August 26, 1999 - Southeastern Oklahoma State University

More documents

Recommendations

Info

2 GTrje £l>outf)eagtern Column by Charles Coley It's nearly the third week of school and I still can't believe it. After an initial haphazard attempt at writing this Column, I now sit writing on my second try. You see, my dreaded enemy...I'll just call him Mac(intosh)...chose to delete my entire column. After much cursing and fussing, I began again. So without much fanfare, here goes. This inhales! The lines are still long :and the cafeteria food reeks of trichinosis. And the parking. What is it with the parking? You would think that college students would be able to successfully stop their vehicle in a designated space and then travel the rest of the distance to class on foot. You would think. But then again...thinking has never been a strength of most Southeastern students. There is a mad dash ; every morning to cram into the last available handicapped ! parking space. This is a per- • sonal affront to those students who truly require a handicapped spot. I realize the spaces are much larger, spacious, roomy, and affordable. Howi ever, it is merely a parking spot. ; Perhaps every single parking space on campus should be designated as handicapped. I see this as the only viable solution to our current dilemma. Moreover, I would label the majority of the student body as "handicapped." After all, we attend Southeastern, don't we? entertainment that SOSU now looks presentable. Those guys are great at...uh...maintaining. Nonetheless, there are still portions of our campus that closely resemble that great tourist mecca, Charles A 1 - though I admit I'm no Harley enthusiast, I am still baffled by the presence of more than one motorcycle in a single parking space. I really don't see how this bit of Charge curbside gymnastics is accomplished.Besides, it's been over twenty years since the filming of the last episode of C.H.I.P.S. I will now take the time to applaud the efforts of our wonderful maintenance people. It was through their hard work and dedication in the blazing sun last summer Turkey. An annual tradition occurs every year, especially during these first few weeks of school. It enables even the shyest of freshmen to transform into a creature completely unlike their high school image. It Tips for Battling Nonperformance Paul Kuromoto Ka Leo O Hawaii (U. Hawaii) (U-WIRE) HONOLULU ~ The For some, nonperformance is newspapers, books, milk cartons, ' first day of the fall semester -- the not a choice. Through an unfortu candy wrappers. Do crossword ; official first day of school —incites nate (or fortunate) set of circum puzzles and add up the prices of a j a Jot of thinking about the topic of stances, a student is forced to drop few things in your head without ; success. Counseling sessions and out. For these, there is no re using a calculator or cash register. | Ka Leo editorials urge prepara- course, no negotiation. But for Argue semantics with your friends . tion and ambition. For the 83 those who actually decide whether (but don't get personal). Then hit : percent of University of Hawaii or not to drop, it would be wise to the books again as soon as you : Manoa students who do not drop consider the ramifications first. can. ' out during their first year here, Noncompletion of courses over Self-talk _this advice is invaluable. a semester means two things: A communication class I once The remaining 17 percent is an firstly, the semester for that class took spoke of "self-talk" —things oft-maligned band of de facto is lost and secondly, it may have to you say to yourself to keep your brothers and sisters. Some of be made up again later anyway, self going. Self-talk for these simply do not "persist" after effectively doubling the time com nonperformers is essential be the first year. This means dropmitment for that class. cause complacency is not going to ping out of school entirely to travel But while time away can be a get anyone an education. , another path, such as working or liability, it may potentially be an Remember that (most likely) raising a family. asset. An honest assessment of there are other people in your own , Others do not drop out com your maturity may save you a se high school class that aren't doing pletely, but rather withdraw from mester of slacking and poor marks. nearly as well as you are. Remem ' several classes, which pushes back That semester can be spent getber that education is an ongoing estimated dates of graduation. ting the "party" out of your system process and whether you're in Editorials rarely address that or working, which is one of the school or not, you're learning es . other educational eventuality. I best motivators I've ever had to go sential tools through theyears that . have personal experience with this to school. Most kids straight out may make your chances for suc ,'foe. Arriving here fresh out of of high school aren't likely to get a cess even greater in the long run. 'high school, I found that I simply "real" job, so they'll do menial or And you can always think about ' was not ready to be handed exclu tedious work for very little pay. those who actually end up going sive control of my education — Eventually, the torture that was away to expensive mainland col freedom to decide whether to even school starts to seem FUN in comleges, can't cut it there and come "''go to class at all. Suffice to say, I parison. Hell, anything's better home. "; never did. than work. Which brings me to close with And so I dropped out. The Handling nonperformance. the most important thing 'capstone to my choice was that I This does not refer to the time nonperformers must do — never didn't even bother to drop my immediately after dropping lose hope in their own educations. 