The Vista July, 12, 2007 by The Vista

www.thevistaonline.com

INSIDE

1HE

Page 2: Editorial

Page 3: Visitors parking lot Page 4: 'Transformers' Page 6: Sports

The Student Voice of the University of Central Oklahoma Since 1903

July 12, 2007

Police pursue Chase through UCO campus Tuition increase the side of the car," Chu said. Hall, police reports state. The impact from the chains "There was several hundred dolStaff Writer lars worth of damage, at least." and poles damaged the officer's After getting shortchanged The incident involving Chase patrol car, and he was unable to and receiving the wrong was set off following a verbal continue the chase in his vehiorder at a McDonalds drivedispute with a manager at the cle, Lakin stated in his report. thru, an angry Edmond man Within a few minutes, howMcDonalds on E. 2nd Street. led city police on a wild chase According to police reports, ever, Chase was located on a through the UCO campus Officer Paul Lakin was dis- roof by police dogs and placed early July 7, causing damage patched to the scene after the under arrested at about 4 a.m. to school grounds and a patrol Intial charges against Chase manager called to complain car that was pursuing him. about Chase's irate behavior. include Attempting to Elude The suspect, 34-yearOnce in the general vicin- a Police Officer, Endangering old Marcus Sean Chase, was ity, Lakin quickly spotted the Another Person, Malicious arrested on W. Colcord Ave suspect's red Ford Focus flee- Injury or Destruction of State— just a few yards from his ing the area toward UCO. Owned Property and Driving own home — after an Edmond Marcus Sean Chase As Chase headed west on Under a Suspended License. K-9 unit tracked him to the Chase also had an out2nd Street, Lakin observed roof of a house on the street. ed in the pursuit, told the him driving at a high rate of standing warrant in Oklahoma UCO Police Chief Jeff Edmond Police Department speed and began to pursue the County, although he claimed he Harp said the damage to the total damage to school suspect, police reports state. didn't know anything about it. the university was minor. property was about $500. After turning right on EPD spokeswoman Baumann, Chase continued "He took out three poles in front of the canon at Thatcher Glynda Chu said her depart- to evade Lakin before drivHall, but nobody was hurt ment also suffered some dam- ing through a UCO parking and I don't know of any ages, although not to one of lot and eventually onto school other damage," Harp said. their primary patrol vehicles. grounds where he took out the "It was one of our spare three black poles and chain Andrew Knittle can be reached at UCO Police Officer Julius cars, but the mirror was broken near the canon at Thatcher aknittle@thevistaonline.com . Adkins, who briefly assistand there was scratches all over by Andrew Knittle

"Displaying our colors"

to begin this fall by Lyndsay Gillum Copy Editor

The Oklahoma Regents for Higher Education approved an increase in tuition and fees for in-state students June 28. Beginning this fall, tuition and fees will increase about ten dollars per credit hour to $128.55. The increase in figures for UCO comes to be 8.6 percent. The June 28 meeting of the OSRHE discussed the approval of institutional tuition and mandatory fee requests for resident and nonresident undergraduate, graduate and professional programs for the 2008 Fiscal Year. As expected, institutions requested new rates that mostly are well under the maximum rates. "University presidents came in [June 27 meeting] and talked about their tuition requests and what they were asking for," • Greg Sawyer, associate vice chancellor for Budget and Finance for OSRHE, said. "Most of the activity today [June 28 meeting] was taking a vote according to their requests. There wasn't much discussion." Tuition rates for undergradu-

ate residents at UCO per credit hour for FY08 is $128.55 and the cost for 30 credit hours equals out to be $3,856.50. For graduate residents, per hour rates are $164.55 and the cost for 24 credit hours totals $3,949.20. UCO ranked sixth, highest to lowest, on tuition increases from FY07 to FY08. In 2007, cost per credit hour was $117.95 and for FY08, cost rose to $128.55. The average percentage increase for undergraduate, resident tuition and mandatory fees is 8.6 percent. The average dollar increase for a full-time undergraduate resident student is $259.77. For an undergraduate resident student, the average per credit hour increase is $8.66. The largest undergraduate increase is 10 percent at Rogers State University in Claremore and the highest undergraduate, resident tuition and mandatory fees is $186.90 per credit hour at OU. The lowest undergraduate, resident tuition and mandatory fees are $70.05 per credit hour at Northern Oklahoma College, according to the meeting agenda.

see REGENTS, page 4

Heavy rain causes flooding in Art Bldg by Andrew Knittle Staff Writer

by Vista photographer Chris Albers

The Oklahoma Centennial Celebration float creeps down Ayers street at the Edmond Liberty Fest, July 4, 2007. To view the complete photo gallery of LibertyFest, visit the Vista website at www.thevistaonline.com .

