4.17.12

Wiz Khalifa

Hip-hop artist entertains large campus crowd

P a ge 4

Tuesday • April 17, 2012 • Vol. 105 Issue 27

Task force questions general education curriculum

By Damien M. DiPlacido The Standard

Briefs Ecopalooza 2012 concert to celebrate sustainability

Students for a Sustainable Future will host Ecopalooza 2012, a solar-powered concert, to raise awareness about environmental sustainability.

The concert will be on Thursday, April 19 from noon to 9 p.m. on the Bear Paw. Bands will include: Luna Jamboree, Beartones, The Violet Lockets, Black Bonnet Ballyhoo and Plaid Dragon.

Local businesses and vendors will be present and activities like tie-dye and slack lining will be available to students.

In college, regardless of age, race, gender or walk of life, every student has to deal with general education requirements at one point or another.

In a university setting, they can be one of the great equalizers.

On the other hand, course drift is a potential problem that can negatively impact a great deal of students without them knowing it. According to Etta Madden, English professor and chair of the Task Force on General Education Revision, it’s a common occurrence with classes that have 50 or so different sections.

“Course drift is when you have a class like PED 100 or CIS 101, for instance, and students in different sections say, ‘You have to do that in your Madden course, and you got a D. My course is easy and I got an A,’” Madden said. “If you think about the big picture, they’re experiencing such different learning outcomes for the same gen ed classes.”

This is just one of the many dilem-

mas MSU’s task force is working diligently to improve. The task force held open sessions on general education revision on April 10, and then again on Monday, in the Plaster Student Union.

Madden, a key speaker at last Tuesday’s open session, said MSU’s general education program should reflect the character of the university and prepare the students to be successful and effective in their future roles in the 21st century.

“It’s about accreditation,” Madden said. “It’s about student learning, but accreditation is, are you as an institution doing what you said you were going to do when it comes to your stu-

dents’ learning? We’ve done so much research looking at what happens at other institutions across the country.”

The task force is geared to organize their work into three phases, MSU’s General Education Review says. Phase one focuses on developing knowledge of the nature of gen ed classes and crafting a mission statement.

The second phase is formed around the effective design of a new general education curriculum, and the third phase is to play an active role in guiding the committee’s recommendations through the approval process.

See TASK FORCE page 14

Evangel University to host Arrive Alive Tour for students

Evangel University is hosting the Arrive Alive Tour from UNITE today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program uses a hightech simulator, impact video and a number of other resources to educate students about the dangers of texting while driving.

UNITE provides health and wellness programs to high school and college campuses across the nation. Their programs are designed to heighten awareness on the dangers of drunk driving and distracted driving.

Calendar April 17 to April 23

Tuesday

Public Affairs Conference 2012, all day Drop Second Block Classes at 25 percent credit or refund, all day Student Government Association meeting, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at PSU 313

Wednesday

Public Affairs Conference 2012, all day Connectivity and Cartesian Anxiety, 9 to 10:15 a.m. at PSU Ballroom East Engaging Democracy: How Citizen Uprisings Will Reshape America, 7 to 8 p.m. at PSU Theater

Thursday

Public Affairs Conference 2012, all day Boomer’s Crew Auditions meeting, 4 to 4:30 p.m. at Hammons Student Center Racquetball Lobby Students for a Sustainable Future meeting, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Temple 105

Friday

Public Affairs Conference 2012, all day Day of Silence, all day Remembering Michael Burns, Poet and Founder of the MSU Creative Writing Program, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Carrington Auditorium

Saturday

Boomer’s Crew Auditions, 7:45 to 9 a.m. at Hammons Student Center West Court, $20 fee

Monday

Study Away 101 Information Session, 3 to 4 p.m. at PSU 315A The Dangers of Prescription Medication Abuse, 7 to 8 p.m. at Carrington 208

Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD

Ann Coulter signed books and answered questions after her 17-minute lecture April 10 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. While lecturing, she criticized Obama and his policies to the students who attended.

Coulter contract questioned Event lasted 52 minutes, cost $10,000

By Dayle Duggins The Standard “He’s an atheist like the rest of his party,” Ann Coulter said of President Barack Obama while speaking at Missouri State on April 10.

“They’re all atheists.”

Dressed in a black skirt suit and heels, the slender, blonde-haired political commentator took the

stage for what seemed to be a standup comedy act, receiving approval from the audience in the form of laughter throughout the entire event.

Coulter, also a lawyer, columnist and New York Times bestselling author, was brought to Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts by Student Activities Council to discuss her political opinions, answer audience questions and sign copies of her books for attendees.

Coulter received $10,000 for the speaking event, $8,000 of which was funded by the Student Involvement Fee, Student Activities Council President Courtney Current said.

Each semester, students pay the $16

fee and approximately half of they money goes to fund SAC programming, according to the organization’s website. The College Republicans collected the other $2,000 through fundraising events including a dinner and silent auction, Molly Moran the secretary of the organization said.

“The expectation was that she would speak for one hour; that was all that had ever been contracted,” Current said. “So, speakers always just fulfill their contract length duty, some occasionally speak over, but we didn’t expect that of her.”

Coulter spoke for a total of 52 minutes, 35 of which were dedicated to questions from the audience.

“It started a few minutes late just because we were waiting for people to filter in and so technically for being that close fulfilled (her contract),” Current said. “We were happy with how the event actually went, but we were just a little disappointed with the student turnout considering all the communication that proceeded beforehand.”

Randy Blackwood, the executive director of athletic and entertainment facilities for Missouri State, said the event had a drop count (number of tickets torn by workers) of 455 tickets, filling 20 percent of the hall’s 2,200-seat

See COULTER page 15

Houghton returns from Los Angeles Local comedian to host live talk show on KOZL

By Damien M. DiPlacido The Standard Just because he returned to Springfield doesn’t mean that funny man Jeff Houghton was chewed up and spit out by the endless California grind of molding a comedy dream into a solid reality.

It turned out the host of KOZL’s new live talk show, “The Mystery Hour,” had to leave Springfield just to find out where

he belonged for the time being: Right back in 417-land.

“LA has all of my money now for the most part,” Houghton says. “If anything, I spent a lot in parking tickets. To make it out there, you have to have one or three things: talent, perseverance and luck.”

Growing up in Iowa City, Houghton got his degree in communication studies from the University of Iowa and ended up in Springfield by chasing love, something he has become familiar with over the years.

“My girlfriend, who is now my wife, is from here,” Houghton says. “We dated long distance for a year and a half and I had to go see if it was real. I moved down

here in 2003 not knowing anybody. Springfield ended up being the perfect place for me.”

In 2004, Houghton began working at the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks and also started doing improvisational comedy at The Skinny Improv.

While making his bones in the local comedy scene, he was informally known as “The Blood Drive Guy” around Missouri State’s campus.

Houghton says when he was younger, specifically around high school age, he started realizing he had the ability to make people laugh. It was at The Skinny Improv that he learned to hone his See Houghton page 2

Josh Campbell/THE STANDARD

Houghton is an Iowa native.

2

Tuesday, April 27, 2012

The Standard

News

SGA extends election after system error loses votes

By Jon Poorman The Standard

Voting for the 2012 Student Government Association spring elections has been extended until Wednesday due to a vote-counting system error that resulted in all votes from April 9 and 10 not being tallied.

The cutoff for voting was originally set for April 11, but because of the system error, that deadline has been extended until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18, ensuring that students who voted on April 9 or 10 have adequate time to revote.

“We just wanted to make sure we could deal with it as effectively as possible,” SGA Chief of Staff

Austin Kramer said. “We knew it was not going to be the optimal situation, but I think we made it work out for the best.”

The issue originated from one of the two systems that are used in the elections. One of the systems records which students log on to vote, while the other records the actual votes.

The vote-recording system failed to operate correctly during the first two days of the election. However, SGA resolved the problem as soon as they became aware of it, and the voting system was reopened at around 10:15 a.m. on April 11.

“We were able to reach out with a lot of different venues, whether it be through social media, whether it

be through email,” Kramer said.

“We were able to reach out to students. I really don’t think it’s going to affect the outcome one way or the other. It may actually increase participation and give a better representation of what the student body wants.”

Students can vote by going to http://elections.missouristate.edu.

Houghton

Houghton, back with his family and now an expecting father, says chasing down a dream is all about the hustle.

Tenacity and forgetting about the fear of Continued from page 1 failure are two of the keys to making it work. gifts into skills.

Last Friday, Houghton hosted the first “I was a pretty shy kid, but when I was edition of his revamped talk show called growing up I was always funny around my “The Mystery Hour.” KOZL, formerly family,” Houghton says. “I went to one of known as KSFX, met with Houghton and the shows at The Skinny Improv. I couldn’t decided to back his late night show that is go to any more. Sitting in the audience was now hosted and filmed at downtown’s too excruciating. I needed to be doing it. Randy Bacon Studio, Houghton says.

Everything for me starts at The Skinny “It’s a half hour show. We’ll have one Improv.” guest, a musical guest and some comedy Last year, Houghton decided to chase acts,” Houghton says. “Most of the people love one more time by moving to Califor- that come down to the show will be on TV nia to pursue his long-term comedy goals. in some way.”

“I always had the Houghton says he gained idea that I wanted to interest to host a talk show go for it,” he says. from his post-college intern“My wife and I startship on The Late Show with Sitting in the audied seriously talking David Letterman. ence was too about having kids. I Missouri State marketing knew I had to do it. intern Blythe Richardson is excruciating. I Luckily, she is super the box office manager for needed to be awesome. She stayed Houghton’s show. She has here while I moved doing it. known Houghton since his out to L.A. and lived days at the Community Blood Everything for me with my friend’s parCenter. starts at The ents.”

“We’ve got some pretty big Houghton says expectations for the show,” Skinny Improv. from that point he says Richardson, a senior attacked his dreams accounting major. “Televising -Jeff Houghton head-on. It was an it is the absolute best move open-ended situation for it. This is really Jeff’s with a huge learning forte. I’d like to see the show curve he had to televised on more than just adjust to. He took local stations.

Students classes at the world shouldn’t overlook the show famous Upright Citizen’s Brigade, per- just because it’s a family environment.” formed at the Comedy Store and underwent Tickets for a show block are $5 apiece countless auditions and even landed him- — this includes two live shows. An $8 self a role as an extra in AMC’s hit show ticket will buy access to two show blocks “Mad Men.” that include four live shows. The show will “Ultimately, what I learned is that be taped at the Randy Bacon Studio and you’ve got to give it four or five years just will begin airing next month on KOZL. like anything else,” Houghton says. “I met For more information or to make resera lot of good people and went for it. It was vations, visit a great experience.” http://www.themysteryhour.com.

Visit http://www.themysteryhour.com for more information about “The Mystery Hour.”

Josh Campbell/THE STANDARD

Jeff Houghton said that while in Los Angeles he went to countless auditions and was an extra in AMC’s show “Mad Men.”

Tuesday

April 17, 2012

Gen ed classes need to benefit every student

Letter to the Editor Coulter fees are the issue, not free speech rights

I am curious why your Tuesday editorial in The Standard kept referring to Ann Coulter having a right to free speech, as if it was being threatened in some way. But her First Amendment right was not at issue. She doesn't do free speech. She does the paid speech of ridicule, hate and ignorance, in this case pay of $10,000, most of it reportedly coming from student fees. That was the issue. And her speech

actually turned out to be mostly a political commercial for the defeat of Barack Obama and the election of Mitt Romney, subsidized by student fees. What a clever hustle by Coulter.

