9-17-10

Fort

y years of being the student voice

Volume XXXX, Issue 4

Friday, September 17, 2010

15th Street News

Meet...Who would want to be SpongeBob Squarepants?

Check out the Spotlight to find out... Page 5

The VMAsJustin Bieber becomes the youngest person to win a VMA award.... page 3

Brittany McDanielNews Editor

Roses are red, rubies are too,RSC celebrates its 40th with you

RSC has never been short on diversity of campus clubs. From religious to non-traditional, there seemed to be a fit for every student. But throughout 40 years, there has been one group without representation – until now.

The Spectrum Alliance at Rose State officially called themselves a club July 6, when

their constitution was approved. “We named it Spectrum Alliance because the acronym for everybody that would be included in the gender identity spectrum would be vast,” Penny Reynolds, club president said.

Spectrum came to life after Reynolds was approached on campus to sign an anti-gay marriage petition near the LRC. “I tried to ask their name and find out who they were with, but they just ran to their car and drove off,” Reynolds said. Vice President Elizabeth

Keyser and Reynolds went throughout campus to find someone to report this to. “There was no structure or club in place,” Keyser said.

Spectrum’s mission statement is clear. “Our mission is to provide information, activities, a safe place and a voice to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) and supporting students at RSC.”

“We want it to be known there is a group here supporting. If you feel you have nobody to talk to, you have a group who understands,” Reynolds said.

Like any new group on campus, Spectrum leaders have been doing their homework. “I’ve started basic communication with UCO’s group to get tips on being a club,” Keyser said. “We really want to hit the ground running and get our name out there quickly.”

“We’re getting the basic structure of the club started,” said Reynolds. “Raider Dayz was really our first days as a club.” Approximately 45 people signed the information sheet at the club’s table. “All across the board it’s been supported,” said Keyser. “Two women who had children who were gay stopped to talk to us.”

And it’s not just the students who are open to Spectrum. “Faculty have been very supportive [here],” said Keyser. Club Advisors Elizabeth Boger and Aaron Bachhofer have lent their expertise and advice to Spectrum

officers.Reynolds and Keyser have high

expectations of their own. “We want to be involved in all aspects of the club scene here on campus,” Reynolds said. “We’re looking at student club of the year and we want to do things within the club; aids awareness, domestic abuse.”

“We’ve talked about doing a movie night on campus on LGBT and maybe having a speaker,” Keyser said.

The Spectrum club meets in the Social Sciences kitchen the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 3:30 p.m. Meeting are open to non-members and community members.

Spectrum Contact:

Facebook: Rose State Spectrum

Alliance

Twitter: RSCSpectrum

E-mail: [email protected]

Miranda LimingAssistant Editor

Campus expands diversityLGBT club seeks spectrum of students

After forty years of dedication to students, faculty and the local community, RSC is throwing one stellar birthday party. Sept. 21 marks the big 4-0 for the school, and an entire day of celebration kicks off with contests and games in the campus mall area. The party is not just for the college, but also for students, faculty and staff.

What makes RSC a school worthy of such celebration? The college has met the needs of its students head on since its beginning as Oscar Rose Junior College. Not only were those needs met, but exceeded throughout the college’s history. Lisa Pitsiri, executive director for institutional advancement, said, “So much has been accomplished in 40 years, and it’s important to reflect on these accomplishments and to remember those who made the institution possible.”

The efforts of faculty and staff are solely for the benefit of RSC students, and have been since the college’s inception. Joy Rupp, a former RSC employee, was at the school when it first opened its doors to the community in 1970. Rupp depicted Oscar Rose, former Mid-Del school superintendent for whom the college was named, as a “dreamer.” He envisioned a college that was accessible and affordable to the community. His vision swept through

the college staff and faculty creating a feeling of immense purpose. “There was a feeling of right here, right now. That was a vision that we all shared. That’s what we were all about,” Rupp said. The community was ready to take on the challenge of seeing a junior college laid out from the chalked up blueprint to reality. “The community was embracing education,” Rupp said. The feeling of “right here, right now” resounded through the community and formed the basis for a successful institution.

“It was definitely needed because there were no community colleges in the Midwest City area,” Debbie Williams, executive assistant to the president and the borad, said. “The college filled a void in this part of [the city].”

