February
14, 2008
www. thevistaonline. corn he Student oice of the L niNersit
Paralympic athletes to speak
■
of Central Oklahoma Since 1903
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE
by Nelson Solomon Staff Writer
Two UCO resident Paralympic athletes, Lora Webster and Nichole Millage, will speak to students at 2 p.m. on Feb. 15 at Nicoma Park Intermediate School in Choctaw. Webster and Millage will share the message "Real Athletes Show Respect" with the students, according to a press release from University Relations. The athletes' message on respect is the 2008 theme and focuses on topics like valuing diversity, treating others as equals, maintaining a positive attitude and obeying the rules of competition, among others. UCO is one of two designated U.S. Paralympic training sites in the nation, committed to providing those with disabilities the resources necessary to participate in sports and enhance their ability to reach the highest levels of competition. UCO was named a U. S . Olympic Committee Paralympic Training Site in December of 2005, according to the Wellness Center Web site. They will tell personal stories from their sports experiences to help the students understand how respect can lead to success in life, as well as in sports. Webster and Millage are members of the U.S. Women's Sitting Volleyball Team and will compete in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China this summer. Webster Was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 11 and lost her leg to that.
see PARALYMPIC, page 5
L um ow NE ow
NM MN
=I INN
MI MI
111111 111111 - 1111111 11111 Photo Illustration by Vista photographer Chris Albers
Although Valentine's Day is observed differently around the world, the theme of love and togetherness is universal.
by Jana Davis Staff Writer
February 14 is the designated day to celebrate love. It comes each year with a certain stigma and is highly criticized, but never seems to become extinct. Each year, millions of Americans gather together to participate in the idea that love exists and, with a little help from flowers and
chocolates, can be preserved. A trip to Scotland might bring a festival; a trip to the Dominican Republic might bring together families playing games. But no matter how it is celebrated, experts believe that it stems from the legend of Saint Valentine. While the story is not proven, Saint Valentine remains to be a popular legend that leads to the formation of Valentine's
Day, as we know it. "Some experts say it started when the Roman emperor Claudius II had a difficult time recruiting men into his army," wrote Petrene Soames of the Boomer Café. Claudius believed men were not participating in the army because men wanted to stay home with their wives. In order to recruit more men, Claudius banned marriage
for all young, single men. The Roman priest, however, named Saint Valentine began to wed couples in secret. He was thrown in prison and sentenced to death on February 14, Soames wrote. Not everyone celebrates Valentine's Day the same. Family and friends are just as important, Jordan Lanham, early childhood education junior, said.
"I am babysitting on Valentine's Day so people can have a nice, romantic evening out. One day, I will be able to be the one going out," Lanham said. "I think it's good to celebrate love, but I think it is also good to do unexpected things. I think people go overboard and freak out when
see V-Day, page 7
Get your taxes done for free Speaker reveals new studies by Carrie Cronk
by Jana Davis
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free assistance for tax returns every Tuesdays and Saturdays through April 8. VITA will be available for tax service from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays in the Business building, Room 105, Matthew Renes said, fifth year major in Human Resource Management. All participants need to bring their 1099 forms, W2 and Social Security card for themselves and all dependants, he said. International students need to bring their passports and visas. They will also be required to file an information return, even if they do not have an income. "We are students who have taken Tax 1 and Tax 2 and want more experience," said
Mon. through Thurs. at 5 p.m.
The College of Mathematics and Science presented a lecture on DNA research and the human genome by Brandt Cassidy, director of operations for DNA Solutions, Inc. on Feb. 7. Cassidy covered • new and updated information resulting from numerous research studies on the human genome. Topics covered included by Vista photographer Chris Albers genes identified in certain diseases and in human ethnicity. Senior Wes Gwin sits as accounting students Marlena He also provided data, which Loomis and Jessy Loomis files his taxes Saturday stated humans are less alike than previously thought. This morning at the Business building. information indicates humans are only 99.5 percent identical to everyone rather than Renes. The students provid- but it's good experience," he the 99.9 percent previously ing the assistance are from said. It's not only good expeindicated. UCO's College of Business rience, but it teaches the man"Human genetic variation Administration. "I've only had one shift, see DNA, page 9
see TAXES, page 7
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Vista photographer Brenda
Brandt Cassidy, Director of Operations for DNA Solutions Inc. speaks about the human genome Feb. 7.
INDEX
Opinion Columns Sports Classifieds
2 6 10 8