The Student Voice Since 1903 UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA
THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2004
Campus to close Friday for day of remembrance by Lauren Pulsinelli Senior Staff Writer
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Photo by Robert Crauthers
Flags wave at half staff in remembrance of former president Ronald Reagan, who died June 5 at his home in California. Classes will be cancelled June 11 for the national day of mourning.
Reagan was a sort of hero for Republicans." Scott also added that a UCO will be closed June 11 national day of mourning is "a for a day of mourning in honor good thing when all Presidents of former President Ronald die just to keep things even." Reagan. According to Dr. The announcement to close Christopher Markwood, school is based on Gov. Brad Department Chair for the Henry's decision. Henry College of Art, Media and announced on June 9 that Design, Oklahoma has not had Oklahoma state offices will be a full state funeral since 1973 closed on June 11, in deference when Lyndon to the memory of Johnson died. former President "Nixon's "Reagan was a Ronald Reagan, who funeral was died Saturday at his sort of hero for much more home in Los subdued," Republicans." Angeles. Markwood Dr. Greg Scott, said. Political Science "Every Department Chair - DR. GREG SCOTT President has said the decision to Chair of Political Science had a distincclose school "Is quite tive life to unusual." bring to the Henry's executive Presidency but decision is based on President his experience as an actor, Bush's declaring a national day Governor of a large state and of mourning. The official being the oldest President ever memorial service for former elected." President Reagan will be held at Reagan will be remembered the National Cathedral in for a couple of things mainly Washington, D.C. on Friday, his, "unwavering optimism, his June 11 at 10:30 a.m. contagious optimism that "I would doubt that as much empowered even those who attention would be given to didn't agree with him," said Ford and Nixon who were also Markwood. Republicans," said Scott. Prior to Reagan, Americans "There is more to it than that, suffered through things like the
Twenty-seven trees will be destroyed next month in downtown Edmond, and many people, including a UCO professor, have expressed doubt about the project. Dr. James Bidlack, professor of biology, said he does not see why it is necessary to cut down every tree, including the healthy trees. "This is annoying to a biologist," Bidlack said. "Why not just leave the trees in the first place? If you have a pretty good tree, stick with what you've got or else you have to wait 30 or 40 years to have the same full tree that could have been there to begin with." The city council recently approved the "Edmond Streetscape Project." Up and down Broadway in downtown Edmond, red ribbons are tied to trees in an effort to save them from destruction. Many city officials believe, however, that it is necessary for the trees to be removed. "It boils down to the trees are sick," said Carrie Tomlinson, Edmond urban forester. Tomlinson said the trees suffer from sun scold, in which heat from the city streets creates a scold that splits tree bark in half. She said four of the 27 trees are healthy. "Some of the trees are hazardous and could possibly break and fall on a car," Tomlinson said. "It comes down to safety." She said she supports the streetscape project because she fears a strong wind could snap a rotten tree. Bidlack said it may be necessary for the
unhealthy trees to be cut, but not every tree. "I could see maybe cutting down a few of the trees but not all of them," Bidlack said. "I am frequently in downtown Edmond, and I haven't seen trees so old that I am afraid of them falling." The trees are almost 30 years old, which Tomlinson said is an appropriate life span for the trees. Seven different varieties of native to seminative trees will be planted to replace the "I could see trees that will be destroyed. maybe cutting "This project has down a few of the been years in the planning," said Cathy trees but not all Williams-White, direcof them." tor of Edmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. — DR. JAMES BIDLACK Williams-White UCO professor of biology said the project involves making the city-owned sidewalks safer and more scenic. The streetscape project also includes added enhancements to improve lighting, handicap access and festival support. "We have to do something about it," Tomlinson said. "We are trying to plan out a good solid design." The construction impact will be limited to half a block at a time, and none of the business should be required to close during construction. "Contracting is still set to begin July 5 and expire Nov. 12," said Clay Coldiron, director of Edmond Public Works.
Photo by Robert Crauthers
A red ribbon is tied on a tree in downtown Edmond to protest the "Edmond Streetscape Project."
