03 03 06

Friday, March 3, 2006

NEWS 15TH STREET

Rose State College

6420 SE 15th Street, Midwest City, OK 73110

Vol. XXXV Issue 21

Grades 1 through 9 flock to college Photo by STACEY McENTIRE

Expo allows young inventor competition Bryan Trude Sports Editor

The 16th Annual Oklahoma Student Inventors Exposition was held from 8 a.m.1:35 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Communications Center.

The exposition, which showcases original inventions by students in grades one through nine from area elementary and middle schools, was hosted by Oklahoma Student Inventors Exposition Incorporated.

Inventors Betty Wright and Julian Taylor - as well as Bill Enter and Bob Rhea, both of whom are deceased - originally organized the event.

Each entrant was competing for the grand prize, a cash sum of $120. There was also a Best of Show prize for each division, grades one through five and six through nine respectively, which totaled $100 each.

Also receiving cash prizes were the placed finishers.

First place earned $50, second place earned $25, third earned $20, fourth earned $15 and fifth earned $10.

There was an award given for the wackiest invention as well, with a cash prize of $25. Winners of the honorable mention award received $5.

“This is the high point for me,” Taylor said. “Here in America, we are No. 1. We have to stay No. 1. To do that, we have to find creativ-

Student inventors gather their creations in the Communications Center for the 16th Annual Oklahoma Student Inventors Exposition. The exposition showcases the works of young minds in grades one through nine.

ity by inventing and anticipating what is going to be in the future.”

Some of the inventions this year included an automatic dog feeder, a special two-step stirrup for horse saddles and an automatic feed dispenser for wild animals.

Judging this year’s expo were students and faculty from RSC, as well as military per-

sonnel from Tinker Air Force Base. Student volunteers from Cleveland Bailey Elementary, Townsend Elementary and Winding Creek Elementary served as hosts, hostesses and door greeters.

Also in attendance this year were attorneys and agents specializing in patents, including the firms Fellers, Snider Et al; Dunlap, Codding and

Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor

The Miss Black RSC Scholarship pageant will be held at 7 p.m. March 31 in the Communications Center.

The pageant began in 1998 and Thomas has been active with the pageant since its inception.

“A pageant is just one competitive road to academic success,” pageant director Virginia Thomas said.

If a woman wants to gain a competitive edge in diverse social skills and help pay for college, entering in pageants is a unique way to accomplish this. Plus, being involved in a pageant is fun, Thomas said.

The winner of the 2006 Miss Black RSC will compete in the Miss Black Oklahoma pageant in June 2006.

The judges will be looking for a contestant that will best represent RSC as an ambassador with integrity and the ability to promote community awareness of all the college has to offer.

“There was a time in history when beauty pageants were all about beauty, but not anymore,” Thomas said. “Pageants of today demand competitive academic backgrounds, social skills, diverse culture awareness and the ability to represent themselves and their supporters in a positive and distinguished manner.”

Thomas said the contestants who will be competing for Miss Black RSC are Jacqueline Allen, Ijana Annoh, Tiana Booker, Kristen Combs, Shannon Copelyn, Danielle Harris, Jennifer Iwvchukwu, Kendra Jones, Antonesha Lewis, Jazmin Little, Tareva Talley, Emerald Walker, and Aziza Wilkerson. shoverson@rose.edu

If Martin Luther King Jr.’s legendary Aug. 28, 1963 oration on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial became known by its “I have a dream…” tagline, then Dr. Ray Owens’ Feb. 22 lecture in the Communication Center’s auditorium should probably be called the “Sometimes you’ve got to fight” speech.

The day’s event, officially called “Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions,” was part of RSC’s observance of African-American Heritage Month.

The RSC Office of Intercultural Communications and Education produced the event.

Owens is a pastor at a Tulsa church and assistant professor of ethics and black church studies at Phillips Theological Seminary.

He shared a story from his childhood with his youthful audience, who was bused in from area high schools to hear him speak.

Recalling the incident, Owens told the crowd how some tough love – and good advice – from his sister helped shape his view on the struggle African-Americans continue to grapple with in this country today.

After getting robbed by a group of bullies in his old neighborhood, Owens returned home and told his sister “Peaches” what had happened.

Rather than consoling the young boy, his sister, who at 13 years his senior was more like a parental figure, offered a credo instead.

“Ray, sometimes you’ve got to fight,” she said.

Owens employed the “sometimes you’ve got to fight” line repeatedly, using it as a needle to thread his speech together, as

Photo by ANDREW KNITTLE

Andrew Knittle News Editor

Photo provided by TOMMY SMITH

The Lady Raiders basketball team took second place in the National Junior College Athletic Association, or NJCAA, Region II playoffs, falling to the Redlands-El Reno Cougars 85-82 on Feb. 28.

The Lady Raiders, led by interim head coach Tommy Smith, lost in the final minutes despite rebounding from a 20-point deficit at the half. The Lady Raiders won the Region II playoff game against the North Arkansas Pioneers in Arkansas on Feb. 25 by a score of 69-62.

The Lady Raiders finished the season with a 15-13 record.

Lady Raiders post player Tabitha Jordan and forward Stenia Moore were both named first team All-Region, an honor given to only five players from the Kansas-Oklahoma-Arkansas region.

Post player Jennifer Davidson (see Meet the Players, Page 4) and forward Evelyn Taylor were both named to the second team.

The Cougars now go on to compete in the NJCAA district tournament in Kansas.

“The Redlands team is a very good team,” Smith said. “We fell behind at the half, and in the last few minutes, we started to come back … even though we lost, I feel that is the best game we ever played.” btrude@rose.edu

ling, an advisor to the event.

Vocal music students from Carl Albert High School and interpretive dancer Shaye Gunter of Brink Junior High in Moore provided entertainment prior to the awards ceremony.

“We have been doing this for 15 years,” Wright said. “And we are doing it all for you, the students.” btrude@rose.edu

Countdown begins to Miss Black RSC

Owens inspires during speech

Lady Raiders take second in NJCAA Region II playoffs

Bryan Trude Sports Editor

Rogers; Head, Johnson and Kachigian; Brian Powley and James Robinson.

Sponsors of the event included RSC, Taylor Valve Technology Inc., Rupture Pin Technology Inc. and the Oklahoma Legislature.

