Pg. 2 International Student Spotlight
Pg. 6 Softball
Friday, Feb. 3, 2012
Vol. 78 No. 16 www.asurampage.com
Computer lab to remain open Computer availability:
Students voice concerns despite twelve more available machines Dillon Brollier & Dana Choi Staff Writer, Editor-in-Chief Despite rumors that the third floor library computer lab will close, university administrators decided Tuesday to keep the lab. The decision was made yesterday afternoon by Dr. Paul K. Swets, interim dean of the College of Arts and Science, in consultation with the provost, vice provost and vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. “There have been a number of discussions about that room being taken over by the tutoring center,” Swets said. As of the fall, the classroom will remain as a computer lab, he said. “We didn’t feel like we had the ability to shift all of the uses of that classroom in that lab to other units,” Swets said. He said the LC304 classroom computers are important to the Department of Communications, Mass Media and Theatre, as well as the rest of the
school. Last year the computer lab in the third floor was converted into a tutoring center. According to a Ram Page article published Sept. 9, 2011, 76 computers were lost when that lab was shut down. Since the commons area in the library has opened, 93 computers, including laptops, have been added to the first floor, Technology Services Analyst Curt Braden said. “Considering general use labs, we have 135 machines in the MCS,” Braden said. With enrollment over 7,000, having about 230 total computers on campus could be seen as inadequate to some. “[In the] fall, a year ago, we did not have the 16 express lanes,” Braden said. “We have added a total of 16 computers just to MCS. The third floor library only had 96 computers; we already have 93 in the Library Commons, so when you look at it we are 12 machines above what we were a year ago.” Several students voice concerns that there may not be enough computers on campus.
See Some
Photo by Mark McDaniel
Students prticipate in the Mock Trial League, an organization that competes against other universities in their knowledge of the legal system, and portraying situations.
Student organization to compete at regional level Mock Trial League: Knowledge of court system, character portrayal to be judged
Dillon Brollier Staff Writer
Photo by Pam Belcher
Students utilize the computer lab on the third floor of the library after their Communication class, Senior Seminar.
Car burglaries still pose threat on campus Vigilance: Student awareness could help prevent car thefts
Adam Washington Staff Writer Recent car burglaries at ASU are causing campus police to step up patrols, while pushing students to be aware of their surroundings. There have been two car burglaries this year, both in residential parking lots,” Chief of Police James Adams said. “Most items taken were items such as cash, cell phones, and wallets along with other small items within the vehicle,” Adams said The two burglaries happened in the Robert Massie parking lot on Jan. 19 between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m., Adams said. Typically, car burglaries are committed due to unlocked cars. The two cars broken into were locked and the burglars managed to enter the car unnoticed, Adams said. Even if the doors are locked, these criminals have specialized tools that may take only a few seconds to unlock the door, Adams said.
See Adams pg. 3
Sunday, Feb. 5 4:30 p.m.
See Corder pg. 3
Photo by Mark McDaniel
Major Ellis interrogates a “witness” at the Mock Trial League meeting, which took place Friday, Jan. 27.
The trials are standard, Bennett said. The
ASU sports headed for major changes Rallo: More schools ex-
pected to join the Lone Star Conference Stephen Cogan Sports Editor ASU is in the process of expanding the Lone Star Conference and generating revenue that will lead to building a championship-caliber school, President Dr. Joseph C. Rallo said. An expansion would add more teams to the conference and possibly create more games and funding for the schools. “NCAA Division II is expected to add over 200 schools in the next three or four years,” Rallo said. “We’ve identified 16 institutions in Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana that we want to approach to see how many would like to join the Lone Star Conference.” Rallo said he expects at least four or five schools will join the conference, and with that will come new rivalries and new sports culture. The Lone Star Conference is thinking about changing their format, depending on how many teams join, Rallo said. One idea is to make two divisions of the conference with a Lone Star
Super Bowl 46 Party At Plaza Verde
The Mock Trial League gives ASU students a chance to experience the atmosphere of a real court case. The MTL was founded last September, but is already preparing for its first competition at a regional tournament against other Texas universities, MTL Founder Tyler Corder said. The regional tournament will be held in Houston Feb. 3 through 5 and is being hosted by Houston Baptist University, Corder said. The MTL will have four trials at regionals, MTL member Joshua Bennett said. In two cases the MTL will be the prosecution and in the other two MTL will be the defense. “We get judged on our knowledge of the court system and how well we portray our character,” Joshua Bennett said.