'classes — leaving me with four classes. Most nonperformers Keep coming back for more. Even [lovely F's that still impair my GPA. handle that quite well. I, for ex 9 J I took some time off, then attended ample, went out and had a beer. tually you'll find yourself read to take the experience by the reins " a community college. Upon re- What this refers to is the "getting and give it your best shot. And . turning to Manoa, I found that I back on the academic track" to then it will be over. "had acquired a far different out finish one's degree. Hopefully by then, you will have look on education. From this ex First, my advice is to increase learned what it takes to make it, at perience I can offer the following the level of school again as soon as your own pace, on your own terms. ."advice for other potential possible. The longer one spends Who knows? Your knowledge of ^nonperformers, or anyone who out of school, the harder it is to the "real world" may enhance your feels like they are in an educa drag one's self back. If this is not chances over those of others who tional "funk." possible, at least try to keep your came out of college with a degree, ,' The onset of nonperformance. mind sharp. Read everything: but never really grew up. r mi Southeastern ! '1 Sv Oklahoma -fi State University Box 4237 Durant, OK 74701-0121 EXT. 2696 or 2587 vo, MEMBER Oklahoma Collegiate Press Association Oklahoma Press Association Associated Collegiate Press Student Press Law Center Editor-in-Chief Shay Jones U-wire Editor Lauren Moffitt Business Manager Jodie Duke is entirely possible for the high school skank to evolve into the freshman virgin. It's all about image, baby! My personal favorite is the high school dweeb who hopes to subtly blend into the jock crowd. Bill Gates meets TroyAikman! After rushing his fraternity of choice, this same individual will go on to discover that his tolerance for alcohol is the same as that of a titmouse. Our heroic dork will eventually flunk out of college, enter the service, and soon find himself on a U.N. relief mission in a far-off land named after a popular holiday fowl (GO TURKEY). I've heard that normal people (in other words, the people that regularly read this column) spend 10% of every day spreading gossip. I would off the mark never use that amount of personal time on gossip; it would be more like 75% for me. And believe me, there is more than enough gossip to go around. Spread the love! Between the escapades in the Towers and the sexual antics of the Music Department, everyone's tongue should be wagging (no pun intended...well, ok...it was). Freshmen...I promise it will get better. I realize I included this bit of trash in last week's column, but a little bit of redundancy never hurt anyone. Enjoy the week! Get involved on campus (what you're thinking is right...I was well paid to write that). I think I'll head out to the parking lot and see how many Eric Estrada (of Telemundo fame) look-alikes I can scrounge up. I hate that C.H.I.P.S. dip. CHURCH BULLETIN TYPO OF THE WEEK: The associate minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge—Up Yours." by Mark Parisi What's Happening?? lite Want to Know!! Shay Jones sjones.southeastern@hotbot.com (580)924-0121 ext. 2587 Jodie Duke jduke.sauage@hotbot.com (580)924-0121 ext 2696 Southeastern Staff S t aff Contributors Charles Coley Kim Shelton Melissa Thompson Todd Fischer Sarah Martinez Production Manager Melissa Monroe Faculty Adviser Janet F. Reeder Sports Editor Michelle Newman Advertising Manager Billie Mocabee August 26, 1999 Horoscopes By Kim Shelton CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.19)j Decision making will be a ke£ factor in your happiness this week. Don't make snappy judgments, and you won't fall flat on your face. Try on a new attitude this week. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) The one you love could be the only one for you. Try and treat them with that special loving touch that only you have. I see bells in your near future...hint hint...it could be wedded bliss. PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Somebody will try and come between you and those that you. love. Don't allow that to deter your friendships with those around you. Try and be a little more conscious of the decisions that you make. ARIES (Mar. 21-April 19) It is said that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, so don't become discouraged. Try to be more positive in your outlook on life...no one wants to be around a sour puss. TAURUS (April 20- Mav 20) Love will find you no matter where you are. Don't allow the negative attitudes of others to influence your decisions on life and love. GEMINI (May 21-June 20) They say that distance makes' the heart grow stronger...don't believe them. Keep in close contact with the one that you love, or distance will do the obvious and force you farther apart. CANCER (June 21-July 22) Try and be the leader for once and not just the follower. Leadership" qualities that you never thought that you had may just be the key to a wonderful future. - LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Loved ones and friends may find it hard to deal with your personality sometimes, but that doesn't mean that they care any less. Don't judge people on what they look like, look more on the inside and you may find a friend where you once thought you had a foe. VIRGO (Aug. 23- Sept. 22) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!! Try and have a wonderful month. Don't let the opinions of others that you care about be the key factors. Think positive and don't let the negativity of others affect the positive way that you look on life this year. LIBRA (Sept. 23- Oct. 23) Thoughts of forever are not for you this week. Don't plan your life around that "special someone". Try and live in the present. