriday. Contact Terry Davis at 670-0246 to schedule a time.

with gallery shows. Volunteers are needed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Contact Saybra Giles at 6778389 for more information.

The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature needs volunteers to assist with art activities, greet visitors, give tours, sell books and create a welcoming environment from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

Contact Debby Lillick at 673-4586 for more information.

The Center for Contemporary Arts is looking for people to greet patrons, answer phones and help

served. Call 670-0969 or 866-305-5524 to register.

Roots Art and Design Exhibition is on display in the Shore Art Gallery. It is an exhibit of paintings, sculpture, architectural

and interior design by five ACU seniors. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided.

Alice in Wonderland will take place at 7 p.m. Dec. 3-5 in the Van Ellis Theatre at Hardin-Simmons University. Call 670-1405 for more information.

Reserve textbooks for the spring semester before Dec. 31. Reserv-

Nov. 25 12:28 p.m. A traffic stop of a speeding vehicle occurred in the 500 block of Ambler Avenue. A verbal warning was issued to the driver.

Nov. 26 2:36 p.m. Reporting party called and reported a water leak between the McGlothlin Campus Center and Moody Coliseum. ACUPD called Physical Resources to fix leak.

Friday 8:40 a.m. While on patrol, officer witnessed a male riding a red and white bike south through the mall area toward East North16th Street.

Subject was contacted and everything checked out.

Saturday 4:39 a.m. ACUPD assisted APD with an alarm in the 1000 block of North Judge Ely Boulevard.

Officers located a delivery driver who had accidentally set off the alarm.

Announcements A free marriage education class will take place from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Texas Family Institute at 100 Chestnut St. Attendees can save $60 on their marriage licenses.

A free meal will also be

Remember to lock your houses and dorm rooms before you leave on the extended holiday break.

As always, ACUPD will be on duty 24/7 over the holidays, working to keep the area safe. Have a blessed holiday season.

ing books is free and can be done in The Campus Store.

The Abilene Community Theatre will perform Inspecting Carol at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5-7 at 801 S. Mockingbird Lane. Tickets are $8 for students.

Call the box office at 673-6271.

4:40 p.m. Reporting party came to ACUPD to report a brown pitbull roaming in front of the Zona Luce Building. Reporting party was concerned dog might attack someone. Dog was located, and everything was OK.

Sunday 7 p.m. Reporting party called and reported a possible burglary of their residence in the 2400 block of Campus Court. The glass panel in the rear door was broken, but nothing was taken.

Monday 8:07 a.m. A vehicle disregarded the stop sign at the corner of East North 18th Street and Campus Court. A traffic stop occured, and a written warning was issued to the driver.

1:45 p.m. ACUPD and APD investigated the activation of a house alarm in the 600 block of Washington Boulevard. The residence was checked, and everything was OK.

Campus News

December 4, 2009

Page 3

HOLIDAYS

Parade presses on despite chilly weather Lizzy Spano Arts Editor Local businesses and groups paraded down Cypress and Pine streets Tuesday, despite rain and a 30 degree wind chill, as part of KTXS’ 21st annual Christmas Lights Parade.

The temperature may have been ideal for Santa, who appears in the parade every year, but the cold, rainy weather caused numerous groups to drop their floats from the procession. Although conditions threatened to keep

townspeople inside, KTXS and the Abilene Downtown Association decided to continue with the parade and brave the rain.

“In the last 20 years, I know we have not canceled or changed the parade,” said Wilma Butman, City Sidewalks committee member.

“Usually cold weather doesn’t deter people from coming; it actually gets them more in the holiday spirit.”

An estimated 15,00020,000 people have packed the downtown area for the parade in

previous years. Only about a tenth of the usual crowd showed up this year, but organizers said they were still pleased with the turnout.

“A lot of people came down early and sat in their cars and watched the parade,” Butman said.

“Quite a few people I know of were inside the shops inside the parade route.”

The Christmas Lights parade is organized and funded entirely by the KTXS news station; it takes place every year during the Downtown Association’s City Sidewalks event. Rog-

er Ingram, KTXS promotions producer, said when it began the parade was a small event at the Mall of Abilene with only 10 floats.

Since then, the event has grown to 100 floats and is a KTXS tradition.

