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ISSUE NO. 5
Thursday, FEB. 10, 2011
Eagle the
U.S. Postage Paid Chadron NE 69337 Non-Profit Org. Permit No. 52
The Voice of Chadron State College since 1920
SEMPER VERITAS
TB tests come back negative
‘Drive’ explores dark sides of pedophilia
T.J. Thomson Executive Editor College administrators are not often pleased when more than 100 people fail a test. But that might well be the case today on the heels of news released Wednesday that more than 100 tuberculosis tests conducted on campus personnel last week proved negative. In a campus-wide e-mail sent Wednesday, CSC President, Dr. Janie Park, said “health officials report no indication of the spread of tuberculosis” after testing more than 100 people who had prolonged contact with a male student who was diagnosed in January with active tuberculosis. see Tuberculosis, Page 3
Health concerns not cause for recall
Full coverage pages 16 - 17
T.J. Thomson Photo by T.J. Thomson
Li’l Bit, played by Rebecca French, 19, sophomore of Alliance, grasps her torso in CSC Theatre production “How I Learned to Drive,” by Paula Vogel. French’s character is frequently humiliated because of her developed physical nature.
NEWS
SPORTS
OPINION
Winter weather disrupts classes
RLA gives the gift of great skin at event
Track and field event breaks 5 records
Differences make for evocative talk Page 4
LIFESTYLES
Page 7
Join or start an online discussion @ http://forum.csceagle.com
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Page 18
Executive Editor The recall, issued by Shamrock Foods, Denver, of a number of Iced Coffee sample packets at a CSC campus food show Feb. 2 was not due to a health concern, but was only a precaution against the product not retaining “optimum taste,” the manufacturer said Friday. Gayle Becker, consumer care specialist for Jet, the manufacturer, said that the last five digits of the coded number on the back of each packet specified the date of manufacture – in this case “11169” translated to Nov. 16, 2009. see RECALL, Page 3
“A lot like love,“ movie review by Kinley Q. Nichols, Page 17
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NEWS
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THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011
STUDENT SENATE
‘Birds’ find new voice
Senate cancelled due to weather conditions The student center meeting planned for 5 p.m. Monday was cancelled due to a combination of extreme weather conditions and the cancelling of night classes by the college, said Jacob Karmazin, student senate president. The Eagle received a call at approximately 4:15 with the news that senate had been cancelled. Among the items on the agenda for senate was a presentation on “Alternative Spring Break” by Deena Kennel, CSC director of Internships and Career Services
The former Jazz Birds music ensemble has officially changed the name of its group to “The Birds” and has a new singer joining their ranks – Christiane Roth of Hot Springs, S.D. The ensemble is under the direction of ‘Sandy’ Schaefer, professor of music, and specializes in a mix of soul, funk, and soul-jazz. The group performed its season opener at Wrecker’s roadhouse, 8 p.m., Wednesday. Roth sang “Midnight Hour” and “Stormy Monday Blues” during the opener.
CORRECTION In the Feb. 3 edition of The Eagle, the article “Root beer pong event intoxicates students” mistakenly referenced the number of RAs involved in the activity. Besides RA Darren Burrows, the other contributing RAs were Alex Gomez, James De La Cerna, Anibal Ponce, Kaelee Stuchlik, and Sydney Jundt. The Eagle regrets the error.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES BOARD
Nerf wars and budget requests highlight weekly CAB meeting Kelsey Amos
Lifestyles Reporter The Campus Activities Board deliberated Tuesday over the Pit and RLA’s request for $1500 to fund a campus-wide Nerf gun game called “Got’cha.” After much discussion, Sammi Shaykett made a motion to table
the request until the Pit knew exactly how many people were going to participate in the game. Vice President Kyle Klammer approved the motion. The Pit and RLA are collaborating to cosponsor “Got’cha” on the CSC campus. Nathan Pindell and several guests came to CAB to request $1500 to pay for nerf guns, from either Toys-R-Us or Wal-
Mart, and t-shirts from Outlaw Printers. Pindell said these two clubs would use their funds first and then use the CAB money. Treasurer Luke Wright reminded CAB members that the cost of this event would be approximately that of free movie night. The Pit and RLA are hoping to make this an annual event, so they would only need this much
February 10 - 16 Saturday 12
-Insanity Workout, 6-7 a.m., High Rise basement -Chadron Gamers Association, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Student Center Ponderosa room -International Food Tasting Party, 5:30 p.m., Student Center ballroom - “How I Learned to Drive,” 7:30-9:30 p.m., Memorial Hall Black Box Theatre
Sunday 13
- “How I Learned to Drive,” 2-4 p.m., Memorial Hall Black Box Theatre -Honors Recital, 3-4:30 p.m., Chicoine Atrium Sandoz Center
Monday 14
-Insanity Workout, 6-7 a.m., High Rise basement -Caribbean Cricket Sign-Up, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Student Center hallway -Student Senate, 5-7 p.m., Student Center Scottsbluff room -Pie Your Favorite Resident Director, 5-7 p.m., Kent Hall Red Room
money to get started, Pindell said. The nerf guns would be used again for later games. He said that after 3 days of planning, around 250 people have expressed interest in the game, which has been approved by Randy Rhine. The Pit and RLA are planning to start the game the week after midterm break. Treasurer Luke Wright said
that CAB’s account balance is $7,546.43. He distributed letters explaining the upcoming budget hearings, which will be March 2122. Wright reiterated that clubs requesting less than $1,000 do not have to attend a budget hearing. Budget packets requesting less than $5,000 are due March 4, while packets of $5,000 or more are due March 1.
Thursday 10
Friday 11
Tuesday 15
Wednesday 16
-Insanity Workout, 6-7 a.m., High Rise basement -Valentine Card Give-Away, 12 a.m.-1 p.m., Student Center hallway -B94.7 and CSC Ladies Fair, 6-10 p.m., Student Center ballroom - “How I Learned to Drive,” 7:309:30 p.m., Memorial Hall Black Box Theatre -Late Night at the Pit, 9-11 p.m., Student Center Pit
-Insanity Workout, 6-7 a.m., High Rise basement -Cardinal Key Blood Drive, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Student Center ballroom -Campus Activities Board Meeting, 6-7 p.m., Student Center Scottsbluff room -Chi Alpha, 8-10 p.m., Student Center ballroom
-Insanity Workout, 6-7 a.m., High Rise Basement - “How I Learned to Drive,” 7:309:30 p.m., Memorial Hall Black Box Theatre -Black History Awareness, 8-midnight, Edna Lobby
-Insanity Workout, 6-7 a.m., High Rise basement
NEWS
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BUG IN YOUR EAR - with Laure Sinn
CSC celebrates Black History month in style
In the Edna Hall lobby at 8 p.m., Friday Feb. 11, there will be a Black History Awareness event. Students can enjoy some soul food, which will include; chicken, corn, macaroni and cheese, and corn bread, while watching “Remember the Titans.” There will also be a trivia game, and the prizes will be based off of African American Inventors. There will be a poster with the“I have a Dream Speech,” along with handouts that have history on Black history month and Martin Luther King Jr. Students will also be able to create handprint wreaths where they can write different memories and goals on each hand.
