8
The Spanish program at WTAMU will exhibit an altar to honor Frida Kahlo, one of the most in�luential Mexican painters of the 20 th century whose art is characterized by the depiction of the struggles of her life. The altar will be displayed the week of Nov. 1, as a celebration of El Dia de los Muertos. “The altar for the dead is something religious and mystic,” Dr. Garza, assistant professor of the English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages Department, said. “It connects this life with life after death.” The tradition goes back to the Aztecs belief that when someone died they went to another place. This other place depended on who they were while they lived. For example, if a person was a warrior he or she will go with the God of the war. “Before arriving to that place, the soul had to pass through various stages,” Garza said. “[The Aztecs] thought that in order to be able to confront these stages, the dead will need some of the things they had during their life. That is why people did ofrendas or offerings.” Garza said that this is a tradition of the Catholic calendar and that it has a relation with Halloween. “When missioners came to America, they saw the indigenous celebration of ´El Dia de los Muertos´,” he said. “They made it so that this festivity will match the celebration of All Hallows Eve, today known as Halloween.” the Prairie Tuesday, November 2, 2010 Volume 93 Issue IX MARIA MOLINA Editor Dead Continued p. 2 Day of the Dead WT commemorates life, work of Mexican artist The Frida Kahlo altar is located in the Classroom Center. The #14 ranked WTAMU Buffs made their �irst ever visit to Tom Benson stadium on Oct. 30 taking on Incarnate Word. WT felt right at home in San Antonio as they built up a comfortable 35-0 halftime lead en route to a 49-10 victory over the Cardinals. On the opening possession of the game, WT drove 69 yards down the �ield culminating with Jay Tillman running it in from 14-yards out for the touchdown. With just 2:23 gone in the game, the Buffs were up 7-0. WT’s second possession resulted in another touchdown. The Buffs began the drive at the UIW 47 yard-line and it was �inished off by Brittan Golden receiving a 14-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Taylor Harris. The Buffs led 14-0 with 5:56 left in the �irst quarter. After forcing UIW to punt, WT took over once again on offense. The Buffs went 71 yards in 15 plays with Tevin Mitchell diving in from one yard out to make the score 21-0 with 2:05 left in the �irst. Things remained relatively quiet, until midway through the second quarter. Defensive End Kyle Thomas de�lected UIW Quarterback Paden Lynch’s pass in the air only for Defensive Back Maurice Caldwell to scoop it up and return it 18-yards for the touchdown. After Sergio Castillo’s PAT (point after touchdown) the score was 28-0 Buffs. After another UIW punt, Harris led the Buffs on yet another scoring drive. The 10-play drive took 3:52 off the clock and culminated with Harris connecting with Tyson Williams from three yards out to make the score 35-0 Buffs. Castillo missed a 44-yard �ield goal before the half ended, as the score stayed 35-0 at halftime. UIW fumbled on their �irst two possessions of the second half with WT recovering both times. After the second fumble recovery, WT’s offense took over from the WT 47 yard-line. Harris wasted no time on the ensuing drive, �inding Tyson Williams from 51 yards away for the touchdown, his second of the game. The score was 42-0 Buffs with 6:04 left in the third quarter. #14 Buffs crush Incarnate Word WT built early lead against IW EVAN GRICE Staff Writer Football Continued p. 4 Tempted to sing out loud Ain’t too proud to beg for an interview Student from WT involved in Maroon Productions, Eternal Flame, The Prairie, KWTS The One and the newest addition to the student media groups Buff Minds, a new media research group, were all there to cover the Temptation’s concert on Oct. 31. Students received word that they would be able to meet and interview the band just days before the event. Opportunities like these don’t happen too often so the students put their heads together and came up with interview questions to cover all aspect of The Temptations long-lived career. Anxious and excited the students made their way backstage and into the dressing room where they introduced themselves and began to prepare for the interview. “I think was a great experience, I mean we were given a opportunity that most students don’t get,” Imelda Saavedra said after the interview. “We got to meet the Temptations I mean how cool is that?” After the interview the students were given tickets to the concert and invited to the dinner with them at Acapulco’s where they were able to talk with some of the members. Temptations Continued p.5 FRANKIE SANCHEZ WT students got to meet the Temptations. FRANKIE SANCHEZ Photographer COURTNEY INMAN