Immigration policy affects students' labor by Abha Eli Phoboo Staff Writer

The United States immigration laws concerning F 1 visa holders prohibit them from working off-campus. Some students take the risk anyway in order to stay in college. Every semester, incidents of international students arrested by Immigration and Naturalization Services for working off-campus are reported to Office of International Student Services. Students who are arrested fight long, expensive legal battles in a bid to graduate. "Some international students have it difficult, but they shouldn't work off-campus. The employers should also be punished, not just the students. The students are arrested and deported but the employers will just hire another," said

Jalal Daneshfar, OISS adviser. On June 28, the immigration bill supported by President Bush was shot down in the Senate, and with it, the hopes of many international students. Section 525 (b) of the defeated federal bill proposed offcampus work authorization for foreign students. The bill's provision stated "aliens admitted as non-immigrant students ... may be employed in an off-campus position unrelated to the alien's field of study if (A) the alien has enrolled full-time at the education institution and is maintaining good academic standing; and (B) the employer provides the education institution and the Secretary of Labor with an attestation that the employer (i) has spent at least 21 days recruiting United States citizens to fill the position; and (ii) will

Oklahoma Animal Hall of Fame Today at 5 p.m. News Central on Channel 6

pay the alien and other similarly situated workers at a rate equal to or not less than the greater of -- the actual wage level for the occupation at the place of employment; or the prevailing wage level for the occupation in the area of employment." However, Oklahoma's immigration bill that passed in May, which is touted as the toughest immigration policy in the nation, has no provision for international students. According to Glenn Freeman, OISS adviser, the options offered to foreign students for off-campus work authorization are: request, due to economic hardship, internship or apply for Optional Practical Training. "Internships mean paying added tuition and working limited hours and OPT is allowed only for a year," said Freeman.

Decisions for work permit requests due to economic hardship are often a gamble and take three months to be processed. If denied, the student forfeits the application fees. "The law is a bad law because it punishes students the most. Universities need to do something about it,". said Daneshfar. National Association of Foreign Student Advisers report foreign students and their dependents contributed approximately $13.49 billion to the U.S. economy in the 2005-2006 academic year. In Oklahoma alone, they contributed $155,973,000. International students pay around $4,000 per semester for 12 credit hours. This fall, tuition will increase by 7.8 percent. Abha Eli Phoboo can be reached at aphoboo@thevistaonline.com.

The near-constant rain of the past month, coupled with a thunderstorm on Monday night, caused some significant flooding — and damage — in the Art and Design Building's basement. Larry Heftier, chair of the Department of Design, wasn't sure just how much money the flooding will cost his department, but said a $6,000 press machine used to dry mount photographs, posters and other media did sustain some damage. Some photograph enlargers and other equipment in the basement were also damaged, Hefner said. "It's frustrating, but we have to deal with what we have to deal with," Hefner said. "The building is old and these kinds of things will happen." Hefner also said some classrooms and hallways on the ground floor found themselves under small amounts of water as students and faculty began trickling into the building July 9. The Melton Gallery, which houses more than 50 paintings

of American and European art spanning 500 years, also received minor flooding. "Facilities is aware of the problem and they're doing everything they can right now," Hefner said. The Art and Design Building, which hasn't had any major structural improvements done to it in nearly 20 years, is due to have some complicated foundation repair in the near future, but Hefner said the constant wet weather is delaying that work from getting underway. Until then, the water in the building will be mopped up as it comes in and fans are being used to help facilitate the drying process. The flooding appeared to have caused minimal disruptions in the Arts, Media and Design departments, but there is one problem Hefner admitted has caused him some annoyance. "The only men's room is in the basement," he said. "So, that can cause some problems." Andrew Knittle can be reached at aknittle@thevistaonline.com.

by Vista photographer Chris Albers

Monday's heavy rain infiltrated the Art and Design Building's printmaking basement.

"The most important political office is that of the private citizen." -Louis D. Brandeis

THURS. 90/72 FRI.

87/66

OPINION July 12, 2007

THEVISTA Editorial

Photography

Steven Reckinger, Editor in Chief Aaron Wright, Managing Editor Lyndsay Gillum, Copy Editor

Chris Albers, Photographer Chris Otten, Photographer

Advertising Megan Pierce, Ad Director Aaron Pettijohn, Ad Designer

News Nathan Winfrey, Senior Staff Writer Andrew Knittle, Staff Writer Justin Langston, Staff Writer Abha Eli Phoboo, Staff Writer

Cartoons/Illustrations Zachary Burch

Secretary Tresa Berlemann

Sports Adviser

Jeff Massie, Sports Editor

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 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 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 e-mailed to editorial@thevistaonline.corn.

Cartoon by Zachary Burch i

STAFF EDITORIAL

President Bushrs commute on Libby, fair or unjust? Opinion When President Bush commuted Lewis "Scooter" Libby's 30-month prison sentence last Monday (July 2), he spent a lot of that "political capital" he bragged about earning following his 2004 triumph over his third cousin Frankenstein, (aka John Kerry). Calling Libby's two-andhalf-year sentence "harsh" and "excessive," Bush let the ex-Cheney aide off the hook for the "hard time" he would have served, but left the $250,000 fine, which Libby has already paid, in place. Bush also noted that Libby's personal and professional reputation "is forever damaged." So, what does this mean for Bush and his 25-30 percent approval rating? The answer is not much. Those people who still approve of the job Bush is doing wouldn't change unless they came home and caught the President urinating in their sock drawers — and even then they would probably just laugh it off in exchange for a photo of themselves with the leader of the free world. But what about his legacy, what are the historians and academics going to be scrawling about when they look back at his presidency in 10 or 20 years? What do other nations — nations who listen to Bush talk

about good versus evil and- all of that — feel about this move? " It's bad enough that Binh has gotten the United States involved in a war that can almost certainly never be won (not with the way politics interfere with military performance), but now he has gone and displayed some pretty blatant and sickening cronyism, which some in this country hate and despise more than the killing of innocent Arab women and children in Iraq (would call this a joke, but sadly it's probably true). Although he has the right to do so granted to him in the Constitution, the simple fact is that Bush was too close to this investigation and should have never even thought of interceding. Aside from serving as the aide of the Darth Vaderlike Cheney, Libby also served as an assistant to Bush — the very man who commuted his sentence. Legal — yes. But is that even remotely ethical? No. Now, with prison time out of the picture, it is very unlikely that Libby will provide any further information regarding the leaked information of American operatives in 2003. This fact leaves a bad taste in the mouths of those who fear a corrupt government, where the few in power will do anything — even as the entire world watches — to protect members of their little club.

