Beard Enthusiasts page 4
the Monday, February 6, 2012 Vol. 36, Iss. 19
FREE
cribe
Your school. Your voice.
University of Colorado Colorado Springs Weekly Campus Newspaper
Mayor Bach hears students’ concerns during visit Aaron Collett acollett@uccs.edu
On Jan. 31, free pizza abounded in the Upper Lodge as representatives from SGA, The Scribe and several other student organizations gathered to
“
fair. It’s not just about businesses, though. Health care is also poised to become a major economic factor. “[Memorial Hospital] should be a major economic driver,” Bach said. The mayor was partly responsible for the up-
We’re trying to find more ways to have dialogue with younger people.
“
hear remarks from Mayor Steve Bach. Bach was elected in May 2011. Until his election, Colorado Springs used a city manager system – the nine-member city council hired a city manager to run the city. Now, Bach takes the place of the city manager in running the city, and the city council acts as a separate legislative body. The mayor’s focus in his speech was primarily about the economy and jobs. His first priority he said is to change the atmosphere in Colorado Springs to be more business-friendly. “We want to become the most business friendly city in the country,” he said. His proposals for this include streamlining approval requests, making sure regulations are reasonable and making fees
coming sale of Memorial Hospital to the University of Colorado Hospital. “Last summer, city council was poised to basically deed over the hospital to the Memorial Management – an insider group as I call them – the existing board of directors without any other proposals to compare,” he said. Bach is in favor of the eventual outcome, he said. “I think we have a better outcome today. We got five proposals from five organizations, including that management group, and I think that the best one was chosen.” UCCS students were not forgotten in Bach’s agenda; in fact, they were a primary item. “We’re trying to find more ways to have dialogue with younger people, to find out, ‘what do you need?’” Bach is an alumnus of
UCCS, having graduated from the School of Business in 1968. He had to leave for Cincinnati afterward to find a job, which affected his views on the economy. According to Bach, the economic situation now is similar to the economic situation after he graduated. “It still is in my memory, that experience,” he said. The mayor is also interested in partnering with the college to create internships and mentor-
ing programs. “I’d love for someone to follow me around for a day,” he said. But working for city government is not the only way that students can help. “One of the things that I think is important for students on this campus to understand is that you can make a difference,” he said. Bach’s most visible initiative right now is called, “Spirit of the Springs.” According to Bach’s website, its goal is to “engage
and connect Colorado Springs, cultivate future city government leadership, and engage the retired community.” Several events have already taken place, with more to come. The next Spirit of the Springs event is on Feb. 17 at the Antlers Hilton Summit Ballroom. This “Winter Rally” will, according to springs.gov, “celebrate what’s great about Colorado Springs!” There will be performances by the Taiko Society, the Colorado Springs
Conservatory and the Sweet Adelines ‘nVision Quartet, among others. Bach encouraged students to let their voices be heard. The email address, allcouncil@springsgov. com, will forward a message to all nine of the city council members. He urged students to email any and all concerns to the council. “They hear from everybody else in the community that has a special interest; why shouldn’t they hear from you?” S
Lucas Hampton
each year. However, with only a little over than half of the year behind us, over three quarters of the money reserved for club funding has already been allocated to various clubs. “Funding is awarded on a first come, first serve basis,” explained Shelton. But if every club applied for their max allowance ($3,000 per year), the SGA would only be able to accommodate about a third of the applicants.
The only source of income that the SGA can allocate toward clubs is the $14 Student Activity Fee, which is a fee each student pays each semester, and only half of this fee is used toward club funding. This amounts to approximately $100,000 for both semesters. “Our account balance right now is standing at about $17,000,” said Shelton, and only about 60 clubs have applied for funding. Although this
may seem like a strikingly low balance considering how much of the academic year we have left, Shelton explained that this is a typical occurrence. “Most of the clubs that apply for funding don’t use all of it,” he said. Shelton explained that last academic year, club funding had been completely allocated by the end of March, but $11,000 was still left in the account at the end of the year. After clubs apply for funding, their use of the
money is reviewed, resources purchased are liquidated if possible and any excess money is placed into the plant fund. If the balance is at zero in March, when all of the allocations are reviewed and funds returned, the balance may jump back up a significant amount. One solution to ensure more funding is available to clubs, especially in light of increased enrollment, is a proposed Media Student Fee. This new fee was recently approved by
both the House and Senate bodies of SGA and is expected to go on the ballot for this year’s student elections in March. Currently, the funding of student media outlets such as The Scribe and UCCS Radio is taken out of the $14-per-semester Student Activity Fee. “What [the Media Fee] will do is fund all these medias through this new fee,” said Shelton, so that, in the end, more funding will be available for clubs. S
Photo by Robert Solis
Mayor Bach had a Q-and-A session with students to better understand our needs.
Available club funding running low yet again this year lhampton@uccs.edu With over 180 clubs on campus, most of which apply for event funding through SGA, providing equitable amounts of funds to each organization can be a difficult task. Funding for student clubs is managed by Evan Shelton, the SGA finance director. Shelton has held his position for the past three years, working with a similarly-sized budget
Inside this
Issue
news
culture
New composting program page 3
Speed dating page 4
opinion
sports
Warren Buffet’s philanthropy page 8
UCCS BMX rider page 11
News
Page 2
February 6, 2012
Blackouts clue students in to Internet dependency Kaitlin Nelson knelson6@uccs.edu
On Jan. 18, thousands of websites temporarily shut down in protest. Led by online giants such as Wikipedia, Google, Reddit and Craigslist, the “blackout” attempted to gather support and signatures to halt the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA). Users trying to access the sites would find themselves at an information page explaining the cause and purpose of the blackout, while usually asking the viewer to contact their representatives. SOPA and PIPA were designed to increase protection of copyrighted material and intellectual property. These acts, if passed, would have allowed the Justice Department to remove or censor any website that was in violation of copyright laws. Opponents were concerned that this power could be taken too far, giving authorities the ability to even take down websites where its users – not site administrators – had posted copyrighted material. Legal and economic implications for large websites and start-ups alike prompted the
blackout and the messages designed to give users a picture of the Internet post-SOPA and PIPA. Psychology senior Kara McDaniel said, “I think any attempt to try to censor [online information] or regulate it like that would just lead to more trouble than it’s worth.” Since the blackout, both bills have lost support in Congress and have been set aside for the time being. A common theme floating around social media sites such as Facebook was how grateful students were that the blackout hadn’t happened during the middle of a normal school semester, as Google and Wikipedia have become staples in the research process. For some students, Wikipedia is used as a starting place to begin learning a topic. “Yeah, it is. I mean, I’ve done it a couple times. I try to stay away from it, but I do use it,” said McDaniel. Similarly, Suzanne Byerley, reference librarian, said, “I do recall going into it myself that day, for something – a quick fact check. [The blackout] really didn’t bother me, because there are so many other sources that would be much more authoritative here in the library than Wikipedia.”
