10282005

Friday, October 28, 2005

News 15th Street

Rose State College

6420 SE 15th Street, Midwest City, OK 73110

Vol. XXXV Issue 9

Oct. 28, 2005

Campus begins new homecoming tradition

Scott and Combs represent the senate, and animal biology major Curtis Woodson and pre-med major Shelia Azartash represent the soccer club.

“I want to be homecoming queen because I like to show that soccer has a place at RSC,” Azartash said.

The Broadcast Club is represented by digital graphics major Tyler Dunn and broadcast television major Cassie Prince, while international relations major Aaron Anglin and elementary education major Patricia Gorgas represent TEACH. Music majors Danielle

Oklahoma Red Cross collects hurricane relief money through song Johnna Ray News Editor

Audience members donated more than $3,000 to the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma hurricane relief fund at Hurricane Harmony, a benefit concert held Oct. 18 in the performing arts theatre.

The American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma deployed 14 volunteers to the area affected by Hurricane Katrina and has answered many calls from those in the Central Oklahoma area trying to locate family members.

Weekday morning radio personality Kent Jones, KOMA, was the emcee for the event sponsored by RSC, the O.K. City Chorus and KOMA. The entertainment was composed of “200 barbershoppers.”

The women of the O.K. City Chorus, who have received 18 five-state regional championships, kicked off the concert with an enthusiastic, choreographed performance.

The quartet, Matching Socks, evoked laughter from the audience by singing about occupations while wearing comical hats. Before exiting the stage, each lifted the legs of their pants,

Photo by MORGAN HORNER

A new tradition at RSC will be born at 6 p.m. Nov. 4, during the Lady Raiders basketball game against Northern Enid.

At halftime, the first ever RSC homecoming king and queen will be crowned.

“This allows for students who have taken on extra responsibility to be recognized by and represent their school,” Towry Barnard, coordinator for Student Activities, said.

Homecoming royalty candidates are selected from 12 pairs chosen by various campus clubs and organizations. Each candidate has at least a 2.5 GPA and is enrolled in at least six credit hours.

“We want to keep trying to build up RSC in its traditions,” Logan Reynolds, Student Senate President, said. “It is mainly to increase involvement.”

Students will vote on the candidates from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 2, at the Student Information desk in the Student Center.

Students who vote will be eligible to receive a free ticket for prize drawings at the basketball games Nov. 4, for prizes including a big screen television.

RSC alumni have also been invited to the festivities, with over 3,000 invites mailed.

“It would be a really great honor to be the first RSC homecoming king and queen,” Yancy Scott, marketing major and Student Senate escort, said of himself and his princess candidate, nursing major Kristen Combs.

Other candidates include criminal justice majors Justin Babcock and Chandra Keaney for Future Criminal Justice Professionals, business major Ryan Garner and biology major Katie Tyner for Baptist Collegiate Ministries and pre-pharmacy major Richard Weeks and pre-education major Renee Weeks-the only married couple in the court-for NonTraditional Student Organization.

The President’s Leadership Council is represented by journalism major Logan Reynolds and dental hygiene major Kendra Hoskins.

Photo by MORGAN HORNER

Clubs, organizations supply princesses, escorts for court selection

Bryan Trude Sports Editor

revealing brightly colored, mix-matched, striped socks.

The men of OK Chorale took the stage next with songs such as “Ghost Riders in the Sky.” They were followed by performances from the all-woman quartet Side By Side, the BJs, Spirit of Oklahoma, Daybreak and Glorybound.

Volunteers passed donation buckets through the rows of audience members before Music Central entered the stage, allowing them to donate to the relief efforts, while attending the free concert.

A piece about New Orleans was presented by Counterpoint, who were followed by the Dynamo Dukes.

The O.K. City Chorus returned to the stage and were joined by all of the performers who donated their time and talents for the night’s event. A large American flag was lowered onto the stage as audience members joined the chorus in singing “America the Beautiful.”

Jones concluded the evening by encouraging those in attendance to “Harmonize the world and keep it singing.”

The O.K. City Chorus may be reached by calling 720SING. jray@rose.edu

Harris and Craig Swindell represent the Music Club.

“Winning does not matter to us, we just want to represent our club and be involved in RSC and the community,” Gorgas said.

Business major and basketball team member Marques Surrell represents the Black Student Association with criminal justice major Angelique Permetter. RSC Basketball is represented by elementary education major Marissa Farris and Chris Thompson, while the RSC Ambassadors are represented by liberal studies majors Kylee Wingo and Chance

Womack. The Brother to Brother club is represented by computer engineering major Solomon Bortey and pre-secondary education major Katie Bond. Thompson’s major was not declared.

All the candidates will be presented Nov. 4 at the fall Raider Rally. The rally will feature free soft drinks and hot dogs, as well as car bashing and the live music of the band Aranada.

For more information, contact the Student Activities desk at 733-7376. btrude@rose.edu

UCO invites students to Broncho tailgate party, football game

Johnna Ray News Editor The University of Central Oklahoma President Dr. W. Roger Webb has invited all RSC students, employees and their families to attend the UCO Bronchos tailgate party and football game on Nov. 5, for free.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students and staff to support our new partnership with UCO,” Towry Barnard, coordinator of student activities, said.

Two RSC buses will be used to transport those who do not wish to drive their own

vehicles to the game-day festivities and back home.

Those opting to ride the bus will meet at RSC by 2:45 p.m.

Buses will leave for Edmond at 3:00 p.m. Raiders will be dropped off at the Nigh University Center Circle Drive and meet with the UCO football team, band, cheerleaders and club members in the game-day tent.

The tent is located on the right side of the football stadium, near the front gate entrance.

Raiders are encouraged to wear RSC shirts, or campus colors to show school spirit

while supporting the Bronchos during a Spirit Walk to the gym, where a rally will be held prior to kick-off.

Arrival at the tailgate party should begin at 4:15 p.m. in the game-day tent. This will allow time for RSC students to meet with UCO students.

At 4:30, faculty and staff members are encouraged to meet at the tent.