Alternative spring break grasps Arkansas disasters
Over midterm break, Deena Kennel will be taking about 20 to 35 students to do tornado clean up in northwest Arkansas. They have taken the trip over the last four years, one year to clean up hurricane disasters. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get out of Nebraska.” Ashley Maxon, senior of Laurel said. They will be leaving March 6 and there is still room left. It’s $100 per student, and if interested, they can contact Deena Kennel at 308-432-6467 or e-mail her at dkennel@csc.edu.
—Compiled by Ashley Swanson
Tuberculosis
THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011
from Page 1
That student, whose identity has been kept confidential, remains hospitalized, but is expected to fully recover. Contact representative from PPHD, Becky Corman, said that while the test results did not show any sign of the active infection spreading, the male student who was infected remains in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.
Recall
from Page 1
Becker also said that the manufacturer guarantees the product’s quality to be good up until one year from the manufacture date. “It’s not going to hurt you; it just might not maintain its optimum taste,” said Becker about the iced coffee. Becker speculated that because the packets were made available as part of a food show sponsored by the campus dining services, the sponsors were more likely to be strict in regards to established food safety standards and recalled the product merely as a precaution. Tracy Shuck, director of Creative Dining Services on campus, said that the recall originated from the college’s food distributor – Shamrock Foods of Denver. Shuck also said that food services had no idea how many packets had been taken during the show. A Shamrock representative, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Friday that the recalled product was part of a larger collection of extra samples donated by the distributor.
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International food tasting dishes up food, culture The Annual International Food Tasting Party will take place 5.30 p.m., Saturday in the Student Center Ballroom. Frances Gonzalez, International Student Club sponsor, said the reason the club hosts the food tasting is “. . . to provide an opportunity to international students to cook their cuisine as well as to share their culture and traditions.” The event is aimed not only at the student audience, but also at the community members. Around 400 people are expected to attend. “There will be food, song, dance, and fashion,” said Gonzalez. Cultures of 15 countries will be presented. Tickets are already almost sold out. As of Wednesday evening, there was still a limited number of tickets available, and can be purchased from the International Student Club members, or from Gonzalez. She can be found at her office in the Gold Room or contacted by phone at 308-432-6381.
Rodeo club wrangles up items for annual fundraiser T.J. Thomson Executive Editor The CSC Rodeo Club, sponsored by Dustin Luper, rodeo coach, is again planning on holding its yearly “Black Tie Calf Fry” at the Dawes County Events Center, 6 p.m., Feb. 19. The dinner and auction are intended to support the efforts of the rodeo club in order to raise money for practice and travel expenses associated with the club. Last year, the club raised $7,500 and hopes to raise a similar amount this year. According to Luper, everything from “firearms
to horses” has been auctioned in years past, and this year’s auction will feature both live and silent auction formats. Luper expects around 50 live auction items to be sold this year and approximately 20 silent auction items. Door prizes will be drawn every half hour. The dinner is being catered by local Chadron bar and restaurant Feiks 120, and will feature live music. The auction portion of the event is being facilitated by Kraupie Farm Auction Services of Bridgeport. Tickets are being sold for admission at $15 a head, and can be purchased from any club member or by contacting Luper at dluper@csc.edu or 308-432-6286.
Globalization, expectations highlight Dean White’s address Ashley Swanson Reporter On Tuesday, Feb. 8, Ann Buchmann introduced Gary White, dean of the School of Business, Entrepreneurship, Applied and Mathematical Sciences, and Sciences, to talk about globalization. White’s presentation, titled “Global Scholars Initiative,” focused on his Nov. 2010 Fulbright program experience in Cherkassy, Ukraine and CSC’s foreign scholar recruitment .
When White asked everyone in the room what globalization meant to them, no one answered. He then noted that hospitals are a great example of globalization, and explained the reason is because more foreign doctors are coming to work in the U.S. “Not all medical advancements are found in the U.S.,” White said. He also talked about the expectations he hoped CSC could accomplish and some the college already has accomplished. Some of the accomplishments White highlighted included the opportunity for students
to obtain dual-degrees, as well as selecting any major they prefer. This contrasts with many international institutions of higher learning, who specify that students must take an entrance exam to qualify for college, as well as select their major based on the results of the exams. Further, once students select a major, they are required to remain with the same degree for 8 years. He addressed the expectations for the future, including the lack of stand-alone units and his hope that partnerships could develop
between institutions. White also hopes that student exchanges and opportunities for shared experience will be developed, as well as shared faculty research and experiences. He also talked about possible projects he wants to succeed. Besides having a project with other U.S. institutions, he also wants to try to get partnerships for online agricultural video conferences. Some possible educational partners thought of are Chadron State College, Minnesota State University, North Dakota State University, and Colorado State University.
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NEWS
WWW.CSCEAGLE.COM
THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011
After week’s bitter start, forecasters predict mild weekend Sub-zero wind chills cancel Monday’s night classes T.J. Thomson Executive Editor
WEATHER BLOWOUT
Jacob Karmazin, 22, senior of Lawrence, grimaces while trudging through the drifts of snows amidst the blowing wind Monday evening.
Photo by T.J. Thomson
A flurry of snow beginning late Monday morning and continuing throughout the day turned into more substantial snowfall and, fueled by gusting winds of more than 30 m.p.h., led to the early closing of nearly all campus buildings and the official cancelation of night classes for Monday evening. At the time the photo at left was taken, the official temperature in Chadron was 10 degrees F and winds from east-north east were gusting at 31 m.p.h., according to weather.com’s local listing. Forecasts for the weekend predict highs of 50 degrees.
Pipe freezes, floods NPAC lobby
Extreme temperatures Thursday caused a pipe to crack in four sections and cause flooding Chelsie Moreland Photographer Numerous days of severe cold weather caused a pipe to break in the Nelson Physical Activity Center Thursday. Around 1 p.m. Thursday, one of the sprinkler pipes near the entrance to the NPAC burst and water started filling the entryway. The fire alarm was triggered and an automated voice was sounded in the building tell-
ing everyone to evacuate because of a fire. “The extreme change of temperature was the main reason the pipe busted,” said Ashley Dent, NPAC Coordinator. Approximately 15-20 employees and NPAC visitors tried to contain the water and push it outside before maintenance arrived shortly after the break. They used squeegees, brooms, shovels, and anything else they could find to hold the water. “It was definitely a joint effort to contain the water,” said Dent.
Alan Cisneros, supervisor of maintenance, had a crew bring extra custodians to get the NPAC functioning like normal again. Fans were kept on all day and the doors were propped open to help ventilate the building. Dent contacted a company in Rapid City, S.D. that came to assess the damage and see what repairs needed to be made. “The pipe was cracked in four places and because of that, they didn’t have enough tools to repair on Friday, so they came back Monday to fix it,” Dent said.
Dent is grateful that this incident happened during the day when there were people around. “I’m glad it happened when someone was here opposed to overnight. No telling how much damage would’ve been done.” Currently, all of the damage has been fixed but there is a possibility of further sheetrock repair because of mold issues. “The damages probably came to no more then a few hundred dollars,” said Dale Grant, vice president of administration and finance.
