2008-2009 Peru State Times (Peru, NE) - issues 1-10

The search for PSC president begins

Nebraska State College System

Chancellor Stan Carpenter is serving as interim president of Peru State College (PSC) until a new president is found for the institution.

I am pleaseJ and pri\ ilegeJ to serve at a wonderful institution. 1 always knew Peru was a special place," Carpenter said in an interview with the Times. "There is high quality faculty and students who want to learn."

President Carpenter said there is a lot of interest in the position. and stucknts can expect to see prospective candidates on campus late January.

"The search is going well we're on schedule [in the process]," he said.

hen though this is a year of transition. Carpenter pointed out the college is continuing with its success. The school has solid enrollment, and the money in\'ested in the renovation and remodeling of various buildings on campus has paid off. He encouraged everyone to come out and see the newly ren-

ovated AWAC building for a volleyball game, and "root on the women."

Carpenter also recently announced that Peru State would be redesigning its scholarship program, reflecting students' on-campus involvement and leadership. These scholarships are available for applicants for the Fall 2009 semester.

Carpenter said of the scholarship program: ··we want to ensure that the campus not only remains relevant. but vibrant. We believe we can achieve that end by increasing the significance of the financial award for students who agree to pursue their degrees in a more traditional format.''

In a memo sent campus-wide August 13. Carpenter announced the advisory committee that will aid the Board of Trustees in their search. Members include: Angela Allgood. Bruce Batterson, Taylor Dunekacke. Sheri Grotrian, Pat Haverty. Dan Holtz. Linda Jacobsen, Peggy Kuser. Steve Lewis. Marie Meland, Chuck Niemeyer. Jim Reynolds, Judith Ruskamp, Dixie Teten, and Micki Willis. The memo stated that the search would span from late August to February.

He also asked the general public

to send him any concerns or ideas that would help define the next president of the college.

Peru's fonner President, Dr. Ben Johnson, officially stepped down on August 15, nearly a decade after assuming the role in 1999. During his time at PSC. Johnson helped invest $35 million in repair and renovations, almost doubled enrollment for the college. and oversaw the creation of the Academic Resource Center. popularly known as the ARC. He is currently the first Nebraska State College System , online professor of interdisciplinary studies.

Johnson announced his retirement from Peru in late April. At that time he said, "I am proud of the incredible strides this 'little college that could' has made throughout the past nine years, and I consider it a privilege to have been a part of its renaissance. To say that my time at Peru State has been the highlight of my professional career is an understatement. I leave the college having gained wonderful friends and colleagues, and knowing that my work as president is done. It's time to start another chapter not only in my life, but in this institution's rich 140-year history."

Sept. 22, 2008

Propst hired to head Peru State Foundation

[Peru, Neb.] The Peru State College (PSC) Foundation has hired Kent Propst to serve as executive director.

Propst. a graduate of PSC, was director of college relations and vice president of institutional relations at the college for 20 years from 1983 to 2003. He returns to Peru State after serving the past five years as vice president for community relations at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene.

PSC Interim President and Chancellor of the Nebraska State College System Stan Carpenter said. "Kent brings to the table extensive know ledge about Peru State College. tremendous enthusiasm and a positive vision for the future. His commitment to this institution and the surrounding area will serve the Foundation and our alumni well. I'm Kent has chosen to return to Peru. and I look forward to working with him."

Dr. Ben Johnson, retiring president and new faculty member, said.

"Kent's unique credentials, passion for the college and close ties to the surrounding communities made him

the perfect choice for this position. He spent many years developing relationships with our alumni that will enable hif;i to hit the ground running. We are happy that Kent has elected to return home to serve 'his college· in this capacity."

Propst said, '·I am thrilled at the opportunity to return to the Peru State College family, and grateful to the PSC Foundation for providing it. This is my chance to repay all that the college has clone for me. With the help of many others, we can and must provide it with the additional support and resources to build on its rich heritage and history."

Propst earned his undergraduate degree in journalism from PSC in 1981. He is currently vice chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce and is an acti\'e participant in the Post Falls and Hayden Chambers of Commerce. Propst also serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Idaho's First Judicial District Board of Directors.

Propst began his duties Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Dr. Asmussen to take students abroad

Dr. Kelly Asmussen, associate professor of criminal justice in the School of Professional Studies, is sponsoring an international study tour to Australia this May.

"After this trip I will have spent seven months of my life in Australia, so I know the country very well," said Asmussen.

All students are invited to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

The trip is estimated to cost around $3,750. This includes hotel, in-country transportation, meals, and round trip airfare. The trip will last twenty-one days and is tentatively scheduled to leave for

Australia on May 18, 2009 from Omaha.

The group would fly to Sydney, Australia for ten days and then travel to Brisbane for the rest of the time.

In order to be involved in this trip, Dr. Asmussen will need a $100 nonrefundable deposit by Sept. 25. If the trip is cancelled, the money would be refunded. The total amount of $3750 will be due no later than Jan. 15, 2009.

After paying your deposit, the next step is to sign up for a hybrid course offered in the Spring semester. This course will be a mixture of online and in class work. During the course you would learn about the politics, history, economy, culture, aboriginal peoples, and social welfare system. This would also include looking at the unique drug

treatment program, crime,· interagency cooperation, courts and judicial system, and juvenile programs. The purpose of the course is to study the similarities and differences between our countries' lifestyles. Any student is able to enroll in this class if they are interested in this trip.

"I feel confident this trip will be a great success as I have been able to access a variety of agencies that have quality educational value," commented Asmussen.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kelly Asmussen in TJ Majors 308 via email kasmussen@oakmail.peru.edu, call 402-872-2426 (office), or 402-4237857 (home).

Dr. Asmussen is the co-sponsor of the PSCJ (Psychology/ Sociology/ Crimi'nal Justice) dub.·

Students are still adjusting to hours in library

pm, and the hours on Sundays to 2 pm to 9 pm.

At the beginning of 2007 - 2008 school year. there was a change in routine on campus. The library cut down its hours.

Instead of closing at 11 pm during the week and being open on Saturdays, the library began closing at 9 pm on Mondays through Thursdays. It was no longer open on Saturdays. and changed its hours on Fridays to 7:30 am to 5

l\fany students last year had trouble adjusting 'to the new hours. Some would say that their schedules were too busy during the day, others would say that there just was not enough time to get there before closing. and the rest were fine with the hours.

School only started a few weeks ago. and the library saw little change at night. ·

director of the library. stated.

Jamie Wolbert, a senior elementary education major. notices the sharp drop-off between library use during the day and the evening.

"When I come in during the day the computer lab is usually full, and then right at about 8 pm everyone leaves," she said.

Monday, Oct. 6 (90's Day)

Nintendo 64 Mario Kart Challenges: 11 am - 1 pm @ Dining Hall

Saved by the Bell's Mr. Belding: 7 pm @ College Theater

Tue1>day, Oct •. 7 (80's Day)

Family Feud Game Show: 5:30 - 6:30 @ Dining Hall

F,ree Movie - Ooonies: 11:00 pm @ College Theater -

Wednesday, Oct. 8 (50's Day)

F,aculty/StaffTalent Show: 7 pm @ Dining Hall los.h'Qa flail, Elvis_ Impersonator

NBCs Arnerica's Got Tale11t) Finale of Talent Show ">,'•.

Thursday, Oct. 9 (60's Day)

Homecoming Pep Rally/Games: 6 pm @ Student Center Green

"I Do! I Do!" A Musical Comedy in 2 Acts - 7:30 pm@ College Theater*

Friday; Oct.10. (Here and Now)

Powder Puff Football Tournament: 10 am Start @ Band Field

"fDo! I Do!" A Musical Co111edy in 2 Acts - 7:30 pm@ College Theater* ·

Saturday, Oct.11 (70's Day)

Homecoming Parade: 10 am Downtown Peru

Home. football game vs. NW Oklahoma: 1 pm @ Oak Bowl

Softball Game: Following Football Game @ Complex Field

Homecoming Dance (Disco theme): 9 pm - 12 am @Student Center

Sunday, Oct.12

Alumni Baseball Game: 12 pm@ Complex

"I Do! I Do!" A Musical Comedy in 2 Act - 3 pm @College Theater*

"So far there is little use at night. One night, four or five students stopped by to quickly check email and then left,"

Hopefully the evening usage will pick up during the week. The ARC began offering tutoring from 6 pm to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday. Explore the library and take advantage of all the information it has to offer.

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Editor

Advertising Manager

Distribution Manager

Layout Staff

Phuong Tran

Mary Trecek

Savannah Wenzl

Wellington Ferguson

Joe Smith

Lindsey Husen

Kristen Husen

Kristopher Miller

Linze Thummel

Faculty Advisor

Kristi Nies

Contributing Sta([

Trevor Shalon

Jordan Dierking

Tom Van Boeing

Jacob Thompson-Krug

Shryriah Marshall

Abby Linnerson

Ted Merrill

Courtney Carmichael

Aaron Deats

Laura Kjar

Stephanie Hoffman

Kellen Sailors

*"I Do! I Do!" A Musical Comedy in 2 Acts has admission charge of $5 for PSC students and $10 for non-students

Contact Sara LaBrie x2252 or Alicia Miller x2329 for more information. Free t-shirts thrown out at events!

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in room 126 of the AVL building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire editorial staff. The Peru State Times is an independent student publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles and so forth submitted to the Times should be signed by the individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters to the editor for grammar and style.

To reach the Times, call us at (402)-872-2260, e-mail us at psctimes@yahoo.com, or send material to the Peru State Times, Campus Mail, Peru State College, Peru, NE 68421.

Modernizing the Peru State campus, one building at a time

now have offices in the same general area and are easy to find.

rooms, and studios as well as a new art gallery. ·

With the 2008-2009 school year in full swing, the Al Wheeler Activity Center (AWAC) renovation is almost complete.

The AWAC now has state-of-the art facilities that students and athletes can use. A much more advanced training room, with room for tables, enables the athletic trainers to treat more student-athletes.

The coaches and athletic director

The $7.5 million AWAC renova-·

The Bob Inn received a face lift in tion was just one of many renova- summer 2007. Now it is more of a tions completed in recent years on cafe style place for students to eat, campus. drink, and socialize.

The A.V. Larson Building received The Academic Resource Center's a major upgrade, also. This renovation was completed in 2004. tion was completed over the sum- It houses many different academic mer, and Peru State College is now · services including Student Success proud to say that this is one more Services or Trio (SSS), Transition building that is handicapped acces- Services, and Assessment and sible. A.V. Larson houses Peru Support.

State College's Art Department, the the Library's renovation was comPeru State Times office, Foundation pleted in April of 2003. It has four office, professor's offices, class- levels, all of which are handicapped

accessible. The building itself is over 100 years old. Workers have labored to preserve the integrity of the building.

Another recent renovation was done to Morgan Hall. It was completed in the spring of 2003. This dormitory houses 150 women in double occupancy rooms. Approximately half of the building

The Jindra Fine Arts building is currently being looked at by the Building Renewal Taskforce and Jacobsen, vice president for administration and finance, for a possible renovation

New student weekend kickstarts positive experience

KRISTEN RUSEN Staff Writter

Overcome with nerves, many freshmen arrived at Peru State College in over-packed cars. These students were overwhelmed with excitement, sadness, and anxiety. Many other students had this same feeling rushing through their bodies, also.

New Students Weekend started out like the previous years with the move. Luckily for freshmen, there were Top Cats to help with get settled. After student moved into the tiny cubicle lunch was served. Freshmen met their Top Cat and Mentors and were given a lecture. After talking with the mentors, students went on a scavenger hunt.

"I thought this was the most exciting thing that we did all day," said freshman Elle Bruns. After finishing the scavenger hunt students met up with their parents and said their goodbyes. For some this was the

hardest part of the day and for others this is what they had been looking forward to all day.

Friday night ended with the highlighted event of Gooey Grub. Each student receiv.ed a card that kept track of which events they had participated in and how many points they received for each one. After the Gooey Grub, students walked back to their dorms where they were hosed down before going to their RA meetings.

On Saturday, freshmen woke up early for breakfast and. a class picture. Immediately following the picture students began rotations. Stops on the rotations included: library orientation, class tours, question and answer,, introduction to Blackboard and acommail, as well as· visiting the newly finished AWAC. In between all of these stops, there was a drug and alcohol speaker in the session called "Happy Hour with Bernie." He perfonned an hour of comedy ranging from college life to celebrities. After his comedy routine, he spoke about

has been completely renovated and is air-conditioned. The next phase is to renovate the rest of the building

Many students have inquired about Delzell Hall and when it will receive a makeover. The building, built in 1939, also houses 150 in rooms. It does not have any air-conditioning.

Linda Jacobsen, vice president for administration and finance, said "This building is in need of electrical and mechanical upgrades. Since it is a Revenue Bond building, we will have to do a bond issue to raise the fonds to do the project. We

expect the next bond issue for the Nebraska State College System will be in approximately 3 to 5 years."

Another building in need of renovation is Jindra Fine Arts: It is not handicapped accessible past the first floor. Jacobsen said that they are "currently studying the code issues in the building" to try and make it "completely code compliant with regard to fire and life safety and handicapped accessibility." This building is currently being looked at by the Building Renewal Taskforce and Jacobsen hopes that there will be results soon.

Numbers show another year of increased enrollment

Writter

Peru State College continues to increase its numbers. The enrollment count is not officially calculated and released until Oct. 15.

increase and a decrease. The oncampus population decreased 4.48%, but online only students increased 11.28%. A 17.6% increase was seen in the off-campus student enrollment. This includes students at Offutt and who are enrolled in early entry classes.

his real life experiences with drugs and alcohol:"

Saturday ended with a community fair and the alumni volleyball game. After the game, students were encouraged to stay, play games, and try to win prizes. However, many freshmen left and did not play games.

New s·tudent Weekend ended on Sunday with a brunch. After the brunch we had a key-note $peaker, Chad Crittenden. He spoke to the incoming freshmen about how he lost his leg to a tumor that formed in his foot, and about the obstacles he has faced with a prosthetiC leg.

Finally, the end of the day was here! New student weekend ended with a Club Fair and an Ice Cream Social. For many students who had mixed emotions about going off to college, they were forgotten during this weekend, and others will soon get over them too. Even though many freshmen found this weekend to be a nuisance, it actually did benefit everyone. ·

Director of Admissions, Micki Willis says, "Overall enrollment is up 4.96% compared to last year on Sept. 7. Our current enrollment is 2,136 compared to last year's 2,035 students. Enrollment for freshman students increased .4%. Our number of freshman students increased 7 .29%."

When comparing the number of on campus and online students, Peru State College saw both an

More students are coming to Peru State College because of the numerous state-of-the-art renovations the college has gone through in recent years. Also, students continue to come to Peru State College for its affordability and excellent opportunities and educational programs."

"We expect to be at 2,307 students by the beginning of the second session of online classes begins," commented Willis.

Wait, who is changing my school's home page?

As another school year begins, changes have occurred on campus. We have different professors, classes, classmates, and even a different web site. Most freshmen on campus probably do not know how the old web site. looked like. I know I for one was in complete shock one day when I opened up Internet and my home page was brand new. At first I thought somebody played a trick on me and changed my home page, but as I looked closer I realized that in fact it was the Peru State College web site.

"I like it!" said senior education

major Jamie Wolbert. "It makes it a lot easier to find things like Acornmail and Blackboard. I did not really like the drop-downs, which were on the old web site."

"I think the web site is· more ·organized,"' said sophomore Education major Erika Daugherty. "I especially like the tools on the bottom that have Acornmail, Blackboard, Catsonline."

Abigail Zarybnicky who transferred to PSC last year, said it'is easier to navigate to find things. It seems like there are fewer 'mouse clicks to find what you want.

On the other hand, Justin Keams, a senior education major, said, "It's harder to locate teacher's email, web page, and office hours on the new web site."

Election time comes again

Contributing Writer

Summer has come to a close and fall is in full swing. Does everyone know what that means?

The year is 2008 and it is election time yet again. That's right; time for a bunch of people most of us would normally never care about talk about how great certain candidates are and why we should vote for them. In actuality, all the promise of change will most likely never happen due to the party division in Congress.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Barack Obama/ Joe Biden or John McCain/ Sarah Palin will lead this country back to where we belong.

I'm a Republican born and raised, so I will be voting for McCain in November, not because he is Republican but because he went through a lot in the Vietnam War.

I just do not think that his ideas are realistic. They are good ideas don't get me wrong, but he has to go through Congress to get them approved, and as long as they continue to think,'that is not what is good for the party,' nothing will continue to be done.

One thing I really want out of this elect.ion is for Obama and McCain to run a clean campaign. Just because they can bash the

Promise Nelson, a sophomore psychology major, likes the new web!>ite but her computer does not have the new version of Flash and she is unable to download it. She and some others have not been able to access the web site on their computers.

So, why the new web site for everyone?

Regan Anson, director of marketing and public affairs, said, "The Peru State College's web site was overdue for a makeover. We wanted to create something that had a more modem, fresh look that was also easier to navigate. We also wanted the new web site to reflect the fact that this institution is a leader in online education. I think we accomplished all of those goals."

The new web site was developed by Digital Graphic Design Artist Heath Christiansen and designed by Marketing Department intern Long Kounthapanya, who is also responsibJe for designing the white icons on the bottom right of the home page, the intent of which are to provide easy access to the most utilized sections of the site. The duo began working on the project last fall.

Chelsea Allgood, also an intern in the Marketing Department, helped with the development of the site as well.

"The new web site is a project that will continue to evolve over time," Christiansen said. "As advances in technology are made, we will do our best to ensure that those upgrades are reflected on the

PSC site. We want to remain on the cutting edge."

He continued: "As with any new web site, there will undoubtedly be some bugs that will need to be worked out, and we appreciate feedback from those who use it most. We encourage students, faculty, staff and visitors to go to www.peru.edu/feedback to send us anonymous suggestions and/or opinions of the site. Also, we hope everyone will take some time to explore and utilize some of the cool new features of the site, including videos, the campus map, directions and a new RSS feed."

As of Sept.. 22, Graphic Design Artist Rebecca Johnson has finished the final stages of redesigning the athletics web site.

other candidate doesn't mean they should. Take the attacks on Gov. Palin's d.aughter. I firmly believe that the families of the candidates should be left out of the media in all forms. I hate to break this to everybody, but people in government are human too and they are going to make mistakes. Also, I don't think a candidate's race and religion should questioned by the media, or by anyone for that matter. Obama is black. So what? I do not care if he was green and worshiped Egyptian gods, that doesn't affect me in any way. As long .as he gets the job done, it shouldn't matter what the candidate's race, religion or gender is as long as they follow the Constitution of the United States and work to make our country better. That's all I want and I hope that's what everyone else wants too.

I realize a lo( of people really care about American politics and that there are a lot of people who could care less. However, since we are in election time, I feel it is important to know what is going on. As a closing statement, I encourage everyone to watch Fox News, CNN, or even MSNBC and learn a little about Barack Obama and John McCain.

I will let you know now that since this is election time, this will not be the last article on the next president. Be prepared.

Helpful advice for students who are interested in studying abroad

There are many individuals around the world who have dreamed of traveling to another country. For a vacation, school, or even a new life, travel seems unanimously popular. While in high school, I was fortunate enough to be able to visit another country. I journeyed to France for a couple weeks with a school group. It was an amazing trip that I will never forget. Ever since then, I knew I wanted to spend time abroad.

Last year, I decided to stop wishing and start doing something. First, I lookea over my progress sheet and found that I was only missing a few general education classes. This means that my senior year was the perfect and only possible time. Then I called Peru State College's sister school Chadron State College, who offers a study abroad program, and I found that it was possible. Carl Cousin their Study Abroad Advisor helped me through the application process. CSC promotes three programs; of the three I selected International Studies Abroad. Each program offers a semester or year abroad in several different countries. I knew that I wanted to go

to England and found that ISA was the .best deal. My trip costs over $12,000 but it is well worth the money. My trip includes tuition at host university, airport reception & transfers, on-campus housing in residence halls, 19 meals per week, medical insurance, internet access, student services, cultural activities, full-time university study abroad staff, official transcript from host -university, and several excursions. This amount of money could easily be spent on a semester at college in the United States.

My semester abroad begins Sept. 29 and ends Dec. 12; so I am currently preparing for my trip. Packing items to last me a semester

is not appealing, but I will be starting that very soon. I am fortunate enough to be able to purchase a bedding pack from the school; this makes my load a bit lighter. Putting everything together for my trip is a bit but I am excited for my semester in Reading.

For students interested in studying abroad, my advice would be to talk to your advisor and see what help they can provide, possibly call CSC and ask if they will aid you through the process, and the biggest tip I can give is begin preparing early Meeting program and scholarship deadlines is much easier when you begin researching way in advanced Good luck!

Peru State redesigns scholarship program

[Peru , Neb.] Peru State College (PSC) President Stan Carpenter today announced that the college has redesigned its scholarship program to reward campus involvement and leadership.

Carpenter said, "The goal of the new scholarship program is to bolster on-campus enrollment. Online education has been growing by leaps and bounds throughout the past several years at Peru State Traditional on-campus enrollment has grown as well, but at a much slower rate. We want to ensure that the campus not only remains relevant, but vibrant. We believe we can achieve that end by increasing the significance of the financial award for students who agree to pursue their degrees in a more traditional format."

Carpenter added that the revised scholarship program will encourage students to get more involved in campus life earlier. which will

aid in retention. "Studies have mined that a student has taken on a shown that the most successful stu- leadership role on campus the dents are those who participate in award will be increased to $3 ,000. athletics, music, drama, intramu- The Campus Continuing Studies rals, or other clubs and organiza- Award provides a $2,000 per year tions," Carpenter said. "More well- tuition waiver for two years for up rounded students ultimately lead to to 60 individuals. The criteria for a more well-rounded campus." the award requires that students be

The Campus Citizen Award will first-time Peru State students, have allow traditional freshmen a $2,000 a minimum of 12 transferable hours tuition waiver each year for up to and possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA two years if they have a 2.75 or from their previous institution. above GPA and a 20 or above ACT They must also agree to register for (1410 or above SAT) score. They and complete 12 on-campus hours must also contract to live on cam- each semester. This scholarship can pus and register for and complete a also be renewed for a second year if minimum of 12 on-campus credit the student maintains a 2.5 GPA, hours per semester. Students can registers for and completes a minirenew the award their sophomore mum of 12 hours each if they maintain a 3.0 cumula- semester, _and is actively involved tive GPA, contract to live on cam- in a campus activity. pus. register for and complete a Students are eligible to apply for minimum of 12 on-campus credit these scholarships for fall 2009. hours per semester, and show evi- Peru State's scholarship deadline is dence of being actively involved in Friday. Jan. 15. a campus activity. If it is deter-

Dr. Crook appointed to Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission

[Peru. Neb.] Peru State College

History Professor Dr. Sara Crook was recently appointed to serve a five-year term on the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission by Gov. Dave Heineman.

Crook said, "I appreciate the opportunity to serve Nebraksans in this way and look forward to the challenges of serving on this board. After having taught the history of Nebraska for 25 years at the collegiate level, it is so very evident that choosing an individual from the past to receive this honor will require serious study and reflection for their overall contribution to the State of Nebraska. It will be a pleasure to serve in that capacity.''

The Nebraska Hall of Fame was

Harshbarger honored with three separate awards for service

[Peru, Neb.] Peru State College ed with the 2007-08 Barb Lewellen Director ofTransition Services Ted Award by the PSC Student Senate. Harshbarger was recently .honored. The honor is given each year to a for his service to students with PSC staff member who provides three separate awards. outstanding service to the students

established in 1961 to officially recognize prominent Nebraskans.

The Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission, with members appointed by the governor, is the official body responsible for the evaluation of candidates and the bestowal of this prestigious honor.

The Hall of Fame honors people who were born in Nebraska, gained prominence while living in Nebraska. or lived in Nebraska and whose residence in Nebraska was an important influence on their lives and contributed to their greatness.

Legislation passed in 1998 provides that no more than one person can be added to the Hall of Fame every five years, with the next

addition to be made in 2010. The legislation also provides that no person can be considered for the Hall of Fame until at least 35 years after his or her death. Busts of Hall of Fame members are displayed in the State Capitol and in other commission-approved locations.

Some of the 24 members of the Nebraska Hall of Fame include Willa Cather, Chief Standing Bear, J. Sterling Morton, Buffalo Bill Cody, Father Flanagan and Bess Streeter Aldrich.

For more information on the Nebraska Hall of Fame, visit http://www.nebraskahistory.org/ ad · min/hall_of_fame/.

Most recently, Harshbarger was at the college. One of the nominahonored as the longest-ever serving tion letters noted that students member (nine years) of the could always count on Harshbarger National Awards Program (NAP) for help, no matter how busy he Committee for the Future Business was at the time. He is the first twoLeaders of America-and Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL, Inc.) organizations. During his tenure on tht NAP Committee, Harshbarger has helped guide the national association in updating and improving the competitive events program for student members throughout the world. The award was presented by Beverly Newton, chair of the National FBLA-PBL Board of Directors and Nebraska FBLA state advisor. in Atlanta.

Harshbarger was also recognized this year as the Nebraska FBLA Honorary Life Member by the organization's Board of Directors.

A faithful supporter of Nebraska FBLA. Harshbarger has served as a state conference judge, chapter adviser for three FBLA state officers and one national officer, and has been the volunteer state adviser for Nebraska PBL since 1997. He has been an FBLA competitive event sponsor of business law for the past 21 years.

Finally, Harshbarger was present-

I think I mi What a

time winner of the award, having previously earning the honor for the 2003-04 academic year.

Harshbarger has served in a variety of capacities at PSC since his arrival in 1989. He if currently the director of transition services in the college's Academic Resource Center where he oversees the areas of career services, credentials and student activities. His teaching responsibilities include the freshmen orientation, life experience portfolio development and senior transition strategies classes. In addition, he is co-adviser for the PSC Student Senate.

Harshbarger said, "While I am very appreciative of these awards and honors, I don't do things for them. I do what I do for the benefit of the students I work with in whatever capacity I am in. My preference is to be behind the scenes helping others succeed."

e is available .· g·to give you make an

A cinematic recap: this summer at the movies

With summer over, big budget blockbusters taken off the marquee, and popcorn sales begin to plummet all across the nation, there is no better time to review the record breaking summer at the cinema. It was the summer of superheroes and the Rrated comedies, hype-ups and let downs. More than anything else, it was the year the Bat dominated the silver screen.

Ever since Marvel released the first Spiderrnan, the trend for summer has been to produce comic book sagas of heroes taking on leagues of antagonists attempting to destroy the world. The summer's first film solidified this theory as actor Robert Downey Jr. donned the Iron Man suit. The film dominated the early month of May, raking in over $300 million and the green light to make a sequel.

Along with Iron Man, there was a rework of the "Incredible Hulk" starring and written by Edward Norton, and the graphic novel sequel "Hellboy II" was released, both with mixed reviews and lacking the box office executives expected.

The superhero film that rightfully garnered attention was the new Batman installment, "The Dark Knight." Christian Bale's follow-up to the 2005 film "Batman Begins." The film has grossed over $500 million and is slowly reaching the billion-dollar mark internationally. The film has not just received financial support from viewers, it has collected some of the best reviews of the year. "Dark Knight" gained attention early this year with the untimely death of Heath Ledger. Ledger's role was deemed one of the best movie villans ever with mention given to a possible posthumous Academy Award nomination.

This summer was more than actions and explosions. It was the time of the R-rated comedies and dramas also. Films such as "Tropic Thunder," "Pineapple Express," and "Stepbrothers" have all grossed close to $100 million nationwide.

"Wanted," the Angelina Jolie film about a secret union of assassins, gained large box office numbers, while M. Night Shamalan's first attempt at an R-rated film was not as successful.

One cannot forget the sequels and remakes that always plague the summer cinemas. They usually earn big money but lack decent reviews. This group included the fourth

installment of the "Indiana Jones" series that managed to cross over $300 million, but confused critics and filmgoers alike. After several' years off the small screen, two television shows made a splash this year. "Sex and the City" brought Sara Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw back. and "Get

of the classic show, received mostly positive reviews, though many believe the show's humor was missing from the film.

There were the obligatory children's features, including Pixar's "Wall-E," as well as "Kung Fu Panda" from Dreamworks, creators of "Shrek."

Smart," Steve Carell's interpretation This summer met the standard for

summer films with remakes, sequels and superheroes. But the emergence of the R-rated genre and the unforgettable event that was "The Dark Knight," made this a summer unforgettable.

Until next summer, at any rate. Then we will see "Transformers 2," "Star Trek," and more.

Photographer displays work at A.V. Larson

Currently Peru State College is running an exhibit featuring the work of New York photographer Mike Smith's.

Smith graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1991. Mike's photographs have been in the Chicago Tribune, The Official X-Files. Magazine, Online Investigator, and the Cinescape. His work was also featured in the Indianapolis Arts

Council Annual Juried Show. Mike is the art director of "Money" magazine. He currently resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The exhibit is called "Photographs," and features different shots taken in different parts of the world including: Italy, Cinque Terre, San Miguel De Allende, Buenos Aires, Canada, Dominican Republic, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Yelapa, Montana, Playadel Carmen, and Quintandroo.

The bulk of the exhibit is made up of dyptics. A dyptic is two photographs matted together and featured as one piece.

Each of Smith's photographs

depicts the culture of the place they were taken. Somehow it seems to show us what each place is really like, and allows us to see the beauty and culture of everything in that place

The exhibit is free and open to the public. It is located on the first floor of the A.V. Larson building. The exhibit is currently open now until Friday, Sept. 26. The gallery is available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, or any time by appointment. Contact Ken Anderson at 402-8722271 or you can email him at kanderson@oakmail .peru .edu.

Rogue cop seeks Righteous Kill in new movie

priest.

MOVIE REVIEW

Warning: Spoiler Alert!

Righteous Kill is a movie about a cop who happens to be a serial killer, also. It stars Al Pacino, Robert de Niro. John Leguizamo, Carla Gugino, Donnie Wahlberg and Curtis Jackson (alias 50 Cent). The movie is R rated for violence, language, some sexuality, and brief drug use.

The movie centers around two policemen, Rooster (Pacino) and Turk (de Niro). One of them turns into a serial killer who murders criminals. For example, he kills pimps, child killers, rapists, drug dealers/murderers, and a crooked

The beginning of the movie basically shows what policemen do with their lives, from coaching softball to arrests based on planted evidence. That is the point where the killer policeman decides to start murdering. He always believed his partner was a good man, and although he respected his partner for planting evidence (in a case where they both knew the man was guilty), he said that after that he lost faith.

Throughout the movie, the partners try to bust a drug dealer/murderer named Spider (Curtis Jackson). One of their attempts goes horribly wrong, with a decoy lawyer getting shot and absolutely no evidence gained against Spider. After that incident, the duo is not completly trusted by their superior. So when the serial killer breaks lose in their precinct, Turk and Rooster worked on a case with a younger team of partners, Riley (Wahlberg) and Perez (Leguizamo).

The killer leaves behind poems at each murder Each contains a few rhyming lines about a crime where the victim has not yet paid the price. While the four policemen are dis-

cussing the case, they start to talk about how the killer knows the victims/ criminals every move, their patterns, and their history.

They come to the realization that the killer must be a rogue policeman.

Turk has a history with all of the victims/criminals. Perez and Riley start to think about it and begin to believe that Turk may have a few issues that he is working out by murdering.

Although a "righteous kill," it is their job to catch the killer and put him behind bars. They start to try to compile evidence to support their theory and they talk to their supervisor. Later the duo discusses the case with Turk's romantic interest Karen Corelli (Gugino), who is a criminologist who works with them and they ask her to help them monitor Turk. The breaker, however, was making a deal with Spider. If he would help them catch Turk in the act, then they would make sure he was left alone.

·Shortly before the climax, however, another victim/criminal was attacked. But this one did not die; he was a criminal from North Europe.

And because he survived, the rules of the serial killers game had to change. He knew he would be identified as soon as the guy could speak. So he decides to end his game.

Back at Spider's house, Turk makes the officers look stupid because he discovers what was happening. They briefly fought, then Perez and Riley leave, allowing Turk and Rooster to be alone with Spider. Turk waited for Rooster to be ready to leave, when Rooster shoots Spider. During the movie, it appears that Turk is behind the murders because Rooster just seems like a good man. Rooster and Turk sit down, and Rooster explains everything to him; how he lost his faith after they planted the evidence and why he became the killer. In the end, Turk is forced to shoot Rooster. In the middle of the film, it seems to drag on, but still has just enough spice to keep you in a person in their seat. There is just the right touch of sarcastically dry humor and the acting is fantastic. In my humble opinion, the movie definitely worth seeing. Out of four stars, I would give it three.

Recently started seasons and upcomming fall programs to watch

Gov. Sarah Palin nominated as vice presidental candidate

The biggest thing in politics is not Barack Obama, John McCain or even the war in Iraq, but a woman who not only held the title of a mayor in an Alaskan town but also the title of governor.

On August 29, Alaska governor

Sarah Palin was selected by Republican Sen. and presidential nominee John McCain to be the vice presidential nominee for the 2008 election. She is the second woman to run for a major party ticket.

Palin's entry into the political race ·sparked a phenomenon with her presence. She was virtually unknown until her announcement as the republican vice presidential candidate. Her speech at the Republican National Convention on Sept. 3 was watched by more than 40 million Americans. Palin's presence was so big that there was speculation based on polls at People Online concerning a possible biopic with actresses Annette Bening, Tina Fey, or Patricia Heaton in her role.

Palin was born in Sandpoint, Idaho but moved to Alaska as an infant. She acquired a bachelor's degree in communications-journal-

ism at the University of Idaho. She worked as a sports newscaster in Anchorage, Alaska and helped her husband's commercial fishing business. Palin served as the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska for four years before being elected as governor in 2006.

Palin is a pro-life advocate, opposing abortion even in cases of rape or incest with the exception of the mother's life being in danger. She opposes same-sex civil unions also. Her strong religious views attracted conservative Evangelicals who initially questioned McCain. Devout Evangelicals are most likely to follow Palin's lead; moreover moder-

ate and young Evangelicals are more questioning on her policies because of Palin's policies to cut budgets to teen mother shelters in Alaska and banning books believed to be questionable to Christian beliefs. She is a member of the National Rifle Association and strongly advocates the right to bear arms also. Palin supports capital punishment and gun safety laws. She is an advocate of the development of natural gas and oil with hopes to begin drilling in Alaska.

Another issue almost overshadowed Palin's introduction to the media: the pregnancy of her daughter, Bristol Palin, 17. There were

debates whether Palin 's daughter's pregnancy deserved to be a public issue or a privacy issue regarding Palin's stance on promoting abstinence. McCain was aware of the information at the time he chose Palin as his running mate.

Reception for McCain selecting Palin as his running mate has been positive from potential voters to date. Her position as vice president has boosted the Republican base.

State Fair is moving to Grand Island

The big topic for central Nebraska is the State Fair mo\ ing to Grand Island. Some say that Grand Island will benefit from this move. and others say it will hurt central Nebraska. Some argue that moving the State Fair is breaking tradition.

According to the Grand Island Independent, bringing the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island in 2010 would create a $64.5 million .economic impact that would more than offset the community's $8.5 million investment. While the State Fair has a two-week run, the off-season use of the facilities will continue to produce a revenue stream impacting the community. Also bringing the State Fair to Grand Island will provide jobs, not only for the two week run of the state fair but during the build-

ing process. Some say that since the State Fair is in Grand Island and is right before Husker Harvest Days, many of the outfitters from Husker Harvest Days whonormally do not attend the State Fair will also attend the State Fair.

Central Nebraskans do not want the State Fair to move to Grand Island for numerous reasons. They are afraid that since the State Fair is a business, one that has lost money for many years, it will never make a big enough profit to cover the S1.3 million budget needed to build the facilities. Grand Island is planning on raising their city property tax up 5 percent. Grand Island is increasing the tax on prepared food to help raise the money also. Unlike Lincoln and Omaha, Grand Island does not have the population base to support the State Fair. Many of the Omaha and Lincoln area families will not make the trip to Grand Island simply because of the fact

that Grand Island does not have enough other attractions to draw them. Lincoln and Omaha have sports, baseball, a zoo and many other attractions.

In 190 I, the State Fair stopped moving around Nebraska and settled in a permanent location. just south of the University of NebraskaLincoln campus. For over 100 years families, have been traveling to Lincoln for the State Fair and moving it to Grand Island might just ruin the tradition for some families. No matter where you stand on the issue of moving the State Fair 10 Grand Island everyone will be affected by this change. Whether it is good or bad, it is still going to happen. Who really can anticipate the outcome of this change? Nebraskans will have to wait a few years to see the effects of the move.

Reduced price software offered .by Adobe

Peru State College has a deal with Adobe. Students and staff are able to get an additional discount beyond the usual education price because PSC has a contract with Adobe to use their software in the Graphic Design Lab. Students who are interested in saving a cquple of hundred dollars on software such as PhotoShop or Illustrator should visit www .Peru .academicsuperstore .com

/products/Adobe. Students are eligible to purchase one copy of the software per year at the discounted price.

PSC students will not receive commercial packaging or a printed manual with your purchase. The software is exactly the same as that which is commercially available, and there is a manual in PDF format on the CD. If you have questions about the program contact Professor Randy Waln by phone at (402)-8722275 or via email rwaln@oakmail.peru.edu.

What Did You ·Do This Summer?

It seems like a simple enough question. You have probably heard it asked to you about twenty to thirty times by family, friends, faculty, roommates and the list goes on and one. After a while the questions and answers · get old. One is tired of saying "I worked" or "I took some classes and just bummed around" or "I don't remember, I was hoping you could tell me." Well, maybe not so much the last one but the you feel like an idiot repeating the same thing over and over again especially when you are telling the story to someone and another person you have already explained this to is also in the conversation.

There is one way though I can guarantee you will never become tried of answering the question of "What did you do this summer?"