UCO will provide food and drinks for those in attendance beginning at 4:45 p.m.

Tickets may be picked up at the game-day tent from 4:156:30 p.m.

Those interested in this

event must RSVP before Tuesday, Nov. 1, by 5 p.m.

This will ensure that enough food and tickets are available for those who wish to participate.

After the meal, all visitors meeting at the game-day tent will walk to the football stadium together.

Kick-off against Northeastern State University will take place at 6 p.m.

Those riding the bus will meet back at the game-day tent by 9 p.m. and will arrive at RSC by 9:45 p.m.

Undecided major Syante Walker – who plans to transfer to UCO in the future – said, “I like the idea for people who want to transfer there to get to know UCO students.”

Those who have not yet decided on a four-year institution may use the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the UCO campus and school spirit to see if it might be the right choice for them.

Regardless of where a student plans to transfer, the event provides an opportunity to enjoy a free dinner and game while mingling with fellow RSC students and staff.

For more information about the game-day events, the location or to RSVP, contact the RSC Student Activities office before Nov. 1 by calling 733-7376. jray@rose.edu

Briefly Speaking Del City Library Events Turkey Time The Evening Story Time for November is “Turkey Time.”

Children ages 4 to 8 are invited for stories and activities from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1.

Morning Story Times Del City Library is having morning Story Times 10-10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in November. The first is “Zoo Animals” on Nov. 2, with “Pets” on Nov. 9 and “Farm Animals” on Nov. 16. These programs are for children ages 1 to 4.

PreSchool Aerobics Children ages 1 to 4 are invited to Del City Library for PreSchool Aerobics 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3. Besides lots of movement, there will also be a few stories.

Magic Time Magic Time features magician Steve Crawford at Del City Library 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.

Children ages 5 to 12 will have fun.

PlayTime Shari Clifton, head of Reference and Instructional Services at OU’s Robert M. Bird Health Sciences Library, will share information about OUHSC’s Reach Out and Read program at Del City Library’s next PlayTime.

This program will be for children ages 6 months through 3 years.

PlayTime is set from 10-11 a.m.

Thursday, Nov. 17. Toys for PlayTime are provided by the library.

The Del City Library is located in the Del City Community Center at 4509 SE 15th St. For more information on any of the programs, call 672-1377.

TEACH Club Guest Speaker If any future teachers have questions about teaching, Student Oklahoma Education Association organizer Floyd Cox will be in the Student Center, Room 123, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2.

For more information, e-mail patch24@hotmail.com.

Riverside Dancers The Office of Intercultural Communications and Education presents the Riverside Dancers of the Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Okla. They will perform from 12-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8 in the Student Center’s Main Dining Room.

Flu Shots The RSC Wellness Office is hosting a flu shot clinic from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9.

The clinic will take place in the Student Center’s Tinker Terrace Room. Flu shots will cost $25 and pneumonia shots will cost $35. Cash, check and Medicare B cards are accepted. For more information, call 733-7525.

UCO Hosts Service-Learning Workshop Oklahoma Campus Compact and UCO Oklahoma Division of Student Affairs are hosting a oneday workshop for students titled Seize Life: Student Leadership in Service-Learning from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 on the UCO campus. This workshop will provide a history and context of the civic purpose of higher education, cover the basic elements of Service-Learning and teach students how they can be leaders in Service-Learning on their campus. The registration fee is $15 and the deadline for registration is Friday, Nov. 18. For more information, contact Jennifer Geren at 225-9128 or e-mail jgeren@osrhe.edu.

Melissa Lange received help from students, campus for family Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor

Hurricane Katrina affected thousands of people; for one RSC student, it was very personal.

Melissa Lange, business management major, was in Oklahoma when the hurricane hit but her family was still in New Orleans. She would routinely drive between Oklahoma and Louisiana to take care of her two houses. In the aftermath of the storm fifteen members of her family evacuated to her house in Oklahoma.

“I had tents set up in the front lawn,” Lange said.

Because of this added commotion, Lange was distracted from her studies at RSC. Business professor Ed Wolf noticed this and asked her what was happening. When Lange told her story to the professor, he had her make an announcement after class.

The students in her class started giving her donations of food, clothing, blankets and money. Lange was amazed at the gifts pouring in and said they were very much appreciated by herself and her family.

She was especially grateful to Professor Wolf because he took the time to listen and find out what was going on. Lange said this is one of the main things she loves about RSC, that the classes are smaller and the professors take time to get to know their students.

“He cared, he didn’t have to care,” Lange said. “He took the time to make a difference.”

The biggest difference between Oklahoma and New Orleans, Lange said, was that she felt it was safer.

Her daughter could go out and play and the neighbors would look out

Photo by MORGAN HORNER

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Oct. 28, 2005 News/Features 15th Street News Student recounts personal aftermath of Katrina

for her, in New Orleans Lange was afraid to let her daughter go outside because it was not safe.

“I love the place, love the atmosphere and openness and I love the versatile people,” Lange said.

She added that the people here are very friendly and open and that there was a diversity of culture here that was not present in New Orleans.

Another difference is the food. In

New Orleans there is an abundance of seafood – from blue crab to oysters – but here it is “beef, beef, beef.”

Lange has a culinary degree and sees that the way she cooks food is very different from what people in Oklahoma are used to.

There are different smells here, too. She also has had some problem with the differences in speech.

“People mock the way I speak.

‘Why you talk so fast’ they ask me,” Lange said.

Lange said that she is here to stay and has no plans of returning to New Orleans. She said that her 19-year-old daughter went back, and found that although the house was still standing, everything inside was ruined.

“I have been blessed here,” Lange said.

SH0251835@rose.edu

pleted, we were able to put our focus back on 29th street.”

With a Target, Kohl’s, Chili’s and Lowe’s already open, additional restaurant chains and retailers are in negotiations with Sooner Investment on behalf of the city. Although Harlis declined to name any retailers still in major negotiations, he did assure that they were “all quality national tenants.”

Already slated to open is Steak and Shake, PetsMart and Marshall’s.

