April 16, 2012 by The Scribe

Musician’s Society page 4

the

Monday, April 16, 2012 Vol. 36, Iss. 26

cribe

FREE

Your school. Your voice.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs Weekly Campus Newspaper

Innovation competition presents top 10 finalists at UCCS Aaron Collett acollett@uccs.edu

This country depends on technology. America’s engineers and scientists, therefore, are some of the most skilled people on the planet. Our modern way of life would collapse without constant innovation from labs and universities across the country. The National Homeland Defense Foundation (NHDF) works to funnel this innovation where it can benefit the most. The foundation holds the National Security Innovation Competition (NSIC) each year to connect students to the people who can make their ideas come to life. On April 27, UCCS will host the NSIC. The top 10 finalist institutions will give their presentations in Berger Hall. Mark Volcheff, the ex-

ecutive director of NHDF said, “We move it around from year to year. Last year it was at the Air Force Academy.” The competition began with students submitting their entries in the form of “white papers” – fivepage summaries of the students’ ideas for innovation. Then, according to Volcheff, “We have a number of technical experts that evaluate each of the white papers. We narrow that down to the top 10.” The top 10 finalists are then brought before a panel of judges to give an oral presentation. The panel consists of seven judges from a variety of fields. The exact composition of judges changes from year to year. This year, the judges are from the Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Advanced Re-

search Projects Agency Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office, “Popular Science” magazine, Boeing Phantom Works, Paladin Capital Group (a venture capital company) and Dorsey & Whitney (a patent attorney). The idea behind having all of these groups is to have the people available who can fund new ideas and eventual customers of the same innovations both represented. Volcheff said, “It’s one-stop shopping for Photo by Robert Solis innovation.” Many of the ideas The NSIC is an annual competition that will be held in Berger Hall this year. seem like science fiction. Last year, students wooden wall to withstand tions has been a boon for Volcheff said, “Every at the University of Ottawa a 25-pound TNT blast many past finalists. Quite year that we’ve had the created what they called a from 25 meters away. often, students who are competition, one of the “blast mitigation device The exact same explosion presenting their ideas are top 10 universities has for wood structures.” completely blew apart an offered jobs on the spot gone on to form a busiAccording to Volch- equivalent wall without by industry professionals ness.” He added, “It meets eff, the clamps that the the clamps. – both judges and audi- a lot of different people’s student created allowed a Giving the presenta- ence members. needs and desires.” S

Earth Day celebration promotes sustainability on campus Lucas Hampton

The Lowdown

lhampton@uccs.edu Earth Day takes a lot of people by surprise. It is one of those holidays that few people celebrate, and even fewer people remember. But for UCCS students, the Office of Student Activities (OSA) as well as many environmentrelated student clubs will be setting up shop in the upper and lower plazas of the University Center in celebration of Earth Day. Earth Day happens to fall on a Sunday this year (April 22), so the events will take place on Wednesday, April 18. OSA is organizing the event that will feature several student clubs as well as other guests who will speak on topics such as planting trees and rain and storm water collection. Student and event coordinator Greg Zarnoch explains that the purpose

Inside this

Issue

What: Earth Day event When: April 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: University Center

Photo by Ariel Lattimore

A Golden Ring tree, pictured here, will be planted in next week’s tree planting ceremony. of most of the clubs and organizations that will be present is “to provide the students with information

news Take Back the Night page 3

about living a more sustainable or greener lifestyle.” In addition, OSA will be

planting two new trees on the lower plaza with funds provided by the Green Action Fund, a committee that grants money to sustainability projects from the $5 student solar fee. One club that will be present, Students for Environmental Awareness and Sustainability (SEAS), plans to set up information on sustainable methods of drying your clothes − namely, not using your dryer. UCCS professor of geography and environmental studies, Carole Huber, is the faculty sponsor of the SEAS club. Huber explains that they are planning “a ‘hanging out’ day to encourage people to use clothes lines.”

culture

Sexual Neuroses of our Parents page 5

What sets SEAS apart from other clubs and organizations that will participate in the Earth Day celebration is their attempt to embody their perspective of energy conservation and waste reduction, for the “hanging-out” event will ask students to donate a piece of clothing, which they will then hang up on the line. But the clothes line is not just symbolic of the potential energy one could be saving – and the good one could do for the planet. All of the clothes that are donated will go to the Gallery of Contemporary Art for an upcoming art exhibit. The last stop for the donated clothes will be a re-donation to UCCS families in need. Huber explains that now is a better time than any to get involved in living a sustainable lifestyle; “in a typical home … the clothes dryer uses less energy than air conditioning or a refrigerator, but more than any other ap-

pliance.” Huber continued, “Feeding the dryer electricity will cost nearly $100 a year.” “In an hour and fifteen minutes, the Earth receives as much energy in the form of sunlight as humans officially use in a year,” she went on to say, “so it is just silly to be using fossil fuels to dry what will already happen from sunshine.” The promotion of statistics such as these is a primary goal of the OSA and the clubs involved. Other clubs that will be present at the event include the Nutrition Club, Engineers for a Sustainable Lifestyle and the Energy Service Corps; there will also be a Chipotle stand with coupons for free food. Although Earth Day is the official day to treat earth with respect, organizations such as SEAS hold events year-round that promote sustainable living. S

opinion

sports

Partisanship: Dividing the Nation page 9

Tiger Woods page 11

News

Page 2

April 16, 2012

Linhart, Honn keep campus protected and ready for possible dangers Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu

cisions, too.” Honn and Linhart both said they almost had a wildfire get out of control Due to the extremelast spring up by the Rec ly dry conditions and a Center. recent wildfire that got “We think it was a cigaout of control a couple rette that wasn’t disposed weeks ago near Denver, of that triggered it, and the emergency managewith it being so windy ment team at UCCS has and dry in the spring been on high anyways, alert in case the fire got So far we have really had a wildfire ocbig pretty nothing get out of control, curs here on quick,” said campus. Linhart. which shows how aware and Steve “The prepared our campus is. Linhart, the winds made director of it way worse emergency management, managing the on-scene and a possible threat to and campus fire marshal response. campus housing, so we Ron Honn believe that Linhart went on to ex- called the local station as wildfires can be prevent- plain that it is a lot more soon as possible,” Honn ed if the necessary steps complicated than just the added. “The landscape are taken. ICR though. “You have area around the building “Since the city of your basics in the fire, made the fire grow pretty Colorado Springs doesn’t police and EMT (emer- quick, but the unit was do controlled burns like gency medical team) that able to control it and it they do in Denver, we respond first thing. Then never became a problem never really have to wor- campus leadership is with the on campus housry about that,” said Honn, alerted, as well, to make ing.” who is also an environ- the best decision for the Being that UCCS is so mental health and safety safety of the campus and spread out over variable specialist on campus. how this emergency will terrain, both Linhart and “If a wildfire did oc- affect campus. Honn agreed that comcur, we would make a “If the event is serious, munication and awarecall to the closest fire sta- we have an Emergency ness are the biggest keys. tion near UCCS and then Operations Center set up “After 9/11 happened, Incident Command Re- to help the ICR and make the government realsponse would be on scene some administrative de- ized there was a lack of

