The Vista March 13, 2008

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CONFERENCE TACKLES DEMOCRACY

by Megan Lee Staff Writer

"Civic engagement is a component of a learningcentered, transformative education. It can go on within the walls of a classroom or beyond those walls," said Dr. Bill Radke, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs at the University of Central Oklahoma.

This statement served as the backbone of the American Democracy Projects Civic Engagement conference held here on the UCO campus earlier this week. The conference, sponsored by The New York Times and the Oklahoma Campus Compact, focused on ways to encourage civic engagement among college students. Organizers believe it will have a lasting impact on students.

Featured at the conference were two UCO alumni. Both offered a unique perspective on how civic involvement has positively influenced their lives.

Dale Archer, a 1999 graduate from the Journalism depai tinent, spoke of his recent job working as the Adviser to the Speaker of the Assembly of Kosovo.

His main focus there was to provide support, give parliamentary briefings and opinions and to form an ad hoc committee on the Official Flag, Emblem, and National Anthem. His personal projects in the country included formulating the Assembly Standards Plan and the Speaker Support Plans.

"People expect change in the world without first changing themselves—this is impossible," Archer said.

by Vista photographer Chris Albers

Economics graduate Adja Kone laughs Tuesday afternoon while presenting a paper selected by her former professor, David Webb. Kone was one of the last speakers in a two-day conference held on campus by the American Democracy Project.

He describes his experiences as life changing, eyeopening, and career boosting.

Archer plans to apply all that he has gathered in Kosovo to a career with the National

Democratic Institute in Washington, D. C., where he will support governance and legislative programs around the world.

"My advice to anyone who

wants to fuel change: get out of your zip code, your state, your hemisphere," Archer said.

Adja Kone, a 2007 graduate in economics and account-

ing, spoke on her service learning experiences with professor David Webb.

A native of Senegal, Kone was considered one of the top students in her nation

and was selected by the United Nations Development Program in 2001 to study in the United States.

see DEMO, page 4

Hines proposes smoking ban for Oklahoma institutions

by Nelson Solomon Staff Writer

by Vista photographer Chris Albers

Jordan Rusnack, a business administation major, smokes a cigarette Wednesday afternoon outside the Communications Building. Student Body President Jason Hines proposed a resolution that would ban tobacco use at higher education institutions in Oklahoma.

Mon. through Thurs. at 5 p.m. NEWSCENTRAL

A resolution to make all institutions for higher education in Oklahoma become tobacco-free is on its way to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the Oklahoma Legislature, among other resolutions.

The resolution was passed at the 27th Spring Congress of the Oklahoma Student Government Association held last Thursday and Friday, March 6 and March 7, at the Nigh University Center.

All the resolutions passed were nonbinding, but brought attention to the issues that are important to students throughout the state's higher education institutions, according to Student Body President Jason Hines.

Hines co-authored the bill with fellow UCO student Matt Blubaugh.

Hines referenced a study done at UCO when presenting his resolution that all state campuses become tobacco-

'No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one."

-Elbert Hubbard

free, which passed by a narrow 20-26 vote.

"For a day, cigarette butts were collected from all over campus, and the final collection amounted to 300 pounds," Hines said.

Hines also cited the fact that the rule against smoking within 100 feet of a building entrance is not enforced, and nonsmokers are forced to breathe smoke when passing by every single time.

Hines referenced placement of the rule at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City, which took effect on Jan. 1.

The tobacco-free policy includes buildings, grounds and parking lots leased, owned or operated by OSU-OKC, according to their Web site.

Tobacco use will also be prohibited in any vehicle leased or owned by the school. The new policy will apply to all persons on campus, including employees, students and visitors.

OSU-Stillwater recently approved a similar ban, which

will go into effect July 1, 2008, according to the Web site.

An editorial in the Iowa State Daily expressed their opinion about universities placing smoking bans.

"Officials can tell us that prohibiting smoking on an entire campus will increase overall student health and help suppress rising health insurance costs, but who are they to tell people when and where they can make a personal choice to light up?"

Hines added that the tobacco-free rule would apply to all forms of tobacco use, including smoking.

The resolution would also ban the use of tobacco within personal vehicles that are on campus, a suggestion which brought disagreement from members of the body.

"In my head, I can't imagine police chasing cars with people smoking, but if they're that serious, then that's their choice," Hines said when

see TOBACCO, page 3

OPINION

March 13, 2008

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CAMPUS QUOTES: Compiled and photographed by Brenda O'Brian

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"Believe in Christ."

An elected state representative of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Cif)/ recently committed a grievous disservice to the people of the state.

Rep. Sally Kern (ROklahoma City) did an excellent job of misrepresenting her constituents and the State of Oklahoma when she spoke using what many would consider to be homophobic rhetoric.

The media has made numerous reports about Kern's quote "I honestly think it's the biggest threat ... our nation has, even more so than terrorism or Islam, which I think is a big threat." Many opinion threads have pointed out she has a right to express her opinion as granted by the First Amendment of the U.S. Bill of Rights.

I can't argue that fact, however, when a person is elected to represent the people of a district, city, state, etc., their voice ceases to be their own, and they now must consider what consequences their words will have on their constituents.

In my opinion it's ignorance and intolerance that are the greatest threat to this nation. Kern's comments are evidence of her own ignorance and intolerance of at least two groups of our society and the issues concerning them.

Kern said, "Not everybody's lifestyle is equal, just like not all religions are equal." Yet, the Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are cre-

STAFF EDITORIAL

ated equal."

Kern also said in her lecture that the "homosexual agenda is destroying this country."