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Page 1: The Prairie Issue IX

The Spanish program at WTAMU will exhibit an altar to honor Frida Kahlo, one of the most in�luential Mexican painters of the 20th century whose art is characterized by the depiction of the struggles of her life. The altar will be displayed the week of Nov. 1, as a celebration of El Dia de los Muertos.

“The altar for the dead is something religious and mystic,” Dr. Garza, assistant professor of the English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages Department, said. “It connects this life with life after death.”

The tradition goes back to the Aztecs belief that when someone died they went to another place. This other place depended on who they were while they lived. For example, if

a person was a warrior he or she will go with the God of the war.

“Before arriving to that place, the soul had to pass through various stages,” Garza said. “[The Aztecs] thought that in order to be able to confront these stages, the dead will need some of the things they had during their life. That is why people did ofrendas or offerings.”

Garza said that this is a tradition of the Catholic calendar and that it has a relation with Halloween.

“When missioners came to America, they saw the indigenous celebration of ´El Dia de los Muertos´,” he said. “They made it so that this festivity will match the celebration of All Hallows Eve, today known as Halloween.”

the PrairieTuesday, November 2, 2010

Volume 93 Issue IX

MARIA MOLINAEditor

DeadContinued p. 2

Day of the DeadWT commemorates life, work of Mexican artist

The Frida Kahlo altar is located in the Classroom Center.

The #14 ranked WTAMU Buffs made their �irst ever visit to Tom Benson stadium on Oct. 30 taking on Incarnate Word.

WT felt right at home in San Antonio as they built up a comfortable 35-0 halftime lead en route to a 49-10 victory over the Cardinals.

On the opening possession of the game, WT drove 69 yards down the �ield culminating with Jay Tillman running it in from 14-yards out for the touchdown. With just 2:23 gone in the game, the Buffs were up 7-0.

WT’s second possession resulted in another touchdown. The Buffs began the drive at the UIW 47 yard-line and it was �inished off by Brittan Golden

receiving a 14-yard touchdown pass from Quarterback Taylor Harris. The Buffs led 14-0 with 5:56 left in the �irst quarter.

After forcing UIW to punt, WT took over once again on offense. The Buffs went 71 yards in 15 plays with Tevin Mitchell diving in from one yard out to make the score 21-0 with 2:05 left in the �irst.

Things remained relatively quiet, until midway through the second quarter. Defensive End Kyle Thomas de�lected UIW Quarterback Paden Lynch’s pass in the air only for Defensive Back Maurice Caldwell to scoop it up and return it 18-yards for the touchdown. After Sergio Castillo’s PAT (point after touchdown) the score was 28-0 Buffs.

After another UIW punt, Harris led the Buffs on yet

another scoring drive. The 10-play drive took 3:52 off the clock and culminated with Harris connecting with Tyson Williams from three yards out to make the score 35-0 Buffs. Castillo missed a 44-yard �ield goal before the half ended, as the score stayed 35-0 at halftime.

UIW fumbled on their �irst two possessions of the second half with WT recovering both times. After the second fumble recovery, WT’s offense took over from the WT 47 yard-line.

Harris wasted no time on the ensuing drive, �inding Tyson Williams from 51 yards away for the touchdown, his second of the game. The score was 42-0 Buffs with 6:04 left in the third quarter.

#14 Buffs crush Incarnate WordWT built early lead against IWEVAN GRICEStaff Writer

FootballContinued p. 4

Tempted to sing out loudAin’t too proud to beg for an interview

Student from WT involved in Maroon Productions, Eternal Flame, The Prairie, KWTS The One and the newest addition to the student media groups Buff Minds, a new media research group, were all there to cover the Temptation’s concert on Oct. 31.