It is called an internship. You have probably heard of such a thing and there is a good chance you have probably participated in

one before. An internship is a even Washington D.C.? chance to go and work for a cor- There are good and bad times on poration, sometimes for pay, but internship opportunities though. be prepared sometimes for noth- But the bad times are good. ing, and learn the ins and outs of Follow me .. With an internship the everyday workplace. you are going to get the opportu-

Firstly, working at a fast food nity to work with and under peorestaurant or any other establish- ple that are different from yourment for the summer is not going self, whether that is a gap in age, to help you move up the career gender, or race. This gives a perladder unless you are looking to son the training to work and commove up in that company. · municate with others making you Internships look great on resumes a well-rounded person. But diffuture employers as well as fering personalities are going to give you the necessary experience clash. There may be arguments in certain fields that can give you and disagreement, but this can be a leg-up when in the interview a positive thing because one can process. learn to overcome differences and

Not only are you getting real work things out. Being able to world experience in a field that work with people different from interests you, there is a good you is a positive not just for the chance that a person can travel all workplace but life in general. over the world and being able to More than anything else internwork in places someone would ships are fun. You meet people never have dreamed they could from all over the world and ever go, even on vacation. Most together explore places that possicompanies and organizations will bly neither of you· has ever been give you room and board so you before. Getting a chance to see are not a struggling college stu- the v,:orld, increase the attributes dent like the rest of the year. Why of your resume, and possibly stay in Nebraska City when one even to get paid, well there is no can get a chance to work in better opportunity. Sacramento', New York City, or

Going green beneficial

RUSEN Staff Writer

Imagine waking up one morning and looking up to see that you have no roof to your house, or even worse, not having a house at all. This happened to the entire town of Greensburg,'Kan.

At 9:45 p.m. on May 4, 2007 Greensburg was hit by an EFS tornado. (There have only been two recorded tornados at this level) The tornado was estimated to be 1.7 miles in width and traveled for nearly 22 miles. Ninety-five percent of the city was confirmed to be destroyed, with the other five percent being severely damaged. Tornado sirens sounded in the city twenty minutes before the tornado struck, and a tornado emergency was issued, which undoubtedly saved many lives. Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius and President George W. Bush both declared Kiowa County a disaster area, which opened up the affected areas for national and international aid.

After an intensive 12-week process of meeting and discussion between the recovery planning team made up of local, state, and

federal officials, business owners, civic groups, and citizen came up with the Greensburg/Kiowa County Long-Term Community Recovery Plan. Hundreds of Greensburg residents took part in the meeting to share their ideas on how to rebuild Greensburg.

The Greensburg City Council passed a resolution stating that all city building would be built to LEED- platinum standards, making it the first city in the nation to do so. Greensburg is rebuilding as a ''green" town, with the help of the non-profit organization created to help the residents learn about and implement the green living initiative, "Greensburg Green ." Progress is happening every day in Greensburg. With the completion of the electrical system, all utilities are available to residents. Although Greensburg has faced challenges in the rebuilding process, they are encouraged by the progress that is made every day.

For more information on Greensburg, Kansas you can watch a reality show on the Greensburg City Council's decision to make the city a 'green' town. A documentary on its reconstruction, called Greensburg, airs on Plan.et Green. Or visit www.greensburgks.org, the official website

Asltley···Goodricb.•.

,freshman

Major: ElementarY Education

Hometown: Eagle, Neb. ·

High •School: Waverly· High School

What are you involved in on or off campus?

Cheerleading, CAB, and the Multicultural Club. I also work at the.Lancaster EyentCenter in the concessions stand.

Why did. you ch<ioS,e Peru State College?

Beca11seit's a good teacher's college. and my brother. and tergo here.

What are your hobbies?

Reading and' shopping

What's ·your child7 hood memory? ·· ·

Playing softball with my sister

Do you have any petS? ·.

2 dogs (a Boxer and a. French Mastiff) anq 1 cat

Favorites:

Food - Steak

TVShow-Family Guy

Movie - Step Brothers

Music - Punk-Rock

Band - My Chemical Romance

Kunkel named the Interim Athletic Director

THOMPSON-KRUG Contributing Writer

There's a new athletic director in town, at least for now.

Dr. Ellie Kunkel officially began ·her role as Interim Athletic Director for Peru State College on Monday, Sept. 15.

Kunkel, currently in her fourth year at Peru State, is an assistant professor in the School of Education, and is very enthusiastic about the athletic director position.

"I am very excited to have this opportunity, and feel honored to serve such a role for the college," said Kunkel, who completed her Doctor of Education degree from Tennessee State University in 2005.

She has an Education Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from Middle Tennessee State University, and has served PSC as NCAA compliance officer. Kunkel has also coached volleyball in the high school and collegiate ranks, and knows what's necessary for an athletic department to be successful.

"It's really important to be organized," said Kunkel, "and one of the

first things I want to do is meet with the coaches and prioritize the needs of the department."

She said she was surprised yet privileged when asked by PSC administration to fill in as the interim athletic director. Now she must gear her focus on leading an athletic department ihat hasn't had an athletic director since Richard Speas moved to a new job earlier this summer.

"There is great support for athletics on campus, and I intend to provide more of that support for the coaches and their programs," said Kunkel.

The new and improved Al Wheeler Activity Center, which was rededicated on Sept. 16, has helped bring new excitement to Peru State's campus.

"It's wonderful," said Kunkel after touring the facility. "I can't even imagine all of the scheduling problems that coaches and teams faced last season. I commend them for battling through adversity, and am proud to see that they have such a .·beautiful home to compete in."

She feels that in order to do her best at her new job, she must put' forth 100 percent focus and attention. Soon Kunkelwill be moving her office, now located in the basement of T.J. Majors,· to the much larger office reserved for the AD on the second floor of the AWAC. Although she will just be down the street in a new building on campus,

Dr. Ellie Kunkel was surprised yet privileged to be named Interim Athletic Director for Peru State College.

her presence in the Education Department will be missed. Student currently enrolled in classes will not have to worry because she has decided to finish out the semester while easing her way into the AD position.

Kunkel's switch from educator to administrator in a different depart-

ment is going to really benefit athletics and the college in general.

"It's a great time for Peru State College athletics. With quality coaches in place and administrative goals set, we have the chance to enhance our programs to a greater degree," stated Kunkel.

Cross

Country tops

lists due to academic prowess

[Peru, Neb.] The Peru State College (PSC) cross country team has been named the number one scholar team in women's cross country out of 72 eligible programs by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Out of a total of753 men's and women's NAIA scholar teams, the PSC squad ranked fifth overall with a combined cumulative GPA of 3.75.

PSC Women's Cross Country Coach Dr. Johann Murray said, "I'm proud of the effort these athletes have put forward not only in their running, but also in the

classroom. This ranking is a testament to Peru State's long tradition of putting academics first."

Members of the 2007-08 cross country team include Lindsay Dannelly, a junior art education major from Lincoln; Lindsey Poole, a senior elementary educa-. tion major from Omaha; Brittany Schaefer, a senior biochemical science major from Omaha; Allison Stockstell, a senior efomentary education major from Hamburg, Iowa; and Leisha Tennal, a senior art education major from Morrill, Kan.

Volleyball season is taking ·off like a rocket at renovated AWAC

Hot dogs and popcorn in the concession stands, fans both new and old filling the AWAC, our ladies and other teams from ·all over.

Yes, Bobcats, it's that time again! Volleyball! With three winning home games, our ladies have proven to be more than ready for this season. These ladies are developing a

great replltation for themselves and ing these games, as a fan, you can are representing Peru State College · not only see that these ladies work Athletics in a wonderful way:· hard but that they are excellent with The practice and hard work the· team work. Watching 'them work ladies have done has definitely been happily together not only helps reflecting during the games. them continue to win but it keeps According to DakStats our ladies the fans happy as· well. They are finished last year with a record of 16. , also very supportive of one another, wins and only 5 losses. : which is exactly what helps to make The Lady Bobcats have welcomed· the perfect team. So come on three new recruits for the 2008-2009. Bobcats, let's show our ladies the season: Brianne Tapley of Omaha," , love, support, and respect that they Neb; Rachel Rippe of Johnson, have earned for themselves. Neb.; and CeCe Walters of Nebraska City, Neb. While watch-

Bobcat football trying to up their momentum after slow start to season

The .;mcll 1.1J, in till' ctir. the grill ,·i up. ,mJ the.· P\ ctnnounccr echoed tlmwgh the 1·alley of the O:ik Bowl on Saturcla1· :\ugust 30th.

1.\r .;u:nmcr cll'l' u1i1\1 l·h, brnsheci \lff the 1i.1ncb .tnd ldckcr n),1ni:; as rhe 2()01)

1\:r:,i,H1 of the B,,ilKat Footlxtll ro1.!k till\ field tu take ,111 the Bronco:,

\s the kicknill<:'.<lillS took the field. goose bumps were abundant in the 1t:mds as PSC sent a kick down inside the 20-yard line to the speedy '.\famice Mansfield from Hastings. Mansfield bobbed 'md weaved his way in and out of the pursuing tacklers from PSC and took the ball 85 yards for a touchdown, placing the Bobcats in an early 7-0 hole.

The Bobcats then took the field on offense led by senior quarterback Jim Dawson. All throughout the game, the offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Only accruing 268 total yards of offense for the game and no points, timely dropped passes and the lack of a big play plagued the home team all afternoon.

As if the lack of rhythm were not enough, Dawson is out indefinitely with a broken collarbone and starting running backs Nate Jeter and John Noojin both had extended stays on the sideline as they were dinged up as well but expected to

2008 Volleyball Schedule

Home games denoted by a **

**Sept. 23 College of St. Mary - 7 pm

Oct. 3 Oklahoma Wesleyan University, McPherson, Kan. - 2 pm

Oct. 4 College of Ozarks, Pt. Lookout, Mo. - 12:00pm

Oct. 7 York Triangular - York

Waldorf College - 3 pm

York College - 5 pm

Oct. 15 Wayne State, Wayne - 7 pm

Oct. 17 Haskell University, Lawrence, K_.:7 pm

Oct. 21 Bellevue University, Bellevue - 7 ptn ..

**Oct. 23 Midland Lutheran College - 7 PIT1

Oct. 25 College of St. Mary, Omaha - 12 pm

Oct. 30 Park University, Parkville, Mo. - 7 pm

Nov. 1 Central Christian College, McPherson, Kan. - 2 pm

**Nov. 4 Grace University - 8 pm

**Nov. 7 Oklahoma Wesleyan University - 7 pm

**Nov. 8 College of Ozarks - 12 pm

Nov. 14 &15 MCAC Conference Tournament - Location and Time

TBA.

play against Jamestown.

A bright spot for the men in blue. however. was the grit and moxie of the defensive unit. The Bobcats controlled the trenches throllghout the game. the 4uarterhack once and rushed him several more. The linebackers held the Bronco rushing attack to under l 00 yards and made sn·cral nice plays, !eel by senior Dustin Sealey and junior Ryan Newell. The .secondary, headed by Freel Whitted Jr" showed great coverage all game and 'vVhitted Jr. recc>rchl his first pick of the year in the third quarter.

From my seat in the press box. I saw a good offensive game plan from Coach Dick Ramsey and strong, smart defense at the Oak Bowl. Execution, communication. and unity will be crucial to the success of the team and with defense as a cornerstone; the Bobcats could be a surprise team in the conference this year.

Members of the football team leave the field to consult their coaches about strategy. After a slow and bumpy start to the 2008 season, the 'Cats are trying to regain their footing.

2008 Football Schedule

Sept. 27 Bacone, Muskogee, Okla. - I pm

Oct. 4 Waldorf, Forest City, Iowa - !pm

**Oct. 11 Homecoming, Northwest Oklahoma - 1 pm

Oct. 10 - 18 Benedictine, Atchison, Kan. - 2 pm

**Nov. 8 Grandview - 1 pm

**Nov. 15 Haskell - I pm

Home games denoted by **

Fun Facts - Did you know?

1. Labor Day is the first Monday in September.

2. There is a controversy over who founded the holiday. Some believe it was Peter McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, while others feel that it was Matthew Maguire, a machinist.

3. The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, N.Y.

4. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday

5. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886.

6. A resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909 announced the Sunday preceding Labor Day was U1bor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.

7. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes child labor standards as well as minimum wage, overtime pay, equal pay, whistleblower, and record keeping standards.

8. This summer marks the 70th anniversary of the FLSA.

9. A federal minimum wage was first set in 1938.

10. The minimum wage is currently being raised in increments, the beginning raised started at $5.85. It was then increased to $6.55 this year and will be $7 .25 effective July 24, 2009.

11. Women earn between 71-7 4 cents for every dollar earned by men.

College Cooking Comer - Mexican Tacos

Ingredients

l pound ground beef

l 1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup water

8 medium taco shells, warmed

2 cup3 shredded Cheddar cheese

2 cups shredded lettuce

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 medium tomato, chopped

Taco sauce

Directions

1. Crumble ground beef into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish and cover.

2. Cook in the microwave for 5 minutes on High.

3. Drain, and stir in chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and water.

4. Cover and return to the microwave for another 3 to 4 minutes on High.

5. Fill each taco shell with ground beef and desired toppings.

Above: After a year and a half of construction and $6.5 million, newly reno· vated AWAC is now available to the public.

Left: Crowd applauds Interim President Stan Carpenter as he opens the rededica· tion ceremony.

The Pe

Career Services offers many ways to assist Peru State students

After eight years, Peru State College has reinstated Career Services.

According to Alice Holtz, Career Services coordinator. the center\\ ill pro\'ide resources in career as-,cssrncnt 'mcl e\ploration a-, \\'ell intcniship and job search strategies for students and alumni.

Career Sen ices is open from 8 a.m. to noon 'ind l p.rn. l\) 5 ['.Ill \fonday thrnugh Friday. It is loc,itcd in the .\cademic Resour-ce Center (ARC).

Career Se,rvices is able to assist students in organizing job searches and locating employment resources. They can help de\'clop resumes, cover letters. and inten icwing techniques with the student who come in.

The office has a library of resource books, visual media, and employer literature that can be used in office or checked out from the library.

There are many resources on resumes and interview guides, internships, international teaching, federal job postings, and area career fairs on the new Career Services website. The site has been created to inform and assist students with career needs. and includes many useful features, including "JobZone," an online job posting site. Nine schools share this feature. Local, state, and nation-wide jobs from registered employers are posted regularly. Once students register, they can view a

variety of full and part-time jobs, internships, and community service opportunities.

"The registration process is very short and the JobZone website is easy to manipulate. Students should view the employment postings often, so they can be knowledgeable of what the job market offers," stated Holtz.

Resumes are crucial so students can be marketable to employers or graduate schools. This allows people to take advantage fo the campus and community activities they have been a part of. Taking advantage of foreign language knowledge, study abroad programs. or internships can give a student the edge they need.

If students take the initiative to come in early, Career Services can assist them to these resources.

Some employers host recruiting interviews through the Career Services Office. There is also a resume referral program for students and employers as a supplement to the Simplicity/NACElink program.

The office also sponsors workshops on resume and interview skills and job search correspondence in the ARC several times during the semester. Online newsletters will keep students updated regarding on campus career services and activities.

Holtz has been employed at Peru State for 20 years. She has served as an adjunct instructor, as the advisor for undeclared and probation students, and as Test Coordinator. Holtz looks forward to working with students, especially in employment search strategies.

"I have a range of work experience out- · side of education in number of capacities, including a bank teller, director of a federal

program, and apartment manager. It is very important that students take advantage of the opportunities Career Services offers. Students need to be continually aware of the changes and transitions within career areas, so that they can develop their course of study to align with the career changes. This awareness will prepare for successful employment placement and satisfaction," said Holtz.

Elaine Horn is the Career Services assistant, and has been at Peru State for almost five years. Hom will assist education majors with

creating their professional credential files and will utilize her work experience in Career Services. "I have worked with medical professionals, insurance companies, and state agencies, including a county assessor's office. I am excited about the new Career Service web site and all the services provided for students," said Horn, who is completing a Business Management Degree at Peru State.

See page 2 for a coming soon event sponsored by Career Services.

PSC' graduate Baumann to speak about life after college

On Thursday, Oct. 30 Peru State graduate Heath Baumann will present "Graduate Studies and Life After College" in the ARC Conference Room starting at 11 a.m.

He will discuss how to choose a graduate school and what to expect when applying, as well as the steps that are taken from the initial job search to securing the perfect job.

Career Services is hosting this event and encourages all students, faculty, and members from the community to attend.

"I knew Heath all four years he was here. He was a dynamic individual and I knew he would go far," said Ted Harshbarger, director of Transition Services. "Heath would be a good individual to listen to in regards to seeing how to set your own individual career paths."

Baumann, who graduated in 2004 with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, is excited to return to campus and share his experience with fellow PSC students.

"I'll be giving a presentation but I want it to be more of a discussion, so come with questions about anything. I promise to give you my honest answer," he said. "I used my undergraduate education to obtain several pos1t10ns around the Washington D.C. area. Currently, I am a Financial Advisor with Citi

Smith Barney providing financial advice about retirement plans, estatement planning, college savings and loans, private and business banking, and mortgages."

Baumann is also attending George Washington University's graduate program. He is working towards his Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.

He was a member of the winning team of the Kiplinger's Personal Finance Young Demographic Marketing Competition, where he worked with other classmates to determine how to cultivate a new interest and subscriptions in the journal. The target demographic group was 24 to 35 years old.

Baumann and his group researched how people of this age group get the news and financial information.

They concluded the internet was what the journal needed to turn to. They also researched what the group was interested in, for example, managing student loans, handling credit cards, and working out a budget.

"Our proposal won because of the amount of in-depth research we performed not only ,on the target group but also the current website traffic to determine what their revenue stream currently is and what they could forecast it to be," explained Baumann.

If you are interested in meeting Heath Baumann and listening to his unique story, make sure to be there Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. in the ARC Conference Room.

1 0ctober I

18 -Nebraska's Toughest Mile at 12 p.m.

20-25 - Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week

20 - Mid-Term Break (no classes, offices open)

21 - Mid-Term Break (no classes, offices open)

23 - Volleyball vs. Midland Lutheran at 7p.m.

31 - Halloween

Men's Basketball vs. Jamestown at 7 p.m. Come and "scare them til they're BLUE"

November

1 - Women's Basketball vs. Valley City 3p.m.

Men's Basketball vs. Valley City 5p.m.

Upcoming Events

-Watch for a free movie night during the last week of October.

New changes occur in the Academic Resource Center

GARY

Contributing Writer

KRISTEN RUSEN

Staff Writer

There have been quite a few changes that took place in the Academic Resource Center (ARC) over the summer. The ARC gave a fond farewell to Zoon Wood and Kristi Nies as they moved to fulltime faculty positions in the Mathematics and English departments.

A very warm welcome was given to a face not seen around PSC since

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor

Advertising Manager

Distribution Manager Layout Sta.ff

www.psctimes.com

Phuong Tran

Contributing Staff

Mary Trecek Trevor Shalon

Savannah Wenzl Tom Van Boeing

Wellington Ferguson Jacob Thompson-Krug

Joe Smith Ted Merrill

Lindsey Husen

Kristen Husen

Linze Thummel

Courtney Carmichael

Aaron Deats

Laura Kjar

Stephanie Hoffman

Jennifer Epting

Kristopher Miller

she graduated in 1990, Kelly Bequette, the new Director of Student Success Services (SSS).

Kelly graduated from PSC in 1990 with a Bachelors of Math. She then went on to Kansas State where she received her Masters of Science in College Student Personal and Counseling in 1992. After graduating from Kansas State she worked for 3 years in the Kansas State Academic Recourse Center. Later she married and moved to Germany where she taught High School math. Her goal for the SSS program at Peru is to raise retention rates for low income and disability students here at Peru.

Bea Patterson moved to the Garden Level of the ARC, where

she is the administrative assistant for Student Suppost Services.

Ursula Waln is now the Director of Student Assessment and Support. As part of Wain's new responsibilities, she will oversee the alphabet soup of testing that takes place on campus, such as the ACT and CAAP tests. Part of her new job will also be to conduct institutional assessment, determining what's working on campus and what's not.

Waln and Marie Meland will also be working with those in need of advisement to move off of academic probation.

Ted Harshbarger is now the Director of Transition Services, which includes post-college career advisement.

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid advertisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

Faculty Advisor

Kristi Nies

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acornmail.peru.edu or send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, P.O. Box IO, Peru, NE 68421.

Peru State to implement emergency notification system

Peru State College will soon be implementing the emergency notification system known as MIR 3.

MIR 3 will hopefully be ready for a trial run within a few weeks, said Les Stonebarger, director of Security and Housing.

The system will be beneficial to students, faculty and staff because it will be able to quickly notify individuals of an emergency, unlike in past years when calling tree was in place in case of emergencies.

The new system will have the ability to send text messages, emails, make phone calls, and interact with a text phone (TIY) device in case of an emergency. Such emergencies would include shootings, gas leaks, or a lockdown of some sort. The situation would be life threatening, so weather is not included.

Peru State does have a system that sends a pop-up message to all college-related computers, which includes the library, ARC, and instructors' laptops. This system is known as K-Box.

A pop-up will appear for weather related issues, like if a tornado or ice storm is in the area during school hours. This is a completely different system from MIR 3.

"In order for the MIR 3 system to benefit stu'dents,

faculty, and staff you must routinely update your contact information on catsonline," said Stonebarger.

This can be done by creating or updating your emer.gency personal information through catsonline. Make sure this information is correct and do not forget to · change it if you change your phone number or email· address. Depending on what you enter on catsonline you can get a text message, phone call, or email.

If the system is used, a list can be printed off stating to whom the was successfully delivered. This is a convenient way to double-check who has the correct information or to determine why the information was not received.

"We hope this is a system that we will not have to use, but it's a good system to have. The college pays a monthly fee and then a per use fee. It is expensive," said Delyn Clifton, coordinator of Computer Services, "Overall it costs the school a few thousand dollars a year just to have it. It's like life insurance, you want to have it just in case of an emergency."

"It will be interesting to see if the cell phone tower handles the five hundred or more class that could possibly be made at one time," said Stonebarger.

If you have any questions please contact Stonebarger in the Security and Housing office in the Student Center.

Students are asked to update their information on catsonline as soon as possible and remember to continually update it as they change phone number and email address.

MIR 3 will have the ability to send text messages, emails, make phone calls, and interact with a text phone (TIY) device in case of an emergency. Such emergencies would include shootings, gas leaks, or a lockdown of some sort. The situation would be life threatening, thus weath- · er is not included.

New club on campus sparks student's interest in black community

Black Student Union is to foster a sense of community, to stimulate the intellectual, social, cultural, and political growth of all Peru State College students, and to provide support for students and the community.

The benefits of joining the BSU are endless. It is a great opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, get involved on campus, stay current with issues facing the world and the black community, and create community service and fun events for all PSC students.

BSU memBers after a meeting on Thursday. The club has planned a Karaoke Night on Oct. in the Student Center.

JENNIFER EPTING Contributing Writter

The new kid on the block is the Peru State College Black Student Union (BSU).

Many colleges across the nation and Nebraska have diversity programs and student run-organizations for diverse groups of people.

A new student organization at PSC

it begins with an idea and a purpose. The Peru State College Black Student Union started with an idea. The idea was to give black students, and students that felt a connection with black students, an outlet and an organization dedicated to addressing 1ssues affecting them, create unity, and develop programs and events.

There are many purposes for the organization; however the official purpose of the Peru State College

The members of the BSU are a great group of students. There are currently about 30 members and membership is growing weekly. The membership is made up of mostly black, hispanic, and caucasian students. All students are encouraged to join regardless of race, color, or background.

The BSU's first event was successful beyond expectations. It was a Greek Forum and the BSU invited representatives from the nine Black Greek Lettered organizations (fraternities/sororities). Many students attended the event and learned a lot about fraternities and sororities and how they could possibly get involved. The BSU also collaborat-

ed with Phi Alpha Theta and Campus Activities Board for a voter registration and absentee ballot drive on campus.

Some upcoming events the BSU has planned for this semester are a Karaoke Night on Oct. 14 and a Date Auction on Oct. 29. The BSU also participated in the 2008 Homecoming parade.

Look out for this organization on the move. They may be new, but they plan on making a big impact. The group meets every Thursday at 11 :30 a.m. in the Bur Oak Room. For more information on the BSU, contact Jennifer Epting, president, or Kristi Nies, faculty advisor, or send email to pscbsu@yahoo.com.

r=Di1iiii1iiiin

-Affordable Birth Control?

-STD Exam?

-Pap Smear Exam?

-Condoms?

-Emergency Contraception?

Spending a semester abroad is a life time opportunity

As some of you already know, I have decided to spend this semester studying abroad. My classes did not start until Oct. 6. This is because the University of Reading (Reading is a town in the United Kingdom) is divided into three terms of ten weeks as opposed to Peru State's two semesters of 16 weeks. Therefore, I spent August and most of September preparing for my trip.

Once Sept 24 drew closer, I became more nervous about my flight. This day would be spent on a plane traveling to the United Kingdom and my new school for the With the packing finished, all I could do was wait to fly to England. I spent a total of nine hours on different planes and around six hours

sitting In an airport. Needless to say, my day was not quite up to par. Toting two large suitcases, I made my way through the airport and

took a bus to Reading. It is a very beautiful city.

I have been here for slightly over a week and I truly love it. It still makes me laugh when other students hear me talk and they say "American?" The people here are very friendly. I think this is because everyone is new and simply trying to make friends. While in England, I have not experienced a real culture shock. There are subtle differences, though.

Examples, the exit signs are green and have a person running down stairs; crosswalks have a person in red for stop and a person moving in green for go; and the infamous driving on the other side of the road. i really love hearing some of the words people here use. Some examples are: the word "cheers" means thanks, "rubbish" means garbage, "are you alright" means what's up,

McCain throws proverbial 'Hail Mary' play

choose a woman, which he did.

Throw the ball as deep as you can, and hope that someone wearing the same color jersey as you catches it. It has a low probability of success. This idea of a "Hail Mary" pass has been used as the approach for the campaign of Republican John McCain.

The hope of the "Hail Mary" is that one of your teammates in the end zone will catch the ball. McCain was aiming for one of the strong veterans that has had years of experience to catch the ball. He instead found Sarah Palin. Palin has no foreign policy experience. Living next to Russia does not count.

Palin does not have a grasp .on the issues. Her recent interviews, the ones that the McCain campaign let her do, show that she does not have much understanding of certain domestic issues such as health care or the economy.

Finally, it seems that the selection of her as the vice-president is nothing more than a political move. I think she was chosen partly because she was a woman. The McCain campaign has said this. Barack Obama not choosing Hilary Clinton as his running mate left the door open for McCain to

The hope of the Hail Mary is that it will conclude the game, making it the last play and allowing the other team no more time to score.

McCain suspended his campaign and went to Washington to "help fix the economy." His campaign was never really stopped.

McCain was not on any of the committees that were removing the bill that was going through Congress.

McCain's presence caused Obama to return to Washington and inject bipartisan pres- . idential politics into the talks. Both of the candidates' appearances in Washington D.C. just added· to the frustration that caused the House to forgo passing the bill.

The hope of the Hail Mary is to keep your fans in their seats. The fans left early and no longer want-

ed to watch McCain be the quarterback of their team.

I am voting Obama in Nebraska, a state that has not gone Democratic since the '60s and will most likely not change this election.

My hope through this article is to ask you to look behind the moves of McCain's campaign. And that goes for Obama too. Look at issues, make your decision, and then make your decision.

and (my favorite) is "queue up," which means line up.

I guess the biggest difference I have experienced is the drinking. Since the legal age here is 18 years old, students play drinking games in the halls of their dorms. I do not think they have even heard of a dry campus. Halls even send out invitations to go to clubs.

This city does not seem to be any different than my home town, Omaha, there is really just a lot more walking. Both the city and campus are beautiful; however, the construction of new buildings is an eyesore. There is a lake and some trails on campus that are great for running.

All and all, this trip seems surreal thus far.

Once classes begin, I know I'll feel like I am actually studying abroad. I will continue to bring you news from across the pond. Cheers! Illustration by Linze Thummel with images from trailmaps.pbwiki.com and www.travelsinireland.com

Last chance for semester withdraw is nearing .

Contributing

The last day for withdrawal comes Oct. 24. Students, who plan on withdrawing because they enrolled in a class that is either too intense or too populated, need to make the decision soon.

Some also withdraw from classes because of poor planning and lack of foresight. Anyone would appreciate a "W" as opposed to an "F' on their transcript. That still does not eliminate problems with "W"s. A "W" will remain on a student's transcript for the rest of his or her col- · lege career and a "W" might mean a student lacks commitment to finish tasks. One "W" or more will need to be explained during job interviews.

A student withdrawing from one or more classes might develop the harmful habit of withdrawing from even more classes. Dropping classes can also drop a student from being a full time student, so the student's insurance or scholarship might not be able to cover the other classes.

"If they think the class would make their schedule too demanding, they might want to take the class a different semester," said senior Elementary Education and Childhood major Melissa Crom.

"Before you withdraw, you should

take a look at the course calendar to see when that class is going to be offered again because there's a lot of classes that are offered only once a year."

Talking with your advisor should be a top priority when deciding what classes you are going to take. Advisors usually provide guidelines on particular classes you can take to benefit from your major. They are also knowledgeable with the requirements you need to complete your major. When Early Registration pops up in mid November, the first thing you should do is speak to your advisor. Withdrawing should be avoided, but sometimes it is inevitable, like medical leave. Another reason for withdrawing can be your management of all other classes except one. You cannot always drop the courses that are the most intense so another good idea is to keep ahead of everyone else. Time management is a precious commodity when working on different classes, so do early research and type papers early, days or weeks of the due date. Getting ahead will not only make you the envy of the class but also earns you credibility among instructors.

Withdrawal is not for everyone. Enduring a difficult class is normally the way to succeed and it takes a little planning and insight to complete assignments, take the exams, and pass the class with an acceptable grade.

Questioning housing rules

I have always wondered why it is that visitors are not able to stay the night on Thursday when there are no classes on Friday.

Many of my fellow students have wondered this same question. I understand that in other colleges you are only allowed visitors on the weekends because of classes during the week, but we do not have classes on Fridays. The only classes are offered on Fridays are Jab classes or special classes.

If you have one of those classes on Friday it should be your responsibility to decide whether you can handle having a visitor stay over. I just don't understand why it matters if we have a guest stay. If you cannot handle having a guest stay overnight and then being able to get up for classes that is your own problem and the college should not dictate whether you are capable doing that or not.

One of the reason I picked Peru State over other colleges was the fact that there were no classes on Friday, which meant more time to do homework and a longer weekend. During the weekend you want to have visitors yet the fact that our weekend starts on Thursday night still does not give us the opportuni-

Hurricane season devastates Texas coast

ty of having a guest sleep over.

I have also wondered why students \vho live at the Centennial Complex are able to have visitors 24 hours as long as they are not sleeping over but students who live in Morgan or Delzell halls can only have visitors from 9 a.m. to midnight. That just doesn't make sense to me. Why should they be treated specially?

Every student who ·lives on campus should have the same rules no matter whether they live in an all girls or boys residence hall or a coed hall. We are in college now and are supposed to be act like adults but yet we still have rules that say when can have a boy or girl stay overnight.

Another question that comes up is on special occasions where the entire campus does not have classes why are visitors not able to stay the night?

For example, during Labor Day there were no classes on that Monday but yet visitors could not stay that Sunday night. Why is that? We have Mid-Term Break coming up and for those students who do not go home for the entire five days they can only have visitors stay for two of those days. This just does not feel fair.

I guess we will just have to get used to this rule, because I do not see it changing any time soon. Others have survived through this and so will I.

Another hurricane season has come and will end in November. Even though the storms have stopped for now, this year will be a year to remember.

While New Orleans is still slowly recovering from 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Texas coast was rave ished by Hurricane Ike in September. A much more violent storm than Katrina, Ike hit the Texas coast cities, including Houston, with torrential rain and screaming winds reaching up to 110 mph. Buildings crumbled and houses were washed out to sea in Galveston.

A 12-hour curfew for Galveston residents has been established between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. for those returning to the island city. Limited freshwater supplies and destroyed sewage systems have made the city almost uninhabitable. The government is recommending those brave enough to enter the island to have tetanus shots, bring rat poison, and lea:ve children with family elsewhere. The ruins are filled with mosquitoes, snakes, and rats, along with various diseases. So far the death toll is at 50 with many people's loved ones still missing.

The citizens of Galveston, along with others in southern Texas, were giving plenty of warning about what was coming. Meteorologist knew Hurricane Ike would be bad, but people still stuck around, thinking they would ride out the storm. How did they think they could survive a hurricane by just hanging out in their basement with a raincoat? Midwesterners hear the tornado sirens go off, and are tucked away in a shelter long before a funnel come close to touching down.

Media seems overly concerned with darker side of life

Have you been checking out the news the past few days, or the past few months for that matter?

I was looking at the websites of local news stations a couple of days ago trying to get ideas for this article and I have to say that most of the news being reported lately has been very depressing to me. I think that news stations should set aside even just five minutes in each newscast to tell us something good going on in the United States and the world.

lt is not just the television stations, either. The Omaha World Herald has become very depressing. I saw on the World Herald website for Sept. 22 that one of the news stories was about a woman who died after her birthday party.

I think that ifI were the family of this woman I would not want everyone in Nebraska knowing that my family member died on their birthday. There are certain times when the media should just stay out of people's business. This is a story that I think should be talked about for a couple of minutes because it is sad and I feel bad for this person's family and friends, but· I hope the media does not drive this story into the ground like some news broadcasts have been known to do.

I do not want to listen to all the horrible things going on in the world. I realize that it is news so it has to be reported, but there are certain things that we need to hear and there are things we do not have to hear about.

I really wantto hear about some-· one being saved from a burning building more than hear about another shooting in Omaha. There

are just as many good things as there are bad in this world. So why does the media only report the bad?

I think a lot of it has to do with the media being far-left or far-right, that is why CNN looks down on Republican views and Fox News does the same for Democratic views, but that is just the way life seems to be now. It does not mean we should have to suffer for it, but we do. In the end, it all comes back to politics.

There is an upside to depressing news. I am not crazy; it shows that people have life a lot worse than we do and that we should not complain all the time about our problems.

Take my advice and enjoy each day. Never take anything for granted. Take life as it comes and do not worry about if someone does not like you because not everyone will. It is all a part of life.

Smaller towns along the coast have been transformed into small versions of Third World countries, and with little to no publicity, these areas will probably not receive help for some time. It doesn't help that many of America's hurricane relief resources were used in New Orleans, and our country just isn't financially prepared to give Texas the kind of assistance it needs.

Local government officials are requesting $2.5 billion from the federal government to rebuild. Talk about bad timing. With the stocks dropping like leaves in the fall, and investment companies being bought out, America will have trouble giving financial aid. It kind of makes a person wonder what type of shape Galveston, and even New Orleans, would be in if we had not spent so much money fighting a war for the past seven years. I can only hope that Galvestonians are able to rebuild their lives, possibly in a place where they do not have hurricanes, and that the rest of America's citizens will ope:1 their homes and hearts.

New York city cabaret to perform in Brownville

Tony DeSare, a new and exciting young talent in the world of cabaret with successes to date at the Algonquin and Feinsteins in Ne.w York, will perform during two cabarets (Fri., Oct. 17 and Sat., Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.) and a concert (Sun., Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.) in Brownville.

The cabarets and concert are hosted by The Brownville Concert Series and sponsored by Carson National Bank, 3M's of Stella and Janet Strauss. Also, as part of an educational activity, DeSare will be performing for students at Peru State College on Thursday, Oct. 16.

One thing that differentiates the ascending career of DeSare, who recently won the Bistro Award from New York City's Backstage, from his contemporaries is his ability as a songwriter, "I've always been inspired by great songwriters," says DeSare, whose vocal and instrumental style - sometimes sentimental, sometimes edgy, always intriguing - is a combination of classic song-writing style and modem pop sensibility.

USA Today said of DeSare, "[He] belongs to a group

of neo-traditional · upstarts stretching from Harry Connick Jr. to Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum. But this singer/songwriter/pianist's approach is refreshingly instincttial, blending Connick's smooth virtuosity with a rugged, relaxed quality DeSare covers old and newer pop and jazz standards without smothering or overthinking the material."

DeSare composed and performed the title theme to My Date With Drew, an independent documentary feature film

about a man who has 30 days and $1100 to get a date with Drew Barrymore. It has been featured on "The Tonight Show," "The Today Show, Entertainment Weekly and Premiere. He also has several popular CDs.

Born in Glens Falls, N.Y., DeSare was raised in a musical family and began singing and playing professionally at 17. By the time he started college, he had opened for visiting headliners and built a large regional following playing to packed houses. Shortly after moving to New City, he was cast as the star of the long running Off-Broadway musical smash, Our Sinatra, in which he was praised by Variety for his "dapper charm."

DeSare has also been a featured performer at Jilly's, the legendary Rat Pack era celebrity hangout owned by Frank Sinatra's best friend. He has also performed at the Apollo Theater where he first met jazz guitar icon Bucky Pizzarelli. Since then, Tony and Bucky have performed numerous times together. Currently, Tony has become a main attraction at New Jersey's premier jazz club, Shanghai Jazz, where he plays monthly to sold-out crowds.

For tickets (cabaret tickets: $20, Sunday concert: $15 for adults & $10 for students) and information on this Brownville Concert Series offering call: 402825-3331.

Records broken at the Emmys

The 2008 Primetime Emmys were held last month in the celebration of achievement for programs on the smaller screen.

Though the viewer ratings have dropped in recent years, the trophies are handed out to the shows that most people support and enjoy on a weekly basis.

In a change from every previous year, the Emmy ceremonies were hosted by five individuals.

It was HBO's night, taking home the most Emmy's among the networks. Included in this is the record breaking performance of the miniseries "John Adams," which took home 18 awards, the most ever by one program, including best miniseries as well as best actor and actress for Paul Giamati and Laura Linney.

Cable television was not denied awards, as AMC took home two major awards, including best drama series, for "Mad Men," a 1960's

piece set in the office of an advertising firm, and Brain Cranston was awarded Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role as a drug dealing chemistry teacher in "Breaking Bad."

FX, another cable station, was awarded for their original series "Damages," including Glenn Close's award for Best Actress in a Drama.

The major comedic acting categories went to the major networks. Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin won for their acting roles in their NBC hit "30 Rock," which won Best Comedic television show.