see REAGAN, page 3
Stafford Loans Variable Interest Rates
Biology professor questions city's plans to destroy trees by Lauren Pulsinelli Senior Staff Writer
Vietnam War and American moral was low. "Reagan helped reshape the American attitude," said Markwood. One of the things Reagan will be remembered fOr is bringing an end to the Cold War, which, "He did not have huge support for," Markwood said. Reagan set out to destroy communism in his words, "It was an evil system." Markwood said, "Reagan set out not just to contain it (cornmunism) but to destroy it." Many Reagan admirers are pushing for Reagan legacy projects such as; Ronald Reagan Day, Ronald Reagan named buildings and highways and a Ronald Reagan portrait for State Capitol buildings. Perhaps the most controversial push to conserve Reagan's memory would be to place his face on the ten-dollar bill. When it comes to the money issue Markwood said, "Congress has to be very selective in the precedents they set." "The same types of things would happen to varying degrees for every President." Reagan was 93 when he died
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Student loan interest rates to hit lowest in three decades by Lauren Pulsinelli Senior Staff Writer Interest rates for student loans will drop to the lowest rate in almost 35 years. On July 1, federally guaranteed student loans will drop to 3.37, down from 3.5 percent last year. "I wasn't surprised by the decrease," said Angela Rice of Student Financial Aid. Student interest rates have been slowly declining over the past years. "It did decrease but not tremendously," said Rice. At UCO during the 2003-04 school year 7,553 students received some type of financial aid not including scholarships, unless a student was eligible for both. That number is up from 7,049 students receiving federal aid the previous year. Rice said, "The number of students borrowing increases every year." "It's pretty easy to receive federal loans," Rice said. Students can file for UCO federal loans as long as students are not on default, meet the cri-
teria of a U.S. citizen and complete a FASFA "One of the challenges our state system institutions face every year is making a college education affordable, and it's not just limited to Oklahoma. In fact, it is a national issue," said Chancellor Paul G. Risser of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. Federal student loans interest rates are variable and change every July 1. Rates are calculated according to a statutory formula, which differs depending on the payment status of the borrower. Since students don't have to do anything to benefit from the rate drop, monthly payments will simply decrease automatically. The only students who would not be able to benefit from a record low interest rate are those students who choose to consolidate. Typically, a student would consolidate for fear that interest rates would rise before being able to pay off a student loan. Federal law allows a person to consolidate once, and Congress is considering legisla-
tion that would all together eliminate the option of consolidation at a fixed rate. Government-regulated rates on student loan consolidations are also at historic lows. Currently, Congress is debating key issues on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, and there is a house bill is being debated for the government to change the interest rate on student loan consolidations from a fixed rate to a variable rate. All other loans except for consolidation loans are converted to variable rates. Still in effect is the sixmonth grace period students receive after graduation. According to higher education officials, more than half of all students attending Oklahoma's public colleges and universities in 2002-03 received almost $700 million in financial aid. "We're certainly encouraged to see that Oklahoma's college students are seeking and receiving even more financial help to
see RATES, page 3
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OPINION
June 3, 2004
Quote of the day An intellectual is a man who says a simple thing in a difficult way; an artist is a man who says a difficult thing in a simple way. — Charles Bukowski
Today in History On this day in 1692, the first Salem colonist to be charged with the capital crime of witchcraft was hanged in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Salem witch trials resulted in the executions of 19 innocent men and women.
Ronald Wilson Reagan 1911 — 2004 WASHINGTON — Ronald Reagan, the cheerful crusader who devoted his presidency to winning the Cold War, trying to scale back government and making people believe it was "morning again in America," died Saturday after a long twilight struggle with Alzheimer's disease, a family friend said. He was 93.
`Bush should take heed,' legalize stem-cell research Ronald Reagan's announcement 10 years ago that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease was infused with his characteristic optimism. ... For years, Nancy Reagan worked quietly behind the scenes, pressing Republican leaders to move forward on research that could spare other families the long, silent goodbye that she endured. Last month, that silence was broken. At a fund-raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Nancy Reagan
voiced an impassioned plea to lift federal restrictions on stemcell research and therapy that could hold the key to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and many other illnesses. There could be no better tribute to the Reagans than for Congress and the White House to rethink shortsighted positions on stem-cell research. ... Bush should take heed and authorize research that has the potential to spare other families the kind of drawn-out agony that the Reagans — and so many others — faced. — from the Associated Press
Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to ucovista@hotmail.com .
Cartoon by Eric Osborn
Debts? Not if you never quit school Interest rates on student loans will drop to the lowest they have been in more than three decades, so now is the time to consider consolidating college debts. Or, students can take the smarter, less conventional, procrastinatory route and plan a long road of post-graduate work (the longer one goes to school and racks up debts, the longer it is until he is expected to pay those debts back.) Although such debt from UCO is substantially and comparably lower than other universities across the nation, students should remember: "A penny saved is a penny earned." It may seem far off in the future, but six months after graduation, students will be expected to pay whatever they can on their college debts. And that means paying from a new job's paycheck.
Rest assured, though, knowing that the minimum payment is usually $50. But if a student owes $16,000 in college debt and plans to make the minimum payment until his debt is paid, he will be paying for a very long time. Three hundred and twenty months, to be exact. And that's nearly 27 years. So ask yourself this: Which would be easier and more worthwhile? Jumping right out of college into a low-paying workforce or advancing one's knowledge by obtaining degree after degree? Not only does the latter increase one's knowledge, there is also a good chance that his salary will reflect upon that extra work. Of course, it could be said that the person who chooses a longer life in academe is only putting off what needs to be done.