The pleasure in seeing RSC succeed does not belong only to its founders. Lisa Pitsiri, executive director for institutional advancement explained the draw to work for RSC. “I chose to come to [RSC] because I was attracted to the challenge of working for a two-year, state funded college. Over the ten years that I’ve been with [RSC], I’ve seen much [growth]…to keep up with current demand,” Pitsiri said. As long as there are those willing to learn, RSC will remain a pillar in the community for higher education and continue to grow.

The growth of the campus in the past 40 years is nothing short of amazing. Part of what makes RSC relevant is its continued efforts to help as many students as possible. Pitsiri explained, “The demand for scholarship assistance always outweighs the need. I’d like to see the campus grow in the number of scholarships the Foundation can award each year.”

For many, the biggest benefit of working for the college are the people. Pitsiri said, “My favorite part about working at Rose State is all the wonderful people I’ve met. I’ve learned a great deal and I’m proud to be part of such a wonderful, vibrant and vital institution.” Shine on RSC, shine on.

(Photo provided by MCT Campus)


Page 2 September 17, 2010

Opinion

The 15th Street

NewsStory Ideas/Questions: 733-7400Fax: 733-7931Web site: http://www.rose.edu/commfriend/15street/index.asp

Facebook: 15th Streets News/Mass CommMail: 6420 SE 15th Street, Midwest City, OK, 73110

ALWAYS ONLINEhttp://www.rose.edu/commfriend/15street/index.asp

Editor in ChiefAdriana Valtinson ([email protected])

Assistant EditorMiranda Liming Features EditorBryan TrudeNews EditorBrittany McDanielGraphic ArtistDanielle FinneganCirculation ManagerJacob SuddathTech SupportScottie Seger

VolunteersJonathon DyerLogan PierceTori BeechumSecretarySharon Motley ([email protected])Coordinator of Student PublicationsJulie Lesko-Bishop ([email protected])

EditorialUnsolicited advice for student Senate

Campus Chat: What qualities do you look for in a student Senator?

A new fall semester at Rose entails a lot of changes for faculty, staff and students. Perhaps the newest – and most anticipated – of them all is voting for new student senators.

As usual, we here at the paper are happy to provide unsolicited advice for our new senate members. Those few who have trickled over from last year, we will use this as a study guide for you seasoned members.

Study your bylaws and Constitution, and follow it to the letter. For years the paper has been covering senate meetings in order to relay the inner workings of our student government to the RSC population. When something smells foul, or doesn’t seem to quite mesh, we make sure that the situation is in line with what the bylaws and constitution allow. Think of us as your friendly neighborhood watchdog group.

Remember that senate meetings are a formal – business-like, if you will – environment, and everyone should act accordingly. In the past, there have been the occasional meetings where something, or someone, might take a dive on the rude side of the road.

You are all here for the betterment of the campus and community that it services. Petty arguments, spiteful words, and jabs at someone’s integrity are not the best ways to get problems solved. Save it for the parking lot or sandbox.

Just because a certain amount of money

is allotted to be used in a variety of ways, doesn’t mean you can spend it on whatever you want. Think of whose budget a piece of legislation could hinder.

Think the campus should be beautified by planting more flowers? Sure! But how much will it cost the Physical Plant budget? And how beautiful will the campus really be when winter hits and no plant can survive? Instead of spending money on

something that will be rendered useless, spend it on something that will be useful for generations to come.

Leave your religion, politics, weapons, etc. at the door. This is quite possibly the best piece of advice that could be given to anyone, let alone a student senator. When religion is placed into a government setting, the outcome is diabolical. Every one of your fellow senators is of a different

religion, creed, and background. After all, the founding fathers seperated church and state for a reason.

There have been instances where religion has slipped itself into legislation. A group of senators from Spring 2010 wrote a controversial piece of legislation that would place a senate chaplain in charge of pre-meeting prayer.

For the group of authors, it was a grand idea. But for the senators of varying religions, who did not feel comfortable praying in a way odd to them, could have felt a feeling of alienation from their cohorts.

Segregation is not the key to productivity. Without a mix of senators, there will be a shortage of diversity, and if those diverse beings are not represented fully, a governing body cannot function for its people.