Mike Schilling Adjunct journalism instructor

Tell us what you think.

Log on at www.the-standard.org

Having to take general education courses is a common complaint among college students.

And who can blame them? For some students, it seems pointless to take classes that are not related to their majors — a waste of time and a waste of tuition money.

While not all students are opposed to taking general education courses, a lot of students believe that the ones currently in place are focused more on raising money for the university rather than giving students knowledge and tools they can apply to their respective majors.

The Task Force on General Education Revision was formed to take a closer look at the general education courses required by Missouri State for students to graduate. According to Etta Madden, the task force’s chair, some classes are experiencing what she defines as “course drift.”

Madden said course drift is when there are major differences between different sections of the same general education class, and it usually occurs in courses with a large number of sections, such as PED 100 or CIS 101.

When examining the value of general education courses, it’s important for the task force to ask this question: How is this class benefiting all of our students?

When a religious studies major is required to take a math class or a music major is required to take a science class, it’s important to look closely at what is being taught in these classes and to make sure students are actually gaining knowledge that will be at least somewhat valuable in their future careers.

Equally as important is the consistency in the way different sections of the same class aretaught. Difficulty levels and class requirements should be the same across the board.

While general education classes are not always exciting, they do have value if they are taught consistently and effectively. We are glad the task force understands this and is working hard to make sure the system is repaired if it is in fact broken.

Focus on air we’re forced to breathe

It seems like a good portion of my columns have featured blessings about some sort of holiday. Well, I am a creature of habit and must stick to tradition.

Now, I’d like to wish everyone a happy (almost) 32nd Earth Day! Overlooked by many but enthusiastically celebrated by those who acknowledge it, thousands will do their part, no matter how big or small, to help the environment and our planet on April 22.

Captain Planet was one of my heroes as a young child, so naturally, I will be celebrating Earth Day by planting my daughter’s second Earth Day tree this year.

Last year, we took a picture of her snug in her car seat next to a pin oak sapling we planted in my grandparents’ backyard.

Unfortunately, my 9-yearold cousin taught himself how to use a weed wacker last spring and our Earth Day tree fell victim to his practice round. My family attempted to devise a plan so I wouldn’t find out, but ultimately decided to just stick it to me – I’m the only “crazy” environmentalist in our family tree.

Enough about me, though.

As the crazier-thanfiction world would have it, the day after Earth Day, the Springfield City Council will, once again, discuss amendments to Springfield’s smoking ban in places of business. Probably.

The council drafted the amendments after a citizen petition seeking to repeal the citizen-based 2011 ban gained enough support to make it on the June ballot – an election that could cost the city between $80,000 to $100,000, as reported by the Springfield NewsLeader.

After scheduling the five amendments to a public hearing April 9, the hearing was tabled after concern about some of the amendments’ language. The council has said it will likely discuss the amendments at its April 23 meeting, though the hearing could be postponed to an even later date.

What’s even more ironic than the smoking ban talks coming a day post-Earth Day is the environment surrounding the smoking ban.

One Air Alliance, the group that wholeheartedly supports the far-reaching

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Kandice McKee Columnist smoking ban in Springfield, “is currently focused on a public education campaign designed to increase awareness of the adverse health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke, encourage businesses to go smokefree, and promote the importance of clean indoor air.

“We want to be clear that the purpose of the coalition is to protect the right of every individual to breathe clean air and to encourage local businesses to do the same,” says the organization’s website.

What gets me is the group’s specificity on the type of air its targeting – “indoor air” – as well as its “encourage(ment) of businesses to go smoke-free.”

Springfield gets their power from coal. That’s no secret.

What isn’t as highly publicized, though, is the pollution caused by the power

The Standard reserves the right to edit or reject any advertising copy at any time. The Standard encourages responsibility and good taste in advertising. Political advertisements must show clear endorsement, such as “Paid for by (Advertiser).” A sample of all mail-order items must be submitted prior to the publication of the advertisement. Advertising having the appearance of news must have the word “advertisement” printed above. Such ads must be bordered.

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plants. There have been numerous studies linking particle pollutants from coal power plants to health problems ranging from asthma to lung cancer. With that slew of medical conditions, the American Lung Association warns that “chronic exposure to particle pollution can shorten life by one to three years.”

Fortunately, Springfield doesn’t have terrible air pollution despite its electrical source and growing vehicular traffic, according to the American Lung Association’s State of the Air organization in 2011.

However, I think Springfield can do even more to promote clean air outside.

And not by banning cigarettes smoked on the streets.

I’m all for promoting the negative effects of firsthand and secondhand smoke. As a former smoker of 10 years, I understand One Air Alliance’s mission. I also understand how those nasty, little cigarette butts can really pile up on sidewalks, roadways and maybe even make it to an ashtray and then the disgustingly enormous landfill.

However, I disagree with the ban. Businesses aren’t being “encouraged” to go

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How can I get involved?

The Springfield City Council will likely discuss the amendments to the Springfield smoking ban at its next meeting. These meetings are open to the public and those interested can attend to make their opinions of the ban known, or to learn more.

When: City Council meets every other Monday at 6:30 p.m. Next meeting is April 23.

Where: City Council Chambers at 840 N. Boonville Ave. For more information, visit:

• http://www.oneairalliance.org/aboutus.aspx • http://livefreespringfield.com • http://earthday.org

smoke-free, as One Air Alliance states in its goals, but are instead being forced to do so, with roots in a petition circulated by the organization.

Customers of businesses should be able to choose to enter an establishment that allows smoking or bans smoking – this is an instance where I say let the free market, rather than the

The Standard Physical address: Clay Hall 744 E. Cherry St.

Postal address: 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897

voters, decide whether a ban is truly what Springfield wants.

What people can’t avoid, though, is being outside.

Instead of being concerned with the air people choose to breathe while inside a place of business, perhaps we should be more concerned with the air that all people must breathe outside.

Editor-in-Chief Jon Poorman Jonathan121@Live.MissouriState.edu Managing Editor Megan Gates Megan9043@Live.MissouriState.edu News Editor Amanda Hess Amanda325@Live.MissouriState.edu Sports Editor Ben Loewnau Loewnau89@Live.MissouriState.edu

Newsroom: 417-836-5272 Advertising: 417-836-5524 Fax: 417-836-6738 Standard@MissouriState.edu

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The Standard is published Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters.

Advertising Manager Sandy King SandyKing@MissouriState.edu

Photo Editor Michael Gulledge Gulledge502@live.missouristate.edu

Faculty Adviser Jack Dimond JackDimond@MissouriState.edu

Tuesday

April 17, 2012

Calendar April 17 to April 23

Tuesday

Tuesday’s Stew 10 p.m. at the Outland Ballroom, free for ladies 18+ and gents 21+ Open Mic Night 9 p.m. at the Outland, free Let's #@%! 9 p.m. at Jekyll & Hyde’s, free for 21+ and $5 for 18+ (only 100 minors allowed at a time)

Wednesday

Dug & the SOULar Panels 7 to 10 p.m. at Patton Alley Pub, free The Detectives ‘50s & ‘60s Rock ‘n’ Soul 8 to 11 p.m. at Springfield Brewing Co., free Sugar Thumb 8 p.m. at the Outland, cover charge

Thursday

Think ‘n’ Trivia 7 p.m. at Patton Alley Pub, free TAG Thursday: Ambrister and HeartPunch 9 p.m. at the Outland, cover charge Ecopalooza Noon to 9 p.m. at the Bear Paw, free Open Jam with Jimmy Rea 9:30 p.m. at The Tipsy Turtle, free Grateful Dead Second Annual Meet-Up At The Movies 2012: Never-before-seen concert at Alpine Valley Music Theatre on July 18, 1989 7 p.m. at Hollywood Theatres College Station, $12.50 Ralphie May 7:30 p.m. at The Gillioz Theatre, sold out

Friday

Jazz Trio 8 to 10 p.m. at the Outland, $3 Jah Roots EP Release with Slapdash Science and Third Party 9 p.m. at the Outland Ballroom, $6 for 21+ and $8 for 18+ Mr. Charlie: Grateful Dead Tribute 9:30 p.m. at Patton Alley Pub, cover charge 7th Annual Earth Day Celebration 6 p.m. at Mountain Creek River Resort in Eldridge, Mo., $30 at gate

Saturday

7th Annual Earth Day Celebration 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mountain Creek River Resort in Eldridge, Mo., $20 at gate for Saturday arrival

Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD

Rap and hip-hop musician Wiz Khalifa brought thousands of people — along with the bitterly recognizable smell of marijuana smoke — to JQH Arena for his concert on Thursday, April 12. Khalifa got the crowd involved by asking them to chant and sing along.

‘Young and wild and free’ Wiz Khalifa attracts thousands to JQH Arena

By Jon Poorman The Standard Cheers filled the air at JQH Arena as Grammynominated rap artist Wiz Khalifa took the stage last Thursday night in front of 4,181 rowdy fans for a concert put on by Student Activities Council.

“I like how Wiz got the crowd to join him in whatever he wanted, such as getting us to sing with him and raise our hands with him while he sang,” freshman wildlife conservation and management major Taylor Coonts said. “It was just a great concert all around. I would love for him to come back soon.”

Wiz Khalifa by the numbers • $85,000: amount paid to Wiz Khalifa for the concert • 4,181: number of fans in attendance at the concert on Thursday

Khalifa, a heavily tattooed 24-year-old from Pittsburgh, Penn., is a young star in the rap music scene, and is well-known for his single “Black and Yellow,” which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for two Grammy Awards including Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.

The concert cost Missouri State $85,000 and was funded by student involvement fees, according to SAC Concert Chair Megan Hoelting. The

money was provided by SAC’s concert budget, which is allocated $100,000 each school year.

“One of the things that students responded to when we handed out surveys was that they wanted to see bigger, more well-known bands come to campus,” Hoelting said. “Our goal was to have a show here at The Q this year, and luckily, we could pull it off.”

Hoelting said the students selected the artist for the concert through a survey, with Khalifa receiving a large majority of the votes. The other artists on the survey were Brand New, Chromeo, Cobra Starship and Iron and Wine.

“We had a huge list of artists to choose from, and we ended up narrowing it down to five,” Hoelting said. “We tried to get one from multiple genres. We had over 820 votes on that survey, and the overwhelming number of those votes were for Wiz Khalifa.”

‘80s Prom Night 9 p.m. at Lindberg’s, free

Sunday

7th Annual Earth Day Celebration 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mountain Creek River Resort in Eldridge, Mo., $20 at gate for Sunday arrival Members of Speakeasy 8 p.m. at Ebbets Field Downtown, free

Monday

Mascara Metal Monday 10 p.m. at the Outland, free

Briefs Earth Day kicks off local festival season

Festival season is upon us and only an hour and a half north of Springfield if you go to the 7th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Mountain Creek River Resort in Eldridge, Mo. There are musical performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday, as well as activities such as yoga and hoop dancing.

Friday evening features performances by Salad Bar Jam, Pennydroppers and Deep Fried Squirrel, to name a few. Saturday features Papa Smily, The Stone Sugar Shakedown and Supermassive Black Holes. The weekend of music finishes Sunday with Ten Year Rift, Don’t Stop Please, 3 Son Green and Aaron Kamm & The One Drops.

Pre-sale tickets are only $20 and can be purchased at http://greenmountainecofest.com/ tickets.html. Tickets at the gate are $30 on Friday and $20 on Saturday or Sunday.