Students received word that they would be able to meet and interview the band just days before the event. Opportunities like these don’t happen too often so the students put their heads together and came up with interview questions to cover all aspect of The

Temptations long-lived career.

Anxious and excited the students made their way backstage and into the dressing room where they introduced themselves and began to prepare for the interview.

“I think was a great experience, I mean we were given a opportunity that most students don’t get,” Imelda Saavedra said after the interview. “We got to meet the Temptations I mean how cool is that?”

After the interview the students were given tickets to the concert and invited to the dinner with them at Acapulco’s where they were able to talk

with some of the members.

TemptationsContinued p.5

FRANKIE SANCHEZWT students got to meet the Temptations.

FRANKIE SANCHEZPhotographer

COURTNEY INMAN

Page 2: The Prairie Issue IX

Spanish Instructors, Sara Davidson and Susan Amos, chose to honor Frida Kahlo in their altar.

“Her story is painful, it is something that stands out because of experiences that she had,” Davidson said.

The altar seeks to re�lect the Latin American tradition.

“It is important that [people] know about this tradition and origin because it is one of the most important in Latin American countries,” Garza said. “[WT] is trying to be a Hispanic service institution so everyone needs to have knowledge of the

tradition.”He also said that many

Latin Americans adopt U.S. traditions when they come, but it is important for them not to lose their native traditions.

“The U.S has very nice traditions, but it’s good

that the other traditions also remain present,” Garza said. “The University needs to be conscious of this so that traditions do not get lost.”

The altar will be in display Nov. 1 until the end of the week.

2 the Prairie

The Prairie Editorial Sta� 2010-2011

Editor- Maria MolinaAssistant Editor- Katelyn GarrityManaging Editor- YOUR NAME COULD BE HERE

The Prairie is a student-operated publication at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate, and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily re�ect the opinions of the administration, faculty or students. The editorials that appear on these pages represent the opinion of the Prairie editorial board. The views expressed by other columinsts are the writers’ opinions and do not necessarily re�ect the board’s views. Advertising rates are available upon request at (806) 651- 2410 or at [email protected]. WTAMU Box 60754, Canyon, Texas 79016. The Prairie has a circulation of 1,500 and is printed by The Amarillo Globe-News.

Web Editor - Georgia RomigFaculty Adviser- Butler Cain

DeadContinued from p. 1

COURTNEY INMANDia de los Muertos is a traditional Hispanic holiday.

WTAMU’s AT&T HD Studio will host its �irst event on Nov. 8 with KWTS’ ‘The One Sessions’.

“It will be an all-acoustic show, with a VH1 Storyteller vibe,” Ricky Mariscal, program director for KWTS, said. “What makes this [event] more unique is that it will be intimate and engaging. This has never been done before in the University.”

The One Sessions will feature live acoustic sets from Joel Vaughn, Tori Vasquez, and Archimedes Watch Out! Mariscal said that the audience will be able to interact with the acts.

The Ground Cafe is sponsoring The One

Sessions and will provide catering at the event. Mariscal expects the HD studio to �ill up quickly, so there will be an over�low room provided to accommodate extra people.

“We hope to do more sessions in the future, [maybe] two or three in the spring semester,” said Mariscal.

WT’s advanced video class will be shooting the event and it will be streamed online.

Junior broadcasting major Andrea Brown says that The One Sessions will be worth checking out.

“Other students should go to support The One as well as be exposed to different types of local music,” she said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

KRYSTINA MARTINEZGuest Writer

HD Studio to host KWTS’ The One Sessions on Nov. 8Free event will include music, food

DAYS UNTIL...

2 days until priority

registration opens for juniors

Nov. 04 Nov. 10

8 days until priority

registration opens for

sophomores

Nov. 15

13 days until priority

registration opens for freshmen

Nov. 22

20 days until priority

registration is open for all

students

Nov. 24

22 days until Thanksgiving break begins.

Students get out of class at noon.