Awards were handed out in a ceremony held in the Communications Center theater

by Wright and Linda Star-

March 3, 2006

Dr. Ray Owens, pastor and assistant professor, speaks to the youth in commemoration of AfricanAmerican Heritage Month. Owens addressed the need to aggressively pursue values.

well as a means to illustrate.

The line also exemplified the tenacity it will require to see the African-American struggle through to the end.

And while recognizing the great strides African-Americans have made in the past century, he warned that their work is not yet done.

“And though we happily acknowledge the progress we’ve made toward eradicating widespread, negative attitudes toward black people, we must not neglect the fact that the history of black people in the United States has yet to be fully integrated into and valued by the dominant curriculum of educational institutions, even today,” Owens said.

Owens concluded his speech by saying that only “winners” – not “wimps” or “whiners” as

he called them – would be able to win the “good fight” in which African-Americans are engaged.

The interpretive dance group Jewels of Heaven also performed at Wednesday’s event, entertaining the crowd before Owens took the stage, and once more after he had finished.

Raechelle Reed, the group’s captain, is a psychology major at RSC. As JOH performed, the youthful audience frequently burst into spontaneous applause during particularly dramatic portions of the group’s routine.

In closing, Shenethia Manuel, director of Personnel and Affirmative Action officer, took the stage and offered her vision on the struggle of African-Americans in today’s society and gave possible solutions for bridging

the generation gap.

“We must connect those who came before us, the Ralph Ellisons, the Carter G. Woodsons, with the Colin Powells, the Oprah Winfreys – the present.

“We must connect the past with the present, and then connect them with you. We must make that connection,” Manuel said.

Only after those connections are made, Manuel said, would the upcoming generation of African-Americans know who they truly are.

The master of ceremony for Wednesday’s event was Brandi Greenhoward, RSC cheerleader and criminal justice major.

Greenhoward is also a member of RSC’s Black Student Association. aknittle@rose.edu

Who’s flying high?

Should ink be legal?

Hobby-starting tips.

See story, Page 2.

See story, Page 4.

See column, Page 6.

NEWS/FEATURES

Page 2

Scholarship Applications

Andrew Knittle News Editor

RSC students who may have been asking why it is so hard to find a decent parking spot on campus can stop wondering; enrollment continues to be consistently high at RSC, according to Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Dean Fisher.

Although no solid figure could be agreed upon by RSC, there are probably between 7,500 and 9,000 students currently enrolled in classes.

As far as the student body is concerned, parking is the biggest problem associated with high enrollment.

And while RSC has more than enough parking available, it can be difficult to find a “good” spot, especially during the week from 9 a.m to noon.

Students with classes during this busy timeframe can always – except possibly on “B” week Fridays – count on a lack of desirable parking spots.

On the other hand, faculty parking spaces – which are always closest to school buildings and go mostly unused – are barely affected, if at all, by high enrollment.

Claudia Buckmaster, English pro-

Students experience parking lots filled nearly to capacity, making arriving to class on time more difficult.

office.

“Before that, I had students cut me off in the parking lot to take a parking spot and then laugh at me when I asked them to move. It was not a pleasant circumstance at all,” Buckmaster said.

In parking lots throughout the world, getting a good space is dumb luck and should never be expected. With

fessor, says that parking, which used to be a hassle, is now much more bearable. “[Parking] was at one time rather stressful for faculty. Now, however, because fines for parking illegally on campus are more realistic, it is possible for me to find a parking spot within a reasonable distance from my

Actors, athletes, artists next in line for Rose State LIVE! performance

NTSO Guest Speaker The Non-Traditional Students Association will be hosting a guest speaker during the 12 p.m. meeting March 10. Heather Simmons from the Red Cross will be speaking about volunteering. The NTSO meets in the Social Sciences building, Room 137. For more information, contact Lorrie Fredericks, 733-7926.

The Golden Dragon Acrobats from China perform a variety of stunts.

Theatre Production of “Narnia”

the states – touring continuously for more than 25 years in the U.S. Performers are composed of actors, athletes and artists who have been “trained in the rigorous art of Chinese acrobats since early youth,” according to artfegan.com.

The shows are directed by Danny Chang and choreographed by Angela Chang. They have been performed at

Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor

March is National Women’s Heritage Month and RSC will be celebrating this occasion at 11:00 a.m. March 7 in the Student Center Main Dining Room.

In 1981, Congress passed a resolution creating National Women’s History Week that was to coincide with the International Women’s Day, March 8.

Six years later, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress to expand it to the month of March.

NWHP has become involved in numerous efforts to promote multicultural women’s history by producing guides and curriculum.

They also work with the Women’s History Network, according to www.nwhp.org.

Each year the president issues a proclamation about Women’s Heritage Month.

“Women’s History Month provides our country the privilege of honoring the countless contributions that American women have made throughout out history,” President Bush said in 2003 according to the U.S. Census Bureau (www. census.gov).

Some of the notable women in American history include: Mary Aloysius Molloy, who developed a rigorous four-year undergraduate curriculum for women; Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady and American spokeswoman to the U.N.

whose major accomplishment was the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Amelia Earhart, who became the first women

Rose State LIVE! will be presenting the Golden Dragon Acrobats of China in April.

Time, date and cost for the show are as follows: Location: Communications Center, Performing Arts Theatre.

Date: Thursday, April 6.

Time: 7 p.m.

Ticket cost: $14.

Tickets are available in the Communications Center Box Office.

For more information, call 733-7458.

to fly solo across the Atlantic; Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to become a Supreme Court Justice and Susan B. Anthony, who formed the National Woman Suffrage Association with Elizabeth Cady Stanton that eventually resulted in the 19th Amendment being passed in 1920.

“Women’s History Month is important because it gives us an opportunity to raise awareness for women and about women on a very wide scale,” Michelle Yelle, professor of history, said.

Yelle said that the two women that had the most impact on American history, in her opinion, have to be Margaret Sanger and Rosa Parks.

“Both of them helped change

the course of history with their efforts,” she said, “Both were willing to go to jail for their causes even when their causes were illegal and/or unpopular.”

Yelle does not know if women’s roles have changed because while they have more options than before, many still opt to stay at home and raise their children. “A very traditional role.”

The Office of Intercultural Communications and Education and Yelle’s women’s history class are hosting the event at RSC. Mary Sue Backus, associate professor of law from the OU College of Law, will be speaking. shoverson@rose.edu

Professor Sennhenn publishes third book of poetry

Kids College Counselors Needed The Continuing Education division is looking for counselors for the summer Kids College program.