Did the blackout affect student research, however? “It shouldn’t have. But I can see that it might have,” said Byerley. “I think people still like to go to Wikipedia or Google. It is very convenient, and then they pick the first thing they see on a Google search engine.” Byerley added, “Never cite it. Never, ever.” SOPA alerted many to the fact that our generation is becoming more and more Internet- and technology-dependent. Libraries, aware of this, seem to be responding. “I find the Pikes Peak Library District is really keeping up with the times,” said Colette Richards, a senior majoring in history. “They have so much available digitally. They learn to move with the times, and just keep up with however that information is available.” UCCS is following suit. “Judging from our circulation statistics, we do check out a lot of books still,” said Byerley. “We are getting more and more electronic books into our collection, and they’re all in the catalog. We are definitely trending toward lots of electronic sources, but I wouldn’t say we’ve started to trend away from print, though.” Even in the event that print books become “out-
the
Photo by Ariel Lattimore
Megan Golike is easily doing research on the Internet. dated,” there will always be those who appreciate them. Richards said, “There are a lot of people like me who still
like to read a hardcover book. There’s nothing like the real print, the real deal, seeing it in black and white.” S
cribe
UC 106 | (719) 255-3658 | www.uccsscribe.com | scribe.eic@gmail.com
Editor-in-Chief Cherise Fantus Managing Editor Cat Jensen Copy Editor Julianne Sedillo News Editor Matt Sidor Culture Editor Sara Horton Opinion/Life on the Bluffs Editor Randy Robinson Sports Editor Tyler Bodlak Photo Editor Alex Gradisher Business Manager Matt Baatz Graphic Designer Emily Olson Web Designer Edwin Satre Ad Sales Representatives Nikolas Roumell Jamie Burnett Illustrator Arno Photographers Robert Solis Ariel Lattimore Isaiah Branch-Boyle Reporters Ryan Adams April Wefler Mark Petty Kaitlin Nelson Columnist/Reporter Aaron Collett Junior Reporters Micki Cockrille Jesse Byrnes Lucas Hampton 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
February 6, 2012
Page 3
Apple releases iBooks 2, aims to revolutionize textbook industry Jesse Byrnes jbyrnes@uccs.edu
They changed the way we listen to music with the iPod; now, Apple is trying to revolutionize the way we read textbooks. On Jan. 19, Apple released iBooks 2, the ebook app for iPad with the addition of textbooks, and iBooks Author, an app that allows authors and publishers to create their own books. Both apps are free. Just as it utilized the iTunes platform and the iPod for listening to music, Apple hopes iBooks Author and iBooks 2 for the iPad can change how we read books – especially textbooks. iBooks Author is an intuitive application that allows users to publish highly-customized books for free. Users can include images, animations, 3D graphics and a variety of other media in the books.
While there are currently fewer than a dozen textbooks available in the iBooks 2 store (and all of them written for high school students), many have already pointed to the potential in utilizing the application for college textbooks. “There hasn’t been an overwhelming desire for ebooks as of yet,” said Jason Votruba, manager of the UCCS Bookstore. As far as providing the ebooks, “it has to be a part of what we offer here,” he said. According to Votruba, the bookstore has sold about 50 ebooks for the Spring semester. It offers ebooks depending on whether the teacher requests the book and the predicted desire of students to have an ebook. Votruba looks at the potential for digital textbooks, but recognizes some of the barriers. Ebooks are not standard-
ized, with different companies having different formats and rules, including the length of time the textbook can stay on a device, as well as how many pages of the book can be printed off. When it comes to phys-
ical textbooks, “You know what you’re going to get,” Votruba said. Many look at a $14.99 textbook on iBooks is a great deal, compared to over $100 for a physical copy. But as Bloomberg recently reported, sev-
eral factors affect book prices – including growing demand, profit from bookstores, and the use of books over a longer time span. Not to mention the need for each student to have a $500 iPad if the only ver-
sion of a textbook is on iBooks. “The pricing on ebooks may not be as cheap as maybe people think it is,” Votruba said. “It all comes down to what you’re looking for.” Votruba said that UCCS will stay on top of the trends and will offer more ebooks depending on demand. “If there is a strong push by faculty to want us to carry more ebooks, we can certainly do that as part of our mix here,” he said. With its current selection of textbooks, Apple reportedly sold 350,000 copies in the first three days, according to Global Equities Research. iBooks Author has been downloaded more than 600,000 times, and iTunes U – another app for Apple products that lets students download audio and video lectures for free – has been downloaded 3 million times. S
in the University Center and the Lodge.” Johnson noted that the program has only been in place for several weeks and has already become a tremendous success. Johnson explained that the waste is collected separately from landfill and recycling items and
allowed to decompose. This decomposing process produces heat, such as what a hay bale might do. The material is turned periodically as the material gradually turns into usable compost. Staff members from the Office of Sustainability will soon be taking a tour of the waste facilities, located between Colorado Springs and Pueblo, in order to learn more about this process. The compostable materials can be disposed of in the green containers labeled “Compost” in the Overlook and Lodge. Materials that can be placed in the bins include food, soiled napkins, clam shell containers and even plastic cups and utensils if they are made of corn cellulose, like the ones at the Lodge. Pay close attention when placing items in the receptacles in order to not cross-contaminate the
containers. Sodexo, campus’ food contractor, has partnered with the Office of Sustainability in order to make the program successful. According to Russell Saunkeah, general food service manager, educating students to pay attention to how they dispose of their items will ensure that time and labor isn’t wasted by Sodexo employees trying to sort it themselves. “We want to reuse any materials we can; it’s the concept of waste minimization,” said Saunkeah. The kitchens have begun collecting their unused and uneaten food. Boxes in the prep area are emptied into the green containers and green containers are also provided for the dishwashers. The waste was weighed in order to produce a baseline for how much waste accumulates in just one day. One kitchen collected
67 pounds of pre-consumer waste collected during food prep, and 78 pounds of post consumer waste. The University’s food services is hoping to see food waste dramatically reduced; if there is a reduction in the post-consumer waste by the end of the semester, the chef of the Lodge has agreed to offer a steak dinner to resident dining students. Clyde’s is also supporting the initiative to reduce waste. Currently employees are making the trip upstairs in order to deposit their compostable materials. Jen Voorhees, the manager of Clyde’s said, “We support the idea of composting. We realize that the program is new, but it could use some refinement.” It is hoped that the program will be successful enough to place more compost receptacles closer to the dumpsters and around campus. S
Photo by Robert Solis
John Hong and Jeong Seo are among many students who must choose between ebooks and physical textbooks.
Large-scale composting on campus is finally a reality Mark Petty mpetty2@uccs.edu
The program may be experimental, as composting on this scale hasn’t been attempted before by Waste Management in southern Colorado, but compost materials are
now being collected on a large scale to help create a more sustainable community here on campus. Drew Johnson, a zero waste coordinator in the Office of Sustainability said, “Students have asked for it, and the Office of Sustainability is proud to introduce composting
In an effort to increase campus sustainability, green containers have been added in the Overlook and Lodge to collect compost.