“I think it is really good for MWC,” Zachary Bridges, psychology major, said. “MWC is starting to grow and get a lot of new businesses in, creating a lot of new jobs for college students.”

The city plans for the Town Square Plaza do not only include retail outlets.

In the center along Mid-America Boulevard a large park is currently under construction. Flanked by smaller minimall retail spaces, the park is meant to serve as a focal point and community gathering place.

Spreading out from the park will be a network of walkways, extending throughout the district, allowing for ease of use for pedestrians between the stores, restaurants, as well as Bicentennial Park and the Visitor’s Center on the south side of 29th street.

The brick walkways will be dotted with several “pocket parks,” which are small areas of special design that provide pedestrians a shaded place to sit and rest. One of these pocket parks has been completed at the southeast

corner of Target.

Also currently open in the area is Firestone Tire, or as Harlis refers to it, “the Alamo.” A holdover from the old shopping center, Firestone’s lease with the city does not expire until a year and a half from now.

To help accommodate the ecological impact of the district, the city has constructed an artistic storm water detention pond on the west side of Bicentennial Park. Other light improvements to coincide with the development project include the repainting and refurbishing

of the MCHS water tower, which lies north of the district.

“The response from the public we have received so far has been excited and positive,” Harlis said. “I think we underestimate how many shoppers there really are in eastern Oklahoma County. There is no major shopping center for eastern Oklahoma County, and many people were leaving MWC to go shopping in other places. This project will fill a big hole in the market.” btrude@rose.edu

Redevelopment project welcomed by 29th Street Bryan Trude Sports Editor

To the immediate southeast of RSC, there is a buzz of activity as MWC brings its biggest project to life.

Accordding to Billy Harris, MWC Director of Community Development, the 29th Street Redevelopment project, started in 2000, was officially “born” in 1970, when the city council first began considering plans to renew and redevelop the Downtown Shopping Center, which was built in the 1950s.

“The center was a primary shopping destination for people living in MWC, as well as employees and military serving at Tinker Air Force Base,” Harlis, said. “Over the past several decades, the area has had difficulty drawing national retailers and competing with other shopping centers, due in part to the functional obsolescence of the buildings, parking layouts, access and lack of private investment in the area.”

In 2000, the city began to create and refine the conceptual design for the new Town Center Plaza, labeled the “Downtown Redevelopment Plan.”

With input from the citizens of the city and recommendations from OKC architecture and planning firm Frankfurt, Short and Bruza, the city began purchasing land to enlarge the area.

Construction finally began in 2003.

“May 3 really drew us away from the downtown area,” Harlis said. “When the Reed Conference Center was com-

Metropolitan Library System reviews ‘controversial’ children’s books Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor

The Metropolitan Library System voted in August at their monthly board meeting. They set up a committee that would review controversial children’s books to be placed in a restricted area.

At the September meeting, this was amended to being called the “parenting collection” and would only apply to easy readers, readers and tweens.

This proposal would create a special section within all Metro-

politan Libraries. This section would contain books that provide a resource for families in teaching their children about controversial topics based on guidelines established by the administration and staff in conjunction with an ad hoc committee.

The selection staff would make the decision as to which books would be placed in this category. Some of the topics under review include same sex parents, divorce, homosexuality, death, abuse and bullying.

“Parents are the ones responsible

for looking at what their children are viewing,” Melissa Huffman, RSC library instructional services coordinator, said.

Huffman added that having books about controversial subjects in a different section restricts a shy child from getting the information that may help them.

“We believe in freedom of information. It is a basic value of our democracy,” Mary Kirk, coordinator of library access services, said.

“The library belongs to the com-

munity and there are controls already in place at the Metro Libraries,” Huffman said.

The MLS has not set the guidelines as to what books are to be considered ‘controversial’ and what ones are to be considered ‘safe,’ but the decision will be made in the near future.

Until the decision is made, the controversial children’s books will remain available for anyone who wishes to view them.

SH0251835@rose.edu

Possible Controversial Titles Below is a list of possible books that the Metropolitan Library System may deem ‘controversial’ and place in the special parenting section of Metro Libraries: • “King & King” by Linda de Haan • “Daddy’s Roommate” by Michael Wilhoite • “Let’s Talk About Foster Homes” by Elizabeth Wertzman • “Bully Trouble” by Joanna Cole • “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain • “Tomboy Trouble” by Sharon Dennis Wyeth • “The Days of Summer” by Eve Bunting • “Upside-down Cake” by Carol Carrick • “Me and Nessie” by Eloise Greenfield • “When Mommy Was Mad” by Lynne Jonell * Information taken from the Metropolitan Library Committee minutes based off an assessment exercise given to the committee. The titles and subject they reflect were selected on the basis of requests made by parents and on specific comments or concerns raised by adults about the availability of a title or subject to children.

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PUMPKIN PIE DAY WORLD HELLO DAY

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

• Intercultural Month book discussion at 11:20 a.m. (TTR) • BSA meeting at 12 p.m. (SS137) • Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. SNU JV at 6 p.m. (away @ Bethany, Okla.)

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• RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Butler County at 1 p.m. (away @ • BSA meeting at 12 p.m. (SS137) • Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q) Concordia, Kan.) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Okla. Christian JV at 6 p.m. (HPER100)

NAME YOUR PC DAY

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

• Study Abroad Club meeting at 1 p.m. (SSB100Q) • Toastmasters International Club meeting at 6 p.m. (SC123) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Seminole ay 6 p.m. (away @ Seminole, Okla.)

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

WORLD KINDNESS DAY

Monday

Abbreviation Guide

Sunday

ELECTRONIC GREETINGS DAY

• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • Holiday Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. (Campus Mall and MDR) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. Frank Phillips College at 7 p.m. (away @ Borger, Tex.)

• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. Northern Enid at 7 p.m. (HPER100)

AMERICA RECYCLES DAY MOON PHASE: FULL MOON

• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • Friends of the RSC Library Club meeting at 3:30 p.m. (LRC110) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. Western at 7 p.m. (HPER100)

COOK SOMETHING BOLD AND PUNGENT DAY MOON PHASE: FIRST QUARTER

• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa pop culture seminar at 6 p.m. (RR) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. Rhema Bible College at 6 p.m. (away @ Tulsa, Okla.)