This is a camping festival, so don’t forget your tent and other outdoor supplies. Mountain Creek River Resort is at 11564 Kinfolk Road., in Eldridge, Mo. If you wish to arrive early or stay late, the camping fee is $7 per adult per night or $3 per child younger than 10.

Visit http://www.greenmountainecofest.com for more information.

Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD

“Black and Yellow” got the biggest reaction from the crowd as the masses of people broke into dance and rapped along with Khalifa.

He also performed “On My Level” and “No Sleep” with much excitement from more than 1,000 students that filled the floor seats.

Nomad style seekers MSU alumnus and future student open boutique downtown

nomad and traveling to 10 different countries including Bali, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. They spent most of their time in Bali, Indonesia, where they worked for Whitcomb’s father who owns a surf company.

By Kelsey Berry The pair were able to utilize The Standard several manufacturing opportuniHow would you like to take a ties to design two small clothing journey around the globe in just lines — both were sold through one stop? Missouri State graduate Whitcomb’s father’s company. It Mick Whitcomb and soon-to-be wasn’t long before they decided to MSU student Paige start their own busiBlotter have created ness here in Springan opportunity for field, Mo. shoppers to do just Whitcomb emphaIt’s kind of like a that with the opening sized the fact that he free spirit, artsy of their store, and Blotter had a style and really Nomad. heart to share their unique. The This one-of-atravels with others whole concept in general is nothing kind boutique was and support the local like any other officially opened on community with their store downtown.

March 10, but the business. grand opening event “The whole store -Katy McLain, will be on Sunday, is a chronicle of our senior elementary May 20. Found at travels from the last education major 318 W. Walnut, year and a half of livNomad is an exciting ing the nomad new shopping venue lifestyle.” Whitcomb with a story behind said. the name.

The boutique style and various Blotter, who plans to enroll at price ranges that Nomad offers MSU next semester, spent a year appeals to a wide range of customers. and a half living the life of a “We live downtown, and a lot of

Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD

Mick Whitcomb, Missouri State graduate, and Paige Blotter, who plans to enroll at MSU next semester, opened Nomad March 10.

the boutiques here are more diffi- appreciate and be able to buy, too.” cult for people our age to be able to Nomad features original clothshop in,” Whitcomb said. “We ing lines for men, women and chilwant to be able to cater to a higher- dren, such as Reform School, end demographic, but we also have products that college kids can See NOMAD page 10

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Standard

Life

5

Zero Youth Records gears up gigs Local record company promotes Ozarks’ live alternative music scene

By Kaycie Surrell The Standard

Zero Youth Records started nearly 10 years ago in 2003 with punk rock lover Mohawk Matt, who refused to let an absence of musical ability stop him from spending all his time around the music he loved.

Joined a year later by Loretta Lightningbolt, the two have been supporting each other and promoting alternative music in the Ozarks ever since.

Zero Youth’s most recent show took place at the Outland Ballroom Thursday night, boasting three local bands — The Deadnettles, St. Dallas & The Sinners and Brutally Frank — leading up to the headliner, Los Angeles-based rockers, Three Bad Jacks.

since its beginning two years ago, backed by a powerful musical history — his grandfather was rockabilly star Ronnie Self.

“We were kind of a new band when Matt approached us about what we were doing a year ago,” Self said. “They were like, ‘We love you, come make us famous.’”

With the addition of bassist Ryon Groff, drummer Taylor Steele and guitarist Chris Kinsley, the Sinners perfected their brand of punk rock and soulful blues.

“We’ve got a bunch of rocking players,” Self said.

“I had a couple different drummers and stuff before, but they knew I was looking for a replacement. I was looking for stellar drummers, and when Taylor

For as long as I can remember, all of my friends have been musicians, and I’ve never been musically inclined...It just seemed like a natural progression. I wanted to hang out with my friends even if I wasn’t in a band, so it just happened.

-Mohawk Matt, founder of Zero Youth Records

Predominantly punk rock, the show featured an acoustic set by Devyn Keaton of The Deadnettles followed by a blood, sweat and whiskey-stained performance by St. Dallas & The Sinners.

The group joined with Zero Youth about a year ago with a different lineup but has since come into its own, anticipating an upcoming CD release party for their new album “Hail Mary” on May 4 at the Ballroom.

Lead singer Dallas Self has been leading the band

came along, there’s not any harder drummers as far as that goes.”

To find bands like St. Dallas & The Sinners, the team from Zero Youth heads to shows around town in search of that special something that gives them goosebumps, a band that makes them feel passionate enough to pursue them.

It’s that passion for music that got the whole thing started in the first place. Right after graduating from Bolivar High School in 2003, Matt got

Zero Youth Records represents: • Angry Panda • Christopher Tyree • St. Dallas & The Sinners • The Deadnettles • The Lightningbolts

started with the label as a way to keep hanging around with musicians and going to shows.

“For as long as I can remember, all of my friends have been musicians, and I’ve never been musically inclined. I’ve been trying and I’m learning a lot more now, but when I was younger I just couldn’t do it even though I loved it,” Matt said. “It just seemed like a natural progression. I wanted to hang out with my friends even if I wasn’t in a band, so it just happened.”

Zero Youth started out doing compilation CDs of the music Matt liked, and he was soon joined by Lightningbolt, who brought her passion for music to the table. She helped to relieve some of the pressure of getting a new record label off the ground.

“I think for a long time Matt was really overwhelmed It’s a lot of legwork,” Lightningbolt said.

“We’re basically two brains in one body.”

The duo have come a long way since putting together punk rock compilations and have about 14 bands under their belt, ranging from indie rock to rockabilly. Some of these include Angry Panda, The Lightningbolts and The Queen City Saints.

“We’re a fully functional record label,” Matt said.

“When we sign a band we help them with recording, production and manufacturing other albums like CDs and vinyl and all the distribution.”

Zero Youth is changing things up a bit when it

Evan Henningsen/THE STANDARD

The lead singer of Three Bad Jacks doused the upright bass and other instruments in lighter fluid a few times with each burst of flames lasting about 15 seconds. comes to record production.

It has tried to veer away from electronic media and stick with something a little

more tangible. All of its with less of a guarantee, it’s artists record on vinyl. actually quite the opposite.

While that may seem like a See YOUTH page 11 lot of money for a product

Tuesday

April 17, 2012

Scorebox Midfielder becomes offensive force for LAX Bears Baseball Wednesday, April 11 Kansas State 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 Missouri State 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 x – 3 Friday, April 13 Illinois State 00000130–4 Missouri State 0 5 2 0 0 2 1 4 – 14 Saturday, April 14 Illinois State 012001000–4 Missouri State0 5 0 1 0 2 2 0 x – 10 Softball Wednesday, April 11 Tulsa 00000101–2 Missouri State 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 – 1 Saturday, April 14 Southern Illinois 0000151–7 Missouri State 0000200–2 Southern Illinois 0000110–2 Missouri State 0110001–3 Men’s Golf Tuesday, April 10 ULM/Wallace Jones Invit. 6th of 11 Women’s Golf Sunday, April 15 Indiana Invit.

9th of 15 Women’s Soccer Tuesday, April 11 Central Missouri 0 Missouri State 0

Bostwick’s scores improve on field and in classroom

By Harrison Keegan The Standard

Sarah Hiatt/THE STANDARD

Bostwick has 17 goals so far.

In a game last month against Kennesaw State, midfielder Cam Bostwick caught a pass in front of the net, with the stick in his right hand, spun around and fired a shot between the goalie’s legs for one of the 17 goals he’s scored for the Bears this season.

“That’s a highlight reel goal,” senior midfielder Ben Scherer said.

“Not a lot of people can pull that off, but Cam does stuff like that every day in practice — it’s really cool to see.”

Bostwick scored only two goals his entire freshman season, but the fact that he is now one of the go-to scorers for the 5-6 lacrosse Bears is even more surprising when you consider that in December, Bostwick had his arm in a sling and was enrolled at Ozarks Technical Community College.

Bostwick struggled to keep his grades up his freshman year at MSU so he and his parents decided it would be best for him to focus on his studies and do a semester at OTC. If that didn’t set Bostwick’s

By John Cook The Standard

April 17 to April 23

Tuesday

Baseball, 6:30 p.m. at home vs. Saint Louis

Wednesday Softball, 4 p.m. at home vs. Wichita State Softball, 6 p.m. at home vs. Wichita State Women’s Soccer, 7 p.m. at home vs. Drury

Baseball, 6:30 p.m. away at Wichita State Track and Field, All Day away at Arkansas

Saturday Baseball, 2 p.m. away at Wichita State

Softball, Noon away at Northern Iowa Softball, 2 p.m. away at Northern Iowa Football, 1 p.m.

Maroon and White Scrimmage Track and Field, All Day away at Arkansas

Sunday

Baseball, 1 p.m. away at Wichita State Softball, Noon away at Northern Iowa Women’s Golf, 9 a.m. away at MVC Championship Women’s Soccer, 2 p.m. away at Kansas

Monday

Women’s Golf, 9 a.m. away at MVC Championship

Briefs Garrison named to U.S. All-Star squad

Women’s basketball senior guard Casey Garrison was named to the United States All-Star basketball team.

The team will tour and play a series of games in China from April 25-May 9 against teams from China, Australia and New Zealand.

The national squad will be coached by the Santa Clara head coach Chris Denker.

Garrison was the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and is the second all-time scorer at Missouri State.

Weems impresses at Portsmouth Invit.

In three games so far at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Portsmouth, Va., Bears senior foward Kyle Weems has tallied 40 points combined.

The invitational showcases the nations best senior basketball players by placing them in groups and teams for several games during the tournament.

In his first game for the Mike Duman team, Weems scored eight points, went 4-for-11 from the field and played 27 minutes on the team that includes Mizzou’s Kim English and Louisville’s Kyle Kuric.

On Saturday, Weems scored a team high 20 points in his team high 33 minutes leading his team to a 88-78 win over the K&D Rounds Landscaping team.

See LAX page 7

Freshman a double threat to defenses

Calendar

Friday

lacrosse career back enough, the Elmhurst, Ill., native, tore his labrum during the Bears’ annual alumni game during the fall and was expected to be out until March.

Bears head coach Pat Callaham said that the experience was a bit of a wake up call for Bostwick.

“I think he realized that if he wanted to keep playing lacrosse, he had to buckle down and do it,” Callaham said. “And he’s shown tremendous discipline both on and off the field.”

Bostwick dedicated himself to his studies, re-enrolled at MSU and is advancing toward a degree in athlet-

Sarah Hiatt/THE STANDARD

Sophomore pitcher Nick Petree won his seventh game of the season on Saturday to go 7-2.

Bears pour on runs MSU offense drowns Valley foe at home over weekend

By Colleen Hamilton The Standard

T

he Missouri State baseball team did not let the inclement weather slow down their offensive efforts over the weekend.

In a Missouri Valley Conference weekend series with Illinois State, the Bears swept the series 2-0 and extended their home winning streak to 11 games.

The Bears’ bats were led by seniors Brent Seifert and Spiker Helms.

“You need to win at home, especially conference games, because

played Friday night due to severe thunderstorms in the area.

“It’s nice to have a rain delay because it gets your mind off the routine, which can get old after a while,” Helms said. “It’s fun, but then when it comes down to not playing, it kind of sucks.”

Helms said the guys entertained themselves during the rain delay by doing impersonations of each other.

The last three innings of game one were played on Saturday and the Bears picked up right where they left off.