East division and Lone Star West division, he said. The Lone Star Conference currently has 11 teams, so if the expansion mixes in five more teams, the total comes to 16. The conference could then easily
Key Points • Lone Star Conference to expand • ASU signs deal with Fox Sports Southwest • ASU football to be played in Cowboys stadium this season be split into two divisions with eight teams each. “They don’t want to create new conferences, but have existing conferences expand,” Rallo said. “We’re trying to be ahead of the curve on that.” ASU has also negotiated a contract with Fox Sports Southwest as part of a strategic marketing maneuver, Rallo
Editorial: Computer availability
pg. 5
said. According to the Lone Star Conference website that will broadcast the men’s and women’s basketball games against Incarnate Word on Feb. 18, which will generate more revenue for ASU. “It gives the opportunity for people who don’t live here to watch us for free, and they can watch this game for free,” Women’s Basketball Head Coach Sally Brooks said. “Maybe we’ll get some more fans, and that definitely helps our recruiting.” ASU also arranged for the second Football Festival to be held in Arlington, Texas at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, which has hosted the Super Bowl and several other collegiate sporting events, Rallo said. All Lone Star football teams will compete at that event, and ASU will face Valdosta State University from Georgia on Sep. 15. “That’s a big Division II powerhouse,” Rallo said. “They’ve won national championships.” The Lone Star Conference has scheduled to have its basketball championships hosted in the new stadium in Allen, Texas which is, “a
See Revenue pg. 6
February
Review: “The Grey”
National Heart pg. 4 Month
Songs of the Week
pg. 4 Feb. 3, 2012
National Wear Red Day
pg. 4
NEWS
Page 2
Events Calendar Get involved on campus! Here’s what’s going on this week. Feb. 3 National Wear Red Day for Women’s Heart Disease Awareness Art Exhibit: “Shady Grove” by Sarah Irvin at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday UREC: Introduction to Climbing Clinic from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 6 SMART Workshop: Successful Writing Strategies from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7 SMART Workshop: Above Par Reading Strategy from 6 to 7 p.m. Business Plan I: Writing the Narrative from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 8 Business Plan II: Financials from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@angelo.edu
Friday, February 3, 2012
New French, Russian programs to provide opportunities for students, community Practice: Students can use language outside of classroom Sawyer Ricard Contributor The English and Modern Languages Department Friday announced plans to host French and Russian programs this semester that are open not only to students but also to members of the community. The French conversation and Russian enrichment programs are part of a community outreach initiative that is attempting to give the community a chance to be involved on campus as well as the opportunity to learn about cultures from other countries. An idea presented by
Modern Languages director Dr. Karen Cody last semester, these programs have separate purposes besides this main goal to include people outside of ASU. Assistant professor of French Dr. Randolph Peters said the faculty-led French program, titled “Café et Conversation” was initiated after students voiced their wishes to further use the language they were learning. “We found people wanted to practice the languages last year in a very informal setting,” Peters said. “This was an environment where people feel free to express themselves.” It is a place where anyone, from beginner to advanced, could come together and practice speaking French, he said. The Russian program is
co-sponsored by the Russian Club and will not teach people how to speak the language but will allow people to broaden their views on the Russian culture. Mike Burnett, assistant director of the University Theatre program, is one of three speakers the program will host, giving a presentation over “Russian Theatre” and some of its most famous directors and playwrights, which include Constantin Stanislavski and Anton Chekhov. The presentation will examine “how Russian theatre in the early 1900s impacted the world,” Burnett said. Two other speakers, Assistant Professor of Physics Dr. Scott Williams and Deparment Head and Professor of History Dr. Kenneth Heineman, will give presen-
tations over X-ray fluorescence analysis of Russian coins from 1877 to 1933 as well as the former Russian dictator Joseph Stalin. All three sessions should be a real eye-opener to the community and ASU, Burnett said. According to Peters, the department plans on having more programs like these two in the future. “As long as we have teachers who have the time and have a positive response from the community we will continue,” he said. The French sessions will run each Monday for an hour until April 30 while each Russian enrichment session will be held at various dates starting with “Russian Theatre” on Feb. 20. Both programs are free and open to students and the
SGA Briefs Ice cream, you scream, we all scream for Delta Zeta Adam Washington Staff Writer Toughy the Ram, a mascot from the 1970s has been requested by ASU alumni to return to the book store. Make active. “The only way to get Toughy back would be a student-led and supported situation,” Student Body Vice President Vincent Perez said. Surveys will be sent to the Alumni of ASU ASU alumni, asking if Toughy should be brought back, Perez said. The SGA has set the date of Wednesday, May 2, and is preparing a Rammies committee, Perez said. The Student Organization Advisory Council is looking for more members. The SOAC reviews all organization funding applications and gives its recommendation to the coordinator for student organizations to disburse a budget of $100,000, Perez said. “It is a really great council to be a part of,” SOAC advisor Heather Valle said. Applications can be found on the student organization website and meet every Thursday at 6 p.m., Valle said. Applications for SGA? Also, the sentence structure makes it sound like ‘applications meet every Thursday.’ Of course no one’s going to think that, but it’s still not 100% clear who meets every Thursday. The Facilities Maintenance Is this their name? are continuing to replace bulbs and repair small lighting issues on campus, Perez said. “Everything is going good; they have fixed a lot of stuff on campus and identified a lot of problems as well,” Perez said. Maybe paraphrase since the first sentence is not grammatically correct. Everything is going well.. The SGA set April 28 as the date of the faculty/staff versus student softball game and is asking for more student support. “This game has been going on for 26 years and the students have only won twice,” Perez said.