MOON PHASE: NEW MOON

• Langston University recruitment booth at 10 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Student senate meeting at 2 p.m. (SC123) • Friends of the RSC Library Club meeting at 3:30 p.m. (LRC110) • Paralegal Club meeting at 5 p.m. (BS101) • Phi Theta Kappa pop culture seminar at 6 p.m. (RR) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. SNU JV at 6 p.m. (HPER100) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. Eastern at 8 p.m. (away @ Wilburton, Okla.)

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Tuesday

STAY HOME BECAUSE YOU’RE WELL DAY

• Baptist Collegiate Ministry at 12 p.m. (RR) • TEACH Club at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa pop culture seminar at 1:30 p.m. (RR) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Okla. Baptist JV at 6 p.m. (HPER100)

MOON PHASE: LAST QUARTER

• Thanksgiving Holiday (campus closed)

• Diamond Leadership breakfast at 9 a.m. (West end of MDR) • Diamond Leadership workshop at 11 a.m. (HBAT) • Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m. (RR) • TEACH Club at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa pop culture seminar at 6 p.m. (RR)

• Flu shots from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (TTR) • Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 1 p.m. (SC123) • International Students Assoc. meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123) • Phi Theta Kappa virtual meeting at 9 p.m. (PTK Web site)

• Executive student senate luncheon at 11:30 a.m. (FdR) • Baptist Collegiate Ministry meeting at 12 p.m. (SC123) • TEACH Club meeting at 1:30 p.m. (SC123)

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Wednesday

WILL ROGERS DAY

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Saturday

• RPR court reporting testing at 7 a.m. (MDR, TTR, FR, RR) • Drama Club meeting at 12:15 p.m. (HBAT) • NTSO meeting at 12:30 p.m. (SS137) • Homecoming Raider Rally at 4 p.m. (Campus Mall, north of HPER) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Northern Enid at 6 p.m. (HPER100) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Christian at 8 p.m.

(HPER100)

Friday

AMERICAN DIABETES MONTH EPILEPSY AWARENESS MONTH FAMILY STORIES MONTH I AM SO THANKFUL MONTH LUNG CANCER AWARENESS MONTH NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH NATIONAL AIDS AWARENESS MONTH

THANKSGIVING DAY

• Thanksgiving Holiday (campus closed)

GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT HOMEMADE BREAD DAY

• UCO recruiting booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Life’s Insights workshop at 12:30 p.m. (FR) • Brother to Brother Club meeting at 2 p.m. (SSB100V) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. SNU JV at 8 p.m. (HPER100)

NATIONAL HOSPICE MONTH NATIONAL LIFEWRITING MONTH NATIONAL MARROW AWARENESS MONTH PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS’ MONTH VEGAN MONTH

BLACK FRIDAY BUY NOTHING DAY

• Thanksgiving Holiday (campus closed)

INTERNATIONAL AURA AWARENESS DAY

• RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Cloud County at 8 p.m. (away @ Concordia, Kan.)

• RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Seward County at 6 p.m. (away • Drama Club meeting at 12:15 p.m. (HBAT) @ Liberal, Kan.) • NTSO meeting at 12:30 p.m. (SS137) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Garden City at 2 p.m. (away @ Liberal, Kan.) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. Western at 7 p.m. (away @ Altus, Okla.)

VETERANS DAY

• Six Thinking Hats workshop at 8 a.m. (RR) • UCO recruiting booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. Haskell Univ. at 2 p.m. (away @ • RSC Women’s Basketball vs. William Woods Univ. at 2 p.m. (away • Brother to Brother Club meeting at 2 p.m. (SSB100V) Tulsa, Okla.) @ Tulsa, Okla.)

• RSC Women’s Basketball vs. OBU JV at 6 p.m. (away @ Shawnee, Okla.)

• Phi Theta Kappa meeting at 4 p.m. (LRC202 – Fireplace Room) • Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble performance at 7 p.m. (CC-PAT) • RSC Men’s Basketball vs. OCU JV at 7 p.m. (HPER100)

CLICHÉ DAY

• Blood drive at 8 a.m. (TTR) • UCO recruiting booth at 8:30 a.m. (SC Lobby) • Student Nurse Assoc. meeting at 8:30 a.m. (HE200) • Mu Rho Alpha Club meeting at 11:10 a.m. (HSA138) • Brother to Brother Club meeting at 2 p.m. (SSB100V)

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Thursday

Novem ber 2005

News/Health Respiratory Therapist students celebrate “Lung Health for Life”

Oct. 28, 2005 15th Street News

Page 4

Simple tips given to campus for developing, maintaining healthy lifestyle

Heath Sitton Assistant Editor

The RSC Respiratory Therapist Program is celebrating Respiratory Care Week during the last week of October.

The students gathered in the foyer of the Student Center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 to promote their future professions.

Services such as simple lung function tests and oxygen saturation were provided to students, faculty and staff

to celebrate “Lung Health for Life.”

Many people are unaware of simple things they can do to improve their respiratory health.

An obvious solution to developing lung health is to not smoke. Smoking kills, and it starts by killing the lungs.

If an individual does smoke, quitting is an option in developing better health. While quitting cold turkey may work for some, the majority of individuals may need to pursue other

options. It is recommended to talk to a doctor and choose the best smokingcessation program.

“I have been smoking for about 4 years,” liberal studies major Whitney Johnson said. “I know I should probably quit, but I find it very relaxing.”

By eating fruits, vegetables and drinking water, an individual can also aid in their respiratory care. Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C and E. Staying away from processed foods

in general is good for the lungs and overall health. Water is also good for lung health.

The lung tissue is moist and when one exhales, they lose moisture that can be replenished by drinking water.

As hard as it may be, breathing the cleanest air available is pertinent.