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Friendships can be destroyed with a simple word, so be careful what you say. Don't try and be arrogant, because that will only make trouble for you. Be kind and friendly to those around you, and life will be far more tolerable. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22- Dec. 21) Sincerity is one of the most positive attributes that you have. Use it and this week will bring prosperity and happiness. (^Publication Policy) The Southeastern is published as a teaching instrument for journalism students under the Department of Communication and Theatre on Wednesday during the school year and biweekly during the summer, except during examinations and holidays. Opinions expressed in The Southeastern do-not necessarily represent those of the student body, faculty, or administration. Opinions appearing in by-lined articles, columns or letters are those of the individual writer. Opinions in unsigned editorials are those of the editorial board. Letters to the editor must be signed, although names may be withheld upon request to the editor and the adviser. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters must also include the autnor's address and telephone number for verification. The editor reserves the right to edit letters for space limitations and to comply with libel laws. Every effort will be made to preserve the integrity of the letter. Letters may be mailed or delivered to Fine Arts 203. Subscriptions are S10 per year. Advertising rate cards are available upon request
• 33-totre August 26, 1999 WQZ £§>out|)ea£rtern 3 Legalized Abortion Linked to Reduction in Crime Rates Wenhsin Lee The Stanford Daily (Stanford U.) (U-Wire) Stanford, Calif. --Anewstudyco-writtenby Stanford University Law School Prof. John Donohue is receiving nationwide attention. The unpublished study, "Legalized Abortion and Crime," suggests that the legalization of abortion in the 1970s has contributed to a decrease in crime in the past decade. The two researchers, Donohue and economist Stephen Levitt of the University of Chicago, argue that women whose children would have been most likely to commit crimes as young chose to abort their pregnancies in the 1970s, thus decreasing the amount of young criminals in the 1990s. The study is currently being circulated among economists and criminal-law experts, and it has received acclaim from Judge Richard Posner of the 7th U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago. In a statement to the Associated Press, Posner called the study "a striking, original, rigorous and persuasive - although not conclusive - demonstration of the commonsensical point that unwanted children are quite likely not to turn out to be the best citizens." Donohue and Levitt have been working on this study for the past two years, and they have already published several papers together. "We never thought we would be besieged by the press over this," stated Donohue. "It is surprising. For a long time I dwelled in relative obscurity." For the past two weeks, Donohue has been invited for interviews on both television and radio programs. His house and office were flooded with calls, even as he prepared for his trip to Yale University, where he will be spending fall semester as a visiting professor. Along with praise, Donohue and Levitt have also received criticism from pro-life groups who claim that the study supports abortion rights. In a statement to The Guardian, David O'Steen, executive director of the National Right to Life Committee, called the study "bizarre," and he claimed that it does not give a convincing argument for abortion rights. "You mean killing babies in the 1970s led people in the 1990s to do less shoplifting? I can't believe that any significant percent of the population would argue that we should kill unborn babies to affect whatever they say is being affected," O'Steen stated. Claiming that the point of the study is not to support abortion, Donohue stated that the study merely explains a causal relationship between abortion and crime rate. "I am very removed from the whole abortion debate. I am just a scientist trying to figure out •••"•••••«»mmmmmmtmrnammm what the facts are, and I leave the debate up to other people," Donohue stated. You mean killing babies in the 1970s led people in the 1990s to do less shoplifting? However, the controversial thesis has some critics calling the study racial eugenics, because it suggests that a decrease in poor minority children born in the 1970s contributed to the drop in crime. "I don't think it's our job as economists and scientists to withhold truth because some people are not going to like it," Levitt said. Levitt argued that the aborted children would have been the ones "most likely to be unloved by their mother, to have faced intense poverty and to have had tough lives." The researchers state that legalized abotion may account for as much as half of the overall crime drop in the United States between 1991 and 1997. Donohue also suggested that the study allows for skepticism about the other asserted causes for decreased crime. "People say that increased incarceration and increased policing on out streets are the reason swhy crime is falling, but perhaps these are not the root causes," Donohue said. "The negative implication of the study is that perhaps we should not be spending so much money on police and prisons." Donohue believes that a goal is to reduce the number of unwanted children. 