Check out our website!
uccs
.com
Culture
Page 4
February 6, 2012
‘Speed and Greet’ event to help students connect, find love Kaitlin Nelson knelson6@uccs.edu
The Office of Student Activities (OSA) will be hosting an event this weekend to help students connect, make friends and even spark love, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Tyler Siskowic, an OSA event coordinator and senior in business innovation, is the organizer of the “Speed and Greet” event, a speed dating activity. “Pretty sure this is the first one [at UCCS],” said Siskowic. Nonetheless, word is getting out. “I’m going to invite all the Greek organizations, because there are over 200 Greeks, plus all the students that will be coming in to eat, and any students that just want to come in and do it. They are more than welcome to come.” Not everyone who is welcome is willing, however. Many students have reservations about speed dating. “I just believe in meet-
ing people organically, I guess,” said health sciences junior Megan Carmody. Janna Dahl, a junior in criminal justice, agreed. “Speed dating seems rushed and formal, and very forced.”
students will be given a packet containing a long list of questions. “Each time they rotate, [the student] and their new partner will have a specified amount of time to answer as many questions as they can. The rotating group will write down their new partner’s name next to each question they answer,” said Siskowic. “At the end, the rotating group (who has the packet of questions) will check their answers with the key we provide. Then, they will find which partner they answered the most questions correctly with.” Prizes will be awarded at the end. Right now, Photo courtesy of DESIGNERDOCK this is planned as a one-time Several people participate in a speed dating event.
Club
“I’m sure other people might be more open to it, but it’s not something I would do,” she said. However, Siskowic does not want this event to be the typical speed dating activity that garners such reactions. “I want to make
fun, I don’t want to make it serious or anything,” he said. The event will begin similarly but with an added trivia component. Half of the participants will rotate while the other remains in place. Moving
event. However, there may be other opportunities to participate in the future. Siskowic said, “We’ll do this one, we’ll figure out if it’s a success or not.” For UCCS in particular, this type of event could be needed. “This is such a commuter college. It would be an interesting way to meet people,” Marisa Watson, a junior studying psychology said. “Anything that could bring together people that board and people that commute, because there is such a discrepancy between the two.” S
The Lowdown What: Speed and Greet When: Feb. 11 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Where: Clyde’s How much: Free
Spotlight
Beard Enthusiast Club seeks fans of facial hair follicles and wit Sara Horton shorton@uccs.edu
Beards mean magic. Or so says President of the Beard Enthusiast Club Megan Moyles. In her pitch to recruit members, Moyles cites Jesus and Santa Claus as examples of bearded men who should be subject to admiration. “Jesus probably had a beard, and he’s divinity,” explained Moyles, a junior organizational and strategic communication major. “Santa Claus has a beard and he’s really nice and he’s magic, so beards mean magic.” When Moyles transferred to UCCS from Pikes Peak Community College last semester, she learned from a guide at her orientation about a beard club already in existence. “I heard [about] the beard club and was like, ‘Oh, that’s awesome,’ because he said girls could join. The only rule is
that you can’t shave your face.” Moyles planned to join until she learned the founder of the club had graduated, so she decided to continue where the club had left off by herself. The irony of a female running such a club is not lost on her, but she hoped that fact would not discourage potential members. “You don’t have to have a beard. You can just like them, you can be a guy who can’t grow very good facial hair and join. It just depends.” Because she has been using Facebook (facebook.com/beardenthusiastclub) as a main method of recruitment, Moyles encouraged people to like the page so she can gauge interest. So what’s the fixation with beards? According to Moyles, beards not only have beneficial qualities associated with their owners, but they also have a certain aes-
thetic appeal. “They improve a face, a male face. They look very dignified.” Moyles said she was contemplating hosting a contest in honor of Mustache March, which is similar to NoShave November in that growing hair is the dominant focus. The event has a website (mustachemarch. com) that lists rules and regulations and also awards titles, such as Best in Show and Most Disturbing. In addition to startPhoto by Ariel Lattimore ing the Beard EnthusiMegan Moyles, president of the Beard Enthusiast Club, shows off the meaning behind ast Club, Moyles also the club by rockin’ a phony mustache. runs the Nickelback Resentment Associathem. thing or whatever, that’s intended it that way. Why tion, so band front man “I think the point in me achieving my goal and else would he put hair Chad Kroeger may be participating in extracur- boosting morale. Getting on your face if it wasn’t the only facial hair owner ricular activities is people people to feel like they meant to be there?” who is excluded from the who are like you, who are belong to a group, too.” Moyles asked, noting she club’s admiration. While the club values was being facetious with into the same things as Although Moyles de- you or to just meet people inclusiveness, it simulta- her philosophy. scribed her clubs as “very in general,” she said. neously emphasizes faWhen asked if the same frivolous,” she is searchcial hair and its purpose, rule applied to women, “You know, really, if ing for people who “ap- it’s just kind of a meeting which opposes shaving. she paused. “Well, I guess preciate the wit” behind where people just hang “Men should keep aesthetically, maybe not. her motive for starting out and talk about any- their beards because God But that’s not the issue.” S
Culture
February 6, 2012
Page 5
‘The Artist’ brings art back into the cinema experience Lucas Hampton
lhampton@uccs.edu Rating: The best film in theaters may be that which literally says nothing at all. Director Michel Hazanavicius’ attempt at rekindling the long deceased genre of the silent film is as daunting as it is astonishing. ”The Artist” stars Jean Dujardin as George Valentin, a veteran actor in the roaring twenties, and Berenice Bejo as Peppy Miller, a young and fledging actress slowly gaining recognition. Valentin’s career is ending just as Miller’s is beginning; both are marked by the emergence of ‘talkies,’ the latest – yet not so greatest – innovation in the cinema industry. The film follows a seemingly straightfor-
ward plot, accompanied by familiar sequences of a young rising figure paralleling the old and declining, yet somehow culminating into the joyful and comforting synthesis of the two. “The Artist” mostly follows Valentin, who is not only struggling with the declining demand of his industry, but also the declining strength of his marriage. It is a classic American tale of failure and the call to perseverance on the brink of all despair; at one point our hero is reduced to finding his finger on the trigger of a revolver, standing amid the ruins of his lower-class apartment. Yet among the tumult and dejection, Hazanavicius seems to find room for witty and well-placed humor. The end of the film leaves nothing to be desired; the audience has accompanied the characters
Colorado Springs’
Best Kept Secrets
through their struggle and can be nothing but satisfied by the resolution. The surface level of the silent comedy is merely a medium to convey a deeper and nostalgic message of unyielding assimilation, the plight that faces the aged in their attempt to conform to a changing environment. The roles of the youthful as well as the matured are performed masterfully, conveying the striking emotion that accompanies the victim and the aggressor. Bejo exemplifies the innocence and naivete of the youthful, unknowingly erasing the past, while Dujardin captures the hopelessness of his fading career. “The Artist” is perhaps best described as an ode to the bonds that are created between the audience and the characters, utilizing cinematography and
themes that have since been deemed either cliche or over-done. There is no concept in the film that can be described as purely innovative, especially as the film is void of auditory dialogue and shot almost entirely in black and white. It is precisely this outdated technique, however, that gives appeal to the film. Interspersed with a comedic style reminiscent of Abbott and Costello and philosophical cinematics similar to Ingmar Bergman, the film draws from some of the greatest moments in the history of cinema. The only criticism that may be allowed of the film is that for highlighting a changing
marketplace, vocational turmoil and economic in-
stability, it is set 80 years in the past. S
Photo courtesy of wowowow.com
Leechpit
The Leechpit corners market on vintage merchandise Aaron Collett acollett@uccs.edu
Adam Leech, the owner of The Leechpit, examined a beat-up canvas backpack a customer handed him. Johnny Cash music played in the background, and the faintest hint of incense drifted through the small shop. “It’s not really my cup of tea,” he said. “But I’ll give you five bucks for it.” The Leechpit is a Colorado Springs fixture. Owned by Leech, a UCCS alumnus, the small shop specializes in vintage, punk, retro and indie goods. According to Leech, “Vintage just means that something was made in a certain year. You can have something that’s vintage 2012. Retro means that something is made to look like it was made in a certain year.” The store has huge collection of items ranging from racks of clothing, to cases full of vinyl records, costume jewelry and knickknacks. Witty stickers adorn almost every display.