“

to evaluate the scene and its severity,” Linhart explained. Incident Command Response is a unit comprised of people in uniform that the situation calls for. Whether that be police officers, utility workers or another group, the ICR is responsible for

the

Photo by Nick Burns

The remains of a home that was damaged in a wildfire near Conifer, Colo. UCCS has several measures in place to help prevent damage in the event of a wildfire. communication between agencies and something needed to be done about that to prevent another emergency from getting out of hand,” said Honn. “That is where ICR and the Emergency Operations Center came into play and that has really helped make communication easier between groups and agencies that respond to emergencies.” Linhart agreed and said that teaching the campus how to respond is

important as well. “In the case of a wildfire, people on campus need to know how to be aware and respond to a situation like that. We need the campus to act on incidents like that and that all goes back to what Ron said about communication.” Linhart also said the e2Campus notification system has become a big part of how the emergency management and public safety staff get an alert out to campus.

“The system sends a text, email, a phone call to all front desks, tweet, or posts on Facebook when an emergency occurs on campus,” he explained. “We have to manage a large amount of resources in a short amount of time when it comes to these events, and so far we have really had nothing get out of control, which shows how aware and prepared our campus is.” S

cribe

UC 106 | (719) 255-3658 | www.uccsscribe.com | scribe.eic@gmail.com

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Copy Editor News Editor Culture Editor Opinion/Life on the Bluffs Editor Sports Editor Photo Editor Business Manager Graphic Designer Web Designer Ad Sales Representatives

Cherise Fantus Cat Jensen Julianne Sedillo Matt Sidor Sara Horton Kaitlin Nelson Tyler Bodlak Alex Gradisher Matt Baatz Emily Olson Edwin Satre Nikolas Roumell Jamie Burnett Photographers Robert Solis Ariel Lattimore Isaiah Branch-Boyle Nicholas Burns Reporters Ryan Adams April Wefler Jesse Byrnes Columnist/Reporter Aaron Collett Junior Reporters Lucas Hampton Kailey Hernandez Distributor Tori Kay Advisor Laura Eurich

Letters to the Editor

The Scribe strongly encourages letters to the editor. Letters intended for publication must not exceed 350 words, must be legible and include the writer’s name and contact information. Letters must be submitted to The Scribe via email at scribe.eic@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on Wednesdays before publication. The Scribe reserves the right to reject letters to the editor that are libelous, obscene or anonymous and has the right to edit as necessary due to space limitations, spelling or other grammatical errors and AP style guidelines.

Distribution Policy

The following conducts are prohibited by The Scribe: Publication and news rack theft. A person commits the offense(s) of publication and/or news rack theft when he or she willfully or knowingly obtains or exerts unauthorized control over more than one copy of any edition of a publication distributed on or off campus (a “publication” is any periodical that is distributed on a complimentary basis). Any person who commits these offences is responsible for compensating The Scribe for any reasonable costs incurred, including, where appropriate, the refunding of advertising fees.

Archives

Additional copies of the current publication volume are available in The Scribe’s office. The Scribe keeps issues from the past five volumes for internal use only. The Office of University Archives will handle any request for additional issues from the past five years and before.

Advertising

If you, your club, organization or business wishes to advertise with The Scribe, please call (719) 255-3469 or email scribeadvertising@gmail.com.

News

April 16, 2012

Take Back the Night offers a safehaven for victims of sexual assault April Wefler awefler@uccs.edu

Before the 1970s, sexual assault wasn’t discussed very openly. It wasn’t until the women’s movement that it became a public issue. “It shattered the notion of the American family being intact,” said Mary Jane Sullivan, philosophy instructor. Now, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, our campus is hosting Take Back the Night, an international event. Started in 1975, citizens of Philadelphia rallied in honor of Susan Alexander Speeth who was attacked a block away from her home while walking at night. Traditionally held when the march can be taken in darkness, Take Back the Night honors survivors of sexual assault and demands freedom from fear. “It’s important that we change culture around women’s safety and women’s rights so that we aren’t blaming victims, but are creating an environment where everyone can be safe,” said Stephany Spaulding, an assistant professor of women’s and ethnic studies. Spaulding added that telling women that they shouldn’t be alone or in the dark puts the blame on them when they are sexually assaulted. “Instead of training our daughters to be hesitant around darkness, we need to train everyone – males and females included – to respect each other’s lives,”

said Spaulding. “There is a high level of people being shattered by violence against them,” she added. Stephanie Hanenberg, director of the Student Health Center, said that it’s good for males to acknowledge that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. “It empowers females to know that it’s okay to come forward to somebody,” she said. Carrie Horner, a student violence prevention educator, explained that Take Back the Night allows a space for survivors to share their story. “It’s a gathering of people who want to share the cause and learn about the cause,” she said. Sexual assault survivor Katie McCoy will share her personal story, and Connie Brachtenbach, the director of TESSA, will also be there. TESSA, founded in 1977, is an independent, local non-profit organization that provides confidential services for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. “We’re very interested in any event that challenges cultural beliefs/stereotypes about sexual assault and rape,” said Brachtenbach. She added that TESSA is thrilled to be part of Take Back the Night. “UCCS is working hard to build a healthy culture for the student body,” she went on to say. TESSA partners with our school on a regular basis and also works with Colorado College. “Violence in a community is unacceptable, regardless of the form it

takes,” she added. Steve Linhart, director of judicial affairs, had been teaching self-defense courses for a few years when he first became involved with Take Back the Night in 2006. He mentioned that in the past, Pike’s Peak Community College, Colorado College and even the military have participated in the event. In honor of Take Back the Night, the Counseling Center is hosting a poster contest with the chance to win a Best Buy gift card, items from the Bookstore and various other products. The theme is “intimate partner violence.” Posters must be 5 feet by 5 feet and submissions can be drawn or computer-designed. Entries can be turned into the Student Health Center or the LGBT Resource Center. Winners will be chosen and announced at the event. Along with McCoy and Brachtenbach, the Take Back the Night event also features an edgy clip series of different experiences of sexual assault and a poetry reading. “An expert panel will answer questions and expound on questions,” said Horner. Free pizza and drinks will be provided. S

The Lowdown What: Take Back the Night When: April 17, 7:30 p.m. Where: Upper Lodge More Info: takebackthenight.org