It is in the best interest of all peoples to leave all weapons – physical, theoretical, and metaphorical – at the door.

By following these tips, or adhering to at least the principals behind them, senate should see a productive year here. And in turn, we anticipate a good report from our senate writer. As Henry David Thoreau once said, “That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.” Do right by your people, and they will do right by you in return.


Krysta Bell, Occupational Therapist“They should be open-minded, willing to hear people out, nonjudgmental and have a sense of understanding.”

Lindsay Rittgers, Criminal Justice“They should be honest.”

Mitch Blackwell, Undecided“They should have integrity, be friendly, get to know everyone, and be a good leader.”

Jillian Whitaker, Public Relations“They should be well aware of problems that are happening and always listen to what the students want.”

Tori BeechumContributing Writer

Photos by:Bryan Trude

Letters to the Editor The 15th Street News wel-comes and encourages letters to the editor. Letters should be no more than 300 words and may be edited for clarity, length, or to avoid obscenity, libel and invasion of privacy but ideas will not be altered. Submissions must include the author’s name, ID number, and title. Anonymous letters will be read, but not printed. Letters may be hand deliv-ered to FA110; sent by mail; or e-mailed to the secretary, [[email protected]].Policies The 15th Street News is a designated public forum. Stu-dent editors have the authority

to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. Columns, commen-taries and letters to the editor are personal opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of 15th Street News or other students, faculty or administrators of the college. The editorial staff writes editori-als. Publication of all materials is at the discretion of the editor. Anyone having a complaint may call the editor in chief, 733-7400, or the Student Pub-lications Board chairperson, Dr. Kent Lashley, 733-7490. 15th Street News, a stu-dent newspaper serving the RSC community, is published

weekly, except school holidays, on Fridays during the fall and spring semesters by the Office of Student Publications, 6420 SE 15, Midwest City, OK 73110. 15th Street News is a mem-ber of Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association, which has designated this paper top junior college newspaper six years, and Associated Collegiate Press, which has rated it All American 30 semesters. This publication is printed by Edmond Sun, Inc., issued by RSC and authorized by the Coordinator of Student Publica-tions. Cost to the state taxpayers is $301.81 for 4,000 copies per issue and $56.40 for spot color. This paper is recyclable.

RSC, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Edu-cation Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orien-tation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.

Raider LifePage 3

September 17, 2010

TARCContact: Brenda Garrett, volunteer coordinator

[email protected]

www.ddadvocacy.netYWCA

Contact: Erin M. Walker, director, outreach & volunteer services

[email protected]

www.ywcaokc.orgNeighborhood Services Organization

Contact: Aurora Burdette, volunteer [email protected] ext 307

www.nsookc.orgGaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum

Contact: Nicole Harvey, volunteer, museum services

[email protected]

Excell Hospice405-631-0521

www.excellhomecare.netDale Rogers Training Center Inc.

Contact: Deborah McGrath, special needs program coordinator

405-946-4489www.drtc.org

GoodwillContact: Liz Tate, master mentor

[email protected]

www.okgoodwill.orgRSC Adopted Elementary Schools

Contact: Brenda Wright, Secretary [email protected]

Joanne Stafford, director of special services and student outreach

Habitat for Humanity orA Brush with Kindness

Contact: Chris Hearn, volunteer [email protected]

405-232-4828www.centraloklahomahabitat.org

Special OlympicsContact: Cathi Morris

[email protected]

MOPSContact: [email protected]

390-8403www.mops.org


Most of the programs that attended the Service Learning Fair were seeking volunteers to help with their services. The following is a list of the programs and how to contact them:

The tried and true saying, it is better to give than to receive is one that stands the test of time. Despite its cliché notions, the overall meaning runs deep. Participating in a service-learning project is a very simple way to give back. “The Service Learning Fair is an opportunity for students to come visit partners in the community and see what

services they provide,” Cindy Brown, Service Learning coordinator, said. The organizations at the event represent not only volunteer opportunities, but opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives. Ami Tull, mentor, said of Goodwill, “We change lives.” One of the programs offered through Goodwill is a mentoring program for at risk youth. “The children mentored feel that somebody cares about them,” Tull said. The changes take place not

only the individuals receiving the assistance, but also those assisting. Aurora Burdette, volunteer coordinator, explains what the faith-based mission of the Neighborhood Service Organization has meant to her on a personal level. Burdette started in the organization by volunteering her time. “To me its like a ministry. It helps me feel good. You make a difference [in] that one moment and that’s what matters,” Burdette said.