Photos by Pam Belcher
Delta Zeta participated in a fundraiser at Marble Slab Creamery Saturday, Jan. 28, where all of their tips benefitted The Painted Turtle. The Painted Turtle is the sixth addition to Paul Newman’s family of Hole in the Wall camps for seriously ill children. (Bottom left) Jackie Coty hands out a bowl of ice cream. (Top right) Crystal Cardwell prepares an order.
midnightrodeosanangelo.com Come enjoy the music of great
western
movies& television shows
performance from the 2011 Sorantin Competition winner and University of Texas student
Friday •
February 4, 2012 8PM For more information: 325-658-5877 www.sanangelosymphony.org. The San Angelo Symphony Kicks Off 2012
Rodeo Night
at the McNease Convention Center
Feb. 10 th
Kyle Park
Rachell Wong
Cod
& Johnyson
TONIGHT!
Jason Boland th $1.50 6 1 . b e F rs. • DRAFT BEER Thausey Donahew C
NEWS
Friday, February 3, 2012
Page 3
Adams: Car burglaries not exclusive to campus Continued from Page 1
Photo Illustration by Pam Belcher
“They’re going to walk through the parking lots, they’re going to look for items lying [in cars] and once they see it they’re going to go for it,” he said. “If they walk past a car, see that it’s locked and can’t see anything in there that they could get quickly, chances are that they are going to move onto something else.” The thefts have no specific pattern and aren’t targeting specific vehicles, but the cars burglarized had property inside that was easily seen by passers, Adams said. “If a person enters a car with the intent to commit a theft, it is considered burglary of a motor vehicle,” Adams said. Even if property isn’t stolen, the intruders can still be arrested and convicted for burglary. “This is not just a campus issue and students need to be aware of that,” Adams said. “Getting the word out to people is the most important thing.”
Corder: MTL brings ASU to intercollegiate academic competittion Continued from Page 1
The trials are standard, Bennett said. The judge will start the case, then each side will have an opening statement. Witnesses will then be called to be examined and cross examined and each side will have a closing statement. “I definitely want to be able to place in some field,” Bennett said. “We want to perform really well and get some experience under our belt so no matter what happens we can go back next year and really know what is going on as far as the competition is concerned.” The top 8 teams will move onto the next level of competition which will be held in Memphis, Tenn., March 23 through 25.
“The Mock Trial League gives undergraduate students an opportunity to learn firsthand about the work of trial attorneys, understand the judicial system, develop critical thinking and public speaking skills, as well as a knowledge of legal practices and procedures,” Corder said. Mock Trial League has brought ASU up to the intercollegiate academic competition to be competitive among other universities such as the University of Texas at Arlington, University of Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor and Southern Methodist University, Corder said. The MTL was started in September of 2011 as part of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), Corder said.
“The AMTA was founded back in 1985 and today has universities across the nation involved,” Corder said. MTL members stress that anyone who is interested in mock trial can join. “We have people who have majors from A to Z,” Bennett said. “I don’t want people to think that you have to be a Political Science major to join the MTL.” Meetings for MTL will continue through late February, Corder said. “Fliers will be posted regarding the time and place, and we have weekly meetings during non-competition season,” Corder said.
Students suggest new computer lab Continued from Page 1 “We need more computers,” junior Tim Maddox said. Other students agree that more computers are needed on campus “I don’t think there are enough computers to use in this school, that’s for sure,” freshman Paige Smith said. One student has a suggestion for improving computer access on campus. Having a small lab in each building might work out better, junior Vanessa Valdez said.