Planned Parenthood is offering $10 STD testing & $10 HIV testing on April 24 & April 27. 3958 N Academy Blvd. #108 719.573.8880 3480 Centennial Blvd. 719.475.7162 www.pprm.org

Page 3

Less money, more happy Guest Reporter Hanne Murray

Moving through the UCCS campus, students ceaselessly merge the lanes dividing the happy from the downcast. Beneath the brims of hats, sweatshirt hoods and Snookie-inspired hairpoofs, eyes illustrate a sliver of the hidden feelings that direct campus traffic. The Gallup poll released Feb. 9 assesses the overall life rating of Americans between three categories: suffering, struggling and thriving. The results are calculated through a series of survey questions that ultimately assign an individual one score. A single number characterizes the constant sway of emotions that build contentment in life. Kevin Zarkovacki, 20, considers his present life rating a nine. Zarkovacki, a computer science major, said, “If I put in the work, I’m doing well.” Holding a job at Home Depot and attending school are both jobs that he is willing to do. “Work itself is not the fun part, but seeing everything come together, getting the grades I need – that is,” he explained. The percentage of Americans categorized as suffering was highest from October 2008 to March 2009. Gallup attributes the pitfall to the financial crisis and increased unemployment. “A financial crisis makes people tighten the wallet,” said Alan Pedersen, 23. “With too many bills to pay, it brings ten-

sion into the relationship. Marriages, interpersonal relationships crumble.” Pedersen, majoring in psychology, divides the life rating scale into two different categories: financial wellbeing and emotional wellbeing. His delivery job at Pizza Hut allows him to financially rate a 10. However, contesting the correlation between financial stability and emotional fulfillment, Pedersen rates himself as a 5 emotionally. “I want to meet somebody and fall in love. Every once in a while, I feel really depressed about it,” he said. Despite present impatience with entanglements of the heart, Pedersen believes in his goals: Be less reserved and trust in people to like him back. “When people try, sometimes we fail, but we have the freedom to do what we need to,” said Zarkovacki in addressing how to shift from suffering toward thriving. Gallup assesses the present life rating of Americans, but also their prospective future life rating for the coming year. Results reflect general optimism to maintain the same score, or move toward thriving. Dean Smith, 22, assesses himself a 6: struggling. He supports the correlation between financial stability and emotional wellbeing saying, “I have a few financial issues that control other aspects of my life: social, travel, time with my family.” Smith, a native of Steamboat, moved to UCCS without familiar

contacts or family to rely on. He moved to pursue the innovation program with business administration and an emphasis in international marketing. The opportunity to pursue dreams of traveling abroad outweighs the intimidation of loneliness. Smith said, “Going to school is a lot better than struggling with two jobs in Steamboat.” He predicts that he will be an 8 in 2013. Gallup reveals January 2012 as a climax for Americans who rate their lives as thriving, with 53.4 percent. Results illustrate an apparent slide away from comparatively larger percentages of suffering and struggling individuals in 2008. “It’s the American dream,” said Zarkovacki, “If you want it, you can get it if you work hard enough.” Despite the financial crux of renting a studio apartment at Highlands Ranch, Smith plans to visit Ireland and Australia over the summer. His projected increase in life rating is bolstered by his goals to meet new roommates, volunteer with the international student conservation program, and continue making money on the side by donating plasma weekly. On the other hand, Pedersen, who is financially stable, is afforded the peace-of-mind to focus on his emotional happiness so that perhaps, next year, his life rating can be combined into one overarching number. Murray is a student in COMM 2900 Writing for the Media S

Event Management Certificate Program The Arapahoe Community College & Colorado Events and Festival Association have created a high-quality experiential education and training certificate program for Event planners and those aspiring to become a planner. Great variety of courses offered. Classes Start May 1, 2012 Late start program also available For More information call 303-734-3701 or go to www.arapahoe.edu/workforce

Culture

Page 4

April 16, 2012

Musician’s Society created as venue for music lovers April Wefler awefler@uccs.edu

When senior Mark Young realized that he couldn’t envision himself sitting in front of a computer for five years, he decided to change his major from engineering to music. Now, he’s the president and co-founder of the Musician’s Society. For Young, the power of music can’t be emulated or replaced. “If I throw on a Pink Floyd album and I listen to it, it can totally make my day better. To have the kind of power that portrays is huge.” He and fellow music lover Jay Baker questioned why there wasn’t a place on-campus where musicians could meet with other musicians. Baker pointed out, “We’re seniors, so how are we going to meet freshmen?” Young and Baker, along with a couple of their friends, decided to form

Photo by Nick Burns

Musician’s Society members Jay Baker (left) and Mark Young (right) perform during the Student Appreciation Luncheon. the Musician’s Society. They wanted to use the group to give musicians a venue and somewhere to connect with each other. Recently, the Musician’s Society held an open mic night in Clyde’s. The group was taken aback by people who were not in the music program showing up to support them

and said it was a phenomenal turnout. “We’re completely open to people. We don’t think it’s good for music to exclude people who are inspired by it,” said Young. The Musician’s Society boasts an assortment of instruments. Young plays acoustic and elec-

tric guitar, while Baker plays bass. Additionally, there is piano, computer mixing, a couple drummers and even a violinist. Both Young and Baker are influenced by a variety of music artists. For Young, it’s Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Conor Oberst, Elliott Smith, David Gilmore and Jimi

Hendrix. Baker also enjoys Elliott Smith, as well as Paul Chambers, Ray Brown and Spirit. “Flea was the first bass player I ever loved,” said Baker. Although the group plays primarily rock, folk and jazz music, both Baker and Young said they don’t dislike any music genres. “You can’t discount an entire genre,” said Young. “There’s always people in that genre that are doing something groundbreaking.” The Musician’s Society is hosting a barbecue/ potluck/concert series on April 28. “We want it to highlight where the music area is and show people what the group does and what our focus is,” said Young. “Hopefully a lot of people will bring cool stuff and just listen to music.” Baker and Young also have a folk acoustic singer/songwriter duo called The Great Patrol and a

rock group with three other people. Additionally, Baker participates in an honors jazz trio and a free improv trio called Verse. “It’s like magic to me all the time,” said Baker. “Music makes sense to me creatively.” The Musician’s Society meets at 3 p.m. every first and third Friday in University Hall 168. “If you have any interest at all, hit us up,” said Young. Anyone interested in joining can contact Young at myoung3@uccs.edu. S

The Lowdown What: Concert Series When: April 28, 12-5 p.m. Where: Loading Dock Area, UH 168 How much: Free admission, free parking

FRESH.

FAST. TASTY.