Page 3: The Prairie Issue IX

3the PrairieNew

s The 2010 midterm election campaigns are characterized by one major activity: Republican and Democrats are trying to stay away from the president.

“Both strategies are to run as far away from President Obama as possible,” Dr. Dave Rausch, professor of political science at WTAMU, said.

He also said that Republicans have been more successful at this than Democrats.

“Democrats are doing poorly,” he said. “People are seeing right through [their strategy].”

That strategy is one in which Democrats say they will not follow the

president´s lead on certain issues. Meanwhile, Rausch said that Republicans have been “excellent” in their strategy.

“Republicans have been good at ´Wait a minute, you are saying you are a Democrat, but you are not going to vote with the president, how is this possible?´,” he said.

Lori Westermann, communications faculty member at WT, said that Republicans have an easier time staying away from President Obama.

“A big overreaching theme we are seeing is that if you are a Republican, you can transition yourself as the good guy because your guy isn’t in of�ice,” she said.

Another strategy used by Republicans is to address the economic situation of

the U. S.“Republicans are blaming

Obama on the economy when he doesn´t control it,” Rausch said. “Presidents don’t cause the economy to work or [not] work on their own.”

He said that it is common for presidents to take the credit and pass the blame.

“Obama blames the economy on Bush, but he left of�ice in 2009,” he said.

He also said that explaining that issue in an advertisement is complicated because of the short duration time.

“Explaining the economy in 30 seconds is hard,” Rausch said. “It is easier [for Republicans] to say Obama has made it worse.”

Candidates are using different techniques in this midterm campaign. Westermann said that there has been an increase in spending compared to the 2008 elections. That is apparent by the amount of advertising candidates are buying.

“It’s like an 11 percent increase in ad spending over the 2008 elections,” she said. “The vast majority [of money] 60 percent, goes to television.”

She also said that Texas is the state with the third highest amount of campaign spending.

“It´s something like $38 million in ad spending just in the governor’s race,” Westermann said.

Voters like Richard Baldock are aware of this situation.

“They have spent money, way too much,” Baldock said.

Ad campaigns tend to be emotional rather than factual, especially when people are unhappy with the government.

“In the U.S most voters are characterized as angry, either because of immigration, budget or over the job Obama is doing,” Westermann said. “When you have a lot of anger, any persuasive campaign will scratch it more.”

Joe Corse, voter, said that the ad campaign this midterm election shows both parties mudslinging instead of showing what they can do.

“[The campaigns] are not about right or wrong,” he said. “It is about the party.”

Another situation seen across the board is that now candidates have to spend more money to cover more channels and media than in the past.

“Candidates are having to spend so much money and

buy so much advertisements just to have a chance of being seen by potential voters,” Westermann said. “They are also pushing the envelope to be unique. Some people still believe that any kind of publicity is good publicity.”

Rausch said that he does not think that these campaigns are necessarily nastier than any other ones.

“When they are talking about [political science] issues, like current administration misguided, or the current administration is driving us to bankruptcy, that is a challenge,” Rausch said. “Wouldn´t say it is nasty.”

Election advertisment distance candidates from Obama

MARIA MOLINAEditor

Republicans, Democrats struggle for electoral support

Republican Carly Fiorina from California advertises against her opponent Barbara Boxer in her “Demon Blimp” ad.

YOUTUBE SCREEN SHOT

The group Back to Basics is supporting Bill White.BACK TO BASICS

38 days until �nals begin

Dec. 10 Dec. 20

48 days until Winter Intercession

classes begin

Dec. 25

55 days until Christmas

Jan. 19

80 days until the beginning of

the Spring 2011 semester

Dec. 9

37 days until Dead day

Dec. 17

45 days until the end of the Fall

semester

Page 4: The Prairie Issue IX

the Prairie4Spo

rts

Lady Buffs make Tarleton famousEVAN GRICEStaff Writer

UIW �inally got on the scoreboard after a Thomas Ribold 32-yard �ield goal. With 2:09 left in the third the score was 42-3 Buffs.