Heather creates Dollo-Ramas, dolls made of non-traditional mediums. “She uses found objects and assembles them into really amazing creatures,” Leech said. Currently displayed in the store are a winged skeleton, a demon and a shoplifting baby. HeathPhoto by Ariel Lattimore er is currently working The Leechpit offers a variety of vintage clothing, accessories and toys. on getting her creations The front door pro- is here for a reason.” himself creates “Hobo claims, “Shoplifting will Leech and his wife Nickels” – regular nick- displayed in a couple of be prosecuted, banished Heather opened the store els with Jefferson’s head galleries in Chicago and for life, blacklisted and in 2003. At that time, carved into something Japan. The store also hosts humiliated on Face- they were next to a liquor else. events from time to time. book.” store on Weber Street. Popular items are On Feb. 11, the LeechThe vinyl case says, Last year, they moved American Indian faces “Hell yeah, we got turn- to their current location and skeletons. Leech re- pit will host a fundraiser tables! Just ask the jerk on Nevada. “We outgrew cently completed a nick- by Occupy Colorado at the counter!” Leech our margin over there,” el with a Spock head on Springs. Leech is donatpointed out one he likes Leech said. it – and “Live Long and ing the space and time next to it: “Be nice, or In addition to running Prosper” replacing “In for the fundraiser. Running the store has we’ll raise the price.” the shop, both Leeches God We Trust.” He is become a way of life for Leech said, “Our motto have other artistic pur- also working on a docuis ‘All Killer, No Filler.’ suits that are becoming mentary showing the his- the Leeches. Leech said, “The music, the vinyl. Everything that is in here profitable as well. Leech tory of Hobo Nickels.
That’s my true history.” One of Leech’s jobs as a teenager was selling music at a record store that used to occupy the same lot where The Leechpit now stands. “I’ve been selling music for going on 17 years,” he said. Leech enjoys all aspects of hunting for vintage items. “No matter where we are on earth,” he said, “we can go to junk shops and know what our customers want, and what they will pay for it.” But beyond that, he added, “It’s my job to keep cool things in Colorado Springs.” S
The Lowdown What: The Leechpit When: Monday-Saturday 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Where: 802 N. Nevada Ave. How much: Prices vary More Info: leechpit.com
Culture
Page 6
February 6, 2012
New GoCA art exhibits explore...
the playful side of life Photos by Alex Gradisher
April Wefler awefler@uccs.edu
Performing Arts through 2007. He died after a rappelling accident in March 2011. The second event, entitled “Suburbia,” will open at downtown GoCA 121 on Feb. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. The exhibit features four artists and three projects: Phil Bender, Chris Coleman, Michael Salter and Michael Whiting. Bender features objects collected around the house, portraying the suburban
The Gallery of Contemporary Art is known by UCCS students as the gallery in Centennial Hall. In the community, it is one of the quintessential galleries in the area. To commemorate its 30th anniversary, GoCA is hosting two events this month. It kicked off with “Louis Cicotello Retrospective” on Feb. 2 and follows with “Suburbia” on Feb. 10. The campus exhibit, “Louis Cicotello Retrospective,” features art from 1971-2008 and is open until March 29 in GoCA on the second floor of Centennial Hall. Daisy McConnell, director of GoCA, said that
The Lowdown What: Louis Cicotello Retrospective and Suburbia When: Feb. 2-March 29 and Feb. 10-April 13 Where: Centennial Hall and 121 S. Tejon Suite 100 How much: Free More Info: uccs.edu/~goca
the arrangement of Cicotello’s art is mindful of balance and spacing and is a cacophony of ideas presented in formal structure, the way Cicotello liked it. “His craftsmanship is really impeccable. It has to be for it to be successful and he pulls it off,” said McConnell. She noted that some of Cicotello’s plexi-glass works from the 1970s were restored for the exhibit. “The artisans restoring them were astounded by the technique and ability,” said McConnell.
In part of the exhibit, a dishwasher acts as a “Homage to Marcel Duchamp” – the French artist associated with Dadaism and Surrealism. “There’s a playful sense of humor, referencing really serious art,” said McConnell, adding, “It’s almost like some crazy dreamscape.” Cicotello moved to Colorado Springs from Kansas City, Mo. in 1984 and was the head of the Department of Fine Arts and the Department of Visual and
growth and sprawl with such items as 1950s magazine ads and tennis rackets presented in grids. Bender is more of a Denver legend. It’s his first time showing in Colorado Springs. “It feels very much that he’s categorizing and archiving our past, but in a playful way,” said McConnell. Coleman and Salter have been collaborating on “My
House is Not My House” for over two years. The project is projected into frames on a wall, giving the audience the feel that they are looking into and observing a house when most people would be at work or school. “It brings up the idea of how we choose to live, in city or community. It’s subtle, so not too heavyhanded,” said McConnell. She called “My House is Not My House” a beautiful visual. Whiting, as a fan
of old-time videogames, has created pixelated animal sculptures of fauna that one might find around the neighborhood. Whiting’s sculptures are in close proximity to Bender’s and the two projects are meant to interact together. “The one thing that they all have in common is that it’s playful, colorful, fun,” said McConnell. Both exhibits are free for students, and the downtown exhibit will have all four artists at the opening. S
Above, left, middle, and right: examples of Louise Cicotello’s artwork, which is on display in the UCCS GOCA.
Opinion
Page 8
February 6, 2012
Editorial
Recreation Center expansion: a no-brainer proposition Last week, both the House and Senate legislative bodies of Student Government approved the placement on the ballot of a new $80 fee to expand the Recreation Center. The resolution will now go to students for a vote in early March, and if it passes, the fee will start tacking onto students’ bills in 2014. Expanding the Recreation Center isn’t a controversial idea: As The Scribe reported last Fall, survey results indicate most students agree that the facilities are too crowded and cramped. What is a little controversial, however, is the decision to double the fee to make this expansion happen.