Another more major record was broken. Jon Stewart and his hit pundit program, "The Daily Show," won Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series for the sixth straight year.

This is a record for any category or show in the history of television. Also included in the night was a win for Stephen Colbert and his writing staff on "The Colbert Report," which won Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music, or Comedy Series. Both shows are on Comedy Central.

My Best Friend's Girl delivers many laughing moments

Baldwin from "30 Rock."

MOVIE REVIEW

LINZE THUMMEL Staff Writter

My Best Friend's Girl is an okay romantic comedy:

The film includes actors such as Dane Cook from "Good Luck Chuck", and Kate Hudson from "Almost Famous," as well as Jason Biggs "American Pie," and Alec

The movie begins by introducing Tank (Cook) as a professional jerk. Men hire Tank to take their ex-girlfriend out on a "bad date" so the women will go running back to their boyfriends.

Tank's best friend Dustin (Biggs) is in love with Alexis (Hudson), who wants to "be just friends" and "see other people." So Dustin asks Tank to work his magic on her. Tank is hesitant but eventually agrees.

Tank devises a plan to 'accidentally' meet Alexis while she is jogging and gets her phone number, thus creating an opportunity to ask her out on a date. Alexis decides that even a potentially bad date will make her appreciate Dustin more. Alexis gets drunk before the date

and as a result Tank's normally revolting stunts don't work.

Tank starts to develop feelings for Alexis, but must hide it from his best friend and roommate Dustin, hence the title "My Best Friend's Girl." Naturally, Dustin finds out and kicks Tank out of their apartment.

What happens in the end is relatively predictable but will not be revealed in this review.

The film contains many laugh-outloud moments, but some may find the humor to be immature and misogynistic.

Though the movie was a decent romantic comedy, it was not a must see.

I recommend waiting for the DVD release.

PSC Art Gallery to display new works

"Code Red 2" is the title of the second exhibition of selected works by University of NebraskaLincoln graduate students who are working on their MFA degree in various mediums. The first exhibition by UNL graduates was in the fall of 2006. The current exhibition

is available Oct. 6 through Nov. 7, in the Peru State College Art Gallery. The gallery is located in the A.V. Larson Building. Regular gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, or by appointment by either calling 872-2271, or emailing professor Ken Anderson at kanderson@oakmail.peru.edu. The public is cordially invited to view the exhibition.

"Nick and Norah" creates a fun New York adventure

MOVIE REVIEW

COURTNEY CARMICHAEL

"Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" stars Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Aaron Yoo, Rafi Gavron, Ari Graynor, Alexis Dzenia, Jay Baruchel, and Johnathon B. Wright. If anyone has ever seen Michael Cera in a movie, his character in "Nick and Norah's" is full of the same witty, sarcastic, nerdy yet loving demeanor that made him one of the most beloved "dorky" actors. Fans of Michael Cera will not be disappointed at his role.

The movie is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material including teenage drinking, sexuality, language, and crude behavior. The film is based on the book of the same

Nick (Cera) and Norah (Dennings) meet at a club where Nick's band, "The Jerk-Offs," is playing. Norah has been salvaging all the mix tapes that Nick sent Tris, his ex girlfriend, after she had thrown them out. Norah is already convinced that Nick is right for her based on their shared interests in music. They have the same favorite band, a fictional one called "Where's Fluffy." Throughout the entire movie, Nick, Norah, and their friends are on a chase for Where's Fluffy's secret concert.

At times, the film feels a little scattered and makes you wonder · what certain things have to do with the real point. Even with that feeling, there was more than enough comedy to keep you involved.

The acting is superb. Both main stars, Dennings and Cera, play their roles incredibly well. Unfortunately, they lack chemistry. It is there sometimes, but a majority of the film feels like they could be trying harder. Dzenia did a great job as Nick's nasty ex-girlfriend. She makes you hate her from the very beginning, matching her voice to

that of a prissy, stuck-up girl who gets everything she wants. She makes you want to hit the character through the screen. In fact, all of the co-stars, playing Nick and Norah's friends, do a fabulous job of making you believe in their characters. Almost everyone who has a friend who gets drunk too often can empathize with the relationship between Dennings and Graynor, playing her best friend.

The movie has a killer soundtrack,

mostly revolving around bands like "Vampire Weekend," "Band of Horses," "Chris Bell" and "Devendra Banhart."

Overall, "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" is a movie that was worth the outrageous ticket price. Moreover, it is a movie that makes you feel what the characters are going through. Out of four stars, I would give it two and a half.

A look into the past: A.D. Majors

before the winter weather sets in," Jacobsen said.

A.D. l;l.;(.!LDINCi

Above: A sketch done of A.D. Majors before construction began on the new mens dormitory.

Below: From the southeast corner, a picture taken of A.D. Majors during the maintenance construction stage in the '90s.

KJAR Contributing Writer

With fall just around the comer, A.D. Majors Hall is looking scarce and empty, almost like a haunted house. The building no longer has windows and is set for demolition in order to build a parking lot.

The parking lot will be very similar to the blueprint of the building.

Vice President for Administration and Finance Linda Jacobsen expects the demolition to begin any day now. The actual demolition will take place in roughly in three weeks, then the contractor will move on to backfill.

"We hope to .have the lot done

The reason that the demolition on A.D. Majors seems to be at a standstill is due to asbestos removal and salvaging. The contractor is trying to recycle anything reusable and save all that he can for the salvage yard.

Aside from the backfill and construction of the parking lot itself, there is quite a bit more construction to be done before it can function as a parking lot. Retaining walls must be built, backfill will then be done, curbs will be poured, and lights as well as storm drains need to be installed, all before the actual paving of the lot.

The project is being funded by LB605, Peru State College and federal funds. Jacobsen estimates that the whole project will cost roughly $791,410.

Once demolition has taken place

and the construction begins, the area will be filled with workers and machinery. The already difficult comer will become somewhat more blind, and it will be a place where caution is needed.

"We will need to be careful as we come around that comer in our cars!" Jacobsen said.

In recent years only half of the building has been used, housing the athletic offices. The coaches, Athletic Director and assistant, Athletic Trainers, as well as several conference rooms, a training room, weight room, and locker rooms could all be found in the west wing of A.D. Majors. The Peru State Health Center also took residence there. These offices are now in the renovated AWAC.

Before A.D. Majors housed the athletic offices and rooms, it was used as a residence hall.

School and work can be tough to balance

Yes, you have that term paper due in two weeks but you also have two shifts to work. You try to think of a plan to squeeze effort into the paper one bit at a time. you'll need money to order that textbook for the upcommg class for the second eight weeks. "Can I juggle class and work? I don't want my professor and my boss mad at me!"

Maintaining the delicate balance between work and school is a dilemma for most college students. More than 22 percent of students work full time while another 20 percent are in part time. You need to make sure your grades are high enough not to flunk but you need money as school progresses.

Many students, work during summer breaks or holidays work during these times provide a good expenence m JOb hunting, resume writing and preparing for interviews with employers.

For most jobs, aside from filling applications, you will need a to attract employers. Start with a rough draft, hstmg your accomplishments and adding your name, address, e-mail address, and phone numbers. There are many sites online dedicated to the craft of resume writing, such as JobStar, that provide tips and examples for various resumes. With any resume, add a cover letter telling who you are and why you are interested in_ the job. Always modify your resume depending on the JOb, smce an employer wiil look for certain credentials. Resumes are essential to students graduatinoand looking for a job in their degree field. 0

For interviews, always dress in an appropriate fashion for the work environment. Whether the dress should be casual or formal again depends on the job.

If you are going to work during the school year, think planning your class schedule accordingly. Talk with your employer about school and work, because some places will be flexible about your schedule.

Try to find a job that is not too far away. If you work t?o removed from school, even if just weekends, gasolme costs can eat up your paycheck. The closer the job, the less money you will spend filling the tank and more you will keep in your pocket.

Time management is essential to maintaining school and work. Start on assignments as early as possible. As you work, you will worry less about typing the latest physics essay you need to finish in two weeks. Make a point of_ for_ studying and doing homework every day. coupled with too much focus on the job, will ere.ate a large amount of stress that-can cause panic and assignments that are rushed and mediocre.

Be aware that attempting· to work full time while attending school full time at school can possibly drain your energy. Go over everything before you hand in that current class project.

For students who have families, the challenge of managing work and school can truly be daunting. Procrastination, fatigue and poor performances at school and at work can result. If the schedule is too daunting, there are other options such as online courses night classes, distance classes, and weekend courses. ' is a challenge to get through but so is manag- · mg a JOb. But with the right strategy and mindset, both can be juggled with ease.

Midterm is

Though many ·students will likely spend the upcoming Midterm break with friends or family, others are looking to do something exciting away from campus. Not everyone has the funds for an elaborate vacation, but there are some different ways to enjoy the break without going broke.

• See a film Get ready for Halloween with a scary movie, such as "Max · Payne" or "Quarantine." Both will be hitting theaters Oct. 17. For those who prefer a lighter comedy, "Sex Drive" will be in theaters as well.

• Go out to a restaurant with friends.

• Order pizza and rent a movie and stay in with friends or loved ones.

• Take a trip into Council Bluffs and try your luck at the casinos.

• Go shopping. Peru State College sophomore Jade Gordon said she would likely ·."take a road trip to Kansas City to go shopping over break."

• Sleep all day. You've worked hard and the semester is half over, so it's okay.·

• Have friends over for the football game.

• Take your dog for a walk.

• Do something relaxing such as go to a spa, get a massage, or a pedicure.

• Get a group of friends to go play Laser Tag.

• Carve a pumpkin.

• Bake cookies.

• Go bowling.

• Go roller skating, or ice skating.

• See a local band, concert, or theatre attraction.

• Go sledding.

• Get in some extra hours at work, or in your Education Practicum. Where ever Mid-Term break takes you just remember to have fun, be responsible and drive safely.

coming soon, so make some plans_for a fun time

Volleybail has memorable win against St. Mary

JACOB THOMPSON-KRUG

Contributing Writer

Peru State College's victory against College of Saint Mary on Sept. 23 is probably the one that coach Lexie Turnbull will never forget.

After winning the first game 25-22, the 'Cats dropped the next one against the Flames 26-28. Fortunately for the Bobcat faithful, Peru completed the match by winning the next games 2520 and 25-19. The win gives Peru a 10-3 overall record, a 3-1 conference record, and their first victory against College of Saint Mary since 1998.

"The team this year has a mentality that they can take care of anybody and we have been proving that all season," said Turnbull.

Alicia Miller

Major - English Secondary Education and Coaching.

Hometown - Thurman, Iowa. High School-Fremont-Mills High School.

What are you involved in on and off campus?

CAB President, Senior RA at the Complex, Intramurals, and· 2008 Homecoming Junior Attendant.

What are your hobbies?

Hanging out with friends and family, singing, watching movies, and anything involving sports.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

During my freshman year I was working out in the Student Center running on the treadmill. I fell. It hurt and now I have a scar on my knee.

What are your future goals'?

To graduate in Fall 2010,then teach Junior High English and coach girl's basketball and track.

Why did you choose Peru State College?

Itwas close to home and a comparable atmosphere to my high school. ·

If you could travel or Jive anywhere, where wotild it be and why?

Somewhere not. too hot and not too cold but close to my family and friends. ·

In front of vocal and enthusiastic crowd in the newly renovated Al Wheeler Activity Center, the Bobcats showed great skill and poise, coming

back from the Game 2 loss. During that game, the 'Cats had an attack percentage of 0.000. Thanks to senior hitter Allison Slager and sophomore hitter Chelsea Bergman, Peru's offensive pressure was just too much for College of Saint Mary, tallying ·14 and 12 kills respectively.

Defensively, the Bobcats were quick to the ball.

Senior Afton Burr read the Flames' attacks effec- · tively enough to have 24 digs. Freshman setter Amy Slager surprised College of Saint Mary hitters by notching 3 solo blocks, and assisting on 6 others.

This aspect of the game is what has made the difference for Peru State this year, which is off to one of its best starts in recent years. The 'Cats had 14 total blocks versus the Flames, and are currently ranked 2nd in NAIA in blocks, averaging close to 5 per game.

"I feel the team played very well-we came out ready to beat them and that's exactly what we did," added Turnbull

The victory felt good, especially after the game, when coach Turnbull was awarded with the Excellence in Award, given to a head or assistant coach at Peru State· College. Along with being a coach at Peru State, criteria include: demonstrating effective coaching, energetic commitment during practices and games, respect from players and students, ability to show improvement in students, players, and team, and embodying the Bobcat spirit.

The night was not over, though. Afier getting her award, coach Turnbull then received a proposal from her boyfriend.

"I was very surprised, and it couldn't have been a better night-or a better way than to share our engagement with the girls, and everyone else that has supported the team this year," said Turnbull.

Peru State's next home game ;s on Oct. 23 against Midland Lutheran College at 7 p.m. in the AWAC.

Football team put pieces in place, look for strong finish

Contributing Writer

Midway through the football season the Peru State football team has seen its share of ups and downs.

With a 1-4 record behind them, the 'Cats look to learn from their mistakes and bounce back with a winning record the rest of the way.

Coach Terry Clark and the rest of his staff look to retool for the rest of the season and create a new game plan revolving around a backup quarterback, thin running back core, strong defense, and an overall young and inexperienced team.

On the offensive side of the ball, a lack of rhythm in the first half and turnovers have been a tough burden to bear but several backups have stepped up in the absence of starters to help. In spite of trouble-moving the ball in the first half, coach Dick Ramsey and his staff have done a

great job with halftime adjustments, putting up the best numbers in the third quarter.

The high point of this season has been the strong running game led by junior I-back John Noojin. In spite of an ankle injury that kept him out of the Bacone game and probably out of the Waldorf game as well, his stats have placed him in the top 15 nationally in rush yards per game with 102 and 28 in all-purpose yards per game with 128.8. With his absence, several younger backs filled the huge hole left in the backfield. Freshman Kyle McLaughlin had several carries against Hastings, Cory VanDeventer played significant time at Iowa Wesleyan, and Justin Powell handled the load against Bacone.

On the other end of the spectrum, sophomore Curtis Thompson from Battle Creek has filled in nicely for the injured Jim Dawson. He ranks in the top half of the nation in passing efficiency, and

has made an excellent transition from backup to starter. Thompson has the benefit of his go-to receivers, Cody Wallinger and Shane Mathis. Very sure-handed and experienced, Wallinger and Mathis have provided stability and allowed Thompson to settle in his starting role.

On the defensive side of the ball, great pressure and communication have allowed them to cover the wide variety of opponents this year. The team plays well through the first three quarters but seems to finish the game tired due to the lack of time of possession. The defensive line has played exceptionally well lately, providing good pressure and controlling the trenches for most of the game. With the success of the front 8 making teams unable to run, a larger responsibility has been put on the defen-

sive backs and secondary to excel. Although they have shown spurts of greatness, overall coverage and tackling has been poor in the secondary. These secondary players will need to step up and help the whole defensive unit click if the 'Cats are to improve down the stretch.

The third and often unforgotten side of a football team, the special teams, have played well and continue to improve each week. Kolhoff ranks 44th in the country with 36.3 yards per punt and the kickoff coverage team has played well. Both return teams will need to improve in the next few games and retool for the remaining games but freshmen Max Virus and Quentin Edelman have shown experience and talent beyond their years as returners and will definitely be something to build around in the future.

ABUSE/ SEXUALASS.A.U

Head men's basketball coach Troy Katen discusses season

year on game day.

"We have our work cut out for us this season. There are a number of teams on the schedule that will be at the national tournament in March. It's my philosophy that in order to be the best you have to beat the best. There's no better way to do that if your not playing the best week to week," commented Katen.

Peru State will also play two games against NCAA D-II opponents in the likes of Northwest Missouri State University and Regis University of Colorado.

AARON DEATS

Contributing Writer

In an interview with the Peru State Times, Peru State first year men's basketball coach Troy Katen has made some statements about himself and a season outlook for the team. He looks to revamp Bobcats' program by bringing several talented players with him. In addition, he hopes to restore Peru to a top program nationally. The one thing Katen emphasized in his interview was that he wants the fans to create a "Sixth Man" this year. He firmly believes that the AWAC can be the loudest place in the country this

CORRECTIONS

The 'Cats will open up the 2008-09 season at home on Oct. 31 as they host Jamestown College at 7 p.m. followed by Valley City State on Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. All the Bobcat home games will be played on campus this season at the Al Wheeler Activities Center. Peru will host a classic on Nov. 7 and 8 with Park University, Doane College, and Briar Cliff University.

The Times: What do you bring with you to Peru State?

Katen: A new excitement about the men's basketball program with a new style and a lot of fresh faces.

You '11 see a team that will be very discipline, fundamentally sound, and does the 'little things' great. We want the entire campus to be excited about the season every year and take a little ownership in the team. Ou_r recruiting efforts will concentrate on getting the very best student-athletes from state and especially in our

own back yard of southeast Nebraska with select transfers joining the program. We are going to invite all of our alumni that have been apart of the Bobcat Basketball program to return for games and allow them to speak with the team as well. Our program is like one big family and the bigger the family you have the more support you have to help you have to overcome adversity and celebrate in your success. We want to build a tradition that will put Peru State Men's Basketball on the map not only in Nebraska but at the national level.

The Times: Can you give the fans a season outlook and what we can expect this year from our guys?

Katten: Peru State returns only five players off last season's team that finished fourth in the MCAC Conference at 8- 23 overall. This year the Bobcats look to improve in every area of the program. I'll comment on this year's recruiting class by saying, ""It was important that we brought in quality players that have great character. All of them were recruited to be a certain piece of the puzzle we're trying to put together. These are talented studentathletes that come from quality programs and are very coachable. If they buy into the little things and what we are trying to teach them, we will have great strides this season. ·I'm excited about our team, the facility renovations, and the new direction this program is heading

taE"" Drink Specials

into."

The Bobcats will have two returners that played in every game last season in Julius Durant and Matt Ryan. Durant is a 6'4 forward from Elliot, S.C. who averaged 12 points and six rebounds while starting in 28 games last season. Ryan started 12 of the 31 games and averaged 3.3 points a game while shooting 46 percent from the three-point line.

Three other Bobcats saw limited playing time last year but will look to seek a more permanent roll were Ryheem Drakeford, Kyle Knoche, and Daniel Nutt.

The newcomers to the team this year will have a great mix of talent.

Steven Burks is a 6'6" transfer from Penn Valley Community College in Kansas City, Mo. Burks brings a versatile game to the Bobcats and has the ability to play numerous positions. Adam Blaylock is a 6'2" shooting guard who is transferring tD the Bobcats from Wayne State College. Adam was a standout player at Norfolk High School and Northeast Community College were he was a two year letterman ·and named academic all-conference both years. Adam has a great shooting touch from anywhere on the floor with a very high basketball IQ.

Another sharp shooter for the Bobcats is Brian Simpson. Brian is a 6' l" freshman guard from Spring, Texas. He was an honorable mention all-district selection, 2nd team all-district, team offensive MVP,

and was named 1st team all-tournament at the Wilder Classic. Brian finished his high school career averaging 14ppg, 3.lapg, and shooting 41 percent from the floor, 36 percent from behind the arc, and 83 percent from the free throw line. Brian is a very young talent that works very start on his game. He is very athletic and has the ability to shoot from the outside and is very aggressive attacking the hoop. Brian is a great asset to the program as they look to build a strong foundation for the future.

The Bobcats added some much needed height to the program with the additions of Trey Lamont and Erik Kohl. Lamont is a 6'7" forward who comes tO Peru State after transferring from Central Community College in Columbus. The Bellevue native attended Bellevue West High School and his team captured the 2005 state title. Erik Kohl, a 6 '7" senior that will join, is a native of Lincoln. Erik attended Lincoln Southeast High School while playing for Knight's Head Coach and Peru State Alum, Jeff Smith. During his time at Southeast, Erik averaged 10.5ppg, 5.9rpg, while shooting 54 percent from the floor and 38 percent from the three-point line.

Peru added depth at the guard positions with the tandem of Jerry Vaughn-Taylor and Joseph Gomez.

Fun Facts - Did you know?

1. The first Oktoberfest was held in. the year 1810 in honor of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

2. The festivities began on Oct.12, 1810 and ended on Oct. 17 with a horse race. In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and, later, the festival was prolonged and moved forward into September (for better weather).

3. The royal party drew about 40,000 guests-a major rager, by ordinary standards, but only a small fraction of the 6.4 million people at Oktoberfest in 1997.

4. It was decided that the horse race would be held again in 1811, this time in conjunction with the state agricultural show.

5. The horse race was eventually abandoned, but the agricultural show continues to be a feature, though it is only held every third year now.

6. The locals in Munich fondly refer to Oktoberfest as "die Wiesn" because of its location, Theresienwiese, which was named after Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.

7. This year marks the 175th celebration of the Munich Oktoberfest taking place on Sept. 20 - Oct. 5, 2008.

8. In addition to the two-week celebration in Munich, the Bavarian capital where the tradition began, Oktoberfest is enjoyed in one fomi or another in cities and towns worldwide.

9. With 16 percent of the US population claiming German ancestry, it is no wonder that Oktoberfest is such a popular annual event!

10. Cincinnati, OH claims to hold the "largest authentic Oktoberfest" in the U.S., draws about 500,000 people to its celebration.

11. The tradition of beer and food stands, begun in 1818, continues today.

12. The festival halls in Munich can seat 94,000 people.

13. In 1997, Oktoberfesters consumed more than 5 million liters of beer, about 45,000 liters of wine, and almost 165 ,000 liters of nonalcoholic beer.

College Cooking Comer - Rocky Road Popcorn Truffles

Ingredients:

1 cup plain popped popcorn

1 cup mini marshmallows

1 cup salted peanuts

1 pound semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

Directions:

1. Coat a 12 cup mini muffin Photocourtesyofhttp://allrecipes.com pan with cooking spray. Divide popcorn, marshmallows and peanuts evenly among the cups.

2. Place the chocolate into a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 45 seconds, then continue to heat at 15 second intervals, stir ring each time, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Pour into the muffin cups, filling to the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any bubbles. Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Unmold and enjoy!

Don't Miss "Gallup Career Night of Networking"

Tuesday Oct. 28 from 5-8:00 p.m. in Omaha atthe Riverfront Campus.

Here is an opportunity for students to visit with Gallup employees and develop networking skills for internships and employment.

Dress professionally and bring your resume.

Transportation will be provided

Call Career Services 872-2436

The group is auditiononly, and practices Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 pm.

The Pe

Renovated buildings to get artistic touch

Before long the construction on the Al Wheeler Activity Center will come to a close. Once this happens. two artists will trawl to Peru State College to install their commissioned artwork.

This project is able to take place due to a Nebraska law called One Percent for Art.'' The law states that exactly one percent "of state funded building projects be dedicated to the purchase of original fine art."

The budget for this project is $50.000 and the members of the one percent for Art Selection Committee had the opportunity to choose the artists.

The two artists were chosen through a national search that was headed by the "One Percent for Art" selection committee. The committee consists of PSC administration members, art faculty, students, athletic department representative, and representative of the community.

This process has taken place during the last year.

First the committee determined the budget of the project; then they met to determine the theme and

direction of the artwork. Next they chose the artists; and finally they met with the Nebraska Art Council to discuss the advertising and notification involved with the process.

When meeting with the Nebraska Art Council, the committee also with J.D. Hutton, the representative for artist services and communications. During this process. the Nebraska Art Council acted as a link between the artists and the college.

Jan Rosetta of Colorado and Bruce Howdle of Wisconsin will travel to Peru to allow their art to take center stage in the AWAC and also the Academic Resource Center (ARC).

Rosetta, who specializes in bronzing, has been commissioned to create a bronze bobcat to be on display at theAWAC.

''Although the specific site has not yet been determined, we're confident that [the Bobcat] will be installed on the north side of the complex," Ken Anderson, art professor and chair of the "One Percent for Art" selection committee, said.

Howdle's work, a relief sculpture, will be installed in the front of the ARC by the recessed windows. His piece will represent the college and the area surrounding it.

Howdle's installation process will involve the use of scaffolding, but only for a limited time, while

Lady 'Cats continue impressive

season - p.10

Rosetta's sculpture will require a small amount of construction to install a concrete pedestal for the bobcat to rest on.

Both sculptures will be installed as soon as possible. Anderson hopes that they will both be ready ''in the spring after the snow is gone."

Besides the commissioned artwork. Peru State is also trying to fund another project for the AWAC. This time the artwork consists of fathead-type displays for the coaches' hallway.

AU athletics will be represented and if the budget allows for it. the "fatheads" may be rotated in coordination with the respective seasons. So far volleyball, football, and cross country action pictures have been taken to represent each respective sport.

Regan Anson, director of marketing and public affairs, expects to have this project almost completed by January. By this time, all athletics except baseball and softball will have begun their seasons.

The action shots will be a surprise to many of the student-athletes on display.

"Live action shots are more compelling than staged shots," Anson said when asked about the surprise to the student-athletes.

Who are you voting for?

"I plan ··on voting for Obama because I think McCain will keep us in the war longer and I feel he choose Sarah Palin to get the women's rights voters."

JUSTIN KEARNS

Senior physical education major

"I watched all the debates and didn't think Sarah Palin was that qualified. I looked at some inf01mation online also because I was very up in the air on who to vote for."

JACKLYN MARTINEZ

Junior human performance and systems management major

"For now, I guess you could say I'm undecided as to who I am voting for because neither of the candidates seerri to be the perfect candidate. But I am leaning towards McCain, because he will fight to uphold our 2nd Amendment right to bear arms."

THOMAS MILLIKIN

Sophomore wildlife ecologv major

Erase the Hate: The Peru Project 5:30 pm at the Dining Hall

Monday, Nov. 10

(Co-sponsored with Black Student Union)

Monday, Nov. 24

Reality Check

8 pm at College Theater

(Interactive Alcohol Awareness Game Show with $200 worth of cash given out throughout the night. This event is mandatory for athletes. Many classes will give students extra credit for attending.)

Phi Beta Lambda offers opportunities

KRISTEN HUSEN Stciff Writer

· Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is an ·organization on campus with local. ·- state, and national ties.

PBL participates in community service projects, fundraising activities, state and national competitions, and various leadership conferences.

"I thought that Obama's methods for solving problems are more effective then McCain. Also, in my opinion I feel his new ideas are better.''

JASMINE SHIWISOW

Freshman art (K-12) education mqior

Sheri Grotrian, assistant professor of business and faculty advisor for Peru State College's PBL chapter said, "Not all members have to be business majors, anyone can be in PBL."

The current officers are President Josh Nelson, junior marketing & management major; Vice President Colton Harris, senior biomedical

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Ediror-in-Chief Assistant Editor

Copy Editor

Layout Editor

Advertising Manager

Distribution Manager

Layout Staff

www.psctimes.com

Faculty Advisor

Phuong Tran

Mary Trecek

Kristopher Miller

Kellen Sailors

Savannah Wenzl

Wellington Ferguson

Joe Smith

Lindsey Husen

Kristen Husen

Linze Thummel

Contributing Staff

Trevor Shalon

Tom Van Boeing

Tedd Merrill

Courtney Carmichael

Laura Kjar

Stephanie Hoffman

Laura Kjar

Doug Mountford

Katie Kuhl

Angela Parsons

Shyriah Marshall

science major and psychology minor; Secretary Eden Pinkelman, sophomore accounting major, mathematics minor; Treasurer Kelly Bush, sophomore accounting major; Historian Amanda Knickman, senior human performance and systems management and marketing major, management minor; CoParliamentarians - Kurt Bleach, junior accounting and human performance and systems management major·and Erin Scoville, senior marketing and management major.

PBL attends several different conferences each year. There are the State and National Fall Leadership conferences, and the State and National Leadership conferences. The fall conferences are mainly for networking and socializing. During the state and national leadership

conferences, there are different categories members can compete in.

''There is anything from grammar to job interview competitions," said Grotrian.

To join PBL, students have to pay a fee of $25, which CO\ ers national, state, and local dues. Nelson came up with the idea this year that members could choose to pay the normal dues or pay thirty dollars and receive a PBL t-shirt.

PBL meetings are held every second and fourth Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in TJ Majors Room 325.

Students can contact Grotrian with any questions by email at sgrotrian@oakmail.peru.edu.

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid adve1tisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

Kristi Nies

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acornmail.peru.edu or send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

The Faculty and Staff acts set the stage for a man of very special talent, Joseph Hall from Lincoln. One of the top Elvis Impersonators in the world, he recently reached the finals of "America's Got Talent."

Intramurals continue with softball

Intramural sports at Peru State College are chance for a little organized fun for students who love sports.

The current sport on the agenda is softball. There are 12 teams signed up to compete. For every softball team, students must have a minimum of four female stu-

dents to start the game, with five girls per team preferred. Softball was set to start Oct. 15 but because of bad weather the start date was moved to Oct. 27. As of press time, if mother nature continues to not cooperate, softball will be skipped and players will have to move on to the next sport which is flag football or indoor volleyball.

The first sport held was sand volleyball. It started in September and ended the first week in

October. There were 11 teams signed up. Each team had to have at least two females students and two males students on their roster. During play, there had to be two female and two male students on the court, at a time.

The season started with pool play and ended with a tournament consisting of the top eight teams. Team "Defenders" were the winners of the sand volleyball tournament.

Students who are interested in playing an intramural sport can stop by coach Mark Mathews' office in the student center. Also, students can contact him by phone at (402)-872-2204, or by email at mathews@oakmail.peru.edu.

Members of "The Defenders," the sand volleyball champion team, having fun celebrating their victory.

Front: Krista Patton, Kelsey Monahan, Lisa White.

-Pap

Student abroad finding ways to get involved on campus

With the term currently under way, I am in week four of my classes. I

really enjoyed all three of the previous weeks. The credit system is arranged differently at my school abroad. Instead of classes being worth anywhere from three. to five credits, classes here are worth five or 10 credits. You are only allowed to take 20 credits a tenn, so I am

enrolled in three classes at this time (Endocrinology, Archeology: Methods and Practice, and Britain: Modem Society and Culture).

All classes have lectures and some have seminars and tutorials as well. Lectures are two hours a week, which is not quite what I am accustomed to in the states. I only have classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Needless to say, I am looking into - joining many societies or clubs. There are quite a few of them. The variety of societies and sports clubs here can meet anyone's needs. These groups range from the nonnal clubs you would expect such as Debate, Drama, Photography, and the Newspaper to the very odd ones

such as Lock Picking, Rollercoaster Appreciation, Cocktail, and Trampoline.

One major difference that I have experienced with my lectures is that there are often other professors who will come in and lecture. This is because they know that topic better. It is odd to have several professors for one class with one dominant· professor. However, it must be easier for a teacher to lecture on a topic that he or she is more familiar with for both said professor and the students. Right now, I personally am finding it rather interesting.

My weekends are filled with trips to many different places and countries. I got to spend time in

Cornwall, which is a region on the southwestern part of England. On the train from London, it took five ·hours to get there but the scenery was gorgeous. I was able to see the "Infamous White Horse on the Hill." Once we arrived in Penzance, the shops and town were so quaint.

The cliffs on the Cornwall coast are absolutely breathtaking and the colors are incredibly vivid. It is a place that everyone should go see. While in Cornwall, we traveled to Saint Michael's Mount which is different from Mount Saint Michel in France, something I learned there. It is a castle on a rock mount, where the tide comes in every night and transfonns it into an island.

Project Response aids community

Contributing

ready to be with you again this school year. Each month we will have an article updating you on about Project Response. We are looking forward to being a part of the Peru State Times this semester.

As always, keep in mind that Project Response is always available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Project Response is your

Guys versus girls: a writer weighs in on the fight

Contributing

I was in one of my classes the other day and we got into the subject of the men and women of Peru State College.

Some of the guys claimed that there are no "'hot" women here at Peru and when a guy talks to the girls, girls ignore then and think that guys are all after one thing.

I have to disagree with the guys. There are very wonderful, talented and beautiful ladies here at Peru. I am going to try and clear the air and explain why some guys are the way they are.

Let me just say that not all men are pigs and jerks. Not all of us are

after just sex. Do not generalize every guy into that category; it is not fair to those who are not after that. I know it is harcf to believe, but there are genuinely nice guys out in the world who want someone they can love and take care of. Some of us recognize that a relationship should not be based on sex, because then that relationship is doomed to fall apart.

Ladies, I am not going to say take a chance with every guy you meet. In many instances it is not good. Even the guy you think is great and wonderful can have a mean streak that can ruin any future with him. Once you have talked to a guy and have gotten to know him a little, then you can at least think about maybe dating him.

Do not fall into the rebound trap.

You know how after a break-up you date two or three different guys, hoping to get over the one you were with for almost a year? Men can get hurt just as easily as women. We just do not show it as well sometimes. Some guys cry after a breakup, depending on the circumstances. Some guys can get angry and never talk about it. Most guys do not real! y appreciate being just another rebound. Try to get over your problems before you start dating again.

Let me just say for the record, we are all looking for love, but are we looking in the right places, or are we on the road to nowhere? It is ultimately up to us to make the decisions in a relationship, so let us make the right ones. It is your world, I am just living in it.

local domestic violence and sexual assault agency, covering the counties of Nemaha, Otoe, Johnson, Pawnee and Richardson. We dedicate ourselves to our work to help )')u in whatever situation you may be facing. The staff is trained and dedicated to helping the community the best we can.

Last year we helped 347 adults and 710 children. Over 1,200 calls come into our agency asking for help, referrals, or just to talk. We provided 695 cases of financial assistance, provided 96 transportation trips, and assisted with 281 legal advocacy situations. We were able to maintain 23 adult beds and 26 children's beds in our shelter. Our volunteer hours were close to 3,000.

Domestic violence and sexual assaults are real problems. We hope

you do not experience either one of these acts of power and control, but if you do or have in the past, we are here. Always remember it is not your fault and you have done nothing to deserve it. Intimate partner violence is primarily a crime against women, but it happens to men as well. In 2001, women accounted for 85 percent of the victims of intimate partner violence and men accounted for 15 percent of the victims.

Domestic violence affects anyone at any age. It does not discriminate against race, religion, age, sex, economic status, location, or any other reason. It is a re_ality that affects real people.

If you are in an unhealthy relationship or in a bad situation, please reach out. There is help out there and we are a start. Our toll free .number is 1-800-456-5764. PONTIAC

Voyeurism causes concern

With this new age of technology, new crimes develop daily.

Before computers we had stalkers and other types of law-breakers. Voyeurism is taking place at an alarming rate. They are the "Peeping Toms" of the 21st Century. They take advantage of the unknowing, making them victims in a scandal that can change the course of their futures.

I found out from my Mom a couple of weeks ago about a photographer accused of voyeurism in Grand Island. Dennis Beins, owner of Dennis Beins Photography, owned his own studio in downtown Grand Island. He shot senior pictures, family pictures, and weddings. Six other photographers used his studio as well.

In early September, an investioation into Beins began after tions were made by a mother and her daughter. Her daughter was in the studio taking senior pictures and between outfit changes her mother went walking around the studio. She walked past the main office and l?oked in through a door only to fmd her daughter undressing on a television screen. The mother stayed calm and allowed the shoot to finish. Immediately following

Wikipedia can be useful, if not accurate

the photo shoot, she called the police, who then launched an investigation.

The six other photographers who used the studio were cleared of any knowledge regarding Beins' nasty intentions. They are currently trying to separate their names from Beins.

I do not know how anyone can hear this story without being outraged. Over the course of three years, hundreds of women were victimized. Some of the videos even surfaced on the Internet.

Even though a lawsuit is taking place, I do not feel like this man is receiving justice for what he has done to women of all ages. He has made them victims who will have to live with what he has done to them for the rest of their lives.

It is a scary thought that someone in a trusted position in society uses that position for his own enjoyment. It takes a sick person to do something like this and expect to get away with it. If that mother had not been walking around the studio, who knows when this crime would have been brought to light?

Maybe this article will not reach every person at Peru State, but I urge you to look into situations that seem a little sketchy. Voyeurism takes place everywhere and is not something to be taken lightly. This man was a trusted employee hired to make memories. He made memories all right, just not the ones that most people want to savor.

MILLER Copy Editor

Don't get me wrong .about Wikipedia, I like the prospect of an information database you can edit for yourself. The concept is democratic and innovative. But who actually writes the articles in the first place? Anyone lacking education, experience, and resources c.an sign o.nto Wikipedia to type up bogus information. Articles from Wikipedia are the top pages returned from searches on most search engines including Yahoo, Google, and MSN. Wikipedia is a giant information monopoly taking attention away from credible websites crafted by certified experts and students are getting funny ideas about taking information from a website that may not be helpful.

Wikipedia was founded by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sangers in 1999, both people who loved knowledge and were open to suggestions from other people. The idea of a website anyone could edit without special authorization on the web surfer's part was a dream come true. But where's the dream if the information on the articles is never consistent?

_\"ikipedia has sealed itself into the popular culture mmdset along with YouTube and Google. The site can be helpful to find other sources of information

Safe haven law manipulation brings criticism

TREVOR SHALON Contributing Writer

A bill was passed by the state legislature in July that has rocked the state. Introduced by the state senator from Sen. Arnie Stuthman of District 22, Platte Center, it was legislation that would make national news and create controversy discussed around many kitchen tables.

The bill was a safe haven law that said any parent could drop off their child under the age of 18 at any Nebraska hospital without the fear of criminal punishment. The original idea, Stuthman said, was "to pass a bill that would give parents an opportunity to drop off their newly born infants to give them a

place for protection."

Through the compromise of the Unicameral, the bill was adjusted to give parents the ability to drop off any child at the revolving doors of hospitals all around the state. The threat of parents leaving their children on the side of the road was not just angry rhetoric. It was legitimately possible.

The bill became an easy-out for parents of unruly children. Since the bill was instituted in July, over ten children much older than the proposed infant age were dropped off at area hospitals. Disregard for any sort of communication between children and parents had occurred recently and the attempt to protect young children has been used and abused.

Is this a bill problem? I tend to disagree with some who say that.

There has been a call for a special session to adjust the bill, but is that really the solution here?

The bill is not the issue here. Nebraska needs to focus not only on adjusting the bill but giving more funding and necessary resources to groups and organizations that help parents and teenagers deal with their problems before they take such drastic measures.