She went on to say, "Gays are infiltrating city councils," and that student organizations such as the Gay and Straight Alliance are entering our schools to "indoctrinate" our children.

Kern said she taught school for 20 years, but then said,

THE VISTA Andrew Lopez Accounting, Junior

Comm. Building, Rm. 107 100 N. University Dr. • Edmond, OK 73034-5209 405-974-5548 • editorial@thevistaonline.com

"I would probably just be speechless!"

EDITORIAL

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"We're not teaching facts and knowledge anymore folks.

We're teaching indoctrination." According to MerriamWebster's 1 1 tn Collegiate Dictionary, to indoctrinate has two definitions: to instruct, or "to imbue with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view or principle."

Well, I'd have to agree in Kern's case. Her lecture most certainly provided a sectarian

point of view regarding Islam and homosexuality.

Her remark regarding the duration of societies that have embraced homosexuality only lends more evidence to this argument. She said, "Studies show that no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted more than a few decades." What studies indicate this? Ancient Roman and Greek cultures accepted , homosexuality and each lasted for centuries.

Kern's remarks made it quite clear that she is in fact ignorant of the role of homosexuality in ancient history, the place of gays in our society, and also the health related issues concerning homosexuality. Her comments further demonstrate that she has little understanding of Islam or the Quran. In fact she knew quite well what the ramifications of her remarks were as she said, "Talking to you like this today puts me in jeopardy."

Elected government officials have a duty to represent the interests of their constituents, and to remember that when they speak they are in fact speaking on behalf of those constituents. Also, the people, as members of a democratic society, have a responsibility to elect representatives who will represent them best and who will at least have the common sense not to use such intolerant rhetoric when speaking in a public forum.

- Carrie Cronk

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to the editor. Letters should address issues and ideas, not personalities. Letters must be typed, double-spaced, with a maximum of 150 words, and must include the author's printed name, title, major, classification and phone number. Letters are subject to editing for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste. The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters.

EDITORIALS Opinion columns, editorial cartoons, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer or artist and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Mass Communication, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. The Vista is not an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO. LETTERS The Vista encourages letters

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March 13, 2008

3

DA Prater partners with UCO Elementary students get to confront domestic violence taste of college life

by Laura Hoffert Staff Writer

UCO and Oklahoma County District Attorney David Prater have partnered together for the launch of the Violence Prevention Project.

The federally funded, campus-based program is aimed to help UCO community members receive confidential counseling if victimized by domestic abuse.

One of the VPP's main goals is to train UCO staff, faculty and students on how to recognize signs of violence and how to get immediate assistance. Prater will be part of the Community Education Response Team, which will include both the Edmond and UCO police departments, members of the UCO staff and other community members.

"Mr. Prater feels very passionate about the issue of domestic violence and we are excited about what Oklahoma County District

Attorney's office will bring to the project here at UCO," said Kathryn Toahty, coordinator for UCO's WP. CERT members will assist in providing a survivor response system, and monitoring effective campus judicial policies relating to violent crime.

"The program's overall goal is to effectively minimize

1 incidents of violent crimes such as sexual assault, intimate partner violence o r abuse and stalking on the UCO campus. Statistics show that only 17 to 19 percent of rapes and sexual assaults are reported. Hopefully, with the Violence Prevention Project, we can allow for comfort and

confidentiality in seeking out resources to aid in victims in the healing process," Toahty said.

The project is part of a flagship program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice from a $1 million grant distributed throughout five Oklahoma universities, including UCO. The VPP is conducted through UCO's Student Counseling Center and is anticipated to enhance the current security measures existing on the campus.

VPP is available to provide help for survivors in areas of medical assistance, legal assistance, counseling on and off campus, accommodating housing need or relocation, as well as assistance with addressing academic issues in regards to schedule change concerns.

"A community unbroken by violence and fear will provide the atmosphere necessary to prepare educated young adults to be successful members and leaders of our society at large," Toahty said.

FEEDING FRENZY

by Vista photographer Chris Albers

The Old Blue Crew cheers on the Broncho defense at last year's homecoming game.

by Jordan Richison Staff Writer

Fifth-graders at local Westfield Elementary are getting a taste of the college life thanks to UCO's new program "Broncho Buddies."

The program brings UCO student leaders to the classrooms once a week to teach fifth-graders the importance of leadership and civic engagement based on UCO's core values of character, civility and community.

Last fall, the pilot program had one fifth-grade class to experiment to see how things would go. The program was such a success, Westfield Elementary has welcomed "Broncho Buddies" back to mentor an additional two classes this semester.

One of the teachers participating in the program is Deanna Rosenthal. She said her class looks forward to the UCO students' visit each week.

"The life principles we focus on here at Westfield are the same as those incorporated into 'Broncho Buddies.'

TOBACCO from page 1

by Vista photographer Chris Albers

Resident Koi fight for scrapes at the south end of Broncho Lake on a Wednesday afternoon.

questioned about those driving on nearby campus streets.

A representative from Cameron University said an effort was made to make the campus tobacco-free, but was unsuccessful, and favored the resolution.

An opponent of the resolution called it a "prohibition act and a cost burden to universities."

In response to a suggestion that enabling this rule would lessen university attendance, the author suggested the tobacco ban would "encour-

This shows our fifth graders that these principles are life skills, not just fifth-grade skills," she said.

The program was conceived and initiated by members of the Old Blue Crew, a student organization designed to promote Broncho pride and spirit on campus and in the community. "The Crew" is most commonly known for being the sideline pep leaders and firing up the crowd at different UCO sporting events and pep rallies.