This year’s City Sidewalks theme was Light Up Your Christmas in Historic Downtown, which made for decorative window displays that complemented the glittering parade floats. The lighting of the community Christmas tree at the Abilene Civic Center concluded the event. Visitors of all

ages also welcomed the Christmas season with holiday-themed activities, Butman said, including a gingerbread house competition, a coloring contest and a “reindeer game,” a scavenger hunt in the downtown area.

Seven-year-old Brayden Campbell was awarded the grand prize of 500 “Downtown Dollars” for his gingerbread log-house creation, in a contest sponsored by ADA. Campbell, who innocently asked if grand prize was better than first, will have the op-

portunity to spend the dollars at any of 28 businesses in Downtown Abilene.

The winner of the coloring contest rode in Santa’s sleigh during the parade, and some of the elaborate creations from the gingerbread house competition will be on display in the McKay’s Bakery window this week.

“It was a fabulous time for everybody that came,” Butman said. contact Spano at

eas07a@acu.edu

SERVICE

Student volunteers rescue animals for adoption Laura Acuff Features Editor Service opportunities abound in Abilene, both on and off campus, and most of them involve people serving people.

A small number of students, however, have found their niche serving a different group – of the four-legged variety.

Several ACU students volunteered at a Rescue the Animals adoption event Nov. 21. Rescue the Animals is an adoption center for dogs, and the event, which took place at United Supermarket on South 14th Street, showcased several of the available animals. It also served to raise awareness about RTA, as well

as donations of money and supplies. Volunteer Director Kathy Walker said one particular donation included six pallets of pet supplies and was estimated to be a $20,000 value.

Walker said the student volunteers make such adoption events possible.

“Students are great at events like that because they’re not afraid to get out and talk to the public,” Walker said. “They’re very helpful, extremely helpful.”

Lydia Melby, senior English major from San Antonio, showed dogs and explained Rescue the Animals to people entering and exiting the grocery store. Melby has been volunteering with RTA since last spring and said even

I think it’s important for people to find a type of volunteering that they actually want to do so they’ll do it on their own.

KALEIGH WYRICK Sophomore English major from The Woodlands

the smallest contributions aid the organization.

“Rescue the Animals is one of those chronically understaffed organizations that always needs more people to come help out,” Melby said. “The volunteers do as much as they can, but there’s only so many hours a week you can volunteer.”

Melby said the organization is great for student volunteers because of its laid-back atmosphere and the adoption center’s status as a “no-kill” shelter –

volunteers do not become attached to animals that may be euthanized later.

Volunteers may help the organization in numerous ways, from advertising and staffing upcoming events to handling office work to exercising and bathing the animals.

“You can know nothing about animals and go and help out,” Melby said. “Even if you don’t like animals, they have stuff for you to do.”

Melby recruited Kaleigh Wyrick, sophomore

English major from The Woodlands, to help at the adoption event at United.

While Wyrick said she is usually “not a big animal person,” she enjoyed being able to raise awareness for the organization and thinks volunteering should be an important priority for students.

“There aren’t enough people who do it professionally for it to make as much of a difference as volunteering can,” Wyrick said. “I think it’s important for people to find a

type of volunteering that they actually want to do, so that they’ll do it on their own.”

For Melby, Rescue the Animals offers the perfect volunteering opportunity.

“It’s really rewarding work with a very obvious result,” Melby said. “You can see the effect that you have, and it’s very instantaneous gratification.”

Rescue the Animals is open from 1-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Those interested in volunteering may visit the adoption center at 5933 S. 1st St. or e-mail rescuetheanimalsvolunteers@yahoo.com.

contact Acuff at

lka07a@acu.edu

From Front

Page 4

December 4, 2009

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

SA: Just for students Continued from page 1 and senior finance major from Round Rock.

“It’s smaller and may be a little silly, but we also always have coffee, fruit and snacks down in the SA office,” Cochran said. “Students can stop by anytime.”

Tony Godfrey, vice president and junior political science and English major from Burleson, said students also have access to SA’s meetings, which are streamed live online; Collegiate Cards, which give students discounts at numerous retailers and restaurants in Abilene; and access to the Wildcat Express, an online directory of every

recognized student organization on campus.

Students can also take advantage of an arts and crafts room fully equipped with paint and brushes, Godfrey said.

Cochran and Godfrey said although the resources seem obvious or trite, it is essential to make them available and keep an open line of communication regarding students’ needs.