FREAKY FAST

Culture

April 16, 2012

Page 5

Controversial student-directed play to enter final weekend Sara Horton shorton@uccs.edu

Ellyce Shaheen boasts a black eye and a massive brownish-black mark on her cheek. They are only makeup for an upcoming play, Lukas Bärfuss’ “The Sexual Neuroses of Our Parents,” but she must learn stage combat to ensure she won’t earn any real bruises. “Stage combat was very difficult for me. There’s a lot of fighting. Yeah, I get it handed to me,” said Shaheen, a

The Lowdown What: The Sexual Neuroses of Our Parents When: April 13-22 Friday-Sunday, 8 p.m. Where: University Hall, Osborne Theater How much: $5, free for UCCS students

junior communication major and theater minor. This is her first play at UCCS. Shaheen plays Dora, the main character. According to Christian O’Shaughnessy, a junior theater major who directs the production, Dora was born with a learning disability resembling mild autism. “For the last three years, she’s been kept on a combination of drugs that kept her docile, rarely crying, rarely speaking and things like that,” he said. Dora begins to experience the hormonally charged feelings of puberty once her mother takes her off the drugs. She then thinks of sex in the ways her parents and society perceive them, an experience that O’Shaughnessy described as a “backward blossoming.” Shaheen said that capturing Dora’s complex, evolving character has been a challenge. “It was especially difficult getting her hand movements, and her physical-

ity was really difficult to grasp at first.” She worked with O’Shaughnessy to learn stage combat and gain a better feel for her character and added, “After a while, after getting into the role more, it was a lot easier.” “The Sexual Neuroses of Our Parents” contains abortion, abuse and rape, all issues that contribute to the play’s controversial status. “Overall, I thought the play was very European, first of all,” said Shaheen. “Second of all, I just thought it was out there and different, and I loved that about it. I think that’s what really drew me in to do Dora’s character.” O’Shaughnessy noted that the play also addresses how society desexualizes people like Dora. “It makes things really touchy and hard to approach, and the text as a whole is really touchy and hard to approach.” He said the play “really raises the question of what the right way to love someone is and if there

is a right way to love somebody.” O’Shaughnessy, who described himself as primarily an actor, first directed “Debate,” a one-act by Ethan Coen. This is his first full production. “Directing has illuminated a lot of stuff for me as an actor, the stuff that I do, the way that I approach my rehearsal process and my preparation for things like that will be different from here on out for the rest of my Photo courtesy of Christian O’Shaughnessy life.” Ellyce Shaheen (left) and Omid Dastan Harrison (right), both Next semester pictured here in rehearsal, play Dora and the Fine Gentleman. he will also direct “Hedda Gabler,” O’Shaughnessy de- ater you see generally,” Henrik Ibsen’s drama cided to use a runway, he said. “It’s a very hip, about a woman strug- where two spots on the risky, new, fresh play gling to cope in a male- stage stay the same while that I think that a lot of dominated society. another is open for every- people can see and really Whereas “Hedda Ga- thing else, to allow one enjoy.” bler” will take place in scene to smoothly transiAnd, O’Shaughnessy one room, “The Sexual tion into another and cre- added, if nothing else, Neuroses of Our Parents” ate a “filmic” effect. come for the great music. takes place in seven to “If you hate the the- “You can go away with eight different locations ater, come see the show some new songs.” S across thirty-five scenes. because it’s not like the-

Senior Exhibition, which will display the art of 23 graduating VAPA seniors. The exhibit, part of Professor Valerie Brodar’s senior seminar, will open at the Gallery of Contemporary Art (GoCA) with a public reception on April 20 at 5 p.m. Parking will be free for this gathering in lots 3 and 4. “Professional seminar is a really rewarding class because you see where they come to and all of the

growth … It’s just really a celebration of great students,” said Brodar. Students have filled the gallery space with their paintings, drawings, photography, mannequins and other various media of visual art. Rothweiler’s second piece includes something that is all around us but never given much thought: dirt. She collected piles of it along a stretch of New Mexico highway and will place them around the floor in chronological order of the walk she took to collect each bag. Why dirt? “What I noticed on my hikes is that dirt changes tone dramatically within like 10, 15 feet or even like four feet. So what I wanted to do was highlight that change in tone.” While installations like Rothweiler’s dirt have yet to be installed, others, like Erin Lyons’, are in the process of being suspended from the ceiling. Lyons, like Rothweiler, first learned to love art through drawing. Her project is a blanket stitched

Senior VAPA majors prepare for 2012 Senior Art Exhibition Sara Horton shorton@uccs.edu

Perri Rothweiler’s childhood home in New Mexico has been abandoned for about 13 years, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the photographs she took of it. “It’s still exactly the same as I remember it,” Rothweiler said. She has worked on the series of photographs for the past

year. Four standard black and white silver gelatin prints from it will be on exhibit. “This is a very personal piece for me.” All of the pictured items, from the animal furs hanging on the bedroom wall to the baskets on the bathroom counter, were still inside when she returned to the house with her camera. Rothweiler’s photography is part of the upcoming Pulse: 2012 UCCS

Photo by Ariel Lattimore

The Senior Art Exhibition will display the art of 23 graduating VAPA students.

with the constellations of the zodiac. She learned how to knit after watching YouTube videos. “There was a lot that went into this that I had no idea how to do before I started it, like stitching in the design, for instance,” she said, adding that she has focused on astrologybased projects in past semesters. “I just wanted to make something relatively simple that didn’t have some huge, convoluted meaning that was still tied into astrology and also my newfound love of knitting.” After taking about 180 total hours to complete since last October, it is what Lyons considers to be her largest project to date. “It was something that I intended to start for one class but didn’t realize how much time it was going to take, and then it actually carried over into the independent study that I’m taking right now,” she said. In addition to displaying art, each senior will also discuss his or her pieces in a 10-minute presenta-

tion for the seminar. The first round began on April 11 with Jeremiah Stanley, who discussed social identity. His art included a portrayal of Jesse Jackson as an Aryan and a video of his overlapping police composite sketches. They aim to demonstrate, said Stanley, that “we are more than the sum of our parts.” Presentations will continue every Wednesday until May 2 from 7:159:15 p.m. in Centennial Hall 191. S

The Lowdown What: Pulse: 2012 UCCS Senior Exhibition When: April 20-May 18 Tuesday-Friday 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Where: GoCA at Centennial Hall How much: Free More Info: uccs.edu/~goca

18 12

ALPINE VILLAGE

FOUR DIAMONDS

4 5

1. Entrance 2. DazBog 3. Entrance 4. Front of building - NEW! 5. Front of building - NEW! 6. Public Safety front desk 7. The Scribe Office 8. Across from info desk 9. Jazzmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cafe 10. West Entrance

11. Under 1st Floor Stairs

12. 2nd Floor near Academic Advising - NEW!