Service learning offers feel good opportunities

As you probably know, unless you live under a rock that is, the VMAs (Video Music Awards) were awarded live

Sept. 12 on MTV. The obvious big winner of the night was Lady Gaga, winning a total of eight VMAs, seven of which for the same video. Justin Bieber became the young-est person to ever win a VMA. Just in case you missed them, here is a list of the winners:

Danielle FinneganGraphic Artist

Video of the Year:Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”

Best New ArtistJustin Bieber

Best Hip-Hop Video:Eminem, “Not Afraid”

Best Pop Video:Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”

Best Male Video:Eminem, “Not Afraid”

Best Rock Video:30 Seconds to Mars, “Kings and Queens”

Best Female Video:Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”

Best Collaboration:Lady Gaga, “Telephone”

Best Dance Music Video:Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”

Best Art Direction:Florence + the Machine, “Dog Days are Over”

Best Choreography:Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”

Best Cinematography: Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, “Empire State of Mind”

Best Direction: Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”

Best Editing: Lady Gaga, “Bad Romance”

Best Special Effects: Muse, “Uprising”

Breakthrough Video: The Black Keys, “Tighten Up”

Meaty reception:Gaga sweeps awards


So, when I was told that I would be guest writer of The Music Stand this week, I started pouring over music news and charts when I came across this little nugget.

On September 2, Pepsi was sued by the 1970’s-era funk group WAR for unlicensed use of their hit “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” in an advertisement for Pepsi MAX. They are seeking $10 million in damages.

The commercial in question is a remake of a Pepsi vs. Coke advert from 1995 that featured a different song, “Get Together” by The Youngbloods. While the ads are available on YouTube, I don’t know if they have been pulled from broadcast yet.

A check of the song through the United States Copyright Office shows the copyright is held by a group of people, including WAR founders Howard Scott and Harold Brown.

However, another copyright holder on the song is Jerry Goldstein, president of Far Out Productions, and the record producer who formed WAR. Since both the artists and the producer owns the song, who decides how the song gets used? Who owns it?

Conflict between the members of WAR and Jerry Goldsmith is nothing new. Court documents provided by openjurist.org reveals that in April 2001, Far Out Productions

successfully sued the group members for copyright violation for using the registered trademark of WAR. The ruling was in favor of Far Out, and WAR lost on appeal.

Now, it is easy to say on paper who owns what, but that’s not what art is about. Music is an art form, where musicians rely on their creative talents and inner spark to create works that can move men to tears. By virtue of their creations, I believe an artist always retains a right of ownership to their work, regardless of what the law says.

However, that doesn’t mean that right of artist’s ownership of their music extends to legal protections, much less influence on how that music is used. The business of music and the artistry of music, while dependent on each other to survive, is by no means beneficial to both parties.

I think an artist can live for the music, whereas the producer must turn that art into a profit. Is it fair to say that producers have more control over the use of an artist’s creations if the artist relies on the producer to turn them into a profit?

I was unable to obtain a copy of the actual lawsuit because the Los Angeles Superior Court wanted to charge me to both search and download the documents.

Even so, a corporation with Pepsi’s level of success and endurance is not stupid; they

must have gotten permission to use the song from somewhere. The question, it seems, is did the entity they got permission from actually have the right to do so?

Some say the reason an artist becomes a sellout when he starts profiting from his work is because he must sell control of his creation. That is the sacrifice any musician must make if they want to take their passion

and turn it into a life they can use to support themselves. They may not like how the song gets used, but when money gets involved, control is lost to those who have a financial interest in its use.

While this certainly will not be the last we hear about WAR vs. Pepsi, perhaps everyone should just take a clue from the song in question. Why can’t we be friends?

Music Stand: New Pepsi challenge: Why can’t they be friends?