“We’re elected by the students to be their voice and administration,” Cochran said. “You hear people campaign about relationships every year, and I think it’s important that officers in these positions follow through with those

promises and make sure we’re connected with the student body.”

Cochran said members strive to maintain a relationship that allows students to voice their needs to SA members freely.

“I’d recommend that anything people want to see changed, to let us one of us know whenever they see us,” he said.

“I think a more casual relationship makes it easier for students to let us know what they need rather than having to formally come down to the office. They can just stop us on the way to class.”

contact Rodriguez at

sar06g@acu.edu

Finalists: The next step received for a potential finalist. “[Academic Search, Inc.] do this so much that they’ve just developed what they think is the best practical approach,” Crisp said.

The committee may adhere to established protocol generally, but Crisp said the committee’s heavy emphasis on prayer makes ACU’s process unique. The committee prays together every time they meet.

“As committee members we have been

constantly engaged in prayer, and in the updates we’ve asked the university to join us in that,” Crisp said. “We made that a big part of the process.”

A recent report by local media pointed to the steadily growing number of ACU students who do not associate themselves with the Churches of Christ.

The search prospectus, compiled by Dr. Bill J. Franklin, senior consultant at Academic Search Inc., acknowledges the “slow but steady” decline, stating, “the next presi-

LIBRARY

Hours: Late into the night Continued from page 1

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

Continued from page 1

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Aiden Beck, a student at Abilene Christian Elementary School, performs with the Abilene Christian School children’s choir in Chapel on Wednesday.

dent must be prepared to engage the Board of Trustees and the university in exploring the implications of these changes ...”

Committee members are aware of the trend, but there is no sense of alarm.

“The trend has been there; I don’t think it will change who we select as prospective candidates,” Crisp said.

“We’ve not really spent any time on that specific topic.”

contact Hettich at

clh05d@acu.edu

plexity of it, and that regardless of how it came out he knew we had the students best interest in mind.”

Casual conversation evolved into meetings with library administrators and SA officers.

Tucker said the transition has not been an easy one, and although some individuals opposed the revisions, all who were involved decided the reasons for closing twice a week were far less relevant and not what students wanted.

“The rationale for closing those hours has been to encourage participation in congregational life; we’ve noticed it doesn’t necessarily have that effect,” Tucker said.

“Students study when they want to study, and churches do things all during the week.”

Tucker said the revisions met little resis-

tance during the approval process.

In addition to permanent schedule revisions, the library will close at 2 a.m. through Thursday of finals week.

In past years, the library stayed open until 3 a.m. but staff saw insufficient use between 2 and 3 a.m. The library staff has offered finalsweek hours for several semesters. “The students tell us that the extended hours are beneficial to them,” Tucker said. “We pay attention to what they say, and we want to have a schedule that reflects the way students work.”

The extended hours take a toll on the library’s budget. Library managers must find people to work the extra hours, including front desk workers, people to work the top portion of the library, and coffee shop staff.

While these hours cost extra, donors and con-

tributors to the Brown Library take care of much of that cost.

“We don’t really have any extra dollars to extend our hours, but we have donors who give us gift funds to help us during this time,” Tucker said.

Students notice and appreciate extended hours. Dosh Simms, sophomore undeclared major from Austin, said the extra hours help him avoid distractions at night and focus on his studies.

“Finals week is a distracting time for me because a lot of my friends want to hang out at night,” Simms said. “Having the library open for those extra hours will help because it makes me actually get out and study.”

contact Warton at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Arts

December 4, 2009

Page 5

Dance Discovery dancers perform their piece, X-plosion, during rehearsal. The recital this weekend will benefit the Abilene High School theatre department.

An

explosion talent

of

After a semester of rehearsing for 20 hours a week, dancers at Dance Discovery Studios will present their winter hip-hop show, entitled X, at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in the Abilene High School auditorium. The show will feature a variety of dance genres, including contemporary and hip-hop, and even acrobatics.

Photos by: Kelsi Williamson, Staff Photographer Molly McDonald, senior theatre major from Sugar Land, performs XClamation during rehearsal.

Above: Kelcie Broom, freshman youth and family ministry major from Richardson, rehearses a piece entitled X-Centuate. Dancers age 16 and older will perform in the X show.