Opinion

America is introduced to another political scandal blown out of proportion. The result: a president that doesn't quite understand the meaning of justice. Lewis 'Scooter' Libby, White House assistant to both Bush and Cheney, committed a dishonorable act by assisting in the leak of a CIA operative's identity. Here, we are at war with a

near the damage of what con- in a courtroom. Is it due to the stitutes the worst U.S. breach potential stain on one's reputain history, but political cover- tion? Reputation is insignifiups are not to be taken lightly. cant when it boils down to the When President Bush necessity of maintaining law. There will undoubtedly decides to commute a prison sentence because he believes be thousands who agree with it's too 'harsh' or 'excessive,' Bush's retraction of Libby's that becomes a reflection on the sentence, and based on sevAmerican people. A $250,000 eral sources, there are plenty fine isn't going to put an end of political officials who stand to government conspiracies by Bush's actions. But that and abused executive order. A doesn't make it right. It's anothtainted reputation of a er topic needed to be addressed White House offi- to the public. Exercising our cial means little right to vote should play a part to the common in the welfare of our nation, citizen. What and if that means sending a we need is politician to prison for a meathe con- sly two-and-a-half years, then firmation at least we know we did our that Bush jobs, unlike a certain president. is willing to put his fciot down and do his job. If that So, Bush pardoned Scooter means send- Libby. Or rather, commuted ing a govern- his sentence. We get a whole ment representa- week of people screaming tive to prison for two about abuse of powers and and a half years, then so be it. such. Keith Olberman had an The privileges of democ- amazing special comment askracy become shattered when- ing Bush and Cheney to resign, ever Bush feels the need to act yadda yadda. It was a fun week, according to his own personal but really, who's surprised? Seriously, did anyone realfeelings, which has been quite a lot. Turning the president into a ly think Libby was going to judge jeopardizes the essence of jail? I half expected Bush to law enforcement. The legal sys- pardon the dude as soon as tem has already revoked practi- he was sentenced; I'm actucally every prison sentence for ally surprised by the wait. Still, it doesn't make it right. every celebrity that sets foot

Opinion 3

country that doesn't seem to let up and our politicians are being careless in their duties. A prison sentence of 30 months may seem like a long time locked away from the rest of the world, but compared to the life sentence of FBI agent Robert Hanssen who spied for the Soviet Union for twenty some years, it's child's play. Perhaps, the extremity compared to Hanssen's crime is nowhere

CAMPUS QUOTES:

Libby was obstructing justice. It's possible that he, prevented people who committed real crimes from paying for them. I'm all for loyalty and all, but justice is more important than that. The ability to pardon, or commute sentences, is not something any president should be allowed to abuse. It's happened before and it's even somewhat expected, but it's still wrong. The president shouldn't be able to declare someone free of their charges no matter who they are. Pardons are something that needs to be reviewed and researched and used to help people who are wrongly convicted or wrongly accused. Not for the president to bail out his friends. Honestly, I don't know how to fix the problem. The president can pretty much pardon anyone he wants and that's something that's probably not going to change. Maybe they should set up some kind of oversight committee or review board, just to make sure it's okay for the president to pardon someone. Maybe I'm just trying to make the world into a fairy tale where justice is always done and oversight committees magically fix everything. Yeah, that's probably it.

The Vista editorial staff can be reached at editorial@thevistaonIine.com.

In the June 28 issue, the fourth person on Campus Quotes was misnamed. The correct name should be Kristen Dawson, broadcast senior.

Compiled and photographed by Chris Albers and Chris Otten

"How do you feel about the president's use of executive privilege?" "He oversteps presidential authority quite frequently."

"Surprised? No. It speaks of his own arrogance and disregard."

"I don't have a problem with it. I'm a Bush fan."

"I think he's an idiot and controlled by Dick Cheney."

Dale Knight

Dustin Baum

Katherine Kocher

Alex Webber

Program specialist

English senior

Finance instructor

Journalism freshman

NEWS

July 12, 2007

RAs to face changes in pay Visitors lot under construction by Aaron Wright Managing Editor

by Nathan Winfrey Senior Staff Writer

â&#x20AC;˘

Starting next semester, the way UCO's resident assistants (RAs) are rewarded for their services will change drastically. During the fall and spring semesters, about 40 RAs are divided among each residence hall, keeping Murdaugh, West, Suites, Commons and Central Plaza from falling apart at the seams. They mitigate disasters, liaise disagreements, plan activities and make nightly patrols to sniff out reefer smoke and keep members of the opposite sex out after hours. Currently, the RAs, who are also full-time students, are paid $6.15 per hour for 20 hours a week, but are left to cover room and board costs out of their own (or their parents') pockets. The new move will discontinue their bi-monthly paycheck in return for waived housing fees and free meals in the cafeteria, along with a small cash stipend at the beginning and end of each semester for extra hours worked during the opening and closing of the halls. "I definitely prefer the new way, because it lowers my college bill, and I can have another job that will pay for the other things that I need to pay for," said Shiann Davis, Commons RA and criminal justice senior. "In the long run everyone is getting a better deal, it just ends up equaling more than what we were originally getting paid." "I prefer the new method as far as getting room and board paid for...however, I prefer the old method because I got a paycheck every two weeks. I know a lot of RAs are talk-

by Vista photographer Chris Albers

Resident assistant Danica Brown works behind the desk at the University Commons Club House.

