Campus Quotes
Nigh University Center
Recital Hall
Broncho Sports
What do you hope to accomplish in the last half of this semester?
Portions of the roof are being worked on. The construction started before spring break and should be done this week.
Parts of the UCO musical department could use an upgrade.
Men’s and Women’s golf start strong at Midwestern State Invitational.
MAR 25, 2010
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THE VISTA
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA’S students voice since 1903.
Politics
FORMER BRONCHO SETS HIS SIGHT ON WASHINGTON By Ryan Costello / Staff Writer Oklahoma County Democrats Secretary Tom Guild, a 27-year veteran as a University of Central Oklahoma professor, will officially announce his candidacy for the state’s 5th District congressional seat later today. The seat for the 5th District, which includes Pottawatomie, Seminole, and most of Oklahoma County, will be vacated when Republican Rep. Mary Fallin begins her campaign for Oklahoma governor. Guild is the only Democrat to come forward for the July 27 primary election, a decision that he says was made not in the halls of the downtown headquarters of the Oklahoma County Democrats, but in his own living room in the company of a collection of his closest friends and colleagues. “I had been talking to friends, supporters, and other folks that could give me the best honest advice they could,” Guild said After teaching political science and legal studies at UCO for 27 years and in turn earning the title of professor emeritus by the university’s board of regents, the 55-year-old Guild taught for three years in the Master of Business Administration program at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business. Guild took his current position on July 14, 2009, but began considering a run at thesoon-to-open congressional seat while reading a series of articles in the Edmond Sun on the candidates who had already announced campaigns for Fallin’s position. “Some of [the other candidates’] positions struck out of the mainstream,” Guild said. “Somebody needed to tell the other side of the story and give them some competition.” Those who’ve already announced cam-
paigns in the upcoming election include Independent Clark Duffe of Edmond, Republicans Dr. Johnny Roy and James Lankford from Edmond, former state Rep. Kevin Calvey of Del City, Rick Flanigan of Bethany, and State Reps.
“We can burn the buildings and run the government down, or we can fix it.” Shane Jett of Tecumseh, and Mike Thompson of Oklahoma City. Guild hopes to remind frustrated voters that their elected officials are responsible for providing a functional government instead of simply joining the foray of talking heads in chastising Washington. “We need to make sure the government is working, and working well, to help every American achieve the American dream instead of bashing the government. … I think there’s been too much of that going on lately,” Guild said. “A lot of people aren’t happy with the government right now and aren’t convinced the government is there to help them. Now, we can burn the buildings and run the government down, or we can fix it.” Part of fixing the government, Guild said, is trimming down the national debt, something he plans to insist Washington address should he claim the congressional seat. Combined with the slow but steady economic upswing, Guild said the best opportunity to do so will be in the coming years as soldiers and war effort dollars are gradually pulled out of Iraq and Afghanistan. “With all of those things, if we’re careful, we can pull [the economy] back in the right
direction,” Guild said. Strategies aside, supporters of Guild have concerns that Oklahoma, the only state in which every county reported red in 2008’s presidential election, is too conservative a political climate for a Democrat to win an election, especially for a seat that has long been held by Republicans. “This seat has been Republican for a long time, so people will say there’s no chance for a Democrat to win that seat,” Guild said. Guild, however, was quick to point at recent tradition-breaking election results on both sides of the aisle, such as Republican Scott Brown’s seizing of Edward and John F. Kennedy’s seemingly perpetually Democratic seat in January, and Democrat Bill Owens’ upset victory in the race for New
York’s 23rd Congressional District, a seat held by Republicans for more than a century, two months earlier. “Will it be easy? No, but with the right people behind you, it’s doable,” Guild said. To compete with a well-funded opponent, Guild hopes what he’s calling a “grassroots” fundraising effort will be enough to sustain his campaign, admitting, “I don’t have a lot of rich friends.” For the time being, Guild is engaged in the whirlwind of preparing a budding political campaign. “We still have to make all kinds of arrangements,” Guild said. We’re running at a breakneck pace to get everything done.” Nonetheless, even amid the busy life of a politician, and even during his tenure at OCU, Guild says he can hardly remember a day that he didn’t see a student who he hadn’t taught over his 27-year career on the UCO campus. “[UCO] is a pretty special place to go to school,” Guild said. Should Guild win the Democratic nomination, his next step will be to garner enough votes for the general election on Nov. 2.
State Legislation
Student Group
WEATHER TODAY
H 50° L 36°
GROUP HOSTS STATE CONVENTION BILL BANS GENDERPHOTO BY GARET FISBECK
BASED ABORTION
TOMORROW H 67° L 47°
More weather at www.uco360.com
DID YOU KNOW? The Nobel Prize resulted form a late change in the will of Alfred Nobel, who did not want to be remembered after his death as a propagator of violence – he invented dynamite.
Young Democrats Russell Griggin, Jonathan Still, Kristen Gadlin, Erik Roscom, Cassi Peters and Alex Butterfield. The Young Deomcrats of Oklahoma State Convention will be at UCO.
By Jenefar DeLeon / Staff Writer University of Central Oklahoma Young Democrats will host this year’s Young Democrats of Oklahoma State Convention at 10 a.m. Saturday. The spring convention is a great opportunity to get involved with local politics and meet other young Democrats throughout the Oklahoma area. The convention will be at the Nigh University Center, Room 300.
The event will have elections for Young Democrat Caucus officers for caucus groups including president, minority chair, women chair and rural. On Wednesday, March 23, the UCO Young Democrats had their weekly meeting in Liberal Arts, Room 128 at 6 p.m., along with several running officers, three of which include a UCO graduate student and alumni.