Before that over-achiever knows it, he could be racking up debts in the upwards of $100,000. But an education that exceeds the bounds of the average student is invaluable. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A new degree of intellectual power seems cheap at any price." A great number of graduates find that by the time they graduate, they are not only entering the workforce, they are also leading a family. But for those who have not ventured into the family sphere, you have the option of choosing a long life of school after your first degree. Take advantage of your tune, and enhance your education to the fullest.
HEART OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
Oklahoma summers: mean and muggy t's summer now. The Oklahoma air is getting much more moist. Water molecules cling to the wet wind like sticktites to a child's sock. Water molecules line up, intermingling with the wind and do the electric slide down the jet stream, occasionally mustering up enough courage to do the macarena on your forehead and in the pits of your arms. The only sign that says they were there are the salty GAVIN D. ELLIOTT sweat COLUMNIST stains left behind and a tiny post-it note re-affirming, "Back in fifteen." The humidity shuns the solitary dances. Dances like the tango and the flamenco and the lambada — it's forbidden! As the saying goes, "It takes two to tango." And by no means is two solitary. Quite the con-
T
trary. But there's no group interaction. And for that reason, the lambada, and those of this ilk, are forbidden to the constituents of Humidor, a place where humidity loves company and everybody knows your name. Summertime is not a time for solitarity anyway. Not even for moisture. You'll never catch a wallflower raindrop standing sheepishly off to the side while his friends dance Club 54 style down your neck and back under the hot disco ball of summer. Oklahoma summers are a constant, albeit uncomfortable, party for the outlaw humidity that lasts usually 3-4 months out of our Oklahoma year. Bigger than Mardi Gras, though some may say it's sweatier and gives out many more beads. Bigger than Carnival down in Rio, but probably causes more nudity. But more as a reaction to uncomfort rather than a shedding of inhibitions. Even bigger than any Mexican or Manchester soccer party. During autumn and winter, the humidity sleeps. Sleeps like a bear in hibernation, proba-
bly smells like one, and snores deep earthquake snores. No one asks, "Where's humidity? I thought he was with you?" In spring, humidity slowly wakes up, has a cup of coffee and hums quietly to himself. Still not bothering anybody, but the fear of uncomfortable agitation hovers over Oklahoma — and presumably other parts of the South — like a great gray space saucer. Everyone knows it's there, but ignore it and maybe it will go away. Then it hits. Humidity's high pitched opera voice rattles and hums through the air as he sings "When Will it Rain?" by Jackyl. When humidity gets out of the shower, it doesn't towel off. Humidity doesn't wear clothes either, which might explain our disdain. If Oklahoma summers were a dictatorial regime, the U.S.A would've invade it by now and forced the humidity to hold democratic elections. If Oklahoma summers were a music album, right-wing conservatives would've slapped the black and white "Explicit Lyrics: Parental
Advisory" sticker on it and Dee Snyder and John Denver wouldn't be there to fight for its right to free expression. If Oklahoma summers were a summer intercession course at UCO, no one would take it. If Oklahoma summers were a strip club with a great neon green sign and the slickest pole this side of the South Pole, the strippers would dance to the Flight of the Bumblebee and their g-strings would be as free of cash as...well, my wallet. Which leaves a lot to be desired. If Oklahoma summers carried a cell phone, its ring would be that annoying default Nokia ring, and that Verizon Wireless guy would follow it around screaming, "Can you hear me now?! Can you hear me NOW?!" Good. If Oklahoma summers were a pop star, it'd be Clay Aikins. If Oklahoma summers were a...well...you get the picture. Have a good summer!
Have you heard about students using cell phones to cheat, and how easy do you think it would be at UCO? "I don't have a cell phone, but I saw on the news that people use the phones to cheat. I think it would be easy."
"I never even thought of that. If the teacher doesn't pay attention it would be easy and harder to prove. You can just exit out quickly and lie." Brittany Porter
Akiho Saito
forensic science, freshman
advertising, junior
THEVISTA Caroline Duke Editor in Chief Gavin D. Elliott Managing Editor Lauren Pulsinelli Senior Writer Kelley Chambers Writer Mike Rodriguez Writer Sports Editor Brandon Chatmon Sports Writer Flury Gatewood Ill
Photographer Cartoonist Ad Manager Ad Sales Director
Robert Crauthers Eric Osborn Lindsey Chapman Kimberly Bratten Mark Zimmerman
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 on Thursdays only during summer, at the University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034. Telephone: (405) 974-5549. The issue price is free for the first copy and $1 for each additional copy.