MSU scored seven times over the last three innings, breaking a record in the process. The Bears had Sarah Hiatt/THE STANDARD 20 hits in game one of the series, The Bears won by a combined marking the highest single-game hit score of 24-8 on the weekend. total in three years.

“In game one, everyone in the road games are tough,” Seifert said. lineup had at least two hits — that’s very rare,” head coach Keith Guttin “Winning at home is a necessity.”

Seifert went 3-for-5 and drove in said. “That’s an area we’ve kind of three runs during the Bears game one victory. Only 5 1/3 innings were See BASEBALL page 7

Freshman Chelsea Jones has come to Missouri State with the potential to be a double-threat for the softball team. Not only does the Oklahoma native bring a consistent bat to the lineup, but she has the power and touch on the mound to be Missouri State’s next great softball pitcher.

In her first year since helping lead her El Reno High School team to a regional title, Jones has made an immediate impact for the Bears.

A near no-hitter on April 3 against UMKC was the first sign of things to come.

Jones took a no-hitter into the seventh inning that day and had retired 18 of 19 batters at one point.

Coach Holly Hesse said Jones was recruited for her hitting and outfielding ability, so when the Bears realized her throwing potential, they had to take advantage.

“We knew she was a hitter,” Hesse said. “It’s been an added bonus with the innings she’s gotten on the mound. She’s ahead of the curve.”

As Jones explained, her pitching success has been a surprise even to herself.

“I honestly didn’t think I was going to get any pitching time,” Jones said. “When I was recruited I wasn’t pitching very well. I just basically relearned how to pitch this summer, so it was kind of a surprise to everyone that I was capable of pitching against Division I collegiate players.”

Jones’ extra time spent working on her pitching hasn’t taken anything away from her performance at the plate.

Her .288 average is second on the Bears squad only to sophomore Ashley Brentz, who sits at .337. The consistent hitting of Jones has landed her at the number three spot in the Bears lineup, See JONES page 15

DeCastro, Kuechly are options for Chiefs The Kansas City Chiefs took a step back in 2011 after producing a 10-6 playoff team the previous year. But for true Chiefs fans, this setback wasn’t a whole lot to be concerned about, considering the team lost Jamaal Charles (arguably the best running back in the NFL), Tony Moeaki (up-and-coming star at tight end) and Eric Berry (one of the top young defensive players in the league) before or early on in the season.

Jon Poorman Editor-inChief Without the threat of Charles out of the backfield, the Chiefs’ offense sputtered, and let’s face it, Matt Cassel is not good enough to shoulder the load of an entire offense like some of the See CHIEFS page 15

Drafting Blackmon helps Bradford, Rams Sam Bradford’s sophomore season was a wash.

The year was defined by a lot of hype to begin with and then a plethora of players that were thrown together just to fill the weekly lineup.

However, 2012 has the same promise that 2011 did before Bradford got hurt. But only if the Rams draft a weapon that compliments Bradford’s arm.

As disappointing as 2011 might have been, the offseason has been a major step in the right

Josh Campbell/THE STANDARD

Chaffin (Left) and Helms (Right) are in the top four in batting average for the Bears.

Long road from Longview

Benjamen Loewnau

By Jon Poorman The Standard

Sports Editor

Missouri State outfielder Spiker Helms says his best characteristic as a baseball player is his strong work ethic. It was instilled in him from an early age by his mother. According to MSU head coach Keith Guttin, Helms is one of the top five hardest-working players he’s coached in his 30 years in Springfield.

“He’s here two hours before practice every day, an hour after every day,” teammate Brock Chaffin says. “He works his a— off. He’s probably the hardest worker I know.”

Chaffin is certainly qualified to speak

direction for the players and the organization as a whole. The biggest reason is that the Rams have a leader that really knows how to handle his team for the first time since Dick Vermeil was head

See RAMS page 7

about Helms’ work ethic. The two players have spent their entire collegiate careers together, making the journey from Longview Community College near Kansas City, all the way to Missouri State.

In fact, Helms, who signed with MSU in the fall of 2009, is a big part of the reason Guttin decided to offer Chaffin a scholarship.

It all began with a phone call.

“Coach Guttin called me and said, ‘What do you think of Brock Chaffin?’” Helms says. “I said, ‘He’s one of a kind. I think you should grab him.’”

Soon thereafter, Chaffin accepted an offer See LONGVIEW page 12

7

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Standard

Sports

Baseball Football looks to fill offensive void

Continued from page 6

been waiting for to really pick up. These last two games, the thing I was most encouraged about was we had it from everyone, up and down, one through nine in the lineup.”

Game two of the series began 30 minutes after the Bears’ 14-4 victory in game one.

The Bears’ offense continued to dominate the Redbirds in Saturday’s second game.

The Redbirds jumped out to a quick start, but the Bears answered in the bottom of the second inning.

“It’s been unreal because our pitching staff has been carrying us the whole year — getting our offense going, it kind of helps us relieve the stress of the pitchers and our defense,” Helms said. “Hopefully all of it clicks at the end of the year.”

Senior Brock Chaffin hit a two-out single to rightcenter to score junior Luke Voit, who started the inning with a leadoff single. Missouri State stole the lead from Illinois State with sophomore Patrick Drake’s double down the left-field line.

Helms continued the offensive attack with a three-run homer to left-center, giving the Bears a 5-1 lead. Helms, Seifert and Voit combined went 15-for28 with 11 RBI’s over the two-game series.

“I’ve just been hitting the ball well all weekend, and as a team we hit the ball really well and scored some runs,” Seifert said.

The Bears went on to defeat the Redbirds 10-4 and improved to 27-10 for the season. Guttin said the two victories put the Bears in a good position for conference standings.

With severe weather threatening Sunday’s game as well, the start time was moved to noon. After several rain delays, the Bears decided to call the game and focus on tonight’s matchup against Saint Louis University. The Bears will look to extend their home winning streak at 6:30 p.m. at Hammons Field.

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Bears stress need for route knowledge over speed

By Tim Godfrey The Standard Missouri State football fans came to Plaster Sports Complex in 2011 and watched starting wide receiver Jermaine Saffold and starting running back Chris Douglas help try to lead the Bears to victory.

Saffold and Douglas have graduated, leaving the wide receiver and starting running back spots open for their former teammates. As of today, those spots are still unfilled.

Last season, Saffold led the team in catches and receiving yards, providing a reliable target for quarterback Trevor Wooden.

According to receivers coach Mike Chandler, the Bears will be spreading the ball around more next season.

Chandler said that the team’s offense last year often relied on one receiver making a majority of the catches.

Their new offense will have Wooden passing the ball to more receivers and cause the defense to spread out.

“We’re trying to get a lot more people involved and make the defense cover everybody instead of just one guy,” Chandler said.

Since it is only spring, Chandler said the decision

File photo by Evan Henningsen/THE STANDARD

The Bears had 1,945 yards receiving last year and 1,834 yards rushing and averaged 319 yards a game. on starting wide receivers has yet to be made. However, he said there are some qualities and characteristics he is looking for in a wide receiver.

“We’re looking for a guy with a lot of knowledge and ability to get himself open within the defenses,” Chandler said.

Chandler also said he isn’t specifically looking for a receiver with outstanding

Rams Continued from page 6 coach.

By adding Jeff Fisher, the Rams might actually be able to understand how winning football works. The shock is how they haven’t figured this out yet, because the pieces are there.

The core defense is solid, except for the secondary, because Chris Long, James Laurinaitis, Robert Quinn and newly acquired cornerback Cortland Finnegan all have the motor to push the team to succeed.

This core defensive group is exactly why the Rams should not waste their sixth pick on another defensive lineman that might not be a sure thing.

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speed, although he mentioned that several wide receivers have it. He wants his wide receivers to be able to find a hole within the defense and get open.

“We’re not looking to get 60 yards on a play,” Chandler said. “We’re looking to get five to 10 and move the chains.”

In addition to spreading the ball around through the air, the Bears also plan to run

Bradford is a talented quarterback that can be great with the necessary tools at his disposal. However, in his two years in St. Louis he has not had this luxury.

Drafting a defensive lineman would be a slap in the face to Bradford and send the message that lends to the idea that the front office wants him to make lemonade out of bananas.

At the six spot the Rams have the once in a lifetime chance to draft the best receiver for the Rams since they drafted the newly-retired Torry Holt.

His name: Justin Blackmon, wide receiver from Oklahoma State.

Just watching his physical display on Sports Science on ESPN is enough to know that when he and Bradford hook up for a slant between the hashes or a post to the sideline, we will wit-

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the football effectively.

According to running backs coach Gerald Davis, MSU will probably have two running backs rotating in and out of the game, with one back getting the bulk of the carries.

When asked about what he is looking for in a starting running back, Davis said that knowledge of the playbook and pass blocking were both important.

“You’ve got to know the playbook first and foremost,” Davis said. “Then the way you pass protect — pass protection is big for us. If you can’t sit there and take on a linebacker, you can’t play.”

Even though Douglas was the starting running back last season, he did not lead the team in rushing yards — Wooden did. But that doesn’t bother Davis, who said as long as the team is winning, he doesn’t care who leads the team in rushing yards.

Chandler and Davis have time to find out who their starting wide receivers and starting running back will be.

The players also have time and practices to show what they can do.

Even though Saffold and Douglas are gone, Chandler and Davis are not trying to replace them. They are just trying to find players who can pick up where they left off.

The Bears will play in the Maroon and White scrimmage this Saturday at 1 p.m. to round out the spring schedule.

ness greatness.

“Bradford to Blackmon” rolls off the tongue like Montana to Rice or Favre to Freeman. The combination looks good, sounds good and will be great.

The Rams could have traded up to get the already established Atlanta receiver Julio Jones last season, but they missed out. This year could be their much-needed second chance to make up for that blunder.

Justin Blackmon’s résumé: • • • • •

Height: 6-foot Weight: 207 pounds Arm Length: 32.4 inches Hand Size: 9.2 inches 121 receptions, 1,522 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns

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Lax Continued from page 6

ic training.

He attacked his rehab with the same conviction, doing physical therapy three times a week and working by himself in the gym six days a week. It paid off, and Bostwick was cleared to play in mid-January when spring classes started at MSU. “I felt bad for him that he would have to miss a lot of time,” Scherer said. “But when I heard he was back before we had even played a game, I was really happy to hear that.”

Bostwick’s signature move is the underhand shot, which he said is a product of playing hockey for 14 years.

He is adept at shooting the ball from a low arm angle right off a defender’s hip. This makes it difficult for goaltenders to get an early read on the ball.

Callaham admitted that Bostwick has the team’s best underhand shot but he would like to see the sophomore shoot more shots overhand — a style that generally results in more power and accuracy.

“He tries everything to get me to shoot over the top,” Bostwick said. “But at the end of the day, if I need to get one into the net, I’m probably going to shoot underhand.”

Callaham said Bostwick is the lacrosse equivalent of a gym rat, so he expects the Bears’ surprise star of this season to develop into one of their most complete players in the next couple of years.

St. Louis needs and assets Rams’ biggest needs: 1. Wide Receiver 2. Offensive Line 3. Cornerback 4. Outside Linebacker 5. Defensive Line Rams’ top players: 1. Steven Jackson, running back 2. Chris Long, defensive end 3. James Laurinaitis, inside linebacker 4. Sam Bradford, quarterback 5. Cortland Finnegan, cornerback

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8

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Standard

News

Students don’t have to endure sexual harassment Missouri State offers many resources for students in need

By Anna Thomas The Standard

Sexual harassment can happen on a big campus, and there are steps that need to be taken not only to file a report but help the student in any way, according to the coordinator of student conduct.