ing about getting another job because the stipend isn't going to amount to much," said Ryan Butler, Murdaugh Hall RA and nursing senior. He said he and other RAs wish the housing office would offer them flex meal plans instead of regular ones, because flex will allow them to purchase food from other areas of the campus than the cafeteria, which has , very limited hours of operation. If RAs have class during lunch or dinnertime, it can be difficult or impossible for them to get

food under the current plan. Butler said housing director Josh Overocker and new assistant housing director Josh Deacon are trying to make the RA job better suited for the type of position it is, rather than treating it like any other student job. "This is better pay for the RAs," Davis said. "And a good way to attract more applicants to the job opportunity." Nathan Winfrey can be reached at nwinfrey@thevistaonline.com .

Minimum wage to increase 70 cents for UCO employees by Lyndsay Gillum Copy Editor The federal minimum wage will increase from $5.15 to $5.85 per hour, effective with UCO's pay period beginning July 22. Student salary bands include clerical, which pays $5.15 to $7, technical, $5.15 to $7.50, and tutors whose pay ranges from $5.15 to $8. The change will affect those students currently making less than $5.85 this summer. No additional paperwork will be needed from the student's departments. Payroll staff will enter the new hourly wage for each individual. Student salary budgets will be funded to accommodate the increase. The increase not only affects UCO students but workers in 16 other states. "The University of Central Oklahoma believes that a student's primary function is to attend to their studies," said UCO's administration website. "To that end, we do not encourage any department to hire a student and routinely work them the maximum number of hours

Put Yourself to the Test... Do you have the Mk and knowledge to challenge one of our oast? We have approzimatdy 45 nationally standardized exams and 158 tests developed here at WO that you can take to earn college credit to benefit your degree.

possible on a continuing basis." President Bush signed a minimum wage increase into law May 25. The U.S. Department of Labor announced that July 24 would be the official date of the first of three 70-cent step increases. The schedule of the three federal increases start July 24, 2007 to $5.85 per hour; July 24, 2008 to $6.55 per hour; and July 24, 2009 to $7.25 per hour, according to the Labor

Law Center. The federal minimum wage has been $5.15 per hour since 1997. In general, employers in 17 states, including Oklahoma, will effectively see the minimum wage they are required to pay increase

in the standardized process with the three increases outlined above, read the Business and Legal Reports website. If an UCO department will be posting student positions for the fall, make sure to reflect the new minimum in the requisition and on the Student Employment Action Form as students are hired. "I think it's about time that minimum wages went up," senior advertising major Lauren Jones said. "The increase from $5.15 to $5.85 still isn't high enough, but it's better than nothing at all." "Though minimum wages have increased here at UCO and throughout the state, I believe that the wages should be higher," senior general studies major Melaney Hamilton said. "$5.85 is ridiculous and I think it should be at least increased to $7." For more information, call Employment Services at 974-2366.

Lyndsay Gillum can be reached at Igillum@thevistaonline.com.

www.thevistaonline.corn

break out of the

ORDINARY

an into tne

EXTRAORDINA REDUCED RATES! no deposit with this ad

-studio 1,2 & 3 Bedrooms -Pool and Hot tub â&#x20AC;&#x201D;JorIALL_ -State of the art fitness center -BasketbaliNollyball court -Tennis court -Washer/Dryer in every apartment -Computer center with free wi-fl -Convenient to UCO,shopping & dining

Offford Oaks

348-2431 1920 E. 2nd Edmond

"We want to be able to fit in," said Michael Sokoff, director of Transportation and Parking Services, explaining why the office is revamping the visitors parking lot on campus. He said that the lot is the first impression of the university for visitors attending conferences and workshops. He would like for the parking lot to match the decor of the rest of the university. He also noted the difficulty customers of the lot have in entering and exiting the lot, especially when there is a lot of traffic. He said the re-constructed parking lot will have two exits. One exit will be equipped to have the barricade removed for events like conferences when everyone has pre-paid. The exiting traffic will be able to flow more efficiently, said. Sokoff. Within the next 2 years, Sokoff would like to install "pay and display" kiosks that allow visitors to bypass an attendant and simply pay for a pass and leave it in their car. Most machines accept cash or credit cards. He said that some machines even allow people to update their parking pass via cell phone. "These are certainly more efficient for those corning to campus," he said. The project has a budget of $250,000 and should be completed by Aug. 13, 2007. The money comes from a capital project fund that has been building for several years. Sokoff explained that every time a parking pass is purchased, approximately 70 percent of the money goes to pay off the bonds that funded the original parking lots on campus. The other 30 percent goes into a maintenance fund: That fund is what is used to refurbish the lots on campus. "People are under the misconception that all the money

rowyarint

by Vista photographer Chris Otten

The visitors parking lot is currently being revamped for more efficient ways of maintaining traffic and making UCO look attractive.

comes to us," said Sokoff. In actuality, he said the department doesn't receive any direct money from the parking passes. "Quiet frankly, we haven't been able to do as much as yve needed to do because the irrding isn't there," he said. Sokoff said the plan is that every five years, every parking lot should have the cracks filled and have new pavement laid and kialed. During that time, the parking spaces are also refigured and painted according, to traffic flow in the lot. Every 10 years, one parking lot should be completely restructured. They are currently in the process of planning for the next

10-year project. Next summer, the department is bringing in a consultant to assist with construction and engineering needs. Sokoff said several elements cause damage to the infrastructure of the lots. Shifting soil and water erosion include a few of the elements. He also said ice can especially damage the lots. "When you actually have to look at the parking lot as a specific entity, you start to look at the issues associated with that," he said.