Smoggy and polluted air is not good for anyone, but those with compromised lung function particularly need to avoid alert-worthy conditions and high allergy days by opting for good indoor air.

It is also a good idea to avoid breathing second hand smoke. Second hand smoke can also cause those who do not have lung disease to develop symptoms - and in some cases - the same diseases as a smoker, such as lung cancer and emphysema.

One can also be protected by getting flu and pneumonia immunizations.

Influenza outbreaks can wreak havoc on the healthy and for respiratory patients, not getting immunized can be even worse for lung health. The American Association for Respiratory Care recommends that everyone receive a flu shot after Oct. 24.

The most important and easiest thing that an individual can do to develop and maintain a healthy respiratory system is exercise.

“Endurance exercise, walking, bicycling and other sustained activity is very beneficial,” Dr. Ted Webb, M.D. said. “It is one of the best things that a person can do to keep their lungs healthy other than not smoking.” jhsitton@cox.net

The Harmful Effects of Smoking 1. Nose and throat irritation 2. Nose and throat inflammation 3. Chronic bronchitis 4. Respiratory infections 5. Emphysema 6. Lung cancer 7. Deposition of cholesterol in the circulatory system 8. Stiffening of artery walls 9. Increase in blood pressure 10. Increase in heart rate 11. Lack of oxygen to the heart and other muscles 12. Increase in the risk of stroke 13. Blood clots 14. Heartburn 15. Increased risk of peptic ulcer 16. Increase in risk of gall bladder disease

Knowledge, appreciation Continuing Education program explained encouraged during Allied Health Professions Week Heath Sitton Assistant Editor

Heath Sitton Assistant Editor

The nationally celebrated Allied Health Professions Week will take place Nov. 6-12.

The celebration is committed to honor health care providers working in the more than 200 allied health professions.

Constituting approximately 60 percent of all healthcare providers, allied health practitioners greatly influence healthcare delivery by supporting, facilitating and complementing the roles of physicians and other healthcare specialists.

This collaboration, which emphasizes the strengths of all health professions, is enhancing the quality of care in this country and abroad.

“There is a shortage in all of the allied healthcare professions,” Dan Points Health Sciences Division Dean, said. “The jobs are there.”

Filling the communities needs for health practitioners has been a staple to the success of RSC. The college is one of two accredited programs in Oklahoma offering dental hygiene training as well as one of three accredited programs in the fields of clinical laboratory and respiratory therapy.

RSC contributes approximately 200 allied healthcare practitioners per year to the surrounding communities, but the room for growth is still there.

The week congratulates the nursing, allied health and allied dental professors and students at RSC, who are instrumental in maintaining high standards of healthcare and responding to health needs.

Today’s healthcare environment finds allied health professionals employed in public and private sectors.

Allied health personnel can be found not only in hospitals but also in clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, mental health facilities, private medical practices, research institutions, public health services and pharmaceutical companies.

Allied health personnel are also employed in industry, where they administer basic health care and emergency first aid to workers, inspect equipment and assure that safe work practices are followed.

These professionals may act as technical advisors and representatives in the manufacturing and marketing of medical equipment and supplies.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to take the opportunity during the week of Nov. 6-12 to congratulate all allied health professionals on campus and in the surrounding community who are maintaining the highest standards of health care and to take a minute during the week to learn more about allied health professions in the area. jhsitton@cox.net

(LEAVING ROOM FOR QUOTE HEATH IS GETTING WEDNESDAY)

For 35 years, RSC has held a philosophy of integrating the college with the community. The Continuing Education and Community Services division serves the surrounding community by providing educational opportunities and options for every individual wishing to learn.

The Continuing Education program has been around since 1973.

The list of short-term, non-credit community service courses, seminars and other educational experiences offered through the Division of Community Learning Services continues to grow.

“The Continuing Education program offers non-credit personal enrichment to youth, adults and senior citizens,” Continuing Education Specialist Jennifer Skoch said.

“The program has 1,700 people enrolled: 1,027 senior adults, 635 adults and 38 youths.”

The Continuing Education and Community Services Division is currently taking enrollments for second eight-week classes beginning Oct. 24 and running through the second week of December.

The evening programs offered consist of introductory computer classes, country and western dance, ballroom/Latin dance, west coast swing dance, jitterbug swing dance, beginning and intermediate sign language, sun catchers stained glass and A.C.T. Prep.

An A.C.T. workshop will be held Dec. 5-8. The four night course will conclude two days prior to the national A.C.T. test dates.

The course will be held in the Tom Steed Center from 6-8:45 p.m.

The cost for the workshop is $30.

Subject specific workshops will be held Saturday, Dec. 3. Science, voACROSS

1 Marsh bird 5 Semiconductor 10 Woeful cry 14 Not working

15 Karenina and Chris

tie 16 Latvian port

17 Really lazy bird?

20 Group of docs

21 Thailand neighbor

22 Push in the right

direction

23 Pre-Easter season 24 Palm fruit

26 Really fast rodent?

32 Bruce Dern’s daughter 33 Take apart 34 Precious stone 36 “Lonely Boy” sing er 37 Semblance 39 Big name in little blocks 40 Graphic lead-in?

41 Work for 42 Like a twangy voice

cabulary and grammar workshops will be offered from 9 a.m.–12:00 p.m. The afternoon workshop will cover math and reading from 1-4 p.m.

The classes are all taught by experienced secondary or college instructors at a cost of $15 for each three-hour workshop.

The Continuing Education program is also offering programs to community youth through the Kid’s College Program. The program is featuring two upcoming “Parent’s Day Out” events for ages 5-12. The events are Saturday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 10. The events will feature holiday crafts and pizza for

43 Really angry reptile?

47 Supervisor

48 Round dance

49 Stay away from

52 Shoulder of the road 53 Director Lee

56 Really expensive dog?

60 Nobelist Wiesel

61 Lessen

62 Weighty book

63 Bears’ lairs

64 Mythological king of Crete 65 Skiing surface

the kids, giving parents the chance to get much needed holiday shopping done. Each of the sessions will run from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at a cost of $20.