The Missouri State University website defines sexual harassment as an interaction of sexual nature between two people that ultimately ends in sex discrimination and inappropriate conduct.

Kim Sahr, coordinator of student conduct, tells students that getting in touch with the local police department is important, but there are also steps that can be addressed on campus.

There are many options in

reporting sexual harassment, depending on the situation. For example, a student worker could report to a supervisor, unless they are the one involved, Sahr said.

Or if the issue is in class, a student can report to the professor first. There are other offices that can help, too.

“The Office of Student Conduct, the Dean of Students Office, as well as the Equal Opportunity Office have staff there that can help the student,” Sahr said. “We definitely want to help them as quickly as we can.”

Sahr also said there are different measures the offices can take in order to best help the student.

Immediate action will be taken so that the student can continue going to classes or other activities without feeling disrupted.

Staff members will talk to the student to find the best plan of action for them, whether it is to change classes, dorm rooms or anything to that extent.

“I have things I can do if it’s student-to-student,” Sahr said. “I can issue what we call a ‘No Contact Directive’, which is basically

an order saying that the person that is doing the harassing is not allowed to have any more contact with the person (being harassed).”

Sahr Sahr mentions that all of their efforts are to make sure the student feels comfortable and secure on their campus.

“Whether its student-tostudent, or faculty-to-student, none of it is OK, and we want to help the student if they feel like it is sexual harassment,” Sahr said.

“Or even if they are not sure if it’s sexual harassment, they can still come in and talk to someone.”

Once a student has reported the sexual harassment, the Student Counseling and Testing Center can help the student cope with the situation.

Ann Orzek, a mental health clinician at the center, said counselors will be available to provide emotional support throughout the

process.

“It’s all about the student and their readiness to talk about the situation,” Orzek said. “A lot of times students have a Orzek support system they can utilize, but if they need additional support, we are always willing to talk and even help the student make decisions regarding the issue.”

A student only needs to walk in for their first appointment with their BearPass and say they are wanting to talk to someone, and a counselor will see them immediately.

Thao Bui, a freshman finance major, said sexual harassment can be something easily overlooked.

“It’s good to know that the campus takes this issue very seriously,” Bui said. “It can be something very devastating and uncomfortable, but it is good that students will always have people and staff to turn to.”

Contacts for Help If a student needs to talk to someone about being sexually harassed or is not sure if something is sexual harassment, they can call the following numbers: Office of Student Conduct 417-836-6937 or visit PSU 405 Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome.

The Dean of Students Office 417-836-5527 or visit PSU 405 The Office for Institutional Equity and Compliance 417-836-4252 Counseling and Testing Center 417-836-5116 or visit Carrington Hall 311

University of Missouri partners with CoxHealth and Mercy MU School of Medicine to expand to Springfield

By Nicolette Martin The Standard

A partnership that has the potential to add more than $390 million annually to the state’s economy and create 3,500 new jobs is on the horizon in southwest Missouri, according to economic development studies unveiled April 6 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The University of Missouri School of Medicine announced they are partnering with CoxHealth and Mercy health systems to design a clinical campus to expand MU’s medical program to Springfield.

Weldon Webb, the associate dean for rural health at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, said the expansion would allow the MU’s School of Medicine to admit 32 more students per class for their first two years and students would spend their last two years of medical school getting hands-on experience with two extremely competitive health systems.

According to Webb, partnering with CoxHealth and Mercy health systems would be a

fraction of the cost of building a new medical school, which could cost anywhere from $400-800 million.

“They already have all the facilities, so we wouldn’t have to recreate them,” he said. “There would be Webb learning aids put into them and a small office staff and classroom space, but it’s pretty minimal.”

Steve Edwards, the president and CEO at CoxHealth, said at the announcement of the plan that starting a medical school from scratch would cost hundreds of millions of dollars to create a program with no history, no lineage and no quality about them.

“In southwest Missouri, we’re cautious, conservative fiscally, and it didn’t make sense for the community to even contemplate bearing that kind of cost,” Edwards said. “This approach can be done so much more affordably, and you’re bringing in a program that you know is high quality.”

The partnership would allow University of Missouri students to get practical experience, and proponents of the clinical campus hope that the program will help to keep physicians in Missouri.

Edwards said there currently are not

Adding 64 medical students to the Springfield area who will also require one-on-one teaching from practicing physicians will drastically stress our region’s teaching capacity.

-Steven Dodge, Department of Physician Assistant Studies

enough physicians to serve the growing population and Springfield remains one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country without a medical school.

“Medical students tend to practice where they grew up, where they went to school or where their spouse is from,” he said. “So in southwest Missouri, either we need to get more spouses of medical school students, or we need to create a medical school down here.”

While Missouri State doesn’t have a medical program, both Kathryn Hope, head of the Department of Nursing, and Dr. Steven Dodge, department head and program director for the Department of Physician Assistant Studies, said this expansion could negatively affect Missouri State students, as it is

already difficult to find clinical sites for educating students.

“Adding 64 medical students to the Springfield area who will also require one-on-one teaching from practicing physicians will drastically stress our Edwards region’s teaching capacity,” Dodge said. “Our twoyear program utilizes community physicians to help train our PA students, particularly in their second year, and it is currently quite challenging to find enough clinicians with the time and interest to teach our 30 students in each class.”

However, University of Missouri School of Medicine leaders, leaders at CoxHealth and Mercy health systems and Springfield area leaders are excited to see the project move forward.

“When people ask me what this is about, I say access to healthcare and higher education, and economic development,” Webb said. “I’ve always been focused on the fact that I’m a Missourian, and I’ve focused my entire career on getting affordable healthcare to citizens of Missouri. I think this project will have a greater impact than any I’ve been a part of.”

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Life

The Standard

9

Byrdfest brings tribute bands together Arkansas plays host to spring music festival

Festival season is finally here but if you haven’t yet immersed yourself in that glorious world of fun and dancing, you might be hesitant to drop a couple hundred bucks on a ticket to a major music festival like Bonnaroo or Wakarusa. Luckily, there are plenty of smaller and more affordable festivals around the Ozarks.

Byrdfest 4 will only set you back $60 for the weekend and is just about three hours south of Springfield at Byrd’s Adventure Center in Ozark, Ark., from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29.

The Grateful Dead tribute band, The Schwag, headlines the event both Friday and Saturday nights and features Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band on organ. The Doors tribute band, Moonlight Drive; Widespread Panic tribute band,

Lauren Healey Life Editor Mom’s Kitchen; and The Flea Bitten Dogs also play both nights.

Widespread Panic recently announced they wouldn’t be touring the rest of 2012, so it’s impeccable timing to have a tribute band for anyone who was hoping to hear the upbeat jams of the quintessential festival band.

Byrdfest is a bit like a small Schwagstock. The Schwag headlining the event helps, of course, but you could close your eyes at Byrd’s Adventure Center and have no problems imagining you’re back at Camp Zoe swaying to the jamming grooves.

One bonus of Byrdfest is that it’s

lacking the notorious Buzzkill Hill of Schwagstock, and the stage and river are much closer to the majority of the campsites, making barefootin’ much more bearable.

There are a few more flushing toilets than Camp Zoe had, as well, so there’s never a long line to use the restrooms. The showers are also in the same building as the toilets, unlike Camp Zoe. The toilets and showers are free to use, as they were at Schwagstock, but it should be noted that out of the many festivals I’ve covered, these were the only two that offered free toilets and showers. Take advantage of this wonderful privilege! Byrd’s staff does a fantastic job keeping the restrooms clean and well-maintained and they should be appreciated for it.

It might not be warm enough for swimming yet, but let’s hope for an unusually toasty weekend because the Mulberry River provided the most amazing swimming experience I’ve ever had at a festival.

At Byrdfest 2 in July last year, the river was a perfect swimming hole that was about 15- to 20-feet deep in some areas. The water level is dependent on rainfall and because it’s the rainy season, it might be flowing too fast to swim in. Only Mother Nature can make that decision for us.

This is a camping festival (as the best ones are!), so be sure to bring all your camping gear — tents, air mattresses, blankets, chairs, E-Z Up canopies, fully stocked coolers etc.

— to make the most of your weekend.

If you plan on dancing near the stage, it’s also a smart idea to bring some earplugs to avoid damaging the very part of your body that allows you so much musical enjoyment. They’ll also come in handy if you’re ready to sleep before the rest of your group.

And please don’t forget to bring all your positive energy and enthusiasm — it’s contagious in the best

possible way.

The Flea Bitten Dawgs start the music off each day with an acoustic set at 5:30 p.m. Mom’s Kitchen continues the concerts at 7 p.m. and The Schwag takes the stage for two sets at 9 p.m. Moonlight Drive finishes off each evening of music beginning at midnight.

Byrd’s Adventure Center is at 7037 Hwy 215 (Co. Road 83) in Ozark, Ark. The festival is just about five miles south of Wakarusa’s location at Mulberry Mountain — in fact, you’ll pass the venue on your way.

Tickets are purchased at the gate and are $60 for the weekend if you arrive Friday, but you can pay an extra $10 if you want to show up Thursday. If you can only make it for Saturday, tickets are just $35.

For more information, call 479667-4066 or visit http://byrdsadventurecenter.com. You can also search for the Byrdfest 4 event on Facebook.

The Big Read program celebrates classic literature Local libraries consider ‘The Maltese Falcon’ one of best detective novels

By Kris Collins The Standard

The Springfield Greene-County Library District partnered with the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest, Friends of the Library and various local businesses and organizations to bring The Big Read program to Springfield throughout April.

Kathleen O’Dell, Community Relations Director for The Springfield-Greene County Library District, said the event happens each year.

“The National Endowment for the Arts offers grants every year to help libraries put on a one book, one community event they have branded as The Big Read,” O’Dell said.

Although The National Endowment for the Arts offers grants every year, there are no guarantees on receiving one. In the past, The Springfield-Greene County Library District teamed with

Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, which received a grant from The National Endowment for the Arts, to bring The Big Read to Springfield.

For the past four years, The Big Read program has come to town, but this is the first year the library has received a grant.

“We asked Friends of the Library for $5,000,” O’Dell said.

“In looking in our grant request and our program, they (The National Endowment for the Arts) matched it.”

O’Dell said the $10,000 was a huge help in planning this year’s events and bringing in authors to speak.

In the past, the genres or themes of the features books have ranged from historical reads about the Civil War to classic literature like “To Kill A Mockingbird.”

This year, The Big Read’s featured title, “The Maltese Falcon,” is considered by some to be one of the best detective novels of all

time. The author, Dashiell Hammett, tells the story of Detective Sam Spade who is hired to recover a precious jewel-encrusted statue of a black bird.

“Every year we chose a book then the people on The Big Read committee brainstorm about authors to bring in and events on the topic or themes,” O’Dell said.

Though The Big Read is a month-long event, The Commercial Street festival, “The Maltese Falcon on Historic C-Street,” brought the program full circle.

On April 14, the entire community was welcomed to participate in a day’s worth of activities from eating food inspired by “The Maltese Falcon” to dancing and fashion displays from the 1930s, the time period in which the book is set.

“This is for all ages, and that’s one reason why we offered, this year, with Bruce Hale, an alternative for young readers,” O’Dell said.

Hale, the author of the awardwinning series “Chet Gecko Mysteries,” visited the Library Center on April 12 to speak and sign books.