Considering the number of students enrolled in the university it would be reasonable to have another lab, senior Miguel Fernandez said. While the laptop computers in the Library Commons may not be out in the open ready or to go, they still provide needed computers to the students, Braden said. There have been multiple occasions where all of the laptops have been checked out at once, graduate student and IT employee Donna Martinez said. One of the main uses of
on campus computers is to access the widely used J and P drives. “It is possible to access ASU drives off of campus,” Information Security Officer Jason Brake said. To access the P drive at home, go to the ASU website and click the technology link under services, Brake said. After that click the ASU Network under student links and click the remote icon on that page. From there follow the instructions to access the P drive. For other drives such as
‘Phenomenon’ winner mystifies
Photo by Mark McDaniel
Mystifier Mike Super performs Wednesday with volunteer Lincoln Hama, 8, son of Dr. Mark Hama and Dr. Linda Kornasky. Mike Super was voted Entertainer of the Year in 2011 and the winner of the TV series Phenomenon, a competition to find the best mentalist.
Police have increased patrols in parking lots and they are working with city police to follow up on some leads, Adams said. “We are using every investigative tool we have to come up with leads,” Adams said. “We are asking students to be vigilant.” Make sure the doors are locked, all valuables are out, and immediately report anything suspicious, Adams said. There is a $500 reward for valuable information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect involved in the car burglaries, Adams said. “If you see any suspicious activity such as somebody walking around looking into cars, trying to open car doors, or just sitting in a car for an extended period of time, report it to the police,” Adams said. Students can call the 24 hour tip line at 325-942-ACTT (2288). Students with emergencies should contact the campus police directly at 325-942-2071.
International Student Spotlight
Sungin Kim
South Korea
Lisa Dees Managing Editor Transferring schools within the U.S. is never easy, but transferring schools across the globe is terrifying. Junior Sungin Kim left her home in Ulsan, South Korea about six months ago to immerse herself in a Texan culture under the Dual Degree Program, which provides a degree from ASU and the University of Ulsan if she studies at ASU for two years. Leaving family and friends took great effort, she said. “You have to take care of yourself and survive in different situations. You have to make decisions by yourself.” Kim said she wondered how she could endure a new environment where she knew no one. During her first semester at ASU in the fall, Kim became more comfortable on campus, liked the faculty and made friends, she said. After visiting family over the winter break, Kim said she returned to ASU with increasing confidence because Texas had become a second home.
“I know I can survive in these situations,” she said. “It is worth it to experience and expand your life. It’s an once-in-alifetime opportunity.” Having never traveled to the U.S. before, Kim said she wanted to come to Texas. Country music, rodeo, boots and hats fascinated her, she said. “I like those things and people are so kind and friendly, not like in the big city where people are busy with their jobs,” Kim said. “Here, people are slow and not in a hurry. Texans enjoy their lives and don’t care [about] others’ opinions.” She said traveling to the U.S. has taught her that Americans are not much different from Koreans. “People around the world are the same,” Kim said. “They are just human. They are limited. They are just common with the same emotions and feelings.” Kim said she appreciates the chance to come to America. “I thank God for everything,” she said. “I will ask Him to give me more strength to overcome any other difficulties.”
FEATURES W
Page 4
Ho
wl
W
? ? ? Describe the skill ong
t a r
at com for th rked ou wo ave y long h
Lisa Dees Managing Editor
Red dress addresses heart disease
The University Health Clinic will hand out Red Dress pins to students during February, the American Heart Month, to raise awareness about the risk of heart diseases for women. According to National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s website, the Red Dress pin is a national symbol for women’s heart health. NHLBI is launching The Heart Truth campaign to begin the 10th anniversary of American Heart Month. The Heart Truth campaign’s goal is to “give
works at the company he is applying at. “If you’re networking and you know someone on the board…you can get your name out there a lot quicker,” Bihl said. GEO hosts speakers every week, Bihl said. The speaker is usually a faculty member, but sometimes professors are able to bring in professional geologists, who can lead a potential geologist to available positions. Bihl said if he had not been exposed to GEO’s resources, his job search would probably take longer and require much more research. Ruthenbeck said students might even contact the author of a relevant article or other publication and ask for additional information. “Now you’ve started an inroad,” she said. Such contacts can potentially lead to “word-of-mouth” positions, or at least direct one toward them, she said. She said students might ask questions such as “If this is a route I want to go with my
women a personal and urgent wake-up call about the risk of heart diseases,” The Heart Truth campaign wants to reach women between the ages of 40 and 60, who are most at risk for heart disease, NHLBI said. However, the campaign is also geared towards younger women because heart disease develops slowly and can start as a teenager. According to American Heart Association’s website, AHA created the Go Red for Women campaign to raise awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women. AHA hopes that the campaign will cause the reduction of