Continued on page 3
By Jack Chancey / Staff Writer
Despite legal setbacks from a year ago in which an abortion bill was deemed unconstitutional, three separate measures were taken from it and voted on in the Senate. SB 1890, by Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond, which makes abortions based on gender illegal, passed 43-2. A fine of $10,000 will be levied for the first offense, and there will be larger sums for repeat offenses up to $100,000. The bill would also revoke or suspend the license of any provider who violates the law. Concerns about the bill came from Sen. Mike Johnson, R-
Continued on page 3
OPINION
2
THE VISTA 100 North University Drive Edmond, OK 73034 (405)974-5549 editorial@uco360.com
The Vista is published as a newspaper and public forum by UCO students, semi-weekly during the academic year except exam and holiday periods, and only on Wednesdays during the summer, at the University of Central Oklahoma. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy obtained. 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 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. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 730345209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 131. Letters can be e-mailed to vistauco@gmail.com.
Management
Editorial
Kory Oswald, Editor-In-Chief Elina Golshani, Copy Editor Chris Wescott, Sports Editor Ryan Croft, Web Editor
Tiffany Brown, Senior Staff Writer Jenefar De Leon, Staff Writer Ryan Costello, Staff Writer Jack Chancey, Staff Writer Rahul Preeth, Staff Writer Prashanti Ganesh, Staff Writer Harish Murali, Staff Writer Anuj Srivas, Staff Writer
Design Steven Hyde
Advertising Kris Graham Brittany Koster
Circulation Stephen Hughes
Photography Byron Koontz Garett Fisbeck
Editorial Comic Prakriti Adhikari
Adviser Mr. Teddy Burch
Administrative Assistant Tresa Berlemann
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OKLAHOMA BILL VIOLATES CONSTITUTION
What oath? Unconstitutional bill moves on The Oklahoma Legislature is cynically moving forward on a bill that is transparently unconstitutional. Proponents of the bill to allow death sentences for many repeat sex offenders know the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that the death penalty is reserved for murderers, and only a minority of them. No one wants to stand up for the constitutional rights of people who repeatedly rape children, which is why the bill has already passed the state House and was OK’d by a Senate committee on Wednesday. But legislators take an oath to support, obey and defend the U.S. Constitution. And that means when the Supreme Court says the death penalty can only be given to murderers, you can’t give it to people who are convicted only of raping children. Once again, the Oklahoma Legislature is spinning its wheels — taking meaningless actions that will only wrap the state up in ultimately unsuccessful court battles, while padding the false tough-on-crime credentials of its membership. Meanwhile, the state’s pressing problems go unresolved and largely unaddressed. The kill-the-child-rapists bill won’t result in the deaths of any child rapists. It also won’t educate a single child, patch a single pothole or create a single job (except for the lawyers of child rapists). It’s a politically cynical, empty measure that deserves public scorn.
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STAFF
By Prakriti Adhikari/ Cartoonist
CAMPUS QUOTES
What do you think of the health care reform being passed?
GRADY WILBANKS
ASHLEY NEELY
KEEGAN HULSEY
Feshman-Philosophy
Freshman -Accounting & Economics
Freshman -Studio Art
“In away I am kind of pissed off it happened because my family has health care, but it is good for the people that don’t have health care. I am 50/50.”
“I am split on the reform. The pros are all Americans would have health care, and it would eliminate some of the issues regarding personal health and being able to afford it. Only con is a lot of people cannot afford it”
“I think that not everyone needs it, and it should not be forced upon us.”
MELISSA SANTANA
AMBER KHALIL
ASHLEY BARNETT
Grad Student- Interior Design
Freshma-Forensic Science & Criminal Justice
Freshman -General Business
Tell us your thoughts ... What do you think of health care reform being passed?
Give us your opinion at twitter.com/uco360.
“I think it’s great because I’ve been in a situation where I didn’t have health care.”
“I’m for it. I like Obama.”
“I think it’s BS because it helps pay for abortion.”
NEWS State Legislation continued from page 1
Kingfisher, during the bill’s hearing in the Senate Committee for Health and Human Resources. He asked if there was any evidence of sex-based abortions, and Sen. Lamb replied that the passing of the bill was meant to be proactive in keeping such occurrences from happening. “If we wanted to be proactive, we should do it by finding ways to provide coverage for contraceptives,” Johnson said. Rep. Ryan Kiesling, D-Seminole, one of two who voted no, argued that the bill could allow individuals to use delay tactics to interfere with a woman’s choice to have an abortion by claiming her motives were because of the baby’s sex. State Chairman of Oklahomans for Life, Tony Lauinger, claimed at the bill’s hearing that gender-based abortions occur in other states. SB 1902 by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, passed in the Senate by a vote of 38-8. SB 1902 prohibits any person from knowingly or recklessly giving, selling, dispensing, administering, prescribing or providing RU-486 to induce an abortion unless the physician meets certain requirements. Physicians will be required to fully explain the procedure to the patient and administer the drug in the same room and in the presence of the physician. A follow-up visit from 12-18 days will also be required to confirm that the fetus has been aborted. Lauinger said there were approximately 6,500 abortions reported in Oklahoma per year, of which 15 percent were by RU-486. SB 1891 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore, passed in the Senate by a vote of 35-11. The bill creates the Freedom of Conscience Act that says an employer cannot discriminate against an employee by refusing to accommodate the religious beliefs of said person as it pertains to abortion, human embryos, fetal transplants, or euthanasia. Its basis is to provide legal protection for physicians who refuse to perform an abortion.