13. Overlook Cafe Entrance 14. Entrance 15. Left of front desk 16. Entrance 17. Entrance 18. Bus Stop - NEW! 19. Bus Stop - NEW! 20. Bus Stop - NEW! 21. Right of circulation desk - NEW!

Our company name Mystery Guest Inc has a vacancy in our office for the post of a team player and a shopper, Requirements: -Should be computer Literate. -24 hours access to the internet weekly. -Efficient and Dedicated. If you are interested and need more information,Contact Nick Evarsman Email: mymistery.hoďŹ&#x20AC;an@gmail.com

Opinion

Page 8

April 16, 2012

Editorial

A holiday of indulgence is not an excuse to be unsafe Ah, it must be that time of year again. The days are getting longer, the temperatures are getting warmer and the smells of spring are in the air. Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh scents of ... wait a second, is that a skunk? Oh, that’s right − this Friday is “4/20,” a date known internationally for Adolf Hitler’s birthday, the anniversary of the Columbine high school shootings and the unofficial holiday of pot smokers everywhere. The use of marijuana seems to be gaining more and more acceptance these days. Have you driven around Colorado Springs lately? Those trademark green plus signs seem to be in just about every shopping strip across the city. Medical marijuana has been legal in Colorado for

over a decade, although we have to wonder how many of its users have a legitimate need for it. It seems likely that for many card-carrying “patients,” the medicinal needs are primarily just a cover for recreational use. So why don’t we just call a spade a spade, then? The proposed Colorado Amendment 64, heading to the general ballots this November, aims to do just that. Voters will (once again) decide if they want to legalize the possession and consumption of “limited amounts of marijuana” for all adults 21 and older. We’ve all been here before: Amendment 44 proposed almost the same thing back in 2006 but was handily defeated by a 60-40 majority. That margin looks to be a little tighter in this

year’s election, although one thing’s for certain: If every eligible voter aged 18-25 actually voted in this fall’s state elections, the amendment would almost certainly pass without contest. (How’s that for motivation to “Get Out the Youth Vote”?) In fact, a similar measure passed within the city limits of Denver that allows possession up to an ounce, but since state laws trump city laws, police officers there are obliged to continue making arrests. We at The Scribe are not going to endorse a vote one way or another, as our opinions on the matter are pretty widely varied. But we won’t hesitate to acknowledge the simple fact that many students our age do partake in the age-old tradition − even at this relatively

conservative campus. In fact, it’s not unusual to catch a whiff of it on a stroll through the dorms complex; we have to feel bad for the campus tour guides who pick the wrong time of day to lead a group of prospective students and their parents through there. If you’re a regular user, that’s fine by us; what you do on your own time, at your own risk, is your own business, as long as you’re not harming anyone with it. But please don’t assume that you can get away with it under any circumstance, and that it’s totally safe in any situation. That’s just dumb. First of all, if you choose to indulge right before your introductory philosophy class, don’t assume we can’t smell it on you while

we’re forced to sit next to you for over an hour, and don’t think that your amazing “high-deas” are worth sharing with the rest of the class. (Asking, “Could God microwave a frozen burrito so hot that even he couldn’t eat it?” is not a valuable contribution to the discussion on Immanuel Kant.) Secondly, treat this drug responsibly, like you should for any other kind of intoxicant. You wouldn’t drink and drive, so why do you assume you aren’t also impaired when your brain is filled with THC molecules, a mild hallucinogen? A study in 2005 indicated that marijuana users are nearly twice as likely as sober drivers to be involved in a fatal car crash. Do us all a favor and stay off the roads this weekend, and encourage

your like-minded friends to do the same. Finally − and perhaps most importantly − consider all the possible consequences of your choices. Medical research is increasingly linking marijuana use to long-lasting mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia. That high you feel might only last a few hours at most, but the potential mental problems could haunt you for many years. (Telling yourself, “It probably won’t happen to me,” isn’t enough to stop it.) Whatever your plans are this April 20, we hope you make safe and responsible decisions, for yourself, as well as those around you. S - Scribe Editorial Board

Obama, health care and the division of government powers

Jesse Byrnes jbyrnes@uccs.edu Have strong views on the separation of church and state? You’re not alone. But what about the separation of powers within a government? We all are aware of the political divisions in government, but less aware and adamant on the foundational, systematic divisions of governance – a key to keeping America a constitutional republic with an equal balance of power. Remember the three branches of government? Executive, legislative and judicial. The President, Congress and Supreme Court of the United States. Following the end of oral arguments in the Supreme Court concerning the Affordable Care

Act (ACA), President Obama’s health care bill, the president said that he didn’t believe the Supreme Court would take “an unprecedented, extraordinary step of overturning a law that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress.” There are only a few problems with his remarks. First, the House passed the health care law in March 2010 by a 219 to 212 margin. Hardly a “strong majority,” with every single Republican – and 34 Democrats – voting against it. Second, the health care law has and will continue to remain unpopular with a strong majority of Americans. A recent Gallup poll shows that 72 percent believe the bill’s individual mandate is unconstitutional, and the law is only popular with 36 percent of those surveyed in a CBS/New York Times poll. Third, the whole point of the Supreme Court is to ensure the constitutionality of bills passed by Congress and signed by the president, which is something we hope President Obama taught during his time

as a constitutional law professor. The White House has had a difficult time explaining and defending President Obama’s comments since, obviously, it would not be unprecedented for the Supreme Court to overturn a law based on its constitutionality. On the grounds of having majority support, the law continues to drop in popularity. A Pew Research Center survey found that 23 percent of those surveyed had a less favorable view of the Affordable Care Act at the end of oral arguments in court, with only 7 percent leaving with a more favorable view. President Obama has every right to try and tout the health care law as landmark legislation passed during his administration. It’s his baby, so naturally he wants to protect it. However, President Obama has no business telling the American people (or in this case, the Supreme Court) that the Supreme Court should not do its job and judge the law based on its own constitutional merits just because they could potentially differ from his own.