News and FeaturesPage 4September 17, 2010

Bryan TrudeFeature Editor

40 Year AnniversaryRSC is commemorating its 40th

Anniversary with a birthday celebration Sept 21. The celebration includes

a variety of activities such as a Birthday Bash with contests, games located in the Campus Mall and 40

Artists for the 40th, an art exhibit in the Communication Center 5-7 p.m. Events

are open to the public.

Wesley Student FellowshipThe Wesley Student Fellowship, a

religious club open to all faiths, will be holding meetings every Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in LRC Room 110. Free lunch is provided at the meetings.

70’s Soul Jam and Jazz PianistTickets are on sale for the ‘70’s Soul

Jam on Sept 21 at 7:30 p.m., and jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis on October 29. RSC faculty, staff and students receive discounts on tickets. A valid Rose State I.D. must be presented to receive the discount. Discount

tickets may be purchased at the Civic Center box office located at 201 N.

Walker in downtown Oklahoma City, or purchased at the Communications

Center box office the night of the show beginning two hours before show time.

Golden Apple NominationsWhat is always right, never gets rich,

but deserves a million bucks? Teachers! Well, they may not always be right,

but 100% accuracy does not make an influential teacher. Recall a time when a teacher from kindergarten through high school made an impact on your life, and

consider nominating them for a Golden Apple Award. Recognition may not be

a million bucks, but it sure does feel good. Submit your response through the Community Section of D2L by 5 p.m. Oct. 1. For more information, contact Lisa Will at [email protected].

Great Issue Lecture SeriesEvery year, RSC hosts a lecture series

that covers a specific topic. This year, the Great Issues Lecture Series will examine the democratization of information. Say what? What could that possibly mean? Professor Toni

Castillo, honors program coordinator explained, “Who has control? Who makes decisions? How does access to information connect to power?

These are the issues...” Sept. 29 marks the launch of the lecture series with speaker Suzanne Thomas, Professor

of Art. Lectures for the series are held on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:00 pm in the RSC Lecture Hall. The lectures

are open to all students and local community. For more information,

contact Professor Castillo at [email protected].

Health Sciences Information SessionThe health sciences division is holding an information session at 12:30 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Tues, October 5 in the Student Center Main Dining Room. The session will include information about the admission and application

process, curriculum and pre-requisites, among other things. Students may

attend either the afternoon or evening session; each lasts about one hour.

Briefly SpeakingGlobal Oklahoma volunteers needed


The Office of Student Success hosted a workshop in the Tinker Terrace Room on Thursday, Sept. 2 covering services and strategies for college success.

“College Survival 101: Getting the Right Start” was presented by Carla Robison, student success coordinator. The workshop was aimed at new and non-traditional students, such as adult students, students returning after time in the workforce and first-generation students.

“[The workshop is about] questions students had when they first came to class. This is something I thought would be helpful for students who are coming into college,” Robison said. “At RSC we have all ages of students.”

Robison both challenged and informed attendees, tasking them to define their goals and expectations - why they decided to

come to college. It also instructed students on subjects such as support services that are available, including RSC’s tutoring and counseling programs.

“[The workshop] is helpful. A lot of this is review for me, but [Robison] gave a lot of good tips,” David McGuinnes, cyber security major, said. “Regardless if you are experienced, it is good to review the information. You forget a lot of what you learn.”

Robison’s presentation urged the attendees to communicate, whether by asking questions in class or by just contacting their professors if they have to miss a class. Robison also called upon the students to network with their classmates, to get to know them and form study groups so that if the student does need help with a class, they have those contacts to make use of.

“You want to be proactive and show initiative as far as your college experience,”

College survival 101:

Sep. 21 – Time Management – Student Center Fountain RoomSep. 22 – Test Taking – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomSep. 29 – Stress Management – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomSep. 30 – Personal Finance – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomOct. 5 – Math Anxiety – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomOct. 14 – Learning Styles – Student Center Tinker Terrace Room

Oct. 26 – College Survival 101 – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomOct. 27 – Intro to D2L – Learning Resources Center Room 204-DOct. 28 – Stress Management – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomNov. 3 – Math Anxiety – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomNov. 11 – Personal Finance – Student Center Tinker Terrace RoomNov 17 – Test Taking – Student Center Tinker Terrace Room

UPCOMING STUDENT SUCCESS WORKSHOPS


Robison said. “Communication is the key.”Other topics covered by the workshop

included time management skills, note taking, study skills and stress management.