'Heart of Dixie' License Plates Prevent Progress John Boyd The Auburn Plainsman (Auburn U.) (U-Wire) Auburn, Ala. — I've been taught to respect where I come from. When it comes to family, I'm unwavering. When it comes to my school, I'm solid. When it comes to standing up for an overused, cliched, Old South echo that reverberates nearly everything wrong with this marginal state, I must refuse. The slogan is a symbol of a heritage many Southerners refuse to separate themselves from. That's fine I euess, but when that heritage is so closely related to slavery, I don't see the need to jump up and down defending it. Why not, out of respect for the multicultural movement that will continue to enrich Alabama, stop protecting slavery days slogans? Alabama is the "Heart of Dixie," or as the American Heritage Dictionary puts it, the Heart of "those states that joined the Confederacy." Let's not kid ourselves by of ignorance saying the Civil War wasn't about racism. It was the kindling to the slavery bonfire. Alabamians shouldn't abandon all reference to our state's sordid past, but I can't muster the Dixie-devotion to be proud of it. Alabama pride coughs in the exhaust of fancy rides, clunkers, lemons and dune buggies. The issue here is not bad taste (not that I would ever assume Dixielanders have bad taste), but about a stupid law. All Alabama license Dlates. except the school and environmen tal tags, must carry the slogan. To make it optional is fair, but mandatory? That's ridiculous. So this slogan is a piece of our heritage, and is supposed to remind everyone what Alabama is, and where it came from: it's meant to remind everyone where Alabama's heart really is. As I walk to my car, I know I'm in Dixie. And those who suffered the blows of Dixie discrimination see it too. What is it suonosedto remind them of? They're right in the heart of it. Yale Professor Arrested for Bail Violation M. Ari Behar Harvard Crimson (Harvard U.) (U- Wire) Cambidge, Mass.—Yale Professor Antonio C. Lasaga was jailed again last Friday, after prosecutors alleged he violated the terms of his federal bail bond. Until his arrest last week, Lasaga had been in home confinement while awaiting trial on federal and state charges, including sexual assault and possession of child pornography. He has pled not guilty to all federal and state charges. On Friday, the government filed a successful motion to have Lasaga's bond revoked, claiming that he had obstructed justice and violated state law and the conditions of his bail bond by "surreptitiously" accessing computer files belonging to a potential witness in the federal case, according to Kari A. Dooley, senior litigation counsel for the US Attorney's Office. She said Lasaga did so through the Yale computer system. According to Dooley, federal agents originally arrested Lasaga on November 18, 1998. He was subsequently charged with possession and receipt of child pornography. He was arrested again on December 9,1998 and placed under home confinement after he allegedly came into contact with a minor who was a potential witness. He was permitted to leave his home under limited circumstances, Dooley said. Then, on December 21, the New Haven Police depart ment arrested Lasaga again. State prosecutors charged him with two counts of sexual assault in the first degree, two counts of risk of injury to a minor and two counts of promoting a minor in an obscene performance, according to Senior State Attorney David Strollo. He was released on $250,000 bail. Strollo said the state has not taken any new action against Lasaga as a result of the most recent incident, but said his office was currently investigating the matter. "He has not yet been charged with anything as a result of this latest incident by the state of Connecticut," Strollo said. Lasaga could not be reached and his attorney, William F. Dow III, declined to comment on the case. "I prefer to try my cases in court, not in the press," he said. The director of Information Technology Services at Yale University also declined to comment because a federal investigation is currently in progress. Lasaga was master of Saybrook College at Yale until he resigned on November 6, 1998. He is also a professor of geology and geophysics at Yale. Lasaga earned his Ph.D. in chemical physics from Harvard in 1976. He also served as a lecturer in Harvard's department of Chemistry and Geology from 1976 to 1977. Turkish Students Seek Help Ann Hester Oklahoma Daily (U. Oklahoma) (U-Wire) Norman, Okla. Sahabeddin Yalcin, a philosophy graduate student who has — Suat Kasap spent two days try family in Istanbul, said that he ini saying the slogan has nothing to do with the Civil War. and lets not choke ourselves on the shackles ing to find out if his parents were tially had trouble getting in touch still alive after an earthquake hit with his relatives because they were their home in northwestern Tur unable to return to their homes. key on Tuesday. "There is fear of disease "I looked at lists of the because they don't have enough wa Who Would Oust Mister Rogers From His Neighborhood? dead and wounded on the Internet and called about 80 numbers, anyone I ter and can't get enough medical services," Yalcin said. knew i n Turkey," said "These Kasap, an industrial people need Teague Von Bohlen engineering Ph.D. I looked at the shelter. Colorado Daily (U. of Colorado) candidate, on Sun They're liv lists of the dead day. "I found out they ing in tents, (U-Wire) Boulder, Colo. — This year makes Mister Rogers' for cooking, for home improvement, and even for children's education. 