Women’s History Month
ABORTION FYI Oklahoma average is about 6,500 per year. Oklahoma ranks 16 in the U.S. with 10 abortions for every 100 women. Ages 20-29 have 59 percent of the abortions. There are two kinds of abortion in the U.S. — in-clinic abortion and the abortion pill. More than 1 in 3 women have an abortion before the age of 45.
www.statehealthfacts.org
Remodeling
NEW ROOF OVERHEAD The University of Central Oklahoma is undergoing roof construction to the northeast quadrant of the Nigh University Center and expects to be completed this week. Dirk O’Donnell, project manager for Alva Roofing, a company based out of Edmond that specializes in commercial and industrial properties, stated that wear and tear over the years has prompted the university to install new material. The age of the existing roof is estimated to be around 10 to 15 years old, having been replaced only a few times since the construction of the building in the 1960s. “Numerous leaks, along with the age of the roof, was the biggest factor for the replacement of the northeast section,” O’Donnell said. Construction on the UCO campus has been a factor students have had to deal with this year. Rick Vega, director of the Nigh University Center, believes the construction for the new roof will not affect the students’ ability to move around campus. He clarified that excessive noise will occur between 7-9 a.m. each day during the removal process. Alva Roofing Co. has set a small perimeter for work space on the east side lawn of the Nigh Center that will not alter students’ entry and exit. Alva Roofing is also using a machine called a Booker in
ACCOMPLISHED UCO WOMEN CELEBRATED By Prashanti Ganesh & Anuj Srivas / Staff Writers
The annual Exceptional Women’s Brunch took place in the Heritage Room in the Nigh University Center on March 22. Organized by the W.O.M.E.N’s Club, “The point of this brunch is to assist in the positive recognition and encouragement of the female students of UCO,” Brittany Johnson, president of the club, said. The club recognizes women who have gone beyond and achieved, not only within but also outside the university. In addition to a number of volunteer events and projects, the club also presents awards annually, this year’s winners being Millard Lattimere, Trailblazer Award, Karla Scott, Philanthropist Award, and Whitney Terrell, Woman Member of The Year Award. “I’m shocked, but it is a good feeling,” Terrell said. “I did what I can to help this club. All you women out there, keep doing what you do.” The guest speaker, Kathryn Gage, vice president of Student Affairs, spoke about the various relationships of a woman’s life and how it is difficult to find the right balance between not only career and family, but also service. “Women don’t have enough time to celebrate,” Gage said. “There is loneliness in the process of a woman’s life and in the decisions we make. Lots of people tell us who we are and what our priorities should be, but the only voice that we should really listen to is the one that comes from our own hearts.” Gage thanked all the women in her life who
helped to get her where she is and explained how it is always a motivation to have women in one’s life. “Women have always helped, challenged and encouraged me,” she said. According to her, it is important for a woman to not only understand her responsibilities to the society, but also to herself in order to be a better person. She urged the women members to always be realistic in their assessment of success. “People who don’t walk in your shoes don’t understand your lives,” Gage emphasized. She also spoke about a book that was an eye-opener for her. “The Second Shift,” by Arlie Hochschild, elucidates the strategies that can tell women how to find the balance in various aspects of life. It also teaches people with women in their lives to think in terms of the reality that she is going through. “We make decisions on an hourly basis every day on how we are going to build time,” she explained. “We are conscious of our actions. We should always think about how much we mean it before we commit to something or say yes. This is called ‘The Calculus of Life.’” The W.O.M.E.N’s Club hosts many such events on a regular basis and is very serviceoriented. “We usually deal with community service projects and have been involved with breast cancer campaigns,” Johnson said. “We do have support from men. They help us with areas like finances, making posters and publicity.”
Young Democrats continued from page 1
PHOTO BY GARET FISBECK
By David Fibus / Contributor
3
Construction worker’ s are replacing sections of the roof exhibiting wear and tear in the Nigh University Center.
place of a large crane to better accommodate the high traffic area on campus. “The Booker machine is an alternate device to a crane; it’s a lot easier to maneuver and is accessible to reach high places without using much space,” O’Donnell said. The Booker is used primarily for transferring material quickly and easily to the top of the roof. It also serves as a waste shoot for workers to transport trash and old material back down to haul off.
The material chosen for the Nigh Center roof is polyvinyl chloride. PVC is a thermoplastic polymer that is durable and easy to assemble, commonly used for waterbeds, pools, toys and inflatable structures. “We are taking PVC square panels, 10 feet wide by 100 feet long, and welding them to the surface with a heat gun set at 1,000 degrees,” O’Donnell said. “It’s like a hair dryer on steroids.” According to Vega, the university won’t hire just anyone who wants to do the roof. A bidding process usually takes place among companies that want to perform the job.