“death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and strokes by 20 percent by the year 2020.” Go Red for Women educates women because they are usually overlooked as a specific group affected by heart disease, AHA said. Women cannot take protective heart health actions if they do not realize they are at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, the Department of Health and Human Services started September 2011 the Million Hearts campaign. Because cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in the U.S.,
I did not enjoy this movie nearly as much as I had hoped. The plot proved to be absolutely absurd. Ottway (Liam Neeson) is a worker for an oil company in Alaska whose job is to hunt and control the wolf population. Consequently, this makes Ottway a wolf expert. He joins a plane full of ex-convict oil workers on a journey to Anchorage, only to end up stranded in the middle of the harsh Alaskan wilderness after their plane crashes. With only seven survivors left after Zach Daniel the crash, Ottway takes the role as alphamale to help lead his colleagues away from Contributor wolf-infested territory. I have just described to you the entire 117-minute atrocity that is “The Grey.” The trailer portrays an action movie with intense sequences and a great struggle for man’s survival. What it really turned out to be is 117 minutes of close up shots of wolf teeth, men wandering in the snow, then more wolf teeth. The wolves tend to surround the men and make loud, obnoxious noises until one finally reveals itself from the darkness. There is an awkward stare down between the two species, and then the wolf slowly disappears back into the darkness. When the beasts do decide to actually attack, the camera angles are so close that you can hardly distinguish what is happening. Only when the attack is over do you see the result. As the movie progresses, the action slows down and the men begin to have deep philosophical conversations about various things in their lives. This part of the movie was the only part that was remotely entertaining. There are plenty of action sequences in the first half of the movie, but after you have seen one you have seen them all. The ending is by far the most infuriating and abrupt ending I have ever seen in a movie, and quite frankly, it’s just silly. I could tell within the first half hour that I was not going to be able to take this movie seriously and this ending was just the icing on the cake. One could call it a valiant effort as a philosophical thriller, but it was very poorly executed. I suggest saving your money on this one.
2.5/5 stars
the majority of Americans know someone with heart health problems, CDC said. Million Hearts wants to educate Americans on making heart-healthy decisions, while bettering medical care for those facing a heart disease. CDC hopes to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. over the next five years. Students can pledge to exercise, eat fruits and vegetables and understand the risks of heart disease, while challenging friends and family to pledge as well at millionhearts.hhs. gov. Students can show their support and underwww.angelo.edu/services/career
Movie Review:
‘The Grey’
career, whom do you suggest I contact in this particular profession?” When a student contacts someone suggested by the “initial contact,” that student could then ask for further resources and possible contacts, expanding his or her network, she said. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource for networking, Ruthenbeck said. According to its website, as of Nov. 3, 2011, LinkedIn “operates the world’s largest professional network on the Internet with more than 135 million members in over 200 countries and territories.” Students should take advantage of their time in college because they might not find as good opportunities for networking after finishing school, Ruthenbeck said. “If your first job ends up not being your first choice and it’s not an industry you want to be in, everyone you work with is in the same discipline,” Ruthenbeck said. “So jumping to another [discipline] will be very difficult.”
o
d w ea
kn e s s e s ?
said. An option for students is to approach professors, advisers and peers. “Let them know how you hope to take your career,” she said. Actively participating in student organizations, especially those tapped into a regional or national organization, and attending conferences can help the networking process, Ruthenbeck said. Some student organizations bring in speakers and/or organize travels to conferences, which provide good opportunities to find connections and information. “Being active is going to be key,” she said. “It doesn’t do any good if you just sit at the sidelines and hope for the benefits to come to you. You have to go after them.” Senior Jeremiah Bihl, president of Geologic Exhibition Organization, said a job search is not always about the resume. Someone looking for a job can get an edge over competitors if he knows someone who
ey
g t h s a n
outgoing and charismatic to begin networking, but the process may seem intimidating to some. However, the more one reaches out, the more comfortable he or she will become, Ruthenbeck said. “Anybody can do it,” she said. It’s best to start with informational interviews, Ruthenbeck said. Most people are more than happy to provide information, she said. “You’re talking to them as a novice in the area seeking a professional opinion and advice,” she said. “The main thing…is to be genuine. You have to be realistic about what they will and will not be able to provide for you.” It is important to be respectful of the interviewees’ time and to be gracious afterward. Most people right away think about starting with parents, aunts, uncles, and etc. when it comes to networking, she said. Starting with family and family friends works, but people should also establish a network within their field, she