Aaron Wright can be reached at awright@thevistaonline.com .

Apple iPhone to revolutionize the wireless phone industry by Justin Langston Staff Writer On June 29, Apple released its long awaited iPhone to legions of Apple fans nationwide. With all the hype surrounding the launch of the new machine, long lines forming outside Apple Stores across the country was the norm. For the iPhone's opening weekend, the machine sold nearly 700,000 units by closing time Sunday evening on July 1, with AT&T reporting that their entire stock had been nearly depleted. "We're going to make history together,"Apple CEO Steve Jobs said when he first announced the iPhone back in January. The iPhone has been the subject of discussion all over the Internet and the media ever since it was announced in the spring, with many claiming that it will revolutionize the cell phone industry. Now with the phone available, the reviews have come back as mostly positive, but with a few minor flaws. The little machine, measuring slightly larger than an iPod Nano, can do a great deal of things. In addition to being a phone, it can take pictures, play music and videos and surf the Internet. All of it runs on its own version of Apple's Macintosh OS X. The iPhone's Internet feature is widely considered to be one of its more impressive features, with David Pogue from the New York Times calling it "a real dazzler." The Internet on the iPhone looks exactly like the Internet with fonts and the same layouts anyone would find on a home computer. Not everything on the iPhone is perfect, however. Both Pogue and the Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg both mentioned in their reviews how difficult the virtual keyboard was to use initially. While Pogue called

Photo illustration by Chris Albers

Apple's new iPhone was released June 29 and is priced at $499 and $599, depending on the gig size.

the keyboard "frustrating," Another issue is the price. Mossberg found it to be mostly The 4-gig iPhone is $499 and a non-issue. Both reviewers the 8 gigs are $599. While cited the auto-correcting feature the iPhone can do a lot, it to be a great help in typing. can still be considered rather An issue reviewers had expensive for just a phone. was slow Internet, with some Despite a few flaws, the saying that the phone took iPhone is still a media darupward to 100 seconds to open ling and seems to be livthe Yahoo! homepage for the ing up to most of its hype. first time. The phone does notsypport Java or Flash yet. Mother problem is that the iPhone only supports the AT&T network, which, according to Pogue's review, scored last or second to last in service in 19 of Justin Langston can be reached at 20 cities, depending on location. fiangston@thevistaonline.com .

NEWS

July 12, 2007

American Medical Association states video game addiction is premature by Justin Langston Staff Writer The American Medical Association softened its stance on excessive video game playing, saying that calling it an addictive disorder is premature. The AMA says that more research is needed before it can officially be called an addiction. "While more study is needed on the addictive potential of video games," AMA President Ronald Davis told the AP. "The AMA remains concerned about the behavioral health and societal effects of video game and Internet overuse." Davis tells parents that the AMA still encourages them to monitor their children's use of video games. "It's certainly possible that if someone spends hours in front of the TV or video games, they may feel lethargic," said Dr. Lorraine Youll, associate pro-

fessor of psychology. straight with neither food nor While the AMA is still not water, nor did the man leave his referring to excessive video seat to use the restroom. game playing as an addiction, Still, the AMA wants to avoid they still consider it to be a any premature diagnosis. Some problem. The report from the psychologists say behavior that AMA claims that 90 percent may look like addiction may of America's youth play games actually be a symptom of social and 5 million (15 percent) are anxiety or depression. possibly addicted. The report "Regardless if playing video says "dependence-like behavior games is addictive," Youll said, is more likely to occur in chil- "it can prevent kids from develdren who start playing video oping proper social skills and games at a younger age." from exploring physical activiThe report cites massively ties." multiplayer online role-play- The AMA will continue to do ing games, such as "World of research on the subject, which Warcraft" and "City of Heroes" include searching for an approas the games that are most likely priate amount of screen time to cause problems. Anecdotally, foe for children who play video players have often referenced games. Although when such the addictive quality of such information will be available is games sometimes leading to currently unknown, the AMA failed relationships (includ- hopes to have more information ing failed marriages) and low- on video game addiction by its ered grades. In one rare case in next annual meeting. South Korea, a man died after playing the real-time strategy Justin Langston can be reached at game "Starcraft" for three days jlangston@thevistaonline.com .