That day, several candidates spoke about why they should be elected as the officer for the caucus group for the coming year. Most spoke of creating community awareness and the retention rate. The Young Democrats of Oklahoma is the state’s official youth force for the Democratic Party. Young Democrats includes chapters in high schools, college students and young professionals throughout the Oklahoma area and brings about awareness of the political party and candidates. Dylan Billings, UCO Young Democratic president, said the convention is not an opportunity to learn more about what YDO represents, but how to get involved in a variety of caucus groups and meeting other Democrats in the region. “We are always looking for UCO students to get involved in our chapter,” Billings said. “We are always looking to spread the message and build our organization.” UCO’s very own are running for officer positions. Graduate student Kristen Gadlin is currently running for Women’s Caucus chair as well as vice president of Membership. Gadlin is a former UCO Young Democrat president as well as an active member in the Young Democrats of Oklahoma. She hopes that this upcoming year, the Young Democrats of Oklahoma and the UCO chapter will be able to recruit new members, especially minority groups including women into organization. She also hopes the chapters will be more involved in bringing community awareness about what the organization represents. “We need to create a voice in Oklahoma,” Gadlin said. “We need to connect people back and start creating awareness of what YDO represents. We are not just a group that makes calls to have people go out to vote for candidates, but we have fun as well, and we engage with our communities and are active in bringing awareness about YDO.” She hopes to soon bring awareness to the younger youth of Oklahoma, including those as young as middle schoolers. “If we start as early as middle school stu-
dent, we are able to continue the legacy and the foundation of YDO,” Gadlin said. “By the time they are in college, it becomes part of their lifestyle and leaders in their communities.” UCO Alumnus Jonathan Still hopes to achieve the same goal as Gadlin. Still is currently running for vice president of Membership. He is actively involved in his community, church and Young Democrats of Oklahoma. “I want to empower our organization, increase our membership and also retain our membership,” he said. He hopes to continue to build a legacy and see the growth of the UCO chapter, as well as the organization itself. The third UCO student running for an officer position is UCOSA Sen., Amanda Snipes. She will be running for LGBT Caucus Chair. Unfortunately she was unable to attend the meeting last Wednesday.
Candidates running: President: Cassie Peters Erik Roscom Vice president: Rebecca Burgin Alex Butterfield Vice president of Membership: Jonathan Still Kristen Gadlin National committeewoman: Brittany Novotny Sharron Pettiford Treasurer: Summer C. Shije Secretary: Lara Saavedra National committeeman: Russell Griffin
“Because Patrick Swayze would challenge.
4
NEWS
Student Life
Theater
PHOTO BY GARET FISBECK
THREE DAYS TO RAISE RECITAL HALL IN AWARENESS FOR LIFE- NEED OF MAKEOVER TIME OF CHALLENGES By Jenefar DeLeon / Staff Writer University of Central Oklahoma will host its annual Disability Awareness Week March 29-31 on campus, sponsored by Central’s Students for an Accessible Society. The goal of the event is to bring awareness and understanding of the barriers people with disabilities go through everyday. “This gives our students the opportunity to become aware of the challenges and barriers students with disabilities overcome everyday,� Sharla Weathers, Students for an Accessible Society adviser, said. She said during the course of a lifetime, every person will encounter someone with a disability. This three-day event helps bring about understanding and a glimpse of the daily routines of people with disabilities. “Most students feel appreciative after taking on one of the challenges and realize it isn’t easy,� Weathers said. The three-day event will start off from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 29 with free hands-on educational challenges that students and faculty are welcome to take on. That same day on the first floor of the Nigh University Center, an interactive booth will be available to the students and faculty. The booth will include an interactive blind and visual challenge where participants will be blindfolded and will have to maneuver their way through tables, trash cans and other common barriers those who are visually impaired face each day. There will also be a jigsaw puzzle, decipher U.S. coins, and photo drawing challenge as well.
The second day of the event is called the Physical Challenge, which will be at Broncho Lake. Participants will be challenged to maneuver through a maze while being on a wheelchair, which is considered the minimum standard recommendation placed by the Americans with Disabilities Act. “Disability Awareness Week is a learning opportunity and a way to help us understand what barriers that students with disabilities have to go through in their daily life,â€? Weathers said. “We are not asking for sympathy, but awareness.â€? This day will include free Taco Bell. The last day of the event, another booth will be set up on the first floor of the Nigh UniThe outdated Recital Hall in the Music Building is not up to par for the UCO School versity Center with a variety of educational of Music. Classes and recitals are still taking place in the room. challenges, demonstrations, tests and other educational resources to help continue the awareness. The hall essentially represents UCO when Organizers hope everyone in campus will By Shelly Hunteman/ Contributing Writer new students come in to audition and proparticipate in the three-day event and gain fessionals come in to speak. The hall could understanding of the barriers that students Cracked and broken blinds, broken chairs convey that UCO’s music program is not up to with disabilities have to overcome every day. with holes in the velvet blue fabric, a 1950’s par. Even if there was “some sort of resourcWeathers said taking the effort of moving chalkboard, and bad acoustics are all things es‌â€? Greg White, the dean of Music Theatre a trash can that may be blocking the way is that describe the recital hall in the music and Opera said, “We don’t even have a proper a simple task that can help and make a dif- building at the University of Central Oklarehearsal room.â€? ference. homa. This is the place where professionals This can be quite a problem considering Currently, plans of summer events to help come and speak to current and future stumusic is a performing art. In the theatre decontinue community awareness are still under dents. It is the place where performers visit partment alone there are five different classes way. Events including a volleyball tournament to audition for music programs and several held in the dated recital hall. will be hosted at UCO this upcoming sum- classes and recitals are held each semester. The room is made to have music majors mer. The hall “looks like the 70’s threw up on it,â€? come in and perform whether it is being used “Each year we have hosted the Disability Elizabeth Womack, a music education major, as a theatre, presenting a musical or any other Awareness week, we have had a positive re- said. performance. With the current condition of sponse,â€? Weathers said. “This is an opportuniAccording to Womack, her Elementary Muthe recital hall, performers may be distracted. ty to become aware, which is very important.â€? sic course is held in the recital hall. “We don’t Decorations may be an affordable alternajust sit‌we use the whole room and we are tive to for updating the recital hall. limited to space,â€? she said. Options could include the following: long Space is limited due to the design of the dark curtains to cover all the windows and hall. There are several students who have tried the chalkboard that is not used during perforto modify the hall on their own by hanging mances, new blinds to block excessive sunup curtains to block the light or make it look light when classes are in session, and seating more professional. These attempts have all could be recovered instead of replaced. Also, failed and left mysterious residue and Velcro a few remodels could have an impact. A white on the ceiling, making the already unsightly board can be installed to replace the chalkceiling more repulsive. Some students suggest board and a replacement of the ceiling, which remodeling the whole hall. There have even is the acoustics in the room and new flooring been design students who have submitted could be installed. layouts of possible ways to design it. The only While the ‘70s have long come and gone, problems are the lack of funding and lack of the recital hall has yet to reflect the changing attention. of time.