Whether you go there every day, or have no time for an exercise regimen, the Rec Center fee pulls $160 out of your pocket each year to support its construction bonds and daily operations ($200 a year if you take summer classes). If you do go there every day, that’s a pretty darn cheap gym membership when compared to other facilities around the area. If you never go, you’re subsidizing the rest of us – and that’s just the nature of all of our mandatory, quasisocialist student fees. (If you don’t like fees, good luck finding another eclectic college campus without them!) Now, our administrators
are asking us to double that fee in order to expand the facilities from 54,000 to 118,000 square feet – more than double the space. Why such a massive expansion to a facility that was built just four years ago? If you’ve been there during peak hours, you know exactly why. Let’s break it down: 1. The gym floor is great for shooting hoops...when it’s not already in use for intramurals or tournaments. 2. The group fitness classes are fun...unless you accidentally knock into the person next to you while trying to accomplish that great Zumba dance move. (We’ve heard it gets filled up past fire safety codes!)
mously “less than his secretary’s.” Last fall, the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell replied to Buffett’s statements, telling the billionaire that if Buffet felt guilty about the taxes he paid, he should send a check to the Treasury to pay down the debt. Buffett thought that that was a great idea, and offered to match any Republican donations into the national debt, adding that he’d even triple any contributions from McConnell. And someone had already taken him up on his offer before it was made. Representative Scott Rigell (R) of Virginia has already paid into Treasury against the national debt. He said that he paid 15 percent of his congressional salary for 2010 and 2011. Those years together amounted to almost $50,000. So Buffett is going to write a check to the Treasury Department for that amount. He’s also raising the stakes for the other members of Congress. The 81-year-old billionaire has offered to pay 15 percent of his 2011 income into the national debt if 10 percent of Congress does the same. Currently, there are 535 members of Congress. With Buffett’s contribution, the total donation would be $10 million toward the national debt. That’s just from their congressional salaries,
not their other sources of income. People who aren’t affected by economic hardship are making decisions that should help those devastated by economic hardship. At first glance, this seems right – those who have help those who don’t, right? Except that what happens instead is that these super-wealthy Americans make decisions that are good for themselves, instead of the rest of the country. To see one of the richest people in the world offering to give up his wealth to help the American people is quite inspiring. Seeing a Republican representative being pro-active and putting walk to his talk is entirely unexpected. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that Buffett’s offer will not be taken. I keep being told by Republicans that since I don’t pay taxes on the pittance that I make every year, I’m lazy. I keep being told that since I’m not wealthy, I haven’t worked hard enough. That sort of clueless, self-promoting idiocy is a big part of why we have divisions like the 1 and 99 percents. Perhaps I’m jaded. It’s possible that I’m completely wrong, and there are 54 congresspeople who will take a little bit out of their enormous fortunes and take Buffett up on his offer. I kind of hope that I am wrong. S
3. The cardio machines can fill up fast. That halfhour run you wanted to do on the treadmill might end up taking an hour while you wait for a machine to free up. (And nothing helps a great workout mindset like having others hovering around you waiting for you to finish!) 4. The weight room is ridiculously undersized, especially when you consider that many of its users are ridiculously oversized. Walking from one end of the weight room to the other is like navigating a complex labyrinth of clanking metal and BO. 5. The locker rooms are teeny-tiny. It can be challenging enough to ignore
your sense of privacy to change clothes in a public facility, let alone while there are four or five others all trying to do the same thing within a foot or two of you. (You can forget about having a “personal bubble” in the current facilities – get used to the awkwardness!) We’re not sure why administrators didn’t elect to make the facility bigger in the first place, but we suspect it’s because it was during a time when students might have been a little more “fee-wary.” Jumping the Rec Center fee from almost nothing to $160-per-semester would have required a big leap of faith on the part of the students who needed to vote it
into place. Now that we’ve seen the benefits of having a dedicated facility, it’s kind of a no-brainer, isn’t it? Our community on this campus isn’t just because of small class sizes and a diverse student population – as Coloradans, health and fitness is practically written into our genomes, and it’s a critical part of staying mentally sharp and emotionally well-adjusted. We urge you to vote ‘Yes’ next month on the new Rec Center fee, because we think it’s a small price to pay for enhancing the overall well-being of our student population. S
surprise. Obama rejects any project that isn’t dressed-up as a stimulus bill costing hundreds of billions of dollars. He also pledged back in December that he would veto the pipeline legislation. Obama claimed that the arbitrary 60-day timeline would not allow for adequate research on the part of the State Department. In all fairness, it is important to allow for adequate research into any proposed policy before it passes, including environmental legislation. But TransCanada researched it for months. And when would the State Department finish its research? Early 2013, conveniently after the November elections. Many describe the GOP move to force a decision as political posturing. While Obama was put in a double bind, he is the president and needs to know how to stand up for American economic growth. If he were truly thoughtful about environmentalists’ concerns over the project, he would have rejected the proposal entirely, but he went out of his way to encourage the company to reapply next year. Again, playing both sides. As opposed to increased domestic oil use, Obama’s rhetoric continues to fall back to clean, green-energy programs. In his 2010 State of the Union address, Obama mentioned
Solyndra, a California business that received a federal bailout only to go bankrupt. In this year’s State of the Union address, Obama discussed Ener1, a battery company that he regarded as a successful energy investment. It also filed for bankruptcy, just two days after his speech. Tesla Motors, another Obama favorite, also received a bailout, only to produce expensive cars that only the DiCaprio’s of the world can afford. Regardless of American environmental concerns, Canadian oil will be used, if not by us, then by another country. Canada aims to be a selfprofessed oil superpower in the coming years. After Obama’s rejection of the pipeline, Canada is looking to sell its oil China, and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is set to visit China later this month. The implications of rejecting Keystone XL are huge. Considering China’s growing economic dominance and our lack of economic security, failing to capitalize on such an opportunity demonstrates a lack of forethought by the current administration. Instead of letting our economy add 20,000 new jobs and an influx of profit, Obama is focused on protecting one job – his. Whether his lofty rhetoric and flattering campaign speeches do the trick is another question. S
- The Scribe Editorial Board
Buffet breaks the stereotype Playing politics; costing jobs
Aaron Collett acollett@uccs.edu The Occupy movement represents the 99 percent. The super-wealthy are the 1 percent. Due to the Occupy movement, we’ve slipped into the habit of thinking that these labels are black and white. Because we’re human, categorize based on our labels. The 1 percent, 99 percent, we assume things about those labels. Fortunately, it’s more complicated than that. Warren Buffett is the definition of the 1 percent. His net income in 2010 was over $62 million. His net worth is around the $47 billion mark. Forbes ranks him as the third-richest person in the world. Out of 7 billion people in the world, there are only two who can command more wealth than this man. And he is giving away his wealth to help the American people. Buffett has spoken many times about the tax rates that he pays - fa-
Jesse Byrnes jbyrnes@uccs.edu Despite his promise to lead Americans back to an economic recovery, President Obama continues to put his own interests ahead of others, costing Americans jobs and economic prosperity. The latest example? His rejection of the Keystone XL pipeline from energy giant TransCanada. Keystone XL is a $7 billion, 1,700-mile pipeline that would run from Alberta, Canada, to Cushing, Okla. and parts of Texas along the Gulf Coast. Analysts project that the pipeline would create 20,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing. In early December, House Republicans forced Obama to make a decision on whether he would allow Keystone XL to take place. They gave Obama 60 days to pass or reject the bill. Obama rejected the bill less than a month into the 60-day timeline. It should come as no
Life on the Bluffs
February 6, 2012
Black Black History MonthMonth Crossword: History Turn in your completed crossword to the Scribe office to win a prize! Last week’s crossword answers are available at uccsscribe.com.