Counselors are needed to work morning shifts of 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and afternoon shifts of 12-5:30 p.m. All counselors will be paid $7 per hour. For more information, call 733-7392 or e-mail Jennifer Skoch at jskoch@rose.edu.

Rose State LIVE! presents ...

Recognizing the value, importance of women

Photo by MORGAN HORNER

There will be a dinner theatre production at 6 p.m.

March 9 in the Student Center. Dinner will include rib-eye steak, tossed salad, baked potato, honey-roasted carrots, seasoned green beans, dinner rolls, cookies and cream pie. Cost is $16 for the general public, $14 for RSC students, staff and seniors and $10 for children 12 and under.

Reservations and payment by check or money order for the dinner theatre are due by 5 p.m. March 6 and can be made in the Office of Special Events in the Communications Center, Room 104, or by calling Lisa Price at 733-6313.

Johnna Ray Assistant Editor Bright colors, theatrical maneuvers, acrobatics and traditional dance are among the many things audiences can expect to see when the Golden Dragon Acrobats from China come to RSC April 6.

The acrobats have performed in more than 65 countries and all 50 of

venues such as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Germany’s Elspe Festival, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City and the Seattle Children’s Festival.

Seven National Association of Campus Activities Entertainer of the Year awards and the Campus Activities Today’s Performers of the Year award have been earned by the group.

The acrobats’ most recent performances include an eight-week presentation at the Victory Theater on Broadway, which ended in January.

This performance in New York was described as “good old-fashioned razzle-dazzle. Ripples of amazement all the way to the back row,” by The Dallas Morning News.

“The Golden Dragons present a well-paced sampler of a highly stylized art form,” said the Washington Post. “There is a precision and beauty about everything these performers do.” jray@rose.edu

Photo provided by the NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY PROJECT

The RSC Theatre department presents “Narnia,” directed by Martin Steger, based on C.S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 7:30 p.m.

March 9-11 and at 2 p.m.

March 12 in the H.B. Atkinson Theatre. The productions are free to RSC students, faculty and seniors.

It costs $3 for the general public and $2 for non-RSC students. Call 733-7430 for reservations.

this being said, students should feel blessed when they find a space close to a class.

If things do not work out and students are faced with a long walk, they can feel good about getting some exercise, something almost everyone can use more of. aknittle@rose.edu

Dragon Acrobats to soar onto college stage Photo provided by the GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS

Scholarship applications for summer and fall 2006 will be available March 1.

The RSC Foundation will award a minimum of 40 scholarships for the summer 2006 session. The amount of each scholarship will be based on the number of credit hours in which the recipient enrolls. There will be 65 scholarships for the fall 2006 semester and the 2006-2007 academic year. Applicants will be considered for all scholarships for which they are eligible, but may not receive more than one Foundation scholarship during a semester. Applications will be available throughout the campus, including division offices, Enrollment Management, Prospective Student Services, Student Activities, Administration Information and the Foundation Office. For more information, contact the Foundation Office at 7360315.

Parking spaces diminishing on campus Photo by STACEY McENTIRE

Briefly Speaking

March 3, 2006 15th Street News

Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor

Carl Sennhenn

For most people, being the Honors Program Coordinator and teaching several classes would be more than

enough, but most people are not Carl Sennhenn.

A former Poet Laureate of Oklahoma from 2001-2003, Sennhenn recently released his third book of poetry en-

titled, “Travels Through Enchanted Woods.”

The book was published by Village Books Press.

Sennhenn has previously published two other books of poetry – “Harvest of Light” and “Center of Noon.”

However, both “Harvest of Light” and “Center of Noon” are now out of print.

He has also had poems published in Pegasus, the RSC anthology; an e-zine called “Twilight Times,” Oklahoma Today, Crosstimbers and Blood and Thunder.

While Sennhenn’s latest book does not have an overall theme, a number of the poems deal with the loss of loved ones, places and the past.

“I believe that poems – my poems – are a way of dealing with loss, preserving the past that would be completely lost and possibly forgotten if not preserved and shared in poetry,”

Sennhenn said.

He recommended that people who want to publish their poetry try sending their work to small magazines and periodicals that publish poetry.

They can also create chapbooks that can be made with the help of copying stores such as Kinko’s.

Webster’s defines chapbooks as small books that contain “ballads, poems, tales or tracts.”

They can then sell these at poetry readings in local venues.

Sennhenn said that his greatest accomplishment has been his long teaching career.

“Quite a few of my students have become teachers, some of whom now are colleagues,” he said.

Sennhenn’s new book is available to purchase for $14.

For more information, call 7337512. shoverson@rose.edu

Monday

HSA - Health Sciences Annex LRC - Learning Resources Center MDR - Main Dining Room RR - Raider Room SC - Student Center SM - Science and Math building SSB - Student Services Building TSC - Tom Steed Center TTR - Tinker Terrace Room

EDUCATION AND SHARING DAY KITE FLYING DAY

OSTARA PROPOSAL DAY SPRING BEGINS • Intramural dodgeball contest at 1 p.m. (HPER100) • Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q)

• Intramural dodgeball contest at 1 p.m. (HPER100) • Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q) • Toastmasters International Club meeting at 6 p.m. (SC123)

GOOD SAMARITAN INVOLVEMENT DAY

SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES)

MOON PHASE: FIRST QUARTER

MAKE UP YOUR OWN HOLIDAY DAY

HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

6 13 20 27

5 12 19 26

• Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q) • Toastmasters International Club meeting at 6 p.m. (SC123)

BS - Business building CC-PAT - Communications Center-Performing Arts Theatre FdR - Founders Room FL - Faculty Lounge FR - Fountain Room HBAT - H.B. Atkinson Theatre HE - Health and Environmental Sciences building HPER - Health, Physical Education and Recreation building

Abbreviation Guide

Sunday

• Blood Drive at 9 a.m. (TTR) • Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Intramural dodgeball contest at 1 p.m. (HPER100) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123)

• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Phi Theta Kappa meeting at 2 p.m. (LRC Fireplace Room) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • Miss Black RSC rehearsal at 7 p.m. (MDR)

MOON PHASE: FULL MOON PURIM

SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES) • Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby)