Old Blue Crew member Kyle Thompson, a UCO senior, and UCO alumnus Matt Grassmeyer were the two lading the way in the develOthnt of the program.

Thompson said their goal as mentors is to be positive role models in the community and help establish the kids into being positive leaders in the future.

"Our goal is to work as mentors and positive influences so that we may help the kids establish themselves as positive leaders and contributors to the community.

We want to help them gain

knowledge that can be applied to their everyday lives, while presenting UCO as a viable institution for future generations," Thompson said.

Every lesson they talk about each week focuses on different core values such as respect, responsibility, diversity, teamwork and conflict management.

At the end of the program, the students go through a commencement ceremony and receive certificates of completion.

Thompson said the Old Blue Crew looks forward to expanding the "Broncho Buddies" program not only within Westfield Elementary, but to the other Edmond public schools as well.

The move of expanding the program would be something many teachers would be in favor of.

"I love the community connection between Westfield and UCO. It would be wonderful to have more college students involved with our local elementary schools," Rosenthal said.

age more students to attend a particular university."

Another successful resolution by Hines and UCO student Peter Wolbach was meant to allow student government associations complete control of student activity fees.

Nolan Lawless, from Southwestern Oklahoma

State University, authored a resolution making higher education institutions provide equal access of publicly funded financial aid and scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students.

Other resolutions passed involved the number of counselors available to students on campus and modifying House Bill 2513, which deals with carrying concealed handguns in certain places.

The Oklahoma Student Government Association is a statewide organization committed to voicing the concerns and interests of the over 250,000 students in the Oklahoma Higher Education System, according to their Web site.

"For a day, cigarette butts were collected from all over campus, and the final collection amounted to 300 pounds."

Jason Hines

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March 13, 2008

NY governor resigns after prostitution scandal

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation as wife, Silda, watches during a news conference at his office Wednesday, March 12, 2008 in New York. Spitzer resigned in disgrace after getting caught in a call-girl scandal that shattered his corruption-fighting, straight-arrow image.

by AP Writer NEW YORK (AP) _ Gov. Eliot Spitzer resigned in disgrace WethAday after getting caught in a call-girl scandal that - Mattered his corruption-fighting, straightarrow image, saying: "I cannot allow my private failings to disrupt the people's work."

Spitzermade the announcement without having finalized a plea deal with federal prosecutors, though a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said he is believed to still be negotiating one. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the case.

"Over the course of my public life, I've insisted, I think correctly, that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself," Spitzer said at a Manhattan news conference with his wife, Silda, at his side. He left without answering questions.

Spitzer will be replaced on Monday by Lt. Gov. David Paterson, who becomes New York's first black governor.

He also will be the state's first legally blind governor and its first disabled governor since Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Paterson issued a statement in which he said he was saddened, but would move forward. "It is now time for Albany to get back to work as the people of this state expect from us," he said.

Spitzer's dramatic fall began Monday when allega-

DEMO from page 1 • She spoke of participating in professor Webb's U.S. Economic History course, where students participate in a service-learning program with the Crooked Oak Elementary School. Kone she said that she truly noticed the differences between what these children had and her education. She felt sincerely moved by the fifth-graders she was working with.

Her basis of comparison—growing up in a family of nine siblings, attending school from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m. and doing homework by candlelight—was an example of what some American children may take for granted.

"I knew at 9 years old that the only way to escape the abuse of controlling men was to stay in school and learn and learn and learn," Kone said.

She learned this the hard way. Her vivid description of bribing her male teacher with babysitting or her family's

tions surfaced that the 48year-old father of three was the man identified in court papers as "Client-9," who spent thousands of dollars on a call girl named Kristen at a swanky Washington hotel on the night before Valentine's Day. Later details leaked from investigators alleged he was a repeat customer who spent as much as $80,000 with the high-priced prostitution service over an extended period of time.

Spitzer was more composed than he was earlier in the week, when he apologized for an undisclosed personal ',failing and looked pale, drawti and -eyed.

His wifeleibk de re the as 'each of Spitzer's' • r s was accompanied by a rush of camera clicks.

"I look at my time as governor with a sense of what might have been," Spitzer said.

Spitzer's resignation came after two days of furious calls for him to step down.

Republican leaders had threatened to file impeachment papers if he didn't step aside by the end of Wednesday.

The case started when banks noticed frequent cash transfers from several accounts and filed suspicious activity reports with the Internal Revenue Service, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press. The accounts were traced back to Spitzer, leading public corruption investigators to open an inquiry.

FBI agents recorded phone calls of Spitzer arranging a tryst and they put him under

surveillance at least twice — on Jan. 26 and Feb. 13 — to confirm that a prostitute joined him at the Mayflower Hotel, according to a senior law enforcement official with knowledge of the case. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation.

The surveillance was necessary as part of the investigation into whether Spitzer violated the Mann Act, which makes transportation of someone across a state line for prostitution a federal crime, the official said. Authorities in Washington now are weighing whether to prosecute Spitzer for soliciting and paying for sex — a' felony irtth-e District of Columbia, the official said.

Whether U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Taylor, who prosecutes federal and local laws in the District of Columbia, will bring charges against Spitzer likely depends on the plea deal the governor is negotiating with the government in New York, two senior law enforcement officials said.

In a statement issued after Spitzer's resignation, U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia said there was no deal with the fallen governor: "There is no agreement between this office and Governor Eliot Spitzer, relating to his resignation or any other matter."

Spitzer, a first-term Democrat, built his political reputation on rooting out government corruption, and made a name for himself as attorney general as crusader against shady practices and

overly generous compensation. He also cracked down on prostitution.