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Campus Life
UCO FUN IN THE DARK By Prashanti Ganesh & Anuj Srivas / Staff Writers
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Plunkett Past Darkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a late night program of fun and relaxation will take place in Plunkett Park on campus. Though the event was initially scheduled to take place on March 25th, Thursday the date has been rescheduled to April 21st due to bad weather.
UCOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campus Activities and Events office, a department of Student Affairs which is responsible for involving students in activities and such on campus is in charge of organizing the event. Plunkett Past Dark is open to all students of Central and will include a wide spread of food, inflatable toys and crafts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plunkett Park is easily
accessible to everyone and very convenient. We organize events from Homecoming to proms and housing fairs to keep the students on campus engagedâ&#x20AC;?, said Keelee Bright, coordinator for Campus Activities and Events. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have at least one or two every weekâ&#x20AC;?, she added. Activties such as Plunkett Past Dark also provide a safe outlet for students on campus to engage with each other and relieve their stress. Sutdents will be provided with various inflatables and giant toys like Hamster Balls on which the students can play on and crafts will have activities with paints. Campus activities have long been an important aspect in forming the well rounded character that many employee and company recruiters look for when hiring â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a fun event where our students can come together to take some time away from school to have fun with each otherâ&#x20AC;?, said Keelee. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The event will go on as long as the students are willing to stay and participateâ&#x20AC;?, she said.
NEWS
5
Health Care
CALORIE COUNTING MORE UP FRONT WITH NEW U.S. HEALTH CARE BILL
In this photo made on Dec. 29, 2009 the McDonald’s iconic Big Mac sandwich is displayed. Calorie counts will have to be listed on restaurant menus under a provision tucked into the massive health care overhaul bill.
WASHINGTON (AP) — A requirement tucked into the massive U.S health care bill will make calorie counts impossible for thousands of restaurants to hide and difficult for consumers to ignore. More than 200,000 fast
food and other chain restaurants will have to include calorie counts on menus, menu boards and even drivethroughs. The new law, which applies to any restaurant with 20 or more locations, directs the
Food and Drug Administration to create a new national standard for menu labeling, superseding a growing number of state and city laws. President Barack Obama signed the health care legislation Tuesday. The idea is to make sure that customers process the calorie information as they are ordering. Many restaurants currently post nutritional information in a hallway, on a hamburger wrapper or on their Web site. The new law will make calories immediately available for most items. Krista Johnson passes an order to a customer at the Panera store in Brookline, Mass., “The nutrition information Monday, March 8, 2010. Panera bread company is announcing that they will beis right on the menu or menu come the first chain to post calories on menus nationally. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) board next to the name of the menu item, rather than in a to better be able to provide rie posting law in place. Since in poor New York City neighpamphlet or in tiny print on a their information,” she said. then, California, Seattle and borhoods with high rates of poster, so that consumers can Some meals will be exempt other places have done so. obesity and diabetes noticed see it when they are making from the calorie counts, inThe FDA will have a year the calorie counts. ordering decisions,” says Sen. cluding specials on the menu to write the new rules, which The accuracy of the counts Tom Harkin, chairman of the less than 60 days, and other health advocates have been could also be called into Health, Education, Labor and nutritional information in ad- pushing for years. Margo question, according to a difPensions Committee, who dition to calories will have to Wootan, director of nutrition ferent study. wrote the provision. be available somewhere else policy at the Center for SciIn January, the Journal of It was added to the health in the restaurant. ence in the Public Interest, the American Dietetic Assobill with the support of the The law will also apply to said it is one step in the fight ciation published a survey of restaurant industry, which is foods sold in vending ma- against obesity. 10 chain restaurants, includfacing different laws from cit- chines, specifically those that “Coffee drinks can range ing Wendy’s and Ruby Tuesies and states. Sue Hensley do not have visible calorie from 20 calories to 800 calo- day, that said the number of of the National Restaurant listings on the front of the ries, and burgers can range calories in 29 meals or other Association says it will help package. The requirements from 250 calories to well over menu items was an average of restaurants better respond to will be enforced by the FDA, 1,000 calories,” she said. 18 percent higher than listed. their customers. with the possibility of crimiStill, it is unclear what ef- The discrepancies were said “That growing patchwork nal penalties if operations do fect the labeling will have. In to be due to variations in inof regulations and legislation not comply. a study published last year by gredients and portion sizes. in different parts of the counNew York City was the first the online journal Health Aftry has been a real challenge, in the country to put a calo- fairs, only half of customers and this will allow operators
Technology
UCO DEBATING DECISION TO GO MOBILE IN FUTURE By Ethan Larsh / Contributing Writer
PHOTO BY BYRON KOONTZ
It’s starting to appear that any task that can be performed on a computer can also be easily performed on an iPhone, Blackberry or any other “next generation” phone. Whether it’s checking your e-mail or listening to a favorite song from your music library, many people find the phone more convenient then sitting at the computer, which is why University of Central Oklahoma is considering going mobile. Account representatives from Blackboard Inc., the company that owns WebCT, will be demonstrating “Mobile Central,” its new mobile phone application for schools, along with “Blackboard Learn Release 9,” an update from the current WebCT system, at the Nigh University Center March 29-30. Blackboard’s motto for these demonstrations is, “What’s possible in the day in the life of a Blackboardconnected environment.” “Mobile Central” is a collection of mobile phone applications aimed to make information more available to students. “You could access your courses, your news, your campus info, and library information,” Sonya Watkins, director of the Technology Resource Center at UCO, said. According to Blackboard’s Web site, a student can access athletic news, maps to help find a lost freshman where a building is on campus, university events, and a directory of all the faculty and students. iPhone owner Sydney Snow, a sophomore majoring in psychology, believes that “Mobile Central” would be valuable for students. “Pretty much everyone in college has a cell phone, and lately it seems like everyone has an iPhone or a Blackberry or a Smartphone or whatever,” Snow said. “It would be beneficial to a lot of students, especially those who don’t have a computer outside of school.” There will also be a demonstration of “Blackboard Learn Release 9,” and update of the earlier WebCT format that, according to the Blackboard Web site, will have an easier-
to-use interface, drag and drop down menus, blogs, and is also compatible with Facebook. Watkins encourages students to come to these demonstrations. With the WebCT format potentially being changed, she believes it’s important. “They might change WebCT to Learn 9,” Watkins said. “We want students to come out. We want your feedback. We want to get the word out about the product. From there we’ll make a decision.”