On the ensuing kickoff, Tommy Hampton turned on the jets and ran 89 yards for the touchdown to give the

Buffs a 49-3 lead. UIW got its only touch-

down of the game with 9:42 remaining in the fourth when Lynch found Donald Gies for an eight yard touch-down making the �inal score 49-10 in favor of WT.

QB Taylor Harris �inished the day 20-33 passing for 227 yards and three touch-downs. Wide Receiver Tyson Williams had four

catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Seven different Buffs made pass receptions on the day. Running Back Kelvin Thompson had 61 yards on seven carries with one touchdown.

WT will now prepare to face #3 ranked Abilene Christian on Nov 6. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. from Kimbrough Stadium.

FootballContinued from p.1

The WTAMU Lady Buff volleyball team returned to LSC play Oct. 28 against Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas.

WT survived a hostile crowd and a fired up TexAnns squad to escape Wisdom Gym with a thrilling five set victory. With the win, the Lady Buffs set a new division II record with 78 consecutive wins over conference opponents.

The Lady Buffs had a comfortable 20-13 lead in set number one, before a 5-0 run by TSU made things interesting. WT kept its composure and closed out the set 25-20.

Set number two was hotly contested with both teams battling for the lead. WT maintained a 12-10 lead but an 8-1 run by Tarleton gave them an 18-13 lead. With the score at 18-14, the Lady Buffs went on an 8-1 run of their own to take the lead at 22-19. TSU fought

back though to eventually win the set 26-24 and even things up at one set apiece.

WT took control in the third set, winning 25-21 but the match was far from over. TSU made sure their fans got more than their money’s worth on this night by forcing a fifth and deciding set after winning the fourth set 25-17.

In the fifth set, the Lady Buffs held a commanding 14-7 lead and were closing in

on history. However, Tarleton roared back with a 7-0 run to even things at 14-14. TSU had a chance to win with the score at 17-16, but WT refused to be beaten.

With the score 20-19, Sophomore Stormi Lancaster put down the final kill to end the match and re-write the record books for WT volleyball.

Junior Erika Dupree set a new career-high with 49 assists on the night to go along with 11 digs. This marks the 16th

double-double of the season for Dupree.

Senior Lauren Thedford recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 16 kills and 18 digs. Lancaster tallied 13 kills and a .455 hitting percentage.

WT’s overall record now stands at 20-8 with a perfect 12-0 mark in the LSC.

Victor y sets new NCAA Division II record

The WTAMU men’s soccer team �inished up their San Antonio road trip Oct. 31 with a game against the Rattlers of St. Mary’s.

WT got its fourth straight victory, with a 3-1 come from behind win.

St. Mary’s got the scoring started in the 19th minute when Adam Muro tapped

in a rebound to give the Rattlers a 1-0 lead. This score remained until halftime.

In the second half, WT’s offense found its rhythm. Alfredo Chavez equalized for the Buffs in the 62nd minute when he blasted his shot into the roof of the net.

Just �ive minutes later, Omar Tena gave WT the lead when he slotted home a pass off a corner kick from Dominic Furness.

WT iced the game in the 81st minute when Clark Binning heading home his shot off the post to give the Buffs a 3-1 victory.

Sebastian Furness picked up the victory in goal for the Buffs making eight saves. WT will play its home �inale on Nov. 7 against #2 ranked and undefeated Midwestern State. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Bu�s take bite out of Rattlers

EVAN GRICEStaff Writer

Second half blitz propels Bu�s to victory

SCOREBOARD 2 1WTAMU UIW

3 1WTAMU SEU

Bu� Soccer

Lady Bu� Volleyball

Visit theprairienews.com for more sports stories including complete coverage of stats in the scoreboard.

The Bu�s took on Incarnate Word Oct. 29. The Bu�s win gave Incarnate Word their �rst home loss of the season.

The Lady Bu�s defeated St. Edwards University Oct. 29. The team won the �rst match. SEU rebounded and won the second match. The Bu�s won the next two matches to come away with a 21-8 season record.