7 14 21 28

• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • A Celebration of Women’s Heritage Month seminar at 11:30 a.m. (RR) • Phi Theta Kappa meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • Miss Black RSC rehearsal at 7 p.m. (MDR)

AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH HONOR SOCIETY AWARENESS MONTH INTERNATIONAL LISTENING AWARENESS MONTH IRISH-AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH NATIONAL ATHLETIC TRAINERS MONTH NATIONAL CAFFEINE AWARENESS MONTH NATIONAL CRAFT MONTH NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH SMALL PRESS MONTH SPIRITUAL WELLNESS MONTH

Tuesday

MOON PHASE: NEW MOON NATIONAL MOM AND POP BUSINESS OWNERS DAY

• Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m. (RR) • International Students Assoc. meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa chat room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT)

AS YOUNG AS YOU FEEL DAY INTERNATIONAL GOOF-OFF DAY MOON PHASE: LAST QUARTER

• Intercultural spring campus dialogue at 11 a.m. (MDR) • Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m. (RR) • Intramural dodgeball contest at 1 p.m. (HPER100) • TEACH Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123)

BRUTUS DAY TRUE CONFESSIONS DAY

SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES) • Phi Theta Kappa chat room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT)

LEARN WHAT YOUR NAME MEANS DAY

ASH WEDNESDAY LENT BEGINS • Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m. (RR) • TEACH Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (west end of MDR)

1 8 15 22 29

• Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m. (SC123) • International Students Assoc. meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa chat room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT)

Wednesday

Thursday

• UCO recruitment booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Student senate executive board meeting at 11 a.m. (FdR) • Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m. (SC123) • Chess Club meeting at 3 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa chat room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT)

LIPS APPRECIATION DAY • UCO recruitment booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Intramural dodgeball contest at 1 p.m. (HPER100) • Chess Club meeting at 3 p.m. (SC123) • Miss Black RSC rehearsal at 7 p.m. (MDR)

SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES) • Republicans Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) • Chess Club meeting at 3 p.m. (SC123) • Miss Black RSC rehearsal at 7 p.m. (MDR) • Phi Theta Kappa chat room meeting at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT)

PANIC DAY

• Health Fair at 9 a.m. (SC) • Phi Theta Kappa induction at 2 p.m. (TSC Auditorium) • Men’s basketball region II playoffs at 2 p.m. (TBA @ Harrison, Ark.) • ‘Narnia’ musical production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)

Saturday

I WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY DAY WHAT IF CATS AND DOGS HAD OPPOSABLE THUMBS DAY

MEDIEVAL FAIR BEGINS (REAVES PARK, NORMAN, OKLA.)

• Miss Black RSC Scholarship Pageant at 7 p.m. (CCPAT)

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY • NTSO Club meeting at 12 p.m. (SS137)

SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES)

AWKWARD MOMENTS DAY FORGIVE MOM & DAD DAY GREAT AMERICAN MEATOUT

GENEALOGY DAY

• Regional speech tournament at 1 p.m. (MDR, FR, TTR, RR, FdR) • ‘Narnia’ musical production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)

4 3 10 11 17 18 24 25 31

• ‘Narnia’ musical production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT)

Friday

• NTSO Club meeting at 12 p.m. (SS137) • UCO recruitment booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Regional speech tournament at 1 p.m. (MDR, FR, TTR, RR, FdR) • Dinner theatre at 6 p.m. (MDR) • ‘Narnia’ musical production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT) • ‘Narnia’ musical production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT) • Rose State LIVE! Presents ‘Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ at 8 p.m. (CC-PAT)

2 9 16 23 30

• UCO recruitment booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Mu Rho Alpha Club meeting at 11:10 a.m. (HSA138) • Republicans Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) • Chess Club meeting at 3 p.m. (SC123) • Miss Black RSC rehearsal at 7 p.m. (MDR) • ‘Narnia’ musical production at 7:30 p.m. (HBAT) • Phi Theta Kappa chat room meetng at 8:30 p.m. (RSC WebCT)

M a rc h 2 0 0 6

NEWS/SPORTS

Page 4

March 3, 2006 15th Street News Photos by JOSH CARRASQUILLO & JOHNNA RAY

Tattooing struggling to be made legal, enthusiasts still claim right to ink regardless Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor Many people in America today have either thought about getting a tattoo or have gotten one, but in Oklahoma it is against the law to get one.

For the past seven years, state Rep. Al Lindley has been working on Senate Bill 806 which would legalize tattooing in Oklahoma.

Last year, Lindley tried to get the bill passed once again, but it did not go through.

The main reason he authored the bill was because of the unsafe conditions of some homemade tattoos.

“Health professionals estimate that people who receive an unregulated tattoo have two – three fold greater risk of contracting Hepatitis C,” Lindley said.

SB 806 recommends: o Regulation of commercial tattooing. o Tattooists be licensed by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. o Tattooists be trained in blood-borne pathogen transmissions. o A semiannual inspection of tattoo parlors to ensure compliance. o Limiting sales of tattoo equipment to licensed professionals.

The ones to gain the most are the public because they will be able to get a tattoo in a clean, safe environment. Having statewide regulations ensure better compliance to the law than individual city or county regulations.

“People who continue to resist the regulation of tattoos do not understand the great health risk,” Lindley said. “As long as tattoos are unregulated, the public will be harmed.”

Liberal studies major Jacob Fischer said that tattoos should be made legal.

“As of right now, it is already occurring in so-called ‘underground’ tattoo shops, where anything can happen,” Fischer said.

Sally Boyster, professor of nursing, also believes they should be regulated to protect people from possible disease.

“One must be careful that the artist uses disposable needles and wears gloves,” Boyster said. “They need to be every bit as cautious as anyone in the healthcare industry.”

Mike Rockey of the Oklahoma City County Health Department said that under the current state law they have no authority to regulate or inspect tattoo operations.

“There is no point in having something like this be illegal. Who are we protecting?” Boyster said.

Lindley believes that people who give tattoos could be considered artists. In fact, many of the people who run tattoo parlors design their own unique drawings.

“Tattoo Tony” Garcia is a local tattoo artist who has been designing and giving tattoos for 14 years. He said that he loves doing this and considers himself an artist.

“It’s gratifying to me to give something to somebody that can walk out of here proud and happy at the end,” Garcia said.