REVIEW

‘Bears’ EP debut shows honest, reflective style Paul Knettel

Contributing Reporter “Someone could have told me I was gonna be alright; I probably would’ve been fine,” sings Michael Perkins in the memorable chorus to Put In a Basket, the first track on St. Swithun’s, the debut EP from Blinded By Bears – Perkins’ stage name.

Perkins, a local Abilene musician and former lead singer of the disbanded Moroccan Victory Chant, has made a large departure from his previous work with this new project. It is a stripped-down, barebones recording that rarely gets more complicated than acoustic guitar and vocals; a collection of five acoustic alternative songs with tints of folk and pop. The new style,

Perkins explains, came from his desire to “write songs where I sat down with a guitar and tried to be as honest as I could be with what I was saying…with not a lot between my emotions and the audience: unmasked, unfiltered me in musical form.”

After the steady guitar picking and aching intensity of the opening track, St. Swithun’s continues with The River, a less-structured piece full of folksy acoustic guitar work and dissonant chords. Perkins’ vocals take on a hint of the strained passion of Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra, and a melodica drifts in towards the end of the song, adding a subtle richness to the piece.

Next up, clocking in at just over seven minutes, is Reeds,

which begins with an arpeggiating guitar pattern and vocals that have a cathedrallike reverb effect. The second half of the track consists of a repeated guitar phrase with a progression of lyrics, and although the words are well thought out and powerful, the section grows a little stale with no buildup or change in the guitar progression.

Fresh Water Gospel, the fourth and by far my favorite track, lays a foundation of simple guitar chords over which Perkins’ vocals soar with a quality so similar to Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie, it is haunting. Longing lyrics hope for a better and more meaningful life, and massive amounts of reverb give the vocals an underwater

feeling. Piano chords resound throughout the piece, and the intro is reminiscent of a Jon Butler Trio jam session.

Last but not least is Crocodile, the most upbeat tune on the EP musically, despite dark lyrics like “If only I could have you and keep you alive, but I need you dead to survive.”

Perkins utilizes his powerful low vocal register, sounding not unlike The National, and a folksy swing gives the tune a driving rhythm. A group vocal part in the bridge adds to the fullness of the song, with ACU students Aaron Carlile, Tanner Hadfield and Casey Oliver, all friends of Perkins, contributing to the track.

St. Swithun’s was recorded at Micah P. Hinson’s house in Abilene and gets its inspira-

tion and name from an English folk poem.

“I liked it because it fit with a watery theme, and it said something to me about how our decisions will affect us for a long time,” Perkins sai.

Overall, this EP is a fantastic start for Blinded By Bears, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for this talented local singer/songwriter.

Be sure to catch Blinded By Bears in their next concert Jan. 12 at Monks Coffee Shop, and pick up a copy of St. Swithun’s EP ($5) while you’re there.

contact Knettel at

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

Opinion

Page 6

EDITORIAL

December 4, 2009

Violent games require user discretion Sniping an enemy from a rooftop in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro is cold, brutal and bloody – but it isn’t illegal. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Headshots are free speech.

With the recent release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, the discussion of video game violence is again emerging in many households and for good reason. Gratuitous or excessive violence is unhealthy – a 2003 article by the American Psychological Association cites several studies where violent video games were “significantly associated with increased

particularly disturbing or gratuitous violence. Many players would even argue the violence in those games is not gratuitous.

The mission game play in the Call of Duty series is supposed to be an accurate representation of real-life warfare.

However, “true-to-life” is not always a justification for violence.

One scene in particular in Modern Warfare 2 highlights this. In what the game review Web site GameInformer calls a “morally gray” mission, players are required to infiltrate a terrorist organization and in

aggressive behavior.” Violence could even be immoral in some cases, if it involves murder or other heinous acts. But as much as we’d like to, we can’t always outlaw immorality.

Video game developers have a constitutional right to create artistic content, including violent content, and consumers have a right to purchase it. On the other hand, they have the right not to purchase it if they think it is inappropriate for their children or themselves – and often, it is.

But it’s not as though Call of Duty is the only firstperson shooter to depict

the process, kill hundreds of civilians.

To their credit, the developers made significant efforts to protect those who want to be protected from viewing the scene. Once the game starts, players can opt out of the mission without penalty, and even if the player starts the mission, he or she doesn’t actually have to shoot – although that isn’t stated. Finally, GameInformer contends, “The mission draws the morality of war and espionage into sharp focus in a way that simply shooting the bad guys cannot.”