The workshop was held a second time on Sep. 7, and will be held again on Tuesday, Oct. 26 for students who could not attend the first two dates.

Ah, Ireland: the Emerald Isle. Land of Guinness, James Joyce, and of course, Bono. Besides being a locale known for its bangers and mash and bodacious rockers, Ireland captures the essence of natural beauty with its rolling hillsides and endless seascapes.

In order for RSC to sponsor an event worthy of this beautiful country, there must be individuals willing to lend a hand.

Volunteers are needed to set up the day prior, and throughout the day of the event. This may include setting up tents, greeting visitors, distributing programs, serving food and more. Students involved in clubs may also participate to receive club points by going through Kirby Harzman or Emily Fisher at Student Activities. Students interested in volunteering are asked to contact Professor Gibbs at [email protected]. Gibbs advises students to make the subject line “Global Oklahoma” for quick response time.

(Photo illustration by Bryan Trude)

workshop educates, informs

Spotlight

News and FeaturesPage 5

September 17, 2010

William FisherFinancial Systems Analyst

By: Bryan TrudeFeature Editor

Students walking through the Student Center near the security office may notice the room is unusually empty.

The contract between RSC and Superior Security expired on June 30, resulting in an expansion in both size and duties for the two-year-old RSC Campus Police Department.

Beginning with the violent massacre at Virginia Tech in 2007, followed by a similar incident at Northern Illinois University in 2008, RSCPD was established in Sept. 2008 in response.

“[After these incidents], college administration held discussion sessions with members of the student body…faculty and staff to determine actions for creating a more secure environment,” Vice President of Business Affairs Keith Ogans said, “it was determined that college students and personnel if there was college-employed personnel who were [certified police officers].”

With RSC not renewing the Superior Security contract, increases to RSCPD’s budget has allowed the department to double in size.

“Once the contract expired with Superior, we took over operations 24/7,” Deputy Chief Ron Burke said. “We hired an additional six officers, giving us a total of 12 officers now.”

In addition to the 12 officers, RSCPD now employs two campus resource officers, responsible for non-enforcement activities that previously would have been covered by Superior personnel. According to Burke, two of the 12 officers are currently in training to earn their certification through the Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET), and are scheduled to graduate in October.

In addition to RSCPD’s new roles, the department has entered into contracts with the City of Midwest City to provide RSCPD with dispatch, municipal court and jail services. This allows students to summon help in an emergency by dialing 911.

“If you call 911 [on campus], they will radio us [and send an RSCPD officer],” Burke said. “If you get a citation out here, then you go to Midwest City court just like you would if it was a Midwest City officer that gave you the ticket.”

Suspects arrested are taken to the Midwest City jail, opposed to the Oklahoma County jail. According to Burke, RSCPD performed approximately five arrests in 2009.

Even without the removal of Superior from campus, there is a significant benefit to having an increased campus police presence.

“A full time police force gives the security that the personnel are highly trained to carry a weapon, to enter buildings, to undergo hostage situations, all kinds of training, [that] would be to our advantage,” Arnold Waggoner, professor of criminal justice, said. “[Private Security] have no arrest powers, they have limited responsibility in terms of crowd management and building entry.”

According to the Business Affairs office, no further expansion of the department is currently planned, however, it is planned to purchase an additional patrol vehicle within the next two months.

Although the removal of Superior and the expansion of RSCPD is seen as a significant change, opinion amongst faculty and staff seems to be that the change is an

improvement over the previous arrangement. “I believe [the increased RSCPD role]

does make the campus safer,” Steven Brown, radiology major, said. “I believe you see more of the police officers around in certain buildings than when you did when you saw security officers around. [Security presence] was real light.”

“I just see having a professional police force like we have at RSC as being an advantage in

providing a safe and secure environment for staff and students,” Waggoner said.

Despite their increased capacity, Burke has advice for students and staff to help make the campus safer.