WWW.CSCEAGLE.COM EDITORIAL — THE EAGLE’S VIEW
Blow the whistle on bad sportsmanship “Nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, we got screwed.” “Get off your knees, you’re blowing the game.” “That’s alright, that’s ok, you’re going to pump our gas someday.” These chants are not uncommon at athletic events. At Chadron State College, athletes are used to playing sports with these phrases repeated in the background. Not only are our athletic teams known for their skill, but for the heckling of fans in the stands. Whether targeting officials, or bringing down the opposing team, our fans find a way to verbally embarrass players, coaches, and/or referees. Sporting events are athletic competitions for a reason. These are meant to display a team’s talent and physical abilities. Teams consist of coaches and players. Fans are not required to attend, but can dictate the team’s reputation. No participation or negative contribution affects the team’s morale in the eyes of the competitors. Chants should encourage the performance of players. Instead, they usually are misconstrued as lack of confidence in the college’s athletic programs. It seems the only support we give to the athletes is tearing at the other teams’ “feelings.” Strong athletes are not affected by negative sayings from crowds. Their performances are only dictated by personal preparation and training. The bottom line is, participation from fans should be meant for encouragement. Think about if teams only played in order for the other team to lose. If this were the case, athletes would no longer strive to become MVP or spend hours training to improve their capabilities. Teams would not exist. Single players would band together to beat another group of single players out of spite instead of personal gain. Sports are based on accomplishments, not defeat. Fans need to base their support on the same idea. Fans with good sportsmanship say, “go team,” not, “stop opposing team.” It’s disrespectful to the two teams, the sport itself, and most of all, to the fans’ reputations. There’s a reason players are penalized for foul language and personal attacks. Fans need to be considerate to their teams as well. Actions speak louder than words, sports fans. Be a fan, but don’t blow it for the team.
OPINION 5 Worries over China are over exaggerated THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Aaron Gonzalez Columnist
“…Western economists argue that the [currency] is undervalued, thus giving [their] exports an unfair price advantage in world markets. The U.S., with its ailing textile industry, and other Western governments are putting strong pressure… either to revalue the [currency] or to liberalize trade. Reluctant to tamper with their currency, [they] are expected to carry out a gradual, grudging reduction of barriers against foreign trade and capital over the next couple of years.” This sounds like a clipping from a newspaper, or a nightly political talk show today. I know what you’re thinking: the Chinese are going to overtake us! Well, no. The rhetoric is the same, but the country is different. If you were alive in 1970, you’d probably be reading these words in the TIME magazine issue titled “Toward the Japanese Century.” For history’s sake, Japan did grow enormously during its boom years, overtaking Western Europe and placing itself snuggly as the second largest economy in the world. This boom lasted until the early 1990s, when the gas finally ran out and Japan had to slow down. We are now hearing again the same dribble and paranoia from 40 years ago: an Asiatic country is developing fast, it’s
ruining our industry because of the cheap products, and is posing a huge threat to our dominance. While there is some truth to that, it is largely overblown. It is true that the economy of China is growing very rapidly, but the numbers are quite deceiving. If you have a country that is virtually poor to begin with, any marginal improvement seems like a numerical miracle. For example, if a town has only one dollar of value within it, and an outsider brings in another dollar to spend, the town’s economy has just grown 100%. The same goes with China, where a 10% growth rate, setting it proportional to the number of Chinese people that need to be supported, equals only about a 4% growth rate in America. Yes, skyscrapers and new industries are sprouting up in China, but that is mainly because the nation is working fast to catch up to the developed world. The same thing happened with Japan, as by the 1980s the infrastructure had finally caught up just in time for the growth rate to slow down after finally catching up to Western nations. As for the everyday life of the Chinese people, which the media seem to present as everyone having twenty-first century lifestyles, life is highly polarized. If you stick to the eastern coast of China, you’d think that you were living in the great cities of Japan and South Korea. Move into the middle and western parts of the country and life looks pretty much like it did in the Middle Ages. Poverty, primitive
technologies, and lack of opportunity are common in rural China. Yes, there exists an opportunity to grow and prosper, but sacrificing one’s traditions and ancestral livelihood is what it takes to rise up. In his book China Road, NPR correspondent Rob Gifford (who has lived in China for almost 20 years) lays out just how fragile and divided the Chinese nation is. Be it corrupt local officials or the plights of ethnic minorities, the tensions over economic justice and equality are putting Beijing on the hot seat. There is a revolution going on in China; it is not a political but economic one and the future of the nation and the state is in the balance. If China keeps growing rapidly (which no country can do forever) social unrest will begin on such a wide scale that the state will wither. If the government raises the value of the Chinese Yuan in relation to the dollar, it knows that their exports will become too expensive for us, leading to a sharp decrease in their exports, wherein the factories and jobs will go away, and unrest and revolutionary action will occur. Only with the new information and manufacturing technologies do the political ideas (which have already permeated the society) and values follow. Until then, and it won’t be long, the US and China are going to go into the twentyfirst Century essentially conjoined. Like Japan and the US were in the 1970s and 1980s, once China reaches the threshold as an officially developed nation, they’ll slow down as international companies and industries look to other countries for cheaper labor, perhaps Africa and India. C’est la vie!
MAN ON THE STREET
What do you think about Valentine’s Day? “It is an excuse for chocolate.”
Katie Hughart, 19, sophomore, Elementary Education major, of Crawford.
“If you are in a relationship it’s a good thing, but if you’re not then it doesn’t really matter.” Aaron Holmstedt 22, senior, Industrial Technology Education major, of Paxton.
“I don’t mind the day, but it should not be the only day for a guy to show affection.” Kayla Otle, 20, sophomore, Early Childhood Education, of Gordon.
Compiled by Kinley Q. Nichols
“It’s for the birds.”
John Sandlian, 23, senior, Criminal Justice, of Torrington
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OPINION
WWW.CSCEAGLE.COM
THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011
letter from the editor
the
Mistakes are inevitable, but how they are dealt with determines character
T.J. Thomson Executive Editor
First, please allow me to tell you how excited I am to increase my role and participation in The Eagle as well as the campus and community. I have nothing but high aspirations and expectations for this publication, as well as for myself and my colleagues. Second, as The Eagle is first and foremost a harbinger of information and news, I want to continue providing relevant content to the students and faculty of Chadron State College, as well as to our readers in the community and abroad. As I look over the drafts of pages to be submitted for publication, I notice quite a few of
the same names reappearing. Although I applaud the pertinacity of our staff members, as this is a student published newspaper for a primary audience of students, it is my goal that the names that appear on our pages reflect the majors, activities, athletic affiliations, and personalities of the broadest and most diverse cross-section of campus possible. It is my intention to commit all available resources into making The Eagle a publication of which the administration, students, and faculty and staff can both take pride in and participate freely in regard to whatever talents and skills with which they might be endowed. Yes, this is a student newspaper; however, I hope I speak for more than myself in recognizing the wisdom that experience has brought to our teachers and advisers, and so the paper welcomes contributions from faculty and staff as well as from students. Third, I commend the many on this campus through whose hard work and dedication we have events to cover, news to break, and features to run. It is our privilege to allow a
broader audience a glimpse of the meritorious actions that are performed on this campus. Although I consider myself an optimist, I would be naive to think that my time with The Eagle will be free from scandal, suspicion, or reproach. When the hard stories come, when a tragedy arises, or when tough questions have to be asked, I can only hope that I as well as the entirety of the staff at The Eagle will be tirelessly diligent in the quest for truth. At times, we may beg your indulgence for our mistakes, oversights, and for the errors that are inevitable to occur; however, along with such indulgence, we hope to reward our readers with our honesty, our time, resources, and ultimately, the truth. We will fail, we will mess up – continually. Yet, with every failure and mistake, we hope to learn and grow. To better ourselves and our publication. Thank you for allowing us the chance to be the gatekeepers and guardians of truth. We will do all in our power not to abuse your trust.