He said he is already doing everything that the state would require if the bill were passed. He uses new needles every time and all equipment is sterilized after each use. He also gets tested for HIV and Hepatitis C regularly.

“I’m ready for them to legalize it – they need to. They need to regulate it,” Garcia said.

One of the problems with getting the bill passed has been the lack of evidence that it poses a health risk, as no one has come forward to say they have contracted a disease from a tattoo, Garcia said.

He also thinks that people who do ‘homemade’ tattoos should quit.

“Those people go to them thinking they are getting something but they’re getting more than what they want,” Garcia said. “They don’t know how to keep it clean; they don’t know the necessary procedures to do that.”

Whether it is legal or not, tattoo artists such as Garcia will keep on giving tattoos to Oklahomans who want them. Meanwhile, Lindley has not given up on SB 806.

“I will continue to work toward the regulation of the tattoos for as long as it takes,” Lindley said. shoverson@rose.edu

Professor Dan Ratcliff’s ecology class spends an afternoon studying the diversity of invertebrate life in the wetlands. This is the third year that Ratcliff has utilized the wetlands to aid in the instruction of his students. Clockwise from top: Ratcliff and his students prepare to set traps in the pools of water; Ratcliff, along with student Barry Deal, positions trap pairs in deep and shallow water and Ratcliff instructs student Bryan Wustrack on the construction of one of the traps - made of rebar, duct tape and two-liter bottles.

Wetlands:

Students trek into brush, mush for ecology lab experience Johnna Ray Assistant Editor

“Plus, it’s fun for my students and me to slip on a pair of waders and get muddy.”

The wetlands project began in 2000 as a result of the combined efforts of the city of Midwest City, the U.S. Corps of Engineers and Ratcliff.

Jonathan Trude helped with the construction of the area as part of a project to earn the title of Eagle Scout – the highest rank given to Boy Scouts of America.

“Working on the wetlands project taught me that no matter how small of a contribution towards your community [it] can be rewarding,” Trude said. “Preserving the wildlife of Oklahoma ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy the nature and beauty that I enjoyed growing up [around] in Oklahoma.”

The purpose of the project is to attempt to transform a manmade environment into a productive

Drying cattails, beaver dens, muddy pools of green-colored water, all surrounded by acres of golden pasture. It might not sound like the description of a class setting, but for one group of students, it is exactly that.

The area, known as the Wetlands Mitigation Project, offers students enrolled in professor Dan Ratcliff’s ecology course an opportunity to experience the interrelationship of organisms and their environments first hand.

“For students to really learn ecology they must get out into the field and actually conduct real experiments, gathering and analyzing real data,” Ratcliff said. “I can lecture all day long about ecological theories, models and formulas but it’s hard to grasp unless we apply this information.

wetlands habitat.

Wetlands are useful in filtering off pollutants in runoff water from storms and preventing floods by absorbing excess water.

“Wetland habitat is extremely valuable to the Earth’s natural services,” Ratcliff said. “For example, wetlands in Oklahoma have a net primary productivity comparable to tropical rainforests.”

Ten students assisted Ratcliff in creating traps made of rebar, duct tape and two-liter bottles and in setting pairs of traps in both the shallow and deeper areas.

The bottles were slit at the top and squeezed while being set to release any excess air, which helps prevent floating.

The students returned to the site 48 hours later to collect the nests and each student took a pair of traps, one from the shallow and one from the deeper areas, home

Meet the Players

Photo by MORGAN HORNER

Age: 18 Hometown: Midwest City, Okla.

Smith enjoys basketball, girls and money. He does not like haters.

In agreement with RSC, Smith said, “Finish what you start.”

Jarail Smith Age: 19

#33 Jennifer Davidson, Forward/Guard

Columns, commentaries and letters to the editor are personal opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of 15th Street News or other students, faculty or administrators of the college. Editorials are written by the editorial staff.

Letters to the editor may be hand delivered to FA110; sent by mail to 15th Street News, Rose State College, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, 73110; e-mailed to the secretary, [cbenefee@rose.edu] or recorded nights on PhoneMail at 733-7400 between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Letters must include the writer’s full name, Social Security Number or ID number and telephone number.

Letters will be printed with full name and must be 500 words or less. Editing may be necessary for space, clarity or to avoid obscenity, libel or invasion of privacy, but ideas will not be altered.

Publication of all materials is at the discretion of the editor. Anyone having a complaint may call the editor in chief, 733-7400, or the Student Publications Board chairperson, Towry Barnard, 733-7379.

Photo by PAUL GARNER

Photos by STACEY McENTIRE

Info & policies

by bryan trude

#4 Jarail Smith, Point Guard

Hometown: Muskogee, Okla.

Davidson likes many things, including her parents, Shaq, her family and friends, food, sleeping, watching Lifetime and Disney, braiding hair, her boyfriend, music and “hanging with the homies.” However, she dislikes “losers and weirdos,” bad food, injuries and other health problems, President Bush, the “way the world is going” and all the “bad, bad people.”

Davidson’s favorite quotes are, “No weapons formed against me shall prosper” and “Be safe and wrap it up … twice.”

N EWS

for examination.

“This experiment compares the macro invertebrate assemblages of two distinct habitats,” Ratcliff said. “The students will learn to compare the community composition of the littoral [near the shore] zone with that of the limnetic [open water] zone in a wetland setting.”

Ratcliff hopes that one day the area will become a permanent classroom.

The adjustments Ratcliff envisions would include “a wooden walkway around a portion of the wetland, a water quality monitoring site, educational signs about wetland ecology and programs, tours, and workshops.”

These would provide education about wetlands to RSC students, public school teachers and other members of the public. jray@rose.edu

15th Street News, a student newspaper serving the Rose State College community, is published weekly, except school holidays, on Fridays during the fall and spring semesters by the Office of Student Publications, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, OK 73110.

15th Street News is a member of Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, which has designated this paper top junior college newspaper six years, and Associated Collegiate Press, which has rated it All American 30 semesters.

This publication is printed by Edmond Sun, Inc., issued by RSC and authorized by the Coordinator of Student Publications. Cost to the state taxpayers is $301.81 for 4,000 copies per issue and $56.40 for spot color. This paper is recyclable.

RSC, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.