This bill has given a scar to Nebraska, but it will be adjusted and fixed in one way or another. The fact of the matter of the bill is not what needs to be changed. To reduce the chance of this happens· to such extreme levels, like a parent driving from Michigan to drop their kids, is not something that can be done with legislation. It is something that must be done at a family level.

used to create the articles.

Despite Wikipedia having their own copy editors and alerts of articles being vandalized, many articles on the webs.ite lack citations. The articles may also lack neutrahty, covering one side of an issue instead of looking at it from an objective outlook. Articles that are highly opinionated and laden with false inforrr:ation do not make Wikipedia a credible encyclopedia source, even with its articles in multiple languages. Also, you can find articles in Turkish and with most articles found in English and massive user database.

Wikipedia also has the tendency to get students into trouble. Rather than trying to find web pages and documents containing information about a subject like quantum physics typed by certified experts, a student can look uo the article on Wikipedia, where the information may not be accurate. Wikipedia encourages students to be lazy about investigating more credible sources.

Worse, rather than type up the page on a paper to practice interpretation and writing skills, a student can just copy and paste the article. Do employers want to hire students who have a degree in their field but lack the skills to perform a particular job?

I would not recommend using Wikipedia as a primary resource for any major project. People need accurate and consistent information about subjects explored by the experts that are produced on other web sites and off-line reference sources.

I think I mi

"Payne" another predictable action film

that do not know the game may get lost in all that is going on.

MOVIE REVIEW

The plot was simple: a man seeks revenge after his wife and child were murdered. From there the plot thickens and the confusion begins. "Max Payne," the most recent video game-turned-movie, came out in theaters Oct.17. Vic!eo game lovers will applaud the effort and those

I wish I could tell you that the star filled cast made things entertaining and wonderful to watch, but that is just not the case. Mark Wahlberg turns out the typical role for him: a man on a mission who fails to show any emotion. The best casted role, in my opinion, was Mila Kunis, who starred in "That 70's Show." She played the role of a hurt sister and woman of power very convincingly. I myself would not want to confront her while she's holding a gun. There were a few other notable roles, but in reality it is not the actors that made this movie.

I would like to take the time to thank the special effects personnel for doing their jobs. Wahlberg's character takes a drug. Because of this he starts to see the dark angels

who are now after him. The special effects make the angels come to life. It was almost as believable as alieris in the movie "Signs." The slowmotion effects also helped to make the action of the movie great. The video game is known for having major shooting scenes done in slowmotion and the movie stayed true to that tradition. The slow fight scenes, for me, were some of the coolest things to watch. The movie \YOUld've been an action great if the writers would have done their jobs.

I urge everyone to wait a few months for the movie to be released on DVD. The wait for the DVD will not be long, because the movie will not be in theaters for an extensive amount of time. Plus, when things get too confusing a pause button will be available for your convenient use.

Max Payne is a 2008 action movie based on the 2001 video game of the same name. Pictured above is the character Max Payne in the movie (left) and the video game (right). According to the Rolling Stone, "Max Payne is a dank, dispiriting cop flick that merely requires Wahlberg to wear a scowl that could have been painted on digitally with more expressiveness."

"Max Payne" delivers special effects thrills

MOVIE REVIEW

COURTNEY CARMICHAL Contributing Writter

"Max Payne" follows the life of a homicide/cold case detective named Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg). Three years prior to the time the movie is set, his wife and child were murdered. Although two of the three murderers were caught, the case was never completely solved. Throughout the movie, Payne is set on avenging his wife and child's murder by making sure all of the killers pay the price. He follows clues about a strange angel wing tattoo that two of the killers had on

their arms. Payne teams up with an assassin (Mila Kunis) that has her own vengeance scheduled and crashes a party trying to get answers. Eventually, he discovers the key to the number of unsolved murders is the place that his wife worked, a pharmaceutical company called Aesir. The last project she worked on was a drug the company and military were trying to create in order to win the war on terror. The drug, Valkyr, would make a user practically invincible.

Unfortunately, the drug only worked right on one percent of the people it was administered to. The other subjects had psychological breakdowns and started seeing demons, angels, and shadows attacking them, The rest of the movie is Payne hunting down those responsible and ending their lives.

Throughout the entire film, there is more violence than necessary. Even though I happen to love the action genre, with its gunfights, explosions, and car chases makes

action films fun to watch, "Max Payne" took it over the top though. There were too many shooting scenes and too much noise that distracted the audience. Filmmakers overdid the glass shattering in slow motion. The first couple times it was a cool effect, but after that you just wanted things to move forward. There are many times during the film where I had no idea what was going on, and had to just sit back and wait for the film to explain itself. There are many loose ends that are never tied up.

On a better note, the acting was phenomenal. The actors all did a great job of getting into character. I'd say the film should definitely help boost Mila Kunis's career. She proved herself to be more than the annoying rich girl from "That '70's Show." The movie's scenery does a great job in adding to the mood of the film, showing a dark and gloomy New York City that complimented the attitude presented.

Movie magic revealed in The Secret Life of Bees M E

REVIEW

·'The Secret Life of Bees" was released Oct. 17, 2008. The movie is filled with stars such as Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys, Queen Latifah, and Jennifer Hudson.

The movie takes place in South Carolina in 1964. It is the story of 14-year old girl Lily (Dakota Fanning) searching for the history of her deceased mother. The movie was directed by Gina PrinceBythewood and was based on the best selling novel of 2002 written by Sue Monk Kidd.

At the young age of four, Lily acci-

dentally kills her mother. She spends the rest of the movie putting together bits and pieces of her life to try and figure out what her mother was really like. Her father. never shared stories or pictures of her mother with her, which later had a huge impact on her. Lily's father took the pain of losing his wife out on his young daughter, even ten

Taking a "Chance" for "Real"

LINZE THUMMEL

As though reality television was not ridiculous enough with "Flavor of Love," "I Love New York," "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila," "Rock of Love," and all of the additional seasons and spincoffs of those shows, VHl has taken reality shows' ridiculousness to a whole new level.

VHl is starting two new reality dating shows. To understand why "A Real Chance of Love" is somewhat ridiculous, a little reality history is needed. Tiffany "New York" Pollard went on "Flavor of Love" and was not chosen in the final episode. The next season on "Flavor of Love II," New York returned to help Flav choose a girl who was

there for the right reasons. While there, New York and Flav sparked up some old feelings and he asked her to come back as a contestant for a second time. New York agreed and again outlasted all but one girl and was rejected in the finale. Thereafter, VHl offered New York her own chance at reality love, creat: ing "I Love New York." On the second season, real life brothers Real and Chance were contenders for her heart. It came down to Chance and another guy in the finale, and she chose the other guy. Chance was quite popular among fans and some people toyed with the thought that he might get his own show. But a new season came and went and there was no mention of a show. Recently, "Real and Chance" came back to VHl for a challenge show, "I Love Money." Chance went home early but Real lasted quite a while

years later. After dealing with the abuse from her father and seeing her nanny, Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) being beaten by a group of white men, Lily decided that it was time for her to go and take Rosaleen along.

While being away from her father she finds a family to stay with named the Boatwrights. The

Boatwrights are a family of three African American sisters who are August (Queen Latifah), June (Alicia Keys) and May (Sophie Okonedo). Lily experiences what it is like to have a "real family" and finds her first true love, an African American. She also learns Christian ways and is able to experience the "real world." August Boatwright allows Lily and Rosaleen to stay with them as long as they work to pay for their stay.

The movie is ranked as number three on the box offices top five coming after Max Payne and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. According to the "New York Times," the movie is "A golden dollop of motherly comfort."

"The Secret Life of Bees" is the perfect example of how African Americans were not the only ones to struggle during this time. It also shows how people can have a large impact on people by doing small things. It is the perfect movie for a girls' night out!

-SoulMen Escape 2Africa l'IRoleModels.

and developed feelings for another contestant on the show, Hoops (the winner of Flavor of Love I). Real proposed to Hoops, only to be shot down. Now VHl has offered the brothers their own show, "A Real Chance of Love." With both men eligible for love, it is hard to say what will happen this season.

VHl has another reality dating show called "Daisy of Love" with Daisy, a "Rock of Love" contender who was eliminated in the final episode of season two starting towards the end of this year or the beginning of next year.

-Quantum of Solace ,..,Slumdog Millionaire ·,...,Christmas Tale ,,.,Bolt ""Twilight ,...,Transporter· 3 ,...,Four Christmases

Hating the labels created by the media this election

My best friend: a racist. My good friend: an ageist and a sexist. I, on the other hand, am all three. I bet none of you reading this knew that about me, did you? How, you may be asking, did we receive these wonderful, loving labels? Quite simple: we voted.

Tomorrow, Tuesday Nov. 4, 2008, is Election Day. On this day, we shall appoint a new commander-inchief to assume the mantle of command on Jan. 20, 2009. So, who should receive your vote? Let me tell you.

You do not support Obama? You are a racist hate monger. You should vote for him. You do not support McCain? You are an ageist. Or, because his Vice Presidential nominee is a woman, you are a sexist. You should vote for McCain.

You want to vote for a third party because you dislike both mainstream candidates? Do not do that

because your candidate does not have a chance of being elected.

Instead, vote for the "lesser of two evils" between the front runners. Wait,· does that not put you back in the predicament at the beginning of this paragraph? Been pressured to vote for a candidate due to either

vote tomorrow.

Some of you stand undecided. Some of you stand disappointed in whom you have decided to vote for, but like your current choice more than the other. Some of you stand completely satisfied with your pick. So whom should you really vote

candidate who best represents our values. Our duty is not to vote for the least objectionable. Our duty is to vote for the best.

"So," you say to yourself.

"Enough already. I understand. I really do. But, tell me, who in the world do I vote for?" Well, you can take the safe road and vote for party affiliation or for the choice those around you insist upon. You can vote for the "lesser of two evils."

However, another option exists: You can vote your values.

didate who represents nothing we stand for not only redefines us as individuals, but it does a disservice to our country.

What's being said applies not just to this election, but it applies to every single time your vote is called. Be it the national, state, or local level, we as individuals owe it not only to ourselves but to the entire population in the election process.

someone whose opinion you trust or pressured by party loyalty? Wait, does this mean your friends are racist, ageist, or sexist? Can we just vote for everyone?

The American people possess a sole duty tomorrow: to elect the one who is best fit to lead this nation in accordance with our values. Many have already submitted absentee ballots, and many stand ready to

Editor's note: The opinions expressed in these articles are those of the writers. Tho$e opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinion$ of Peru State College students or the Peru State Times staff.

REMEMBER TO VOTE

Your vote counts!

for? Read on, and I'll tell you.

Throughout the developing history of this country, the people gained a voice. The Founding Fathers bestowed upon us this great privilege of voting, allowing us to show what we believe in, and, if necessary, to show our dissatisfaction.

Voting did not originate with the intent to vote for the "lesser of two evils;" but, rather, to vote for the

Too many times during election season, we as individuals become distracted. We lose sight of our true values, and we focus on battles between the parties. We as individuals stop defining ourselves by our values, and we- begin defining ourselves by how our vote says something about us. Losing sight of these values within us, we do ourselves injustice.

When everything settles out, a person sometimes only has values left to define and sustain themselves. If we shed our values by betraying or dishonoring them, we find ourselves left with nothing. Voting for a can-

To do this we must educate ourselves and know all the candidates and where they stand. Educate yourselves by knowing what is happening in the world. Most importantly, know what your values are and where you stand.

When voting tomorrow, forget about the slams against character. Disregard the labels presented by the media or other individuals. Disregard the belief that you should vote for the "lesser of two evils." Vote for the candidate best representing your values. This candidate represent$ you, as as many others like you. Cast that precious ballot for yourself.

Vote your values.

Every election has a place in history

Some political talking heads say it is going to be the night that changes America, the most important election in United States' history.

Don't

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But when you look at history, there has to be elections that were just as important. Lincoln's first election stimulated the start of the Southern secessionist movement and the first election of Roosevelt

was amidst the Great Depression.

Is 2008 the most important elec-

tion year? It is possible.

We have an economy that is seeing a turndown comparable to the l 930's and the l 980's. Our dependence on foreign oil has not only been detrimental to the economy but also to the world. Our world standing is shot, we are in war costing billions a month. Also, our health care system is basically broken, and the funds for social security is running out.

Who would even want to be president at a time like this?

Former President John Adams said

"being President was the most miserable four years of my life" while Martin Van Buren had a more optimistic approach, saying "the two happiest days of my life were those of my entry upon the office and the surrender of it."

We have two major candidates vying for the most important job in the country. They have two different views on certain issues and believe in many different ideals.

There are two types of people that are frustrating at this time. The first category is undecided voters. You had over twenty months to look at issues, hear debates, research and criticize. You have seen advertisements and heard the rhetoric. The importance of this election cannot be decided on the flip of a coin. Listen and decide.

Second, there are those who say they will choose "lesser of two evils". The candidates are both structuring their campaigns to independent voters and .not the radical liberals and ultra conservatives. Saying that you are picking between a lesser of two evil says nothing about the candidates but does say that you have a very cynical and pessimistic attitude.

In closing, I just want to mention the importance of voting. No matter who you are voting for or at what level, it is important to vote. Some say the reason for voting is because you have the ability to complain about anything that goes wrong. Again, that is a narrow view of our civic duty.

Voting is not something that is as easy as making a selection of whom to choose on elimination night of "American Idol." Voting and what you will do tomorrow are not the same category of thinking by any means. Voting is an essential thing to do not just this year but every chance you get. Do not be discouraged if you are voting for Obama in a state that polls show McCain will win by double digits. Nor should those in New York hesitate to vote for McCain in a state that has not gone Republican since Ronald Reagan was elected in 1984.

You must vote whether your candidate wins or loses. There is no more simple way to complete a civic duty and a small means of accomplishing small changes in this country. As President Kennedy said many years ago: "Of those to whom much is given, much is required"

Financial crisis begins to bear down

the recent economic crisis, it is easy to become worried about what will happen to student loans and the money in a student's bank account. Should a student have concerns about savings? What should a student do with money overall?

The first thing for students to do is not panic about the current situation. Hiding money in some secret vault underground is not going to save anything. If a crisis arises, there is nothing anyone can do about the situation. Resist the urge to mess with money in the bank because it will still be safe. Since Sept. 19, fewer than twenty banks have failed. This is because the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, created by tJ1e government in 1933, was designed to safeguard banks from losing money and to insure that up

to $100,000 ($200,000 for married couples) will be protected per account.

Students do need to monitor their credit reports. The average credit rating on a national scale is 676. Individual scores ranged from 330 to 830. The higher an individual's credit rating is, the lower the credit risk they are. An easy way to acquire a free credit report is to visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

So what should students do about their 401K, if they have one?

"Leave it alone, you've got 40 years for it to come back," said Professor of Business Dr. William Snyder. "If you cash in your 401K, all you'd be doing is locking in your loss."

Another thing not to worry about is student loans. The government will work to make sure these loans are protected.

Students should not spend large amounts on their credit cards. Paying off the debt you spent on a

PlayStation 3 is not going to be as easy as it once was.

Selling stocks and mutual funds will not do any good in this economical climate. At this time the market is very difficult to predict, so missing out on the best offers is better than gaining the worst offers available.

Buying and investing in stocks is another story, for the crisis yields limitless opportunities. In the long run, the economy will prosper and the stock market is the best spot to catch a spark of prosperity. There are many bargains at hand for anyone considering investment.

For the students out buying stocks, look for companies dominating their market. A company in charge of their market is a company staying afloat in the current financial structure. Also consider looking for a company possessing a high return on equity. Seek consistent and rising dividend payments in the company. Because the U.S. dollar is

For many college students, an empty wallet is an all too familiar situation that must be dealt with as the economy takes a turn for the worse.

currently. declining, consider looking for companies operating outside the U.S. , Another thing students should not do during this economical downfall is skip bill payments. Pay off debts

and stay current on things you will need, such as utilities. Students should make major bills a first priority, always pay at least the minimum. Paying a little at a time is better than paying bills far too late.

Choosing the right energy drink can become a tiring occasion

we tum to? The new fad to keep attentive and alert for a few more hours is energy drinks. But are energy drinks the correct answer?

With so many different kinds of energy drinks, which one is best to help sharpen your mind and body?

Energy drinks were first introduced a few years ago. Most energy drinks contain a large amount of caffeine and sugar, which is then combined with other energy kickers such as ginseng, guarana, and taurine. In order to understand energy drinks, it is important to understand the key ingredients.

nervous system and can cause your blood pressure to spike if excess consumption occurs.

Approximately 140 to 170 milligrams of caffeine are in a 16ounce energy drink. Caffeine works like sugar; you will have a burst for a while and then experience a sudden crash.

Photo courtesy ofhttp://www.healthandrnen.com

With the semester quickly coming to an end, many students will begin staying up late to finish a project or even pull that much needed all-nighter to study for that killer final.

This requires much energy that most of us do not have. So what do

Sugar is the most known ingredient in energy drinks. Everyone· knows if you consume enough sugar, your body begins to speed up reactions. A 16-ounce energy drink usually contains 50 to 60 grams of sugar.

When you consume this much sugar your insulin levels skyrocket, signaling your body to stop burning fat. Usually after an hour your body will then crash because of the quick increase of insulin. This is why the effects of sugar will only last for a while.

The next most known ingredient in energy drinks is caffeine. Caffeine stimulates your central

The amount of guarana in _energy drinks varies. Some energy drinks contain 1.4 mg of guarana and others contain 300 mg. The more guarana ·in a drink, the worse the energy drink is for you. A study reports that people who took 222 mg of guarana felt slightly less fatigued and were up to 30 milliseconds faster on a reaction-time test than those who took a placebo. They concluded that because most energy drinks contain less or about the same amount of guarana as the test, energy drinks do not contain enough guarana to harm the body. But if you are the student that drinks a few energy drinks back to back, be careful because this high amount of guarana can affect your body.

Ginseng is in almost every energy drink. A 16-ounce drink can contain between 8 mg and 400 mg. Ginseng has been proven to not

enhance physical performance but it may boost your brainpower. One researcher found that people who swallowed 200 mg of ginseng an hour before taking a cognitive test scored significantly better. They also felt less mental fatigue. The recommended amount of ginseng to consume is at least 200 mg and very few energy drinks contain this amount.

The last main ingredient in energy drinks is taurine. A 16-ounce energy drink contains 20 mg to 2,000 mg. Taurine is an amino. acid that acts as a neurotransmitter.

Researchers have not identified how taurine works, but they have concluded that a small dose is fine. The next time you consider an energy drink as a boost of energy to stay up for one more hour or to pull that all-nighter, take a look at the ingredients. For best results, look for an energy drink that contains 200 mg of ginseng, little amounts of taurine, and less than 222 mg of guarana. We all know that energy drinks are great for a short of time, but then you will crash.

David Norris

Class status· Junior.

Major- Music Education 12 and Liberal Arts.

Hometown - Beatrice. High School -' Beatrice High.

What are you involved in on and .off campus?

Music Educator National Conference, musicals, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Madrigal Singers, organist for the Peru Community Church.

What are your hobbies?

Playing piano, collecting Legos, cycling, and arranging J11USiC.

What's your favorite?

Movie - No Country for Old Men.

Music - Piano Rock. · Singer - Ben Folds. TV Show - Bum Notice.

What are the three things you cannot live without?

Coffee, free time, and my mother.

If you could travel, where would it be and why?

I'd just drive and find places.

I'd love to be able to just stop and have no worries.

What are your thoughts on the musical that you were recently in, ''I Do .I Do"?

I was glad to help bring theatre back to campus. It was a good show.

Lady 'Cats continue impressive season

Lady 'Cats lose defensive battle to Midland Lutheran

The Lady 'Cats had a tough battle against Midland Lutheran. The 'Cats came out swinging and had three very good sets but came up short. The 'Cats lost in three 21-25, 20-25, 21-25. A blocking battle occurred during the first set between the 'Cats and Warriors. During the third set the Cats jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead but couldn't hold on.

"We struggled a little with making things click on the court, both mentally and skill wise. We lost a little bit of communication and just couldn't get things to work," commented coach Lexi Turnbull.

Allison Slager led the 'Cats with 12 kills on the night, meanwhile Kaitlin Morrow and Chelsea Bergman each had seven kills. Slager had 25 set assists. Digs were led by Afton Burr and KT Salberg with fourteen each. Jerlyn Cummins had 8 blocks with the team block total at 11.

'Cats sweep College of St. Mary's in three quick sets

The Lady 'Cats came out on fire against College of St. Mary's. The 'Cats won in three sets 25-22, 2523. 25-19. The game was a backand-forth battle between the 'Cats and Flames.

The first set found senior Afton Burr serving aces left and right. She had three ace serves in the first set. Meanwhile Morrow had 2 ace blocks, with the help of Kelley Scanlan on one block. Morrow, Slager, and Chelsea Bergman each had three kills during the first set. Cummins added two kills.

Bergmann had three kills in the second set. Slager added two kills and one block. Morrow had two blocks and one kill.

During the third set the 'Cats were leading 11-3, but soon the Flames came back and the battle began. The third set was dominated by senior Slager who had six kills. Morrow added three. Bergman once again added two kills.

The 'Cats improved their record to 15-9 overall and 7-3 in the conference.

The 'Cats take on Grace University on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. in the AWAC.

Above: Team unity is key for the 'Cats at the beginning of every set as well as after every point.

Below: Bergman tips around the Flames double block, while Cummins is defensively ready.

Left: The 'Cats wait as Afton Burr serves to the Flames.

Bobcat basketball starts season with alumni game fun

MARYTRECEK Assistant Editor

The event started at 6:30 pm on Oct. 24. Head coach Troy Katen staited by introducing both the current roster and the former Bobcats.

Things began with a threepoint shooting contest, pitting both old and new 'Cats against each other to shoot the most field goals in 30 seconds.

Turner and sophomore Kyle Knoche faced off in the final round, with Knoche coming out on top.

Following that event. a slamdunk contest entertained the crowd. The cheerleaders pulled judges from the crowd. including Phuong Tran. Peter Kok, Jade Gordon, Kelley Scanlan, Stacy Louis, and Tim Crawford. The final three in the slam dunk contest were juniors Kenny Braziel and Steven Burks and freshman Brian Simpson. After the three tried their best, Burks was declared the winner.

During the game, the redshirted players, assisted by the Peru State cheerleaders, held games to get the crowd involved.

ti on.

The first time-out featured a basketball twist on musical chairs. Five members of the crowd circled chairs until the music stopped. They then sprintThe men's basketball team ed to the free throw line and shot jumpstarted their 2008-2009 sea- a lay-up, then had to return to son with a "Basketball Bonanza" their chairs. Junior Devin Wright that featured events for the was the winner of this competicrowd as well as a game againllt Peru State alumni.

Half-time activities included a performance by the cheerleaders and a half-court shooting contest

The actual game started slow, with neither team scoring for the first five minutes. The rest of the first half was close, with the score at the half 19-18, current roster.

The second half remained close until about the last two minutes, · when the current Bobcats pulled ahead, winning the game 60-50.

'Tm just honored to be here, and really excited. I hope to do this for many years to come." said alumni Kevin Turner of the game.

The Bonanza was designed to build excitement for the upcoming season, starting with the season opener Oct. 31 against Jamestown College ..

Fun Facts - Did you know?

1. The tenn "electoral college" does not appear in the Constitution.

2. In the early 1800s, the tenn "electoral college" came into general usage as the unofficial designation for the group of citizens selected to cast votes for president and vice president.

3. It was first written into federal law in 1845.

4. The 14th Amendment provides that state officials who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States or given aid and comfort to its enemies are disqualified from serving as electors.

5. The U.S. Supreme Court has held that the Constitution does not require that electors be completely free to act as they choose; therefore, political parties may extract pledges from electors to vote for the parties' nominees.

6. The Supreme Court has not specifically ruled on the question of whether pledges and,penalties for failure to vote as pledged may be enforced under the Constitution.

7. Some state laws provide that so-called "faithless electors" may be subject to fines or may be disqualified for casting an invalid vote an·d be replaced by a substitute elector.

8. Throughout our history as a nation, more than 99 percent of electors have voted as pledged.

9. No elector has ever been prosecuted for failing to vote as pledged.

10. Electoral votes are awarded on the basis of the popular vote in each state.

11. If no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes, the House of Representatives elects the President from the three presidential candidates who received the most electoral votes.

12. Reference sources indicate that over the past 200 years, over 700 proposals have been introduced in Congress to refonn or eliminate the electoral college.

13. The number of electoral votes is set at 538, based on 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 members of the Senate, plus three electoral votes for the District of Columbia under the 23rd Amendment.

Mole Day was celebrated on Oct. 23 at Peru State College in the Hoyt Science Building. The celebration is organized by Dr. Welsh and his chemistry students.

Below: Senior Grant Brueggemann (the "Mole"), a biochemistry major and Dr. Welsh were preparing for an experiment demonstration during Mole Day.

I I College Cooking Comer - Apple Crisp

Ingredients

4 large Granny Smith applespeeled, cored and sliced

112 cup butter, melted

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup quick cooking oats

112 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon allspice

Directions

1. Spread the apples evenly in an eight-inch square glass baking dish. A deep dish glass pie plate will also work.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon and allspice. Sprinkle this topping eveply over the apples.

3. Cook on full power in the microwave for 10 to 12 minutes, until apples can easily be pierced with a knife. Enjoy!

Nov. 11: Seniors (90+ hours)

Nov. 12: Juniors (60-89 hours)

Nov. 13: Sophomores (30-59 hours) and freshmen - (0-29 hours)

To register early, use CatsOnline http://catsonline.peru.edu CatsOnline normal operational hours Monday to Friday: 7 am thru 5pm Saturday 7 am thru Sunda.v llpm

The Pe

The Lady 'Cats end season successfully

The Lady 'Cats had a busy week with three home games and the MC.AC Conference Tournament. The team finished the season with a record of 20-11 overall and l 0--t in the conference. This is the best record for the Lady 'Cats in years.

'Cats battle Grace UniversityNov. 4

The night began slowly for the 'Cats as the Royals won the first set 25-16. It did not take the Cats long to retaliate and win the next three sets, 25-19, 25-19, and 25-20.

The 'Cats were led by senior Allison Slager's 15 kills. Junior Kaitlin Morrow added 12 kills and 3 blocks. Senior Jerlyn Cummins and sophomore Chelsea Bergman each added eight kills for the Cats.

Bergman also had 18 digs on the night. Senior Afton Burr added 14 and sophomore KT Salberg had 12.

Service aces were recorded by Allison Slager, Amy Slager, and Bergman who had one a piece. Parent's Night ends. with victoryNov. 7

Senior art student to present final works - p.6

The Eagles of Oklahoma Wesleyan traveled to Peru for parent's night. Before the game began every player and their parent was recognized, with special recognition for the five senior players: Burr, Allison Slager, Cummins, Jessika Wetzler, and Kelley Scanlan. The team gave each of the seniors a shadow box with their jersey to remember the magnificent season the 'Cats have had.

The 'Cats quickly beat .Oklahoma Wesleyan in the first and second sets. The third set found the 'Cats giving some of the younger girls experience but still got the victory, winning in three straight sets 25-16, 25-11, and 25-18.

The 'Cats were swinging from every position of the court.

Cummins led the team with seven kills. Scanlan and Allison Slager addedfive each and Bergman, Danni Vernon, and Morrow all had four kills on the night.

Burr led the team with 19 digs.

Sisters Allison and Amy Slager had 8 and 6 digs respectively.

'Cats fall in last home game

·Nov. 8

The last regular season game and last home action was played against

College of the Ozarks. The Bobcats from the Ozarks were too strong for the Lady '<:::ats, with sets recorded at 19-25, 21-25, and 19-25.

Allison Slager led the Cats with eight kills. Morrow and Scanlan each added five kills. Bergman and Amy Slager chipped in 4 kills a piece.

Digs were led by Burr with 25. Allison had 16 and sister Amy Slager had another 13 digs. Morrow, Bergman, and Cummins each had

Nov.

one block on the night.

Leading the Bobcat attack was Bergman with 13 kills. Morrow and Scanlan each added seven kills. Cummins recorded six kills.

Burr led the 'Cats with 18 digs.

Kelsie Haug added seven and Salberg had six. The team combined together for six blocks on the night.

'Cats advance to MCAC

Tournament · Nov. 14

Host and top seed Bellevue University took on College of St.

Photo

Mary's after third seed Peru State College took on second seed College of the Ozarks.

The 'Cats found a rematch against College of the Ozarks difficult. The 'Cats lost in four sets 15-25, 15-25, 25-20, and 15-25. The girls played hard in every set; however, Ozarks somehow pulled ahead, except for the third set when the 'Cats were able to win.

Women's basketball season looking for improvements - p.9

Country music making its way to popular culture - p.7

How do you feel about the new President?

"I feel very ecstatic to have someone who is eloquently spoken with a better vision for America. Someone with a vision for all Americans."

GRETCHEN JORGENSEN

Nontraditional student, education major

"I didn't vote for him, but I hope he does well. I also hope that now people will qtiit bickering about Obama."

ZAKGREUNKE

Senior sports management major.

"I feel pretty confident that he will make some good decisions for us Americans."

SEAN WENZEL

Sophomore criminal justice major

"He wasn't my choice but I hope hernakes good decisions. I don't like a lot. of things he is planning on doing.''

BECKY COLLING

Freshman elementry education major.

Monday. Nov. 24

Reality Check Game Show 8 p.m. in the College Theater.

De.scription - This.fast paced alcohol and drug prevention program is a trivia based game show where everyone in the audience gets to participate! $200 cash giveaways throughout the show.

Dec. 10 and Dec. 11

Free Professional Massages·· 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Live Oak Room. Description -Studying for finals can get stressful, but we've got your back - or atleast a back rub! Come one day, or both days, and relax.

ARC aids academic success by tutoring services

LINDSEY RUSEN

Are you stuck on that killer math problem? And you do not know the formula for a chemistry problem. Do you need a paper proofread? Also, you cannot decide to use debit or credit for an accounting problem?

Then you can head to the Academic Resource Center (ARC) for help. All tutoring is free. Here you can find a tutor that will answer any homework problem that has troubled you. All tutors are recommended by professors and are nationally certified.

Walk-in tutoring covers all subject areas from accounting to zoology.

"We have an excellent pool of tutors. I hope that the new location

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Editor

Copy Editor

Layout Editor

www.psctimes.com

Phuong Tran Mary Trecek

Kristopher Miller

Kellen Sailors

Advertising Manager Savannah Wenzl

Distribution Manager Wellington Ferguson

Layout Staff Joe Smith

Lindsey Husen

Kristen Husen

Linze Thummel

Facuity Advisor Kristi Nies

Contributing Staff

Trevor Shalon

Tedd Mmill

Courtney Carmichael.

Stephaniy Hoffman

Doug Mountford

Katie Kuhl

Jacob Thompson-Krug

makes tutoring more visible," said Tutorial/ ADA Coordinator Marie Meland.

"We moved the tutoring upstairs this year so the study rooms would be quieter, to improve traffic to the offices downstairs, and so I could better monitor the schedule and tutors."

In the past, tutoring services occurred in the basement of the ARC, but this year· things have changed. During the day, walk-in tutoring is on the main level of the ARC, but at night it is in the library.

Daytime tutoring is from 8 p.m. to 5 p.m. and night time tutoring is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"Currently we have 27 tutors who all come highly recommended from instructors. The tutors are available whenever students need help," said Student Success Coordinator Norva

Edwards.

One-on-one tutoring is still available for Student Success Services (SSS) participants. To request a tutor, contact Edwards in ARC 009.

"Norva has done an excellent job with the tutoring program. She has doubled the number of students we are assisting," said Director of Student Success Services Kelly Bequette.

Students who are not SSS participants can contact Meland for information on one-on-one tutoring.

Walk-in tutoring schedules are located on the college website and in front of Meland's office.

Tutors are: Amanda Erwin, Bryon Parman, Jeff Arett, Keri Sinkhorn, Laura Kjar, Lindsey Rusen, Robyn Wood, Amanda Knickman, and Promise Nelson.

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid advertisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acommail.peru.edu or send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

New director appointed for SSS

KRISTOPHER MILLER Copy Editor

Peru State College welcomed Director of Student Success Services (SSS) Kelly Bequette, who began her service on Sept. 2. Bequette graduated from Peru State College in 1990 with a degree in math. She earned her master's degree in administration and counseling at Kansas State University where she also worked as an instructor and serveci as a counselor and academic advisor. Additionally, Bequette supervised instructors at K-State who taught study skills courses and freshman seminars.

Bequette was a high school math teacher in northern Virginia and Germany prior to her appointment at PSC. She also served as a volunteer family support group leader within the military.

As Director of SSS, Bequette oversees the TRiO program on

campus. The term "TRiO" was ini- Beqqette's main goal as director tially coined in the 1960s to reflect is helping students in all capacities. President. Lyndon B. Johnson's She helps students adjusting not "War on Poverty," and also features only on academic, social and cul-' programs such as Upward Bound, tural. aspects but also wholly as Veterans Upward Bound, Talent individuals.

Search, Upward Bound Math/ "I like doing everything," Science, Educational Opportunity Bequette said. "I love the job but Centers, and the Robert E. McNair my favorite part is working with Post-Baccalaureate Achievement students."

Program. Peggy Groff, Norva Edwards and SSS was established at PSC in Bea Patterson round out the SSS 1990 to help students to achieve staff. The program is housed in the academic equality in their studies. Academic .Resource Center (ARC). The organization helps first genera- When not working, Bequette is tion college students, students from involved with her three children's low-income families and students activities and spends most of her with disabilities. The program time with family. She said if there offers one-on-one tutoring, work- more time available in her schedshops for study skills and job · ule, she would viSit Indian Cave searches, assists in study skills and State Park and Henry Doorly Zoo time management. SSS works with in Omaha, Nebraska. Her mother about 230 students and offers tutor- is Business Office Manager Kathy ing in numerous areas such as com- Tynon. puters, workshops on study skills Students can find her office in and healthy living, guidance on Room 010 in the ARC. Students financial aid, cultural events, peer- can also contact Bequette by phone to-mentor services and other pro- at 402-872-2377 or by e-mail at grams. kbequette@oakmail.peru.edu.

Peru choirs wrapping up the year

which reached its peak during thi Elizabethan era.

The Peru State choirs presented their fall 2008 concert Sunday, Nov. 16, 2008.

The performance opened with the Peru State College Choir. They sang an extensive repetoir of eight songs, including one in German and two in Latin.

Next to take the stage were the Madrigal Singers. The all a capella set featured songs in multiple languages sung in· their own style,

The concert wrapped up witl Misty Blues, Peru State's shov choir. Their six song set featue< upbeat songs ranging from po] music to Broadway hits.

While this was the only true con cert for the Peru State choirs thi: semester, there is one more majo event for one of the groups comin1 up.

The Madrigal Dinner will be hel< Dec. 12 and 13, starting at 6:30 p.m Tickets cost $26. For more informa· tion, contact Dr. Thomas Ediger a (402) 872-2253.

Peru student continues to expand horizons while studying abroad

With November underway, my semester of studying abroad in the United Kingdom is almost over. Sadly, it seems that this month has no breaks. I am both looking forward to December and slightly apprehensive about my schedule. Since I have classes only two days a week, I know I will still have my own time and time for class work.

At this time, it seems like all of my work is due. Currently, I have an essay due next week along with a quiz to take. In two weeks, I will have a presentation, another essay to complete, and another quiz to finish.

As for free time, I am not quite sure how that will be worked into my busy schedule. I did manage to go on a Halloween inspired pub crawl. I dressed up as a cowgirl and a friend of mine dressed up as Sarah Palin and did a hilarious impersonation of her. Halloween is not really

big in the United Kingdom, but some kids do go trick-or-treating. A holiday that they do celebrate around this time is Guy Fawkes Day. It is celebrated slightly similar to the Fourth of July, with bonfires and fireworks.

My weekends are filled with trips to not only different countries but different cities within England. I did spent some time in Brighton and I visited the Royal Pavilion. It is very eccentric but still delightful. I travelled to Bath and Stonehenge, also. Both are very beautiful. The stones at Stonehenge are brilliant and truly amazing. The water in the Roman Baths of Bath is such a serene color. I do not think I would bath in it though, no matter what healing powers it had.

I just returned from a weekend trip to Italy and I must say that it is truly beautiful. I went to Rome, Florence, and Pisa. Rome was pretty but nothing compares to the view in Florence. When you climb to the top of Piazzale Michelangelo, you can see the entire-city. It is phenomenal! Rome was still gorgeous, though.

PSC student Stephanie Hoffman is seen here at the top of Pizzale Michelangelo. From this spot, visitors can see the entire city of Florence, Italy.

The fountains were amazing (especially the Trevi Fountain), Vatican City was beyond words, and the Pantheon· left me in awe. It rained when we where in Rome, but I did manage to see three different rainbows. We walked around the Colosseum which is enormous and it is remarkable to me that it is still

standing. Pisa was not as great as I would have liked, but we were only there at night. The Tower of Pisa is not really lit up at night. I have only been talking about the places I went, but the food was incredible, as well. Gelato with every meal is a must. It is like heaven on an ice cream cone. Needless

to say, everyone should go to Italy. With my busy month ahead, I know I will have a lot of stories to tell you. There are trips to Bulgaria, Scotland, and Ireland still to come and even Thanksgiving at a Bulgarian restaurant. Until the next issue, cheers!

Students need more to occupy time on weekends ONLINE

Welcome to the weekend at Peru State College. What are you doing?

If you are like the majority of the students, you are probably going home until Sunday night. But for those of us who neither do nor can · go home, we need something to do on Friday and Saturday nights.

The sporting events are usually over at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. What is there to do after that? Unless one of the campus groups steps up to plan events on Friday and Saturday nights, there is not really anything to do in Peru itself.

For those who cannot go home. are things to do in Omaha or Lincoln if you are \.villing to drive the hour to get there. If you are

looking for a road trip, Kansas City has concerts and other fun activities.

College is supposed to be the best time of our lives, but if we do not have anything tci po then we are not really experiencing the college life to its full potential.