“Just be a good witness. Be observant,” Burke said. “You see something suspicious, don’t doubt calling us. Call us and let us know. [Students and staff ] are our eyes and ears out here, just as much as the officers are.” (Photos by Bryan Trude)


Campus Police Expands; Security Contract Not Renewed

Tucked away in an office in the former Founders Room at the Student Center, William “Bobby” Fisher works diligently as RSC’s Financial Systems Analyst.

Besides sharing a name with a former chess champion, Fisher works as a liason between the college’s Business Affairs and Information Technology departments, coordinating and documenting the testing of software when an update or patch becomes available, as well as a software technical support resource.

In addition, Fisher analyzes and forms reports on finances for entities including the Board of Regents, auditors, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and various other interested state and federal agencies.

The 41-year-old Fisher is married with two children. Before coming to RSC, Fisher worked at Midfirst Bank as a research

analyst and quality control specialist within their mortgage banking and servicing division.What is your favorite aspect of your job?The best part is being able to do a lot of different things with a variety of people on campus. Whether it’s troubleshooting a software problem with IT Services or preparing a custom report for the President, it is always different and fun.What are your hobbies?I like music, movies and a little travel. Favorite Food?Mexican.What would you want to be your epitaph?I’ll let somebody else worry about that.What is your favorite song and why?I like anything from Radiohead’s “OK

Computer” album or [most songs] from the Beatles. They were trying different things that weren’t always popular and they ended up changing the way music is created.What would your one great invention be?A solar-powered battery for the iPod.If you were stranded on a desert island and all of your basic needs were met, what three things would you take with you and why?My iPod Touch with solar-powered battery. I would also take a good pair of sunglasses and an acoustic guitar. The sunglasses because I hate having the sun in my eyes, and the guitar because it would keep me company. I could use it for firewood if I become frustrated with it.What cartoon character

would you be?Probably Spongebob Squarepants. He seems to always have a good time.How do you top your baked potato?Plain and dry.Which would you rather discover a cure for: the common cold or the flu?The flu, because I’ve had

some personal experience the past few years and it was pretty nasty.How do you exercise?Some light cardio and some weight training when I have time.What is your fondest memory from school?When I graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma.What was your worst subject?Life sciences such as zoology, anatomy and biology. Ironically, my worst subjects were also my favorites.

(Photo by Bryan Trude)

Some services available for students and staff include:

Escorts If you feel threatened, especially late at night, RSCPD will provide

an escort to ensure you can get safely to your vehicle.Unlocks

While RSCPD will not unlock a vehicle, they will contact a locksmith to come and unlock your vehicle, and will standby with you until a locksmith arrives at your request unless an emergency call comes

in. A fee may be charged by the locksmith for this service. For any law enforcement-related incident, RSCPD encourages

students and staff to contact them as soon as possible to ensure a fast, appropriate response.

To contact RSCPD, call 501-3103, or in an emergency, dial 911 and be sure to specify to the dispatcher that you are at RSC.

Page 6September 17, 2010

Entertainment

TuesdayHigh: 89Low: 72Sunny &Humid

MondayHigh: 90Low: 68

Sunny

SundayHigh: 91Low: 71Mostly Sunny

SaturdayHigh: 91Low: 69Humid & Sunny

FridayHigh: 91Low: 71Mostly Sunny

5 Day Weather Forecast

Bad action movie leaves columnist scared, confusedBryan Trude

Feature Editor

Last Weeks Puzzles Solved

Sudoku

Crossword

Across1 NASDAQ debuts5 Silly10 ‘60s-’70s pitcher nicknamed Blue Moon14 Attic-dweller of ‘70s-’80s TV15 Home of a mythical lion16 Admonition to Nanette?17 State of the Union, say20 Miniature surveillance gadget21 Rear ends of a sort22 What there oughta be24 Skirmish25 Military tradition33 Sch. with a Narragansett Bay campus34 Odin’s group35 Tuned to36 Word with mala or bona38 Works in a Catalonian mu-seum40 Classico competitor41 Element 100 eponym43 Betty Crocker salad topping45 Crosswalk sign word46 Looney Tunes genre49 Eastern tongue