"I heard that some of this was going on. We've already alerted our faculty. My exams say that if you are caught cheating in any way you will receive a failing grade."
"I don't think that it's that easy because you have to hold the phone up to take pictures."
Dr. Timothy Bridges
John Do
College of Business, associate dean
EDITORIALS Opinion columns, reviews and commentaries represent the views of the writer and not necessarily the views of The Vista Editorial Board, the Department of Journalism, UCO or the Board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges. Editorial cartoons do not necessarily represent the views of the artist. The Vista is nOt an official medium of expression for the Regents or UCO.
kinesiology, sophomore
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 edit:ng for libel, clarity and space, or to eliminate statements of questionable taste.
The Vista reserves the right not to publish submitted letters and does not publish anonymous letters. Address letters to: Editor, The Vista, 100 N. University Dr., Edmond, OK 73034-5209, or deliver in person to the editor in the Communications Building, Room 107. Letters can be emailed to ucovista@hotmail.com .
NEWS
June 10, 2004
Theater graduate invited to attend nationally reknown JFK theater festival I KNOW IN MY RIGHT
HEART THAT MAN IS GOOD
WILL ALWAYS
EVENTUALLY TRIUMPH
Photo by Bryan Chan/Los Angeles Times
A close-up view of the inscription at the grave site for President Reagan is seen at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.
NEWS IN BRIEF United States to pull troops from North Korea by October, U.S. army official says PANMUNJOM, Korea - The U.S. military is on track to pull almost all its troops from their last outpost on the tense border with North Korea by October, a U.S. Army officer said Wednesday, amid discord over relocation plans. The two allies were also eyeing more negotiations over a U.S. troop withdrawal proposal that would be the largest reduction of American forces on the divided Korean Peninsula in three decades. NEW DELHI- For the first time in the 57-year history of its democratic government, Hindu-majority India has a member of a minority religion —
Sikh to be prime minister of India Manmohan Singh, a Sikh — as its prime minister. That's more than trivia; it marks a potential turning point for India, a nation where massacres of thousands of people because of their religious faith have occurred under governments of not only the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, that ruled for the past six years, but under Singh's Congress Party as well.
K-12 teachers train here for second year Two hundred elementary through high school teachers from around the state will be on campus this summer to learn and improve their computer skills. For the second year teachers will attend training to improve their computer literacy so that they can better instruct their students in both basic and advanced computer functions. The program entitled the Cal Hobson Teachers and Technology Grant Program is sponsored by Southwestern Bell. Four sessions will be held each month. Workshops will be divided into three skill levels.
Graduate, teacher publishes first novel UCO graduate Petra Woodard has recently published her first work of fiction. The book, "Incomplete Denial," centers on a pair of girls who reunite as adults to face life's ups and downs while strengthening their friendship. Woodward graduated with a degree in business, but said that her first love has always been writing. However, between teaching at Luther High School and civic commitments, writing
POLICE REPORTS Defective holsters recalled WASHINGTON - A Pennsylvania company is recalling some 3,200 gun holsters because the strap can catch the trigger and cause the weapon to fire accidentally. Eight incidents of accidental firing have been reported, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Wednesday. The Fobus USA Holster Division of First Samco Inc., of Southampton, Pa., is recalling its Fobus GLT holsters, designed for Series 17 and Series 19 Glock handguns fitted with a laser-sight light. There have been eight reports of guns discharging as they were inserted into the holster. One person sustained a finger injury.
Bank One merges with Chase CHICAGO - The Bank One brand name, which has a major presence in Oklahoma, will disappear following its merger with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., the two Chicago-based banks have announced. Bank One has 34 branches in Oklahoma, including 23 in the Oklahoma City area. Oklahoma City's tallest building, the 36-story Bank One Center, is topped with a large Bank One sign on all four sides. It likely will be replaced with the Chase logo.
Nichols jury begins deliberation McALESTER, Okla. - A jury began deliberations Wednesday on whether Terry Nichols should be given a death sentence or a life term for the Oklahoma City bombing. Nichols was convicted on May 26 of 161 counts of first-degree murder in the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. He is already serving a life sentence for the deaths of eight federal agents in the blast. The state convictions were for the others killed in the explosion. His state trial began March 1. — from the Associated Press
Levels one and two will focus on computer basics. Level three will involve incorporating higher technology and the use of more complex components for classroom functions. An online self-assesment prior to the workshops determined at which level each teacher was placed. At the completion of training teachers will receive support material and equipment to take back to their classrooms. Those who complete level two will be given digital cameras. Laptop computers will be awarded to those who completet level three.