Eagle Executive Editor
T.J. Thomson editor@csceagle.com
Sports Editor
Julie Davis sports@csceagle.com
Lifestyles Editor
Sara Labor lifestyles@csceagle.com
Chief Photographer
Kinley Q. Nichols photo@csceagle.com
Contributors Kelsey Amos, Christina Ferrero, Aaron Gonzalez, Kristina Harter, Jamie Holmes, Jamie Keller, Rian Mamula, Melissa Minasi, Chelsie Moreland, Ashley Swanson, Vera Ulitina
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-All the regular programs have started up again, which means more weeks of everyone’s favorite T.V. shows, like Glee. -Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, giving guys a few days to think of something sweet to do for their honey buns. -A high of 50 degrees is predicted for Saturday, which will hopefully melt all the snow and bring an early spring as the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil predicted. -Kudos to the RAs who are being trained to promote suicide awareness.
Deadline is noon Monday to publish in the following Thursday’s edition.
-The snow that covered campus made the ice even more icy, making people prone to accidents more. -Even though the snow cancelled night classes on Feb. 7, it didn’t snow enough to cancel classes the next day. -Valentine’s Day may be a day for sharing lovey-dovey cards, bears, and chocolates; but the only people who actually prosper from it are the factories that get all the money. -Wearing high heels or shoes with no traction is dangerous while going down the stairs.
Distribution Manager
A glimpse into the past . . . v Winter ball king and queen are named - Feb. 9, 1968 - Almost 200 students attended the first formal dance of the year, which had blue and silver decorations and was covered in candlelight. The event took place in the ballroom of the then called Campus Center, where the coronation took place. Larry Baumann, senior of Chadron, and Denise Donohue, sophomore of Chadron, were crowned winter wonderland king and queen, while Walt Stoeger, senior of Rockville, and Pat Cashon, senior of Chadron, were named prince and princess. Compiled by Ashley Swanson
-Source: The Eagle Archives
Evan Mehne subscriptions@csceagle.com
Editorial Disclaimer Guest columns and letters to the editor are encouraged. The opinions expressed in such submissions belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the opinions of The Eagle staff, its adviser, or the students, staff, faculty or administration of Chadron State College. Please limit letters to 250 words; guest columns and editorials to 700 words. Deadline for submissions is noon Monday for consideration in the following Thursday’s publication. The Eagle reserves the right to accept, reject or edit all submissions.
OPINION
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THURSDAY, FEB. 10, 2011
7
Valentine’s day not for ‘singles’ Holiday excessively commercializes what was historically an altruistic celebration
Rian Mamula Contributor
There’s no doubt about it: Valentine’s Day sucks (for the single people that is). All the couples run around, proclaiming their love, exchanging presents, flowers, candy, etc., etc., etc., while we single people cry over a pint of Ben and Jerry’s, and watch chick
flicks with crumpled up tissues covering the floor. Okay, okay, I’m exaggerating, but you know what I’m talking about. Valentine’s Day started out with Saint Valentine holding secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young men. Claudius felt that married men were more emotionally attached to their families and wouldn’t make good soldiers. Saint Valentine was executed by Claudius due to his crimes. And thus, Valentine’s Day was
born. Instead of showing somebody you care just one day of the year, why not show it every day? You don’t need a ‘holiday’ to do that. Heck, if it were an actual holiday, we wouldn’t have to go to school. And what is Valentine’s Day supposed to show anyway? Is it just some secret thing where if you get your significant other chocolates and flowers, then they’ll forget about everything bad that’s happened in the past year? It seems to me like Valentine’s Day is just an excuse to buy some-
body’s affection, instead of truly earning it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a single young woman bent on giving grief to everyone else who’s dating. I do have reasons to not like Valentines Day. Here are the top five reasons why I hate Valentine’s Day. 1. It’s cheesy. I mean, HELLO? Who wants a teddy bear as tall as and/or bigger than themselves? 2. Its origins. Yes, it’s based on what I said earlier, but how exactly? Did somebody just declare that February 14th was going to
be a day stuffed with chocolate and hearts? 3. Exploitation of chocolate. Yeah, you know what I mean. “You’d better give me chocolate or else!” ‘Nuff said. 4. The weird candy and cards. No, you cannot be mine. No, I will not sniff that. 5. Cupid. Really? A flying man in a diaper shooting people with love arrows? I mean, who comes up with this stuff?? So all of you haters (and lovers): Have a great, terrible, magnificent, devastating Valentine’s Day!
Birds of a feather shouldn’t always flock together Morgan Nelson Guest Columnist
America is the land of the free. This privilege of freedom allows us to express our thoughts without holding back. We all have a right to form opinions, and usually we aren’t afraid to share them. Forums, debates, and even informal discussions can help us develop our opinions in a way that is invigorating. We unite in thoughts and ideas, as well as divide by them. So often we place ourselves and others into groups with shared values or ideas, which help characterize ourselves and others. This can be helpful to convey our opinions and standards, as well as to help ‘birds of a feather flock together’. There are several categories which we can belong to. You might find yourself being a joiner, or the type that rallies with people just like you. Could it be that you like your own feathers best? Maybe you fail to look outside your comfort zone. I venture to say, how closed-minded of you. I’m not very good at placing myself under
labels. Others might find it less difficult to clearly judge my position or my ideals, but I think of that as premature. I like to avoid the development of pre-conceived notions that people may form about me by not volunteering more information than necessary. On the same note, I am not ashamed of my beliefs and ideas. In today’s world it’s hard to inspire thought if everything is on the table. Those who have seen my desk would know that I indeed own books of both Sarah Palin and Glenn Beck. Are you judging yet? I neither accept everything they say nor choose one as my political hero. My personal belief is that I cannot possibly form an educated or worthy opinion on anything without having first researched and informed myself fully. Once I’m done with those authors, I will look for something to read on the opposite end of the spectrum. I value any type of information or opinion which will fuel my previous moral obligations or challenge a belief not well founded. Picking sides can sometimes do the exact opposite of what we would like. While remaining in your comfort zone you inspire just that, your previous comfort. When has change and transformation been inspired by comfort? We all would like to change society in our own unique ways. Maintaining our comfort zone will not magically give us that power of change which we crave. Instead,
picking a side or team can become a credibility war where we stand behind our favorite politicians and hope they represent us well. Let’s admit, our political heroes do have the potential to make mistakes. We like to give credit to the people around us for those mistakes. It’s just ammo for the arsenal right? Well it’s likely just an arms race, because I’m not sure where the actual war is. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Our nation’s issues cannot possibly be attributed to one president. I’m not saying President Bush’s eight year time frame isn’t enough time to make mistake, nor that President Obama’s shorter term thus far is completely clean by comparison. If I hold strong by every Republican that comes by, how much of an inspiration will I become? This is my challenge – that through empathy, advanced thought, or the everyday application of the B.S. you’re bound to hear, I believe anyone can achieve a greater understanding of one another, and of the political and moral objections at hand. As one of my favorite thinkers Jack Handey says, “Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes . . .” I leave the remainder of the quote untold for now. The above quote can have many meanings, but this is the one I hope you take from it. Not only does listening to the thoughts of others help us become nicer people, but it helps us as
more informed thinkers. Life gains a different dimension when you know what others are thinking. Sometimes the view is better from the wall, if you so choose to be a fly. I don’t suggest that we abandon our own thoughts and standards, rather that we open our developing minds to the ideas of another being. Allow another to be heard and absorb what they say, and for once do as your parents said and just listen. Now for the final portion of the quote by Jack Handey, “. . . that way when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.” I beg to differ. I suggest you reach for a friend of a finer-feather. That way, you challenge the flight pattern and push through the hard winter wind. You have shared reason, intelligence, objections, history, culture, and maybe even stupidity. To put it best, you are a better person for having shared and cultivated ideas with them.