ha v
e y ou
rs t r en
Part 3: Connections When it comes to increasing career options, college isn’t strictly for education. Students should take advantage of their years here to build something as important as a resume or portfolio: a resume. Part 3 of the Getting Hired series focuses on the importance of networking while in college. “Everyone at the professional level knows that the vast majority of the best jobs are never going to get posted on any sort of job search engine,” said Julie Ruthenbeck, director of Career Development. Many times, she said, people hear about the best available positions through word of mouth—a network. “So it’s vital to start the [networking] process, and start early,” she said. Students have to learn how to build a network and find out whom to start with, she said. Students do not have to be
hat wo uld yo u do if What are y f i ourdostrength s and weak u nesses? Why do youyothink yo u’ll be a good fit? d l . f l e u s r u o o y t u w o b a t e l t ha ell us a lit W T ha
Getting Hired Dana Choi Editor-in-Chief
Friday, February 3, 2012
Music Review:
you will feel like a boss, just like Jack White. Somebody That I Used To Know Gotye feat. Kimbra
Patrick McKeown Contributor
Ball and Biscuit The White Stripes Oh, Mr. Jack White, how you play those blues we will never know. The blues oozes from White’s guitar as Meg’s steady pounding relaxes the groove into a permanent state of funk. Try this for an experiment: strut into a bar with smoke filling the room as you walk over to the pool table while playing this song. Chances are
Totally 80s sounding, man. This rad tune is, like, so tubular. The little eerie beat explodes into the perfect pop chorus. With vocals similar to Sting and the melancholy vibe of U2’s Bono, Gotye is making music for any generation. Night Goat Melvins Pounding like gods of thunder, the Melvin’s sound will never be duplicated. Try to imagine a T-Rex running through the jungle shredding up everything in his path, this is basically what the Melvins
do with their competition. John The Revelato Son House How can a song have so much attitude and soul with nothing but a voice and hand claps? The answer is simple, when that song is sung by Son House. With a gritty, but yet smooth voice, his singing is dripping with the power of the blues. Shelter Miyavi What a spooky riff. In fact, I bet Shaggy and Scooby could jam to this while checking out some old creepy dude’s pad. Miyavi’s guitar playing is a remarkable work of art, and his canvas is ever growing as he explodes like a rocket to the chorus.
OPINIONS
Friday, February 3, 2012
Page 5
Straight from the
Web
www.asurampage.com
Poll results
How do you find a parking space in the Park near the morning?
Staff Editorial
Computer crisis inconveniences Lately, there have been rumors going around that the computer lab in LC304 was going to be removed. We are happy to report that this will not be the case. Although we are very happy that the computer lab on the third floor of the library will remain untouched at least for the immediate future, we hope that it remains in the long term. We support this decision because we have been concerned with the lack of quick computer access on campus. Around the time that the computer lab in the library was closed last year, laptops became available for check-out in the downstairs portion of the library. The number of computers available on campus to
students did not drastically decrease, but the convenience of available computers dropped. The laptops, which are a great idea in theory, present a couple problems for students. Students have to take the time to check out the laptops, and laptops are more of a liability than desktops. One slip of the hand and a laptop can fall to the ground and break, costing the student or ASU money. Access to computers is necessary to students who do not have a personal desktop or laptop. Because not every student has a computer or a printer, many have to use computers on campus. Students who do not have computers will generally find that the computer labs (both MCS lab
and the learning commons) are too full, and all of the laptops have been checked out on more than one occasion. Even fewer students have printers than have laptops, so we hope that ASU will find a way to make it possible for more students to have quick access to a printer. We do applaud ASU for the ‘express lane’ computers that are supposed to be used for quick printing. It is possible that if there were more computers available strictly for immediate printing, crowds in the computer labs would thin out. Another difficulty we have as students is the inability (or so we thought before some investigating) to access the J drive off campus. Some professors put homework
assignments, outlines, or Power Points on the J Drive. If you can’t view the J drive at home, then it is a hassle to go back to school and save those documents. We have recently learned, however, that some students are able to access the J drive off campus. Whatever method these students are using should be publicized campus-wide so that using on-campus computers are not always a necessity for those who own laptops. This could possibly be a huge step to solving the issue of crowded computer labs. As long as there are students at ASU, computers will be in demand. We hope that there will eventually be more steps taken to allow for less crowded labs and quicker access to printers.
Junell center 8%
Luck 8%
Other 31%
Wake up earlier Float than normal 8%
46%
This week’s poll Do you often use public computers on campus? I only use the computers in the computer labs. Yes, but I have my own computer No Vote at www.asurampage.com
Submit columns and letters to the editor to rampage@angelo.edu
Sidewalk
Survey How would you feel if the computers were removed from the third floor of the library?
“We need them. There aren’t enough computers in the library.”