He was known as the "Sheriff of Wall Street."

Time magazine named him "Crusader of the Year," and the tabloids proclaimed him "Eliot Ness." The squarejawed graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law was sometimes mentioned as a potential candidate for president.

He rode into the governor's office with a historic margin of victory on Jan. 1, 2007, vowing to stamp out corruption in New York government in the same way that he took on Wall Street executives with a vengeance while state attorney general.

His term as governor has been fraught with problems, including an unpopular plan to grant driver's licenses to illegal immigrants and a plot by his aides to smear his main Republican nemesis. The prostitution scandal, some said, was too much to overcome.

White House press secretary Dana Perino responded to Spitzer's resignation by repeating that President Bush views it as a "sad situation" and has Spitzer and his family "in his thoughts and prayers."

Barely known outside of his Harlem political base, Paterson, 53, has been in New York government since his election to the state Senate in 1985. He led the Democratic caucus in the Senate before running with Spitzer as his No. 2.

Though legally blind, Paterson has enough sight in

scarce amount of grocery money to get into his good graces, only to be lashed with whips made from old rubber tires if she answered something incorrectly, which moved many members of the audience to tears.

Kone spoke of her dream to return to Senegal and share what she has learned. She wishes to target young Muslim women, ages 13 to 25, who have children out of wedlock, in order to prevent the new-

the next generation of lawyers, professors and teachers," Kone said.

In the final session of the conference, UCO Student Association President Jason Hines spoke about the importance of student involvement, no matter what the level.

"I don't think it matters

when you get out and get involved, everyone can do their part in some form at their school, for their town or they can choose to follow in the footsteps of these amazing alumni, whose stories we have heard and can learn from," Hines said.

II

"People expect change in the world without rst changing themselves - this is impossible."

Dale Archer

borns from being murdered and the young mothers from being scorned or jailed.

"I want to take what I've learned here in the greatest nation on earth back to my , home country. 6pfn an orphanage where I can teach

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AP Photo

New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announces his resignation amid a prostitution scandal Wednesday, March 12, 2008 in his office in New York. Lt. Gov. David Paterson will succeed him, effective Monday, March 17.

his right eye to walk unaided, recognize people at conversational distance and even read if text is placed close to his face. While Spitzer is renowned for his abrasive style, Paterson has built a reputation as a conciliator.

At a morning news conference, Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, Spitzer's chief rival, said he was moving on with the business of the state.

Lawmakers were set to vote on budget bills Wednesday afternoon.

"It's stunningly tragic.

Everybody is piling on, talking about what Eliot Spitzer did wrong. One of the things he did right was to ask David Paterson to be his lieutenant governor," said U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y.

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March 13, 2008

Kern's life threatened following remarks Endeavour spends full day in orbit

by AP Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) A Republican member of –the Oklahoma Legislature has received death threats since telling a political group that "the homosexual agenda is just destroying this nation" and poses a bigger threat to the U.S. than terrorism or Islam.

"I'm not gay-bashing. But according to God's word that is not the right kind of lifestyle," Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma City said during an appearance before a group of Republicans. Her comments were recorded and posted on the video sharing Web site YouTube on Friday by the Washington, D.C.-based Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund.

"Studies show no society that has totally embraced homosexuality has lasted more than a few decades," Kern says in the recorded comments. "It is not a lifestyle that is good for this nation."

On Monday, Kern said her comments were edited and taken out of context. Kern said they were directed at wealthy, politically active homosexuals who are contributing money to gay and lesbian candidates for public office in Oklahoma and other states.

"I was talking about an agenda. I was not talking about individuals," said Kern, the wife of a Baptist minister. "They have the right to choose that lifestyle. They do not have the right to force it down our throat.

"I have never said hate speech against anybody. I would never do that."

Kern. said she has received more than, 3,-000, e-mails and hundreds of telephone calls since her comments were posted online. She said a few supported her comments but that most condemned them and that some contained death threats and obscenities.

"I hear what you said and you should be killed...," said one.

"You honestly think that homosexuality is a greater threat than terrorism?" said another. "How someone as petulant and vile as yourself got elected to office, I will never understand."

The only openly gay member of the state Legislature, Rep. Al McAffrey, DOklahoma City, said Kern's comments have alarmed gay voters in Kern's district and elsewhere in the nation.

"It saddens me that we hear bigotry from our representatives," said McAffrey, who embraced Kern as the two lawmakers discussed her comments about gays in a state Capitol hallway Monday morning.

"There is not a gay agenda," McAffrey told The Associated Press afterward.

"There are a lot of people who have money who are willing to support progressive candidates."

McAffrey said he is a father and a grandfather. "And I happen to be gay. I think we need to look at individuals."

Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, said Kern's position in the Oklahoma House means she is representing her constituents as well as the entire state when she speaks.

"I think her comments can rightfully be classified as hate speech," Wolfe said. "Do we expect our elected officials to spew hate? If we don't, then we should tell them we don't.

"It's appalling. It is a hatefilled rant that shouldn't go unnoticed."

Late Monday, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, sent a letter to Gov. Brad Henry and legis-

AP Photo

State Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, shown here in this undated photo provided by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.The Republican member of the Oklahoma Legislature has received death threats since telling a political group that "the homosexual agenda is just destroying this nation" and poses a bigger threat to the U.S. than terrorism or Islam. , lative leaders that desdfibed Kern's remarks as' Adeeply troubling" and aske&threm to condemn the comMeiltg! , "Comments sifelisi as Representative Kettirk Only serve to fuel hate nidiiVated violence towards the 'OLBT community," said the 2 letter from the group's ptAident, Joe Solmonese. The group said Kern's remarks 'had

whom she certainly represents in her elected capacity," the letter states.