Ataraxia

By Jordan Blakey

THE ISSUE

The content of popular video games is becoming increasingly violent.

OUR TAKE

These games are violent; however, instead of placing the blame on developers, consumers should carefully decide if they should play.

While the violence of Call of Duty might serve some higher purpose, many other games do not – think Grand Theft Auto.

However, it is the conscientious consumer’s responsibility to choose not to purchase or play such games rather than the developer’s to refrain from developing.

Blaming the developers for making you consume immoral content is juvenile and morally escapist. Just following orders is never a good defense, especially not if your trigger finger is on the joystick.

Email the Optimist at:

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

COLUMN

Graduate recalls lifelong lessons Just a Bit Outside Tanner Knauth

COLUMN

Iron & Wine bill stirs mixed emotions Guest Column

pressed frustration and Charles Gaines, SA president confusion. On behalf of the Students’ Association, It has come to our at- I would like to address tention there are mixed the issue, being upfront and honest. emotions The final decision was regarding twofold and involved Conthe Iron gress and the Executive & Wine Cabinet. Congress – your bill which peers – carefully listened provides to arguments presented concert by both sides. After a time tickets to Gaines of questioning, debating students. and thoughtful examinaW h i l e some of our peers are tion, Congress decided excited, others have ex- to accept the Iron & Wine

bill. The cabinet made sure to follow all rules and regulations throughout the process.

At the beginning of the year, I promised my cabinet if we did a good job, the credit would belong to everyone. However, I would be accountable for any less than perfect situation – so on a selfish note, I asked them to do a good job. Although there are different opinions about the Iron and Wine bill, it’s just that: difference in opinion,

which is neither right nor wrong. I only ask that we move forward through constructive conversation.

I have come to understand both sides of this issue very clearly, and I understand our differences are how we appreciate our similarities. “To develop a Christ-centered organization that leads by example” – this is what we stand for.

This is who we are.

Email the Optimist at:

optimist@jmcnetwork.com

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

SA demonstrates apathetic, rash spending The recent decision by the Students’ Association to purchase Iron & Wine tickets shows poor stewardship skills. SA purchased 129 tickets to the concert, while the total undergraduate population is around 4,000.

SA funds should primarily go to service organizations and academic groups. How many Treadaway Kids activities could the money spent on the concert have funded? How many conferences could students have attended? How many campuswide activities could have been run? Instead of maximizing the amount of good that could have been done with students’ money, the SA Congress has funded a relatively frivolous activity.

This shows a major problem within the Student’s Association: the SA Congress shows a frightening level of apathy. This problem was present when I was a member of the SA Congress. Only a small percentage of the SA Congress cares about the activities of SA. Some get elected because they want a line on their resume.

Others get elected and find they do not care for the workings of SA. Very few actually care for the work; those very few work with no check on their activities.

This apathy leads to actions such as the purchase of Iron & Wine tickets for a small percentage of students. I wonder how much more responsible SA would be with students’ money if more members of the SA Congress cared about their responsibilities.

The student body should care more about what SA does. Every undergraduate student pays money to SA each semester. This money should be spent in a way that helps the most people do good things.

Andrew Greenberg Graduate Student

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 personal attacks, obscenity, defamation, erroneous information or invasion of privacy.

Please limit letters to 350 words or fewer. A name and phone number must be included for verification purposes.

Phone numbers will not be published.

Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79699 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

Optimist the

Published by the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Newsroom (325) 674-2439

Sports Desk (325) 674-2684

Shakespeare knew what he was talking about when he wrote, “Parting is such s w e e t sorrow.”

Next Friday will be my last day as a student at Abilene Knauth Christian University, and I find myself conflicted. After all my complaining there’s nothing to do in Abilene, after years of waking up for 8 a.m. classes and pulling allnight study sessions, I find myself hoping time slows these next few days to allow me to appreciate what ACU has meant to me.

ACU wasn’t my first choice of universities – actually, I had never heard of ACU in high school.

So, I ended up going to a school some of my friends got into. After I realized that wasn’t the place for me, I transferred to another university where I made a multitude of bad decisions and found myself out of college and working full-time.

After a few years, I found out the real world is a tough place when you don’t have a college degree, and I decided I wanted to go back to school. A friend of mine suggested ACU, so I applied.