50 It might be a close call51 Japanese golfer in the World Golf Hall of Fame56 Make a connection (with)60 Useful waste, what’s literally hidden in 17-, 25- and 46-Across62 Leafy veggie63 Merge64 Scot’s vacation site65 Insult66 Try to persuade, with “with”67 Sean’s momDown1 Troublemakers2 Info3 French touchdown site4 Alpine wear5 Like many short films6 Workout target7 Jobs creation?8 “The Fugitive” actress Ward9 Easy-Bake Oven maker10 Used car selling point11 Performs12 Singly13 Mineralogist Friedrich18 Two-time Oscar nominee

Shire19 Standard partner23 Horseradish relative25 Blows26 Cantilevered window27 Libya’s Gulf of __28 Not a deep purple29 Pains in the neck30 Bivouac31 Wreaked havoc, as a battle32 Prepare, in a way37 Strike target39 Of questionable repute42 First name in sci-fi44 Balkan capital47 Install needed equipment48 Like five per cent, to a server51 Nettles52 Sea World clapper53 First Amendment advocacy gp.54 __ Ration55 Romeo’s last words57 “Am __ late?”58 Twisted59 Comeback61 Harper Valley org.

Bobby Z (2007)Rated: RStarring: Paul Walker, Laurence

Fishburne, Olivia Wilde, Keith Carradine

To sum it up early, Walker plays inmate and former Marine Tim Kearney, in prison for life on California’s “three strikes” law, a dead ringer for Bobby Z, the greatest drug dealer who ever lived.

Federal Agent Ted Gruzsa (Fishburne) comes up with a grand scheme to exchange Kearney, impersonating Bobby Z, to a Mexican drug lord in exchange for his captured partner, however, things are not quite what they seem, and Kearney will have to put

all of his people-killing skills and experience to use if he is to survive.

Got all of that?Before “Bobby Z,” Fishburne

held the title role in “Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer,” as well as prominent roles in such films as “TMNT,” “Mission: Impossible III” and “Akeelah and the Bee.”

So why in Oscar’s name is Fishburne even remotely associated with this steaming pile of B-rate slop?

What you have here is not a movie so much as it is 97 minutes of actors I’ve never heard of trying to make up for a bad script. They do this with horrible decision making by the characters with shock value and violence.

The realism level of this movie is

somewhere between a Care Bears special and professional wrestling’s status as a legitimate sport. At one point, Kearney is fleeing from the drug lord on horseback under a hail of bullets, and some little kid, who happens to be the drug lord’s grandson, screams “Take me with you.”

And Kearney does.What the hell? To top it off,

the kid gets on the horse behind Kearney, in perfect position to block all the bullets they’re sending their way. In the span of five minutes, the “hero” has committed kidnapping and child endangerment to save his own life.

Who in their right minds would think that was a good idea? That is just the tip of the iceberg.

Kearney is apparently some sort of superman, sustaining mysterious injuries that, while completely messing up an ordinary man, do not affect him in any way.

As for Fishburne, I doubt he felt after cementing his legacy as “Morpheus” that taking a supporting role in “Bobby Z” would advance his career. As far as I can tell, he uses the obscurity of the film and the villainous nature of the character to just be as big a dick as he can in a movie and get away with it.

This movie was released in 2007. “The Matrix” series of movies and games is still raking in enough cash to buy a small country to this day, much less back then. Fishburne, while not yet assuming his

recurring role on “CSI,” certainly was not hurting for work.

While the movie does have some giggle moments, and some of the violence is pretty creative (how many times can you say cause of death is “license plate”), it all seems tacked on in a futile effort to save the dignity of the project.

Wilde and Carradine turn in technically watchable, but ultimately forgettable, supporting roles. The plot makes no sense and is about as easy to follow as a roadmap of Greater Boston colored in with sharpie.

Avoid this piece of cinema slag. All you will obtain is the urge to go get that hour and a half of your life back, and I don’t need more people making this line any longer.

This Week in History

Neptune Discovered


On September 23, 1846, German astronomer Johann

Gottfried Gall discovered Neptune as the eighth planet in our solar system. Neptune was

named for the Roman god of the sea and has 11 known satellites that orbit it according to nasa.

gov. The planet completes one full orbit around the sun approximately once every 165 years. According to solarviews.com, the temperature of clouds surrounding Neptune’s surface

range from -193 to -153 degrees Celsius.

Documents

9-17-10