1 2WTAMU UCO

Lady Bu� Soccer

The Lady Bu�s lost to Central Oklahoma in the last 22 seconds of their game Oct. 29.

3 0WTAMU SMU

Lady Bu� Volleyball

The team swept the Lady Rattlers. The Lady Bu�s record stands at 22-8. They will play Abilene Christian away Nov. 4.

View the scores from the remainder of the Ladies’ weekend in the Scoreboard.

Page 5: The Prairie Issue IX

the Prairie 5

The WTAMU wom-en’s soccer team played its season fi-nale Oct. 31 in Weath-erford, Okla. against Southwestern Okla-homa State.

The Lady Buffs ended their season on a high note shutting out the Lady Bulldogs 3-0.

Senior Kendal Kitch-ens opened the scor-ing in the 12th minute when she scored off

an assist from Berklee Watson to make the score 1-0 Lady Buffs.

Kitchens got her second of the match in the 40th minute when she headed home a cross from Samantha Garland.

Junior Lindsay McHorse made it 3-0 in the 43rd when she scored off an assist from Taylor Cromeens.

Kelly Skehan picked up the victory in net for the Lady Buffs

making three saves in the match.

WT finishes its season with an overall record of 8-7-3 and 4-6-1 in the LSC.

EVAN GRICEStaff Writer

Lady Bu�s close out season with win Kitchens scores pair in victory over Lady Bulldogs

TemptationsContinued from p. 1

A question and answer session with the Temptations.

How do you keep your music popular with today’s generation?

“We are a very blessed group that have been able to sing any genre of music so we always try to take on things that people don’t expect the Temps to do,” Otis Williams, the founder of the Temptations, said. “We always try to �lex and spread ourselves and keep our audience off balance.”

Now you guys have been around from records to now and how have you adapted to all the changes in the music industry from records to iTunes?

Otis said the one thing that is constant in life is change and iTunes and computer generated business is where the music is going everybody is going on the internet and downloading and buying, that’s the new age and we have to recognize that. We change with the times.

What was it like being inducted into the Hall of Fame and win a grammy?

Well to be inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame is something that is meaningful because I’ve been there and I have saw the display they have of the temptations. You’re looking at something that will be there when we are no longer on this earth.

FRANKIE SANCHEZ FRANKIE SANCHEZ

FRANKIE SANCHEZ

Study John Galloway �lms the experience. Otis Williams being interviewed.

The Temptations on stage at the Civic Center

Page 6: The Prairie Issue IX

During the last 18 months there have been important changes in government policies regarding international affairs, economic regulations, and health care. The results, in spite of the efforts of the opponents to distort the reality, are impressive.

Behind are the times when what most countries of the world expected from the American government was a military agreement or a menace. The new government has promoted peaceful negotiations in Mideast and respectful relations with former counterparts. The civilized mechanisms put in place had recovered the US leadership to successfully tackle the world economic crisis and to deal with the claimed manipulation of the Yuan and the nuclear menace from Iran. Time will say if scaling the presence in Afghanistan was a mistake. But to stop combat operations in Iraq after a $3 trillion cost for the economy was a must.

The internal situation was not lesser challenge. While American citizens were hypnotized by the winds of war, the oil companies were drilling unsafe offshore holes, the speculators were busy creating a bubble, and the insurers were doubling healthcare premiums. The approval of the bailout, the stimulus plan and the �inancial regulations minimizes the risks of another economic crash and reestablishes con�idence. Private companies are creating more jobs, although, employment is still the main concern. “It all comes down to jobs” says Dr. Syed Tarik Anwar, professor of International Business, but

“things cannot be �ixed in two years. We need to understand facts and follow logical processes.”

One of the �irst steps was the health care reform which reduces the current premiums while covering 30 million more people in the next decade at a cost of only 3% of total expenses in health care. A big part of it, charged to insurers and pharmaceuticals that, until now, made extra money at the expense of American’s health. “When it is implemented [the health care reform] people won’t want to give it up” Dr. Reed Welch, Political Science and Criminal Justice department’s head said. In addition, the federal de�icit will decrease in $124 billions over 10 years.