I won’t lie; my GPA left much to be desired at that point, but ACU gave me a chance. Two years later, I’m days away from doing something many people never thought would happen – graduating college.

I’ll leave behind many memories, such as the tales of a ring by spring. I swore I wouldn’t fall into that trend – I’ve now been happily married for six months to a beautiful ACU

girl. I’ll never forget the first time I saw Sing Song and began to see what all the fuss was about, or the pride I felt when I saw the Texas flag brought into Moody Coliseum during Opening Chapel. I’ll never forget working on the newspaper or having to stay in the newsroom until 6 a.m. completing the Homecoming issue.

But college is more than simply memories; it’s also about learning, and I’ll take some lifelong lessons from Abilene and ACU. These are some of my favorites: Taco Tuesday is a really good deal, and no

But college is more than simply memories; it’s also about learning, and I’ll take some lifelong lessons from Abilene and ACU. matter how bad a week I’ve had, a Sharky’s burrito always makes me feel better. Good coffee should always be close at hand, and it’s OK to talk to your professors because some of them are actually pretty cool. You and your friends – and your professors – should have a quote board because we say some odd things worth laughing about later. And I’m sure I actually learned a few things in class, as well.

More than anything, though, ACU was an opportunity to find out who I was, as cliche as that sounds. I’ll never forget the people I’ve met here.

Thanks for the memories, the laughs and, most of all, the ACU experience.

contact Knauth at

txk07a@acu.edu

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From Sports

December 4, 2009

Page 7

INTRAMURALS

Spring: New variety of sports available to students Continued from page 8 including a mixed doubles tennis tournament, volleyball, softball and soccer. Spring intramurals run from January to May and feature leagues for students of all skill levels. Beginners can start in the laid-back Rec-

We try to provide an atmosphere that is not only challenging but also fun for everybody on campus KENLI EDWARDS Director of Intramurals

reational League, while competitive Championmore experienced play- ship League.

Kenli Edwards, direcers can enter the highly

tor of intramurals, says intramural sports are a great way to get involved in campus activities.

“We try to provide an atmosphere that is not only challenging but also fun for everybody on campus,” she said. contact Goggans at

Quick Facts Below are registration dates and costs for spring intramurals. n Basketball: Register from January 13-20, $75/team n Soccer: Register from February 15-19, $45/team n Tennis Doubles: Register from February 22-26, $5/person n Volleyball: Register from March 1-5, $75/team n Softball: Register from April 5-9, $45/team

zdg08b@acu.edu

OPINION

FOOTBALL

Problems: BCS failings not solved with playoffs Continued from page 8

JOZIE SANDS Chief Photographer

Midwestern quarterback Zak Eskridge works to deliver a pass as Eric Edwards moves in for an attempted sack. The Wildcats won their second-round playoff matchup with MSU, 24-21.

Ten: Top moments of 2009 football season Continued from page 8

Touchdown Barrage

6

Over the course of three games – against East Central, Angelo State and West Texas A&M – running back Daryl Richardson made a habit out of crossing the goal line. Richardson scored nine times for an ACU offense that was averaging 34 points per game.

Heads Up

7

Sometimes the small plays make the biggest difference. During the Wildcats’ 47-35 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville, the Javelinas blocked a punt and were poised to take over, but linebacker Arthur Johnson recovered and rushed for a first down, a heads-up play that saved the drive.

Special Teams, Special Moments

8

Little seemed to go right for the Wildcats in their 15-13 loss to Midwestern State during the final week of the regular season. The offense sputtered, but kicker Morgan Lineberry connected on field goals from 51 and 56 yards to make it a close game.

Thompson Breaks Loose

9

Fred Thompson dominated the Javelina offensive line during the Wildcats’ game against Texas A&M-Kingsville. He had nine tackles and two forced fumbles. He also put pressure on the Javelina quarterback Billy Garza, with 1.5 sacks.

Gale Rams ASU

10

In his first career start, freshman quarterback Mitchell Gale torched East Central 43-6. His second start against No. 23 Angelo State was much tougher, but Gale came through, completing 75 percent of his passes for more than 200 yards. The result: a 38-14 victory.

contact Sports at

sports@jmcnetwork.com

tem. The current BCS system is great because it gives all the major conferences a bid into a high bowl game, and it also has rules and regulations to give smaller schools a chance to play if they have a good season.