Missouri native and mystery writer Ridley Pearson, will also be giving a presentation followed by a book signing at 7 p.m. on April 26 at Pythian Castle, 1451 E. Pythian St. Older audiences have the opportunity to experience “The Maltese Falcon”-themed events in a more adult setting as well. Patton Alley Pub will be hosting a trivia night from 7:30 to 9: 30 p.m. on April 19, with questions based around the featured title and other works of literature.

A full list of scheduled events can be found at http://www.thelibrary.org/bigread/.

An important aspect to The Big Read is community involvement, said Rebecca Clarke, co-chair on The Big Read Committee.

“The idea of getting the community together to read one book is a very powerful message,” she said. “Reading is, of course, always important, but the idea of talking about it with your neighbor and connecting over a book does a lot for a community.”

In keeping true to this year’s mystery theme, Cpl. Matt Brown of the Springfield Police Depart-

ment will be speaking on the validity of what we see in movies in his presentation “CSI…Fact or Fiction?”

The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will also be joining in on The Big Read this year for the first time since the program has come to Springfield.

“Our whole goal is trying to restore reading for pleasure in the American culture,” O’Dell said.

“We don’t want to see that slip.”

The Big Read committee has made a point to include all ages to ensure that they meet their goal. In fact, community members may already be involved in The Big Read 2012.

“One of the fun things we did — we bought 100 or more copies of ‘The Maltese Falcon,’ O’Dell said. “We put a sticker on the back of each cover that says, ‘Take this book, read it and pass it on.’”

The books have been placed in various places all over the library district.

“If they ever get back to us, that’s great,” O’Dell said. “If they never come back to us, that’s OK. We hope somebody winds up with them and enjoys them.”

10

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Standard

Life

‘Blood and Milk’ entertains but misses mark

It is the role of many professors to publish works periodically pertaining to their department and choice of study. However, not every professor gets the thrilling chance to publish their own fiction, an area much different than the world of academia.

It was the privilege of English Department Head W.D. Blackmon, whose novel “Blood and Milk: A Novel in Stories” was published last year by Et Alia Press in Little Rock, Ark. The book tackles the hardships of the housewife, and how one finds meaning after childbirth.

Blackmon tells his story from the third person, wafting in and out of the thoughts and complexes of his heroine, Becky Hawkins. The novel begins with an awful lot of endings, as well as a beginning.

Becky spends her spare time trying to get her unconventional family — comprised of two daughters: the worldly Claire and her younger, mentally-handicapped sister Ruby; a disconnected husband Mike and Becky’s helplessly old granddad, who remains unnamed — fed and clothed and through each day.

Becky is troubled by her hus-

Nick Simpson Book Reviewer

band’s constant absence, and general disregard for responsibility. Her plight is worsened, however, as another pregnancy is fast approaching, and Becky is forced to truly examine her marriage and how she should go about supporting a husband that feels more like a child when there are enough mouths to feed as it is.

She asks for a divorce and sends him to the Sheraton Hotel on the south side of town.

The title of the novel is drawn from the title of the first story, “Blood and Milk.” In its pages, the death of her mother and the birth of her son Jack are the catalyst for mighty changes in Becky’s life.

Nomad Continued from page 4 RCV, Nomad, Animale, Kaya and Angel Baby. Depending on what materials and fabrics are used to make the items, apparel ranges in price from $20 to $100.

Senior elementary education major Katy McLain frequents the store often, and most of the time purchases the clothing sold there.

“I tend to buy the clothes because their style matches up with mine,” McLain said.

“It’s kind of like a free spirit, artsy style and really unique. The whole concept in general is nothing like any other store downtown.”

Nomad sells many other distinctive products including furniture made from recycled materials, hand carved guitars and amps, international home décor and leather handbags and wallets. In an effort to support the community of Springfield, Nomad also sells handmade jewelry and art created by local artists.

Mark Skidmore, a local resident, stumbled upon Nomad one day while taking a walk downtown, and said he appreciates its large display of artwork.

“My wife and I go to Nomad to look at

Blackmon probes Becky’s psyche, attempting to get to the heart of motherhood and the structuring of the home.

In its final story, Blackmon introduces the concept of the “sandwich generation,” that unfortunate few that find themselves caring for children and the elderly under the same room, changing diapers for a son and his great-great grandfather in the same day.

And it’s interesting to dwell on the strength that must exist inside a person so fortified. Becky is offered the temptation to ruin her family entirely with an affair with an art collector half her age but resists.

She clings to a love with Mike that seems more like sharing a bed with a ticking time bomb. His jealousy, while containing some amount of faithful warmth, threatens to send him into a harrowing rage, and more than once Becky ruminates on the idea of sending him back to that Sheraton.

Blackmon nurses themes of patience in the presence of chaos, paternal duty and moral discipline, and barely hits the mark. While each story fits together to form a

cohesive unit, you’d be hardpressed to find much difference between each other than a mark on a timeline.

And while he resists the temptation to break the dream into chapters to masquerade his book as a more finished work, the novel would have benefited from an extra story or two. What we get from 116 pages is a subtle glimpse at a family attempting to put the pieces together, with more time spent inside the mind of Becky than in plot-driven action.

It works if Blackmon’s intention is simply to show us the story from outside a moving window, and in that direction it is beautifully crafted. But there’s something missing that is offered from the title “Blood and Milk.”

Blackmon has a chance to weave a very dark tale filled with gripping poverty and unpaid heating bills, but instead chooses to brighten the mood with every sentence uttered from Becky’s granddad’s lips — more ‘comedy’ than ‘dramedy.’

And this would work if Blackmon’s humor worked. When his comedy does shine it is often pure-

ly situational, such as the horridly laughable experience of giving your grandfather his first supervised shower or attempting to wrangle a toddler with the hormones of a 22-year-old into the bathtub. It’s laugh-out-loud type of stuff, but Blackmon’s dialogue can often seem hit-or-miss when he attempts at hilarity.

With copious amounts of popculture references coming up at the breakfast table, Blackmon also unravels a keen commentary on the media and its effects on children.

Becky finds herself racing to change the channel on the TV or stop Claire from associating with a boy with a slanderously funny Tshirt. At times it comes off as paranoia, but it is more the will of a nurturing mother who has every right to lose it.

The novel’s attempts at coming full-circle rest on the shoulders of Becky and Mike, and their ability to find compromise enough to share their lives with one another. The book examines a man and a woman and how they fit together when sex just isn’t working, and how one builds a family when it feels so destined to fail.

the art and to look for Christmas and birthday stuff,” Skidmore said. “They sell the kind of things I know my son and daughter would like.”

Skidmore also said he appreciates the fact that Nomad takes an active role in supporting a nonprofit organization called the Yayasan Kasih Peduli Anak Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing services to street children of Bali.

Nomad sells specific items that aid in funding the foundation to give the children of the Bali Street Kids Orphanage the opportunity for a better life.

Whitcomb and Blotter also hope to expand their support of the closer Springfield community with the possibility of creating a scholarship fund for art students attending local high schools. The details are still being discussed, but such a proposal is what they aspire to do in the near future.

Nomad can be found online at http://nomadworldproducts.com, where online sales will begin mid-May, or on Facebook at http://facebook.com/NomadSpringfield.

While most advertising is being done by word of mouth, Nomad has already seen more than 1,000 customers during the first Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD Art Walk of 2012, and it seems as though this particular boutique is destined for great Nomad sells clothing and trinkets from around the world. The store is open Mondays things. from noon to 8 p.m. and Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Weekly Crossword © 2012 King Features Synd., Inc.

ACROSS 1 Study hard 5 And so on (Abbr.)

8 Halt 12 Volcanic outflow 13 Ultramodern (Pref.)

14 Sulk 15 In due time 16 Liar, e.g.

18 60 seconds 20 Assault 21 Bedouin 23 That woman 24 Bridge player who calls trump 28 Faction 31 Past 32 Jeopardy 34 Mangy mutt 35 Nonsense 37 Translate a cryptogram 39 Ford Explorer or Isuzu Rodeo 41 Norse thunder god 42 Slowly, in music 45 Low in hemoglobin 49 Last page, maybe 51 Ocean motion 52 Requests 53 Antiquated 54 Walked (on) 55 Atomizer output 56 Type squares 57 Harvard rival DOWN 1 Chowder ingredient 2 Hindu princess 3 Shakespeare's river

4 Handbook 5 Ingratiated 6 Golf ball prop 7 Comical Imogene 8 Hits, old-style 9 Russian comrade 10 Oil cartel acronym 11 Fringe benefit, for short 17 Biblical verb suffix 19 Snare 22 Jaunty chapeau 24 Light touch 25 Id counterpart 26 Russian horsemen 27 Stones guitarist Keith 29 Payable 30 Make a mistake

Last Weekʼs Puzzle Answers

33 King of the jungle 36 Most massive 38 Attractive 40 Energy 42 Leading man?

43 Lucy's hubby

44 Reed instrument 46 Actress Sorvino 47 "American -" 48 Relinquish 50 Shade tree

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Life 11

The Standard

‘Lockout’ not to be taken seriously Action movie similar to past work

by Besson

It’s “Taken” in space! Literally.

But that doesn’t mean that “Lockout” is one of those been-theredone-that movies, because it was actually a lot of fun.

It’s the near future and the United States has created a maximum security prison in space. The president’s daughter, Emilie

Karman Bowers Movie Reviewer

(Maggie Grace), visits the prison on a humanitarian mission and, you guessed it, there is an unprecedented prison break and she’s taken hostage. The U.S. government has no choice but to

Youth Continued from page 5 “Digital is everything now, but with vinyl there is a tangible product that people are going to pick up, and the quality is so much better,” Lightningbolt said. “We can give bands an edge up on home recording.”

Not only does Zero Youth

Evan Henningsen/THE STANDARD

send in an unorthodox CIA agent, Snow (Guy Pearce), to get her out.

Sound a bit familiar? That’s because it is produced by the same team that worked on “Taken” and is based off an original idea from Luc Besson.

The key to a movie like “Lockout” is not taking it seriously. It’s simply a fun joyride in space with lots of intense action sequences. If you’re going to a movie like this for the story, then you’re probably expecting too much.

Not that the story is bad, it’s just nothing amazing. It’s your typical prison break/hostage/oneman team plotline. The rogue CIA agent is being set up and has to discover, record and produce artists, it also coordinates shows and brings larger acts to Springfield stages. It’s been bringing psychobilly punk band Koffin Kats to Springfield for great shows for the past three years and through a spider web of networking with other bands, are able to get shows together like last Thursday’s.

Its next big show is the Sinner’s CD release party “May the 4th be with you” at the Outland

prove himself by making a sacrifice. In this case, it just happens to be rescuing someone’s naïve daughter who just happens to be Maggie Grace. (In case you didn’t know, Grace was, in fact, the daughter in “Taken.”)

The only person who has a believable character was Snow, but then again he was the only person I really cared about. Emilie, I didn’t buy. She started out very diplomatic and concerned but then ended up a badass? It was too big of a change for the character initially created in too short of a time period.

Pearce, however, was pretty fantastic. His demeanor was perfect, and he played the arrogant a-

hole very well. He basically carried the entire film, and that is OK because as an actor he can do that and do it well.

There were a few action sequences that seemed almost cartoonish, not like Looney Tunes, but visually like you might be watching some action sequence from a graphic novel. Yet it wasn’t that bad. I noticed it, but in a way, I think it added to the fun nature of the movie. They embraced the sci-fi aspect and ran with it.