30th year on television. And if some people had their way, it would also were alive two days So what's the use of paying for shows like "Nova," "Frontline," "P.O.V.," and wounded on they can't be his last. Who in their right minds would want to oust Mister Rogers later, but it wasn't live in the "This Old House" and, of course, "Sesame Street" and "Mister Rogers' from his own neighborhood? Who would want to give Big Bird a pink until yesterday that I the Internet and temporary Neighborhood?" Well, besides the lessons in correct apostrophe place slip? Who would want to rid the world of one of the last bastions of heard my mom and ment, all those shows are still available on a single channel. They were called about 80 homes for integrity on broadcasting? father's voices ever. More the first, and they still do it better than most. Congress, of course. Or at least an overly vocal segment of it. again." numbers, anyone immediate And more importantly, they're still available to everyone, and Mister Rogers and shows like it have been quietly entertaining and The indus needs are not just those who have the $35 (and often more) to spend on basic cable I knew in Turkey. educating the American public for more than three decades, and now, trial engineering food, water every month. We as a nation have sadly not moved past the need for in return for all these years of graduate student's and medical equalizers like PBS. There still faithful service, they are threat parents live in supplies." exists a need out there for a freely ened with extinction. But that's Adapazari. Other available channel to teach impov nothing new here in America. Kasap and problems ^ erished 5-year-olds how to count, After all, this is a country that other members of caused by fflfflfflfflffl fflfflffl or to invite their parents to under OU's Turkish Student Association puts elders in group homes as the quake include lack of utilities. stand history or science or human though their age were contagious. want to work with other campus "All these important things fflfflfflj \r fflfflffl behavior or even how to hang a This is not a land of "Won't You i groups to raise money to help are just gone-water, electricity, door properly. It's all important, Be My Neighbor." This is still a people affected by the earthquake. natural gas," said Sezai Ucan, Turk and because a fat-cat Congress land of "Not In My Backyard." "Since we have a small ish Student Association member man has forgotten what it was like Turkish community at OU, we are and research associate at Sarkey's Even after 30 years. — if he indeed never knew — not to relying on help from other groups Sure there have been mistakes made by a few PBS stations. Energy Center. have $35 to spare each month, well, it's no excuse to throw some of our But mistakes are made all the time by government-supported institu and organizations," Kasap said. "If Aftershocks have kept most beloved and highest-quality programs into the pit of commercial tions. If Congress played by their own rules, and withdrew funding Darwinism. they want to help, they can call us many residents living away from from a program that made an error in judgment, they wouldn't even and we can guide them." their homes, including Kasap's So won't you be my neighbor? exist anymore. That argument was all smoke and mirrors for the Kasap said Turkish Stu parent's. During the quake, pic It's a simple request, an invitation that all of us 35 and under ongoing debate that has been going on for a number of years now — dent Association members would probably accepted when we were younger. And the author of that line, tures and glass were shaken to the that PBS has outlived its usefulness for America. help campus groups organize ground and the refrigerator fell Mister Rogers, is a perfect example of what PBS can do. It's a message fund-raising events or set up an The original aim of PBS was to offer to all Americans some of of acceptance, understanding and love that he offers day to day. And over. Kasap's father went into the OU relief fund if they are inter the culture, education, and entertainment that only the upper classes aren't those the qualities we've all been saying are missing from our apartment three times after that. once enjoyed: history, art drama, literature and children's education. ested. world lately? The very things bemoaned as lost after Columbine? But "The second time, the It was free, so long as you owned a television. And we as a nation The death toll in the quake there they are, being offered to you and to all of us. And they're in apartment was shaking with an af deemed it necessary to further our society, to nurture us psychologi jeopardy. has surpassed 1200 and some oftershock," Kasap said. "He decided cally and spiritually. So what has changed since then? ficials have predicted as many as So here's to 30 more years of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" three times was enough. Another In a word, cable. With the boom of cable television came and the quiet magic of shows like his. PBS deserves to live. Although it 40,000 fatalities. More than shaking may be enough to destroy "niche programming," a thing that has made in the minds of some has done amazing things for our culture, there's so mush more to be 115,000 buildings were demol it." people with limited vision made PBS obsolete. We have channels for done. ished or rendered uninhabitable history, for the arts, for science and information, for documentaries, by the quake.
Page 1: X&he outh eastern Volume 8(J), Numb
Page 5 and 6: iHtetog August 26, 1999 {Erje i^out
Page 7 and 8: August 26, 1999 Sports The Southeas

August 26, 1999 - Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?