In a playoff system, would all conferences continue to receive automatic bids, or would the top eight teams be chosen, regardless? Most people would vote to take the top eight teams regardless of conference. The problem here is smaller schools or non-BCS schools would still be subjected to exclusion from the eight-team playoff.

I will concede the BCS has snubbed someone almost every year it has been in existence, but that is what makes college football so great. The only way to guarantee yourself a shot to play for the BCS national title game is to be undefeated. This essentially makes every game a playoff game. In the NFL,

if a team loses a single game, it is no big deal, but if you lose once in college football, you could be eliminated from contention for the big game. This is what makes college football truly great; every week is a playoff game, not just the games at the end of the season.

The college bowl system is one of the greatest traditions in sports. College football would be making a big mistake if it got rid of the bowl systems. This system allows the teams to travel across the country and spend a week going to parties and luncheons, all while preparing for one big game.

In a playoff system, this is impossibe because teams would be getting on a bus every weekend and going to a new place. Teams and players would miss the great traditions and festivities that come with the bowl system.

contact Cantrell at

jrc07f@acu.edu

OPINION

Playoffs: Bracket system would pick true winner Continued from page 8 the chance, Boise State showed it belonged in the upper echelon of college football. But it still wasn’t the championship.

This year, both Boise State and TCU will get to play in BCS bowl games, but that isn’t enough.

Let’s give them a shot at the championship. The BCS punishes Boise and TCU for not having schedules as difficult as Big 12 or Southeastern Conference teams. But when Boise sends an open invitation to play any school and no one bites, is that Boise’s fault?

So, instead, the Broncos and Horned Frogs run through their schedules and win every game against mediocre schools. They do everything asked of them.

They are perfect. Unfortunately, computers that

know everything there is to know about college football determine which two teams play in the championship.

I propose an eightteam playoff system. If Boise and TCU really aren’t as good as the Floridas and Texases of the world, then they will lose, and the teams that deserve it will win. Thousands of people call into work sick for a reason the first Thursday and Friday in March.

March Madness is a fair and competitive way to determine one true champion. The NCAA could even give the football playoff a cool name, like the Winter Classic or the Holiday Showdown.

If we set up a playoff between the top eight teams right now, the first-round matchups would be as follows: Florida (1) vs. Ohio State (8); Alabama (2) vs. Or-

egon (7); Texas (3) vs. Boise St. (6); and TCU (4) vs.

Cincinnati (5). I am positive the BCS won’t give us matchups that good.

I implore you, NCAA, get rid of the BCS and go to my playoff system. If you don’t, you will continue to say to millions of college football fans, “A team can do everything right and still get shafted.”

contact Gwin at

agg07a@acu.edu

Page 8

Standings MEN'S BASKETBALL Ovrl.

Div. Team MSU Tarleton St. ENMU ACU TAMU-K Angelo State WTAMU

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

7-0 4-0 4-1 3-1 3-1 3-2 3-3

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Ovrl.

Team Div. Tarleton St. WTAMU TAMU-K Angelo St. ACU MSU ENMU

0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0

6-0 5-0 4-1 3-3 2-3 2-3 1-4

MONDAY Women's Basketball ACU 44, Incarnate Word 60

Men's Basketball ACU 82, Dallas Baptist 85

THURDAY Women's Basketball ACU 77, Cameron 66

Men's Basketball ACU 57, Cameron 58

HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS

Upcoming

INTRAMURALS

Sports

December 4, 2009

Students turn attention to spring sports Zane Goggans Sports Reporter

ite sports didn't make that list, the spring will present some alternatives.

Spring intramurals are The spring semester is right around the corner, an opportunity for studespite this week's snow. dents like Jordan Bell to The football season is over, play sports they enjoy. Bell, ACU basketball is in full freshman art major from swing, and baseball and Waco, says he is most looksoftball will start soon. But ing forward to basketball. for students whose favor- He's not the only one.

FOOTBALL

“Hey, if I can find a team that needs a post, I’m their guy,” says Chris Marshall, freshman history major from Kermit.

Basketball is a favorite of many students; however, the intramural office will offer several popular sports, KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer

see SPRING page 7

10 TOP

Moments of 2009

SATURDAY Women's Basketball ACU vs. SW Oklahoma St., 2 p.m.

Freshmen play basketball during Welcome Week.