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The Technology Resource Center believes that because these new programs might potentially make changes that could affect student life, students should attend these demonstrations. Snow thinks students should get well acquainted with new technologies. “Students get frustrated when they don’t spend enough time getting familiar with WebCT and don’t understand where or how to find information on there,” Snow said. The Technology Resource Center is hoping “Mobile Central” and “Blackboard Learn Release 9” are compatible with UCO. “Software companies are always looking to improve,” Watkins said. “We’re always looking to see if it’s better for our environment at UCO.”
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CLASSFIEDS
EMPLOYMENT
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EMPLOYMENT
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Part Time Job
Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part time positions. Several from 9a.m.-1p.m. shifts and 1:30p.m.-5:30p.m. shifts are available for Monday- Friday. We pay $10.00 per hour for energetic phone work educating senior citizens on healthcare issues. No experience is needed; We will train. Business is located at 1417 N.W. 150th St. in Edmond. Call 879-1888 to set up interview. Ask for Megan Parris.
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OPT North is hiring a part -time/PRN PT billing tech. Some duties include: Posting of daily charges, billing/ collections, working the AR report, typing/filling, writing up deposits. Pkease fax your resume to 936-6496, if you would like to discuss the OPT opportunities. Oklahoma Physical Therapy Clinic that specializes in orthopedic spine and extremity injuries.
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OPT North and OPT South are hiring PT techs. Please fax your resume to 936-6496 or send it by mail to 3705 West Memorial Road, STE. 310 OKC, OK 73134 if you would like to discuss the Conveniently located on OPT opportunities. Oklahothe UCO campus, offers ma physical therapy specialEnglish as a second language izes in orthopedic spine and classes for international stuextremity injuries. dents/individuals. NOW FEATURING a specially designed program with: With Strong emphasis in listening /speaking, highly interacBig Sky Bread Company tive classes , and new and is looking for a friendly, en- improved TOEFL program. ergetic, and reliable person to Enjoy small classes and the slice bread and help custom- campus facilities. Contact us ers. Please apply at 6606 N. at (405) 341-2125 or www. thelanguagecompany.com Western Ave.
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Our company has a wonderful opportunity for the right person. We are seraching for a specialist that would assist the controller in everyday administrative duties. Educational Employees oldefloridapayroll is looking for outgoing, sales/service oriented individuals with previous finacial experience. This position provides a variety of member service functions involving crossselling productsand services, disbursing funds and opening new accounts. Involves constant and direct dealing with oldefloridapayroll members and potential members and requires the ability to accurately record information and communicate effectively. Cahs handling and customer service experience is required. Two positions available: 30 hrs/wk- 1660 Herndon Ave, Clovis 20 hrs/wk- 430 Pollasky Clovis Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account, LTD, 6% company 401k contribution. To know more about this Job Vacancy, You are to Contact Mr. Akibu Walker Via Email: akibu_jobs@yahoo. com
New Townhouse APT, 3 bd, 3 ba, w/d Hookup
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46. Cry of mock horror 48. “Nice!”