'Transformers,' more than meets the eye

ileftwourra.v.46/

AP Photo

A scene from the film 'Transformers,' showing Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, face off against the Decepticon, Bonecrusher. things in interesting ways, and but he even played Zoolander's by Nathan Winfrey that's exactly the kind of per- father with a straight face. Senior Staff Writer son required to bring something There are many problems "Transformers" is likely a like "Transformers" to life. with the narrative, as many film that will scare off most But don't dismiss his latest characters are underdeveloped audiences with it's ridiculous movie as simply that. It's by and many of the plot points premise and action-figure ori- far the best thing he's ever put require more than a little susgins, and that's too bad because on screen, though it's hard to pension of disbelief, but the I was surprised to find it to be miss his signature camera tricks eye candy sure is well-stocked, one of the most enjoyable mov- and trademark usage of unnec- and there's no better misdirecies to come out in a long time. essary American flags. There's tion from plot holes and crapIt's loud and flashy to the point probably a drinking game in py writing than hot women of sensory overload, but it's also there somewhere for anyone and shiny special effects. funny and sweet and evokes motivated enough to find it. "Transformers" never sets feelings I hadn't experienced There's not much of a out to be anything more than since I last played with big plot, but what the screenwrit- it is, which means it succeeds plastic trucks in the sandbox. ers throw at us is this: dorky on most levels. That's not sayForget the fact that regu- teen Sam Witwicky's (Shai ing the key to making effective lar-sized cars change into LaBeouf, "Disturbia") goals in movies is to intentionally make giant robots and back again life are to get good grades, so bad ones, but when your subwith no regard to the differ- he can buy a car, get a girl (pref- ject matter is as far-fetched as ing masses of those objects, or erably Mikaela Banes, played this, you can't help but go for that four teenagers are some- by strikingly beautiful Megan broke when it comes to overhow more equipped to solve Fox), and then do whatever it the-top action and spectacle. the world's problems than gov- is that teen boys do with girls. I highly recommend this ernment think tanks, and never However, Sam unknowingly movie to anyone who's tired mind that the plot hinges on holds the key to what will end of sequels and black-and-white the fact that alien robots surf an intergalactic robot war that French films about people who eBay. This is a Michael Bay has been raging for thousands cry a lot, and taking these steps summer blockbuster, and it of years and his hormone- should maximize your enjoymust be graded on a different driven ambitions are preempt- ment: buy ticket, buy popcorn, scale than films like "Citizen ed while he joins in the fight. sit down, stare at screen, turn Kane" and "The Godfather." Kevin Dunn is funny as Sam's brain off, open mouth, insert If you look at Bay's cranky father, John Voigt stars popcorn, chew, repeat, enjoy. career, you see films like as the requisite government "Armageddon," "Bad Boys II" type and Jon Turturro turns in 3 Stars / 5 and "Pearl Harbor." He's not a memorable performance as a exactly a director known for hateable secret organization Ghis coherence, subtlety or intel- Man. Voigt seems to be the only Nathan Winfrey can be reached at ligence, but if there's one thing one taking his role seriously, nwinfrey@thevistaonline.com . he does right, it's blow up big

What Nathan Thinks by Nathan Winfrey If you're reading this, it means you survived the unbearable heat, stray fireworks, questionable pot-luck dishes, invading mosquitoes, strangely hot cousins who've filled out since the last time you saw them and your fat uncle Ken who refuses to put on a shirt. Congratulations, another 4th of July weekend is behind you. Whether you spent it risking your appendages in backyard fireworks bonanzas or sat back in a lawn chair and let the "professionals" blow off their own digits, chances are you saw something make a loud "boom" over the weekend. And whether you ate funnel cakes and other fair food cooked in a glorified Porta-Potty, or braved some not-so-distant relative's fly-infested barbecue, you probably had fun but are thankful it's over. However, like most holidays, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween (it's so commercialized, it's barely about Satan's birthday anymore) we routinely celebrate Independence Day and probably don't think much about what it means, and if we do, our understanding of those events about a million years ago, when Neill Armstrong first planted his flag on Plymouth Harbor and claimed America from the Japanese, is a bit warped. I'm not going to name names, but one of the fireworks displays I went to over the holiday weekend is pretty indisputable evidence of this. The show was great—loud explosions, thousands of people on blankets and lawn chairs, live patriotic music from an old-timey gazebo and plenty of artery-clogging fried foods at reasonable prices. The problem was with their giant,

REGENTS from page 1 In a story in the Edmond Sun, UCO spokesman Charlie Johnson said that Oklahoma colleges and universities are a bargain compared to other schools in the region. "You don't have to look too hard to find that UCO is the best value of the major Oklahoma universities," Johnson said. "We have a great metropolitan location, small class size and costs remain significantly lower than OU and OSU." OSRHE revealed they are planning to honor legislative earmarks that most benefit the state's largest universities after two weeks of consideration and a few confrontational phone calls. At the particular regents meeting on June 27, members warned legislators that the state's constitution gives them the final say in the allotment of money, and they didn't appreciate being told what to do,

TODAY'S ANSWERS

5 1 3 9 8 7 2 6 4

3 7 2 8 4 5 6 1 9

1 5 8 6 9 3 4 7 2

6 9 4 2 7

U 1- E 1) ° C 'A IV T b 13 'b 't L I D E A G U E F L UX N F I Lal- R AT E FON AT T E R 1 sivnibcA S T E 1 N S WI D E N 1.. E 1/ tNDS /E A H T D I T. b 0 T t R 0 S ACObYL 1341 INNU Lt 11 E R E MOM SN UB d ig t IR I A 1— A L P b b E B S 1-I E I L A . 1.- 0 A C 1-1 0 G S T b T C H A 1-1 S E tDENTU LOUS IR E N T NOSE t LOTH 'PATE TREE 5 ONSY IR t "I 11 1