Ram Page Staff
Nestor Tabullo, sophomore
“I have never really used them often, so it doesn’t bother me.” Melony Melone, junior
Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas76909-0895 Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Managing Editor: rampagenews@angelo.edu Features Editor: rampagefeatures@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu Editor: (325) 942-2323 Newsroom: (325) 942-2134 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Fax: (325) 942-2551
Member of The Texas Tech University System Associated Collegiate Press Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
PUBLISHING POLICY
Published every Friday and available to students, one copy per student, the student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position and a phone number and/or e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m., Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the newspaper’s office, Room 324 on the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
Ben Martin, senior
“I have never really used them. I always go the the MCS.” Rebekah Johnson, freshman
“I didn’t know they were thinking of closing it.” Nicole McClendon, sophomore
Eli Manning vs. Tom Brady
2011-2012 Angelo State University Editor: Dana Choi Managing Editor: Lisa Dees Copy Editor: Victoria Lacy Photo Editor: Pamela Belcher Sports Editor: Stephen Cogan Staff Writer: Dillon Brollier Staff Writer: Adam Washington Photographer: Mark McDaniel Circulation Manager: Koby McMullan Advertising Manager: Sara Beth Terral Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson
“I would miss having a real lab on this side of campus.”
Joshua Leal Contributor So which quarterback would you rather have this weekend, Tom Brady or Eli Manning? Tom Brady has thrown 39 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and passed for 5,235 yards leading the Patriots to a 13-3 regular season. So after seeing his performance this season it would be easy to choose the future hall of famer. Tom Brady has been known to be one of the hardest working athletes in football. His three Super Bowl wins and numerous record breaking seasons should be enough to convince anyone to expect the Patriots to be on their way to a fourth Lombardi. Yet Tom Brady struggled to even get into the
Super Bowl. After routing the Denver Broncos, Tom Brady seemed to disappear versus the Baltimore Ravens. The same QB who had torched the Broncos was finding it hard to drive on the Ravens. In fact had it not been for a sorry excuse of a kicker I would be talking about Joe Flacco and not Brady. Now on the other side is the “Elite” quarterback Eli Manning who has thrown 29 touchdowns, 16 interceptions and passed for 4,933 yards leading the Giants to a 9-7 regular season record. With Tom Coughlin’s job on the line and the Giants appearing to be dead in the water. Nevertheless the Giants somehow managed to pick up their heads and win three of their last four games, in order to make it to the playoffs. Due in part to Eli’s second half heroics and his determination to will the Giants into the postseason. Eli has been labeled lucky due to his ability to escape sacks and make incredulous passes. Un-
like Brady, Eli has the capacity to take the sacks, to be hit by pass rushers and be unfazed by the defenses he faces. In fact the final series of the 2008 Super Bowl Eli did just that as he made one of the most ridiculous passes in history to help seal the Patriots fate. So now who to pick? Well, if Tom Brady’s offensive line doesn’t allow a single person to touch him expect it to be raining touchdowns as the Patriots light up the Gi-
Ramtoons It was such a great computer lab.
ants. However, it would be silly to expect the Giants to allow Tom Brady to sit in the pocket. So I’m choosing Eli Manning as I expect him to once again shine against the Patriots, whose defense by the way, was ranked 31st during the regular season. Eli Manning will endure everything that Bill Belichick can throw against him and will once again find a way to show that he has what it takes to win.
Carmela Booker
Its presence will be missed.
Share your thoughts on computers on campus & other issues. www.asurampage.com rampage@angelo.edu
columns letters to the editor comments
SPORTS
Page 6
Week at a Glance Friday, Feb. 3 Softball East Central @ neutral field in San Antonio, Texas - Noon
‘Belles softball prepares for season Softball: Can the
girls go all the way? Stephen Cogan Sports Editor
@St. Mary’s - 4 p.m.
Baseball Ouachita Baptist - 5 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 4 Track @Texas Tech open - TBA
Softball Texas A&M International @ neutral field in San Antonio, Texas - 10 a.m. St. Edwards @ neutral field in San Antonio, Texas - 2 p.m.
Baseball Ouachita Baptist (DH) - Noon
Basketball WBB @Midwestern State - 5 p.m. MBB @Midwestern State - 7:30 p.m
Sunday, Feb. 5 Baseball Ouachita Baptist - 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 7 Baseball @St. Mary’s - 4 p.m.