My advice to you if you’re trying to decide what movie to go see next: if you’re looking for a fun and funny action adventure, you’re not going to go wrong with “Lockout.”)

Ballroom with The Rumblejetts and Gaspump Talent. The show is all ages, starts at 8 p.m. and costs $8. Each person that pays the door cover will receive a free copy of the new album.

Zero Youth accepts demos via snail mail only, so if you’ve got a band that you’re sure the guys over at the record company will love, send a copy of your demo to Zero Youth Records, 1975 S. Maple Tree Lane, Bolivar MO 65613.

Left: Zero Youth alumni, Brutally Frank play fast and furious psychobilly punk rock music and are responsible for booking Three Bad Jacks at last Thursday’s show at the Outland Ballroom.

Right: Dallas Self of St. Dallas & The Sinners gets the crowd grooving to original and cover rockabilly tunes. Self’s grandfather is legendary rockabilly star Ronnie Self, who might best be known for his hit “Bop-A-Lena.”

Evan Henningsen/THE STANDARD

12

Sports

Longview Continued from page 6 from Guttin to play for the Bears, joining his friend and soon-to-be roommate at MSU. Chaffin and Helms’ friendship began at their first Longview practice in the fall of 2008. “What do you think of a guy named Spiker to start with?” Chaffin says.

On the other hand, Helms knew exactly what he thought about Chaffin. It was quite obvious to Helms what kind of player he was.

“He’s one of those guys that can just jump into the (batting) cage and just mash,” Helms says. “He’s just a talent, a natural hitter. We were taking batting practice and Brock came out of the cage and said, “It’s not about how hard you hit it, it’s about how far you hit it.’ Ever since then, we just became buds.”

Although they never lived together at Longview, Chaffin and Helms formed a special bond. The two were always around each other, on the field — Chaffin played third base while Helms was the team’s shortstop — and off the field, like when they stayed up until 2 or 3 in the morning, quoting movie lines in the not-so-glamorous Motel 6 room they had to share with three other teammates on a road trip.

“Me and Spiker have lived together the last two years (at MSU),” Chaffin says.

“And then I was always over at his condo or he was always over at the apartment when we were at Longview.”

The other players at MSU recognize what a close relationship Chaffin and Helms have, and commonly refer to them as “The Longview Brothers.”

However, last fall, the strength of their brotherhood was tested. Once again, it all began with a phone call.

One night last October, Chaffin heard his cell phone ringing. It was Helms.

Chaffin knew before he answered what Helms was going to say probably wasn’t good news. And sure enough, it wasn’t.

Helms’ mother, Cathy, had lost her battle with breast cancer.

“You know, man, if you need anything, you just let me know,” Chaffin remembers saying to Helms.

“It’s almost like a brother situation,” Chaffin says. “It’s almost like we’ve been together so long that Dennis, his dad, and his mom — they weren’t second family to me, but they were close enough.”

Chaffin’s first task, and probably the hardest, was to tell the team about what had happened.

“I was the one that Spiker was talking with to let everybody know how his mom was doing (when she was sick, before she died),” Chaffin says. “The day he got the call that he’s got to go down to Tulsa to be with his mom, I was like, ‘Well, something ain’t right.’ The day he called me and told me his mom passed away — you know, it

The Standard

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

just hits home — and then you’ve got to call everybody and let everybody know.”

Along with letting his teammates at Missouri State know about the tragedy that had befallen their teammate, Chaffin also had to call the players at Longview. From that point on, Chaffin did everything he could to support his friend.

“You’ve just got to make sure he’s got everything taken care of around here,” Chaffin says. “You know, go talk to his teachers if you need to for him, just being there.”

Though Helms was facing a difficult situation, Chaffin never tried to pry his emotions out or get him to open up. He just needed his space, and Chaffin gave it to him.

“Brock knows that I’m not one to talk about those type of things,” Helms says.

“He’s there when I need to talk about it, so he never tried to push the issue like, ‘Hey, how are you feeling?’ If I ever had a problem, I talked to him about it.”

Guttin quickly took notice of the way Chaffin handled the situation, and was impressed with how much he cared for Helms and his well-being.

“I think it tells you a lot about Brock as a person,” Guttin says. “He’s a quality person.

The deal with Spiker’s mom was a very, very difficult situation.”

The perseverance Helms has showed since his mother’s death is the same trait that has always pushed him to accomplish his goals, in life or in baseball. And Chaffin has been there by his side for the past four years, helping him with both.

“The guys give me a hard time, like, ‘Spiker’s your little brother, man.’” Chaffin says. “It’s just like family, so we take care of each other.”

Guttin says the two players have different personalities and that they even each other out, which might be why they are such good friends.

“It might be ‘Cagney and Lacey,’ Guttin says with a smile, referring to the ’80s TV show that featured two New York City female police detectives. “They seem to get along well. Spiker’s very, very serious and Brock’s a little more laid back, a little more of a jokester.”

The pair has seen a lot of success so far this season for the Bears, who are 27-10 overall and 6-2 in Missouri Valley Conference play. Chaffin is batting .311, with 41 hits and 31 RBIs. Helms is batting .315 and leads the team in hits (47), RBIs (32) and doubles (17).

Once they finish up their time at MSU, both players hope to pursue professional baseball. The next chapter of their lives could begin with phone calls, this time from MLB teams.

“It was always my mom’s dream for me to finish college,” Helms says. “And it came to a point where she was like, ‘If you get drafted, go.’ It’s been her motivation that drives me, keeps me playing this game, File photos by Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD shows me how much I love it, and puts it in Spiker Helms (Top) and Brock Chaffin (Bottom) have played two years at MSU. perspective.”

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

News 13

The Standard

Freudenberger House without hot water for the weekend

By Michael Gulledge The Standard

A lightning strike broke part of the hot water system in Freudenberger House on Friday, leaving students still without hot water on Monday.

Gary Stewart, director of residence life at Missouri State, said the strike hit the part of the system that allows hot water to be distributed throughout the building.

“The part is not available in Springfield and is being overnighted and should be here around 10

a.m. on Tuesday,” Stewart said. “I would hope that we will have hot water back by 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.”

While the water was out, students were allowed to take showers in either Woods House or Wells House, Stewart said.

Freshman nursing major Joelle

Chow said she decided not to go to the other dormitories.

“I still showered, but it was freezing,” she said. “I haven’t heard of anyone that has gone [to Wells].”

The strike also knocked out Internet connectivity for the building, but was fixed late Sunday,

according to Stewart.

Stewart said the Internet was fixed quickly with a spare router from Computer Services. The water system repair could be expensive, especially with the overnight shipping, but Stewart said he didn’t yet know the amount.

University spends 40 man-hours cleaning up graffiti Friday

By Amanda Hess The Standard

Around $1,100 was spent to clean up graffiti that was spread around campus Thursday night.

Missouri State employees found the graffiti around 6 a.m.

Jay Huff, the assistant director

of safety & transportation, said 28 separate places around campus were vandalized with “DGK.” “It’s just a theory, but it could stand for Dirty Ghetto Kids,” he said. “It could have been three initials, too. We haven’t seen this tag around Springfield before.”

Dirty Ghetto Kids is a clothing

Last Weekʼs Sudoku Answers

and skateboard brand that sponsors Wiz Khalifa. The vandalism occurred after the Wiz Khalifa concert at JQH Arena Thursday.

“It wasn’t just signs (that were vandalized), it was four or five light poles, electrical boxes, various places like that,” Huff said.

Vicki Younger, associate direc-

tor of facilities management, said the graffiti was cleaned up in the course of a day.

The grounds crew assisted with the clean up and took 40 hours to finish. The 40 hours were spread between five employees to equal eight hours of work for each. The $1,100 cost covered labor and

resources used.

The vandalism is still under investigation, Huff said. There currently are no leads to who did it.

Huff said if students have any idea who might have tagged campus, to call the Springfield Police Department’s MSU substation at 417-836-5327.

14

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Standard

News

Conference connects students in the digital age Lectures connect technology and sustainability for the future

By Amy Fuemmeler The Standard

Visits from a past presidential candidate’s daughter, a rock musician and a renowned scientist are just a few of the highlights of this year’s Public Affairs Conference, with a theme of Culture of Connectivity.

Conference Chairman Kurt Heinlein said he is excited for the conference, which will take place today through Friday, and all it has to offer to students.

“The notion of public affairs and service is the core of how we operate at the university,” Heinlein said. “The Public Affairs Conference is really one of the highlights of the year.”

Conference speakers are selected by an executive committee of three

people and a larger committee of 25 to 30 people, Heinlein said.

Each individual college of the university, such as the College of Arts and Letters, is represented so that each can share its viewpoints and interests.

Speakers Larry Kirwan will start off the conference with “Rock and Read” at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the PSU Theater with a musical performance from the celtic rock band he used to be in, Black 47. Kirwan will also be talking about his published novel, “Rockin in the Bronx” and plays. A question-and-answer portion will end the event, Heinlein said.

Wednesday’s key speaker will be Naomi Wolf presenting “Engaging

democracy: How citizen uprisings will reshape America” at 7 p.m. in the PSU Theater. Wolf is an author and a political activist, especially in the feminist movement and Occupy Wall Street, and was promoted by the Student Government Association and by other student organizations on campus, Heinlein said.

Also on Wednesday, an “Unplugged” event will take place at noon at the Plaster Student Union North Mall. According to Heinlein, the event’s goal is to promote connecting with individuals without technology.

The event will feature a live performance by Lacy Morris where students and faculty are encouraged to turn off cell phones, computers and other electronic devices. The event will also have free food and door prizes available for participants.

Lorrie Thomas Ross will give a presentation called “MarkEDing Marketing’s new connective success strategy” at 12:30 p.m. on

Task force Continued from page 1 Assessment Research Coordinator Kelly Cara teaches classes in the psychology department and is also a new member of the task force. She said the task force’s purpose is to look at the current general education process and find out what can be done differently to better meet the students’ learning outcomes.

“Do we need new goals or are our goals

Thursday in the PSU Theater. Ross is a web marketing guru and is specifically talking about connectivity, according to Heinlein.

Meghan McCain, the daughter of Sen. John McCain, will be presenting “Redefining American politics: No labels. No boxes. No Stereotypes.” at 8 p.m. on Thursday in the PSU Theater. McCain helped to run her father’s campaign during the last election and wrote a book about her experiences and is also an award-winning blogger.

Claire Bise, a junior cellular and molecular biology major, said she is looking forward to attending the McCain presentation.

“I think she will present important talking points that are relevant for this upcoming election, and it will be interesting to hear what she has to say about stereotypes of political ideologies and their effect on effective leadership,” Bise said.

Ivor van Heerden, the last speaker of the Public Affairs Conference, will present “The inside story from

clearly articulated so that students know what they’re trying to get out of their classes?” Cara said. “When they look at that curriculum and they say, ‘We don’t see where your mission is being addressed,’ that’s a problem. If we’re not talking about it in our gen ed courses, how can we incorporate that so it’s clearer to students?”

Senior vocal music education major Andy McIntyre attended the first open session and took several key points from what the task force speakers addressed.

“The general education program affects every student here,” McIntyre said. “Even

one Louisiana scientist: An hour with Ivor van Heerden” at noon on Friday in the PSU Theater.

Van Heerden developed a model that predicted the consequences of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, though the state didn’t take action to prevent the effects, Heinlein said.

Sessions

Sessions will be held throughout the week given by 30 panelists. The panelists have a variety of specialties and conduct the sessions with three others.