I do realize Peru is a small town that does not have a lot to do locally. I understand that ·Peru State is a smaller college compared to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I know Peru State does not have the kind of money needed to support an event every night, but we need to do something. Otherwise, we are wasting our time driving to Peru and back home so we have something to do on the weekend.

Events are meant for the students to get to know each other and meet new people. We cannot

really enjoy a dance or any kind of social event during the week because a lot of people have class the next day.

We do not need something every weekend, but at least once maybe even twice a month just to break up the monotony of everyday classes and everyday life. We need to have fun here on campus without the need for partying to make up for the lack of things to do.

As my ending note, I just want to say that we are not asking a lot from Peru State. All we want to do is enjoy our newfound freedom away from home and we would not have to go home to have something to do on a weekend if the college provided us with entertainment. Some weekend activity is all I am asking about.

LETTERS To THE EDITOR Bailouts driving dollar value down

will we pay China? Usually, Middle Eastern nations lik1 Saudi Arabia could lend us money.

Games on the Green

To the editor, I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know how disappointed and ashamed I am of your publication. I am the outgoing President for CEC (Council for Exceptional Children) and I was very offended that you refused to run the article Jacob [ThompsonKrug] submitted to you about Games on the Green on Issue 4 (Nov. 3, 2008). The fact that the event was held three weeks ago, I feel is irrelevant.

I would much rather have read

about Games on the Green than a silly intramural softball tournament that happened weeks ago!

This is a disgrace to all the positive things that CEC is trying to accomplish. I and others will no longer read the PSC Times and I plan on submitting my disapproval of any of my tuition and fees being submitted to offset your costs. You at one time were the pride of publications on campus. I no longer feel that way. Shame on you. ·

Editor's note: To be considered for publication, letters must be sent to psctimes@acornmail.peru.edu. Letters chosen for publication may, at the editor's discretion, be shortened and/or edited for greater clarity. All letters must be signed The Times does not publish anonymous letters. Opinions expressed in the letters are those of our readers and do not necessarily reflect the editorial positions of the Peru State Times.

DOUG MOUNTFORD Contributing Writer

Since August, our government has amassed $5 trillion in additional national debt due to the recent bailouts.

Yes, that is trillion with a "T". The government has been passing bailout packages left and right. By the publishing of this article, who knows the total number of additional dollars put towards bailout packages? The banking industry, the car industry and General Electric and God knows who else.

China recently passed their bailout packages. Okay, fine. China has capital, and they can afford it. However, China does not have much cash on hand. China has invested a large majority of their money in U.S. treasury bills. China has been buying, or "investing in," our debt through these T-bills and in return the United States promises to pay them back whenever they cash out.

Now, China has begun pumping money into their economy. In order to afford these packages, China is going to have to sell T-bills. When that happens, how

However, oil prices are low and going lower. With tha happening, these nations are going to stop giving u money. Oil nations are going to stop bailing us ou because they are going to need it for themselves sinc1 the global economy is slowing down. So how do wi pay? Print more money? We've printed $2 trillion dol lars recently. We might as well just set up printing press es in everybody's homes Seriously, then everyone cai print money whenever the: want. Who cares about infla tion? Who cares abou devaluing our dollar? Go1 forbid we try to fix the prob !em.

The rest of the world is wak ing up and saying, "We don' believe the United States i good for this money." Ou massive debt, piling up due the unbelievable lack o responsibility from our government in handling the cur rent situation, is going to destroy the value of the U.S dollar. At the current pace, we will all be lucky to bi buying bread with wheelbarrows full of money ver: soon.

Blackboard is a fantastic platform for classes. However, many features could be improved.

First, some changes for the notifications and updates. Many students are spoiled because of the technology that is used on phones, e-mail and networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. I know that, more than once, I have posted a question in the Acom Inn, or a Discussion Board post and gone online several times to check for reply.

Therefore, I would like to, if possible, be able to log on and have a message that comes up saying "New Reply" when someone replies to my post or "Instructor Reply" when an instructor replies.

It would be even better if I receive a notification when a

grade is posted or a link is updated. This technology is not revolutionary or difficult; therefore, Blackboard should work on implementing it.

Second, I would like an user online status. This is because I have thought for the last few years of my online Blackboard use that students would be more likely to engage in discussion if there was a way to differentiate users who were online. Again, this is simple technology. To take it one step further, why not include the same sort of technology that is used in chat rooms or online gaming which displays users who are in the same lobby or discussion forum?

Third. automatic updates would be a great frarure to ha\e. I have seen the "ta\b v. h;d1 l ('JJl

manually enter. but the assignments are already in the system so why the system cannot automatically recognize those tasks? Similar to the other updates, when an instructor enters an assignment the due date should automatically pop up during the week in which the assignment is due.

Many people do not even know that there is a 'homepage' function that exists on Blackboard. Anyone can go to the roster and pull up someone in class and get a quick bio on the person. This is a feature which very few instructors utilize. I like the concept, but what I do not like is the fact that for each class. each semester I have to retype in those few sentences about myself. A "homepage" that is permanently embedded. like my

name that stays on my profile, would be a great feature to have. There are other things which some instructors could individually improve. One thing is using hyperlinks instead of simply writing, "View the Document in the Course Documents Tab, under the Week 2 folder." Using hyperlinks so that students can click into things would be so much easier. I know it takes time, but it is the small things that will make a huge difference.

Role Models is one of the year's best films E E

Models" a tale of two guys who realize how to live for something and the two kids who show them how to be good.

Contributing Writter

laughed so hard, I coughed because I was laughing so hard. TI1en. I cried because of all the ;.:<mg.bing caused by all the laugh-

The names of the actors were still run across the bottom of the y;:reen and the audience was already illughing. It has been a long time smce I have been to a comedy •,\here the entire audience was laughing and in some instances t"•en clapping. Usually I go to the !heater and I am one of the only people laughing. This time, it was mce to be a member of a chorus and riot a solo act.

Overall, you could call ''Role

"Role Models" is easily one of the best comedies I have seen in theaters all year. The language may not be for everyone. For the pure of mind, some of the comedy will just fly over your heads. The dirtier your mind, the more you will enjoy the movie. It was very apparent that the writers truly understand the art of innuendos because there were so many one-liners that could be taken the wrong way. I personally loved every bit of the movie and the audience that was in the theater with me would agree.

"Role Models" is the first movie since "The Dark Knight" that I know I will just have to run out and own it. I strongly recommend that everyone who loves a good comedy spend the extra money to go and see this movie in theaters. For everyone that goes out to see the movie and does not like it, then to you all I have to say is "Kiss-my-anthia" (Something you will understand once you see the movie).

Senior art student to present final works

Since Nov. 16, Tiffany Kuhlmann has had her senior exhibition on display in the Art Gallery in A. V. Larson. It will be up for viewing until Dec. 18.

The theme of the exhibition is human hearts. There are 22 pieces in the show, varying from a heart shaped sucker to a heart made of nuts. Kuhlmann created eighteen of the art pieces in just this semester alone.

After she graduates, Kuhlmann is planning on student teaching at the Lake of Ozarks. She said she would

really like to become a high school art teacher. Kuhlmann said she likes to create art works with her hands. and also enjoys drawing.

The A.V. Larson Gallery hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday.

Country music making a way into pop culture

The Academy of Country Music held their annual awards ceremony Nov. 12 to celebrate the accomplishments of the year by the biggest names in country music.

Country music used to be a sheltered section of the musical field that was only listened to by people in the Midwest and South. After this awards ceremony, the idea that country music is transferring into pop culture is apparent.

Huge movie stars are now connected to the style of country. Singer Keith Urban has been married to actress Nicole Kidman for over a year now and they have a child together. In support of their new movie "Australia" Kidman was presenting an award with her costar Hugh Jackman. At the same time country music stars have been moving to Hollywood. Tim McGraw has starred in major movies including the upcoming film, "Four Christmases." His costar, Reece Witherspoon, then presented at the

One of the most popular new country artists Taylor Swift. She wrote or co-wrote all the songs on the herself-titled album, released in October 2006. Her new album was released in mid-November. awards ceremony.

Established singers seem to be crossing markets between pop music and country. Jessica Simpson has started though, at this point not successfully, in county music. She has transformed her pop career to that of one in boots and a cowboy hat. While her new music can be defined as plain country, other

Molly Hartley is haunting

artists have been able to establish a that can be heard in many different. genres. Singers like Colbie Caillat have been heard on both MTV and CMT (Country Music Television). Kid Rock, especially with his latest album, has been able to make a case for being able to connect both country and rock music.

Finally, newer singers establishing

a music career have gone from pop stardom to country or from country to pop ·stardom. Julianne Hough, multi-champion of "Dancing With the Stars," has released a country album and her first single has been somewhat successful.

Former contestants of ''American Idol" have made the change from the highest rated television show to the Grand Ole Opry, including Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington, and Josh Gracing. The obvious name is Carrie Underwood. Her rise in country music has not been just because of her success on the show but also her style of music that connects country to pop.

This style is also done with newcomer Taylor Swift, who has motivated younger women to become more involved in country music.

Is country music completely changing? ,No, but the sound has transformed. There is still that twang that is always going to be there just like there are some people who just do not like that sound. But there is a noted shift from the country style sung in the '60s to the major country music of today.

,...,Transporter 3

,...,Four Christmases

,...,Australia ,...,Milk

with its horrible story E EW

Contributing Writer

The "Haunting of Molly Hartley "stars Haley Bennet, Jake Weber, Chace Crawford and Nina Siemaszko. It is rated PG-13 for strong thematic material, violence and terror, brief strong language, and some teen drinking.

The movie is about a girl, Molly (Bennet), who is going to tum eighteen. Molly and her father (Weber) have just moved to a new town to get a "fresh start" after her mother tried to kill her. A few days before her birthday, she starts to experience hallucinations. The day her birthday, her mom breaks out of the insane asylum she was put in. She rants to her daughter about why she has to kill her, because when she was born, she was not going to live, so her parents sold her soul to the devil (Siemaszko). She would belong to her at eighteen.

This movie is a complete waste of time. The best parts of the entire film are on the commercials, so I would highly advise against spending nine dollars on this ridiculous

movie.

The beginning starts out of strong. It makes you gasp and advert your eyes.

It is decent until the end. It has the right amount of scary images, and keeps your interest going. Then it all goes downhill. You start to wonder if the entire purpose of the movie was to convince viewers to go to church and accept God so they do not get overtaken by the devil and his friends. When Molly tries to kill herself so she does not have to be one of them, you are completely upset because it seems like you paid nine dollars for a sermon.

If, for some unknown reason, anyone still wants to see the film, wait until it comes out on DVD and rent it then.

The ending of the movie completely ruins the entire thing. After the movie was all done over, the only good part I can find in the entire film is Chace Crawford looks amazing.

,...,Cadillac Records

,...,Frost/Nixon

,..,Punisher: War Zone

,..,Nobel Son

,..,Doubt

,...,The Reader

,...,Nothing Like the Holidays

,...,The Class

Stop hating on Obama

Nov. 4, 2008 came and went like any other day in history.

Even this was just an ordinary day in America, it was also a day that made history

On this day the country elected the first African-American president to be the leader of the free world.

The landslide victory that President-Elect Barack Obama produced on that Tuesday was anticipated.

A nation pulling together to elect this man is something that will never be forgotten in the of every American, no matter if they checked Republican or Democrat. That is democracy. That is what makes our country great.

There were no lawyers contemplating legal briefs weeks after voting took place. There were no hanging chads left that kept voting delegates on the edge of their seat.

By 10 p.m. Central Time, the country had made a decision and had chosen who they wanted to president.

The idea still exists though that there are some negative emotions toward our president-elect.

As an Obama supporter, I have been disgusted by some of the

Election aftermath creates unpleasant results

comments that have been made, even here on this campus in our small section of southeast Nebraska.

It seems that what was once hidden racism and bigotry now seems to have shown its ugly head. Some things one would not say if the president-elect was not African American now becomes appropriate conversation. It does not go along with just the racial jokes though.

What has been said is deeper than that. It is a fear among some about the racial consequences of electing Obama.

To all the Obama supporters out there who are hearing these types of things, remember it is now the minority who thinks that way. We have become the majority. Try to believe that most of the country does not think this way.

This is said to those who are still unsure about Obama and cover their own fear with ignorant slams: "The rest of the country disagrees with you and they see we have elected an intelligent, capable man."

So no more text messages with political hyperbole about what will happen next and no loose vocabulary in terms of race. Barack Obama is the next president of the United States.

Hope is no longer necessary because the change has occurred.

The elections are finally over and if you are like me, that is probably one of the best things to happen.

I enjoy politics and discussing the · history that has been made. My problem is with the events prior to the actual elections. First off, this election started not in 2006 as everyone thinks. In 2004, New York senator Hilary Clinton made comments about possibly running in 2008. Arizona senator John McCain was asked in 2005 if he was going to run in the next election. The primaries and caucuses were held in late 2006 through this summer.

What really has bothered me is the nature of the hype. If a candidate needs to have a celebrity go out and campaign for them like Oprah or Joe the Plumber, then they really do not have a lot of confidence in themselves to win the election.

The election should be about issues that need to be addressed with our country. It should not be a popularity contest. For everyone that says it was not, they are in denial. To me it clearly was. The most popular person won. I am not against Obama. I did vote for McCain, as I said I would back in 2000 and in the first issue of "The Peru State Times." Obama is a great

Security issues cause controversy after election

JACOB

THOMPSON-KRUG

Contributing Writer

Over seventy years ago, when America was in a depression and a progressive Harvard law graduate was expected to bring about economic change as the new president. Sound familiar?

It should, because newly elected president Barack Obama will soon be taking office and will encounter the same challenges as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) did.

Some people may not agree with my comparison of Obama and FDR, but think about the "non-comparison" made earlier this week by Georgia Republican congressman Paul Broun. He feared that Obama

may establish a Gestapo-like security police force and that rights and freedoms will be violated as a Marxist dictatorship is formed.

"That's exactly what Hitler did in Nazi Germany and it's exactly what the Soviet Union did," said Broun. "When he's proposing to have a national security force that is answering to him, that is as strong as the U.S. military, he's showing me signs of being Marxist."

For one thing, President George W. Bush supported the idea of a national security force. Obama mentioned it when he was campaigning in Colorado this past year. Secondly, Broun is drawing links between Obama and Hitler yet denying any comparisons.

"You have to remember that Adolf Hitler was elected in a democratic Germany. I'm not comparing him to Adolf Hitler. What I'm savin2: is

man who will hopefully do great things to help us improve our economy and other problems we have in the U.S.

My problem is with PresidentElect Obama's ideas in general. He said he was going to pay back the money he borrowed from the supof his campaign. Here is the question: where is he going to get the money to pay these people back and still be able to lower taxes?

The same thing happened to Bill Clinton in his first term. He had majority in the House and Senate, but instead of getting his ideas to go through, he first had to pass bills that Congress wanted.

That is one of my biggest fears, that the same thing will happen to Obama. I also worry that he will go along with everything his party wants because he wants to keep them on his side.

Another issue I have had with the aftermath of this election is with McCain supporters. McCain and Alaska governor Sarah Palin lost. Deal with it. The world is not going to end tomorrow. I voted for McCain, but Obama is our next president and I will still support him and wish him the best. So suck it up and quit complaining.

Obviously not everyone shared the same feelings for McCain as we did, which was why he probably

lost. Do not say you are going to leave the country and. move to Canada. We all know it is not true and it shows how much faith you really have in our government.

Abraham Lincoln said, "I don't like that man. I must get to know him better." That is what the people who do not like Obama need to do. Listen to what he has to what he has to say and try to understand it.

Now is the time we need to stand together.

Lincoln also said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." This is exactly what we need to prevent. We need to look out for one another and be willing to take the bad times along with the good. No one is perfect, so why should we expect our president to be perfect?

He is going to make mistakes, and we have to live with it. He could also do great things if we let him. We learn from our successes, but we learn more from our mishaps. I am going to give him a chance, and if he turns things around, then great. If not, then we will have to change things. At least give him a chance.

Let me just say congratulations to Barack Obama and everyone who supported him. I wish him the best and I hope he is able to get some of his ideas to go through and make this country better.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed in these articles are those of the writers. Those opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peru State College students or the Peru State Times staff.

there is the potential of going down that road," stated Broun.

Congressman Broun is being a sore loser, especially since Democrats will soon be the majority in the Senate. Even with the majority, there are too many checks in the political system along with educated individuals in power for something as radical as Obama's own police force. For Broun to make such an outlandish comment about a radical Obama is ridiculous.

Not only is Broun afraid of something that does not exist, so are many ill informed Americans. Thinking that their right to bear arms will end, some Americans have been buying as many semiautomatic rifles, hanqguns, and ammunition as possible.

Gun sales have increased 10 percent nationwide since Obama's nresidential win. The current civil-

ian purchasing of guns far exceeds that of the sales boom immediately following Sept. 11.

Although Obama has traditionally voted against the use of semi-automatics, he does not want to get rid of all guns. In an interview with "Field & Stream" magazine during campaigning, Obama was asked about gun restrictions and hunting.

"In fact, the Second Amendment is an individual right and that lawabiding gun owners can't be prevented from going out and hunting, protecting their family on their own," said Obama. "And there's nothing that I will do as president of the United States that will in any way encroach on the ability of sportsman to continue that tradition."

It really makes me wonder if these overreacting Americans who are fearful for their Second Amendment

rights even read this interview when it came out earlier this fall.

Do you think they were out hunting that pack of wolves Sarah Palin had a hit out on, and didn't get a chance?

In these tough economic times, $150 per wolf sounds like it would be easy money, especially when you're allowed to shoot them out of an airplane.

People need to accept the fact that times are changing, but not in the sense that concentration camps will be set up and no one will be able to defend themselves with guns. That is just too extreme to believe that those things could ever happen in America. We are the land of the free and the home of the brave, not the land of the prohibited and the home of the scared.

Just remember, though, the only thinP- we have to fear is fear itself

Women's basketball season looking for improvements

Moundbuilders used second half Fremont to take on Midland battle 39-36 and forced the Bobcats surge to defeat Bobcats - Nov. 12 Lutheran College. to commit 28 turnovers.

The Peru State College Women's Basketball team hosted the Moundbuilders from Southwestern College tonight at the Al Wheeler Activities Center.

The Bobcats opened the game up strong as they held onto a 31-28 lead at the half. Peru shot 33 percent from the floor on 21 of 62, just 18 percent from the arc on two of 11; and 59 percent from the line on 16 of 27. The Bobcats out rebounded Southwestern 43-35 and committed 26 turnovers as the Moundbuilders used a 47-29 second half to take a 75-60 victory.

The Bobcats had twd players in double figures as Britnie Garcia led the way with 17 points and five rebounds. Brianna Triplett aided in the effo11 with 10 points. Leading the team m rebounding was Courtney Janacek with nine rebounds while Avyn Vaden and Errima Pedro each finished with seven and six rebounds respectively. The Bobcats move to 0-5 overall and will resume action next Wednesday as they travel to

Mount Mercy takes second half surge to pickup win over Lady Bobcats - Nov. 8

The Peru State Bobcats fell short Saturday afternoon as Mount Mercy College defeated the Bobcats 91- 75.

Peru came out strong in the first half as. they trailed MMC by only one point at the half, 42-41. In the second half, the Mustangs-outscored the Bobcats 49-34 as they secured a 91- 75 victory. Peru had four players in double figures as they were led by Courtney Janacek with 14 points.

Emma Pedro and Britnie Garcia poured in 13 and 12 points respectively. Peru's P.J. Miller added 11 points and three assists coming off the bench. Miller was also named to the GVC All-Classic team. Garcia and Alyssa Magnum led the Bobcats in rebound as they each pulled down five boards.

For the game, Peru shot 46 percent from the floor on 25 of 54, 25 percent from the arc on one of four, and 66 percent from the line on 24 of 36.

Mount Mercy won the rebounding

Lady 'Cats fall to the Vikings at Grand View classic - Nov. 7

The Peru State College Women's Basketball team traveled east tonight as they took on the Vikings at the Grand View College Classic.

The Bobcats shot just 28 percent in the first half from the floor and 60 percent from the line as the Vikings held a 37-24 lead going into the break. The second half much improved for Peru as they stayed close with a 36-33 second half scoring in favor of the Vikings. Grand View came away with a 73-57 victory to start 1-0 as the Bobcats move to 0-3 on the season.

Leading Peru in scoring was P.J. Miller with 19 points and four rebounds. Alyssa Magnum and LaNora Washington each finisheq, with 11 points. On the boards, Peru was led by Courtney Janacek with seven while Magnum finished with five, Washington, and miller each pulled down four. The Bobcats finished the game with 26 turnovers and 30 rebounds.

Student

Senior Bobcats finish their season strong

AARON DEATS

Contributing Writer

Senior leadership key in victory • Nov.15

Even though it was a chilly day in southeastern Nebraska, the Oak Bowl was on fire for Senior Day and a 55- 7 rout of Haskel Indian Nations for the Peru State Football team. Senior linebackers Dustin Sealy and Alex Meredith, safety Blaine Brown, offensive linemen Grant Brueggeman, and tight end Tyson Ratliff were honored as well as junior kicker Max Kathol who is receiving his degree a year early.

Yimy Rodriguez

l\'lajor- Physical Education

12

Home country- Cuba

What are you involved in on and off campus?

I'm a pitcher for the baseball team.

What are your hobbies?

Baseball, dancing, listening to music, working out and working hard in the gym.

What's your favorite?

Movie - Scarface

Music - Salsa

Food - anything

TV Show - Prison Break

What three things cannot you live without?

Baseball, my mom, and sleep.

What's your most embarrass· ing moment?

I was at a wedding and I was dancing. I and fell, everyone was watching.

If you .could travel or .live anywhere, where would it be and why?

Egypt because I have.always wanted to see.the pyra!llids. It is very historical and important.

Why did you choose Peru State College?

To play baseball and get my education.

Once the parents left the field, it was all business for the 'Cats. The Haskel Indian Nations Indians stumbled in at 2- 7 and could never find a rhythm due to the stifling Cat defense. The 'Cats' clefense picked off Haskell quarterback Ryan Alden three times, one coming by way of senior Meredith, the other two by Derek Derr.

The Indians finally scored in the fourth quarter when Alden found Quentin Haynes in the back of the end zone. And it is only fitting that on senior day, Sealy and Meredith led the defensive attack with seven and six total tackles, respectively.

On offense, the fireworks finally came out and the athleticism that had seemed latent and dormant for the majority of the year yielded ten fold on this day in the Oak Bowl. The star of the game again was junior running back John Noojin who finished the day with 137 yards of 17 attempts and four touchdowns. Nate Jeter also pitched in, as he does every week, with a 43 yard, eight rush and two touchdown day of his own.

Ratliff led all with three receptions for 55 yards and the only touchdown through the air. Quarterback Curtis Thompson finished 6 of 9 for 84 yards, one touch-

down and no interceptions.

Coach Clark has a strong core returning next year including 18 of 22 offensive and defensive starters and punter Zach Kohlhoff who finishes this year ranked in the top 35 in net punting average in all of NAIA.

'Cats get a much needed victoryNov. 8

When the clock ran out on the Oak Bowl stadium scoreboard, a rare sight occurred. The Peru State bench cleared and the players rushed the field in a celebratory fashion after beating the Grandview Vikings 1817:

The hero of the game was kicker Kathol who nailed a 22-yard field goal with just twenty-eight seconds remaining. It was a complete victory for the 'Cats, who battled through blistering cold and howling winds to raise their record to 3-6 with one game remaining.

The 'Cats got off to a rocky start. The opening kickoff of the game was returned by Lawrence Furlow of

the Vikings with 90-yards taken to boost Grandview to an early 7-0 lead without the offense taking the field. The 'Cat offense rebounded to tie the score in the second quarter when Jeter took a Thompson handoff and went virtually untouched right up the gut for a 40-yard touchdown.

After Grandview's Austin Elder booted a 22-yard field goal to move the score to 10-7, the 'Cats sustained a nearly five and a half minute drive capped by Noojin's 4-yard touchdown scamper.

After a scoreless third quarter, the Vikings drove the field and scored forty yards of their own by running back Daryl Ford. The scored remained a stalemate at 17-13 until the last ninety seconds of the game.

With the lead cut in half at 15-17 the 'Cats took the ball at 17 and began their most complete drive of the game. Just when it seemed like the 'Cats were going to go for the

touchdown on a second and eight, Kathol took the field. Ty Ratliff snapped the ball to holder Greg Coleman. Kathol put it through the uprights to give the 'Cats their final lead at 18-17.

The defense played exceptionally on this day by intercepting Charles four times, led by freshman Safety Max Virus with two. Leading the defensive linemen that hounded the backfield all afternoon were junior Derek Phillips and sophomore Joshua Ozuna. On offense, Noojin ·had his best day of the year rushing the ball and finishing with 168-yards on thirty-one carries and one touchdown. Quarterback Thompson finished 8-20 for 108-yards and two interceptions and Cody Wallinger led all receivers with three catches for 60-yards

Celebrating a typical Thanksgiving Peru's own give thanks

If you are like most families in America, Thanksgiving Day is a celebration of good food, giving thanks for a good year, spending time with the family and most importantly, watching football.

Many families begin Thanksgiving Day festivities by going to church. Next is the most important part of the day, the feast. Usually grandmothers and mothers wake up at the crack of dawn and begin cooking the turkey, stuffing, mashed pota-

toes, green beans, and numerous other items. There is always one dish that includes turkey. Meanwhile, children usually gather around the television and watch Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, which takes place every year in New York City. It begins every year at 8 a.m.

During dinner, family members take their turn giving thanks. Some families have created off-beat rituals during dinner. When eating, you always want to keep children under ·control, so one family makes the children write a letter to the turkey and then read it out loud. Once the dinner has been prepared and devoured, families head to the

living room and watch football. There are some who take a catnap, but everyone who stays awake usually talks about what is new in their lives. Some families who do not get together too often usually draw names for Christmas. This is when you make your wish list and set price limits.

Whatever your tradition, it is important to make your own tradition.

There are no classes on the Peru State . College campus on Wednesday, Nov. 26, but campus offices will be open. The campus will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28. Classes will resume Monday, Dec. 1.

Take time to de-stress during the holidays

Between tests, the holiday season approaching, and the recent trends in the economy, students, parents, adults, and even children are dealing with extra stress. There are things that anyone can do to reduce stress and maximize relaxation.

- Make a plan. Good planning and time management will lead to less stress and more time to relax.

- Know deadlines and work ahead. Putting things off until the last minute will only increase stress and pressure. Eliminate the worry with effective time management.

- Make time for sleep. According

CORRECTIONS

If there are any conections or concerns, feel free to e-mail the editorial · staff at psctimes@acornmail.peru.edu

the Center for Disease Control website, adults need seven to eight hours of sleep, and not getting enough sleep can lead decreased productivity, car accidents, irritability, and difficulties in relationships.

- Regular exercise is good for health as well as a means of relaxing, and relieving stress. Those who have access and funds to take a class in anything ranging from yoga, spinning, or basic aerobics should consider it.

- Make time for relaxing. It may sound basic, but having time to kick back and not worry about the stresses of life will make a big difference.

- Plan a night for watching movies, going out with friends, or even staying in and reading.

- Listen to music.

- Light a candle and then relax.

- Get a manicure or a pedicure.

- Eat a little ice cream.

- Meditate.

There are many other ways to relax, and generally it depends on the person. Being flexible to change and not taking things too seriously will also help to lower stress and make life more enjoyable.

Managing stress and relaxing does not have to cost a lot of money. It does not have to be a fancy, innovative way to calm down. It just has to work. Like the old adage "Take time to smell the roses" indicates, remembering to enjoy the little things in life will make the time spent at home, at school, at work, or with loved ones more gratifying.

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaching, there is still plenty to be thankful for. In a survey of Peru State College students and staff, responders had a variety of answers when asked "What are you thankful for?"

- "Family, friends and education." -Amanda Knickman senior business administration major.

- "My son and husband."- Carrie Ferguson senior physical education major.

- friends, family and warm sweaters."- Abby Linnerson junior secondary english education

major.

- "Everything."- Gregg Weibush senior K-12 physical education and K-12 history major.

-"Having a wonderful fiance, Savannah Wenzl." - Peter Kok senior secondary special education major.

- "Sports."-Andrew Diehl, sophomore physical education major, and Trent Scholl, freshman physical education major.

- Student Success Services

Office Assistant Bea Patterson gave a long list of things she was thankful for, including her husband John, her family, her friends, living in the United States, freedom, democracy and her job at the college.

Take the next few weeks to ask yourself the question: "What are

· you thankful for?"

Fun Facts - Did you know?

November appears to be a time of remembering and honoring:

1. All Saints' Day (formerly All Hallows Day), a Christian holy day, is celebrated on Nov.I, the day after Halloween.

2. In Sweden the All Saints' official holiday takes place on the first Saturday of November.

3. Christians celebrate All Saints' Day with a feast honoring all the saints, known and unknown.

4. In the Roman Catholic calendar, Nov. 2 is All Souls Day. This holiday commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven.

5. In Mexico All Souls Day is known as "el Dfa de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead), and the whole month of November is especially dedicated to praying for the dead. This holiday focuses on the gatherings of family and friends and the remembrance of friends and relatives who have died.

6. In Indonesia, Nov. 10 is known as National Heroes Day, a day recognizing the nations tme heros.

7. Remembrance Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 in the Commonwealth of Nations and various European countries (including France and Belgium) to commemorate World War I and other wars. It is known as Veterans' Day is the United States, Poppy Day in New Zealand, Armistice Day (the event it commemorates) in France, is· a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War. King George V specifically dedicated this holiday on Nov. 1919. Common British, Canadian, South African, and ANZAC traditions include two minutes of silence atthe eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11 am, Nov. 11), as that marks the time (in the United Kingdom) when armistice became effective.

8. The poppy's significance to Remembrance Day is a result of the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae's. The poppy emblem was chosen because of the poppies that bloomed across some of the battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their red color an appropriate symbol for the bloodshed of trench warfare.

9. On Nov. 24 each year, Lachit Divas is celebrated statewide in Assam, India. This day commemorates the heroism of the great general Lachit Borphukan and the victory of the Assamese army over the Mughal army at the battle of Saraighat in 1671.

Ingredients

4 Chicken thighs (fresh)

Ginger and garlic juice

1 Big onion, diced

1 Pepper, diced

2 Table spoons chili powder, optional Tomatoes, optional

Fresh salad vegetables - Romaine Photo courtesy of http://www.grouprecipes.com Lettuce, rings, green pepper, sliced

Directions

1. Marinate the skinless thighs in 'gin-gar' juice and pinch of salt for 15 minutes.

2. Press the "chicken" button on microwave.

3. Blend the tomatoes.

4. Fry the onion and the pepper.

5. Add the chili powder (optional).

6. Check salt.

7. Add the cooked chicken

8. Simmer for awhile.

9. Serve with fresh salad vegetables and Thousand Island dressing.

Final Exam Schedule - Fall 2008

Above: Pottery professor Terry VanGundy discussed Faribanks' art works.

Left: Well known potter Nancy Fairbanks gave talks and demonstrations on throwing, hand build· ing, and glazing pottery on Nov. 12 in the pottery area of the Art Department in the lower level of the AV Larson building.

Peru class to develop partnership with museum

The Peru State College Marketing Management class has been busy this semester, working with the Durham Museum of Omaha to de1 e\\1p their ,urn mer brochures. The group met with from the museum Dec. 10 to discuss the final product the class de1e\upcd.

The class, which consists of 10 PSC juniors and seniors, was approached by the museum in September regarding the promotion of the educational opportunities it offers during the summer. PSC alum Mick Hale, the museum's Director of Education, has been the contact point for the class over the course of the semester.

In the time since the first meeting, the group developed three artistic themes for the brochures and rcYised the layout from the previous year's advertising material. The themes were based on one of the major exhibits coming through the museum this summer, Moneyville.

Moneyville is designed to expose children to the concept of economics and the impact business has on their communities. It fries to achieve

that goal with an interactive lemonade stand, a mock stock market, and a shopping district for younger museum goers.

After the three concepts were refined, members of the class then presented in November. to a focus group of parents with children in the target age range.

Following the focus group's assessment. the brochures were narrowed down to one theme, which the students fine-tuned for a followup presentation on NO\'. 2.:+. The second focus group. held in Benford Recital Hall, consisted of PSC faculty members and some returning faces from the first focus group.

The final results are a summer day camp and summer workshop brochure. The day camps are halfday classes for a full week, while the workshops are one hour and designed for larger groups of children, such as a Girl Scout troop.

''\Vorking on the 2009 Summer Camp brochure for the Durham Museum has been an awesome learning experience. Not only has is increased my marketing skills, it has also allowed me to work with an excellent group of students. Each student working on this project has played a huge role to make our final product what is has become today. This experience has been a great

learning tool for the entire class, and while still in school."

I look forward to hearing what the Members of the class are Scanlan, Durham Museum thinks as well." De Kock, Jeff Friedman, Ashley said senior Business major Kelley Grant, Lacee Gustafson, William Scanlan. Hays, Gary Lux, Joshua Mount, Adds fellow senior Business major Dustin Sealy, and Mary Trecek. Dr. Joe De Kock, "It is really nice to be William Snyder is the instructor. able to get work related experience The Marketing Management class

works on a semester-long project that they then present as if they were a for-profit marketing firm. Last year, the class worked on the "Seven Wonders of Southeast Nebraska" with the Nebraska department of Economic Development.

New Year's Resolutions

"It's an old one I think a lot. of people have always said, but mine is to lose weight, keep it off, and to change my diet up. It's can be kind of hard being in college, but definitely something to shoot for."

ZAKGREUNKE

Senior Sports Management major

"Simple, change the world, some way, somehow but with the election of Barack Obama I, think anything is possible to the. point that we can all do are part to change the world whatever the size or how it may come. I want to change the world"

Sophomore

"My New Year's resolution is to change my priorities and not get hung up on things shouldn't be ·bringing bad emotions into my heart."

ADAMUR\VlN

Sophomore Criminal Justice Administration major

'T want to change my way of thinking, tq ·.• .not worry so much about. f .think of me, but I think of fl't);!!'l:d ,, will change my aspect on many thi.ng1h11i and improve myself as a whole, as well.ii·:'. ·

ALLIE GRAEF

Freshman Secondary Special Education major

Monday. Jan. 19

Speaker John Harris "If Dr. King Were Alive Today Noon in the Live Oak Room.

Description - John Harris explores the many faces of the civil rights movement, Dr. King's life and philosophy, the continuity and changes in the civil rights agenda, and each person's responsibility in the struggle for racial and social justice. Brown Bag - Bring your lunch, eat and enjoy!

Tuesday Jan. 20

Black and White Dance 9p.m. - 12a.m. in the Student Center

Free pictures, free food and prize drawings on the hour! Come dressed in black and/or white!

Tuesday. Jan. 27

Live Bands: Remedy Drive, VOTA, and Benjamin Shafer 7p.m. in Student Center Description - Three awesome local bands in one night! Check out Remedy Drive at www.remedydrive.com, and VOTA at www.votaband.com.

Jli,¢.<;i.tre .. pro:gr_am..gets a fresh start

Almost a decade ago, Peru State · College• dosed •down the theatre program. No rsponsored play production had been in the College · Theatre until two years ago, when there were student directed The first musical in almost 10 years, "I Do! I Do!" made its debut this fall. The musical was well received and set the pace for hopeful proquotions to come.

Dean of The School of Arts and Sciences Dr. Patrick Fortney and English and Speech Professor Mark Klemetsrud are eagerly anticipating the next play production.

"The Glass Menagerie" will debut in Spring 2009. Tryouts for the

claiisiC- · drama ··by Tennessee Williams will contfoue into January.

Klemetsrud, with the help and interest of several students, started the'Speech an<lTheatre Club back up. Eventually the club would like to produce three or four plays a year.

"We're trying to J:rnild a student base," Klemetsrud said. The student base will allow for more support, which in tum will allow for more productions, he explained Prior to this year, only a handful of speecl1 .\ind. related classes were offert;cL Principles of Play Production and Interpretative Reading, .both requirements for Language Arts Education majors, were offered in the rotation along with the basic speech courses.

Beginning in spring 2009, Introduction to Theatre will be rein-

stated to the rotation.

Introduction to Theatre will hopefully be the first of several speech and theatre classes added back to the rotation. Fortney would like a basic acting course added and Klemetsrud would.· like to have a voice and acting course added.

All of the speech and theatre courses fall into the Humanities requirements for the General Studies program.

"We have to keep the focus on what it is to be human, and the arts do that," Fortney said.

Any student is welcome to take these courses. In fact, the students would be welcomed.

"Everyone is an actor," Klemetstrud said. "It [acting] can help people develop self confidence."

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor Copy Editor layout Editor

Advertising Manager Distribution Manager Layout Staff

Phuong Tran

Mary Trecek

Kristopher Miller

Kellen Sailors

Savannah Wenzl

Wellington Ferguson

Joe Smith

Lindsey Husen

Kristen Husen

Linze Thummel

Contributing Sta[(

Trevor Shalon

Tom Van Boeing

Tedd Men-ill

Laura Kjar

Stephanie Hoffman

Doug Mountford

Katie Kuhl

Shyriah Marshall

Tyson Wessels

Jacob Thompson-Krug

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid advertisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College. is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building. www

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

Kristi Nies

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acommail.peru.edu or send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

Facebook users divided over . new version

"The new Facebook is now the only Facebook" the popular website notes about itself. What then was the point of keeping the old version of facebook.com around?

At first I loved the idea that a "better" version of Facebook became available and allowed dedicated users to have a choice to either upgrade or stay with the older one. That eventually changed, for now the only version of Facebook is the new and slightly awkward to understand rendition of the massive social network website.

At its core, Facebook remains the same, but why tease users who preferred the old Facebook layout? You always knew where to check feeds, wall-to-wall conversations, see pictures and other functions. All of those features are retained, although being creatures of consistency, many like things to stay the way they are. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. Hard to believe that simply changing a website is a big deal to you? There are already many groups that are rallying and petitioning for the old version back, with over a million users voicing their complaints and opinions.

Complaints may be a moot point, but if the website is only going to use the new Facebook from here on out, then they should have just changed it to the new one and not temporarily kept an old version of the website available only to take it away.