“Maintaining our comfort zone will not magically give us that power of change which we crave.”
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THE EAGLE’S PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Mavericks trample Eagles
Karl McFarlane Track and Field
Event: Hurdles/Sprints Year: Sophomore Hometown: Montego Bay, Jamaica
lead before scoring the last basket with 6 seconds to go. Mesa State took the game by 28 points to finish the game 79-51. The Eagles play the Metro State College Roadrunners at 8 p.m. Friday in Armstrong Gym. The team also plays the Regis University Rangers 8 p.m. Saturday for its last home game of the season.
Julie Davis Sports editor
McFarlane won the 55-meter hurdles and qualified for the NCAA championship meet.
Ashley Fanelli Track and Field
Event: Jumps/Hurdles Year: Sophomore Hometown: Arvada, Colo.
Fanelli won the triple jump, took second in the long jump and high jump.
PLAYER REACTION
Photo by T.J. Thomson
Jesse Duncan, 18, freshman of Lingle, Wyo., falls to the mat following his pole vault during the CSC Twilight and Multi track and field event Friday.
The Eagles have 12 consecutive losses and five games left in the season. The last three teams the Eagles have played were the only three teams that they beat this season. At home against Colorado Christian University, the Eagles fell short by just five points. In Gunnison, Colo., Friday, the Eagles were ahead 39-18 at halftime, then lost control and the score turned to a 72-54 Western State College victory. The Mesa State College Mavericks won 79-51 with home court advantage over the Eagles Saturday in Brownson Arena in Grand Junction, Colo. The Mavericks took the lead 8 seconds into the game and did not allow the Eagles to come within 1 point of their lead. Mesa State was up by 18 points before the Eagles caught a break. At halftime, the Mavericks were ahead with a 14-point lead over the Eagles. The second half, the Eagles came within the Mavericks’ lead by 11 points with 13 minutes left in the game. Mesa State collected on the lead and were soon up Photo by Claire Doyle/Criterion by 21 over the Eagles. The last 3 minutes of the Maverick Kevin Screen (20), redshirt freshman guard of Glenwood Springs, Colo., game, the Eagles allowed the dribbles past Eagle Shey Mataele (22), freshman guard of Los Angeles,Saturday Mavericks to take a 30-point in the Brownson Arena in Grand Junction, Colo.
vs
Air Force Invitational
Friday and Saturday, at Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Basketball
vs
as of 9 p.m. Feb. 9
Women’s Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Metro State 16-1 Fort Lewis 15-1 Colo. Christ. 13-4 Mesa State 11-6 CSU Pueblo 10-6 Neb. Kearney 10-7 Adams State 9-7 Western St. 7-10 Regis 7-10 UC-Colo. Spr. 6-10 N.M. Hi-lands 6-11 Colo. Mines 3-14 Chadron 3-14 Western N.M 1-16
Men’s Basketball 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Colo. Mines 14-3 Metro State 14-3 N.M. Hi-lands 12-5 Fort Lewis 11-5 Western N.M. 11-6 Adams State 10-6 Mesa State 10-7 CSU-Pueblo 6-10 Neb. Kearney 6-11 Colo. Christ. 6-11 Western State 6-11 UC-Colo. Spr. 5-11 Regis 3-14 Chadron 3-14
Wrestling 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Grand Canyon 6-0 Western State 6-1 Neb. Kearney 4-1 Colo. Mines 4-2 Adams State 4-3 Mesa State 3-4 Chadron 3-4 Fort Hays State 2-3 San Fran. State 0-1 CSU-Pueblo 0-6 N.M. Hi-lands 0-7
Source: rmacsports.org
UPCOMING CSC SPORTS
Track and Field
RMAC Standings
Metro State
Women’s 6 p.m., Men’s 8 p.m. Friday at Home, Armstrong Gym
Basketball
vs
Regis University
Women’s 6 p.m., Men’s 8 p.m. Saturday at Home, Armstrong Gym
Wrestling
vs
CSU Pueblo
7 p.m. Saturday at Home, Nelson Physical Activity Center
SPORTS
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CSC Grapplers drop close one to Bluehawks, 22-16 Jamie Keller Reporter
Photo by Kinley Q. Nichols
CSC’s Mikah Kadera, junior of Sheridan, Wyo., maneuvers against Dickinson (S.D.) State University’s Kyle Johnson, junior of Mesquite, Nev., during their 157-pound match Wednesday night at the NPAC.
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The Eagle wrestlers lost to the Dickinson State University Bluehawks 2216 Wednesday in the Nelson Physical Activity Center. Dickinson State immediately gained points when the Eagles had an open in the 125-pound class awarding the points to Sergio Martinez, junior of Tehachapi, Calif. The first match Dustin Stodola, sophomore of Clarkson, won in the 125-pound class over Kevin Hensen, freshman of Kotzesbue, Ark., by major decision, 11-4. With the team scores 4-6, Josh McCance, sophomore of Chadron, battled against Adam Orton, sophomore of Evanston, Wyo., in the 141-pound class and lost by major decision, 12-2. The 149-pound bout was Jimmy Savala, senior of Clovis, Calif., against Jordan Ewen, junior of Huntley Project, Mont. Savala came out on top and won by decision, 8-6. Mikah Kadera, junior of Sheridan,
Wyo., beat Kyle Johnson, junior of Mesquite, N.D., in the 157-pound class by decision, 7-2. Tied in team points at 10-10, 165-pound Briston Brenton, junior of Casper, Wyo., lost by decision 8-3 to Nick Zumwalt, sophomore of Spokane. Trent Zempel, senior of Conrad, Mont., won by decision 8-3 against Bluehawks Brady Burgess, sophomore of Gillette, Wyo., in the 165-pound class. Zempel’s win put the team scores to a tie, 13-13. Jordan Debus lost in the184-pound class by pin in 43 seconds to Steven Urquizo, junoir of Merced, Calif., putting the team scores at 19-13 in the Bluehawks’ favor. Chris Leak, sophomore of Omaha, lost to George Hargrove, junior of Springfield, Mass., by decision, 5-3 in the 197-pound bout. Heavyweight Sam Udell, senior of Colorado Springs, Colo., controlled the match over Cody Jamtgaard, sophomore of Gillette, Wyo., and won 4-3. Udell’s win wasn’t enough for the Eagles and Dickinson State won 22-16.
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Eagles shine at home in ‘Twilight’ meet
Photo by T.J. Thomson
Alex Alderman, 18, freshman of Rapid City, S.D., hurls herself in circles prior to flinging the weight into the air.