“The senior adult classes are offered during the day and adult classes are during the evenings,” said Skoch. “The youth program was originally only offered in the summer, but now we have programs during the fall and spring as well.”

For more information or to obtain a brochure of classes, contact the Continuing Education Division at 733-7392. jhsitton@cox.net

DOWN

1 Philbin co-host

2 Comic Sandler

3 Rick’s flame in “Casablanca”

4 Aspin or Brown

5 Vietnam port

6 Gold bars, e.g.

7 Individuals

8 Patriotic grp.

9 Psychic letters

10 Debater

11 Told a whopper

12 Highly excited

13 Having all one’s marbles

18 “Maria __”

19 Lead-in 23 Old money in Milan 24 Importunes for payment 25 Assistant 26 Ensign 27 Highway parts 28 Canadian territory 29 Actor Aidan 30 Discharge 31 Within the rules 35 Sleeper spy 37 Passes 38 “Exodus” writer 39 “Doctor Zhivago” role

41 Old-style poetry 42 Paavo the Flying Finn 44 Tolerates 45 Segregated housing 46 Strait off New Guinea 49 Grew older 50 Mouselike rodent 51 Ken or Lena 52 Noodle 53 Mary Kay rival 54 Nautilus captain 55 Increased 57 SE Asian war 58 Baseball stat 59 UFO passengers

Voices

Oct. 28, 2005 15th Street News

Page 5

Concerns expressed over possibility of excessive gambling addictions Erin Waltman Editor in Chief With the inception of the new Oklahoma Lottery Oct. 12 (see story below), Oklahomans have flocked in huge numbers to gamble on their chance to win big money.

Many people lined up at 5 a.m. to purchase the instant scratch-off tickets available for hopeful gamblers. And while the money is going to a worthwhile cause – supporting improvements and enhancements for pre-kindergarten to higher education – the question needs to be asked: are we setting ourselves up for a serious problem?

Gambling is exciting, as many people can testify. There is a thrill in putting money down and knowing that there is a small chance of you making your investment back a hundred times over.

The problem arises when people do not know when to stop gambling.

Addiction is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as “the condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something.”

Gambling addiction – like all addictions – can start small. It may seem unlikely that someone would become dangerously addicted to scratch-off tickets, but for some people, any small opening is all they need to become mired.

It could be argued that anyone with the likelihood of becoming addicted to gambling would already have done so at one of the casinos available in the state. However, many of those casinos are not readily available – driving two hours to play slots is not the same as walking five minutes to a gas station to buy $15 of scratch-off tickets.

With games available for $1, $2 and $5, gamblers could very easily end up spending way more money than they originally intended. Putting down $7 a week for a $1 ticket each day could quickly multiply into putting down $28 a week for four $1 tickets or $30 a week for six days of $5 tickets.

It can be surprisingly easy to put down larger amounts of money on a gamble, especially when you reassure yourself each time that surely you will win big this time.

While the Oklahoma Lottery will be putting a portion of their profits toward supporting those with gambling addictions, that does not change the fact that they are also promoting the addictions by making gambling more readily available to everyone.

Taken with a pinch of caution, the Oklahoma Lottery could be a huge boon for the state. However, it could just as easily spiral into something dangerous. Be cautious – bridge ahead. Watch out for trolls. ewaltman@rose.edu

CAMPUS CHAT

Counseling Tip #8

By Scott Evenson

Listen to regret without ever thinking. Use it as a springboard to take action and enhance our lives.

Contact the RSC counselors at 733-7373 for free confidential assistance.

Full name: Hilda Martinez Title/Major: PreEducation

Full name: Brandon Reyes

Full name: Jeanie Cavett

Hobbies: Gardening

Title/Major: Radiology

Title/Major: Coordinator of Reference Services-in the LRC

When did you first start at Rose State?

2002

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends and family

Hobbies: Crocheting, reading, and camping

What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? My best moments at RSC have been getting to know other students and professor around campus.

When did you first start at Rose State?

August 2005

When did you first start at Rose State?

September 1997

What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? My best moments at RSC have been when I would go to the Rose Café’ to play Ping-Pong.

Political Scribbles

N ews Info & policies

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.

What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? My best moments at RSC have been helping the faculty, staff, and students find resources to help them in their research.

Full name: John Wood Title/Major: Assistant professor of political science Hobbies: Running, reading, camping, and hiking What are your best moments while attending/working at RSC? My best moment at RSC is being able to get to know the other faculty members and the students that attend my classes. I am also enjoying becoming accustomed to the RSC campus.

Johnna Ray News Editor

Fund.

More than half of the money collected Tuition grants, loans and scholarships from ticket sales will be awarded as prizes, for colleges and universities accredited by while 12 percent will pay for operations and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher vendors fees. The remaining 6 percent will Education are expected to receive assistance be given to retailers.

The Lottery Web site said that a federal through a percentage of the Oklahoma LotW2-G form will be issued to each winner of tery net proceeds.

In April 2003, the Oklahoma legislature $600 or more and that all, applicable state and passed House Bill 1278 and Senate Joint federal taxes will be automatically held from Resolution 22 creating the Oklahoma Edu- prizes of $5,000 or more.

In the event of unclaimed prize money, cation Lottery Act and the Oklahoma Education Lottery Trust Fund. On Nov. 2, 2004, the Department of Mental Health and SubOklahoma voters showed their acceptance stance Abuse Services will receive the first of the Lottery by approving State Questions $500,000 for educational programs and treatments of compulsive gambling and re705 and 706.

The lottery began Oct. 12 at 5:01 a.m. with lated disorders. After this amount, any addifour styles of instant scratch-off tickets. Tick- tional unclaimed prize money will be placed back into the prize ets sell for $1, $2 pool for promotions and $5 with odds or future prizes. of winning listed “It’s a really good on the back of each. thing if the The Oklahoma Lotmoney goes tery Web site reported for educational Nancy Moore, sales exceeding $2.2 purposes,” crimimillion in the first 10 Criminal Justice major nal justice major hours the tickets beNancy Moore said. came available.