In 2005, there were an estimated 89,561 gay, lesbian, and bisexual people living in Oklahoma, according to The Williams Institute, a think tank at the UCLA School of Law in Los Angeles which advances sexual orientation law and public policy through

that their lifestyle is acceptable.

"We're not teaching facts and knowledge anymore.

We're teaching indoctrination," Kern said.

"We have the gay-straight alliance coming into our schools. Kids are getting involved in these groups, their lives are being ruined," she said. "They are going after our young children, as young as two years of age, to try to teach them that the homosexual lifestyle is an acceptable lifestyle.

"This stuff is deadly and it's spreading and it will destroy our young people, it will destroy this nation."

In a response to one email, Kern said she was primal* concerned about "the aggressive movement" to support gay candidates across the nation and in Oklahoma, where a gay candidate is seeking a statewide office.

Jim Roth, a member of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission who is openly gay, is seeking a full six-year term on the commission that regulates utilities and the oil and gas industry.

"As a public official I have taken an oath to serve 100 percent of our citizens and I only wish that Representative Kern would honor the same spirit of our democracy," said Roth, a Democrat and former Oklahoma County commissioner who was appointed to the statewide position by Gov. Brad Henry last year.

"My focus is on serving the citizens of Oklahoma, not on responding to the rantings of an angry legislator.

We all have a duty to serve all people," Roth said. "The politics of division and demagoguery only steal the future from what our state needs for everyone's sake."

by AP Writer HOUSTON (AP) The seven-man crew of the shuttle Endeavour maneuvered toward the international space station early Wednesday, with the astronauts spending their first full day in orbit carefully examining the ship for any launch damage.

Endeavour was set to dock with the station late Wednesday to deliver a giant robot and the first piece of a new Japanese lab.

As the shuttle closed in on the orbiting outpost, the crew used a 100-foot laser-tipped boom to inspect its wings and nose for any sign of launch damage. The inspection has been standard procedure ever

"We've been waiting for this moment for a long time, so this is a great honor for us to work with you."

Japanese Mission Control to Peggy Whitson

since the 2003 Columbia disaster, in which seven astronauts died.

Flight director Mike Moses said a quick look at the images the astronauts beamed down to Earth revealed no signs of trouble, but engineers will spend Wednesday poring over the data.

Cameras captured a possible strike to Endeavour's nose 10 seconds after liftoff, but Moses said he wasn't worried because the ship wasn't traveling fast enough at that time to sustain serious damage.

He said it was too early to tell whether the material came off the ship and whether

or not it actually struck the shuttle. Engineers will analyze video captured during launch to try to answer those questions.

Additionally, a significant , piece of foam or other debris came off Endeavour's tank just over a minute into the flight. It appeared to miss the right wing.

In addition to performing , the inspection, the astronauts also prepared their spacesuits . for the five spacewalks they plan to perform and gathered the tools they'll need for the rendezvous.

"It was a really good day," Endeavour commander Dominic Gone said as the crew prepared to go to sleep.

Endeavour's crew and the three space station residents face a grueling schedule once their spacecraft docks. They will perform five spacewalks, the most ever planned during a shuttle visit.

The spacewalking teams must assemble Canada's robot, Dextre, which was packed aboard Endeavour in nine pieces, and attach a Japanese storage compartment to the space station. It is the first installment of Japan's massive Kibo lab, which means Hope.

The main part of the Kibo lab will fly on the next shuttle mission in May, with the final installment, a porch for outdoor experiments, going up next year.

"We've been waiting for this moment for a long time; so this is a great honor for us to work with you," Japanese Mission Control radioed space station commander Peggy Whitson early Wednesday.

"We're glad to have you on board," she replied.

'Tin not gay-bashing But according to God's word that is not the right kind of lifistyle."

Rep. Sally Kern

received nearly 400,000 hits on YouTube.

"As an elected official, Representative Kern's words and behavior set an example for the public and equating sexual orientation with terrorism serves only to further divide us and endanger our fellow citizens — some of

independent research.

In her recorded comments, Kern expressed concern that gay candidates "are winning elections" and control city councils in Arkansas, Maryland and other states.

A former teacher, Kern also said gays are teaching young public school children

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'101 Dalmatians' DVD fun for the whole family, even students

by Jordan Richison Staff Writer There are few things that take me back to my childhood the way Disney animated motion pictures do.

I have always been a big fan of those movies since I was little. But growing up in the "Golden Age" of Disney animation with classic films like "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "The Lion King," I always took the older films for granted.

But after watching Disney's latest two disc platinum edition of the 1961 animated classic "101 Dalmatians" for the first time in about 12 years, I realized the Disney films are great no-matter when they were made.

The movie is told through the world Pongo, the Dalmatian companion of single London songwriter Roger Radcliff. Thanks to some clever antics, Pongo helps Roger to meet Anita (and her female Dalmatian Perdita in the park one day.)

Soon after, Roger and Anita are married; Pongo and Perdita become the proud parents of 15 puppies, each of which has their own personality. The joyful birth of the puppies leads to the visit of Anita's over-the-top school chum, Cruella De Vil, who wants to buy the pups and make fur coats out of them.

Refusing to take no for an answer, Cruella hires two bumbling minions, Jasper and Horace to steal the puppies.

They transport the scared pups to a ramshackle country mansion where 84 other dogs are awaiting their doom.

One sequence, which stands out above the others, is the scene where the puppies line up in front of the TV set to watch their favorite show.