Christina Ferrero Reporter Chadron State College hosted the Twilight track meet Friday and Saturday in the Nelson Physical Activity Center. The team broke four meet records, with two throwers automatically qualifying for the nationals
meet, and three runners qualifying for the NCAA Championship meet. Jessica Horsley, senior of Basin, Wyo., threw the weight 61 feet, 11 inches, setting a new meet record and automatically qualifying her for the NCAA Division II Indoor meet in March. In the men’s shot put, Cody Hunt, junior of Litchfield qualified for the
NCAA Championship meet for the third time this season with his throw of 61 feet, 1.25 inches, a distance exactly matching his throw last week at Concordia. Several members of the Chadron team qualified provisionally for the NCAA meet in March; in Albuguerque, N.M., including Julia Bayer, senior of Stuttgart, Germany, who
won the women’s long jump, and set a new meet record with a distance of 18 feet, 5.25 inches. Bayer also won the 55 meter hurdles, with a time of 8:55 seconds. Alyssa Norton, sophomore of Rushville, qualified provisionally for the NCAA meet in the shot put, with a distance of 44 feet, 3.25 inches, which earned her first place. Karl McFarlane, sophomore of Montego Bay, Jamaica, won the men’s 55 meter hurdles, and qualified provisionally for the NCAA meet with a time of 7.55 seconds. Monique Fair, sophomore of Denver, won the women’s 55 meter dash, and set a new meet record with a time of 7.30 seconds. Ashley Riesen, sophomore of Chadron, set a new meet record in the 800 meter run, taking first place with a time of 2:22.89. Riesen also won the mile run with a time of 5:25.05. Joe Shultz, senior of Alliance, broke the meet record in the men’s mile run with a time of 4:22.18, which earned him second place. Meghan Finney, sophomore of Almont, Colo., won the women’s 400 meter dash with a time of 1:02.44. Shelby Placke, freshman of Johnstown, Colo., came in a close second in the 400 meter dash, finishing at 1:03.00. Ashley Fanelli, sophomore of Arvada, Colo., won the women’s triple jump at 37 feet, 7.25 inches. Fanelli took second in the long jump with a distance of 17 feet, 11 inches. Fanelli also took second in the high jump with a height of 5 feet, 1.75 inches. The Chadron State A team won the women’s 4x400 meter relay with
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a time of 4:05.16. The team is composed of Finney, Fair, Hannah Lee, freshman of Elizabeth, Colo., and Kalen Prentice, junior of Arnold. Paul McGowen, junior of Kingston, Jamaica, won the men’s 55 meter dash with a time of 6.58 seconds. Jacob Gruver, senior of Cheyenne, Wyo., won the men’s 200 meter dash with a time of 23.48. Gruver also placed second in the 55 meter dash, finishing at 6.59 seconds. John Ritzen, senior of Chadron, won the triple jump at a distance of 45 feet, 9 inches. Jeff Brummer, senior of Wilcox, won the men’s high jump with a height of 6 feet, 1.5 inches. Brummer placed second in the triple jump with a distance of 44 feet, 8 inches. Michael Smith, freshman on Riverton, Wyo., on the men’s 5,000 meter run with a time of 16:08.09. The Chadron men took seven of the eight top spots in the 400 meter dash. Phil Rivera, sophomore of Apple Valley, Calif., won the 400 with a time of 51.18 seconds. Lincoln Proud, junior of Pinedale, Wyo., took second with a time of 52.12. Fredrick Culp, freshman of Mililani, Hawaii, and Kelly Troester, sophomore of Marsland, tied for third at 52.12 seconds. The men’s 4x400 meter relay team took first place with a time of 3:30.84. The men’s A team relay runners are Proud; Gavan Archibald, freshman of St. Ana, Jamaica; Derek Wood, freshman of Green River, Wyo.; and Brandon Segelke, freshman of Sidney. The team is set to compete Friday and Saturday at the Air Force Invi-
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Just Go with It (PG-13) Gnomeo and Juliet 3D The Dilemma
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Back-to-back losses offset women’s winning streak Kristina Harter Reporter
Photo by Bob Nelson
The Chadron State rugby team at October’s Prom Dress scrimmage.
Rugby clinic coming soon Chadron State College is looking to “ruck and maul” again with a club sport for women and men in the second most played game in the world, rugby. The game that is known as football without pads is returning in full force this semester as the teams prepare for a new spring season. On Feb. 17-18, the head coach from Wayne State University will be on hand to condcut two practices for new players interested in playing rugby, and stressing, “no experience necessary.” Coach Barner has taken Wayne State University to the national playoffs eight straight years, and said he wants to help Chadron State rise above the competition in the Great Plains Rugby Conference. Barner played for a national championship team in 2000 and played overseas. With his success at the enrollment at Wayne State’s co-ed practices for women and men, he hopes to show all curious ruggers what it takes to play hard rugby on a club sport environment of practicing just twice a week. Anyone who is competitive at heart and enjoys team sports is invited to Barner’s clinics. The first is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 17; the seoncd is 5-7 p.m. Feb. 18. Both are in the Nelson Physical Activity Center. Players of all shapes and sizes are needed in rugby, just like in American football. Larger players are lineman and smaller players are running backs and linebackers. Barner said that the great thing about
thursday, FEB. 10, 2011
rugby is that every single player gets to touch the ball and run, and also make tackles. “If you like football, you will love rugby, it is an organized game of kill the man with the ball with strategy and passing involved,” Barner said. Wayne State’s rugby roster consists of 75 male and female students, and none ever touched a rugby ball until college. Most of those students, usually from small towns in Nebraska, are upper-end intramural athletes, who wanted to participate on a U.S. college rugby team against 700 other programs. Barner expects Chadron State to be in a similar situation – high-end, student talent looking for a competitive game of determination. Barner said many college students are curious but are scared to come out because they lack experience playing the game. Rugby is an easy game to learn and all new players to the game can adapt quickly if they know the basics of football. Cost of the clinic is free. A Pre-Clinic meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m., Feb. 16 in the Red Room, Kent Hall. Interested persons who cannot attend the meeting or clinics, may contact Morgan Nelson at monels@eagles.csc.edu to find out practice times, which start the following week. -provided by Darrin Barner CSC Rugby Club
The Eagle women’s basketball team lost Friday and Saturday to end its three-game winning streak. Western State University broke Chadron’s streak with a 77-63 win, shooting 68 percent in the second half in Paul Wright Gym in Gunnison, Colo. The Eagles trailed the majority of the first half but came within 2 points before the Mountaineers’ 12-point run, leading 33-24 at halftime. Western gained momentum throughout the second half while Chadron struggled to keep up with the Mountaineer’s 68 percent shooting, compared to their 40 percent. Betsy Moler, sophomore of Rapid City, S.D., tipped-in to conclud the game 77-63. Kada Williams, junior of Green River, Wyo., led the team with 14 points. Jazmyn Webster, freshman of Cheyenne, Wyo., contributed 11 points, four rebounds
and four steals. Kelsey Scott, junior of Douglas, Wyo., chipped in 10 points, five rebounds, and three assists. The Eagles traveled to Grand Junction, Colo., where Mesa State defeated Chadron State 70-58 Saturday night at Brownson Arena. The first half saw constant changing of possession and a battle for the lead. The Mavericks led the Eagles 32-30 at halftime. Although the shooting percentages for Chadron (41.8 percent) and Mesa (41.7 percent) were almost the same, the Mavs executed on free throws, sinking 15-15 the staring half and 12-17 in the second half. The Eagles gave up 17 turnovers throughout the game. The Mav’s Kelsey Sigl sank 26 points alone while Amy Weitzeil added 12. Webster led the Eagles with 15 points and Marla Munsen, sophomore of Hershey, Neb., finished with 13. Chadron State will host Metro State College this Friday and Regis University on Saturday. Tip-offs are set for 6 p.m in Armstrong Gym.