Black History Month Black History Month 2 4
6
5
2
7
4 6 7
3
1
3 2
9
5
Aeones Deveyra Freshman, Mechanical Engineering
5
6
10
9 13 8
8
11
10 9
13
11
10
Where are you going? Anteneo de Manila.
12
12
11
12
13
15
14
16 14 15
16
15
16
14
17
18 17 18
18
20
20
17
19
20 21 21
19
19
21
22 22
23
24
24
25
25
24
Kyle Popish Senior, English Literature
25
AcrossAcross Across Leaf Rag" and "The Composer of "Maple 1 Composer of "Mapleof Leaf Rag"Leaf and Rag" "The and "The 1 Composer "Maple Entertainer" Entertainer" Entertainer" ought to move America toward peaceful 4 fought move America toward peaceful 4 to fought to move America toward peaceful acial racial integration integration racial integration urvived three assassination attempts 7 survived assassination attempts attempts 7 three survived three assassination duringduring her campaign forcampaign the 1972 U.S. her campaign for the 1972 U.S.1972 U.S. during her for the presidential election election presidential election presidential he undefeated beat heavyweight 9 undefeated he beatheavyweight undefeated heavyweight he9beat champion James J. Jeffries inJeffries 1910 in 1910 champion James J. champion James J. Jeffries in 1910 11 Martin King, Jr. was born in this cityin this city 11Luther Martin Luther King, Jr. born Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in was this city 13 Sojourner Truth born with this name: 13 Sojourner Truth was born with this name: Sojourner Truth was was born with this name: 16 Venue where Malcolm X was killed 16 Malcolm Venue where Malcolm Venue where X was killed X was killed 18 Some18 her books have been banned Some of her books have been banned by Some of herofbooks have been banned byby libraries and schools libraries and schools ibraries and schools 21 modified peanut butter into whatinto we know 21 modified peanut butter what we know modified peanut butter into what we know today today oday 22 First African-American woman (and first 22 First African-American woman (and first First African-American woman (andthe first woman) inducted into the Rock and Roll and Roll woman) inducted into Rock woman) the Rock and Roll Hallinducted of Fame Hall into of Fame Hall Fame 23of"What happens a dream 23 "What to happens to deferred?" a dream deferred?" author Whatauthor happens to a dream deferred?" 24 Jazz singer and trumpet in player the early 24 Jazz singer andplayer trumpet in the early author 1900sand1900s azz singer trumpet player in the early 25 First African-American Chairman of the 25 First African-American Chairman of the 1900s Joint Chiefs of Chiefs StaffChairman Joint of Staff of the First African-American oint Chiefs of Staff
Why the Philippines? The cost of living is about the same there and here and it gives me an international item to put on my resume. I kinda wanted to follow my parents’ footprints too, because they both graduated from the Philippines. It was more of, like, I wanted to go there for the experience. I feel the education would be about the same. It wouldn’t avert me from my major here, so I was more concerned with the cultural studies that would be available there instead of here. Anything you want to share about America in the Philipines? Not really. Pop culture over there pretty much tries to emulate us.
22
23 23
Photos by Robert Solis
3
4
7
8
Mark Petty mpetty2@uccs.edu
The study abroad program has become quite popular among those who wish to get out and see the world. We were interested in the idea of sharing the American culture with other countries, but mostly we wanted to know what other cultures could teach us. Students interested in studying internationally should contact the International Student Services Office in Main Hall 108.
1
1
Campus Chatter
Page 9
Where are you going?
22 33 55 66 88 10 10 12 12 14
14
15
15
17
17
19
20 19 20
Down Dagu Villiage, Korea Down Down Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on Rosa 2 Parks refused give upto her seat Rosa Parks torefused give up on her seat on the bus in in this state the bus this state the bus in this state Do you know anything about the area? Winner of thePulitzer Pulitzer Prize and author of Winner the and author of author 3 of Winner of thePrize Pulitzer Prize and of "Roots" "Roots" "Roots" I actually don’t. I’ve never been to Korea. I’m First American colony abolish slavery First American colony to to abolish 5 First American colony toslavery abolish slavery Korean by birth, but then I was adopted. This is credited with helping to design the credited helping design to the 6 with credited withtohelping design the blueprintsblueprints for D.C. blueprints forWashington, Washington, D.C. D.C. for Washington, going to be a chance to learn about my culture The United States Ambassador to New 8 The United States Ambassador to New The United States Ambassador to New Zealand from toto 2001 Zealand from 1999 Zealand from1999 1999 2001to 2001 and give me a job, so it gives me a chance to This holiday black heritage 10 Thiscelebrates holiday celebrates black and heritage This holiday celebrates black heritage and and make money while being immersed. culture culture culture He fought the segregation policy to get into 12 He fought the segregation policy tointo get into He fought the segregation policy to get law school and become Supreme Court law school and become Supreme Court law school and become Supreme Court What about the language? justice justice justice Broke14 theBroke color the barrier in barrier professional color in professional I don’t know the language, they said that’s not Broke the color barrier in professional baseball baseball baseball Halle 15 Berry wonBerry the Oscar for Oscar Best Actress Halle won the for Best Actress a problem; however, I would prefer to learn the Halle wonfilm the Oscar for Best Actress for thisBerry film for this language. I’m learning some at the moment, but for film hadthis a17 three-octave range - a range range -greater had a three-octave a range greater had three-octave range -a range than amost professional Opera singers. than most professional Opera greater singers. my knowledge isn’t enough to get around right Yes we can 19 Yes we can than most professional Opera singers. African–American musical form bornform out of 20 can African–American musical born out of Hopefully by the time I leave I will be able to have simple conversations. Yes we now. the Blues,the Ragtime, and marching bands Blues, musical Ragtime, and marching African–American form born outbands of originated in Louisiana during the turnbands of the originated in and Louisiana during the turn of the the Blues, Ragtime, marching 19th century. 19th century. originated in Louisiana during the turn of theWhat are you most excited about? 19th century. Getting a chance to experience my culture, my country. I haven’t had the opportu-
Invisible Joe
nity to. I was born there, but I was adopted at 6 months. I’ve grown up in the United States. I’m also going to find my father and my brother. That’s why I’m going for a year, cause that will allow me to go through hospital records. Julie Delaire International Grad Student, Political Science Where in France are you from? West part of France, south of Brittany. What made you decide to come to Colorado? There was a new partnership with UCCS. We didn’t really have choice. We either could go to Iowa or Colorado, and we didn’t make the choice. The teachers made it for us, but I am happy. I had been to Missouri so I didn’t want to go to Iowa. How has your perspective changed of Americans since you’ve been here? I really like Americans, they’re so different from the all the rest, the things we hear in Europe, all the stereotypes. I just like the way people behave. I like the college life experience. I like the classroom. I pretty much like everything about America.
So, there’s a very negative stereotype about Americans? Not very negative, but often people talk without knowing what they’re talking about. You know how people say that you take yourself for “King of the World” and stuff like that.