INFORMATIONAL ■Tuesday, June 1, 2004 10:00 a.m. A DPS officer was dispatched to Thatcher Hall on a disorderly conduct report. INFORMATIONAL ■ Monday, May 31, 2004 10:40 a.m. A student was asked to leave a computer lab for looking at pornography in the Max Chambers computer lab. TRAFFIC ■ Tuesday, June 1, 2004 11:10 a.m. A DPS officer was dispatched to a minor vehicle accident of Ayers north of Max Chambers Library.
often plays second fiddle. "For me, it's a matter of time. I have all these ideas and characters in my head, and because I'm so active in school, church and the community, I have a hard time finding the time to write," she said Woodward's next literary endeavors include a self- help book, and a second novel, which are both still in the works. To preview or purchase "Incomplete Denial" visit www.booksurge.com .
RATES from page 1 pay for their college education," Risser said. It is possible to have loans forgiven. Teachers and child-care providers may have a portion of their loans forgiven if they work in low-income areas of the country or teach certain subjects. Loans can also be forgiven for a disability or being in the U.S. Armed Forces. A list to check eligibility for loan forgiveness is available online at www.mapping-your-future.org .
by Kelley Chambers Staff Writer
A recent UCO theater graduate has been chosen as one of only eight students nationally to attend a prestigious playwriting workshop in Washington, D.C. in July. Merri Biechler, 41, found out at the end of April that she was selected to take part in the American College Theater Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. "Eight students and eight educators are chosen from across the nation," Biechler said. She first caught the attention of several heavy hitters in playwriting in February when the UCO Theater Department par- Merri Biechler ticipated in a regional festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center at the University of Arkansas. Biechler's 10-minute play, "A Present for Boss," was critiqued in Arkansas by New York Uni Niersity professor and playwright Gary Garrison. "He's one of those guys that nails any faults in like ten seconds," Biechler said. The selection process was based on a writing sample and resume. Applications were due at the first of April. "Everything is done by e-mail," Biechler said, "I saw these two e-mails from the Kennedy Center and thought, 'Oh my gosh — they wouldn't e-mail you to tell you that you didn't make it.'" She said that "It's great for the she was very excited to have university. But been selected from a group of it's greatest for applicants from Merri." around the country Dr. Bob — DR. BOB MCGILL McGill, interim Professor of Theatre, Theater Dance & Media Arts Department chair, said that he was delighted when he heard that she had been selected to attend the national festival. "Her own playwriting is quite sophisticated," McGill said. "She came with a great deal of skill and was a great role model to the younger students." Biechler is the first UCO student to be invited to the national workshop. "It's great for the university and the department," McGill said. "But it's greatest for Merri." Being no stranger to the East Coast after living and performing in New York for six years, Biechler will fly to Washington, D.C. July 4 and begin work the next day. The festival will span 12 days in which time Biechler will work with famous playwrights including one of her favorites, past Pulitzer Prize and Tony award nominee Lee Blessing. Before graduating, Biechler wrote the dinner theater play, "Murder at Capone's Place," which was performed on the UCO campus. After completing the festival, Biechler said that she will stop over in New York for a few weeks to visit friends. She will then return to Edmond to pack for Ohio, where she will begin work in the fall on a master's of fine arts in playwriting at Ohio University.
REAGAN from page 1 of pneumonia, as a complication of Alzheimer's disease. A number of U.S. states also plan to close state offices on Friday in honor of fonner President Reagan. There are currently 52 dedications to Ronald Reagan, 49 in the United States (18 states and three internationally. Markwood said, "I expect in a decade or so to be doing these things for Ford Or Carter."
OUT & ABOUT ■ Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey at the Ford Center; June 11 at 7:30 p.m. June 12 at 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; June 13 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 - $20. Meet the clowns & animal at the Three Ring Adventure — one hour before show time. ■ Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. on the rooftop terrace at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Cost: $7 fOr non-members. Includes drink ticket, gallery admission, salsa bar and the view. $3 admission without the drink ticket. ■ ULAE: The Print Show, May 6 -
August 22, 2004 will feature prints by the greatest American artists of the late 20th and early 21st century. ■ Every Tuesday in June and July — "Wild Tuesdays Story Time Safaris" at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Children 11 and under are invited to join the two story sessions at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. *The new zoo summer hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with exhibit buildings open until 8 p.m. For more information, call (405) 424-3344. ■ Discover what makes Saturn truly the "Lord of the Rings" at Omniplex's newest planetarium show, RingWorld. June 12 — Nov. 22.