Obama was surprised when the Supreme Court did not pass the Affordable Care Act. The governing body of the nation was broken up into the three parts so that no one part had more power than the others. When the executive branch tries to suggest (some would say pressure) the judicial branch to rule a particular way, the balance is distorted. It seems most agree that keeping checks and balances in government is the right way to go. An Easter Rasmussen

poll shows that only 15 percent of those surveyed believe that the Supreme Court places too many restrictions on government activity, with twice as many thinking that the court doesn’t place enough restrictions. No one wants a cat and mouse game between Congress and the President, or the President and the Supreme Court. But we do want the system to operate as it was designed

to – which requires checks and balances. Both parties are scrambling with backup plans on what to do if the law is either upheld or overturned by the Supreme Court in June. Until then, both can show their support for the foundational division of power that helps keep our government in check. If they don’t, we have the power to vote them out of office come November. S

Opinion

April 16, 2012

Page 9

Attendance policies don’t prepare students for real life

Julianne Sedillo jsedillo@uccs.edu College: This is the time to experience newfound independence, responsibility and freedom… supposedly. The freedom aspect of college, however, is questionable. In some

academic departments, strict guidelines apply to students; if these rules are not adhered to, you may fail the class. One particular rule that several departments have put into place is an attendance policy. The English department, for example, has one of the strictest attendance policies. According to one class syllabus, “Attendance is mandatory … You can be absent up to three times before it affects your participation grade.” I may sound like I’m just trying to find excuses to skip class, but I feel like this expectation is babying students too much.

College is a place where students should learn to make their own choices without facing such concrete consequences, such as failing class because of simply missing a couple of classes. Students should be able to make the decision on their own whether skipping class will hinder their learning experience or not. College should be a place where students learn to manage their time more effectively to prepare them for life in the real world. After college, we will all (hopefully) find a professional career where time management and de-

cision-making skills are important. If we are not offered the chance to practice these skills in college, we will be doomed when it comes time for us to actually utilize them. Not only will our professional expertise be hindered from this type of babying from department rules, but it is also just the principle of the matter: If a class is too easy or boring to attend every day, it is the professor’s own fault. If a handful of students skip class each week, perhaps this should be a hint to the professor that he or she needs to amp up the class so that it is more valuable for the

students. Essentially, it all breaks down to this simple fact: Students are paying tuition for the education that they are receiving. If a student decides that he or she does not need to go to class that day, so be it. If that student fails the class because of missing important information, that is a chance for that student to learn and improve. However, if a student can afford to miss class without experiencing a drawback, then all the more power to him or her. This is an indication that this student knows how to manage time well and

knows the content of the class. In college, students should learn to make their own choices and embrace the freedom that they get to experience. With these department-wide policies, the college experience is thwarted. I suggest students who, like me, take issue with this policy to speak to the professor. Just as professors encourage students to take interest in the topic at hand, students may do well to encourage the professor to create a more enticing classroom environment that may be less likely for students to skip. S

of the hateful, malicious rhetoric. Unfortunately, this isn’t new. Nasty, mud-slinging presidential campaigns have been happening in our country since the Jefferson/Adams election. Note that that election was only the second one – this has been going on for over 200 years. The fact that it’s commonplace doesn’t change the fact that it shouldn’t be that way. Our country is pluralistic – our people have an uncountable number of ideas, faiths and opinions. What makes our country great is that all of these competing people can find some common ground in

freedom. That all gets lost, though, when politics comes into play. We have politicians on both sides accusing the other of anti-American behavior. We have nasty, bitter arguments about whether or not it was terrible that a young man was gunned down in the street and the perpetrator walks free. We are willing to let people go without basic medical care because if everyone has access, it’s no longer “freedom.” I have certain views about the way our society should work. I tend toward being more liberal. My mother, on the other hand, is conserva-

tive. We disagree vehemently on many, many subjects. Regardless of how we each view the government’s role in healthcare, or whether or not Barack Obama is a good president, we are both still Americans. I have the ability to say that I disagree with someone without having to categorize them as “un-American.” I can recognize more groups than “those who agree with me are good” and “those who don’t are bad.” The vile rhetoric that characterizes today’s political landscape has to change. We, as a soci-

ety, have come so far in granting rights to marginalized groups. Women have the right to vote, people of color have the right to vote, and the right for anyone to marry is on its way to being codified into law. We’re not at the finish line yet, and maybe we never will be. That doesn’t change the fact that we have to keep working toward that faroff finish line when we can all be equal. The first step, though, is to actually grant that there may be valid motivations and reasons for someone to disagree with you. Assuming that anyone that disagrees

does so with the worst motivations is like the 5-year-old who’s been accidently knocked down screaming, “He did it on purpose!” Let’s all agree that if someone is running for president, he or she is probably not anti-American. Let’s all agree that most people in the government aren’t committed to destroying America. Let’s all agree that regardless of whether or not we disagree with the sitting president, he is the one charged with making the call. And most of all, let’s agree to disagree, at least sometimes. Can we do that? S

Breaking news – politicians don’t want to destroy America!

Aaron Collett acollett@uccs.edu Republicans versus Democrats. Blue states versus red states. Bleeding-heart liberals versus fanatical conservatives. Our country is tearing itself to pieces with all

Toddlers and Tiaras: Have they pushed it too far?

Kailey Hernandez

khernand@uccs.edu Everybody wants their kids to be center of attention, soaking up the spotlight. But have some reality television shows taken it too far? Many of us are old enough to remember the sad tale of young pageant

star JonBenet Ramsey, who was found dead in her Boulder home in 1996 and whose parents were prime suspects. The mystery of her untimely death will forever remain locked away in a vault of secrets, but could she have been saved? As young Ramsey’s fame and popularity grew, so did her number of admirers. She became the face for young beauty and was admired by many in the pageant world. With her fame came much recognition, but as her parents looked back at her short life, they wondered if it was all worth it. Now, 15 years since her murder, Ramsey’s father wonders if allowing his daughter to compete in

beauty pageants was worth losing his only daughter. Was all the fame, publicity and money worth the heartache? It’s too late to think about the what-ifs in the case of 6-year-old Ramsey, but it is not too late for the moms of the kids on the hit TV show “Toddler and Tiaras.” “Toddlers and Tiaras” follows the lives of young children strutting their stuff on the runway in pageants around the world. Not only are these shows wrong and inappropriate for viewers to watch, the ordeals that these young children are being put through should not be allowed. On the show, moms

are putting pounds and pounds of make-up on their children’s faces. First of all, if a child cannot physically put make-up on her face herself without looking like a clown, then there is no need for her parents to apply vast amounts to her fragile face. Secondly, we witness that the majority of the time, none of the children want to do the things they are being forced to do. These children are being forced to obtain a spray tan, get their eyebrows waxed, get fitted for fake teeth and constantly get their hair yanked and pulled on. Besides the fact that these mothers are OK with allowing their children

to go through this, it’s disturbing to know these pageants require children to fit such high standards. Once the children are done with their pageant make-over, they don’t even look like human beings; they look like little dolls. Judges say that girls and boys must obtain a glowing tan, full set of teeth, dazzling outfits, perfect hair and manicured nails or their score will be docked. It’s bad enough that older women pretty much starve themselves and prepare for years in advance to compete in pageants such as “Miss USA,” but they are grown women, not 4-year-olds. In addition to the

pressure these children feel from the judges, their mothers live their lives vicariously through their daughters. After watching the show, it is apparent that these pageant moms are not doing it because their children enjoy the attention, they are forcing their children to be on live TV because they want to re-live their glory days. “Toddlers and Tiaras” is a show that not only puts these children at a highly publicized danger, but they have to grow up much faster than their peers. These children are not enjoying the heights of childhood; instead, they are forced to become young women in a 4-yearold’s body. S

Life on the Bluffs

Page 10

Crossword: Candy Campus Chatter

Bring your completed crossword to the Scribe office (UC 106) for a prize! Last week’s crossword answers can be found online at uccsscribe.com. 1

126

13 9

11 12

What are your 4/20 plans? Well what day is it? It’s just a normal day for me. Andre Houston Freshman, game development and design

16 11

18 19

23 23

Have you ever celebrated 4/20? No. This will be my first year, I’ll confess that now. Either way, I’ll celebrate it this year.