Volleyball team signs head coach Julie Davis Sports Editor Chadron State’s volleyball team signed a head coach to replace Amy Spruieill, who resigned in November after the 2010 season. Natasha Marquis of King City, Calif., was the graduate assistant for the University of Nebraska-Kearney Lopers since 2008. During Marquis’s three seasons with University of Nebraska-Kearney, Marquis earned a comulative record of 96-12 and qualified for the Division II playoffs each season. Marquis was a hitter for Butte-Glenn Community College for two years and played for the University of Albany, the State University of New York for her last two years of college.
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Students spread the love for Valentine’s Day - “Don’t worry husband, I’ll always take advantage of you.” -Tuesday in Old Admin. -”That’s what you get when you take drugs and drink Mountain Dew when you’re sick.” Julya Briseno, 22, freshman of Kenosha, Wis., decorates a glass orb during the “Can you feel the love?” Valentine’s celebration in the lobby of Edna Work Hall. Briseno was one of about 25 participants who attended. Decorations litter a table Saturday in the lobby of Edna Work at the “Can you feel the love?” event.
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The Eagle’s ‘Tube Topper’
Word of the Week
Two girls dance with words written on their bodies to Daft Punk’s “Harder Better Faster Stronger.” csceagle.com/tube-toppers to watch
-Wednesday in Old Admin.
Disclaimer: “Overheard at CSC” uses quotations obtained and verified by The Eagle staff and is for entertainment purposes only.
SOLUTIONS Sudoku puzzle
Ostentatatious : äs-ten-tā-shes adjective: characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in attempt to impress others.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, published 1913 by C. & G. Merriam Co. Solutions: With flying colors After all is said and done
-Chinese New Year -Late Night at The Pit -Mixed Mic Night
ExtendedWEATHER Chadron weather
Today 36 ° |
Friday 41° |
Saturday 51° |
Sunday 53° |
Monday 52° |
Information courtesy of weather.com
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LifeStyles
thursday, FEB. 10, 2011
CSC Theatre explores difficult relationships Kevin Oleksy
Christina Ferrero
Contributor
Reporter
Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the CSC Theatre Department loves to make us revel in the dark underbelly of humanity with its Black Box productions. Personally, I love them for it. “How I Learned to Drive” by Paula Vogel is no exception. The play plumbs the depths of the meaning of life and the resonance of celestial orbs. Except the resonance is with the universality of mundane life in suburban Maryland, and those orbs are the breasts of a young girl in the admiring words of her lecherous uncle Peck. CSC’s production flourishes under the direction of Amanda Pintore, senior of Omaha. Becci French, sophomore of Alliance, plays the protagonist Li’l Bit most convincingly in the younger scenes. French’s youthful bewilderment is her strength in the role, but it lends an eerie quality to those scenes where Li’l Bit is older. It seems almost as if Li’l Bit never grows out of what happens to her, though she thinks otherwise. Her uncertainty throughout informs the expectations for the audience, as we are dragged back and forth from liking and hating Peck, played Mason Quinn, senior of Cheyenne, Wyo. The relationship recalls Nabokov’s “Lolita,” although Peck never reaches Humbert Humbert’s height of depravity. The time line shifts around in the non-linear way that memory does. In one scene Li’l Bit is 17, in her 30s in the next, and 11 years old in another. The audience is left to sift through the plot and make its own conclusions as each scene unfolds another layer to the complex relationship between Li’l Bit, and Peck. The cast is rounded out by the strong performances of the three Greek Choruses, each of whom fills in numerous secondary roles. The Female Greek Chorus is played by HeatherAnn Hicks, junior of Brigham City, Utah, and the Teen Greek Chorus by Ashley Daniels, freshman of Sheridan, Wyo. Hicks is at her best in scenes as Li’l Bit’s sturdy but defeated mother as she spars with Daniels’ hilarious and tragic intimations of the Grandmother. The Male Greek Chorus, played by James Safarik, sophomore of Hyannis, sets the tone early on. In a flashback scene, the ever-changing Safarik shows what the patriarch in Li’l Bit’s family thinks of women. Safarik takes on the role of Li’l Bit’s grandfather Big Papa who, learning of her intention for college, says, “What does she need a college degree for when she’s got all the credentials she needs on her chest?” In light of her family’s rejection of her individuality and heavy-handed edicts to fall into their way of life, it’s un-surprising when Li’l Bit’s relationship with Peck is shown to be the only supportive one in her life. Quinn, a veteran of some of CSC’s heaviest roles, is masterful in the role of Peck. His manner and appearance as Peck give the character the spectre of a Civil War infantryman, fitting for one who hails from South Carolina. His Peck convincingly defies dismissal as purely a sexual predator. His attraction to Li’l Bit is shown to be just like hers to him—that is, all about finding acceptance in the only place it’s offered. The play could be said to explore the positive side of pedophilia—which Li’l Bit reflects she used to think meant “people who love to bicycle”—but there really is no positive side to it. Or at least, every positive is quickly met by a stronger negative from Peck. There are episodes where Li’l Bit seems to want to be involved with Peck, and even enjoys the idea, but she always comes back around. Through the end, she remains torn between the desire for the acceptance she only gets from Peck, and her growing knowledge that his intentions are unsavory and immoral. In an interview, Vogel told the Boston Phoenix, “What I wanted to do was to write a play so equally balanced in empathy that, as with the experience of reading Lolita, both men and women would project themselves but project themselves equally into Lolita and Humbert Humbert.” The play requires some suspension of knee-jerk judgments of right and wrong. CSC’s production keeps true to Vogel’s intention, evoking empathy for Li’l Bit and Peck in equal measure, but never at the same time.