Local organization to hold day of unity by Christopher Rodriguez Staff Writer
The Edmond Baha'i Faith organization will be holding a Race Unity Day celebration on Sunday, June 13th at Hafer Park to encourage local diversity and fellowship. According to Faith member Tom Dunn, the group expects fifty to one hundred people, but "we never know, particularly this time of year." The celebration will include provided watermelon and beverages, and Dunn encourages others to bring a main dish and native fashion. "We encourage everyone to wear it as a fun thing." The organization has been holding celebrations annually for over ten years said Dunn. "We have had picnics before; there is always something on the second Sunday of June." In the past, the group has also held festivities at the Bahai Center and included guest speakers. Race Unity Day will be located at Pavilion #4 in Hafer Park, and begin at 12 pm and finish at 4 pm. All races, cultures, religions, and nationalities are encouraged to attend. Contact the Baha'i Center at 348-9942, or Tim Missaghi at 210-7066 for additional infor-
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NEWS
June 10, 2004
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deadCenter film fest to feature local artists â– The fourth annual deadCenter Film Festival will run from June 10-12 and will feature a medley of independent films from local, national and international filmmakers. by Christopher Rodriguez Staff Writer
It is Saturday morning at Justan Floyd's home in Oklahoma City, and friends are cramming in to enjoy cups of warm coffee and screenings of independent films from across the country. Dressed in ripped jeans and a simple T-shirt while chatting in his cramped kitchen, the lanky and bespectacled Floyd is describing misconceptions and pitfalls that inevitably follow filmmaking. "It's really a lot of hard work that people don't think about," he says. To better educate and entertain the public and reward the hard work of filmmakers near and far, Floyd, a freelance Oklahoma City cinematographer, has been organizing the deadCenter Film Festival in Oklahoma City for several years. "The filmmakers have to stand up, and they've never really had a place to do that," Floyd says. The festival is celebrating its fourth year this summer with film presentations in several locations, June 10 through 12. The films range from narrative and documentary features, to animation, short films and student films, made by local,
national and international artists. develop as artists and annually submit to the fes"We do it for the Okies," he says. "The Okie tival. stuff is the heart of what deadCenter is about: "The filmmakers come together, and they start exposing the local market to the local people." challenging each other," Floyd says. "We've had The living room is stuffed tightly with an several people that have been in almost every fesassortment of filmmakers, film students and film tival, and there's an obvious progression in their lovers ingesting ability to tell a story." cinema as two cofThe festival began in the summer of feepots go into "We do it for the Okies." 2001 and was held at City Arts on the heavy rotation. As fairgrounds. Twelve hours of films were each film begins, spread over two nights; an event Floyd acronyms and dubbed an "a"-melter." — JUSTAN FLOYD tech-talk quickly The audience was comprised of everyco-founder of deadCenter fly across the thing from "punk-rock teeny boppers to Film Festival room. 85-year-old women," and Floyd found Festival council encouragement in the diversity. member and "If you can get an 80-year-old lady to Oklahoma Museum of Art film curator Brian sit till her ass hurts then you've done something Hearn continues the conversation about local right," he says. film and the importance of small film festivals This year, deadCenter will be the biggest yet, like deadCenter. with an expected audience of over 3,000 and 100 "We have to cultivate our own talent internal- films in five locations including the Oklahoma ly," Hearn says. "If we don't invest in our own Museum of Art, the IA0 Gallery and people and try to build ourselves up, we aren't StageCenter. going to get anywhere." "There are more people involved now, and we The festival also serves as a breeding ground are super-organized, which is nice, because runfor competition among local filmmakers and ning a festival is not my idea of fun," Floyd says. encourages them to continue to produce films, "It is just something that needed to be done here."
Schedule of Events Friday, June 11 10:30am - Noon Kids Fest Venue: Stage Center - Tolbert
Saturday, June 12 11:00am - 12:30pm Scholar Series: High School Venue: Stage Center 1:00 pm Tolbert PANEL: Financing Your Film Filmmaker Coffee Venue: Stage Center - Cabaret Venue: Starbucks 1:30 - 3:00 pm Apple Pie Cinema Venue: Stage Center - Tolbert
1:00 - 3:00pm Doc Series 2 Where Angels Fear to Tread / Dancing From 2:30 pm The Heart PANEL: Working with Sound Venue: Untitled Gallery Venue: Stage Center - Cabaret Doc Series 1 One Strong Arm / Pray's 3:00-5:30 pm Passion Three Oklahoma Films Venue: Stage Center Venue: Stage Center - Tolbert Tolbert 4:00 pm PANEL: Working wth actors in independent films Venue: Stage Center - Cabaret 5:00 - 7:00 pm Shorts 1 Venue: Untitled Gallery Hotrod Venue: Stage Center - Tolbert 7:00 - 9:00 pm Lightning Bug Venue: IA0 Aging Out Venue: Untitled Gallery Mouthgarden Venue: Stage Center - Tolbert
1:30 pm PANEL: Film School 101- Educators in Film & Video Venue: Stage Center Cabaret
7:30 pm Banned in OK Venue: OKC Art Museum 9:00 - 11:00 The Tin Drum Venue: OKC Museum of Art Outdoor Screening/Awards Ceremony Venue: Kerr Park Midnight Closing Night Party Venue: Lotus
2:00pm The Third Man Venue: OKC Museum of Art 3:00 - 5:00pm Shorts 2 Venue: Untitled Gallery Scholar Series:College Venue: Stage Center Tolbert