Across oss4 Across They 4 had They a hard had atime hardcoming time coming up a name for a name forcoming thisfor candy this candy y hadupa for hard time Gum 6 that Gumtastes that tastes like black like black for6a name for this candy licoricelicorice 9 Sometimes 9 Sometimes youblack feel you like feel a nut like a nut m that tastes like (2 Words) (2 Words) rice 10 They 10 don't They actually don't actually do mean do mean things things to feel those tolike who those who them eat them metimes you aeat nut 11 You 11can You get can these get in these flavors in flavors Words) like bacon like bacon and vomit and vomit 13 Candy 13 Candy ____, popular ____, popular at at y don't actually do mean Halloween, Halloween, tastes tastes like neither like neither ngs to candy thosecandy who eat them nor ____ nor ____ 14 These 14 These yellow yellow marshmallows marshmallows can get these inmake flavors don't actually don't actually a make sound a sound bacon andthe vomit 16 Taste 16 Taste rainbow the rainbow Candy 21popular Candy that explodes that in yourin your ndy21____, at explodes mouthmouth (2 Words) (2 Words) loween, tastes like neither 22 Underrated 22 Underrated basketball basketball themed themed candy bar (2 bar Words) (2 Words) dy23 norcandy ____ The 23original The original se24 yellow Chocolate 24 marshmallows Chocolate and toffee and toffee bar bar n't actually make a sound te the rainbow ndy that explodes in your uth (2 Words) derrated basketball themed dy bar (2 Words) original ocolate and toffee bar

24 24

23 5

37 58 712 15 17 818 19

12 20 15 17 18 19

What does 4/20 mean to you? It’s a celebration. It’s a protest to legalize marijuana completely; it 100 percent should be legal.

21 22

April 20 is that special time of the year when students from all ethnic and economic backgrounds get together and, well…smoke marijuana. On some CU campuses, like Boulder, it is celebrated like a holiday. Although not recognized by all, there are many UCCS students who have already made plans for their 4/20.

How do you feel about students who do celebrate 4/20? I suppose it’s their decision. If it had a derogatory effect on those who decide not to partake, then that would not be cool. It happens; like in Boulder, they set off the entire quad. Everybody knows what is going on, so nobody goes near there.

Photos by Alex Gradisher

What does 4/20 mean for you? For me it doesn’t specifically mean anything, but I know it’s the pot smoker’s holiday.

Lucas Hampton lhampton@uccs.edu

Matt Wood Senior, biology

5 6

April 16, 2012

So should such a holiday exist? It definitely should. Somebody started, so we just kind of continue it.

Down Down Allyson Grooms Down Leading 1 Leading the chewing the chewing gum gum Freshman, nursing market market since 1923 since 1923 Leading the chewing gum Cookie, 2 Cookie, caramel, caramel, and chocolateand chocolatemarket 1923 does itdoes get since any it get better? any better? What does 4/20 mean to you? ACookie, bunny 3 A bunny lays these lays (3 these Words) (3 chocolateWords) caramel, and It means smoking a lot of weed in a short span of time. Crispety, 5 Crispety, crunchety, crunchety, doespeanut-buttery it get any better? peanut-buttery Popular Popular Valentines Valentines Day candy Day candy A7bunny lays these (3 Words) Do you have plans for this year’s 4/20? that tastes that tastes like chalk like (2 chalk Words) (2 Words) Crispety, crunchety, Malted 8 Malted milk balls; milk also balls;a also Burger a Burger I’m actually going down to Boulder. King burger King burger peanut-buttery Has 12jokes Has on jokes theon wrapper the wrapper (2 (2 Popular Valentines Day candy How would you feel about a celebration like BoulWords) Words) Hungry? 15 Hungry? Why wait? Why wait? der’s happening at UCCS? that tastes like chalk (2 Words) Carmel 17 Carmel and chocolate and chocolate that roll that roll Dude, that would be wicked. I wouldn’t have to spend gas money, [and] I wouldn’t Malted Give 18 me Give amilk break! me aballs; break! also a Burger have to worry about driving. I’d be down for that. Chocolate 19 Chocolate and peanut and peanut butter butter Kingnuff burger nuff said said Has jokes wrapper (2 The 20heiress The heiress ofon thisthe of candy this candy fortune fortune What’s your most memorable 4/20? was a was character a character in an episode in an episode of of Words) We were sitting up on the bluffs here actually, and we were hiking back down. I "Seinfeld" "Seinfeld"

Hungry? Why wait? guess we had smoked an indica, which is not a fun high when you’re hiking, and so Carmel and chocolate that roll me and one of my friends started freaking out on the hike back down, and literally, a Give me a break! half hour hike took us two hours to get back down. It was a good time. I’m a stoner Chocolate and peanut butterthrough - and through. nuff said Nik Herring 20 The heiress of this candy fortune Junior, was a character in an episode of computer science/mathematics "Seinfeld"

Invisible Joe

Are you aware of the 4/20 holiday? Yes, 4/20 seems to be the day that everybody celebrates their constitutional right to smoke weed.

How do you feel about students who celebrate 4/20? I think that if someone wants to smoke weed, just like I want to smoke cigarettes or drink, then that’s my decision as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else. People have a right to decide what goes into their bodies. Could celebrating 4/20 be dangerous? No. I think it’s the same thing as Cinco de Mayo for drinking. You know as long as people are being responsible, then they should be able to pursue whatever makes them happy or whatever is fun for them.

Photo by Robert Solis, some photo elements courtesy of LornaWatt

Sure he sometimes makes a disturbance at games, but Invisible Joe loves to watch the Mountain Lions win!