The Storm

1

The most memorable moment of the 2009 season came before the first game’s opening kickoff. A severe storm rolled through the Big Country, wreaking havoc prior to the season-opener against Northwest Missouri State on Aug. 27. Strong winds lifted the end zone bleachers, tossing them onto the field. Fans had to hold down tents in the parking lot, and students had to push cars out of the mud after the game. After a lengthy delay, the first nationally televised game at Shotwell Stadium kicked off as a rainbow stretched across the eastern sky. The No. 5 Wildcats capped the night with an impressive 19-14 victory over the Bearcats.

2

Cuffee and the Cotton Bowl

The Wildcats played their first game at Texas’ most famous stadium, the Cotton Bowl, on Sept. 12. A rain-soaked night in Dallas held the offense back, and a strong effort from Texas A&M-Commerce forced the game into overtime.

During the first play of overtime, Drew Cuffee picked off Lions’ quarterback Adam Farkes and returned the interception for a touchdown and a 20-14 victory.

3

Gale Arrives

In Week Six, the 5-0 Wildcats made a switch at quarterback, handing the reins to Mitchell Gale, a red-shirt freshman from Alva, Okla. Gale did not disappoint in his first start, completing 20 of his 28 passes for 300 yards and three touchdowns, as the Wildcats clobbered East Central 43-6.

Men's Basketball ACU vs. SW Oklahoma St., 4 p.m.

4

The combination of second-ranked ACU’s 38-14 drubbing of Angelo State on Oct. 10 and Hillsdale College’s shocking 27-24 upset of No. 1 Grand Valley State propelled the Wildcats to the top of the rankings. For the first time since joining the NCAA Division II, the Wildcats found themselves atop the American Football Association's Top 25 poll.

DEC. 12 Women's Basketball ACU at TAMU-Commerce, 6 p.m.

Men's Basketball ACU at TAMU-Commerce, 8 p.m.

HOME GAMES LISTED IN ITALICS

5

n Offensive lineman Tony Washington has been named a finalist for the 2009 Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year award. ACU offensive lineman Sam Collins won the award last year.

Playoff Payback

Hope for a spot in the playoffs seemed all but lost after a disappointing 15-13 loss at the hands of Midwestern State in the final regular-season game. However, the Wildcats snuck in by earning the South Central Region's sixth and final playoff spot. The Wildcats faced Midwestern State again in the first round of the playoffs but with different results. The Wildcats advanced to the next round with a 24-21 upset win.

Briefs n Former ACU running back and current Cincinatti Bengal Bernard Scott is suffering from turf-toe.

The sixth-round pick suffered the injury filling in for injured starting back Cedric Benson in Sunday's victory over the Cleveland Browns.

We're No. 1

HEATHER LEIPHART Staff Photographer

Daryl Richardson fights for extra yardage in the game against Tarleton State on Oct. 24.

OPINION

see TEN page 7

Agree to Disagree

Would a Division I College Playoff System Work?

n The Steamboats took on GSP in the men's waterball championship game last night, while the women's championship game pitted Siggies against Alpha Kai Omega.

Playoffs necessary College playoff system to pick a champion would be problematic

n The two semifinal games of the Division II football playoffs will be played Saturday. Carson-Newman will head to Grand Valley State to take on the Lakers. The game airs at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN. California will take on Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Mo. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., and the game will be aired on CBS College Sports.

Austin Gwin

a champion. It only exists to make money – a lot of money.

Assistant Sports Editor Boise State has lost only three regular-season games I would like to inform all the TCU and Boise State fans of in the last four years, but one undeniable truth. Regard- they have been invited to a less of how good your football BCS bowl only once. In that team is, you will never play in game against Oklahoma, a national championship un- they pulled off one of the der the Bowl Championship most miraculous wins in colSeries system. It should not be lege football history. Given that way, but it is. The BCS is see PLAYOFFS page 7 a terrible system to determine

Ryan Cantrell Assistant Sports Editor The Bowl Championship Series is not the perfect system by any means. However, a playoff system should not be implemented in Division I football anytime soon.

The main argument for a playoff system is based on the fact nobody would be left out, and every team would get a chance.

However, this is not true. If the BCS system was replaced with an eight-team playoff system, someone would have to decide which eight teams in the country should get a playoff bid. In this situation, teams would still be left out, just like in the BCS. Another problem to deal with is how conference representation would factor into the playoff syssee PROBLEM page 7