Jennifer Davidson

Staff Members Editor in Chief

Volunteer Graphic Artist

[ewaltman@rose.edu]

[amy_lynn_daniels@yahoo.com]

Assistant Editor

Assistant Photographer

[jray@rose.edu]

[Mhorner15@yahoo.com]

[aseger@rose.edu]

Assignment Editor

Assistant Photographer

Circulation Manager

[shoverson@rose.edu]

[smcentire@rose.edu]

[grichard@rose.edu]

Sports Editor

Assistant Photographer

[btrude@rose.edu]

[rainmaker5160@yahoo.com]

[cbenefee@rose.edu]

News Editor

Assistant Photographer

[aknittle@rose.edu]

[macpaviejo@cox.net]

Coordinator of Student Publications

Erin Waltman

Johnna Ray

Shannon Hoverson

Bryan Trude

Andrew Knittle

Amy Daniels

Morgan Horner

Stacey McEntire

Benjamin Carter

Josh Carrasquillo

Graphic Artist

Darcy Delaney

[darcyd@mwcsun.com] Tech Support

Scottie Seger

Gerald Richard Secretary

Carol Benefee

Julie Lesko-Bishop

[jlesko-bishop@rose.edu]

VOICES

March 3, 2006 15th Street News

Page 5

Editor supplies simple study solutions Erin Waltman Editor in Chief

With midterms looming, many students may be panicking.

Below are some study tips I have found useful in my own academic journey – I hope they will help you, too.

As tempting as it may be to cram, do not try to cram the information you need to know for the test.

If you have not been studying the material throughout the semester, you do not have much chance of learning it all in the space of three or four hours of very intense studying.

For one thing, people study best if they study in short bursts.

Studying should be carried out in blocks of time that amount to no more than an hour.

Studying for more than an hour almost guarantees that something will be misunderstood or forgotten.

On the topic of misunderstanding things, make sure you understand what it is you are studying.

This sounds like a no-brainer, but if you just memorize a list of things without knowing how they relate, you might not remember the list during a test.

After all, how many teachers actually type up their test in a way that matches your notes?

Not many, in my experience.

Also, if you can manage it, study in a quiet

environment.

The TV is a distraction, no matter how much you think you can study with it on.

If possible, go to the Learning Resources Center on campus. The LRC offers small, quiet study corrals where you can really focus on your study material.

If you know you will not be able to schedule an hour of study time into each day, try writing your notes as bulleted lists on note cards.

These cards can be kept in a jacket pocket or purse and pulled out whenever you have a spare moment.

Also, stay away from junk food while you are prepping for a test. Your body needs nutrition, not potato chips.

Try to eat whole grains, fruits and veggies and healthy meats with little fat on them, like chicken breast or fish without the skin.

Do not stay up late studying, either – you need the sleep to process the information you have learned and to ensure you will not be fuzzyheaded the next day.

Try exercising, too. A little aerobic exercise or a walk around the block can get your blood flowing and can make sure your brain is getting plenty of oxygen. Plus, exercise is a great stress-reducer.

I wish you all luck with your midterms. Try to stay on top of your classes and study steadily and there will never be a reason to stress. ewaltman@rose.edu

Q

Spotlight On: Bret Wood’s family, history, future

This week’s spotlight is on a man who understands the importance of education, community, family and fitness; his name is Bret Wood, dean of Continuing Education and Community Services.

Wood and wife, Lisa, have one daughter, Keeli, who is 6 years old.

They also have two Dachshunds, Oscar and Jasmine.

Wood was born in Shawnee, Okla. on Sept. 11, 1968. He holds a bachelor’s degree in health/physical education from Central State University and a master’s of education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

He has completed all course work necessary to receive his doctorate in higher education leadership and is currently working on his dissertation at Oklahoma State University.

Bret Wood Wood worked at Oklahoma City Community College from 1991-1999.

He began as a professor and the coordinator of aquatics at RSC in 1999 and became the assistant director of continuing education and community services in 2002. He was the director of continuing education and community services from 2004 until he became dean in 2005.

The National American Red Cross named Wood as a finalist in the 1992 Young Hero competition and the U.S. Water Fitness Association named him a “Top 100 Aquatic Director” in 2002.

Wood also served as the director of the Big 8 Swimming and Diving Championships in 1996. jray@rose.edu

Photos by STACEY McENTIRE

Johnna Ray Assistant Editor

Q: What motivated you to choose RSC as a place of employment?

A: I always knew [RSC] was an excellent place to work and when a faculty position opened up in Sept. 1999, it was a chance for me to get back into the classroom and learn with students.

Q: What hobbies do you enjoy?

A: Fitness has been and always will be a big part of my life. Anything that has to do with swimming, biking and running. Now that I am married, watching HGTV has become one of my favorite pastimes.

Q: What is the most exciting thing you have done in your life?

A: Competing in a 24-hour adventure race in west Texas and completing a half-ironman triathlon in south Texas.

A

&

Q: What goals/plans do have for the future?

A: To earn my doctorate is my immediate goal.

Q: How does what you are currently doing compare to what you wanted to be as a child?

A: Growing up, I always wanted to be the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Unfortunately, God didn’t bless me with that kind of talent, but I was still able to have the first part of my career in the health/physical education field and I really enjoyed that.

CAMPUS CHAT by stacey m entire c

and johnna ray

Counseling Tip No. 4 Healthy relationships are not dependent. Keep your life balanced.

Other people help make our lives satisfying but they cannot create that satisfaction for us. We are responsible for our own happiness.

Jean Stelling

Robert Houston

Michell Caldwell

Major: Continuing Education – Quilting Hobbies: Quilting, working crosswords, reading.

When did you first start at RSC? 13 years ago What are your best moments while attending RSC? Meeting new people, swapping patterns and getting out of the house.

Title: Professor of Mathematics Hobbies: Traveling.

When did you first start at

Major:

RSC? 1997 What are your best moments while working at RSC? Working with my colleagues. It’s nice meeting new people.

first start at

Psychology Hobbies: Playing basketball, football and listening to girls talk.

When did you RSC? Spring 2004 What are your best moments while attending RSC? Nothing, yet.

Amy Acree Title: Secretary, Social Science Division Hobbies: Spending time with my daughter and writing poetry.

When did you first start at RSC? Nov. 21, 2005 What are your best moments while working at RSC? Reading at the recent Poetry at Rose.

Offering praise for Joan Jett write up I just picked up a copy of 15th Street News and saw the great story on Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

I want to say thank you to you both for providing such great coverage of our event. The article was interesting and very informative.