7:30 pm Farmingville 3:00 pm Venue: Oklahoma City Art PANEL: Be Your Own Museum Boss - Freelancing in the TV & Film Industry 9:00pm - 11:00pm Venue: Stage Center Okie Shorts (Party following) Cabaret Venue: IA0 Plagues and Pleasures on the 5:00 - 7:00 pm Salton Sea How to Be a Model Venue: Untitled Gallery Venue: Untitled Gallery Mass of Angels Sandstorm Venue: Stage Center - Tolbert Venue: Stage Center Midnight Midnight Shorts
Shorts 3 Venue: Untitled Gallery Doc Series 3 Renaissance Men / Squatch Venue: Stage Center Tolbert
Tolbert
7:00 - 9:00 pm
THURSDAY, JU N E
v
Tli THROUGH
SUNDAY, JUNE 11- P
WWW.DEADCENTERFILM.ORG 4 CALL CACKY
AT
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SPORTS June 10, 2004
Williams brings work ethic, up-tempo style and 16 years experience to UCO by Brandon Chatmon Sports Editor
For 16 years, new women's basketball head coach Shawn Willams has been a part of the women's basketball program at UCO. A Garland, Texas native, Coach Williams was honorable mention All-Lone Star Conference in 1988-89 and '8990 as the. Bronchos starting point guard. She was a assistant coach since 1990 and was named the successor to John Keely on April 14 after Keely became the Bronchos associate athletic director. The Vista sat down with coach Williams to talk about her philosophy and plans for the program. The Vista: What are some things you will bring to the program that might differ from the previous regime? Williams: I'll bring a lot of the same aspects because (John) Keely did a great job. I'll just try to change maybe the practice aspect, go a little bit harder in practice. We have a new strength and conditioning coach that's working over here so that's one part that I don't have to worry about because he's going to pretty much do all that for me. That way I can focus on the basketball part of things. But we'll probably just change the practice part of things, practice a little bit harder, a little bit longer. Vista: What would you say is your coaching style? Williams: My coaching style is probably more of a fasterpaced style. I like to get up and down the court and press a lot more than we probably ever have in the past. We have quicker guards this-year than . we've _ had in the pSe—So we'regoing to try to use our guards as much as possible to get up and down the court. Vista: Do you think your 16 years as a Broncho player and
coach will help you relate to your players? Williams: I think so, I think that is probably my biggest advantage. I think that will help with me teaching them how to play because I've played here, I've played at this level so I know the conference probably better than most coaches would have came in from the outside. So (my experience) should def-
"My coaching style is probably more of a faster paced style." - Coach Williams
initely help. Vista: Do you have any plans to try to get more support from the students and the community? Williams: Coach (Terry) Evans and I are going to do some things especially when we have home games for both the women and the men. We are going to try to promote that a lot better than we have in the past. If we can just get the students on campus here, that'll probably be better than we've ever had. We are trying to get the fraternities and sororities and people here on cainpus especially for the home-and-home (women then men) games. Vista: What's the first thing you want people to notice about a Shawn Williams basketball team? Williams: How hard we work, our ability to work hard on the court. We have to work hard in practice and carry that over to the ganie. Last year we lost a lot of games at the end of games because we forgot how to win and hopefully we will learn how to win and start winning close games. I want them to know that when we work hard and practice hard, we will
win more games especially the close games. Vista: What do you feel like every good team must have? Williams: A great post player, a shooter and a good point guard. I'm a point guard so I always say point guard. If you have a good post player and some decent shooters I think you'll be ok but you gotta be able to run. Division I is a little different than Division II in women's basketball, Division I will have the 6-5 post player, our post players don't have to be that tall, they can be 5-11 as long as they are posting up and getting the job done down low we'll be all right. We just have to have good guards and I think we've got that this year. Vista: Do you plan to be more aggressive on the defensive end this year? Williams: Yes, we're going to press, we're going to play the pressure defense all over the court. We're too short, we can't sit back and play man-to-man defense, people would kill us if we did that. We are going to try to pick them up full court and press and trap and do some different things. Vista: Last year's team shot 36% on the season, is there anything you are going to do to try to change that? Williams: Last year we had to move Kari Edge to the 3 (small forward) and she was a post player. Laura (Hamilton) got hurt and Kelli Inman was hurt, we brought Kelli in to help Laura, both of them tore their ACLs (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). That was pretty much our outside shooting, Erica (Bramlett) and Lindsay Wilson did a decent job. This year we have some better shooters, we got Jamica Johnson from Midwest City, Meghan Craig from Westmoore a transfer from Oklahoma State, Kendall Cunningham from Oral Roberts. Those three along with the people we have returning... Jackee' (Brown) and Kelli and Laura are coming
back. We're going to do a lot of shooting in practice. Last year we just depended so much on Laura, this year hopefully we won't have to do that, hopefully the other girls will step in and lessen some of the scoring pressure on Laura. Two years ago we were so successful because Laura just took over the game, she has that ability. Hopefully she won't have to do that this
"I think my experience is probably my biggest advantage." — Coach Williams,
regarding her 16 years at UCO.