The interplay between the show and the pups is clever, and the TV show itself functions as a little added attraction; this is the first feature with the cartoon built in.

However, the best part of the film is the character of Cruella DeVil. Disney has come up with some great

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villains in their stories, but the essence of evil that is Cruella DeVil makes her arguably one of the greatest villains ever to grace a cinema screen.

I also liked the bumbling crooks Horace and Jasper.

Their role helped lighten the mood of the film with some of their comedic antics. They reminded me of Mary and Harry from "Home Alone."

The two disc Platinum' Edition comes with plenty of special features, most of which are pointless and a waste of time.

One feature on disc one I really enjoyed was a VH1 style pop-up video feature that has various facts and information pop up during while your watching the movie.

The second disc contains a variety of behind-the-scenes information and interactive games, most of which are uninteresting and just seem to be on their to fill space.

The only feature on this disc I really liked was the fascinating making-of documentary called Redefining

The Line.

The documentary is a fascinating feature, which gives you insight into how the film was made.

One of the things talked about in the documentary was how the Xerox process was virtually invented for this film. Experts said the process gave the film a sketchy look, which in turn made some people hate the film. Among those people who didn't like the way the film turned out was Walt Disney himself.

It also provides some fascinating details about the talented artists who toiled in virtual anonymity at the drawing tables and painting boards inside Disney's sweatshops.

Overall, "101 Dalmatians" is one of the gems in the Disney animation collection and Disney did a great job of giving it the proper DVD treatment it deserves. Like many other Disney films, this is a timeless classic and it would be a great addition to any DVD library.

Senate begins investigation on televangelists' overspending

by AP Writer DENVER (AP) The Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee has thrown his support behind an investigation of allegations of lavish spending and lax oversight at a half-dozen "prosperity gospel" Christian ministries.

Sen. Max Baucus of Montana joined with Iowa Republican Sen. Charles Grassley in urging cooperation from four ministries.

According to a statement from Grassley's office Wednesday, the four ministries have not responded to questions he posed in early November.

Follow-up letters the two senators have sent to the three ministries that have refused to answer Grassley's questions give a March 31 deadline for turning over the requested AP Photo information. A fourth minisU.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, speaks to students try has indicated it will cooperate. and staff during morning service, Monday, Feb. 11, Having Baucus on board 2008, at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa. is crucial for any potential Grassley, who describes himself as a farmer, is the bid to seek subpoenas forcing ranking member on the Senate Finance Committee. answers from uncooperative ministries. Grassley critics, Like many Midwest farmers, the Iowa Republican has including Creflo Dollar, one an innate suspicion of lavish living. It's a trait that has of the ministers not cooperatled him into high-profile fights against the Smithsonian ing, have portrayed the senaInstitution and the Pentagon. Most recently, he's tor as a renegade who has no real power because his party focused on free-spending TV evangelists and univer- is in the minority.

sities with billion-dollar endowments.

The follow-up letters do not mention subpoenas specifically, but express hope that the requested information can be obtained "without resorting to compulsory process."

Some ministries have said Grassley's inquiries about private planes, oceanside mansions, board oversight and involvement in for-profit businesses should be handled by the Internal Revenue Service, but the latest letters cite the Finance Committee's jurisdiction measuring the effectiveness of tax-exempt policy, saying that role is distinct from the IRS job of enforcing existing law.

"This ought to clear up any misunderstanding about our interest and the committee's role," Grassley said. "We have an obligation to oversee how the tax laws are working for both tax-exempt organizations and taxpayers."

All the targeted ministries say they follow IRS rules governing churches.

So far only one ministry, led by St. Louis-area author and speaker Joyce Meyer, has "cooperated substantially" and turned over information, Grassley's office said.

Another, headed by Texasbased faith healer Benny Hinn, has indicated cooperation but so far has answered just five of 28 questions,

Grassley's office said. Neither Meyer nor Hinn were among those receiving the follow-up letters.

The follow-up letters were sent • ito, Dollar and Bishop Eddie } LLong, both of the Atlanta area, and Kenneth Copeland whose ministry is based atl\l'ewark, Texas.

All three have pledged to fight what they portray as an attack ion their religious freedom. iSgme have expressed worry; that private information, including salaries and the donors' identities, would be made public.

The letters from Baucus and Grassley say the committee is willing to work with them to protect confidential information.

A fourth letter went to Paula and Randy White of Tampa, who recently divorced and have said little publicly.

Grassley's office said representatives of the Whites have indicated they will cooperate and their letter does not set a deadline for a response.

While Grassley has emphasized he is not interested in theology, Copeland and Dollar in particular have questioned whether he is targeting the ministries' shared prosperity theology. That teaching says that God wants people to flourish financially and spiritually.

The investigation has divided the broader evangelical community, with some worrying about the potential for stricter regulations on all religious nonprofits. Others praise it as an overdue check on a corner of the movement that preys on the vulnerable and thrives despite years of negative publicity.

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CUSTOMER SERVICE HELP M-F 4:45AM - 9AM. Occasional weekend shift. Apply in person.

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Please call Martha at 341-4581 ext 118.

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Great pay. Will train. Located 10 minutes from UCO. Call Chris, 771-5800 for appt.

EDMOND LANDSCAPES Is interviewing for full-time landscaping, irrigation and mowing positions. EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. 417-5660.

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CITY OF EDMOND Summer positions @ Pelican Bay Aquatic Center: Asst. Pool Manager, Cashier & Cafe Managers, Cafe Staff/Cashiers, Lifeguard Staff, Water Safety Instructors, Golf Course, Arcadia Lake, Parks & Recreation jobs also open.