“People go to ca“It’s pretty exciting that Oklahoma finally has [a lottery],” Marcy sinos without a problem, so this should Vaught, multimedia for the Web major said. be OK, too. Why not use the money for “If I won the big money, my husband and I education?”

Beginning on Nov. 10, Pick 3 players will would buy a home, set up my Web business be able to select one number from each of and then travel.”

For the convenience of those who opt to three zero-nine sets. Drawings for the Pick play and are at least 18 years old, retailers 3 will be held daily. KOKH Fox/WB was carrying the tickets display the Lottery logo selected as the “Official Drawing Station” in Sept. 2005, according to the Lottery Web on their windows.

The Oklahoma Lottery Commission is to site.

The multi-state jackpot lottery - beginning transfer 30 percent of all net proceeds from ticket sales to the Trust Fund - managed by at $15 million - will be made available to the Office of the State Treasury - at least Oklahoma players on Jan. 14, 2006. Playevery three months. The Office of the State ers will choose five white balls and one Treasury will then set apart 13.5 percent of red ball for numbers used in this lottery the net proceeds for Higher Education and and a televised selection of winners will be 13.5 percent for kindergarten through grade available.

For more information, call the Lottery 12 public education.

Additional proceeds used for education will Player’s Hotline at 1-888-PLAYOLC or be awarded to the School Consolidation and visit the Lottery Web site at www.lottery.

Assistance Fund and the Teacher’s Retire- ok.gov. ment System Dedicated Revenue Revolving jray@rose.edu

“

It’s a really good thing

”

if the money goes for educational purposes.

by Erica Nichols

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.

Oklahoma Lottery to benefit education

Editor in Chief

Erin Waltman

[ewaltman@rose.edu] Assistant Editor

Heath Sitton

[jhsitton@rose.edu]

Staff Members Photographer

Scott Evenson

[se2754@yahoo.com] Photographer

Morgan Horner

[Mhorner15@yahoo.com]

News Editor

Sports Editor

Bryan Trude

Volunteer Photographer

Darin Taylor

[dtaylor@mtmrecognition.com]

Shannon Hoverson [SH0251835@rose.edu]

Volunteer Cartoonist

Erica Nichols

[ericanchls@yahoo.com]

Gerald Richard

[grichard@rose.edu] Secretary

Carol Benefee

[cbenefee@rose.edu]

[btrude@rose.edu] Assignment Editor

[pg0240560@rose.edu]

Circulation Manager

Johnna Ray

[jray@rose.edu]

Graphic Artist

Paul Garner

Volunteer Tech Support

Scottie Seger

[macrose@cox.net]

Coordinator of Student Publications

Julie Lesko-Bishop

[jlesko-bishop@rose.edu]

Opinion

Page 6

The Deceptive Cadence seeks local support Heath Sitton Assistant Editor

In past issues I have stressed the importance of going to shows to support local bands.

Indeed, local music cannot survive without an interactive audience.

There are incredible shows going on that have taken place recently and there are some great shows that are on the horizon for the metro area.

Bricktown Live is an amazing venue to attend a show. The sound is great, the drinks are good and the atmosphere is pleasing.

A great show for music lovers will be taking place there Nov. 2.

Chimaira, one of today’s most well respected bands among the heavy music community, will be playing Bricktown Live with Undercast, Blank Stare and The Deceptive Cadence.

How to...

Chimaira was formed in 1998 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The sextet derived their name from a certain feared monster in ancient Greek mythology.

The band’s mixture of hardcore, metal and electronics has proved to be a great hit and they are currently touring to support the release of their third major album on Roadrunner Records.

If you are interested in supporting local music, this is your chance.

The Deceptive Cadence is a local experimental metal band from Moore, Okla.

The members consist of vocalist Joseph Siler, guitarist Brandon Roll, bassist Adam Gagnon and drummer Craig Shook.

The Deceptive Cadence has

been together for close to a year now.

Their name is derived from how their music is not exactly what you would expect to hear out of a metal band.

The band changes times, styles, tempos and can be considerably mellow as well as completely aggressive.

An actual deceptive cadence is an ending to a piece The Music of music that ends Stand on an unexpected, yet pleasingly struck chord.

It catches your attention because it is an unanticipated change.

Therefore, their name suits them and the playing style in regard to how it grabs the audience’s attention.

“This show is a big break for The Deceptive Cadence,” liberal arts recording major and drummer Craig Shook

said. “We are very excited.

The band is required to sell a number of tickets to be able to play at the show.

Their tickets are on sale for $15 and they can be contacted at deceptiverock@sbcglobal. net.

Tickets are also on sale at Up In Smoke and all area Homeland Stores.

You can order tickets online at www.dcfconcerts.com or charge by phone at (800) 511-1552.

I encourage everyone to do the right thing and purchase tickets for the show to support this local band.

I would recommend anyone who enjoys good music to attend this show.

You can check out some more information about The Deceptive Cadence and hear their melodically driven chaos by visiting their profile at www.myspace.com/thedeceptivecadence. jhsitton@cox.net

Starting a club explained to interested students Shannon Hoverson Assignment Editor

Student clubs are a mainstay of college life and there is a diversity available to choose from at RSC. The question is, how to start a new club?

To start a new club is fairly easy to do, once the steps are known. First, applications for beginning a new student club may be obtained from the Office of Student Activities at the Student Center Information Desk. Organization charters must receive the approval of the Director of Student Activities, Vice President for Student Affairs and the President of Rose State College.

Below is a list of what needs to be done when starting a new club: • Student clubs should get the names of interested students with full contact information.

• The club is required to make an attempt to locate at least one faculty advisor. The Office of Student Activities will help if difficulties are encountered.

• The prospective club must present the list of interested students to the Office of Student Activities along with a statement of the purpose

of the club and the membership requirements.

• The Office of Student Activities will help the club to find a meeting place and then place the meetings on the activities calendar.

Once approval has been granted, the club must submit a formal constitution to the Director of Student Activities.