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50. Liability account 53. Growth anew 57. Anger
58. Hasenpfeffer, e.g. 59. Put in stitches
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65. Someone who calls forth emotions 66. Darling 67. Gabs
68. Go back
1. Pinup’s leg 2. Grassland 3. Big coffee holder 4. Considerations in dealing with others 5. Character 6. Kind of network 7. Band of material around the waist 8. Inexperienced young†people 9. Handbag 10. Cornbread baked or fried 11. Percoid fish 12. Blasts 13. Girdle 21. Strips of wood†to strengthen the surface 22. Major source of lead 23. Store convenience, for short 24. Big pig 25. It comes easily to hand 29. Arise 30. “Who, me?” 32. Bow 34. Called, named 36. Any of several Asiatic minks 37. U.S.N. officer 38. Complain 39. And others, for short 42. H. Rider Haggard novel 43. Half-pint 44. Capital on the Missouri 45. Swallow 47. ___ roll 51. You have 52. Susan of “Goldengirl” 54. 11,000-foot Italian peak 55. Need a bath badly 56. Amazes 60. Small guitar having four strings 61. “Andy Capp” cartoonist Smythe 62. “Maid of Athens, ___ we part”: Byron
Rearrange the letters in each word to spell something pertaining to Irish-American Heritage Month. (Hint: author)
NFLARYNE CNOOORN ANSWER: Flannery O’Connor
Hiring for waitstaff, busers, dishwashers, host, bar tender. Apply in person at Northpark Mall (NW 127nd N. May) after 5:30 pm. 749-0120
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SPORTS
7
NFL Football
OPINION: IS JIMMY CLAUSEN A FRANCHISE QB? By Chris Wescott / Sports Editor Every team wants one. Few teams have them. Franchise quarterbacks are the holy grail of draft picks. The majority of the time, it takes a first-round pick to get one. For example, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan, Peyton Manning and more. Other times you can strike gold in the later rounds, such as the New England Patriots did with Tom Brady. So in what is considered a relatively weak draft class for quarterbacks, it makes sense that those with talent will be held in high regard and be considered higher picks. Such has not been the case with Jimmy Clausen, Notre Dame quarterback. Some scouts have Clausen ranked as the second best quarterback prospect in the draft behind University of Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford. Bradford is a clear-cut top five prospect and should go that high. Bradford is considered a prospect with franchise potential. The question is, does Clausen have what it takes to be a franchise quarterback? Clausen should be considered more pro-ready than Bradford or almost any other quarterback in this year’s draft. The Fighting Irish signal caller played in a pro-style offense in his time under ex-Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weiss. He has experience taking snaps from under center, and his wide receivers ran
pro-style routes. Clausen ran this two-back offensive scheme all three years at Notre Dame. In said offense, Clausen ran both drop-back plays and play action. “Unlike most of the quarterbacks in this year’s draft, Clausen has spent countless hours learning how to play the position in a conventional manner,” NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks wrote. “This includes taking snaps from under center and throwing a variety of drop-back and play-action passes. That gives him a leg up on most of the competition, because he understands how to locate his reads after turning his back to the defense while executing run fakes.” Furthermore, Brooks wrote that Clausen will, “enter the league well-schooled on the footwork and mechanics needed to throw passes off three-, five- and seven-step drops.” So, Clausen has experience running a pro-style offense, and has learned the proper mechanics for executing NFL plays, and yet there are still questions to whether or not he has franchise quarterback potential. Looking to the numbers, Clausen appears to be a star prospect. Clausen never had much run support at Notre Dame. The young signal caller never had a 1,000-yard rusher in his backfield. No running back rushed for a single run longer than 27 yards in Clausen’s final two seasons. No running
back scored more than five rushing touchdowns in Clausen’s time at Notre Dame either. Consistency on the offensive line was not a comfort for Clausen. He had three different left tackles and three different centers in his time at Notre Dame. Yet Clausen continued to improve. Clausen’s improvement and coachability are the factors that are most impressive about his future prospects. Clausen improved in several categories each season he was under center. In 2007, Clausen was a true freshman, and threw for 1,254 yards, seven touchdowns and six interceptions. He had a 56.3 percent completion rate and a 5.12-yard per completion average. In 2008, Clausen improved in nearly every category, connecting on 25 touchdowns to just 17 interceptions. Clausen completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 3,172 yards and a 7.21-yard per completion average. In 2009, Clausen’s final season at Notre Dame, the signal caller threw for 3,722 yards, and an outstanding 28 touchdowns to just four interceptions. Clausen also increased his accuracy to a whopping 68 percent and his average per completion to 8.76. This not only shows improvement in mechanics and feel for the game, but it shows that Clausen is coachable. That is one thing a young quarterback coming into the NFL needs. He would need to be
able to get past bad habits and learn the speed of the game. Clausen’s productivity on the field also speaks leaps and bounds to his ability and potential to be an NFL quarterback. Clausen threw for over 240 yards at least 18 times in 34 starts. He netted over 300 yards 10 times, and over 400 yards three times. Clausen also had a streak of 13 games in a row in which he threw for one or more touchdowns. Clausen’s accuracy was always above average, none more evident than his nine games in which he completed more than 70 percent of his passes. The biggest knock on Clausen and his nextlevel potential is his attitude and leadership skills. Bucky Brooks addressed those as well. “Although his leadership skills and attitude have been called into question by some,” Brooks wrote. “The cocky quarterback has seemingly answered those concerns by conducting solid interviews with general managers and coaches during the NFL Scouting Combine. Given the importance of confidence and self-assurance at the position, Clausen’s brash demeanor can be perceived as part of the inherent swagger needed to man the game’s most important position.” So though he may have showed up to college signing day in a limo, and he may be perceived as arrogant, Clausen was after all voted to be a team captain by his fellow Fighting
Irish, and he seemed to have won over some NFL front offices at the combine. Once people get past their opinions of Clausen’s character and begin to look at the bigger picture, even taking into consideration his “swagger,” they begin to see the potential there. Clausen may not be as well liked as a Sam Bradford, but at the same time he is no Ryan Leaf. When you add up Clausen’s college production, the fact that he has at least 30 starts under his belt, that he has led comeback wins, that he has made big plays when needed, that he is accurate, has played in a prostyle offense, can be coached and has the confidence to not be easily shaken, Clausen begins to look more and more like a top prospect. It would surprise me if Clausen made it out of the top 10; it would shock me if he made it out of the top 15, and would completely blow my mind if he made it out of the first round. So to answer the question, “Does Clausen have what it takes to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL?” I believe he does and believe he will experience some success at the next level. But like with any highly touted rookie, it would do him a kindness to be drafted into a good situation. Give Clausen protection, and coach him right, and you may have found yourself that holy grail.