Friday, February 3, 2012
ASU’s softball team may be number one in the annual preseason poll, but Head Coach Travis Scott says it means nothing in the long run. “It’s always nice to be honored by your conference and be a favorite going into the season,” Scott said. “But at the same time, we realize that it’s still 0-0 and it’s the postseason poll that matters and we’re just looking forward to getting to play and see how things go throughout the year.” Coach Scott knows about the postseason, having won a Division II National Championship in 2004, four Division II South Central Regional titles, and five Lone Star Conference Tournament Titles. ASU’s softball record with Travis Scott as head coach is 370-116. Eight of the 2011 starters are returning to play this year and seven new players are joining the team. “You look at Kacie Easley, who was a first team All-American as a freshman, had a solid year last year and she’s really come back for her
junior season,” Scott said. “She’s had a great fall, a great preseason and practice, is hitting better and better behind the plate; looking for great things out of her.” Easley isn’t the only one that has caught Scott’s attention. He’s noticed senior staff ace Claire Molina. “Claire Molina is working hard and taking leadership of her pitching staff,” Scott said. Molina is coming off a pitching season with a 23-8 record with a 2.60 earned run average and 149 strikeouts. “I use a curve ball, screwball, rise ball, drop ball, and a slow drop curve,” Molina said. “I’ve been working on my drop ball this offseason.” Molina said she wants to be a strikeout pitcher, but trusts her defense to help her out when batters make contact. “I want to get as many Ws [wins] as I can,” Molina said. “Work as hard as I can, making it to the very end without getting injured.” The Rambelles’ home opener is Feb. 11 with a double-header against Central Oklahoma, and the girls feel like the team is ready. “I think we have a great group of girls,” Molina said. “We all get along really well.”
Photo by Mark McDaniel
Senior ace pitcher Claire Molina (no, 4) getting her pitch ready. in practice.
Rams baseball ready to start Baseball: New faces with a new team
Stephen Cogan Sports Editor
Photo Courtesy of Ashley Romo
Senior Zach Cohen (no. 21) in his batting stance.
The 2012 Rams Baseball team will be featuring a lot of new faces on the 33-man roster as they move on from 2011 season where they finished 25-23 and did not make the postseason. The Rams will have eight new freshmen and 11 transferred students to make 19 new players for the upcoming season. Only 14 players are returning Rams and only two of them were in the starting lineup for 2011. Several of the transferred players are expected to make immediate impact going into 2012 like sophomore pitcher/infielder Jake Feckley. “He transferred from A&M,” head coach Kevin Brooks said. “He should be one of the better pitchers and he swings the bat well too.” Brooks said Feckley is a hardthrowing contact pitcher that uses a fastball, a slider, and a changeup
(that is how it is spelled) pitch to get hitters out. Another transfer from Texas A&M is senior Brett Parsons who has “got some power and does a lot of things,” Brooks said. Two more transfers include a pair of juniors from Paradise Valley Community College in Ryan Greer and Quaid McKinnon who play outfield and catcher respectively. Brooks said that Greer is a fast outfielder that can hit and McKinnon is lefthanded hitter with the ability to hit the ball to any field. Brooks is not the only one who has noticed; senior bullpen catcher Nate Alter said he’s seen some things to be positive about. “I am very impressed with our new transfers,” Alter said. “Most of the new guys really have some power in their bats, and I can see us doing really well offensively.” Alter, being the bullpen catcher, also had an opinion on the new pitchers. Our pitchers that have transferred here this year will really make a huge impact to our team,” Alter said “We have pretty solid arms to start the game,
and a great bullpen to shut it down.” Other Rams that look to contribute include seniors Zach Cohen and Doug Snover. Brooks said Cohen, a team captain that has been converted to a shortstop, had a “great year” last year with a .382 batting average with 32 RBIs and an onbase average of .529. Snover was on the team last year, but missed playing due to injury. “He missed all of last year with a broken collarbone,” Brooks said. “He broke it about two days before the season started and that hurt us tremendously. He played second base.” Alter said the team’s biggest improvement came in the weight room. “I think our biggest improvement over the offseason was our strength,” Alter said. “I know a lot of the guys really hit the weights pretty hard over the break, and as long as we keep our strength throughout the season we will be in great shape to win our games at the end of the season.” The Rams will open the season at home against Ouachita Baptist on Feb. 3 and look to win more in this 2012 season.
Revenue to improve ASU’s welfare, bring in recruits Continued from Page 1 magnificent venue with great potential for alumni events and branding of the Lone Star and its members, including Angelo State,” Rallo said. Every move ASU has made is meant to generate revenue, which Rallo said he intends to use to improve ASU’s welfare and put a good deal back into the sports programs where it can be used to bring in recruits. “If this goes through, we’re probably going to be making upwards from $400,000,”Rallo said. However, the money is only part of the equation for ASU. “The big picture is it creates expo-
sure for ASU,” Volleyball Head Coach Chuck Waddington said. “It isn’t so much the money that ASU gets, but that it exposes ASU to student athletes and makes them think this is a cool place to go to school to and that gets ASU recruits for the future.” It is not just about money with Rallo, but about winning as well. There is a small case in Rallo’s office that contains three Division II national championship rings, one as recent as 2010 when the Rambelles won the NCAA Division II National Track and Field Championship. “My goal is to have that case filled up,” Rallo said.