We’ve already had a large crowd of people coming for their second chance to pick up Joan Jett tickets and when I asked how they “heard” about it, they said they read about it in the 15th Street News.

So, again, thank you so much. It was a pleasure working with you both.

Sandria Steward Marketing Assistant for the Communications Center 55 Minus money 57 Move as a throng 59 Modicum 60 “Tobacco Road” writer Caldwell 63 Talking idly 65 Vilifier 66 Pith 67 Stanzas of sonnets 68 Took turns

27 Country 30 Magic word 34 Man from Manchuria 36 Being dragged 37 Without a catch 38 The Velvet Fog 39 Stalemates 42 Flour processors 43 One who bends low 46 Scandinavian nation

48 Intensify color 49 Dazed condition 50 Avoided a straight answer 53 Body bulk 56 Card game for three 58 Time gone by 61 Anger 62 Bottom-line figure 64 Assam or darjeeling

CROSSWORD DOWN 1 Biases 2 Prance about 3 One who makes amends 4 Church seat 5 “Mila 18” author 6 Long and lean 7 Classic Boyer film 8 Guy at the plate 9 Nest-egg letters 10 Gullible individual 11 Rapier’s cousin 12 Chitinous body 13 1991 Joe Pesci movie 14 Painful feeling 21 Cohort of Curly 24 Two below par 26 Coral isle

Answers to Feb. 17 issue

ACROSS 1 Shoulder bone 8 Cuts in half 15 Side-to-side 16 Plains tribe 17 Stating positively 18 One who makes a point 19 __ compos mentis 20 Brushes the surface 22 Alleviate 23 Forest unit 25 __ of the guard 28 No __ intended 29 Purse attachment 31 Ranch name in “Giant” 32 Bonzo or Clyde, e.g.

33 Mardi __ 35 Observes 37 Obeys the photographer 40 Cruise ships 41 Goddess of vengeance 43 Position to be filled 44 Lofty peak 45 Contaminate 47 Sheree or Oliver 51 Harper Valley grp. of song 52 Walking 54 Existed

If you or someone you know has relationship problems, help is available. For more information or for free confidential assistance, contact the RSC counselors at 733-7373.

OPINION/FEATURES

Page 6

How to...

Hobby-starting tips for the bored, stressed Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor

Many people have a hobby of one kind or another, from collecting “whosits” and “whatchamagigs” to painting small ugly ceramic figures that are supposed to be garden gnomes but look more like potatoes with legs.

But if you do not have a hobby, where do you start?

Being one of those people who has a hobby (insert the word “obsession” here), I had a hard time figuring out what to tell you about starting your very own hobby.

But after much soul searching and tearing of my hair, I came up with some easy ideas on how to find a hobby.

• If you have an interest in a certain subject, such as history or art, try looking at a hobby that deals with that topic.

• Ramble around flea markets, garage sales or curio shops and see

Phi Theta Kappa to induct newest society members Andrew Knittle News Editor

The Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society will hold the program’s induction ceremony March 4 in the Tom Steed Center Auditorium.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. and is open to the more than 700 RSC students who received invitations to attend.

According to Toni Castillo, RSC faculty advisor for PTK, students who are to be inducted may bring family and friends to the ceremony, which will be led by the society’s current officers.

RSC President James Cook will address the students, as well as representatives from surrounding colleges and universities. The representatives will tell the students about different scholarships available to them as members of PTK. The newly inducted students will become lifetime members of the society and will be given a white rose as a welcome gesture.

While PTK’s society has four hallmarks, including fellowship, leadership and service, Castillo said it is the fourth hallmark that attracts the majority of members.

“Phi Theta Kappa provides students with opportunities for millions of dollars in scholarships – both local and national – that are not available to non-members. This is the main reason most students join [the society],” Castillo said.

Castillo added that attendance at PTK meetings has swelled this semester, forcing the group to search for a larger space to hold its meetings.

To be eligible for induction into PTK, students must be enrolled in at least three credit hours at RSC, completed 12 hours of 1000 level courses and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.

Onur Polatcan, the RSC chapter’s public relations officer, said that new members of PTK would receive membership pins, certificates of membership and wallet-sized I.D. cards.

Members will also be able to attach the society’s gold seal, which denotes membership, to their diploma.

In some cases, it is also possible to have membership in PTK noted on the member’s transcript.

Any student interested in PTK can visit the society’s Web site, found in the “current students” section of the RSC Web site. aknittle@rose.edu

if anything attracts your eye that you would like to collect (keep it simple, people; you do not have to choose collecting as your hobby, it is just an idea to try out).

• If you like to make things, try going into Hobby Lobby. They have tons of ideas around every corner. Knitting, sewing, painting, scrapbooking – the list is endless, trust me (whenever I go I have to force myself to get just what I came for).

• Maybe you like to work with your hands. Try building simple furniture or restoring antiques. Just remember to do any staining outside and avoid those toxic fumes, not to mention your carpets. English oak looks great on wood, but awful on the carpet.

• If you have a desire to know your ancestors, genealogy may be the hobby for you. There are many places you can go to search for who came before you

(the library and the Internet spring to mind).

• If you are an adrenaline junkie, try something extreme like mountain climbing (yes, there are mountains in Oklahoma). Or maybe you can try sky diving or sailing (amazingly enough Oklahoma has more square miles of shoreline than California or Florida).

• If you like sports, you can try How to... something new. I do not have any suggestions here; I avoid sports like the plague.

• How about acting? (“To be or not to be…”)

• Another hobby is making model cars, planes, boats or trains. Have fun with it and build your own little world around your models.

• For those people who are into dancing, try taking a class at RSC. They have everything from modern to classical and a little bit of line dancing, too.

• For those people who were born with the proverbial “green thumb,” gardening might be your route (I was born with a black thumb; I managed to kill off my Aloe Vera plant. Who knew you had to water it?)

• For those food lovers out there, taking a class in gourmet cooking or wine tasting might be just up your alley.

• And finally, for those grease monkeys out there, look into buying and restoring classic cars.

This is by no means a complete list of every little hobby in the world, just a few examples of what you can try in your search for that ever elusive thing called a hobby.

Remember, this is something you will be doing for fun and relaxation; you do not have to be perfect at the hobby you try.

The best advice I can give you is that if you want to start a hobby, just start.