6: 3-

Puzzle by websudoku.com

4 8 7 5 6 2 9 3 1

..<

2 6 9 1 3 4 8 5 7

7 4 5 3 2 6 1 9 8

2 6 7 1 8 3

8 3 1 4 5 9 7 2 6

light-up toy soldier decorations recycled from last Christmas. The shimmering ornaments, standing about 10-feet tall, were depicted in full-on red, Revolutionary War-era British uniforms (for those of you who spent U.S. History to 1877 drawing skulls and rock fists on your binder, America gained it's independence from Britain after the Revolutionary War, and the ones in red where the bad guys). Best (or worst) of all was an animated light-up display depicting a British soldier firing a cannon at a

of people from the conception of the original idea to the point of the structures actually being erected on the lawn, and no one found a problem with it. It's like decorating a Yom Kippur prayer vigil with Swastikas, or serving hamburgers at a celebration for the Hindu New Year. It's very inappropriate, and if anyone was smart enough to notice, it would have offended a lot of people. The 4th of July is not just about the smell of gunpowder, your neighbor reducing his left hand to a tattered, bloody stump, fez-wearing Shriners waving from little cars or playing Black Cat fetch with your pit bulls (I actually saw some kids doing this; the dogs loved N it). It's about commemorating the day George Washington refused to get off the bus and Ben Franklin tore down the Berlin Wall with one of Zeus's lightning bolts. It's about Susan B. Anthony rejecting Darth Vader's romantic advances, Paul Revere saving the world from D-Day and the minutemen dressing up like Indians and throwing barrels of Keystone Light into Boston Harbor. It's cool that the war's behind us these days, and that we can call Britain now and ask it to hang out and it's not awkward at all, but be glad we won the war back then, because if we hadn't, we'd all be speaking English right now.

sign that read "Happy 4th of July." When the flashing cannonball struck the sign, the words erupted into a bright explosion of simulated fire. So, there was a British soldier blowing up the sign celebrating our independence from them, and there were hundreds of people walking all around it and no one seemed to notice anything strange. Either this year's decorations were selected by one of those people who embarrassingly failed Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" quizzes, or we have a redcoat sympathizer, (or "Torrie," for those who remember their fourth grade history vocab terms) somewhere on the planning committee. What's sad is that this decision had to go through a LOT said an article on newsok.com. The legislators earmarked $33.6 million for special projects, which were requested by several campuses. That particular money will go as directed, but for some, projects will be cut about 18 percent to make up for the $6 million lottery shortfall for June, which is the final month of this fiscal year. One issue in the legislative session was that they gave the regents $79 million, but a large sum of that was earmarked for other things, Sawyer said. In a final decision, members choose to take 17 percent off all earmarks and put some of that back in to the institutions to get them back up to a higher level of operating money. "Part of the $79 million we were given included $16.5 million for capital money," Sawyer said. "It was supposed to be spread amongst the institutions, some for OU and some for OSU, and then some for everybody else." The whole implementation of scaling back the earmarks

Nathan Winfrey can be reached at nwinfrey@thevistaonline.com.

to increase operating funds left UCO with $49,440 less than it would have gotten with the earmark. UCO also received around $3.3 million for the Forensic Center, around $2.6 million in operating funds, which was an $855,605 increase from the May Regents meeting actions. The university also received $196,429 in capital funds. "OU and OSU did not participate in the reallocation of the cutback in the earmarks," Sawyer said. The University of Oklahoma will still get $2.9 million for its Cancer Center, and Oklahoma State University will get $2.9 million to boost faculty and research positions at agriculture experiment stations and in county extensions offices, according to an article on newsok.com. But some cuts were made from these institutions, $5.5 million plus an additional $1.2 million was cut from OSU and $6.8 million was cut from OU. Lyndsay Gillum can be reached at lgillum@thevistaonline.com.

University Village Apartments Small 1 bedroom $350 Large 1 bedroom $375 2 bedroom $450 gas and water paid 330-3711 ** ATTENTION STUDENTS ** GREAT PAY Customer Sales/Service Flexible Schedule Scholarship Possible Resume Builder All Ages 17+ Conditions Apply Call Now 405-751-1509

CLASSIFIEDS Britton Nursery School now hiring PT & FT teachers. Apply 1423 W. Britton Rd. between the hours of 7am-6pm. 842-1118

DEADLINES: All classifieds MUST be submitted by noon Tuesday for the Thursday publication and Friday noon for the Tuesday publication. Prices: Classified ads cost $6/day for the first 20 words and $.10/word thereafter. PAYMENT IS DUE WHEN AD IS PLACED. Classified Display ads (one column boxed ads on classified page) have same deadlines and prices as regular display ads. Call 974-5549 or 974-5918 for info.

PINNACLE FITNESS seeking Child Care Associate. Must be experienced, patient & love working w/ children. Apply in person, Pinnacle Fitness, N. of Memorial on Penn. Next to Toys-R-Us.

Cooks, Servers, Bartenders, Hostess, busser positions . FT/PT, flexible hours, great pay! Call Julie 3309500, ext. 591 or fax resume to 340-1267 Oak Tree Country Club

July

Senior Services of Oklahoma is looking for students to fill part time positions. Several 9am - 1pm and 1:30 pm - 5:30pm shifts are available for Mon-Fri. We pay $10 per hour for energetic phone work educating senior citizens on healthcare issues. No experience is needed we will train. Business is located at 1417 NW 150th St in Edmond. Call 879-1888 to set up an interview. Ask for Hannah McMahan.