All clubs are responsible for raising their own funds but they are not to get any money through soliciting advertisement, door-to-door sales or raffles.

Clubs should not sell any items that would put them

in direct competition with the RSC Bookstore or food service.

All meetings for the different clubs are on a master calendar that is maintained by the Office of Student Activities, this will aide in the scheduling of meetings for a new club.

Starting a new club is an easy process and students who have a special interest should consider starting their own club if RSC does not offer one that covers that activity.

For more information about student clubs contact the Office of Student Activities or go to the RSC Web site at www.rose.edu.

SH0251835@rose.edu

Every new club must submit a formal constitution to the Director of Student Activities. The constitution should have the following: ⇒ Official time ⇒ Purpose ⇒ Listing of at least one regular meeting per month ⇒ Offices and duties of each officer ⇒ Election procedures ⇒ Requirements for membership ⇒ Procedure for amending the constitution *Information courtesy of the RSC Web site (www.rose.edu).

Oct. 28, 2005 15th Street News Aries March 21-April 19... This week, you should re-enact “Titanic” using nothing but bunnies. Also, try to keep it under 30 seconds.

H

Taurus April 20-May 20... Your life this week will be wonderful! You may not think so, but just look at the bum downtown – compared to his life, yours is golden.

o

Gemini May 21- June 20... Live enough of what you want to do in life so there will be no room left for feeling bad. That is a little hard to understand, I know, but I do not feel like being any more clear this week. Next week also does not look too good.

r

Cancer June 21-July 22... You will meet some new and interesting people this week, and they shall always cherish the initial misconceptions they had of you.

Leo July 23-August 22... You are actually much more attractive than people give you credit for. And I am fairly certain that is not just the prescription pain medicine talking.

o

Virgo August 23-September 22... It is going to be one of those weeks. You know, the weeks that make you wonder where you left your brain. Check back next week and we will let you know if we find it.

s

Libra September 23-October 22... Dear Libra, I have told you multiple times not to trust strangers. And, really, do people get any stranger than you? Take some time off this week to not trust yourself; you might enjoy the experience.

c

Scorpio October 23-November 21... You can tell a lot about a person when you know what makes them laugh. For example, if the person laughs at mimes, then you know they are a hopeless case.

o

Sagittarius November 22-December 21... Why bother to live an unhappy life? Instead, learn to laugh at your own misfortune – that is, when you are not laughing at others’ misfortunes.

p

Capricorn December 22-January 19... It is said that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” so opt to remain sitting this week and avoid a long trip you do not really want to take.

e

Aquarius January 20-February 18... Forget about horoscopes and fortunes this week. Instead, try showing for something when you said you would – it will be a new and interesting experience for you.

s

Pisces February 19-March 20... Most people find you to be strange and off-putting. Good work! Keep it up and hopefully you will not be bothered by anyone this week.

Cage’s newest movie “The Weather Man” amuses columnist, provides strange slice-of-life Bryan Trude Sports Editor

Did you miss me?

As for my request for feedback considering the Podcast, my replies totaled precisely zero, so I believe it is safe to say that it was a bad idea.

Over the fall break, I was able to see quite a number of movies – although there were sadly few Pepsi vendors at our local theatres – and I had to select one movie to submit for this week’s offering to the gods of film.

So I pulled a name out of a hat. Yes, it is cliché; bite me.

“The Weather Man,” the collective worm baby of Paramount Studios, director Gore Verbinski and writer Steve Conrad, follows the adventures of inattentive loser David Spritz (Nicolas Cage) who just cannot seem to have anything go right for him.

Now, Mr. Spritz is a smarmy weatherman for a Chicago television station who knows precisely squat about even the basics of meteorology, which makes a very strong case

that the most successful people seem to be the least qualified.

Behind the scenes, Spritz leads a very mixed life. He is trying desperately to get a job opening as the weatherman on “Hello America with Bryant Gumbel” – who, incidentally, really did provide cameos alongside chic chef Wolfgang Puck as themselves. Also, if you cannot figure out that “Hello America” is a thinly veiled parody of the septic festival “Good Morning America,” then you need to watch more television.

The problem is with Spritz is that people just do not seem to like him, and he makes a point to mention he gets hit with fast food a lot. When I say a lot, I mean a soft taco, chicken nuggets, a Wendy’s Frosty, a Big Gulp and a McDonalds Apple Pie graces his face, and that’s just for starters.

His personal life is not too hot either. He is

separated from his family – which consists of hot wife Noreen (Hope Davis), creepy kid incarnate Shelly (Gemmenne de la Pena) whose nickname is “Camel Toe” and misguided Mike (Nicholas Hoult) who is having … problems with his court-appointed counselor Don (Gil Bellows) who just happens to be a homosexual pedophile.

Attention patrons, if you were looking to board the train for conReel venient plot device, it Talk just left the station.

As if things were not bad enough for ol’ Spritzy, his father Robert (the supreme Michael Caine), a Pulitzer prize-winning author, is dying of lymphoma.

Oh yes, Spritz’s life is just super.

So, what is a well-adjusted man to do?

Why, develop a sexual appetite for plump, lederhosen-wearing beer girls, try to win his wife back by cursing every three sentences, take up archery, take his daughter bow shoot-

by Erin Waltman

Comic Corner

Rose-Colored Glasses

ing at targets when she wants to shoot living things, beat the snot out of the pervert counselor when he puts the moves on his son and slap his wife’s suitor (Michael Rispoli) with a leather glove like some medieval pansy.

Throughout the movie, the internal workings of Spritz’s mind is splattered out for the audience at regular intervals by use of a Shakesperian interior monologue. This aspect is probably used a little too much, since the movie is just as powerful without the little hints that Cage feeds the audience on what he’s thinking, especially when he is at Caine’s living funeral and he is about to shoot Rispoli with an arrow.

This is a simultaneously hilarious and touching look at the father-son relationship, and a good lesson on how things do not work out as you want them to and that professional success does not mean personal success.

Also, it teaches us that people will not throw things at you if you just carry a bow and arrow set everywhere you go. btrude@rose.edu