The CSC Theatre’s production of Paula Vogel’s 1997, award-winning play, “How I Learned to Drive” opens tonight in the Black Box Theatre, Memorial Hall. Directed by Amanda Pintore, senior of Omaha, the play challenges standards of right and wrong as it follows the life of Li’l Bit, the protagonist and all-too naïve teenage girl, through flashbacks of her adolescent years. The play takes on the difficult themes of uncomfortable family relationships, domestic abuse, and even the objectification of women. The play incorporates the use of ancient dramatic techniques, such as the Greek Chorus members, played by Ashley Daniels, freshman of Sheridan, Wyo.; HeatherAnn Hicks, junior of Brigham City, Utah; and James Safarik, sophomore of Hyannis, who assume different character roles throughout the show. The Female Greek Chorus member, HeatherAnn Hicks, shines in her monologue as she gives matronly “advice” about the way a lady handles her alcohol in public; her words of wisdom include the way to properly “divulge the contents of the stomach” and avoid having one’s “virtue stolen” by means of tight undergarments. Although the characters are few, the play is aptly cast, and the young actors handle this difficult piece with grace and professionalism. The part of Li’l Bit who struggles throughout the play with confusing the concepts of family love and romantic love is played by the talented Becci French, sophomore of Alliance. Lil’ Bit’s mixed emotions, which run high and low over the course of the 90-minute performance, leave the audience with their own set of convictions to work through. Mason Quinn, senior of Cheyenne, Wyo., who plays the role of Uncle Peck, does an exceptional job of portraying the tortured, alcoholic antagonist who seems to struggle internally with good and evil as much, if not more than, Li’l Bit herself. The dialogue lends itself to a full range of emotions, but the anger from the characters felt restrained. While some movements were hesitant, overall, the actors were bold and articulate. The chemistry between the actors is almost tangible. This is perhaps allocated for by the small venue, which provides for an intimacy between the audience and the players. For those who have not had the pleasure of attending a production in the Black Box before, the experience is truly unique. Of course, with a stage that sits practically in the laps of the audience, staging proves to be a daunting task. The simple set used for the show provides for spatial freedom, however, a few opportunities for characters to move about the stage may have been missed. With production of a piece like “How I Learned to Drive,” flexibility and innovation are encouraged, and Pintore certainly makes it her own show, especially in her choice to use projection slides, as well as her music selection throughout the show. The play calls for exacting sound effects, and the light and sound crew were consistently dead on with their cues. The costumes, designed by Angela Stransky, senior of Scottsbluff, were well thought-out and suitable for the actors’ versatile demands. Even by today’s standards, when adult themes rule the media, the very serious subject matter of the play is unsettling, and viewer discretion is highly advised. Because of this, the production is intended for mature audiences only. While it may be upsetting to some viewers that the Theatre Program has chosen to take on such a heavy work of drama, the theatre is where boundaries are meant to be pushed, and where rules are meant to be broken. Congratulations to Pintore, the cast, and the rest of the Theatre Program for a job well done. There will be four showings of “How I Learned To Drive,” at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 10-12 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 13. Seating is very limited, so be sure to reserve your tickets beforehand.
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Cast of ‘Drive’ steers into opening night
Ashley Daniels, 18, freshman of Sheridan, Wyo., exaggeratedly gestures during one of her dialogue blocks as part of the teen Greek chorus. James Safarik, 19, sophomore of Hyannis, portrays Grandfather, one of the many roles he plays in the role of Male Greek Chorus.
Photos by
T.J. Thomson Uncle Peck, played by Mason Quinn, 23, senior of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Li’l Bit, played by Rebecca French, 19, sophomore of Alliance, interact during the play. The characters of Uncle Peck and Li’l Bit carry out a tenuous romantic relationship throughout the play.
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LifeStyles
Students eat up Super Bowl XLV
thursday, FEB. 10, 2011
RLA event ‘beautifies’ students
Photos by T.J. Thomson
ABOVE: Keely Outken, 18, freshman of Crawford, eats a slice of pepperoni pizza while watching Super Bowl XLV, which began at 4 p.m., Sunday. BELOW: A student reaches for a slice of pizza from one of the more than 20 boxes.
Photos by Chelsie Moreland
Cassie Munari, 20, junior of Cody, Wyo. enjoys her avocado face mask at Thursday’s RLA event “Beauty Secrets in Your Fridge.” The event took place 8 p.m., Thursday.
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LifeStyles
thursday, FEB. 10, 2011
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Two-artist show opens in Memorial Hall’s Main Gallery Kelsey Amos Reporter An art show by Fort Collins artists Paul Morris and Lili Francuz is on display in Memorial Hall’s main gallery from Feb. 2 through Feb. 25. The display of 21 works of art is part of the 2010-11 Gallery Series “Open Space.” Paul Morris is a ceramicist and adjunct faculty member in ceramics at Front Range Community College in Fort Collins, Colo. His ceramics have been on display nationally and internationally. “My intention is to make innovaPhotos by T.J. Thomson tive, vigorous, potent, sculptural objects, explicitly gendered and Paris Papers II #8, a paper collage by Lili Francuz, is a mixed media juxtaposition of identifiably 21st Century Ameri- lithographic elements on display in M Hall. can,” Morris said. Morris has a BFA in pottery and sculpture from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo and a MFA in ceramics from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo. Morris won the grand prize at the “A New Decade of Clay: 2010” show with his ewer titled “Brocca Di Fuoco (Rosso e Giallo).” Lili Francuz is a paper artist who resides in Fort Collins, Colo. She was born in France and grew up in Idaho. She holds a seat in the Fort Collins Lincoln Center Visual Arts Selection Committee. Her artwork is made of print, paper, and other elements. Francuz uses papers such as advertisements from locations in Paris to create paper collages. “I use these gathered papers to afford the viewer the opportunity to see discarded elements in a new light; no longer only as items which are mass produced, consumed, and then discarded,” she said. Francuz incorporates different typestyles and fonts with colors and torn shapes in her collages. Francuz has both a BFA and an MFA in printmaking from Utah State University.
DETAIL: The organic texture of the prize-winning “Brocca di Fuoco” is exhibited in this clay ewer by ceramicist Paul Morris.
Brocca di Fuoco, stoneware by ceramicist Paul Morris, is currently being displayed in the main gallery of Memorial Hall, was the 2010 grand prize winner of the “A New Decade in Clay” contest.
Kutcher, Peet movie proves chick flicks can be realistic Kinley Q. Nichols Chief Photographer One of the most overlooked films of Ashton Kutcher’s career, “A Lot Like Love,” is possibly the most realistic love story that has ever been captured on film. “A Lot Like Love” begins at an LA airport with the two main characters waiting on a flight to New York City. Oliver, (Ashton Kutcher), a recent college graduate, meets Emily (Amanda Peet), a bad girl, in post break-up phase. After bumping into one another, they join the mile-high club in an airplane bathroom. Oliver sees this meeting as the beginning of something good, while Emily sees it as nothing more than a quick rebound from her most recent breakup. She does not introduce herself. Later, they bump into each other again, and spend the afternoon meandering the streets of New York together setting the precedence for a could-be relationship. Emily is a struggling actress while Oliver is eager to begin his own company as a diaper salesman, both attempting to put their “ducks in-a-row.” Broken into four chapters, each at a crossroad in one of the characters’ lives, the story moves through the past seven years until the present. Separately, the characters try to cre-
ate their own identities, each with different failed lovers and jobs. Over the years, they spend short amounts of time together. During each chapter, Emily and Oliver find comfort in their friendship after life has knocked them to their knees. Life proceeds with a pensive undertone about what could be between the two, something most love stories lack. This is a creative dynamic, spacing a friendship over years that keeps the viewer eagerly waiting for the couple to make it work. At the beginning, Emily is very indecisive about life and what to accomplish, however, she grows throughout the movie as a very dynamic character. Oliver is the exact opposite, a driven individual who is so focused on creating a successful business that he seems to bypass what may be most important in life. The stark contrast in personalities makes for a compelling relationship, one that, against all odds, works well. “A Lot Like Love” captures a time in life when nothing is certain, and the struggle to find one’s self amidst fighting against falling in love because life is in the way. © 2005 “A Lot Like Love” has creative twists that keeps the viewers going to a place in their lives, wondering “what if ” life played out differently, where would they be? Emily and Oliver’s story displays the idea that one needs to be a just a little crazy to be loved.
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