Photo by Robert Solis
Invisible Joe has been feeling the cold weather quite sharply. Here he is at Kohl’s, trying on new clothes for the first time all year.
What do you hope to take back to France? Language ability…I don’t know. When I came back from Missouri I just tried to make my friend understand how America was great and how they need to come at least once in their life. S
Page 10
Life on the Bluffs
the Scribble
February 6, 2012
Disclaimer: The contents of the Scribble are completely fabricated, peppered with inconsistencies and laced with lies. Any resemblance to the truth found herein is a matter of sheer luck. The Scribble should be approached with a healthy dose of skepticism, and its claims should be taken - if they are taken at all - with many grains of salt.
America goes to war with Iran; war toys rationed Louisa M.F. Alcott uccsscribble@gmail.com
America has officially entered into war with Iran. After receiving a package from the Iranian government containing a hot-pink toy version of the stealth drone captured in December, President Barack Obama was visibly unnerved. Upon opening the package, he shouted, “This means war!” as he pitched the drone across the Oval Office. “We will avenge this act of aggression against the great American nation!” The Joint Chiefs of Staff convened in the War Room on Feb. 1 to create a formal battle plan. After about six hours of planning, the room began to stir with action. White House interns were sent out, returning with shopping bags from Toys R Us, Target and Walmart. Others were seen carrying in boxes and packing materials from UPS. “We’re sending them all we’ve got,” said Obama at a press conference later that evening. In the first wave of the surge, the White House sent 1,337 model fighter jets, 2,185 toy tanks, 1,549 assorted he-
licopters and 216,247 G.I. Joes to the Iranian government. “This is not a warning,” said Obama, “We are letting them know we mean business.” White House interns purchased all the war toys from all the toy stores in the greater Washington D.C. area to cover the surge. “Next is Baltimore, then New York. We’ll continue sending troops until they surrender,” said Obama. As a result of the surge, the government is calling for all fighter toys to be rationed. Some families are already feeling the strain from the depleted resources. “All I wanted for my birthday was a Helizone Photo illustration by Alex Gradisher Combat Fighter 3.5 ChanOne of the numerous boxes filled with models, which Obama sent to the Iranian leader. nel Gyro Missile Shooting RC Helicopter,” said Toy manufacturers have hired double percent. 8-year-old Mikey Pavlish, To which Obama remarked, “I did say “But I couldn’t get one because of the the number of employees to meet the stupid president. I got a pink Barbie car demand. As a result of the increased hir- I would decrease unemployment, didn’t ing, unemployment has decreased by 4 I?” S instead!”
Colleges in America form uprising against SOAP Gonzalez G. Gonzalez uccsscribble@gmail.com
College students across America have taken arms against Congress after they presented its new bill SOAP, or Students Obstructing All Products. The bill was introduced after Congress saw that college kids everywhere were not using soap or any cleaning product, causing them to stink up campuses. The bill itself would allow the U.S. government to forcibly give soap and other cleaning products to college kids in hopes of making college campuses healthier environments. It would also set guidelines for when to take baths and showers, making regular and enforced bathing times. Jonny Von Deusch (D), senator from New Hampshire, came out as the head sponsor of the bill. “Kids these days have no idea how to clean themselves, and I think it’s time that we gave them the proper cleaning they need,” he said. “This hurts universities as a whole, and it’s hurting the soap and other cleaning product industries.” Co-sponsor of the bill, Congressman Nofa King Kloo (R) of California has also thrown in his support of SOAP citing the effects it has on corporations like Bath and Body Works and Bed, Bath and Beyond. “When college kids refuse to buy cleansing products, they hurt the owners of the corporations. Instead of mak-
ing $80 million a year, the CEO of Bath and Body Works is only making $78 million a year.” However, college students have a different position on the issue. “Why should the government be telling us how to use soap if they don’t even use it themselves?” said local UCCS presidential candidate Licki See Mockrille, “For years we chose when to and when not to bathe with little consequences, and out of nowhere Congress comes up with SOAP. I think they’re just power hungry.” Don Saul, libertarian advocate and fellow presidential candidate had a similar philosophy. “It’s not like all of us college students refuse to bathe ourselves. I, for one, take a shower regularly, but have no problem with those who do not. Congress fails to recognize that the students who refuse to bathe represent only 13 percent of the college population,” said Saul. “With SOAP, the U.S. government will effectively take away our freedoms. It’s absolutely extreme and Congress needs to reassess the problem. It’s like firing a freaking bazooka at a pile Photo illustration by Alex Gradisher of clean dishes just to clean the Original photo courtesy of Gipajournos one spot that was missed in the Students protest against soap outside of Bed Bath and Beyond. dishwasher.” S
Sports
February 6, 2012
It’s a Ricky Bobby story for student athlete CJ Mitchell Micki Cockrille mcockril@uccs.edu
“If you ain’t gonna win the race, you’re probably gonna crash and get all the attention anyways,” CJ Mitchell’s father once said to him. UCCS athlete Mitchell has seen a few crashes in his life. BMXing and dirt biking have been a part of his life since he was three years old. A senior majoring in Political Science and Colorado native from Widefield, Mitchell has lived in Colorado all of his life, obviously no stranger to the climate of sports. “I’m a country boy at heart,” said Mitchell. He eventually moved out east to Black Forest and has lived there practically his entire life. Mitchell started dirt bik-
ing after his dad encouraged him and his brothers to try it. Mitchell soon fell in love with dirt bikes and raced primarily in hill climbs. At age 16, he won the state championship in two classes. But Mitchell eventually made the transition to BMXing. “Caleb Grey showed me an outdated BMX video. Watching those guys ride, I said, ‘I wanna do that, I really, really wanna do that.’ At the end of senior year I started taking it seriously,” said Mitchell. “I’d always goofed around on a BMX but one day my engine blew up on my dirt bike, and that can get very expensive,” said Mitchell. “I loved it so much that it influenced my decision to go to school at Metro State in Denver because they have awesome
BMX parks there.” Mitchell took his riding so seriously that he went on academic probation at one point. During this time, Mitchell really learned how to ride and began gaining significant attention locally. He rode with local professional teams as BMXing became a way of life, constantly striving to perfect his skill. During this period, Mitchell was no stranger to injuries. “I crashed from barspins, pulls off and tailwhips every now and then,” said Mitchell. “I beat up shins up from tailwhips so much.” While in school, Mitchell met one of his heroes that inspired him to BMX while up in Denver. Casually, Mitchell heard a rider comment on his bike’s frame at a park. “‘Hey nice frame,’ I
heard someone say. This guy commented on my frame so I had to comment back, but when I looked at who was commenting, I said, ‘You’re Cory Jarman, holy crap. Why are you talking to me?’” It was indeed Cory Jarman from Black Eye Bikes. Mitchell was invited to ride with the team afterward, ecstatic as anyone could be. Mitchell has stopped BMXing for the time being to focus on school. He transferred from Metro State to UCCS to buckle down and get away from the Denver environment. However, Mitchell does want to pick it back up in the near future. “My parents got my nephew a BMX bike for Christmas and it was like, ‘Look at CJ; he used to ride for a team and everything.’