There are still unattended problems; the migratory reform is an example. But what really undermines the achievements is disinformation. Government’s opponents use the media to counter any initiative in unfair ways, convincing people that the federal government is taking over health care. It is exactly the opposite. The government encourages the creation of private companies (exchanges) to do it. They also claim that unemployment is a cause of current policies. “Financial regulations and stimulus are achievements that a lot of people did not want”. Dr. Welch, said. But Dr. Anwar explains that there are cycles in which the only way to recover jobs is by creating a new industry “Some jobs are not coming back”. The senate will decide if alternative sources of energy will be that industry.

Knowing the real facts will make the difference in the voter’s mind. To get informed out of Glenn Beck’s shows about the government’s conspiratorial plans, may be good to vent frustrations, but it is useless to make clever decisions.

the Prairie6Opinion

ANDRES DIAZStaff Reporter

In favor of government

KATELYN GARRITYAssistant Editor

Things are better than people thinkI n o p p o s i t i o nof government People have forgotten a b o u t h a rd t i m e s

People are angry. People in the presidential administration are angry. People in Congress are angry. People in Canyon, Texas are angry. The country voted for “change” in 2008 and then decided that change is not always that best thing for a country. The foreign policy, economy and health care system have all undergone a facelift. This leaves some people asking if this was an elective surgery or a necessity for quality of life.

The U.S. removed itself from Iraq leaving the Iraqi people without a stable government and no protection against an invasion of radicals. Thousands of American troops are now home safe, but are thousands of Iraqi, faced with partial abandonment by those that had been there for years, ready to stand alone? Despite the billions of dollars spent on the war, people have to ask themselves if leaving an area we invaded because it is no longer economically prudent for us to be there is appropriate. American is heralded as a Christian nation, but how Christian like is it to leave a people in the ruins of a war we started and failed to clean up after ourselves?

In addition to war, there has been ongoing turbulence within our nation. The economy was ransacked by the unwise business choices of banks and the undue narcissism of the American pubic. Banks loaned too much money, individuals borrowed too much money. The whole economy ended up on the brink of disaster. That’s were the bailouts came swooping in to save….the banks. Despite the fact that individuals were struggling to pay their

outrageous mortgage payments, the banks and the business got the vast majority of aid from the U.S. government. Although the house market crisis has subsided, people are still defaulting on loans made during the crisis. The banks and businesses may be out the woods, but the people remain in the thick of it.

Health care reform has been heralded as a positive change by some and a dastardly mistake by others. Regardless of how health care reform will positively impact the economic situation in the future, it is hard to rationalize that now was the right time to implement such a plan. Some would ask if not now, when would we ever be able to pass legislation like this health care plan? It would make more sense to pass a bill like this when we could afford the hit to our pocket books. In good times, they [the government, the man, whoever] say the American public is complacent and unwilling to accept change. America is willing to accept progress because progress is prudent change.

It’s time we stop trying to celebrate our ability to change in times when it is advisable to maintain the status quo. The status quo can be a safe hold for people in times of uncertainty that is out of the government’s control. It’s not very smart to take a bunch of people who are in the midst of a tsunami and start rocking their boat even more. This is essentially what the government has done to the American people. I’m not saying things are terrible, but I am saying there’s a reason why it looks like so many Americans are holding on for dear life.

Essentially, for everything there is a season. Some of the recent decisions the government made were rushed through instead of being allowed to take their natural course.

OPENED 7 DAYS A

WEEK.

Page 7: The Prairie Issue IX

7the PrairieEntertainment

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Page 8: The Prairie Issue IX

8 the Prairie

Creepy characters crash Wesley party

Callie GriceSta� Reporter

Students enjoy Halloween party at the Wesley

The Wesley Foundation was the place to be over the weekend, as they had pumpkin carving and a Halloween costume party. The events kicked off Oct. 29 with a pumpkin carving and painting party.