Emily Hall, a freshman speech pathology major, said she plans on attending the panel session, “Is connectivity making you dumb?”

“It’d be interesting to see if technology such as texting is really affecting my life in a negative way,” Hall said.

A full listing of the speakers, special events and sessions is available on the public affairs website at http://www.publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/conference.

though we’re doing a lot of things right, the faculty and students still have some legitimate concerns. I think there should be more emphasis on the public affairs mission, especially community engagement.

We can talk about it as much as we want, but why not create more service learning courses that actually do community engagement?”

Anyone seeking more information on the Task Force on General Education Revision can visit the website at http://www.missouristate.edu/provost/Gen EdReview/default.htm.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Chiefs Continued from page 6

Sports/News 15

The Standard solid free agents such as offensive tackle Eric Winston, running back Peyton Hillis and tight end Kevin Boss, the Chiefs seem primed to get back on track in 2012.

But one important task still lies ahead for the team, as they gear up for the 2012 NFL Draft. The Chiefs have the 11th overall pick, and with that pick, they will be able to add another very good, young player. The question is…Who will it be?

Here are some of the possibilities:

son, recording 191 tackles (102 solo), much. good for an NCAA-leading average of 15.9 per game.

Dontari Poe, defensive tackle,

David DeCastro, offensive guard, Stanford

Memphis

Kansas City needs and assets Chiefs’ biggest needs 1. Nose tackle 2. Offensive guard 3. Inside linebacker 4. Quarterback 5. Cornerback (depth) Chiefs’ top players 1. Jamaal Charles, running back 2. Derrick Johnson, inside linebacker 3. Tamba Hali, outside linebacker 4. Dwayne Bowe, wide receiver 5. Eric Berry, safety

NFL.com’s Chad Reuter has the Chiefs taking Kuechly in his mock draft, and for good reason. Aside from Johnson, the Chiefs lack a strong inside linebacker in their 3-4 defense capable of making plays from sideline to sideline. Kuechly has the talent and speed to do just that, and would form a scary tandem with Johnson in the middle of the field.

Kuechly has the necessary size (6foot-3, 242 pounds) and speed (4.58 in the 40-yard dash) to be a very impactful NFL linebacker. He showed off his playmaking ability throughout his college career, especially in his final sea-

The Chiefs are in need of an upgrade on the offensive line, and what better way to do that than to draft the player partially responsible for protecting the “once-in-a-generation” quarterback draft prospect, Andrew Luck? NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks has the Chiefs taking DeCastro in his mock draft.

DeCastro brings a lot of experience to the table, having started for three consecutive seasons at Stanford.

Offensive guards are not usually taken super high in the first round of the draft, but DeCastro will be an exception, whether the Chiefs take him or not.

He’s got the size (6-foot-5, 316 pounds), the brains (you have to be smart to go to Stanford, right?) and athleticism that all good NFL offensive lineman have. Adding a player like that to the Chiefs would only further help Charles and the running game, as well as help to keep Cassel from getting knocked on his a— so

NFL.com’s Albert Breer has suggested that if still available, Poe might be hard for the Chiefs to pass on. I’m not going to lie, I would definitely be a little worried about this pick. The Chiefs have not had the best luck recently when drafting defensive linemen. Glenn Dorsey and Tyson Jackson have been considered by some to be busts, although they did show signs of improvement last season, so there is still hope.

However, Dorsey and Jackson hold down the defensive end positions. What the Chiefs really need is a dominant nose tackle to stuff the run up the middle and put some pressure on the quarterback during passing plays. Poe has the ability to be that player.

Poe is huge (6-foot-3, 346 pounds) and strong (44 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press), but my fear is that all he will do is occupy space and clog up the running lanes. He uses his size and athleticism to put himself in good positions, allowing linebackers on the next level to make plays.

But I really feel like the Chiefs need someone at that nose tackle spot who can create pressure on the pocket and make opposing quarterbacks adjust. Poe might not be the answer.

However, he is still a very good player and will at least be considered by the Chiefs if he is still available.

have to make adjustments quicker in the box than you do in high school. They (pitchers) come after you faster.”

Continued from page 6 The fit for Jones at Missouri a spot normally saved for a team’s State has been like a glove. Teambest hitter. mates Natalie Rose and Kirstin “There are still moments of Cutter played with Jones back in doubt,” Jones said. “And you still high school, which made the transi-

tion that much easier.

“It really has been a great fit here (at Missouri State),” Jones said. “The team is very welcoming.

I know that I made the right decision to come here, and it’s been a blast.”

The tutelage from senior pitcher Rose and sophomore catcher Stacia

Boeckstiegel have propelled Jones to a 5-8 record and a 3.67 ERA. “Catching for her has been quite the treat,” Boeckstiegel said. “She throws well and has good movement. She’s learned a lot since her first day.”

That may not seem like great numbers, but it’s been enough for

Hesse to say she foresees Jones as the Bears number one pitcher next year.

“Pressure is a privilege more than a burden,” Hesse said. “Only great players get the pressure, and it takes a special player to succeed in that pressure. Jones has shown the ability to overcome that.”

elite quarterbacks in the game.

The defense played solid for most of the year, despite losing arguably its most valuable asset in Berry, and linebacker Derrick Johnson emerged as a devastating playmaker. And of course, sack master Tamba Hali did his thing, once again.

Toward the end of the season, turmoil among the team forced General Manager Scott Pioli to fire head coach Todd Haley, and a new era under Romeo Crennel began.

Despite all of the negative circumstances that fell upon the Chiefs last season, they still managed to finish 79 and almost steal the AFC West title from Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos.

This offseason for the Chiefs was primarily about getting their best players healthy and making the most of the enormous amount of cap space they had to play with.

After securing Crennel as the permanent head coach — which was a great move — and signing a slew of

Luke Kuechly, inside linebacker, Boston College

Jones

Coulter Continued from page 1 capacity.

While speaking, Coulter criticized “Obamacare,” or the Affordable Healthcare Act, Obama’s actions throughout the war in the Middle East and his attempts to create more jobs in America.

“As long as he’s playing golf, he could be creating a caddy job,” Coulter said.

Coulter said the upcoming election this fall is the most important election in the lives of American citizens, as it is the one chance to repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act created under President Obama by voting for Republican Party candidate Mitt Romney. Without the elimination of the system, Coulter said the United States would become Europe, “minus the cafés and cobblestone streets.”

Further emphasizing her likeness for the Michigan native, Coulter praised Romney for balancing the budget for the state of Massachusetts while governor, rescuing companies that were going bankrupt and his preference for a smaller government.

David Sears, a sophomore theatre design technology major, said he came to the event for extra credit, but was entertained by Coulter’s head-turning statements.

“Some things made a lot of sense and others I felt were really out there,” Sears said. “I definitely believe that the states should be sort of a laboratory of finding out what works with government. I disliked her severe criticisms of Obama. I felt the substance of her speech was ‘let’s bash Obama and make Romney look good.’”

Martin Plute, a freshman political science major, and MaryJo Kolze, a senior majoring in biology and psychology, said they attended the event because of their interest in the

upcoming election. Despite their original disinterest in Romney, they said Coulter gave them a new take on his candidacy.

“I was definitely considering anybody but Romney before,” Kolze said. “I mean, there’s more to think about now.”

“She will persuade you if anybody will,” Plute added in.

As an alternative to the speaking event, the College Democrats held an “Ann Who?” party on the same evening. The Vice President of the College Democrats Chinesa Rusch said about 30 to 40 students attended the event along with community members.

“The ‘Ann Who?’ party was an event to ignore Ann Coulter and her messages of hate and intolerance,” Rusch said. “It was very much just a low-key, fun environment, which is very much what we wanted. There was no controversy, no arguing, no slamming Ann Coulter, no slamming the Republicans, just an excuse to get together and have a good time.”

The verdict

While I believe the Chiefs’ biggest need is at nose tackle, I would rather see them go after Kuechly or DeCastro, rather than Poe. If it were my choice and all three players were still on the board, I would have to go with DeCastro, although Kuechly would be incredibly tempting.

Steph Anderson/THE STANDARD

Ann Coulter spoke on the Missouri State campus last Tuesday for a lecture put on by SAC and College Republicans.

Despite rumors of protesters attending Coulter’s speaking engagement, none made their stance clear during the event. The Standard

will continue to provide more information about the conservative commentator’s contract as it comes to light.

16

The Standard

News

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Standard wins 31 awards at 2012 MCMAs

By Megan Gates The Standard

The Standard claimed 31 awards at the Missouri College Media Association’s annual conference awards this year at Missouri Western State University this past weekend.

The Standard competed in Division I at the conference against the University of Missouri-Columbia, Saint Louis University, the University of Missouri-Saint Louis, Washington University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The Standard placed first in Sweepstakes and third in the Best Overall Newspaper category behind first place SLU and second place MU. Seven staff members — Jon Poorman, Megan Gates, Benjamen Loewnau, Amanda Hess, Dayle Duggins, Brandon Corrigan, Lindsey Howard — and Jack Dimond, The Standard’s faculty adviser, attended the conference which included sessions targeted towards student media production, student newspaper critiques and an awards banquet.

Below is a list of the awards The Standard earned at the 2012 MCMA awards.

News Writing • Second place: Jon Poorman, Damien DiPlacido, Megan Gates and David Hunton • Third place: Megan Gates Feature Writing • Honorable Mention: Lauren Healey Sports Writing • Second place: Benjamen Loewnau • Honorable Mention: Harrison Keegan

In-Depth Reporting • First place: Alexis Reid and Megan Gates Investigative Reporting • First place: Amanda Hess • Second place: Megan Gates Regular Column • Second place: Stephen Herzog • Third place: Stephen Herzog Sports Column • First place: Stephen Herzog Entertainment Review • Honorable Mention: Karman Bowers • Honorable Mention: Megan Gates News Photography • Honorable Mention: Michael Gulledge Feature Photography • Third place: Michael Gulledge • Honorable Mention: Steph Anderson Sports Photography • First place: Steph Anderson Information Graphics • First place: Megan Gates and Michael Gulledge Story Illustration • First place: Leah Randazzo Advertising • First place: Mat Wilken Page One Design • First place: Amanda Hess Section Front Page • First place: Jon Poorman Editorial Page • First place: Megan Gates Sports Page • First place: Steph Anderson, Leah Randazzo and Michael Gulledge • Second place: Benjamen Loewnau

Staff members from The Standard attended the Missouri College Media Association conference over the weekend and earned 31 awards. From left: Megan Gates, Jack Dimond, Lindsey Howard, Benjamen Loewnau, Jon Poorman, Amanda Hess, Brandon Corrigan and Dayle Duggins.

Photo Page • Second place: Steph Anderson, Leah Randazzo and Michael Gulledge Feature Page • Second place: Bobbie Sawyer Web Page: • Second place: The Standard

Multimedia • Second place: Megan Gates and Michael Gulledge Best Overall Newspaper: • Third place: The Standard Sweepstakes • First place: The Standard

Were you affected by the May 22, 2011, Joplin tornado?

The Standard will be running a story in its final issue of the semester on May 8, 2012, about the anniversary of the Joplin tornado and how students can take part in the anniversary events scheduled this summer. If you were affected by the Joplin tornado in any way — whether as a resident of the community, as a volunteer or as a member of the Missouri State University family — The Standard would like to hear your story in your own words.

Please send a short essay to The Standard at standard@missouristate.edu or call its office at 417-836-5272 to speak with an editor, to share your story and to be included in The Standard’s coverage.