I may not like the new Facebook, but I will get used to it. Websites change. It's the nature of the Web. I'm still not happy about how they went about it by allowing choices between the new and old, only to make the new Facebook the only Facebook.

Millions of fellow Facebook users hope to restore the old version. Therefore, there really must be something about the new Facebook that we want changed or changed back to.

Major car companies dealing with money woes

Contributing Writer

America is in a very unfamiliar economic situation and so are the biggest three car companies: Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Now that times have changed and the car companies have not, they are in deep trouble.

Shares for General Motors and Ford have reached near record lows at $1 .70 and 44 cents a share respectively. Representatives from the three major corporations have been begging Congress for financial assistance in the sum of $25 billion. As of right now, lawmakers are refusing to grant that much money without some sort of plan, but have agreed to meet out of session on Dec. 8 to review and con-

sider aid.

The best way to describe the situation is a child asking for their parents' help when they made a mistake. The car companies need to evolve and adapt to the world. Instead of building smaller economic vehicles, they continue to build large, luxury vehicles including gas guzzling SUVs and trucks.

How could American citizens pay such a large amount, keeping in mind the current debt? Increasing federal taxes would only breed bitterness and place a heavy burden on the already financially strapped college student.

While it is easy to decry the automobile companies, we, as taxpayers, need to remember that there are mnay people who rely on them.

Think of all the hard workers across the U.S. spending every day in the factories. I am not referring

to the people who run the companies, earning six digit salaries each year, I am talking about the single mother who is barely getting by providing for two kids.

It is not fair to those individuals who stand in the factory all day as part of an assembly line. It is not their fault their bosses made poor decisions, and have run the businesses into the ground. Congress needs to save the companies for that reason.

The true spirit of America is about supporting the underdog, not standing to the side and saying, "I told you so." The federal government has an opportunity to jump start the three biggest car manufacturers. It is a risk, no doubt, but it does not have to be if Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler develop and organize a successful plan.

Parents do not let their kids fail

but they make sure they learn from their lesson just like the government should do.

What would help this country more: bailing out car companies or using that government money to assist with student loans? Just imagine all of the young people who could have college degrees and no debt to follow.

Photo courtesy of www.businessweek.com

The CEOs of America's major automobile manufacturers are appealing to Congress regarding a bailout in the face of the correct economic recession.

Girl weighs in on college dating ettiquette and fun

The popular trend is to simply ask a girl out and it is implied that she is your girlfriend. Not true. One date does not fonn a relationship, two dates does not mean a relationship, College is a time to meet new and if you do not know her full people and experience new things. name after those two dates then you It is also the time when many rela- have got a lot more work to do on tionships fonn. Some even find that date number three. special someone that they will one If you think a girl is pretty, that is day marry, and either live happily a good start but not enough. You ever after or divorce for something have to get to know her and like her better. personality if you really think that This article is to help all the guys you will want to date her. Do not be out there with the trials and tribula- shy, it is not as cute as you think so tions of asking that special girl out just go for it and ask. Also, you on a date. need to trust her. She did not need Girls like dates, so take her out. you to make every decision before

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your relationship and if you do not grant her the space she needs she will suffocate in your presence.

While starting a relationship is important, it is also important to end things on a good note. If you do not think that she is the girl for you then do not lead her on. Talk to her in person and tell her what you are feeling. I promise she will respect your courage and you will probably be able to keep a good friend in the end.

For the record: a break-up text is tacky. It is rude, impersonal, and just mean. She sees that you sent her a text and then her heart sinks when she reads it. Another thing is

changing your Facebook status to single in hopes that she gets the message. That is simply cruel. If you liked her enough to date her, respect her enough to break up with her like a gentleman.

One more thing: having a girl on the side will only upset her more and will likely result in a black eye.

I hope some of this rambling helps, but I realize that there will always be men out there who just do not get it. For those guys, read, re-read, and if you just do not get it then maybe you should not be dating.

You say Goodbye ... and I say Hello

December is here and Christmas is right around the corner. This can only mean that the semester is close to an end. I have had an incredible time and am not ready for it to be over. The concept of studying and the idea of packing, yet again, might be playing a slight factor in this.

During my weekends, I have been fortunate enough to travel to several countries including Bulgaria, Ireland, and Scotland. I think everyone should go if they are given the chance. Each country has something you can fall in love with or a reason that makes you want to stay.

In Bulgaria, we visited Sofia, Hvoina Village, and Plodiv. If you love Feta cheese or just really fresh cheese, this country is for you. Feta is at every meal. Personally, I am not a fan of cheese, but we visited a primitive cheese-making facility that had the best cheese I have ever tasted. We explored several caves that were stunning. If you like a large amount of steep, narrow steps, you should go through the Devils Throat. This cave was brilliant, but I was thankful to get to through it.

Bulgaria is full of the prettiest landscapes I have seen. The Bridge Rock Formations in the Rhodopi Mountains are massive and breathtaking. The group I was with visited the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Assenovgrad Fortress remains, Bachkovo Monastery, and climbed 1000 steps to see the Shipka Memorial.

I spent a weekend in Dublin, Ireland and it was incredible. The city has so many different things to do and see. On one of the days I was there, the girls I was with and I took a hop on hop off bus tour. There were 23 different stops and the bus driver/guide was great. While we were there, we managed to see St. Stephens Green (a beautiful park), Trinity College, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Temple bar district, Christchurch, and the O'Connell Street, along with some other attractions. One of the girls I was with really likes Vikings, so we went through the Dvblinia. It is a museum dedicated to the Vikings of ancient Ireland. Then we made our way to the National Gallery, National Museum, and the National Library. For those who do not know, all the buildings with the word national in the title have free admittance, which is definitely in my

Hoffman was at the Assenova Krepost remains in Assenovgrad, Bulgaria. A medieval church and some pieces of the original wall are all that remain this ancient fortress.

budget. Between the nightlife, live music, and historic attractions, I would categorize Dublin as a fantastic place to visit. On our last day, we took the Guinness Storehouse tour. I really.enjoyed all of the old advertisements for Guinness. The tour ends on the top floor in Gravity Bar. There is a free pint and a brilliant view of the entire city.

All I can say about Scotland is "Hairy Cooooos!" I spent a week-

Time to examine the real meaning of the season

Thanksgiving is over and we are preparing for Christmas and the holiday season. I am sure by now almost everyone has heard of the Black Friday incidents. One involved a crowd trying to get the great deals at a Wal-Mart trampling a man to death. The other incident was where a man shot another man over the last X-Box 360 at a Toys-R-Us. This is insane.

Every year, we hear of someone either being severely injured or killed because of Black Friday. There is no excuse for any of this.

The holidays are a time for families to get together and enjoy being together. Instead, it has become a challenge of who can buy the best gift for Mom and Dad or who can out-do the rest of the family. Americans have become so materialistic that most people do not know what this time of year is really about.

With the way the economy is right now, I honestly thought that·people would not go all out on gifts and just spend time with family and friends. Christmas has become corrupted by the merchandising industries. The stores do not care about our financial problems. All care about is making money, which-in their defense-is their job.

It is up to us to put the real meaning of Christmas back as it used to be.

As a college student who is in debt like most college students are, I will not be able to buy the gifts I would like to for my brothers and sisters, but I will be there for our Christmas gathering. That is what my family really cares about. I know they would like for me to buy gifts, but they understand that it will not happen this year.

I am not telling this so that everyone will hate the holidays. I want people to get their priorities in order, so we can enjoy this time. Do not worry about buying presents. We need to enjoy the break with our families and friends.

So as my endnote, I hope everyone has a great break and enjoy the holiday season. We only live once, so enjoy it!

end in Edinburgh (pronounced Edinburrow) with 14 other students from my program. We had a blast!

On our first night there, we watched "Loch Ness 3D," ate at the Elephant House (the birthplace of "Harry Potter"), and went on a ghost and ghoul city tour. While on our ghost tour, Nichola, our guide, would start yelling to catch people off-guard and scare them. On our second day in Scotland, we went on a bus tour through the highlands to Loch Ness with Will our guide. He played music, did an impersonation of Sean Connery, told us all about Braveheart (both the movie and the man), and would yell out "hairy cooo" every time he saw a highland cow, even when he was in the middle. of explaining something. We

spent our last day there climbing to the top of Arthur's Seat (a volcano) and exploring the castle that we had a great view of from our hostel. I will definitely be going back to Scotland, if not for the landscape or the shortbread, definitely for Will and the highland cows.

This has been one of the best experiences of my life, so far, and I will never forget it. I remember several months ago when I was debating going overseas; now I cannot imagine spending my time anywhere else. I love England, I love Reading, and I love the people I have met here. I will truly miss it! However, there is no place is like home. I miss my friends and family, and I miss Peru. See you soon! Cheers!

LETTERS To THE EDITOR

Creating your own· fun at college

To the editor, This letter is written in regards to the complaints about the weekend activities, or lack-thereof. In the last issue of the PSC Times, a student wrote about their feelings on the lack of weekend activities, and how he wanted to be able to utilize and enjoy his newfound "freedom" away from home. ("Students need more fo occupy time on weekends", Nov. 24, 2008 issue.) This is college; Mom and Dad are not here to organize our weekend, and it is not fiscally possible to have campus groups sponsor an activity every weekend. The solution to these "boring" weekends in Peru is simple. Make some friends. There are too many students that are scared to go out of their comfort bubble. Peru may be a small community, and looking at it from the window of your dorm room is only going to falsely justify that assumption. And we all know what happens when you assume.

I realize that not everyone is 21 and can go to Shooters, and weekends here aren't always like they are in [the movie] "Van Wilder." But, if one is concerned about the lack of things to do around Peru, volunteer. Do work around our small community and broaden your meaningful horizons. Sometimes we just have to "make" our own fun. We are all adults, and that makes us responsible to make our own decisions and sometimes we have to find ways to keep ourselves entertained. Contrary to popular belief, there is neither a "Fun Bus", filled with balloons, and

Soulja Boy nor a campus rescue group to save· you from your dorm room blues. So, open your plastic bubble, John Travolta, and experience life outside the confines of your dorm and campus organized activities. Th:is is not a Mt. Everest type task; it's actually a very feasible concept.

I understand that not every student has a vehicle, and not every student has money to spend on movies, or a dinner with friends. I have spent three and a half years here in Peru, and since day one, I have enjoyed every bit of it. Sometimes you have to go out of · your comfort zone and make your own fun. Having said all of this, I will do my best, as Vice President of the Campus Activities Board (CAB), to organize some more weekend events. I realize how classes can become so routine that it becomes monotonous.

But as an individual, away from your parents, and responsible to make your own smart choices, there are ways to enjoy our small community. Walk the bike trail, have a bon fire at the river, hit up Auburn or Nebraska City's new skate parks, throw around a football, invite your friends to a night of "Disney Scene It." Since we have all this responsibility, it doesn't mean we only need to use it to keep up our grades, it's a full circle. Much like the circle of life, something a person would know if they had actually invited their friends over for a game of "Disney Scene It." Welcome to Peru State College!

End of year time for renewing self

MOUNTFORD

Contributing Writer

Christmas and New Year's Day quickly approach, and everyone likely has a few last minute gifts to hastily purchase. Perhaps you have already told the elves to sleep because you were on the ball and have all the gifts you need. On the other hand, perhaps you, like me, will be wailing on the elves because you procrastinated once again this year. The holiday season · brings with it the anticipation of food and gifts, and the anticipati0n wondering, "Well, what did I get this year?"

"I hope I got jewelry; I hope I got that leather jacket I asked for; I hope I just got hard cash." ·

The often turns to remorse as we excitingly, yet tediously, open our gifts only to find disappointment as the "treasures" still do not exist in our lives. Instead, we receive a pair of off-colored pants roughly half our size in case of a massive flood. Grandma, on the other hand, receives a Stihl MSE 180 chain saw in case she needs to cut down that pesky redwood in her back yard. Finally, Mom wraps herself in the warmth of a transparent men's sweater as large as a blanket looking like it came from 1900.

Sometimes, however, we get lucky, and we do receive what we ask for. But after a week or two, this temporary happiness dissolves into nothingness, and we once again return to that hollow feeling. We so try to fill our lives with material

objects, with a false sense of happiness, that we forget the power these two holidays transmit. Christmas and New Year's Day do not exist for material happiness or a national day of partying. Together, these holidays offer not only a second chance, but also a fresh start.

Countless times in our lives, we journey along a solemn road; a road we would give everything to tum from. However, we travel so deeply into the blackened forest that the road surrenders to a path. Then, the path gives way to a small trail. The small trail dissolves to nothing, and we lose our way. We fear turning back, so we press onward, deeper and deeper into the forest, and we clutyh desperately onto our current lifestyle, the single lifestyle we know. We do not deem our ability to tum around possible in order to uncover our lost way, yet we have · become so frightened of ourselves that we do not dare press forward into the woods. We find ourselves stuck, afraid to tum around and afraid to move forward, never knowing what will become of us.

Christmas and New Year's Day offer hope. They offer a light to guide us out of those dark woods, and to return us upon the right path. So you screwed up your life or part of your life. You blew it. That is okay. Humble yourself this holiday season and understand the magnificent gift given to you: The ability to start over. Let go of that resentment toward others and especially toward yourself, and start over. Whatever horrors befell you in the past, you alone have the power to. stand up and make it right. The past is past;

you live in the present now. You may hate yourself and whom you have developed into, but use Jan. 1 as a way to shed the person you dislike. Use the power of the holiday season to change your life. Let go of the negativity. Let go of the resentment. Most importantly, let go of the hate. But to do that, you must first be humble enough to understand the awesome power you hold, the freedom to choose to start over, and you then go change your life.

Christmas and New Year's Day gives us the ab'ility to shed our past and to embrace a second chance with a clean slate. We often suppose we do not deserve an additional chance, or that we have gone too far into the forest to change. However, we do deserve these chances.

Second, fourth, ninth, twentieth chances surround us in everyday life. By pledging this New Year's Day to take advantage of these chances and to understand the power we hold, we will take the small steps necessary to changing our lives. We can fulfill our resolutions and unearth the better person within us that we strive to attain.

Take the second, third, or twentieth chance. No matter how dark life appears or how much you think you do not deserve another chance.

Take the chance. It is there for you. It is real, it is powerful, and it can change things overnight. Grab onto that chance and pursue it with conviction.

A clean slate. A forgiven past. A new start.

A new life.

Student concerned regarding Morgan parking

Editor's note: To be considered for publication, letters must be to psctimes@acommail.peru.edu. Letters chosen for publication may, at the editor's discretion, be shortened and/or edited for greater clarity. All letters must be signed - The Times does not publish anonymous letters. Opinions expressed in the letter are hose of our readers and do not necessarily reflect the editorial positions of the Peru State Times.

What absolutely drives me nuts is after I go to Auburn, Nebraska City or any other destination I cannot find a parking place when I come back. I paid $20 for a parking permit and that does not guarantee me a parking place. Now is that fair?

Morgan Hall's girls always have to plan out their schedu_le on when to move their cars. If Morgan Hall residents have a parking when they come back, they have to make sure that it is not lunch or dinner

time. If it is either of those times, good luck getting a parking spot.

I asked Director of Residence Life and Security, Les Stonebarger, about the situation.

"Students are supposed to park in their designated parking lots until after 4 o'clock," he said. "The main reason that we have this rule is because we don't want commuters taking up resident parking. If students do park in parking lots that are not designated for them they do have the chance of getting tickets."

I understand that students who live in the Complex so11etimes carpool down to eat and park in the Morgan parking lot, especially during the winter but Delzell students are

doing the same thing. It is not that far to walk from Delzell to the cafeteria. In fact, they walk even farther if they have a class in TJ Majors. I think they can handle walking to the cafeteria.

To solve this problem, there should be a designated section of the parking lot where non-Morg<!h residents can park in during lunch and dinner. If cars are parked in Morgan stalls and do not have the proper permit, they should receive a ticket. To help enforce the "No Parking" before 4 p.m., security needs to give out more tickets. They need to go around during lunch and look for cars that are parked in the wrong areas.

Classics still a family favorite during the holiday Christmas season

feeling but it is just there. And it is special.

SHALON Contributing Writter

The twenty-four hour marathons, the presentations of the classics, and the television staples that leave us fascinated even at an older age: Christmas specials. Not only do they put us in the mood, they entertain us. Christmas, for the most part, enthuses people and gives us a feeling we only have once a year.

We are entertained by the fact that an elf who wants to be. a dentist pals around with a red-nosed reindeer and encounters an abominable snow creature. It's hard to describe the

But for the past thirty years there have only been a few movies that help us get into that mood. We no longer have the classics like "Miracle on ·34th Street" or "It's A Wonderful Life." Films like that just are not made anymore. It seems anymore to get into the Christmas mood through the form of media it has to be made before our lifetime to give us any sort of excitement.

To be fair, more recent films like "A Christmas Story" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" have become certified Christmas cult classics. But they are exceptions to the rule. Take for instance a

film that has come out just his past month. "Four Christmases," a film starring Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, was critically panned. No one in fifteen years is going to say; "Oh look, 'Four Christmases' is on television for the fifth straight time today. Let us sit down, watch it and get into the Christmas mood."

The thing is the nationwide association between Christmas and good feelings is there. There is a market for great Christmas movies but Hollywood just looks for two major stars that have free time to make a movie and they sign them to a contract.

Remember "Christmas with the Kranks?" It was originally a novel

written by John Grisham. Yes, that John Grisham. It was made into a movie starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. It also played on the idea of a couple that wants to break away from the traditions of Christmas and spend time away from it all on a luxury cruise. It was critically panned and is only shown every once and again on television stations that are not received at this college. Hollywood is trying to capture an audience that they believe is the majority. They feel most people do not want to spend time with family and want to break away from the traditions that have made this holiday so great.

The only problem is that is not the majority. Most people are going to spend time with family and they want to remember the light-hearted nature of being a child during Christmas.

Most do not want to see people wanting to get away from Christmas. That is not the type of mood we are in.

So this season enjoy the classics. They are considered classics for a reason. One can only hope in future years that the recent failures of the big budget Christmas movie is recognized by those who make films and the trend will change.

We Will Rock You musical tributes Queen

STEPHANIE HOFFMAN Contributing Writter

While in London, it is a must that you catch a show. Discounted tickets are sold on the day of the musical, if you do not mind what time you see it. Our director bought us tickets to see "We Will Rock You," the musical inspired by Queen songs. This is its seventh year in production, with its world premier .in May of 2002.

If you like Queen, then you will love this show.

The musical is set in the distant future on a planet formerly known as Earth, where rock-nroll music is banned. This planet, Mall, is creating a generation of "robots" who conform to the current music and never think for themselves. Everyone here is expected to go on with the "ga ga" of everyday life that most people are

Scaramouche, played by Sabrina Aloueche, are a couple of loners who just want to break free." They quickly become outcasts and are on the run for their lives. Now rebels, the pair meets up with the Bohemians, a group of outsiders who just want to rock. The Bohemians teach the couple the ancient ways and discover that they may be the ones to bring back rock.

The dance numbers in the musical are choreographed nicely. All of the dance sequences correhue with the music being played. The stage is equipp;."d with a platform that ris:s and moves over the ence. It is very theatrical. Overall, everyone's formance was fant'i:>tJc The ratio of singing was just and the singing amazing. Queen'1 were utilized to potential. If a music buff, all of the erences coind.

ble! If yoohappy to do. Anyone who differs from the norm, by means of dress or original thought, woufd be closely watched and considered oi.:tsiders.

Galileo, played by Ricardo Afonso, and

chance: 1••haallleh go see it. Maybe not at the London, but I would certainly w• ' where dose to home.

Market competition for touch-screen phones heats up

The newest rage of the year now has stiff competition.

The iPhone. which originally came out in early 2007. now has competitors: three phones have come out in the last few months that will give the iPhone a run for its money.

The BlackBerry Stom1, Nokia 5800, and the GI from T-Mobile all have at least one thing in common. They operate only by using a touchscreen. They look space-age and have capabilities that far surpass any expectations set before them.

The iPhonc \ms the first to provide this ne\\ service. The cost of the phone varies depending on the size of memory. but it ranges between $400 and $500.

The iPhone is capable of zooming in and out of pictures, using the Internet, sending emails, downloading or uploading MP3s, and can be used as a telephone.

It browses the Internet usmg

Safari Fox, and has a global programming system (GPS) powered by Google. Music can only be purchased from the Apple Store.

The machine does not support Flash, so some videos online cannot be open due to no support. The touch-screen can be tricky. The camera is said to have poor quality and cannot capture video. Also, it cannot send or receive picture text messages.

The BlackBerry Storm has many of the same capabilities as the iPhone. The Storm was released

this fall.

The Storm's touch-screen is newer and actually feels and sounds like · the user is pressing a button. The user can edit Office documents, use a decent camera, download songs from Vodaphone, use the Internet, and access GPS. Also, the BlackBerry has a removable battery, -unlike the iPhone.

The only known downfall to this phone is that it has no Wi-Fi. It is also bulkier than the iPhone. Applications must be added at BlackBerry stores, making the addi-

tions difficult.

Nokia came out with the 5800 XpressMusic phone in answer to the other phones. The list price for the phone without a plan ranges between $500-600. A user can download unlimited amounts of music. It is capable of using three different types of touch-screen keyboards. The phone itself cannot be personalized as easy as the BlackBerry or the iPhone. Also, it does not have Smart phone features.

The G l Android from T-Mobile was made available on Oct. 22, and it's already started making waves.

If you sign a two-year plan with TMobile, the phone will only cost you $200. Since it is powered by Google, a user can download almost any new program to add to the phone. Anything that can be accessed on a computer can be accessed on the phone. It also has a slide-out keyboard.

The downfall to the G 1 is that it is not as visually appealing as the other phones. Also, for users outside of the U.S., music downloading is unavailable.

Cadillac Records _unlike many other music-inspired stories

Jeffrey Wright (Muddy Waters), and Beyonce Knowles (Etta James).

SHYRIAH MARSHALL

Contributing Writer

"Cadillac Records" is a movie written and directed by Darnell Martin. The movie was released on Dec. 5, with many stars like Columbus Short (Little Walter), Cedric The Entertainer (Willie Dixon), Mos Def (Chuck Berry),

These artists, who are now all musical hall of famers, all began their careers with Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody). Each person that signed to his company was given a brand new Cadillac, beginning with Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright). He soon became the star of "Cadillac Records," bringing along a friend; Little Walter (Columbus Short), who became Leonard Chess' "right hand man."

Leonard Chess had a wonderful ear for music. He somehow knew exactly when it was time for a change and exactly what change was needed. Yet, while handing out checks and Cadillacs that amounted to more than what he made, he was

digging himself into more and more debt. He later signed an artist by the name of Chuck Berry (Mos Def), who was all about Rock'n'Roll. Chuck Berry brought in enough money to cover the debt that Cadillac Records was in as well as enough profit to buy the owner of Cadillac Records his own Cadillac. After a few problems with Chuck Berry, it was time for something new.

Leonard Chess decided to sign Ms. Etta James (Beyonce Knowels). She was the first woman to be signed to "Cadillac Records." She had a very unique style of singing and soon became one of "Cadillac Records" best sellers. She also had a unique personality. A very strong minded person, she was never

,..,Seven Pounds

,..,The Tale of Desperaux ,..,The Wrestler

pushed around by a man! In the time of the movie, her attitude was very different and intimidated many of the men that she worked with.

This movie was ranked nine out of 12 in the box office ratings, bringing in a gross amount of $3,500,000.

Overall, "Cadillac Records" is unlike any other movie about old school singers. This movie goes into great detail of what goes on behind all the pretty ladies and pretty cadillacs and definitely leaves nothing out!

I would recommend this movie to anyone trying to enter the music business. This movie will teach many artists as well as people to appreciate music in a completely different way!

,...,Bedtime Stories

,..,The Spirit ,..,Marley &Me ,...,Valkyrie

,..,Bride Wars -The Unborn ,..,Not Easily Broken -Prossession

Students need to know their rights when renting

Something more shocking than the price of renting a home is students not knowing their rental rights.

The prospect of a student living in his or her own living space outside of a dormitory or the parents' home is exciting because it allows for independence, experimentation in cooking, and learning how to take care of property without being told to. This prospect comes with a heavy price, especially if the landlord tries to deny a student to his or her rental rights.

Students who do not know their rental rights are prime targets for unethical landlords. Landlords might make illegal deductions to students' property. Students and even landlords do not read the fine print before making the choice of rental. This is why students should know their rental rights to deal with a bad living experience.

According to the Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act, a landlord must have a well constructed establishment for tenants to live in. It is a law for landlords to possess a safe establishment. Landlords must also provide essential services such as hot water and heat. They are also supposed to keep the area clean and maintain major areas such as ventilation, plumbing, sanitation, electrical sys-

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terns, and other essentials for a hospitable living environment. The tenants are also not responsible for repairs unless it is agreed in the contract.

For other laws under Nebraska's Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act, students can visit http://www.nrec .state .ne .us/!land"

lor1fart htm

Students should come prepared when dealing with landlords. Since most students do not have a detailed rental history, trying to show the landlord any sense of responsibility is difficult.

Students should also bring a billpaying history, whether it is about credit cards, car payments, cable bills or phone bills. A bill history will help the student gaill respect from the landlord and show the student would not procrastinate when it comes to paying bills. Students should also look into places that possess good lighting and decent locks.

Students are often faced with two major payment choices; pay the rent by a monthly fee or by a lease. A lease would possess fixed rental terms. The month-to-month option would have a student risk being evicted, the rental price being raised or other changes without being notified about them. For students starting out, a lease is recommended because it would not interrupt the semester dramatically. A list for possible damages should be made so no charges can be added later.

Rental insurance should also be considered to protect against vandalism, accidents and thefts.

Most importantly, students will need to be responsible tenants. Responsibility will show fellow tenants and the ·landlord that the student is a respectable individual. Respecting neighbors is a very im!:'lortant fartor of thP. tP.nant's overall experience. Minding quiet hours and paying the rent on time will please both the tenants and the landlord, enriching the living experience. Roommates should also

come to agreements on how much one person will pay and how much the other will deposit. They need to negotiate on terms of responsibilities such as cleaning, taking care of laundry and other tasks. A harmonious relationship with the roommate will also add to the living experience.

Whenever problems arise, students should use legal methods as a last resort. The student will need to work with the landlord and document any problems that arise. If any problems do not get fixed, then legal

procedures will become necessary. If a complaint does need to be filed, a student cl!n contact the Consumer Protection Division and ask for a form to be returned to the office. A form can be filled online http://www.ago.state.ne .us/index .ht m.

Knowing one's own rental rights and how to living in an off-campus location is important for not only the living experience oiit for having a successful school year without struggling with complications involving the living area.

Texting and driving do not mix

How many of you text while driving? As dangerous as it is you are not alone.

Nearly 50 percent of teens admit to texting while driving. According to SADD (Students Against Destructive Driving) instant and text messaging is at the top of the list as the biggest distraction while driving.

ITN news video shows that in the U.K., some London pedestrians cannot even walk down the street without hitting other people, trash cans, and or lamp posts.

Sarah Thompson-Krug, Chloe Courtier, and Chelsie Blankey, all Peru State College freshmen, averaged around eight text messages while driving a 45-minute distance. These three have also admitted to texting while in class.

"Texting in class is disrespectful to teachers, but most students do it anyway," Thompson-Krug admits.

She and Courtier admitted that without texting they would lose touch with many of their friends. Texting has become one of the easiest and fastest ways to communicate with others in all different places. Many cell phone companies offer unlimited text messaging plans which makes it easier and cheaper:

As crazy as it may seem, Americans do not hold the record

for the most text messages sent in one day. In 2007, Filipinos held the national record for having sent one billion text messages in one day.

Text messaging is very easy and addictive but, it is also very dangerous.

In July of 2007 a study was conducted using 900 students from 26 different high schools. The study revealed that texting and driving is becoming almost as dangerous as drinking and driving. Many states have made it illegal to drive and text and some states are currently trying to make it illegal to ride a l;>ike and text.

So how does this relate to us as PSC students? Dana was on her way to school on her first day of senior year. While not "'.earing a seat belt she was texting and driving which caused a horrible wreck. She was thrown from the car causing massive head trauma resulting in her death on the scene.

This beautiful girl lost her life and was never able to do the things that we do as college students. So think of this the next time you receive and send texts while driving.

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Holiday gifts to consider when buying

help to make decisions on how much to spend on each person.

The second step, no matter how rushed the gift search is during those last few days, is to make a list. Knowing what to get before going into the store generates purposeful shopping. Without a purpose or goal in mind, many people feel flustered and aimless and end up just grabbing things that "will do."

Step three is get to the stores as soon as possible to avoid last minute chaos and long lines. Also there are many great deals online. Shipping takes a while, so the earlier the better!

*Unisex - CDs, Movies, CDRs or DVDRs, board games, a Micro SD card, or a digital camera.

*Significant other - Depending on how serious and long the relationship has been (or may soon be) there are different levels of gifts. Talk to the person and determine a budget · for gift exchanging. Whether buying something small from Victoria's Secret, a candle, basketball shorts, concert tickets, a Blu-ray player, remote car starter, or jewelry, remember to keep the person and the budget in mind. Many couples living together will decide to buy a gift for them to share, such as a couch, a television, or a surround sound system.

Keeping holiday spirit while away from home

"Dear Santa, I want a Crayola glow art set. I have been very good this year. I will have milk and cookies for you on Christmas Eve."

Do you remember writing a letter like this to Santa? In many elementary schools students will work on their writing skills by writing a letter to Santa at this time of year.

this they miss all of the "at home" holiday spirit. Students don't have the opportunity of decorating the house, putting up Christmas lights, and baking with your mom.

In a:n effort to spread Holiday spirit to the students many clubs have food and clothing drives. Many of the residence halls try to spread the spirit by having decoration contests and Christmas parties.

With the holiday season approaching, finals coming. soon for college students, family visiting, houses to clean and about a hundred things on the "to-do" list, holiday shopping is just one more thing which can leave people in a panic this time of year.

Step one is to set a budget. Knowing what to spend can keep impulses under control as well as

Here are some gift ideas in the low and high ranges:

*Mom, sister, aunt, female cousin, friend - Sweater, slippers, a book, body splash, a quilt, earrings or designer perfume.

*Dad, brother, uncle, male cousin, friend - Sports team t-shirt, hat, DVD, something tech savy like an MP3 player, ear buds or a cell phone.

Many people are shying away from gift cards this year since many places of business are doing poor economically. That does not mean that gift cards are bad. Just bear in mind to buy gift cards from places that are well established and likely to still be open in the next few months. There are also Visa gift cards which can be activated in a variety of amounts and can be used almost anywhere.

In second or third grade students began to realize that Santa was not real and quit writing letters. As you grew older you lose the Christmas spirit you once had from believing in Santa.

College students often lose the Christmas spirit mainly because they are away from home. After Thanksgiving most students do not return home because they are preparing for finals. Because of

Under this time of stress from preparing for finals it is easy to get in over your head. It is great to doing something to relieve some of the stress. Try doing something that will spread Christmas spirit to your friends. Write a Christmas letter to Santa, or make a card for your loved ones. Spend time with your friends and decorate a small tree for your room.

Resist getting caught up in all the commercialization of the holiday season

TREVOR SHALON

Contributing Writer

This Article is Sponsored by The conventional light poles have been diagonally wrapped in the artificial garland intertwined with the softly lit teardrop shaped bulbs. The holiday banners declaring peace for all have been hung periodically through the town. And the gentle glow of a 42" high definition screen playing a repeat of another Christmas classic flows into the streets through an open window. We pardon the interruption of this article for a short message. "When it comes to capturing a moment in time that you never want to forget what you were drinking that night? Miller Light. It's what Santa would swig."

Christmas has become far too associated with negative aspects of the human nature. It is this holiday alone that we talk about the commercialization of a nationally recognized celebration. Companies associate their products with the common culture that we have related

with the holiday season. Santa has to hold a Coca-Cola and Rudolph can only have his hair brushed by a product purchased at Pet-Co.

Americans are going to spend more money now than any other time for the rest of the year. It seems natural that through the support of our Gountry's free market economy and capitalist ideas that companies that sell things are going to advertise during that time. It's the reason why hot dog companies advertise during the Fourth of July and candy companies advertising during Halloween.

But the blame cannot lay on the multi-million dollar corporations alone. It lies with the people.

Because of the critical nature of some we have begun to feel bad for wanting to buy gifts for others or spend an afternoon in the mall on that Friday that falls after Thanksgiving. Can we associate the actions of a few on an entire nation?

Some believe so. Talk has specifically exploded about this subject with the tragic death of a Wal-Mart employee who was trampled by a wave of Black Friday shoppers.

This has been a wake up call for

some that America has become too focused on wanting more "stuff'. That the only way we are going to enjoy the holidays and create a festive mood is by having the best "stuff:" At a good deal, of course. I mean we are in a recession. If some have not come to this realization before this accident then they are blind to the oblivious.

But what happens on Black Friday, it is what drives our economy. We have moved from a producing country to a consuming country. The way the economy works has shifted in the last sixty years since the country last saw this sort of recession and in the same way though the vision of Christmas has changed. What used to be a traditional Norman Rockwell painting has changed.

We cannot blame entirely the companies that sell us these things because they are just providing a service. Yes, one can say they have defamed the nature and purity of Christmas but the American public let it happen. We laugh at the idea of Jack Frost sipping on a cold one and it puts us in the mood for a drink. That is our nature: to want to follow commercial ideas.

Is it an American societal problem? No, you can not correlate the actions of a few and connect them to an entire nation. All around the country thousand of stores opened their doors to have no one trampled and no one shot. Should we feel bad for giving gifts?

No. Christmas has changed where instead of enjoying singing around a warm fire we open our new portable DVD player. The holiday is still a religiously based celebration. To connect that with a final message

there is a Scripture reading that takes a punch.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Continue your traditions whatever they may be and have a Merry Christmas.

Wbat are you mo5t afraid of? Spiders and Clowns

What's youdavorite?

-The Saw.series Music. - Rock •Food .,. Mexican ·. TY Show "'-Family Guy.·.

·What's your most embarra$SiJtg lll()ment?

I Wit$ walkinginto my high school when Islippt;d and fell on some ice.

If you could travel or Ove · anywhere, where would it.be and why? ·

Europe because it is very interesting.

Why did you choose Peru State College?

It is.a small campus and I really liked it.

What's on your Christmas List?

A new iPod and phone.

What's your biggest pet peeve?

When people say panties.

One thing you would like to do before you die?

Go bungee-jumping.

Major game consoles battle for"the market

So many advancements in technology have been made in the last quarter of a century.

What is shocking is how far game systems have come since the early 80's. It all started with the very first video game console called Famicon, short for Family Computer. Most people know the Famicon by its other name, the Nintendo Entertainment System made by Nintendo.

The NES was first released in mid 1983 in Japan. It didn't hit the United States until 1985, and shortly after that the Sega Master System was introduced. After the Sega came the Atari 7800. These consoles fall into the first and second generation.

Many people who fall into the Nintendo age remember the different games like "Super Mario Bros." by Nintendo, "Sonic the Hedgehog"

by Sega, and "Centipede" by Atari. Sony Computer Entertainment came out with their version of the video game console called PlayStation in 1991. Nintendo and Sony worked together to create the first PlayStation. It had the capability to play Nintendo games. There were originally 200 made. In the late nineties the PlayStation 2 came out. Sometime between the first PlayStation console and the second, Nintendo and Sony became fierce rivals.

In what is known as the game system's seventh generation, three companies battle over the right to claim whose game system is the best: Microsoft's XBox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3, and Nintendo's Wii. All game systems were released within a year of each other, starting with the Xbox.

Microsoft released the XBox 360, on May 12, 2005, the second game system made by the company. It has the capability of downloading games and playing against other users on the Internet. Since its release in 2005, Microsoft has sold

over 22 million XBox 360s. The price of a Microsoft XBox ranges from $199-399.

Junior Mathematics major Bob Last owns all three game consoles. He prefers the XBox 360 because the games are better.

"XBox has games made only for the XBox and I like those better, plus I've had one since I've been in seventh grade," Last said. "Plus it's cheaper."

Darrick Ramaekers, a freshman Criminal Justice major, also prefers the XBox over the other two consoles. Ramaekers feels that "the graphics on the games are better."

In September of 2006, Nintendo launched the Wii game console. The Wii has many internal features include a Menu feature. It features a wireless control system, Internet capability, and a menu that has downloadable channels. The list price of the Wii is at $249, but most Wii buyers usualJy end up spending around $450. Leading up to late 2008, the Wii has controlled the market selling over 34 million consoles since its release.

As an owner of an XBox 360 and Nintendo's Wii, Academic Support Coordinator and adjunct instructor Keri Sinkhom feels that the Wii is the better game console.

"I feel that it's more on my level because it's more straightforward [than the other consoles] and easier to play," Sinkhom said.

Following the release of the Wii, Sony came out with the PlayStation 3 in late 2006. Like the Xbox and the Wii, PlayStation 3 also has its own online network. The PlayStation 3 now costs between $300-500 in the U:S. Mitch Roberts, freshmen Elementary Education major, likes the PlayStation 3 the best game console. Roberts prefers the Play Station 3 because he "didn't have to figure out a new remote" for the new console.

All three game consoles sales have gone through the roof this holiday season. It will be interesting to see who comes out the winner of the holiday season and what changes will be made in the next year.

Try to break away from end of the semester stress

Stress is an inevitable part of the college student experience. Regardless if the student has a 4.0 grade average or if a student spent most of his time playing "Halo 3," throughout the semester, the stress of the final exam applies to everybody.

Stress is a contagious force and stressful friends will trigger a student,s stress further. Overall, avoid stressful individuals at all costs.

Speaking of other people, those who would take up a lot of time should also be avoided. Friends are

good to talk to but they can also create a big distraction. Avoid going to keggers, gaming sessions and any other social activity on the eve of finals.

If students meet with people before the exams begin, they should meet those who would make appropriate members for a study group.

When in group sessions, always question another person's answers and thoughts.

Never be afraid of the instructors who will hand out the exam. Ask them for insight and advice. They will provide helpful information to you to know what the exam is like and what to study for.