“We are using the pumpkin carving party as a way to have fun, but also help prepare the decorations for the costume party on Saturday,” Mikey Littau, the Wesley Foundation Director said. “All of the pumpkins we create will be used throughout the Wesley as decorations for the Halloween costume party.”

There were pumpkins created for everyone’s taste including Frankenstein, Shrek, werewolves, jack-o-lanterns and even one for the Texas Rangers fans.

“I chose to paint my pumpkin,” Chance Autry, freshman theatre education major, said. I created Elphaba, the wicked witch from the musical Wicked. It’s the best musical ever.”

The remaining decorations were added before the party on Oct. 30. Spider webs are hung from the ceiling and walls and eerie lights set the mood for the Halloween party.

“The night starts out with some silly games,” Tracy Logan, the Wesley Administrative Assistant, said. “We tie apples from

some poles and have people try to eat them. We also play musical pumpkins. There is a coke chugging contest, with a bit of a twist-- one of the last cokes will have soy sauce instead of coke.”

The night does not end with the games, part of the Wesley is blocked off for a fashion show so each person can show off their costume.

“My favorite part of the night is getting to see everyone dressed up and having fun,” Audrey Jones, sophomore Music Education major, said.

After the fashion show, the night ends with a big dance.

“When the games and fashion show are over we all just have a big dance,” Logan said.

These three pumpkins are just a hint of what the Wesley decorations entail.

CALLIE GRICE CALLIE GRICEAudrey Jones decides what to do next as she paints her pumpkin.

Safe fun for kids at the fall carnivalCORE hosts annual Halloween festivities

Witches, mutants, rangers and even Buzz and Woody made their way through the CORE Fall Carnival at the Virgil Henson Activities Center on October 29.

The carnival is put on each year by the CORE of�ice and is aimed toward children 12 and

under. Organizations are encouraged to set up booths to help.

“We like to see the kids in the community Halloween it up,” Amy LeBas, Chi Omega president, said.

Parents enjoy bringing their children to the carnival because it is a safe environment for children.

“It is de�initely safer than taking the kids trick-or-treating,” Jenny

Morgan, mother of two, said.

The kids participate in activities such as toilet paper toss, miniature golf, bean bag throw and face-painting. There is even a prize booth where tickets won can be exchanged for toys and candy.

“Come for the costumes, stay for the candy,” Grant Reyher, a parent, said.

COURTNEY INMAN COURTNEY INMAN

Courtney InmanSta� Reporter

Delta Nu Delta enjoy dressing up while manning their booth for the Fall Carnival.

The prize booth stayed busy all night as children came and selected their treasures after playing games

Low budget horror movie becomes pop culture craze FRANKIE SANCHEZPotographer

The big topic of the week seems to be none other than the release of Paranormal Activity 2. According to moviefone.com the movie quickly earned 41.5 million this weekend with 20 million of that revenue earned Oct. 29 alone. The positive feedback from the �irst movie

has left the second with a great beginning.

These numbers seem unrealistic considering this movie trend started out with the �irst Paranormal Activity as an independent �ilm with a budget of less than $15,000. The movie was only released in theaters that had college students and also in theaters that had enough people request the movie. This �irst movie also set a new trend

in advertisement. Up until Paramount bought the movie, the only advertising there was, was through social media. Sites such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter allowed the movie to be shared with a large target audience through friends.

With the same shooting technique as the �irst movie the only thing different is the in�lux in budget.

The movie takes place before,

during and after the events of the �irst Paranormal Actvity. The movie also explains more details of the haunting past of the Katie and her sister Ali. The family of wife, Ali Rey; husband, Daniel Rey; and daughter, Kristi Rey; and son, Hunter Rey are haunted by entity that wants something that they have. When the family comes home to a trashed home cameras are installed to catch any other activity. The cameras

document all the activity in the around the home including outside. The cameras help the family realize that what is in their home is not normal.

The movie has twist at the end that will leave the watchers shocked and expands on the ending of the �irst movie. Find out what happens to the family and check out the movie Paranormal Activity 2, in theaters now.

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