How do you feel about the massive celebration that happens in Boulder? The big smokeout? I think it’s a good way to push policy in the direction that people are trying to push it. It’s a good way to raise awareness for it and make people realize if a bunch of people are all together smoking weed and nothing bad happens, then maybe it will make some of the people who think that weed is evil change their opinion on it. S

Sports

April 16, 2012

Colorado Springs offers a plentitude of choices for rock climbing buffs Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu

Rock climbing, along with hiking and skiing, has always been a great way to take an advantage of Colorado’s mountainous terrain. Especially here in Colorado Springs, there are plenty of opportunities for both beginning and experienced climbers to hit the rocks and have some fun. Sam Jurekovic, a student at UCCS, is an avid climber and has been climbing for many years. “My dad got me into it and I have been climbing for about 10 years or so,” said Jurekovic, a native of Jackson Hole, Wyo. “My friends and I did it all the time back in middle school. We would go almost every day after school and climb what we could until we had to go home.” Back in Jackson Hole, Jurekovic said that he did a lot of alpine climbing, which is much different from the “crag” climbing here in Colorado Springs. “A lot of the climbing

I did in Wyoming was alpine, which involves a lot of rocky peaks and takes a little longer to get where you want to go,” he stated. “Here in Colorado Springs, I do a lot of ‘crag’ climbing where you just drive straight to the rock you want to climb and it also doesn’t take as long.” Although Jurekovic stated “crag” climbing doesn’t take as long, it is still fairly dangerous, and those who plan on climbing need to remember how important safety is. “Lots of the accidents that happened in climbing can be prevented,” stated Jurekovic. “I had to rescue a climber at Garden of the Gods who dropped his rope; that is something that can be easily prevented if the climber knows what they are doing. “You have to be smart when you climb so you don’t leave yourself in a dangerous situation and knowing the safety side of climbing is a huge part of that.” Aside from mentioning how important safety

is, Jurekovic also said that there are plenty of spots to go climbing within the immediate Colorado Springs area. “Garden of the Gods is a great place since it is so close to UCCS and it has a lot of different places to climb,” he said. “There are some easy climbs there but also some climbs for those who are experienced, so it’s got a good variety.” Jurekovic also mentioned Red Rocks, Cheyenne Canyon and 11-Mile Canyon as other good locations. “Red Rocks and Cheyenne Canyon are great too, but to climb there, as well as Garden of the Gods, you just have to remember to get a permit.” Jurekovic also mentioned that those who are interested in climbing should contact either the climbing club on campus or go on the guided trip that S.O.L.E. hosts every year. “Both of those are good places to get started and no experience is need for those who have never climbed.” S

Page 11

Sport

Buzz

Itching and clawing his way back, Tiger Woods still far from where he used to be Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu

Tiger Woods is a mystery. Ever since that fateful day back in November 2009, the man hasn’t been the same. He hasn’t been the Tiger that won four majors in a row back in 2001. He isn’t the Tiger who everyone was scared to play with, or the Tiger that everyone thought was the perfect role model for their kids. No, nowadays Tiger Woods is your average tour player who has the maturity of a toddler. Seriously, who kicks their club at the Masters? I know who: no one. Not Jack Nicklaus, not Arnold Palmer, not even Bubba Watson, who won the Masters this year. Yes, only “the” Tiger Woods does that. Along with his cussing and just overall negative attitude, Tiger seems to be fading from people’s minds rather quickly. It is sad to

watch this unfold, but until Tiger gets his act together, his journey will continue to resemble the slow derailment of a train that used to chug along proudly. The question on everyone’s mind is this: When will Tiger be “back?” When will he revert back to dominance, winning every other tournament by ten strokes or more? The answer – and I thought about this for quite a while – is never. Tiger Woods will never be the same golfer he was prior to his extramarital affairs in 2009. You know why? He doesn’t have fun anymore. The Tiger we used to know charged all over the green with that iconic fist pump, yelling fiercely after every clutch putt. The Tiger we used to know smiled all the time as he strolled up and down the fairways at tournaments. That Tiger isn’t the Tiger we saw a couple weeks ago at the Masters.

No, the Tiger we saw at the Masters was more like a tense robot who didn’t know what the words “fun” or “respect” were. Kicking his club, cussing around one of the most respected places on earth and acting like a 2-year-old at some points. It was borderline funny to watch, but people lost interest and moved on to watching the great birdie barrage happening at the top of the leaderboard. I know it’s hard to have so much disdain for a man who has been so successful, but this isn’t the man I grew up idolizing. This isn’t the Tiger I know, and I am sure many people agree with that. I hope Tiger can someday realize that, because I want to see him storming leaderboards fist pumping his way to victory once again. Yet, until that robotic, Nikeclad, golfer starts having fun again, I don’t see him being “back” anytime soon. S

Sports the

cribe

Rock Climbing page 11

April 16, 2012

Mountain Lions continue to improve, strive to break .500 Aaron Collett acollett@uccs.edu

At the halfway point of the season, it can be tempting for athletes to sit back and ride out the rest of year. This is not the case for the Mountain Lion softball team, however, which is eyeing the playoffs and is certainly not resting on its laurels. Instead, they are focusing on both their long and short-term goals for the rest of the season. To accomplish their season goals, each player writes down goals for every game. The team as a whole reads these goals, and keeps them on their person during the game. Aside from setting goals, each player also has her own personal ritual to

prepare for games. Outfielder Rheana Trujillo, a freshman studying sports conditioning and training, said, “I spend a couple of hours visualizing. I think positive.” Her goals are, “Be the best I can be, get ahead in the count, be selective and swing hard.” Korey Kulpins, a freshman in health services, said, “Pretty much I worry about everything under my control.” As a pitcher, her goals are, “Get ahead in the count, play the best I can and control the things I can control.” Before the game last weekend, Trujillo said, “This week is the deciding factor. We’re out to get four this weekend.” The Mountain Lions came into their most

recent series, a fourgame tilt against Black Hills State University (BHSU), with a record of 11-15, placing them 10th in league standings. With a clean sweep of BHSU, the team now has a 15-15 record and has moved themselves one step closer to the postseason. With two games on Friday and two games on Saturday, the later games could have taken their toll on the Lions. The UCCS ladies were strong, though. The Photo by Robert Solis first game on Friday finished 10-2 in the Rheana Trujillo (left) practices her swing during an afternoon practice while Landry fifth inning, as the Davis (right) places a ball on a tee. mercy rule – where the more tense. BHSU took however, brought the forward to the rest of game is called when one team is ahead by at the lead in the first inning, game to a close with the the season. Kulpins said, least eight runs after five and held it until the fifth Mountain Lions coming “I’m looking forward inning. A solid hit with out on top. to finishing strong and innings –was invoked. The team now looks having fun.” S The second game was bases loaded by UCCS,

We exclusively carry

ZUMBA® Fitness $5 Drop-In Classes Big House Sports, 2660 Vickers Dr. www.zumbanorthcs.com 719-510-3443