Page 11
Photo courtesy of 330photo
CJ Mitchell tailwhips at Memorial Skate Park. I have planned on it but school is a priority. And the injuries added up too. I’ve had so many concussions.” “Just wear a helmet,”
said Mitchell. “We took that ‘you’re only young once’ philosophy to the extreme – just watch out with that one.” S
track facility, with which they had had a five-year agreement. “We didn’t do anything wrong, we just aren’t allowed to practice there anymore,” he said. “It put us in a tough spot for our technical sports, but the athletes have done a great job responding to the adversity and piecing it together to get through the problem.” Misch said now that February has hit, the team will have a few more tune-up meets and then the conference championships at the end of the month. “A lot of kids are doing well and a lot of them are improving,” said Misch. “The freshmen are coming along, our best athletes are doing well; it’s great to see as a coach and hopefully we just keep improving as a team.” S
quire some knowledge in the process. They learned that most teams’ first round pick Chris Johnson, who promised to be the ultimate point scorer, was a fluke this season. They quickly learned just how bad the Cowboys’ entire team could choke when they needed to score. But most importantly, they learned that if they’re taking their fantasy teams more seriously than the actual National Football League, it’s time to go play outside. S
UCCS track team hurdles obstacles, keeps rolling along Ryan Adams radams3@uccs.edu
For many sports fans and athletes alike, February might be the most important month of all. The Super Bowl is played, March Madness is right around the corner, and even spring training for baseball is coming up soon. For the UCCS track team, February means something else: the RMAC conference meet. Head coach Mark Misch believes that so far, the track team has fared well. “January is usually a time of transition for the team since it is right after winter break,” he said. “So far, I think the team has been pretty solid, but we will have a pretty good idea of where we stand after the
next couple meets.” This season, the team has competed in a few tune-up meets, including a successful showing at the Joe Davis Invitational. They came away with two school records, several personal re-
cords, and even a couple NCAA National Championship provisional qualifying marks. The women were led by the pole-vault duo of juniors Alex Colvin and Christian Carmody, who
cleared the bar at 3.50 meters, a provisional qualifying mark as well as listleader in the RMAC. Also with solid performances for the women were Chelsea Overocker in the triple jump and Lauren Roberts
in the high jump. Sophomore Chad Liscar led the way for the men, setting a personal best in the preliminaries of the 60-meter (7.04 seconds) and then a school record of seven seconds that gave him a first place finish as well. Senior Matt Cameron also set a school record with a time of 2:29.77 in the 1,000 meters. The men also picked up a victory in the 800-meter run with junior Anthony Davis winning the event. Junior Mike English was second overall in the 3,000 meters, setting a personal best and beating out 2011 national champion Ryan Haebe of Western State. The season so far has not been without its fair share of bumps, however. Misch said the team lost access to the Air Force
UCCS students enjoyed this year’s fantasy season – except for the losing streaks. Freshman Jesse Fenton, geography major and owner of the “I Can’t Believe It’s not BAMF” fantasy team enjoyed his fantasy season—to an extent. “I like Fantasy Football, but the unpredictability makes it very stressful,” said Jesse. When asked about how his season went, horrible was the only word to describe it. Jesse’s favorite players were Jason Witten and Marshawn Lynch.
“Just not Michael Vick. And I hated having Dwayne Bowe and Steven Jackson… And once again Michael Vick,” said Jesse. Jesse’s strategy was to watch which teams were doing poorly and start players he had who were competing against these struggling teams. Jesse also battled injuries this season, as if fate were playing against his fantasy team. “The worst, though, is overpowered quarterbacks, which leads to overpowered teams,” said Jesse.
Freshman Jonathan Ferguson, owner of the fantasy team “Jarod is not BAMF” had a bittersweet season, just like his favorite team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (it should be noted that Jarod was in fact the owner of the FBAMF league). Jonathan was not so sure if he had fun with his fantasy season. “It depends on how my players do, but I took fourth out of ten with a 4-9 record,” said Jonathan. His favorite players were Fred Jackson (before he got injured), Cam Newton
and Ryan Matthews while he held a strong dislike for Tony Gonzalez and Roddy White. Jonathan’s strategy was to put in the players with the best projections possible. “The most frustrating parts of the season were the injuries or players who didn’t perform to their potential and then when you finally benched them they played well. And losing by five points or less definitely sucked.” Through the time wasted in fantasy football, participants did at least ac-
Photo by Alex Gradisher
From left to right, Travis Whitman, Chad Liscar and TJ Frison sprint around the bend during their last lap of practice.
Fantasy football over: Now what are we supposed to do? Micki Cockrille mcockril@uccs.edu
If there’s one thing that all men, jocks and nerds (football fans or not) do that women will face-palm at, it’s fantasy football: Dungeons and Dragons for those who love the National Football League. Of course we’ve all succumbed to the game. Why? Because it’s freaking addicting. Many a student has wasted way too much time on the school computers checking player stats.
Sports the
cribe
Track update page 11
February 6, 2012
Colorado Springs plays host to international sporting events Tyler Bodlak tbodlak@uccs.edu
After securing a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics, American wrestler Rulon Gardner walked away from the mat for the final time, leaving his shoes behind as a symbol of his retirement. It seemed a fitting end to his legendary career, an emphatic punctuation mark for a man who had shocked the sports world in 2000 by dethroning Russian champion Alexander Karelin for Olympic gold. But like so many elite athletes, Rulon couldn’t
stay away. Following a stint on the hit TV show “The Biggest Loser” (and losing 173 pounds), Gardner relocated to Colorado Springs in 2011 and began training for a return to the sport that had made him famous. On Jan. 28, at the ripe age of 40, Gardner took to the mat once again at the Kiki Cup, an international wrestling duel held at the Olympic Training Center. Gardner finished the day 4-0 and feeling good about where he is. “My performance today, I felt was pretty good,” Gardner said to the Colorado Springs Gazette. “For me to be able
to come back here to get back into the sport of wrestling after eight years, this has been a pretty amazing experience.” With weight still to be shed, and the United States Olympic wrestling trials fast approaching in April, Gardner’s comeback is far from complete. But it’s a start. In Colorado Springs, stories like these are common, as the city is home to the United States Olympic Committee, as well as the national governing bodies of over 20 sports. Aside from wrestling tournaments, Colorado Springs annually hosts multiple other interna-
ZUMBA® Fitness $5 Drop-In Classes Big House Sports, 2660 Vickers Dr. www.zumbanorthcs.com 719-510-3443
We exclusively carry
Words fail to describe the faceplant this wrestler felt. tional
sporting
events.
The next high profile event coming to Colorado Springs is the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships, held at the World Arena and World Arena Ice Hall from Feb. 6-12. The Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is a competition that pits the top figure skaters from North America, Asia, Australia and Africa against one another. This year’s event features a strong field that includes multiple American champions, Olympic medalists and 2011
Photo by Robert Solis Colorado Springs trained world champion, Canadian Patrick Chan. This month, the Olympic Training Center will also play host to the Olympic Boxing trials, slated to take place from Feb. 27-March 2. For students who are interested in Olympic sports at the highest level, there are few locations better than Colorado Springs. With a plethora of Olympic athletes living and training within the city, opportunities to watch international events are never in short supply. S