Hopefully this list will give you a general idea of what you can try. shoverson@rose.edu

Continuing Education courses listed Johnna Ray Assistant Editor

The division of Continuing Education and Community Services will begin the second eight-week session of courses this month, with six new classes being offered.

Bret Wood, dean of Continuing Education and Community Services, said of the courses, “the continuing education part is all of the training that is conducted in the Tom Steed Center and the community services part is all the ‘fun’ and ‘personal enrichment’ classes we offer in our schedule.”

Wood explained his definition of continuing education as “an adult learner, coming back into higher education to better themselves in their current job, or to change careers.”

Wood added, “However, my definition pretty much applies to most of what Rose State College represents.”

Non-degree-seeking students who are taking a few extra classes to better themselves or to enrich an existing interest are probably the majority of students enrolling in Continuing Education programs.

New courses offered for this session include: Leaded Stained Glass, Beginning French for Travelers, Photography for Better Images, Landscape Design for Homeowners, Cake Decorating and Advanced Photoshop Techniques.

Other courses are available as well, including but not limited to Beginning Sign Lanugage II, Spanish Immersion, Antiques & Collectibles, Country & Western Dance I and II, Jitterbug Swing Dance, Cooking Made Simple, Delicious Desserts and West Coast Swing.

A student identification card is required for any of the

courses held in the Health and Physical Education building.

Cards are available for $2.

Classes start at different times and on different dates, beginning Monday, March 20.

Schedules should be referred to for details of specific classes.

The schedules are available in the Tom Steed Center and various other locations on campus.

Also in the Tom Steed Center is the Continuing Education Division office.

The office is open 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays.

Several options for enrollment are offered: Ÿ In person - visit the division office located on the first floor of the Tom Steed Center. Ÿ By phone - call 733-7392 (Credit card enrollments only). Ÿ By mail - send enrollment form and payment to the Continuing Education Division at 6420 S.E. 15th Midwest City, OK 73110 Ÿ By fax - send to 733-7484 (Credit card enrollments only).

The Continuing Education department offers all those considering enrolling in a certain class the option of attending a friend’s class before enrolling in the class themselves.

The one-time visit must be approved in advance by the instructor and there must be enough classroom space to accomodate an additional student.

For more information, call 733-7392. jray@rose.edu

March 3, 2006 15th Street News Aries March 21-April 19...

Do not be offended when people tell you your cooking skills are a little lacking. All your food really needs is a little salt, pepper and maybe some flavor.

H

Taurus April 20-May 20...

Life is getting stressful for you, I know. But try not to worry just keep telling yourself you will live through this, even if it kills you.

o

Gemini May 21- June 20...

Ah, Gemini ... my constant reminder that Darwin was right. Take it easy this week - you do not want to injure yourself by overdoing things.

r

Cancer June 21-July 22...

Even if you are stressed, just remember: you are fine. Well, more like “lousy” than “fine,” but at least you are still alive.

o

Leo July 23-August 22... I feel like slacking off and not giving you a horoscope this week. Let it never be said I did not do the least I could.

s

Virgo August 23-September 22... No one likes when you beg. And while you may not think you are begging, we all perceive you much like a small dog dancing for Snausages.

c

Libra September 23-October 22... To the female Libras, no strappy sandals are so cute that you should get blisters. To the male Libras, be glad you do not have to wear strappy sandals.

o

Scorpio October 23-November 21... Remember how Spring Break is coming up? The stars recommend you prepare yourself now for that crazy week.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21... Remember when you scoffed at global warming? Not scoffing now, are you?

p

Capricorn December 22January 19... Remind yourself of the simple joys of not being in a drought - buy a CD of rain sounds.

e

Aquarius January 20-February 18... I know this may be hard to accept, but a healthy relationship rarely involves groveling, supplication and ritual animal sacrifice. It is time to move on to someone new.

s

Pisces February 19-March 20... While you may think you are hip and with it and can create hot fashion crazes, the rest of the world disagrees. Stop trying to be unique.

Dangers of movie theater experience explored Bryan Trude Sports Editor

It seems that more and more, the promotion companies for these various movies do not like me very much.

I come to that conclusion because I get fewer and fewer press tickets, and when I do get one, either I cannot attend due to Intro to Law, or my editor in chief steals them.

She says she does it for the puppies.

Although I will have a new movie review for next issue, the problem has led me to believe that there is a bigger problem with going to showings in theaters.

Namely, theaters.

Since the late 1990s, more and more theaters have been about the giant multiplexes with 30 screens and stadium seating capacities in the mid-thousands.

Gone are the heady days of the local theater, with its substandard service from the zit-faced twit living down the street who does things that really make you vomit when you see him stick his hand into the machine to get you your popcorn.

Gone is the liberal dosage of movie theater butter, with that revolting taste of pig grease coupled with all the viscosity of motor oil.

Gone is the synthetic cheese, which is made with the butter gunk and gelatin, poured liberally over stale corn chips.

And, most of all, gone are the days where you can share a theater of 150 seats with three guys and a high school couple making out in the back as you view the latest blockbuster.

Today, we have theaters with day

care centers, self-serve popcorn butter and little cups of the fake cheese that is grossly disproportionate to the mountain of chips they give you.

In addition, in the interest of pursuing the almighty dollar, theaters now pack in as many people as possible.

The press showings I go to, for example, are held in theaters that seat up to 300 or more Reel and are intentionally over ticketed Talk to ensure that the theater is busting from the seams - kind of like an airline.

This creates all kinds of problems, like those nitwits who bring six toddlers to a showing of “A History of Violence,” especially since there is a day-care in the theater.

So, on top of the screaming children, people are packed in so close together

that, should someone cough, whatever it is that they have that their bodies are trying to force out is instantly shared with about 15 people surrounding them.

That does not sound so bad, until you consider that on average, in a 300-strong crowd, I can point out at least 50 people who cough for the entire movie.

As a matter of fact, I came out of the showing for “Annapolis” with a small cold.

So, moviegoers of RSC, rise up against the totalitarian régime that is the multiplex theater!

Stay home, rent the DVD when it comes out and enjoy your movie in peace and quiet, with edible food and no new pathogens.

I would say go to your local theater, but the Heritage 5 on Air Depot closed recently. Pity. btrude@rose.edu

Rose-Colored Glasses

Comic Corner

by Erin Waltman