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I cannot think of myself as one color in particular. When I'm happy, I'm orange. When I'm sad, a purple-ish shade of blue. When I'm bursting with ideas, I'm the freshest shade of green. That's why I was taken aback when I walked into a meeting and somebody said, "She's brown." Apparently, I had walked into a discussion on the color of skin.

It always takes me a while to remember that to other people here in Oklahoma, I'm brown. Sometimes I must think in terms of color of skin, too. That it is a part of who we are. Somehow, in the semesters I have been here, this has still failed to infuse itself into my idea of identity.

I am not sure if that is good or bad. When that happens, I feel like air, water or glass - pretty colorless.

It's takes a while to give in to the conditioning and the process is slow. At first, these ideas of color stereotypes were excused as ignorance, but then slowly as the term racism became fuelled by conversations, little, unintended remarks were suddenly viewed as racist. Taken into account are the different shades of colors. It's a little startling when even the color is broken down into hues and shades.

Like every other day, I

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was in the library cramming for quizzes and reading at a marathon pace for midterms when my study buddy looked at me.

"You are not olive," she said.

I stared at her and said "no," astounded that she might have forgotten my name. She laughed. Apparently, she was trying to name the exact shade of my brown skin instead of studying.

"I'm olive," she told me.

Charlie Bunn is a wellknown figure among UCO's international students, always helping anyone in distress.

He's their 911. He jokingly told me about how the nations came to him and how his children had grown up around people of all colors.

An anecdote he often relates is how his son was trying to tell him about one of the Nancys who had given him specific instructions to relay a message.

"The last thing my son thought of was her color when trying to identify her," said Charlie.

"One of the things I'm grateful about is that my children are color blind."

Today, I shall be colorless. And color blind. But that story always makes me a happier shade of orange.

March 13, 2008

What's the point?

I visited the Jesus House last Saturday and as I walked through the front doors, I questioned my own integrity.

Why was I here?

The officer told me that in order to be a resident at the Jesus House, they have to have something mentally wrong with them.

That is a requirement.

Journalists are faced with ethical dilemmas every day.

When are certain things appropriate, when are they not. As a journalist, I didn't know if it was appropriate to show compassion toward the people around me. I knocked on the officer's door and

attempted to explain my purpose for being there.

"This isn't appropriate," I thought.

He smiled and waved me into the hallway.

"Why are you here?" he asked me. I didn't know.

"I want to do a feature story on the homeless. I am really interested in the Jesus House," I spouted, not even sure I believed my own words.

He took a deep breath and began telling me about the house, pointing to old pictures and plaques. I felt as if I were on a tour of an ancient museum. I needed

only a camera and sunglasses to make my experience cornplete. My face turned red with embarrassment.

As I walked and stared at the wandering residents, I grew surprisingly comfortable. I didn't need to be scared.

We spend so much time being afraid of the wrong things.

The officer waved me upstairs to the dorms.

I was standing in the middle of 20 bunk beds. The sun was still shining outside, but they were sleeping. The rhythmic breathing of the patients told me I was imposing and I decided even whispering was too loud for the

situation I was in.

"Everything is run by donations," the officer told me.

I was confident, when I left, that I would try and give as much as possible and possibly pursue random acts of kindness. These, in my opinion, are often anonymous decisions. They are intended to better another member of the human race. I would give more, take less, I thought.

My initial worries were for no reason. The homeless residents around me were not something to be feared. They were trying to survive. My job became exciting to me as I talked and interviewed from one person to the next.

The Jesus House made many questions clear to me.

It taught me to relax, to give when I can and to love as often as possible.

Even a journalist's job is capable of doing that.

ANDRO I DTA I NM ENT

JUSTIN LANGSTON One of the advantages that PC gaming has always had over console gaming is, other than an inherently superior setup for first person shooters, is the ability to play fanmade content and games. PC isames are, by their very structure, an open system, allow-

ing any fan to make their own levels, weapons and items. It helps that developers have cultivated this, as some of the most popular online games, specifically "Team Fortress" (formerly a "Quake" mod) and "Counterstrike" (a mod for "Half Life") began as fan projects.

However, this isn't the case for consoles. Consoles are a closed system with virtually no way for fans to put their own content on to them, even for games that are also available on PCs. While there are ways of getting homebrewed stuff onto a console, it's generally not legitimate, could void the warranty of the console and in some cases, using such software or equipment is legally ambiguous since it may allow the player, to run pirated software on the sys--

tern.

This is a problem. It limits the number of people who can access this medium of expression, essentially creating a de facto "club," for lack of a better word, of those who can utilize the art.

There had been some hints that Microsoft would support fan-made content with X-Box Live, but no support or any actual information has been released. There have been rumors saying that Sony will attract the homebrew crowd with titLBlaystation Network, but -e -X-Box Live, this h y@Z to materialize.

Gra ted3- -those with the techni•:1 g know-how can simply • e • igrate to PCs to create an-games and extra con ut a large portion of the ga g community miss out ese _ homebrewed

concoctions, many of which really enhance the game, or at the very least, add some quirky new extras that are fun to play around with.

Console developers have made some strides in getting fan content out there in the market. "Halo 3" has its Forge, a level editor, and the new "Smash Bros. Brawl" has its own level editor, and allows players to upload their creations onto Nintendo's network, but for now, it's still fairly limited.

With console hard drives becoming mandatory, the big three companies need to realize that the time is ripe to allow for fan created content. Like all art forms, video games need to be open, and hopeffilly, it soon will be.