year. Vista: The team had a tough time taking care of the ball last season what are you doing to try to change that? Williams: We work on our ball handling a lot. With me being a guards coach, I'll work with Jennifer (Bullis), Jackee', Kendall, all the guards are going to learn how to handle the ball a little bit more and not just rely on the point guard to handle the ball. We need to make better decisions, in the post when we are double-teamed we have to be able to pass it out. Hopefully we will cut down on some of those turnovers. The better teams take care of the ball because they are not trying to force things. Vista: You lost Lindsey Smith and April Woods, who are you looking to for low post production? Williams: Lindsay Young, she's been here four years, and Tara Stewart. They will probably be the two biggest keys. Tara was a freshman last year and played really well for us. Young started the year pretty good, then she hurt her ankle in late December and was never really the same, but she's get-
ting back into shape and ready to go. We signed Cassidy Pillow of Elgin, she should help us and we have Amber Robertson coming back off of redshirt. So we have four legitimate post players. Vista: Is there anything you are doing to try to improve the rebounding? Williams: That's going to be our biggest issue, rebounding. We are going to have to get the whole team to rebound, not just rely on our post players to rebound. Craig is 6-1, Laura is 5-9 so we have some bigger guards that can help with the rebounding. We are going to have to block out. That's going to be our biggest issue, blocking out. Vista: How much of last season's struggles had to do with Laura's injury? Williams: I would say early in the year, it had a huge impact but later in the year, we forgot how to win games. Our players forgot how to win, forgot how to play together. Early in the year, they were so shocked that she was gone and she wouldn't be back. With girls when you lose somebody that the team is built around, they tend to shy away, while guys think "our best player is gone, we have to step our game up..", girls tend to step back a little bit. So I think early on, it was the shock of losing Laura. We were forced to play seven or eight players and we just wore those seven or eight girls out. Hopefully we'll have more depth and not wear people out like that. You have to play eight or nine players to get them ready for February and March. Vista: Who from last year's team needs to step up their play this season? Williams: Young and Jackee' Brown. Jackee's, going to have to not be as much of a scorer and more of a leader. She had to score last year because she was our outside threat. She's going to have a different role, she's going to be the point guard and direct people. Lindsay's going to step in and be a starter and she's going to have to dominate down low. Vista: What unknown Broncho players should fans expect to start making a name for themselves? Williams: I would say Tara Stewart and Jennifer Bullis. Jennifer was our backup point guard last year and Tara was our backup post player. We are playing pick-up games and those two are playing better
than they played last year. Vista: Do you think Craig and Cunningham's Division I experience will help them make a impact right away? Williams: Definitely. I think Craig probably more because she played more at OSU. After the first five games, she started the rest of the year in the Big XII, one of the most dominant conferences in women's basket-
"UCO is an easy sell, if they visit here, they come here." — Coach Williams,
regarding potential recruits
ball. Cunningham... maybe, maybe not, she didn't play as much as Craig did but Cunningham is a smart player, she's probably one of the smartest players we have had here in a while. I think both of them will have a big impact on the team. Vista: Do you expect Pillow to come in and compete for playing time right away? Williams: I do, she just played in a all-star game and played really well. What's going to help Pillow is that she's left-handed, which makes her hard to defend, so I think she'll have a big impact. Plus, she's ready to play, she wants to play, I think that will separate her from a lot of people because she's such a hard worker. Vista: What do you look for in a recruit, basketball-wise? Williams: I look for a good athlete with a good attitude. I try to watch a recruit three or four times before a make a decision to recruit them or not. It's going to take a lot of my time but I think it's worth it. We are going to lose Lindsay, Laura and Jackee', we have to get players to fill those voids especially in the post. I think at guard we'll be ok but I'll have to bring in at least two post players and they are hard to find. Vista: How do you sell UCO to a recruit? Williams: UCO sells itself, if you've been on other Division II campuses, this one's the best. The look, the atmosphere, the location. Normally if we get them to visit here, they'll come here. UCO is a easy sell.
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New women's Head Coach Shawn Williams discusses her team in her office at Hamilton Field House.
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