Students must consume more healthy foods. Not only will healthy

foods keep the weight off, but it will keep the blood flow stable. A ten minute walk or more also never hurt anyone, even with a tough exam coming head on.

Just because there is a lot of studying to be done does not mean that breaks should be taken out of the equation for success. Students will have clearer heads after a short break and 'be ready to take in more information for the exam.

Even if you are cramming for finals, sleep is incredible important. studies show that lack of sleep effect the brain's ability to retain information. So don't skip the sleep

the night before your big test.

And what about facing the exam itself? It is a terrifying process but students need to be optimistic. If a student has been studying for a long time, especially by keeping his or her grades strong throughout the semester, what is to worry about? Confidence is an important factor to passing an exam, even if the odds are stacked against a student's favor.

Final exams are not the easiest to face up to. Thankfully with some confidence and a calm state of mind, the exams will be a breeze with winter break to look forward to.

Lady 'Cats score huge victory

AARON DEATS Contributing Writer

For Coach Maurtice Ivey and her Lady 'Cats basketball team, the talent and potential expected from this season's team has not appeared at many games.

Very young and inexperienced with three juniors and no seniors on the team, the Cats have relied on several of the young players to step up and lead. Freshmen Courtney Janacek of Millard West and Monique McDuffie of Boy's Town in Omaha have carried the load in the post this year accompanied by .jull,iors Emma Pedro and Bre Tripi .,,At the guard position, a mix c;Cveteran leadership from Juniors Alyssa Mangum, PJ. Miller and young talented players like Avyn Vaden,

Britnie Garcia, and LaNora Washington have created a nice core for the future.

On Nov. 29, the Lady Cats welcomed Tabor College from Kansas to the Al Wheeler Activities Center for a long day of fast, upbeat basketball. The story of the game for the Cats on defense was their ability to trap and double team key players from Tabor and force turnovers. The Cats forced 21 Tabor turnovers for the game and held their opponents to 37 percent shooting for the game.

On offense for the Cats, the story was the success from the free throw line where the Cats made 30 of 39 free throws for the game for a team percentage of 77 percent. The Cats were also.· able to get on the fast break, vinfoh is what Coach Ivey 'nfes tif do. Lady Cats capitalized on several Tabor turnovers turning them in to easy layups and

short jump shots.

Janacek and Miller led the way for the Cats with 15 points apiece. Janacek also collected mne rebounds and led the team from the charity stripe making 11 of 14 for the game. Stephanie Silvas was the leading scorer and rebounder for Tabor accounting for 16 points and 10 rebounds all while standing at a very generous five foot six,

Men's basketball log wins

The Peru State College Men's Basketball team finally hit the win column this season as they defeated Nebraska , Christian College Tuesday night 82-63.

For the game Peru out rebounded NCC 38-33 and forced 24 turnovers. The Bobcats had all five starters in double figures as they were led by the duo of Tim Ondrak and Mario Fuentes.

Ondrak finished the game with 18

Six volleyball players receive honors

points and .-14 rebounds while Fuentes added 14 points and .IO rebounds. The sharp , shooting combo of Kyle Brian Simpson each finished with 17 points while Steven Burks added 16 points. Knoche added six assists in the game to go along with four rebounds and two crucial charges. Simpson added five steals and two assists.

The Mrdlands Collegiate Athletic Conference announced the 2008 All-MCAC Women's Yo\leyball teams during the 2008 .MCAC Women's Volleyball Tournament in Bellevue, Neb.

Peru State College Volleyball

'· had six members of the 2008 squad receive MCAC post-season honors. The family combination of Allison and Amy Slager led the Bobcats as MCAC First-Team selections. Teammates Afton Burr

rrn Memoria::; ·Specials

The editorial staff regrets to report the passing of Peru State senior Brandon Wamsley, an Elementary Education major

He was killed in a car accident Dec. 6, 2008.

··Services were held on Dec. 10, in Stella, Neb.

We echo the sentiments of interim president Stan Carpenter when we say

and prayers

to his loved ones.

iirid;Kaitlin Morrow were named to the MCAC Second-Team while Jeryln Cummins and Chelsea Bergman received MCAC Honorable Mention honors Allison Slager led the Bobcats this season in kills with 3.1 per set and tq.taled 293 while being namedpnce as the MCAC Players of the Week. Allison's sister, Amy Slager led the team in set assists with 8.8 per set and a total of 762 on the season.

Second team selections, Burr led the team tri digs with 4.9 per set and 449 on the season while Morrow averaged 1.7 blocks per set and finished with 158 on the season. Burr tanked 42nd in the NAIA in digs per game with 4.9. Morrow ranked third in the NAIA in blocks per set with 1.74 Honorable mention selection Cummins ranked 11th this season in the NAIA and second on the team.

EVENTS

Final Exam Schedule - Fall Semester 2008 College Cooking Comer - Sweet and Sour Chicken

16

17 December 19

19

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17

18

17

16

19

17 December 16 December 17 December 19 December 18

16 December 17

December 18 December 19

2 Tbsp. water

2 Tbsp. orange marmalade

1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. cornstarch

1/4 cup ketchup

2 Tbsp. soy sauce

3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 Tbsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup halved green grapes

Directions

1. Cut chicken into l" pieces and combine with pineapple chunks in 9" square glass baking dish.

2. Combine pineapple juice, water, marmalade, cornstarch, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in two cup microwave safe glass measuring cup and mix well to blend.

3. Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until mixture thickens, stirring once during cooking. Pour over chicken and pineapple in baking dish.

4. Cover with microwave safe waxed paper.

5. Microwave on high for 4 to 8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center, turning dish once during cooking time. Sprinkle grapes over chicken and microwave on high for one more minute. Let stand, covered, for three minutes before serving.

STUDENT EDITOR,IN-CHIEF POSITION

The Peru State Times" is now accepting applications for the position of student Editor-in-Chief. student Editor-in-Chief of "The Peru State Times" must be a full-time, preferably on-campus, Peru State College student in strong academic standing. Outstanding oral and written communication skills, jncluding advanced grammar knowledge, are essential to the position.

The student Editor-in-Chief will receive a scholarship that covers full tuition and fees for up to 12 credit hours. Their responsibilities will officially begin at the start of the Fall 2009 semester, though training for the post will be required during the Spring 2009 semester. Performance and continuing appointment will be evaluated each semester.

Duties of the student editor-in-chief include, but are not limited to: setting the production and publication schedule for each semester; scheduling and conducting staff meetings at least once a semester; recruiting and training new staff; generating story ideas and stories, photos and graphics for each issue; editing stories for grammar, clarity and factual correctness; overseeing the production .and layout of each issue; updating the "Times" website for each issue; providing instruction and direction for the Assistant Editor, Layout Editor, Copy Editor, Distribution Manager and Staff Writers; meeting and communicating on a regular and ongoing basis with the Times faculty advisor; supervising the Advertising Manger; preparing the yearly "Times" budget and semester payroll; and other duties as necessary or assigned by the Times faculty advisor.

Those interested in applying for the position are asked to submit the following to Kristi Nies, faculty advisor for "The Peru State Times," by Friday, Jan. 16, 2009: a cover letter explaining why you are applying for the position; a resume; and two (2) writing samples. The writing samples may be from a high school publication; short papers or essays from a college class; or articles from The Peru State Times or another student-run collegiate newspaper.'

NEAREST RECRUITING STATION

Application materials can be submitted to Nies at: knies@oakmail.peru.edu; or Peru State College, Attn: Kristi Nies, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421. Materials can also be hand delivered to Room 106B in the Jindra Fine Arts Building.

Contact Nies at 402-872-2281 or at the email address above with questions.

The Pe

WWW.PSCTIMES.COM

finalists to Hanson, currently Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa.

Peru State started the search for a new president after former president Ben Johnson announced his retirement in April last year. The search committees were announced in August.

Members of the committee included Angela AllgoocL Bruce Batterson, Taylor Dunekacke, Sheri Grotrian. Pat Haverty. Dan Holtz. Linda Peggy Keser, Steve Lewis. Marie Meland. Chuck Niemeyer. Jim Reynolds, Judith Ruskamp. Dixie Tcten. and Micki Willis.

Copies of Hanson's resume were available for public viewing through President's Office. Director of Marketing and Public Affairs Office, and to the Presidents or Chairs of the Faculty. Student, Professional Staff and Support Staff Senates.

Finalist in presidential search comes to Peru State campus

MARYTRECEK

Assistant Editor

The Presidential Search and Advisory Committees have nar-

rowed down the presidential candidate list to one finalist. Dr. Daniel Hanson was on campus Jan. 26 and 27 to meet with staff and students. The two committees sifted through over twenty applications during the search , narrowing down the semi-

Nebraska State College System Chancellor Stan Carpenter has served as interim president during the search process.

In a previous interview, Carpenter said, "I am pleased and privileged to serve at a wonde1ful institution. I always knew Peru was a special place There is high quality of faculty and students who want to learn."

Feb.2,2009

Former director of Admissions office made Vice President

Contributing Writer

The Peru State Administrative Structure has some recent changes. Micki Willis, previously the Director of Admissions and Recruitment. was named the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs in early January. The position was newly forrr.ed this year and contains a combination a responsibilities.

The old structure consisted of two Vice President positions. Dr. Todd Drew held the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs seat while Linda Jacobsen was the Vice President for Administration and Finance.

responsibilities so all campus concerns would be handled with equal tenacity."

Willis' old position. Director of Admissions and Recruitment. will not be filled as Willis \\ill continue to serve in this role. Part of her new position oversees the Admissions Office. but she has had to pass several of her previous responsibilities into the \ cr·y capable hands of other staff in the office of admissions.

Other campus departments that Willis now provides oversight to are the Housing and Security Offices, Athletics. Student Assessment and Success Services, Transition Strategies. Dining Services and the Campus Bookstore.

Since her position makes her so active with student's issues, she Today, Drew serves as the Vice · has a message for PSC students. President for Academic Affairs "I want to make sure all students and Jacobsen serves as the Vice President for Administration and Finance.

Willis feels strongly about her position. "It was created as a way to give more focus on enrollment and student causes," she said. "The change divided up the

are aware that my door is always open if they have any thoughts on how to make Peru State a better place for students. Peru State is a wonderful campus with great students and I am excited with my new role serving those students," Willis mentioned.

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" disappoints - p.6

How do you battle winter?

"I battle winter by staying inside with friends and watching movies, or playing · "Guitar Hero" in sweats and a fleece; and the heater kicked on."

"I enjoy winter personally, if it snows it snows, there is not a lot I can do about it I don't mind the cold, the wind is my lem."

"l like to sit in my dorm room with a bunch of blankets."

COLBY TUCKER

Freshman Physical Education major

Wireless internet coming soon

Many prospective students visit Peru State campus and ask about wireless Internet on campus.

Currently, the only building with available wireless Internet access is located in the library. The catch to this Internet access is that students cannot access the server with their own personal computers; they must check out a library laptop.

The good news is that the Peru State College Administration is taking steps toward developing a proposal that will allow PSC students to, in the future, be able to access Internet anywhere on campus.

Vice President for Administration and Finance Linda Jacobsen

tioned in a formal statement that the college does not have the proposal outlined as of yet.

"This is a very complex process and we have to make sure that we are following it completely so that we have a good product upon the completion of the project," Jacobsen said.

Part of the process includes using an approved State of Nebraska vendor. Dell Infrastructure Consulting Services, partnered with Aruba, will be the wireless Internet provider. Another part of the process is making sure that the security of both the campus and the students is intact.

Students on campus should not worry about this new addition costing more money out of their pock-

ets. "We do not plan to request tuition or fee increases due to the wireless project," Jacobsen stated.

For those who wonder when the project will be completed, Jacobsen mentioned, "Our hope is that the entire. project will be completed before school starts next fall."

"I love to cuddle up next to a fireplace and drink hot chocolate. Then if I would happen to go outside I do lots and lots of layers. Two gloves, two hats, and I would have to whip out the long underwear."

Wednesday, Feb. 18 Ball in the House 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Dining Hall

Details -This five-man, pop/Rand B "mouth band" hails from Boston, Massachusetts, where they are becoming one of the best-known and most-loved acts in the a capella community today. Band member, Ryan Chappelle is an alumnus of Peru State College! Check them out at www.ballinthehouse.com.

Wednesday,Feb.25

Amazing Arthur and Amazing Lindy

Wednesday, Feb. 25 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dining Hall

Details -These magicians are, you guessed it, amazing! ·check them out at www.amazingarthur.com and www.amazinglindy.com.

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief Phuong Tran

Assistant Editor Mary Trecek

Copy Editor Kristopher Miller

Layout Editor Kellen Sailors

Stephanie Hoffman

Adveriising Manager Savannah Wenzl

Distribution Manager Wellington Ferguson

Layout Staff Joe Smith

Lindsey Husen

Kristen Husen www.psctimes.com

Linze Thummel

Faculty Advisor Kristi Nies

Contributing_ Staff.

Trevor Shalon

Tom Van Boeing

Tedd Merrill

Laura Kjar

Doug Mountford

Katie Kuhl

Shyriah Marshall

Jade Gordon

Ellen Giittinger

Brooke Ashford

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid advertisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acommail.peru.edu 0r send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, PG. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421. .(

Complaint against former Peru State president filed Searching for employment in 2009

beyond the average interview."

Fo1mer Peru State President Ben Johnson is the subject of a panel formed by the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission.

A formal complaint against Johnson was filed in late 2008 by Common Cause Nebraska, alleging that he did not properly disclose financial information.

Since the complaint has been filed, Johnson replied to an inquiry from the commission lawyer with a letter listing his pay and other relevant financial information with an apology for not listing the information before, citing a misunderstanding of the reporting requirements.

Johnson is facing a possible fine of up to $2000 for his oversight.

The unreported pay was part of an agreement with the Peru State College Foundation in 2003 involving deferred compensation to keep Johnson at Peru until his 2008

retirement. The full ·amount of pay from the office will amount to over $450,000.

The Peru State College Foundation is a separate entity from the college, and is funded by private donations.

None of the current leadership of the Foundation was involved in the agreement-with Johnson.

The investigation has raised concerns regarding other institutions that supplement administrative pay with private funds. Some on Peru's campus question the inquiries motive, believing that Common Cause and the Commission are using Johnson to set a precedent before going after larger universities for using private funds.

While the investigation is prompting questions by members of the community, others are quick to point out the positive effect on the campus that resulted from Johnson's tenure at Peru.

Hopefully Johnson's compliance with the investigation will soon clear up the

KRISTEN BUSEN Staff Writer

The way to conduct a job search has not changed much in 2009. "The market is tougher as there are fewer jobs, more candidates and the hiring authorities are being more careful," said Career Builder.com.

So, how should you approach the job market? The best answer from Career Builder.com is to "be aggressive in your tactics."

The practice of job hunting is about getting noticed by employers, as you do not want to blend in with the other candidates. You should use search engines to learn about organizations and participate in social networking sites. If you have mutual contacts, drop your name in conversation so you become memorable. Develop a portfolio that illustrates your achievements.

Tony Beshara said in "Acing the Interview," "A candidate has to really distinguish himself or herself even more from the competition. He or she must go above and

Need a Nebraska Internship?

Here are a few things to consider during your 2009 job hunt:

-The resume is your professional photograph. Proofread for spelling, grammar and tone. Organize your information into a logical fashion and keep descriptions clear and to the point. Use ari easyto-read font and · "buzz words" that are aligned with the employment area.

-Pay attention to detail. In the cover letter, use the name of the manager or hiring person and proofread for errors. Read the letter out loud or have a peer read ·the cover letter to you. Does it read smoothly?

-"Everything matters in your interview," said Career Builder.com. Schedule a practice interview shortly before your interview and have .a professional critique your performance. Your dress, speech and manners will leave a lasting impression on employers.

-"Focus on what you bring to the employer, not what you want from the job," according to JobWeb.com. Your resume and interview are your opportunities to market yourself and stand out from the other candidates. What can you do to help the company or what can you do to help your manager?

-Be professional! Take the time to create a professional email address and new cell phone or answering machine message. -Do not be lazy. Browse the job boards, search the classifieds, and reach out to companies that don't have openings listed.

- Network! Both social and professional connections are ideal contacts for job hunting. You need to let people know that you are looking for work. pressure is on you to be the best potential employee. Take the time to create the best image of yourself, so you have the competitive edge with other candidates. Alice Holtz, coordinator for Peru State Career Services, will be able to help any student with job questions.

-Lastly, make sure to check out CareerServices@oakmail. peru.ed u. The website has many resources to assist students in the job search.

Barack Obama taking the office

As he has been sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America, Barack Husein Obama has an extensive agenda to fulfill in this nations highest office. I know he has a to-do list that all of us need him to comply with.

First he needs to keep the country safe from people that would do harm to American citizens. This means that he will have to keep his campaign promises to end the Bush-era methods of conducting the War on Terror, while allowing the Government to still safeguard

the American people by preventing us from another terrorist attack.

He said, "We are the party of Roosevelt. We are the party of Kennedy. So don't tell me that Democrats won't defend this country." I hope he keeps true to those words. Keeping us safe comes first, and his promises of new entitlements can come later.

Also on Obama's to-do list is solving an economic crisis that sounds more like the Great Depression every passing day. He's promised to meet with a team of economic advisors until this crisis is met and solved. Whether this is by simply printing more money, or bailing out more failed companies, we shall see how he can save

American people should pay attention to national debt

After a year where the words "billions" and "trillions" became commonplace and millions became akin to pocket change, America enters a new fiscal year with a wavering economy coupled with µiassive debt. In fact, in the first three months of this new fiscal year, the government has already racked up almost a $500 billion spending deficit, well on its way to reaching the target of $1.2 trillion by the end of the year. Those numbers are staggering.

In an effort to bail out those who were. failing and stabilize the market, the United States Federal Government has made Americans part-owners in some of the biggest names across the country. The government has tried desperately to stop the fall of the stock market, rather than allowing the price of stocks to be marked-tomarket. Due to this effort, the stock market has strayed from

America in times of economic uncertainty.

Many supporters of Obama also hope for his other promises to be fulfilled. These promises include universal healthcare, ending Government Waste, and updating taxation reform. With a Democrat majority in the Congress and Senate, his campaign promises may become a reality.

It seems that there is an overall feeling of optimism for Obama to do well from supporters and critics alike. I myself want him to do well, but I also want him to realize that it isn't just the Democrats he is working for, it is all of us. Let us hope this level of positive expectation continues to a brighter future.

Much has happened already in '.2009

mistakes, plain and simple.

company reports, fundamentals, and actua.l company worth, and it has begun trading in step with the actfons of the Federal Government. The market has begun trading based on what the Federal Government says and carries out, hardly the idea behind the American free-market system.

Despite actions already taken and over $8 trillion spent, leaders now say that it is not enough. At the writing of this article, Democratic leaders and aides to President Barack Obama have developed mi. economic stimulus plan that will cost $850 billion. The original idea for the plan was around $775 billion, but the plan has steadily grown with each new estimate to $850 billion. In addition, Ben Bernanke has warned that this stimulus would not be enough. In fact, more bailouts may be needed.

As the United States government continues to run up debt and print money, the American people look to their leaders for answers.

Perhaps, the American people should look to themselves.

Well, here we are again, second semester of the 2008-2009 year. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas Break, but now it is back down to business.

A lot has happened since we were on break: Israel is fed up with Barnas bombing them, so they did what they had to they attacked back. President-Elect Barack Obama became President Barack Obama. Michael Vick was released from prison after severing twenty-three months for the dog fighting scandal. Police found th,e body of Caylee Anthony and her grandfather is currently hospitalized after leaving a suicide note and then disappearing. The Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers will face off in the Super Bowl on February I. The economy is still having great troubles.

Let me begin by saying congratulations to Barack and Michelle Obama. Even though I did not vote for him, I think he can do great things for this country if given the chance. I do also want to defend former President George W. Bush.

A lot of the problems that the U.S. had were not his fault. What happened with the economy was going to happen anyway no matter who was in office. He showed that he is human like the rest of us. He made

PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) should be able to leave Michael Vick alone now. He served his time in prison and will be admitted into a halfway house. Whether he returns to the NFL or not is still up in the air. It is a matter of if a team thinks he is able to perform .and can handle coming back. We will find out hopefully sometime before the preseason if he is able to return.

The body of Caylee Anthony, the little girl that disappeared back in June, was found in a wooded area about a half a mile from her home. Caylee's mother Casey Anthony is being charged with first-degree

murder along with other charges. This story has gotten a lot of publicity and it should be discussed. Here is a summary, for those of you de not know: the child went missing, Casey did not report until a month later, then a whole series of lieE went on, Casey claimed she waE innocent, police found Cay lee 'E body in late December and now the grandfather is in the hospital for. disappearing and leaving < suicide note. This is one of those stories that makes me sick. If she did not want the child let the grandparents take care of her or some· thing else. No child should have tc die for a parent's mistake.

Keeping the spirits of Americans high in new year

Contributing

America stands on the edge of what some may deem a cliff. When looking into the future, a haze seems to cover up the outcom.es. Despite this uncertainty, America will survive. Not by leaders or by government, but by the people. United, the people will save America.

The United States of America has faced multitudes of challenges throughout the years, even before her creation. America existed well before the name existed. America is

not a "place" in the sense of being markable on a map. America is an idea, a drive. America is people pursuing their dreams, living freely by their values, and standing for what is right.

As we enter this darkened time for America, we must come together.

President Barack Obama, I wish you the ·best in the years ahead. Many did not vote for you and I include myself among those individuals. However, I do hope you succeed. To hope you fail for the sole purpose of being "right" is beyond contempt. Mr. President, know that I will hold your feet to the fire, and I will stand up against you when you betray my values and ideals.

I am wishing nothing but good luck, to my president, your president...our president.

America, as weak as she may seem at times, never gives up. Just when you think you can count her out, she rises from the ashes and surprises you.America is not a person. America is not dead. She is not a fleeting memory. America is a people alive and well. A powerful people. A people who, when united, are capable of amazing things. America prospers by her people, and by her people she shall rise from the depths of any problem. United we must stand. After all: E Plurbis Unum: Out of many, One.

Presidential inaugur<ition brings both hope and concerns

As Americans gathered on the American mall in Washington D.C., there was a general feeling of hope and inspiration. The cold vapor drifted into the brisk January morni.ng as President Barack Obama held his hand over the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln held his one over 150 years ago. It was a momentous occasion not only for this man, but for the entire country.

The closing of the Bush administration brings in, as Obama said in his inaugural speech, the "era of personal responsibility." The campaign that led to the new president was the most expensive and longest lasting in American history. Obama's campaign lasted over two years and cost over two hundred million dollars, most of which was financed by personal contributions of the American people. It was a feat that has never been matched in presidential competitions.

The marathon campaign ended on January 20, following a weekend of inaugural events that will never be surpassed. The celebration cost over one hundred and fifty million dollars, an unimaginable number before this recent election.

One must look past the numbers and the flash of colors and fireworks that come along with the

new president. The inagural celebration is so much deeper than that.

To criticize Obama for the actions on this day because of the grandiose that comes along with being elected the leader of the free world is cynical. The decisions of concerts, inaugural balls, and appearances of celebrity superstars are not the decision of the newly elected president but those of a committee formed to celebrate the new Obama era.

When examining the implications of this election, one must see what this means for the nation.

Americans voted for a man that most had never heard of before his two-year campaign. Obama official entered the spotlight during his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004.

We have elected the first black president of the United States. That is a momentous occasion. Obama was sworn in one day after what would be ·Martin Luther King Jr. 's eightieth birthday. As we transition into February, this event makes Black History Month even more exceptional.

The the majority of Americans have seen past the c·olor of a man's skin to elect him president. What a difference forty. years can make towards determining social status in our country.

Though there are more problems than any newly elected president has ever faced in the history of our country, a sense of hope spread through the people that flooded the

city of Washington. Standing on the steps of the memorials of past presidents and the statues of deceased heroes along with those that gazed at the television sets from college campus' and retire-

ment homes.

Some stood behind trees without even a glimpse of the president, however to the hopeful this ineans absolutely nothing.

"We will extend a hand to those who unclench their fist." We must open our hearts, unclench our fists if they still remain tight with anger and be willing to take responsibility for ourselves and our country.

Hunting, & Party Headquarters

Grand

Paul BZart: Mall Cop disappoints

MOVIE REVIEW

KATIE KUHL

Kevin James, Happy Madison Productions, and a PG rating: one of these things just does not belong.

I must confess that I had high , hopes for the latest Kevin James comedy, but the end of the movie let me down. Typically, I find myself enjoying movies from all genres. This movie for some reason just was not my kind of film. All of the elements for a great comedy were there, unfortunately not all of the pieces fit together. Some of the set-ups to the jokes gave you high hopes but the joke itself fell short of expectations.

The premise of the movie revolves

around Paul Blart, the secmity guard at the local mall who takes his job very seriously. Paul dreams of becoming a police officer, but because of a condition that causes him to pass out, his dreams can never come true.

When a team of vigilantes come into the mall to try to cash in on the mall's credit-card profits,

Paul must step up to save the money from being stolen.

The simple concept of having a heavy-set man play the role a mall cop screams laughter, but this case, things fell short. Teenagers and immature adults would probably enjoy this film far better than I did.

For the rest of us who enjoy some substance to our movies or simply need something that challenges the way we see the world, this movie is

Upcoming televsion shows set to begin new seasons

The following shows have just kicked off there season's (or postcontinuations) in the last two weeks, so it's not to late to get in on all the action. As though there needed to be another reason to slack off!

Photo courtesy of:www.securityinfowatch,com

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Simpsons The Office NBC 30 Rock NBC ER NBC Friday

FOX

the following shows are set to premiere in Febuary:

The Amazing Race CBS

Survivor CBS

Gas 8:30p.m. 9p.m.

Road Co

Bloody Valentine has_ only 3D effects to commend remake·

MOVIE REVIEW

"My Bloody Valentine" is clearly not a romantic movie for the Valentine's Day holiday. It is, in fact, a 3D horror film set in present day. The idea of shooting a movie, especially a horror film, in 3D is brilliant. If only this movie could have delivered.

The film begins when tragedy hits the small mining town of Harmony. An inexperienced coal miner, Tom Hanniger (Jensen Ackles), causes an

accident that leaves five men trapped and eventually dead. The only survivor, Harry Warden, is left in a coma.

One year after the accident, Warden awakens with revenge on his mind. The massacre that follows leaves the town in shock. For just one crazed person, the body count is remarkable. Not only does he kill everyone in the hospital, Warden moves to the mine where this horrible incident occurred and where high school kids have decided to spend Valentine's Day. Hanniger and girlfriend Sarah Palmer (Jaime King) decide to party with some friends at the mine. This is a big mistake. After fighting off their attacker, the group barely escapes with their lives. Police officers show up in the nick of time and shoot Warden, who runs into the cave. He was thought to die i.n the mine, but no body was ever produced.

In fear, the town manages to somehow move past this very tragic event.

After ten years, Harmony believes that Warden is officially gone, but the town is horribly mistaken. "My 1Bloody Valentine" is the remake of a 1981 horror film. Although never having seen the original, I can almost guarantee you that it was better than what I watched. The 3D effects of this movie leave you expecting more. Your eyes adjust to the 3D, so it does not shock you quite as much. In order for it to be really amazing, you must see it at the IMAX. Go big or go

Another problem with this movie is the suspense. The problem.is that there was not any. I am tired of Hollywood believing the blood and guts equals scary. Just because something looks disgusting does mean that the audience is afraid. Personally, I would suggest either

Photo courtesy of http://www.deadcentral.com not seeing this movie or simply renting the original. However, if you must see it, I recommend that you do not waste the extra money and see it in 2D.

Season eight of "Idol'' has some changes, keeps similar format

"American Idol" is back for its eighth season, and while there are some things the same, there are several things that' have .chang,ed.

"American Idol" has produced many big names in music, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jardin Sparks, and David Cook.

This season the basic premise is the same: travel the country finding American Idol hopefuls, give those hopefuls a chance to go to Hollywood and compete to win the votes of Americans everywhere. Some things have changed though, including the addition of a fourth judge, songwriter Kara DioGuardi. DioGuardi who has written songs that appear on 100 million records, according to americanidoLcom.

Ken Warwick discusses reasons

for this change as well as some others, stating "Not only did the Idol concept begin with four judges, but Kara adds even more legitimacy to the panel with her background" (americanidol.com/news). · Her presence seems to balance out the judges, also.

The "Wild Card" is another part of the show that they will be keeping.

One goal of the current season is to truly showcase the personalities and biographies of the contestants, in an attemppo show America who each person is.

However, with these changes and the declining ratings of the show in past seasons, will people be tuning in to watch?

In several attempts to survey students at Peru State College, students were pretty quiet about expressing their opinions about the show. Of the responders willing to participate in the survey, the results were nearly split in half. Most stu-

dents asked to not be named, but one responder stated "It is a waste of time." Another student, English education major Laura Kjar wrote in response to a note on facebook.com, "I watch it if I don't have anything else- to do. Simon is

awesome. I like the new judge, too "

Whether you love it or hate it, "American Idol" is not likely leaving the airwaves anytime soon.

Peru State art professor's work to be featured in an international exhibition

Professor Ken Anderson's sculpture, entitled "The Wheelchair," is going to be featured in an exhibition sponsored · by the University of Hawaii Art Gallery.

The exhibition is part of a 30year tradtion, and opens March 1, with about 150 artists showing pieces,

Peru State College (PSC) Art

Professor Ken Anderson has been named as one of the invited artists asked to participate in the 10th International Shoebox Sculpture Exhibition organized by the University of Hawaii Art Gallery. Anderson's sculpture is titled "The Wheel Chair."

The exhibition is part of a 30year tradition that has challenged artists to create works using a wide range of ideas, styles and materials that redefine the boundaries of small"scale sculpture by maintain.ing integrity and control of sculptural elements.

The exhibition will open at the University of Hawaii on March 1, 2009, with around 150 artists featured in the initial showing.

Approximately 75 sculptures from the exhibit will be selected to comprise a three-year traveling show. Previous traveling exhibitions and catalogues have served as a vehi-

cle of communication among sculptors in many parts of the world, the first nine having been presented in more than 100 museums in the United State, Mexico, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and Guam.

PSC President Stan Carpenter said, "Since 1984, Professor Anderson has successfully guided hundreds of students through their

Students to place on top of business competition

Six Peru State College (PSC) online business policy students have earned first place in an inter-. national business simulation called the Business Strategy Game. The team was among seven schools that tied for first place out of IllOre than 2,600 that competed.

Kristy Dayton, a senior from Roseville, Calif.; Jacque Bauer, a senior from Lincoln; Jonathan Hemenway, a senior from Lincoln; Lauren Steadman, a senior from Union; Lana Trofholz, a senior from Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Brittany Fry, a senior from Fort Calhoun made up Team Bobcat, which ranked in the top 100 teams every week of the 8-week simulation.

Under the direction of business professor Alan Jackson, the team spent hundreds of hours making planning, marketing, manufacturing and financing decisions for a simulated athletic footwear business.

To participate in the game, business policy students were divided into. management teams and assigned to run an athletic footwear company in head-to-head competition against companies run by other class members. Companies competed in a global market arena, selling branded and private-label athletic footwear in four geographic regions, including Europe-Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific and Latin America. Company operations were designed to parallel those of actual athletic footwear companies like Nike, Adidas-Reebok and New Balance.

art education at Peru State College. Not only is he a fantastic educator, he is an incredibly talented artist. I congratulate him on this honor."

Anderson was awarded the George and Lillian Schottenhamel Honors Chair in 1 Humanities for 2005-2006 for demonstrating excellence in teaching and making exceptional contributions to students' academic growth and development. Since 1990, Anderson has had work in more than 30 exhibitions, including group, solo, regional and international.

PSC President Stan Carpenter said, "The faculty and staff at Peru State College have made a concerted effort over the course of the past several years to connect our students with their counterparts not only throughout the country but around the world by engaging in a variety of academic competitions. Our goal is to ensure that our students are equipped both academically and socially to do business in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The results of those efforts have been outstanding, and I congratulate these students on earning international acclaim."

The challenge for each company's management team was to craft and execute a competitive strategy that would result in a respected brand image, keep their company in contention for global market leadership, and produce .good financial performance as measured by earnings per share, return on equity investment, stock price appreciation and credit rating. All companies began the exercise on the same footing from a global perspective with equal sales volume, global market shares, revenues, profits, costs, product quality and performance, brand recognition, and so on. Company managers had wide strategic latitude in staking out a market position and improving their performance. A sophisticated interactive software program calculated industry and individual company results based on collective team strategies.

PSC Career Services offers workshops in the ARC

Staff in Peru State College's (PSC) Academic Resource Center will present several workshops this spring to assist individuals looking for employment. The sessions will focus specifically on resume compilation, job search correspondence and interview skills.

The workshops, which will be held in Room 209· of the ARC, are free and open to the public.

PSC will also provide a testing location for individuals interested in assisting the U.S, Census Bureau with the 2010 Census on a part-time or full-time basis. The test will be

held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, in Room 209 of the ARC. The employment tes.t consists of 28 multiple-choice questions designed to measure the skills and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs, such as clerical skills, reading, number skills, interpreting information, and evaluation and organizational skills. Applicants will have 30 minutes to complete the test. Reservations for test seats are required. Call 1-866-861-2010 to inquire about employment and/or reserve a seat. Two forms of ID are required at registration, including a

photo ID and social security number, birth certificate or passport.

F6Howiµg is.adet!\iled schedule; Febrm.try ·

Wednesday, fe.b. 18 ;.Interview. Skills, 6 p.m; · March March 2?. p.:m; · · ·

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Anticipating the fictitious on Groundhog Day this year

For decades, Americans have turned on their local news or turned to the homepage on their computer to see what the weatherman says about the day.

Will it rain, snow, stay warm or will the arctic front from the north sweep down drawing frigid temperatures? We determine our actions and style of dress based on the weather for the day. We curse the sky when we forget to check and praise the same heavens when it gives us a break.

One weatherman makes the headlines every year. We pay attention to what he has to say in anticipation of

an early spring. This weatherman weighs just over ten pounds· and his body is covered in hair.

Punxsutawney Phil is the groundhog that appears from this hole every February 2 to determine whether or not it is going to be a long winter or if spring is going to arrive early.

The origins of Groundhog Day go back to 1841 How is a tradition that seems so ridiculous continuing on for over 150 years?

For the same reason the traditions of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny stay around.

Along with the unconscious childhood feelings that still remain, the connection to the weather is still there as well. After several months of winter we will take any news even if it comes from the shadow of

a groundhog. The tradition has lead to about a 70 percent accuracy rate. in predicting whether or not winter will stick around though the inner circle says that he is 100 percent accurate.

Groundhog's Day has slid into popular culture. Some may recall the Bill Murray comedic film that shares a: name with the. holiday. Murray plays a weatherman covering the animal tradition but, in a ploy that can only happen on the sil. ver screen, he keeps living the same day over and over again. This can be turned into a metaphor. After months of winter we seem to be reliving the same month over and over again. It is always January even though it already crept in February.

Groundhog Day is a holiday in the

sense that the calendar marks it as one. We hope that the groundhog does not see his shadow. We hope that winter will end and not drag on for six more weeks. If he sees his shadow then the feel-

courtesy

ing of January will continue. We hope in anticipation on an idea that is rationally ridiculous that the groundhog tells us what we have · wanted to hear.

Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder during the winter months

KRISTOPHER

The snow is falling, the wind is blowing, and the temperature is dropping. It is apparent that winter is here to stay. At least you .have heating, hot cocoa, and a snowboard to tide the season over, right?

However, there is a problem: you are not savoring the sweet cocoa like you have before. You are bummed and exhausted while sliding down a slope. You complain about the temperature, how you do not get along with your roommate, and how classes are bogging you down. Last semester, you were a ray of sunshine. Now you are a damp snowball in a person's face.

Do not worry, being depressed is not your fault. Some people suffer ·through winter depression so harshly that they need medical and/or psychological treatment due to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). During the winter there are less hours of sunlight, causing people to feel depressed.

There are ways of battling this lack of light. The vitamin D supplied by the sun acts as a natural antidepressant. Without regular amounts of vitamin D, it is easy for one to become depressed. Fortunately, supplements can be purchased at local pharmacies. When the sun does come up, take the time to embrace its rays. The sun's rays reduce melatonin, a chemical the body produces to aid in sleep. They will increase one's serotonin, a chemical the body produces to balance mood and energy, also.

The sidewalks and roads may be too slick tojog or ride a bike but that does not mean you should not exercise.

According to DoltYourself.com, there are studies that state an hour's worth of exercise has the same benefits as two and a half hours of light treatment. Find a gym and work out.

Riding a sled down a hill or having asnowball fight will combat depression. Exercise not only keeps the body healthy, but it increases serotonin levels keeping depression at bay.

The winter season also encourages bad eating habits, such as sugar consumption. Sugar will cause a crash in the long run, increasing depression. Students should eat foods with

natural carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and fruits. Students should also take in starchy foods like potatoes and com. Foods that hold large amounts of vitamin D should also be sought out. It is tempting to hoard a ton of food in the winter, but maintaining a baldiet is still important.

The winter can be oppressive but that does not mean students cannot fight back. There are simple methods from collecting differently colored clothing to taking vitamin [! capsules.

Depression can make everyday tasks feel impossible. This is why stu.dents should take care of themselves this winter seasori.

In parts of Alaska, the sun may not rise at all for months on end. According to a study by The American Journal of Psychology, nearly 10% of the state's resi9ents experiences depression during the dark winter months.

Students should also decorate with the warm colors of the sun. These colors can relieve depression because they resemble fire and heat.· Red overcomes depression by resembling energy and activity. Orange brings feelings of hope and joy as well as relieving grief. Yellow reduces depression and clears the head. Bring yellow, orange, and red cloths and materials ·to your room during these tense winter days.

Student What you may not know Spotlight about Valentine's Day

members to find gifts for their sweetheart.

For many people Valentine's Day is just another day, while to others it is a special day to spend with their special someone. There are many different facts about Valentine's Day that many of us do not know!

Eric Fricke

Class status - Junior Major - Biological Science , Hometown - Beatrice, Neb.