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1 March SPORTS BASEBALL SPLITS SERIES -AGAIN

by Jeff Massie Sports Writer The Broncho baseball team continues to remain neutral, this time splitting a pair of non-conference home games against the University of Indianapolis last Tuesday.

The hits were plenty in the first contest, which the Bronchos won 9-8. UCO safely put a dozen balls into play and the Greyhounds even outdid them by two.

Indianapolis had a pair of errors, and despite the advantage in hits, they weren't able to capitalize in the more important stat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; runs.

The home team trailed 5-1 going into the bottom of the third inning. In their half of the stanza they ripped off a rally and turned the tide to a 8-5 advantage.

The heavy hitting began when Blake Mitchell' delivered a leadoff double and the next two batters stepped up with RBI singles. Dean McIntyre scored, Mitchell and then Michael Pollock

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Broncho Baseball continues to remain neutral, this time splitting a pair of non-conference home games against the University of Indianapolis last Tuesday.

returned the favor. Miguel Moctezuma reached on a walk and Breck Draper safely put the ball into play. Brent Hodge followed with a double of his own that cleared the bases. Dustin Dailey knocked in another one and Mitchell came up to bat for the second time in the same inning, this time hitting an RBI single for UCO's final runs of the inning.

The Bronchos added another run in the following inning and the Greyhounds put up one of their own in the fifth and two more in the sixth to trail 9-8. The game remained scoreless for the final three innings as UCO's closers befuddled the batters and held on for the win.

Brent Miller came in for relief and was credited with his first win of the season and Aaron Chong registered his fourth save.

In the second game UCO found themselves in a similar position, down by multiple runs after three innings.

This time the team from

Edmond was behind 6-2. The Greyhounds ran out to a bigger lead after six when they added a couple more scores.

The Bronchos attempted a rally and ripped off three but ultimately were unable to close the gap and fell 8-5.

The Bronchos had six hits in the contest and no batter was able to manage multiple hits. Casey Burns and Moctezuma each had a pair of RBIs and John Bryant accounted for the remaining run.

The series wraps up the team's home stand as they now turn back to the road.

Their first trip takes them Weatherford for a four-gamq series against Southwestern Oklahoma this weekend. The Bronchos will then travel to take on Emporia State (Kans.) before returning to Edmond on March 20 to host Cameron.

UCO is 17-7 on the year and is 9-6 in conference, good enough for third in the standings, behind Angelo State and Abilene Christian.

Houston Rockets look to push streak to 20 games

by AP Writer LeBron James and the Boston Celtics added to their amazing seasons, and neither got much attention.

For now, all eyes remain on the Houston Rockets.

Tracy McGrady scored 19 points in less than three quarters and Houston routed coldshooting New Jersey 91-73 on Monday night for its 19th consecutive Victory, matching the third-longest winning streak in league history.

The Rockets won their 10th straight game by double digits, tying an NBA record last reached by the Nets in 2004, and are one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs for the top seed in the Western Conference.

Houston hosts the Lakers on Sunday.

Before that, the Rockets can match the second-longest streak in NBA history with a win in Atlanta on Wednesday night. The Milwaukee Bucks won 20 in a row during the 1970-71 season.

"It's impressive, and we keep adding on games," point guard Rafer Alston said. "It's fantastic to have your name

mentioned and your team mentioned with some of the best teams, some of the best players to ever play the game.

It says a lot about our ballclub."

There were some other notable feats in the NBA on Monday. James had his seventh triple-double of the season, leading Cleveland to an 88-80 victory over the

points and 12 rebounds in Philadelphia, where the Celtics opened with a 15-0 run, won their ninth straight game and reached the 50-win mark for the first time since they finished the 1991-92 season 5 I -31.

"It doesn't mean a lot.

Numbers are numbers," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "You don't get a trophy

"It's impressive, and we keep adding on games.

It's fantastic to have your name mentioned and your team mentioned with some of the best teams, some of the best players to ever play the game. It says a lot about our ballclub."

Rafer Alston Portland Trail Blazers. Also, the Celtics reached 50 wins for the first time in 16 years by beating the Philadelphia 76ers 100-86.

In other games, it was: Orlando 123, Atlanta 112; the Los Angeles Clippers 99, Miami 98; San Antonio 107, Denver 103; and Dallas 108, New York 79.

Kevin Garnett had 26

for getting 50 wins. I guess it's nice, but it's not what we're playing for."

James didn't seem impressed, either, after finishing with 24 points, 10 rebounds â&#x20AC;˘and 11 assists in the 17th triple-double of his career. He has scored 20 or more points in 41 straight games.

"As an individual, I didn't

kP Photo

Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady (1) is fouled by Denver Nuggets' Marcus Camby, left, as he goes to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball

game in this March 2, 2008 file photo in Houston. The Rockets logged their 15th straight win, beating the

feel I played particularly well," he said. "If you didn't play well and you have a triple-double, something is wrong. I could have played better."

No complaints from the Rockets. They have beaten only eight teams with winning records during their streak, but coach Rick Adelman bristled at the notion that their roll is bogus because of all the bad teams they've faced.

"You know what?" he said.

"Everybody in this league plays the same schedule. If it's that easy, why hasn't somebody else done it? I don't see the problem saying, 'You know? That's pretty remarkable what they've done."'

Spurs 107, Nuggets 103 At San Antonio, Tim Duncan had 23 points and 18 rebounds, and the Spurs beat Denver in the second meeting between the teams in four days.

Tony Parker added 16 points and Manu Ginobili scored 13 and had a careerhigh 14 assists for the Spurs.

Allen Iverson led Denver with 28 points despite a broken finger.

Nuggets 103-89.

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