Basketball
DAUNTE WILLIAMS NAMED ALL-AMERICAN Junior transfer Dauntae Williams was named a Division II All-American after leading the Bronchos this season. By Ryan Costello / Staff Writer The men of UCO basketball had their season end well earlier than they had planned after their first-round loss to Fort Hays State University in the NCAA Division II Tournament on March 13. It’s likely, however, that the Bronchos wouldn’t have made it far enough to earn a sixth seed in the national tournament, or secure their third straight Lone Star Conference North title, or rattle off a UCO record 16-game win streak, without the services of one Dauntae Williams. Williams was given his most recent recognition on Tuesday, this one coming from the national level. Word came from the National Association of Basketball Coaches that Williams would be among the list of players on the State Farm Division II All-America Team. Williams’ list of individual accolades on the season, quickly becoming an embarrassment of riches, now includes a variety of conference, regional and national nods. Williams was listed as Player of the Week in the LSC North seven times, with four defensive awards and three offensive awards in total. The Broncho junior also took the LSC North Player of the Year Title and was named to the Daktronics and NABC All-South Central Regional Team. A transfer from Seminole State College in Seminole, Okla., Williams transferred to join
a team that was in need of a player to fill the shoes of its former scoring and rebounding leader, Lance Harper. Harper, who graduated following the 200809 season, led the Bronchos with 16.8 points and eight rebounds per game. When Williams entered the picture, he did even more than just fill the void left by UCO’s former star. Williams set the pace for UCO, averaging 19.9 points and 7.8 rebounds to go along with 5.4 assists and 2.4 steals per contest. Williams also was among the best Bronchos shooting, converting 56.9 percent from the floor and 38.5 percent from behind the arc. The Missouri Texas native Williams also carved a spot in UCO’s record books for one of the best all-around seasons ever played by a Broncho. Williams ranks fifth in steals (71), sixth in assists (158), and 13th in points (576) in a single season, and performed another feat that no other UCO player had accomplished for nearly 20 years … and he did it twice. The Broncho star’s two triple-doubles were the first for a Broncho since 1991. Should Williams stick around for a senior season, instead of potentially testing the Division I waters for his final year of eligibility, UCO could have yet another strong season ahead despite the loss of several key seniors. Surely UCO head coach Terry Evans is planning on just that.
All-American Broncho guard Dauntae Williams shields the ball from a defender earlier this season at Hamilton Field House. Williams was named to the All-American roster after leading UCO to a third consecutive LSC North title.
8
SPORTS
Golf
BENSCH WINS INDIVIDUAL TITLE DESPITE BRONCHOS’ FALTER IN WINDY FINAL ROUND UCO’s women placed third and the Broncho men finished seventh after final round struggles in Wichita Falls, Texas. By Ryan Costello / Staff Writer The men and women of UCO golf failed to capitalize on strong starts at the Midwestern State Invitational early this week, shooting shaky rounds in the contest’s final round in Wichita Falls, Texas on Tuesday. UCO’s women shot a second-round 330 overall to fall back to third place after holding a two-stroke lead following a 321 for the opening day. The men wasted an openinground rally, falling from a fourth-place tie to a final resting place at seventh for the competition. Despite the second-day struggles at a windswept Wichita Falls Country Club, the Bronchos did manage to crown one winner on the greens and fairways of Weeks Park. Sophomore Erica Bensch captured her first collegiate title at the Midwestern State Invitational, tying for first after an opening-round 76 and securing a three-shot victory after shooting a 78 in the second 18 of the 36-hole competition. “Erica played great for 36 holes, and she just continues to get better every week,” UCO coach Michael Bond said to bronchosports. com after the tournament. “I’m really proud of the way she hung in there and maintained her composure today in some really tough conditions.” UCO’s Cassy Knight also had a strong showing, tying for 10th individually. Even with the two strong personal efforts of Bensch and Knight, the Bronchos couldn’t keep pace with a West Texas A&M team that finished first in the 12-team tournament after shooting a red-hot 311 in the second round despite the heavy gusts in Wichita Falls. “As a whole, we just made too many mistakes, but hats off to West Texas,” Bond said. “Shooting 311 the way the wind blew today
was phenomenal.” The Bronchos’ tournament 651 also fell behind the second-day rally of host Midwestern State, who finished just behind West Texas with a 643. UCO’s men were also hampered by the winds in Wichita Falls, following opening-day rounds of 298 and 297 with a dismal 319 in the final 18 holes on Tuesday. Broncho Dillon Rust backed up an openinground 74 on Monday morning with a oneunder-par 70 in the afternoon session. The second day for the redshirt freshman was far more difficult for Rust, as he wrapped up with an 80 to fall back to 14th in the individual competition. In fact, the only Broncho to break 80 in the tough final round was Andrew Green with a 77. “Everybody got off to a terrible start today, and we just couldn’t recover,” UCO coach Dax Johnston said after the Bronchos’ final-round falter. “It’s disappointing we didn’t play any better than that.” The 54-hole men’s competition was dominated by Oklahoma City University, which finished with an 859 total tally – 23 strokes better than second-place finisher Dallas Baptist, and more than half a century better than UCO’s 914. UCO’s women will see their next action on Monday at the Lady Otter Spring Invitational in Seaside, Calif., where they will look to continue their strong play of late. UCO’s women have finished in the top five in five of their six tournaments after their first competition was canceled. The men will return to Texas next week for the Dallas Baptist Invitational on Monday.
UCO’s Cassy Knight eyes down the green. Knight finished 10th individually at the Midwestern State Invitational, and Broncho Erica Bensch took her first collegiate individual title, but stiff winds in Wichita Falls, Texas dropped the Bronchos, the women to third, and the men to fifth.