FRONT-DESK RECEPTIONIST: Various shifts. People skills are a must. Dependable, honest, hardworking, happy & responsible adults should apply at Pinnacle Fitness, TEACHER Needed imme- Memorial & Penn between LOOKING FOR A JOB diately for Edmond Daycare. Toys-R-Us & Hobby Lobby. that will work around your school schedule? Well look FT/PT. Experience preferred, no further. Papa Johns is competitive wages. Apply in LOOKING FOR person @ 24 NW 146th. Call FLEXIBLE EMPLOY- now hiring all positions at Camelot C.D.0 @ 749-2262 MENT with school sched- NW OKC & Edmond locaule? Be a part of the premier tions. Whether it's the quick CONSTRUCTION WORK, restaurant in OKC. Red Rock fast money of our delivery hiring laborers now. No expe- Canyon Grill, Apply in person drivers or your trying to build your resume by working for rience necessary. Part time or Mon-Sat 2-4. 749-1995 our management team. PJs Full time. Carpenter Experience Preferred. 824-8954. America's Fast Lane is now has what's right for your colhiring for all positions. We are lege experience. Call or stop by today. 844-7900 a chain of high quality carSERVER POSITION avail. washes with oil change and PART TIME @ Pearl's Lakeside. Apply quick maintenance offered as within. 748-6113 well. Advancement opportu- RECEPTIONIST needed for nities available. For applica- busy doctors office at Mercy. NEED STUDENT tions call 608-0570 or come Must be available to work all day TR. Other hours are posPART-TIME to clean my in to 2025 NW 142nd St. sibly available. Please fax reoffice, home & vacant apartsume to 752-4242 ments. M-F, 1:00-5:00. Near WANTED: 2 to 3 employees UCO. Must have positive at- to do telemarketing for a local titude, be dependable, trust- mortgage company several SHOGUN'S STEAK worthy & do quality work. nights a week and occasion- HOUSE of Japan hiring Call Connie 341-9651 ally on Sat. mornings Great for wait staff, bussers, dish pay with opportunity for bo- washers, host, bartender. ApThe Athlete's Foot nuses. Call (405)844-6121 ply in p erson at Northpark Mall (NW 122nd & N. May) Technical Shoe Store in AJ x200 or Jimmy x211. after 5:30pm. 749-0120. North OKC is accepting applications for employment! 12-15 hrs/week. Flexible hours & Saturdays. No retail experience needed. Call 848-3232

Edmond Language Institute, conven. located on the UCO campus, offers English as a second language classes for intern. students/ individuals. Now featuring a specially designed program with: Strong emphasis in listening and speaking Highly inter. classes, Comprehensive TOEFL program. Enjoy small classes and the campus facilities. Contact us @ (405) 341-2125 or www. thelanguagecompany.com . INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS! Need to pass the TOEFL, an 1-20 for a friend, or a 12 week cert.? English Language Center can help you! Call us at (405)348-7602, visit our web site www.elcok.com, or come meet us in person at 1015-C Waterwood Parkway, next to the UCO University Plaza on 2nd Street.

NURSING STUDENT WANTED for busy doctor's office at Mercy. Must be available to work all day TR. Other hours are possibly available. Please fax resume to 752-4242.

12, 2007

ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT. Gas and water paid. No Pets! Located near UCO. 1209 N. Roosevelt. $360.00/ MO. Plus deposit. 341-9651 Remodeled 3 bed, 1 bath. 11 West Colcord. $775/Month, $775/Deposit. 590-7719

PART-TIME/FULLTIME Office assistantknowledge of Word, WordPerfect, PowerPoint, phone, RESPONSIBLE math skills and driving required; Flexible hours. HOUSEMATE WANTED Email resume to rrsuop@ , Sonoma Lake (15th and Sante Fe) Rent $375.00 per sbcglobal.net . month. Share bills by # of Handy student wanted for roommates. 1900 sq. ft. 3 painting and lawn mainte- car garage. Security system. Female only. 550-7205 nance. Close to UCO campus. Afternoons. Must be self motivated, trustworthy and able to work unsuperPUPPIES FOR SALE vised. 341-9651 6 week old Jack Russell/Papillon mixed puppies for sale. 6 total, very cute, very 1/2 month FREE RENT Ideal student house/ 3 bed- petite $50 OBO. 410-3341 ask for Brad. room/ 1 bath/ Pets OK. 3 minutes from UCO. Call 413-4107 612 W. 2nd Mobile #7 Large mobile w/ 2 bed/1 bath. Full size washer/dryer, central heat & air. $525/ month, $200 deposit. 6 month lease. Call Ms. June @ 208-2577 DILLON PARK APARTMENTS Now pre-leasing for Summer & Fall. Free cable, .V., phone & high-speed ernet. Call 285-5900 COIt GE DISCOUNTS AV. Spacious 1 & 2 bed units,,Sped from $450.00600.00. /Limited availability. Call today to reserve your new home. (405) 341-8911

Buy 2 meals and take $2 oil your total bill or buy 1 meal and lake $1 off.

$2 OFF ANY 2 MEALS Not valid with any other offer. expires 6 30

& Broadway 348-155a

sottststossossts *BEST KEPT SECRET IN [MOND, GREAT LOCATION 1 Bed $415 2 Bed $515

6 mo. leases Prkin

I I ,e;11 ,

1,1

Crossword

Sudoku