W\}at is your favorite place you have traveled to?

Azores (island offthe coast of Portugal)

·What is your biggest pet peeve?

Being forced to take notes at a rate that leads to the progression of carpel tunnel.

What's your favorite?

Movie - Fear and Loathihg in Las Vegas

Class • Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

• Music - ClassicRock

What book are you currently reading?

Calculus for Dummies

What is your dream job?

Quality Inspector a.t Sam Adaµi's Brewery

011e thing yo1l.would.like.to do you die? ...•.. ·

Le.anno. art: .··.

It you we.-e strallded on an . island, what three things would you witli you?. Enough suppliesto bujlda bridge back to civilized .a¢as, \Vho's dumb enough tobemysubordfoate,anda ·. comfy c}iair;.

More than 36 million heartshaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day. On average men spend around $130 each on candy, cards, and jewelry, which is more than the amount that women admit to spending.

At least ten new conversation heart sayings are produced each year.

53 percent of men lean on friends, co-workers, and family

About eight million hearts will be produced this year. That is enough to stretch from Rome, Italy to Valentine, Arizona 20 times and back again. ·

At one time conversation candies were made into shapes such as horseshoes, baseballs,. and watches.

75 percent of men plan ahead of time for Valentine's Day.

Each year the show Jeopardy includes questions a'bout conversation candies on it's Valentine's Day show.

73 percent of Valentine's Day flowers are purchased by men, whereas women only buy,23 percent.

Around 3 percent of humans prefer to give Valentine's Day gifts to their pets because they are more gratefulthan humans!

Tips to help prepare for the year's most romantic holiday

Valentine's Day is approaching and it is time to start planning for that special gift. A good Valentine's Day gift will be remembered forever, but so will a bad gift. Here are just a·few gift ideas that will guarantee a smile and maybe even a little something extra.

Roses and chocolate will always be classic gift options. If there is not enough cash to splurge on a dozen roses, then just get one and keep things simple.

A major upside to the traditional teddy bear is that it can be cus-

tomized with nice clothes, a bouquet of roses, and even a voice recorder to say a sweet message to remind her of you whenever she holds the bear.

A third and more extravagant gift idea is a treasure hunt. This takes more planning but will, in the end, be worth the effort. To make the treasure hunt successful, a note should be left (Preferably attached to a flower) in plain sight leading her to one place after another and. eventually leading her to you.

Everyone knows that Valentine'.s Day can put a strain on any man's wallet, but there are ways to make her happy that will not take a wad of cash. She will appreciate the effort put into making a card, even

if the only materials used are a marker and some construction paper. The really creative men could write a poem and the less articulate can just steal a sonnet from Shakespeare.

A final idea could be to simply print out a picture and put it in a nice frame.

Valentine's Day is the day of the year designated towards romance, so a simple Facebook message that says "I love you. Have a nice daY.." will not suffice. Plan A is to go out, be the gentleman that exists inside of every man, and give her a day that she will not forget.

Photo courtesy of http://purpletrail.com

Bobcats fall short in last second effort

Jan. 24, 2009 --·The Peru State Men's Basketball squad hosted the Tigers·of Central Christian College in a MCAC Conference showdown.

The Bobcats took a quick 12-6 lead in the first five minutes of the game but the Tigers rallied off a 9-0 run to take a 15-12 lead. The Cats put together a late half run to pull within three points at the half, 2522. The second half saw both teams battle back in forth with runs. The Tigers held a 52-51 lead with 1:05 remaining when they added another two points with four second left to take a three point margin. The Bobcats had 30 foot game tying shot at the buzzer that missed. The

Tigers walked away with a 54-51 victory.

Peru finished the game with a 2926 margin in rebounds while each team committed 14 turnovers. Overall the Bobcats shot 34 percent from the floor on 19 of 55 shooting. They were seven of 23 from the arc for 30 pecent and just six of 11 from the free throw line for 54 percent.

The Bobcats were led by Joe Gomez and Matt Ryan who finished with 11 points respectively.Adam Blaylock added 10 points. Julius Durant led the team in rebounds with 10 points while providing seven points in the effort.

Bobcats come up short against Haskell

Jan. 23, 2009 The Peru State Men's Basketball hosted Haskell Indian Nations' tonight in a MCAC Conference matchup.

The Bobcats jumped out early on the Indians as they held a short kad in the first half. Haskell made a 17-0 run late in the first half to hold a 43-28 lead at the break.

In the second half, Peru State battled back by a stiff defensive stand to bring the game within four points with 13 minutes in the game. The Indians managed a 12-7 run to finish the game at a 78-67 victory.

The 'Cats shot 36 percent from the floor on 24 of 65 shooting. From the arc, the Cats were nine of 24 and 10 of 15 from the line. Haskell out rebounded the Bobcats 32-28 and forced 23 turnovers. Peru finished the game with five players in double figures as Joe Gomez and Steven Burks led the way with 14 points each.

Adam Blaylock and Matt Ryan added 12 and 11 points respectively. Julius Durant pitched in 10 point for the effort.

Photo courtesy of http://adelaidevales.wordpress.com

Monday Feb.2,2009

Second half of the rally· falls short against Lady Bobcats

Jan. 24, 2009 The Peru State College Lady Bobcats took on the Tigers of Central Christian College on Saturday afternoon in MCAC Conference action.

The Bobcats saw themselves down 12 points at the half but managed to battle back in the second half. Peru outscored the Tigers in the second period 35-28 but fell short overall as Central Christian picked up a 64-59 victory.

The 'Cats shot just 25 percent from the floor on 18 of 71 shooting. Beyond the arc, Peru was

four of 14 for 28 percent and 19 of 39 from the free throw line for 48 percent. Peru dominated· the boards as they held a 57-36 rebounding advantage. Peru finished the game with three players in double figures. Britnie Garcia led the Cats with 13 points and nine boards. Keiyana Arnold and Monique McDuffie added 11 points each. McDuffie owned the boards with a game high 17 rebounds while Emma Pedro and Courtney Janecek snagged 12 and 10 in the effort.

PSC Cross Country Team has five members named Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes

the daughter of Tei and Scott Schaefer. A I l i s o n Stockstell is a Senior from Hamburg, Iowa who is

Photo courtesy of the Athletic Department majoring m Elementary Education.

Jan. 22, 2009 The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced 251 women's cross country runners have been named 2008 DaktronicsNAIA Women's Cross Country Scholar-Athletes.

A total of 108 schools represented this season led by Concordia (Neb.) with nine selections.

Nominated by each institution's head coach; a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and have achieved junior academic

Slager named 2008 DaktronicsNAIA Scholar-Athlete

status to qualify.

Kimberly Brown is a Senior from McCook, Neb. who is majoring in Physical Education. Kimberly is the daughter of mark and Patty Brown.

Lindsey Poole is a Senior from Omaha, Neb. who is majoring in · Elementary Education. Lindsey is the daughter of Linda and Doug Poole. Brittany Schaefer is a Senior from Omaha, Neb. who is majoring in Bochemical Science. Brittany is

Allison is the daughter of Tara and Mark Stockstell. Leisha Tennal is a Senior from Morrill, Kan. who is majoring in Art and Physical Education. Leisha is the daughter of Jo and Clayton Tennal.

BANK OF ·PERU

Branch

Jan. 22, 2009

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced 307 volleyball players have been named 2008 Daktronics-NAIA Volleyball Scholar-Athletes.

A total of 135 schools are represented this season.· Nominated by each institution's head coach, a student-athlete must maintain a mini-

mum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and have achieved junior academic status to qualify.

The· Bobcats Allison Slager was named as a 2008 Daktronics-NAIA Volleyball Scholar-Athlete. The 5'10" Senior from Papillion, Neb. is the daughter of Dale and Shari Slager and is majoring in Physical Education and Coaching.

Our newest branch is a little closer to home. Sign up today, for internet banking! www.fbcdirect.com 622 5th Street Pen.1, NE 68421 Phone# (402) 872 3335

Fun

Facts Did you know?

The history of the heart symbol:

1. The heart was originally believed to be the location of the human mind.

2. The heart continues to have a poetic definitiqn of the human soul.

3. The origin of the heart shape is controversial.

4. Some believe the heart shape came about because of botched drawings of the human heart, some believe it slightly resembles a cows heart, others think it represents females anatomy, and still others feel it originated from seeds of the (now non"existent) silphium plant but the true origin is unknown.

5. The silphium plant was used as an ancient herbal contraceptive which is why .it could have been associated with love and passion.

6. In traditional European folklore and art, the heart symbol suggests blood, passion, and strong emotion.

7. Since the fifteenth century, the hearts have constituted a red suit in the deck of cards.

8. The king of hearts is the only king in the deck that lacks a moustache.

9. In ancient Greece, the heart symbol was related to the gods Eros Aphrodite (God and Goddess of love).

10. Nowadays, in Sweden, the heart symbol is associated with the "bottom" and "defecation," as it is a former sign for a "toilet" for both sexes.

11. Today, in the western world, the heart shape represents emotion and more often than not it signifies the word love.

12. Since the heart symbol is synonymous wi.th love, it is the infamous symbol for Valentine's Day.

13. In fact, the word love is slowly being replaced by the word/symbol heart. "I heart you!"

· College Cooking Comer - Risotto

Ingredients

, 3 tablespoons butter I

1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 onion, chopped I

1 112 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup uncooked Arborio rice

314 cup white wine

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions Photo courtesy of http://allrecipes.com

l. In a three quart, microwave safe casserole dish combine butter, garlic and onion. Place dish in microwave and cook on high for three minutes.

2. Place vegetable broth in a microwave safe dish. Heat on microwave until the broth is hot but not boiling (about two minutes).

3. Stir the rice and broth into the casserole dish with the onion, butter and garlic mixture. Cover the dish tightly and cook on high for six minutes.

4. Stir wine into the rice. Cook on high for ten minutes more. Most of the liquid should boil off. Stir the cheese into the rice and serve.

Professor's work currently on display in Peru State art gallery

Art Professor Randy Waln displays both recent artwork and snapshots of Peru State College. The exhibition began Wednesday, Jan. 14. During the opening, Waln spoke about his work and viewers were allowed to ask questions. The digital prints he created are composed of different layers and different textures. This exhibit is on display from Jan. 14 to Feb. 13 and it is open to the public.

All photos courtesy of Dr. Clemente.

The Pe

Campaign complications cause· Student election reschedule

On March 2, the election for 20092010 Student Senate president and vice president was temporarily suspended. Due to campaign irregularities and complications during the voting process, the election was deemed null and void.

Leading to the rescheduling, Ted Harshbarger, Director of Transitional Services and Student Senate co-acl\·isor, said, "There 11nc: infracti1rns that vio-

1:!le,J the current Student Senate

;;\(Jlllli\111

1' \',:l·-.. (lr L'andidatc:s WL''.re run: r Student Senate nfficep; for

2·!1 1u 13rittini Propst from :r,1 r:111 i·u1· SLUdcnt Senate pres\1 ith sophomore ele-

1.11(·11: JI 1 and middle education

i11'1J\'i Juh:1 Simon. Propst. a C!v11S 111ajur from Scv, :ml in her junior yem· stri1ec! fnr an "open door poliand 11 uu ld like to be the voice of the stud"n1s."

Propst and Simon hoped to improve campus exposure through rnrious forms of media, increase 11 cckend activities. and improve the Humor and plot of :Wiss March was slightly off for some viewers - p.6

student survival kits. This team also had plans to improve the fitness equipment in the Student Center, coordinate activities with other campus organizations, and host fundraisers such as a walk-a-thon for breast cancer.

Propst said, "Serving on the Student Senate is an extraordinary experience. I believe that I would make the best Student Senate President because of my student involvement and experience."

Susan Reynolds, a senior social sCience major, led the second group as presidential candidate with Shane Mathis, sophomore elementary education major and football player, as her running mate.

Currently Propst serves the Student Senate as the corresponding secretary, while Simon fills the role of financial secretary.

Reynolds, a non-traditional student from Virginia whose husband is currently serving in Iraq. said.

"The campus has beq:ime my farni1y. I believe that I would make-the best Student Senate president because I am friendly, decisive, and I have a lot to offer the students."

Reynolds and Mathis hoped to coordinate activities with other campus groups, recruit students, and strengthen community involvement. They also intended to increase the diversity and credibility of the Student Senate, develop e-mail access to the Senate, and include

Senate activities in the Peru State Times.

At this time, Reynolds holds a non-traditional representative position and Mathis is a Senator-AtLarge.

The election was rescheduled for Tuesday, March 18 and Wednesday, March 19 from 11 :00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Student Center. AH candidates encouraged every student to exercise their r}ght to vote.

All photos by Carol Carpenter

Bobcats finish weekend sweep of Defendersp.11

What is one thing you wish PSC would offer students?

"Set up separate internet networks at the dorms so the internet will run like it's suppose to. And get lights set up at the Oak Bowl fornight games, so it gives students all day to get ready for the game."

ZAKGREU'NKE

SeiliorSports Management major

Ballroom competition to be on campus

Contributing

Peru State College is hosting a ballroom dance competition and general dance on April 19. The competition is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the general dance will beJrom 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Students have the choice of nine different dances for their competition. The categories that ·students get to compete in are the Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango, Swing, WC Swing, Merengue, Rumba, Cha Cha, and Salsa.

The couples who finish first, second, and third will receive a certificate. Students will be able to pick up registration forms and find more

Freshman

·

'}oSHNELLSON

· JUftior Business marketing and management

, major

information from Dr. Johann Murray. All dance competitors must be pre-register by April 1.

You do. not need to be in a dance class to compete. Dr. Murray has practice times on Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Room 212 of the Jindra Fine Arts Building.

The competition will be held in the Student Center. The fee for the competition is $10 per dance per couple. After the second dance, there will be no fee. Competitors are welcome to attend the post-competition dance for free. All spectators will pay $10 for the entire evening.

Since Dr. Murray is unable to take his students to the competition in St. Louis, as he has done for several years, he had the brilliant idea to bring the competition to Peru State. To make this event happen, all the expenses needed to be covered.

Many students and campus organizations donated money for the dance competition.

"If you can generate capital from the competition we will be able to keep it around and make in an annual event on the Peru State campus," Dr. Murray said, "Dance competitions are very expensive."

PSC students will be competing against other local colleges. Some of the colleges that are interested in this competition are Creighton University, University of Nebraska at Lincoln, and Emporia State.

PSC is bringing in music by the Lou Arnold Orcliestra from Lincoln. The basic wardrobe for the gentlemen will be button down shirt with a tie and slacks. The ladies will show off their dance moves in evening dresses.

Scholarship created in memory of Bea Patterson

A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Bernice "Bea" Patterson, Peru State College graduate and long-time PSC employee. The Bea Patterson Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Fund is being established· through the PSC Foundation by her husband John. The fund will provide scholarships to a full or part-time student majoring in Art or Art Education, is of junior or senior class status, and is from southeast Nebraska or northwest Kansas.

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief Phuong Tran

Assistant Editor Mary Trecek

Copy Editor Kristopher Miller

Layout Editor Kellen Sailors

Stephanie Hoffman

Advertising Manager Savannah Wenzl

Distribution Manager Wellington Ferguson

Layout Staff Joe Smith

Kristen Rusen

Lillze Thummel •

Ellen Giittingen

www.psctimes.com

Carol Carpenter

Tom Van Boeing

Faculty Advisor Kristi Nies

Trevor Shalon

Laura Kjar

Katie Kuhl

S.tafi

Brooke Ashford

Jake Mertens

Amanda PearsonVanderbroek

John Ferguson

Doug Mountford

Patterson died January 17 at age 63.

"Everyone knew and loved Bea. Throughout her life, she was always doing good deeds for other," said Kent Propst, executive director of The Foundation. "Through this scholarship, Bea will continue doing exactly that."

Patterson earned a Bachelor of Science degree from PSC, and later worked in many offices on campus, including Campus Services, Residence Life and the Academic Resource Center (ARC). Most recently, she served as the Administrative Assistant for the Student Success Services program in the ARC.

She was born in Lakeview,

Oregon, in 1945 'and was raised in northwest Kansas. She is survived by her husband John, four children, eight grandchildren and many, many friends.

Patterson was very active in the community of Peru, serving on the Board of Directors of the Peru Historical Foundation, working with the Peru Chamber of Commerce, and taking an active leadership role in the Peru Community Church.

Those wishing to contribute to the Bea Pa,tterson Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Fund should make their contributions payable to the PSC Foundation, with a notation that the contributions should go the scholarship fund.

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid advertisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acommail.peru.edu or send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

'.'There is not much they candowita¥' small budget but a few small Ul{e •' faster internet and air conditioned would be great."

AARON DEATS

Sports management major

5'Wireless Campus, tum into a wet campus, and only have to live on campus for one ·year."

"I would like meal plan options from. It is unfair for students mn'"""''"' 23 meals per week that they do

MARY TRECEK '

Senior English major

Theatre Club presents Glass Menagerie

The Peru State College Theatre Club will be putting on "The Glass Menagerie" this spring as part of a revival of the drama department within the school.

Set to open on April 16, "The Glass Menagerie" follows last semester's musical "I Do, I i;>o." Director Mark Klemetsrud is optimistic that student productions will spark interest in theatre on campus.

Klemetsrud was surprised to have thirtytwo students enroll in Introduction to Theatre, a new class offered on campus for the Spring 2009 semester that he teaches. The addition of the Introduction to Theatre class, which counts as a Humanities elective as well as a core class in the English and Language Arts majors, opens the doors for more theatre-based classes to be taught on campus. Potential classes to be added to the curriculum in the upcoming semesters are acting, voice, directing and text analysis.

Another course involving children's dramatics could possibly serve as a dual credit for education majors. Along with these ideas, Klemetsrud hopes the theatre department at Peru becomes established enough to begin offering scholarships.

"After we accomplish all that," Klemetsrud said regarding the growth possibilities for the theatre department, "who knows?"

The opportunities that exist within development the theatre department will push the envelope for both campus activities and the academic curriculum.

The expansion of the theatre department will rely heavily on student interest and support in this early stage. Other activities, including improvisation, open readings of original work and theatre workshops are being organized by the theatre club in an effort to raise awareness and student participation in theatre on campus.

Directed by Klemetsrud and co-directed by Constance Walter, "The Glass Menagerie" cast includes Peru State College students Colin Cathcart, Amanda Pearson-VanderBroek, and Peru alumni Trish Moody. Technical crew includes students Riannon Jeffery, Mike Casavant, and Dylan Walter. The show dates are scheduled for April 16, 17 and 18.

The PSC Theatre Club is open to all students and the spring play will be open to both students and the community.

·Cafeteria looking for solutions to money woes

Will the Student Center have a closed cafeteria during eating hours? Due to people not paying for meals and a large amount of wastefulness Peru State College is losing money from its cafeteria services.

There have been several suggestions on what should be done in the cafeteria to avoid losing money. The major problem is that students are eating without paying for their meals. Having a

Students line up for lunch at the Peru State cafeteria. Dramatic losses in the cafeteria has management looking at possible re.strictions on who can and cannot enter the dining area.

captive dining hall during eating hours was one suggestion. To get in you would either have to scan your card or pay for your meal at the door. This would mean no hanging out with friends or doing

Recycling in Peru's future

Contributing

Think green. Over the course of several years, Peru State College has discussed the possibility of bringing recycling on campus. Currently, the only recycling done by Campus Services includes recycling batteries, fluorescent lamps, motor oil, and antifreeze.

Art Professor Randy Waln and the Art Department also starJ:ed recycling items like paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles. Waln makes several trips down to the recycling depot provided by the city of Peru.

Paul Pate, Director of Campus Services, mentions that the recycling issue always boils down to factors like "cost, image, and manpower."

The closest company in · PSC's area comes out of Lincoln. PSC would have to pay for the service on top of the cost of the normal trash service.

The image of the college would ·be affected by recycling because there would be need to add an additional semi trailer sized dumpster as well as many containers for each office. The only place PSC currently has to place these new containers would be in the already packed parking lots.

"The condition of the containers proposed would portray a very negative image that would not be outweighed by the positive image of recycling," Pate added.

Finally, the last factor is the manpower issue. If PSC does start recycling and does not provide separate containers for the different types of recyclables, then the custodial staff would have to spend a lot of time separating the individual items.

With all of these negative factors against it, recycling is still a part of PSC's plan for the future. Waln spoke to the administration and was "assured that it [recycling] is indeed in Peru State College's future."

not get in unless you pay, but they also have much bigger campuses and other additional hangout spots. The Student Center is the center of campus and used by many students throughout the day for a hang-out and study place.

This problem was brought up at the end of last semester and there does not appear to be any changes at this time.

The students on the Campus Activities Board voted against having a closed dining hall at the end of last semester.

homework in the dining area during meal times without paying to get in.

Other college campuses have closed cafeterias. Go to Creighton or UNL and you will

According to Angela Osborne, Creative Dining Services Manager, there have been a couple of changes such as making the cashiers more accountable, and the use of smaller trays. "Students aren't allowed to eat without a card, and other rules are being enforced," Osborne said. She also mentioned that because of the smaller trays food waste has been cut by one third.

-Affordable Birth Control?

-STD Exam?

-Pap Smear Exam?.

-Condoms?

·Emergency Contraception?

Anger does not solve the problems we see in leaders

The start of the year brings a general feeling of refreshment, that one's life can start over and past events are meaningless. We tend to feel this way, giving us an euphoria of hope for the upcoming days.

With the stress that has overcome us from the past year, many claim that 2008 was one of the worst years. We tell ourselves that it will be better and the bitterness from yesterday will not carry over into the next.

As we attempt to claim this as a motto for our lives, it is far and few between that we actually follow step for step the values we claim to have.

Anger is one of the most meaningless emotions that a person can carry with them. It is a deep, dark feeling that leads to stereotypes, preconceived notions, and a negative outlook on anything we perceive as a possible attack against us.

There are so many different experiences, past problems, and both jaded and positive issues that have turned everyone into the people they are today. We tend to criticize the actions and appearance of others before we know their intentions or their past.

What personal satisfaction do we get from criticizing? Is there a need to mark our values and our personal preferences as the only correct way by deeming other's values as negative? We justify ourselves through the criticism of others.

One could go into deep societal problems but this is not the form of media ·to attempt to do _that. The longer running problems are wedged in the belief systems of many and it would be near impossible to say "give up those cynical thoughts," and expect any response other than laughter.

These thoughts stem from the constant bickering which seems to be coming from and at the governmental system in this country.

We currently understand the economy is in a recession and that bipartisanship has been become a fictional element of a utopia. As a major in History and Political Science, this last election cycle has led me to grow in my political efficacy; however, the following months have crushed that feeling.

Why?

I have just let it go. There is so much back and forth, not only between members of representatives that we have elected but also between citizens of this country.

In an effort to stimulate the fireworks groups like the media, interest groups have done nothing but push these ideas of separation.

I cannot be angry at someone living in Washington D.C. who is passing laws, attending meetings, and ·who lives his life. Who is that helping? Him, surely not. And more importantly it does not help me.

Lowering my voice, shaking my fist, and writing notes on found solely on my own personal Facebook page is not going to change anything. The only thing it will lead to is more anger in myself

and a discomfort for others around me, when all I talk about is who I am upset with today.

I cannot be angry at a drop in Dow Jones. I worry that my dad can maintain hours but I cannot curse Wall Street because it will not help. All I can do is live my life. I am only able to affect what happens in my own world. This is not a push for what some would call a "hippie world. It is just my soapbox feelings on the uselessness of anger.

Anger, if felt, must be released as soon as possible. Do not let anger run your life. Care about yourself and the people and personal attributes that are close to you. Control the things in life that you can control and let go of the things you cannot.

"Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his life"? This message, as found in the Gospel, has no religious link but can used as a benchmark for the day.

Asking for honesty of government

"Honesty is," Plato said, "for the most part, less profitable than dishonesty." In America, after several, probably millions of scandals, lies, and blatant manipulations, we find ourselve.s faced with a harsh reality: Plato knew of what he spoke.

As the years go by, government continues to rack up an impressive tally as to the number of issues in which they absolutely crush ethics. To go into the mass number of ethics violations, scandals, and manipulations i11 the past years would be cause for this op-ed to encompass the entire paper. However, with each new scandal or violation, our trust in those in government declines ten-fold. Most recent examples of Bernard Madoff, Bill Richardson, Tom Daschle, and Charlie Rangel spring to mind.

Questions?

However, I do not trust the man, and neither do millions of other Americans. Why? If your best friend had failed to pay taxes, would you believe your best friend if he told you it was an honest mistake? How about your parents? Some would not, but many would. The issue is trust. The American people simply do not trust those in 'high positions of power due to the constant barrage of scandals and manipulations. There is a trust deficit in America.

There existed a time in this country when a man's word meant something and a simple handshake sealed a deal. Would you, today, loan twenty-five percent of your income if you can a.fiord to loan to the person sitting across from you, if the only "contract" between you two was a handshake? Imagine the person is your parent figure. Now, he is your best friend. Now, he is a stranger. Now, he 'is a politician from Washington, D.C.

With such a deficit, how can the American people trust government to lead them? Americans are left to wonder if word_s mean anything anymore. Do campaign promises and flowery speeches simply provide a means of hoodwinking the American public? Are words constantly open to manipulations and false allusions?

An example of this mistrust shows up in the markets.. The markets respond positively upon news that the government will not nationalize the banking sector; yet, just as quickly, the markets tum negative over fears and distrust that the government is not being completely truthful. When and if the government nationalizes the banks, will the markets lose trust completely? Will the American people lose trust completely? Or, when the government states "It needed to be done," will everyone believe' in the government's sincerity?

The trust deficit is growing, but who is to blame? Are those in However, possibly the most declined over the ages, especially in Washington, or those who continue interesting case is that of Timothy government. More and more to elect them? The answer lies Geithner. Geithner, who failed to Americans find themselves won- somewhere within the two, and cerpay $34,000 in taxes, now holds the dering whether the government has tainly, unless this deficit in America title of Treasury Secretary and runs Washington's or the people's best is repaid, our civilization will conthe IRS. Was Geithner's "mistake" interests in mind. The people are tinue to remain ever so crumbled. truly an honest mistake? Possibly. facing a deficit in their trust.

The value of man's word has

Scholarship opportunities available for area teachers enrolling in online ,,Master program

[Peru, Neb.] Peru State College (PSC) will award full-tuition Boxley Scholarships to area teachers who enroll in the college's online Master of Science in Education - Curriculum and Instruction cohort program this summer. The deadline for application is Wednesday, April 15.

The scholarships will cover full tuition, fees and textbooks for the college's entire 19-month online cohort program. PSC's online cohort program is unique in that it involves a group of students who enroll and progress through the graduate program together, creating a community in which they collaborate on projects and extend their support to one another.

PSC President Stan Carpenter said, "The financial benefit of this scholarship cannot be overstated. It can make all the difference for professional educators who want to increase their knowledge and skills by pursuing an advanced degree."

The awards were made possible because of the generosity of PSC alum Mr. Ken Boxley of Beverly Hills, Calif. Boxley is chairman of the Board of the American Asian Association, Jnc., a long distance telephone company linking the continental United States with several countries in Asia. The following application materials must be submitted prior to the April 15 deadline.

1. Current brief resume.

PSC students in Honor Band

2. Letter of support from current supervising principal.

3. Three letters of recommendation from colleagues, supervisors, or employers attesting to the applicant's current and·future success as a classroom teacher.

4. Statement of professional goals and how the applicant intends to use this scholarship to achieve his/her goals, including information on how the graduate program will benefit them as a classroom teacher and how the scholarship will impact his/her ability to participate in the cohort program.

Scholarship recipients will be announced by Friday, May 15.

[Peru, Neb.] Eight Peru State College (PSC) students have been selected to participate in the 2009 Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Intercollegiate Honor Band, which features students from both private and public colleges and universities across Nebraska. Those selected, along with their year and hometown, are listed below:

- Michael Parde (Senior) from DeWitt

- Brandon Prater (Senior) from Falls City

- Megan Katz (Jurnior) from Jansen

- Kate Stajner (Sophomore) from Lincoln

-Alicia Smith (Post Graduate) from Moberly, Mo.

- Emily Crom (Freshman) from Glenwood, Iowa

- Mark Tackett (Junior) from Glenwood, Iowa

- Michael Tackett (Junior) from Glenwood, Iowa

Patrick Fortney said, "Having eight students selected for .the Intercollegiate Honor Band is a record for our institution. We are proud of our students' efforts and look forward to them having an opportunity to interact with students from other campuses and regions of the state."

Following two days of rehearsals, the Honor Band presented a concert at 8 p.m. Friday, March 6, in the Kimball Recital Hall at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

The clinician for the event is Dr. Erica ·Neidlinger, conductor of the wind symphony at DePaul University. ·

Advantage Program to offer tuiti_on waivers for freshman receiving Pell grants

[Peru, Neb.] The Nebraska State College System (NSCS) Advantage is a new program that guarantees that first-time freshmen students who receive federal Pell Grants will pay no tuition at the Nebraska State Colleges for the 2009-10 academic year. The NSCS Advantage offers a new way for Chadron, Peru and Wayne State to serve students, area communities and the state of Nebraska.

The NSCS Board of Trustees approved the program during its board meeting held at Peru State College, Friday, Feb. 27. Chair of the Board Bill Roskens of Omaha said, "The Board asked the Chancellor, his staff and the colleges to continue to find new ways to meet our system mission of providing access to high quality educational opportunities. With the recent economic downturn, access to college has become more challenging and this program will assist firsttime freshmen in their pursuit of earning a degree."

Participants in the NSCS Advantage Program must be:

-A Nebraska resident

-A federal Pell Grant recipient

-A new first-time freshmen for the 2009-10 year

-Enrolled in at least 12 on. cam pus credit hours

Chancellor Stan Carpenter said, "The program provides the difference between the cost of tuition and

the amount of all other awards for more than 200 degree and pre-pro- locations throughout the state. With nificant human and intellectual capPell Gr;mt recipients. About one- ·fessional programs that are accessi- more than 250 credentialed faculty ital that contributes to. the current third of our students in the NSCS ble on the three campuses, via the members and 50 ,000 successful and future economic strength of the qualify for Pell Grant assistance, Internet, and in several satellite graduates, the NSCS provides sig- State of Nebraska. and we are attempting to remove the financial barriers many face.

Continuation in the program requires the recipient to receive a federal Pell Grant every semester and to remain enrolled in one of the Nebraska State Colleges."

Dr. Janie Park, President of Chadron State, said that Chadron is looking forward to offering the NSCS Advantage. "Chadron State is an institution committed to providing access and this new system program reaffirms our commitment, as well as that of Peru and Wayne. This is another opportunity that will make higher education a real possibility for many of our Nebraska students."

For more information about the NSCS Advantage, visit the NSCS Web site at www.nscs.edu or visit Peru State College's site at www.peru.edu/advantage. If additional information is needed, email NSCS Associate Vice Chancellor Sheri Irwin-Gish at sirwin@nscs.edu.

The Nebraska State College System serves 8,500 students from Nebraska and surrounding states through three geographically diverse institutions: Chadron, Peru and Wayne State Colleges. Combined, the three colleges offer

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Miss March should have been funny, but left audience wanting -

find a Playboy magazine. As the story progresses, it is obvious that Eugene is "the nice guy" while Tucker is the "perverted obnoxious" character who is continually getting Eugene into trouble.

While the premise for "Miss March" sounds like it would make a funny movie, the plot line leaves viewers wishing for more.

Zach Cregger (Eugene) and Trevor Moore (Tucker) wrote, directed, and starred as the main characters in "Miss March."

The story begins when two children, friends Eugene and Tucker,

High school students, Eugene and girlfriend Cindi (Raquel Alessi) frequently give seminars for young children about abstinence as they have been together for 2 1/2 years and are both still virgins. However, Cindi feels they are ready to take their relationship to the next level and convinces Eugene to do so on prom night.

After prom, Eugene, Cindi, and Tucker go to a party. While Cindi goes to find a bedroom, Tucker talks a nervous Eugene into having a few shots of liquor first to ease his nerves. After several shots Eugene stumbles to meet Cindi and opens the door to what he thinks is the

hallway, and actually ends up falling down the basement stairs and thus rendering himself in a coma.

Four years later, Eugene is awaken by Tucker hitting him with a baseball bat, and he finds out his father and Cindi have left. After only a few days in the hospital, Tucker comes in with the newest Playboy magazine and they discover Cindi is now a playmate.

Along the way Eugene and Tucker encounter many mishaps on their road trip to the Playboy mansion.

Though there are a few laughs, they almost all revolve around toilet and sex related humor. Despite a R ratfog, the movie seems to be more geared toward teens than adults. In comparison to other movies that have similar humor, audiences, and themes, this movie lacks essential quality substance and would be better suited for DVD.

Pictured above are the main characters from comedy "Miss March," which earned $2.31 million in its opening weekend. The actors are, from left, Trevor Moore, Zach Cregger, Raquel Alessi, and Craig Robinson.

Watchmen's characters bring legendary graphic novel to life

MOVIE REVIEW

First and foremost, "Watchmen" is watchable. This movie can be viewed three times and not all the details presented in the movie can be caught. This fact alone warrants the film multiple viewings when it comes out on DVD.

Fans of the original graphic novel, written by Alan Moore (who refused to be credited with this film because

he thought the book would be ruined) and ·illustrated by David Gibbons, will constantly make comparisons to the source material and the film itself. Sadly, a review cannot be written that would suit the palate for those who read the graphic novel and those who have never heard of "Watchmen."

For the rest of the readers of this review who are not familiar with the plotline of "Watchmen's" source material, here's the scoop. The film's plotline takes place in an alternate 1985 world where superheros exist and have an impact on human history.

The main storyline revolves around the murder of the Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) by an unknown assailant in his apartment. The masked vigilante Rorschach (Jackie Earl Haley) investigates the Comedian's murder and tries to

warn other retired vigilantes that they may be next. What begins as a simple murder mystery expands to·a two hour epic that involves war, politics, love, and nostalgia, all with the dynamic style and a gracious amount.of sex and violence offered by "300" director Zach Snyder.

But "Watchmen" is far from a typical popcorn flick. The plotline in most superhero films does not explore the deeper meanings of what it is to be a superhero. They just show how many spiderwebs the hero can shoot or what dark comer the vigilante will leap from next. Just like the novel, the movie has to be more than the expected.

This is not the case with "Watchmen." The her0es in this movie possess human flaws that are emphasized. The plotline explores its characters thoroughly and stylis· tically, fleshing them out to be real

people who run around in costumes The Silk Spectre (Malin Akerman) as opposed to characters who were is a woman glad to be rid of her vigdesigned to be heroic to begin with. ilante status but cannot escape her

The Comedian, presented mostly superhero past and heritage because in flashbacks, is a sadistic man who her mother was part of the first revels in warfare and destruction. superhero group in the 1940s. Rorschach, a psychotic vigilante Ozymandias (Matthew Goode), adorned in a trench coat and fedora part of the main group, is a superand sporting a distinct white mask hero that appears to parody the marwith shifting black blots on his face, keting of superheros and heroes disregards compromise in his one- being merchandised as the owner of man war against crime. He causes a large corporation that sells toy figmost of the unique damages to other ures of himself and his fellow characters. in the movie directly and masked adventurers. None of these indirectly. There is also the Nite characters are neglected in terms of Owl (Patrick Wilson) who has a their characterization.

Batman-style costume, gadgetry, The actors responsible for superand a sleek airship named Archie hero alter egos did an admirable job but acts like Bruce Wayne's inse- in transcending the typical supercure, nerdy cousin. Dr. Manhattan her6 persona. The plotline is with its (Billy Crudup), the only superhero themes is well crafted, with every with actual ·superpowers, becomes twist followed by another twist. The cold and indifferent towards the movie feels like an adaptation of a human populace. novel rather than a comic book.

I have a golden ticket for all chocolate lovers

...

Arguably the prettiest building in the Omaha area, the Durham Museum, formerly the Durham Western Heritage Museum, is an important part of Nebraska history. This former Union Pacific train sta-

tion was converted into a museum in 1975. Since then it has been both educating and entertaining the public. In fact, DWHM is the first museum in the heartland to be affiliated with the Smithsonian fostitution and has hosted several of its exhibits.

The Durham has many permanent exhibits that are on display all year long. These would include the following galleries:-Baright Home and Family, Bishop Clarkson Community, Byron Reed, Fraser

Stryker Trans-Mississippi

Exposition, Trish and Dick Davidson, Union Station, Omaha at Work. Among these galleries, you can find an amazing coin collection, beautiful pictures, restored artifacts, .a train car, and a basic desire to educate. Nebraska history is truly amazing! The museum also houses an authentic soda fountain and candy shop.

Currently, the museum is featuring "Chocolate: The Exhibition" a display created by Chicago's Field Museum that runs from January 31 to April 26. This exhibit examines the history, importance, and evolution of chocolate itself. You will explore the plant, its products, its culture, and the power chocolate has possessed throughout its creation. The cacao tree, which houses the cacao beans that chocolate is made from, is originally found in Central America. This plant was so important to the Aztec culture that the seeds were actually exchanged as currency. Originally, chocolate itself is actually bitter. It was not until the Spanish introduced sugar to this mixture that a sweet treat was created. Not only a decadent snack, this amazing plant was actually utiiized by the Aztecs as a spicy drink.

The exhibit concludes by noting chocolates impact on today's society. Even the advertising found on each packet of this delicious candy holds a significance on individuals. In fact, 90 percent of the world's cacao beans are grown in Africa, while 96.7 percent of the world's chocolate is produced in the United States as of 1991. Chocolate is not only mouth watering, it is an important piece of history and still a desired item in today's culture.

Coinciding with this scrumptious exhibit, local venders are providing free samples of sweets for museumgoers. Each weekend, visitors are provided with delicious treats on a first come first served basis. On March 24, guests can participate in a demonstration presented by Jeff Snow and Chelsie Schroeder of Catering Creations Here they will teach you to make chocolate mousse and other appetizing treats. Reservations are required.

If you have a thirst for knowledge, are intrigued by architecture, love trains, or just do not know how to spend your day, The DWHM might be just the place to go. You will leave this beautiful place with a smile on your face. For more information visit www.durhammuseum.org.

CHRYSLER

"Always G1·eatPrii:es, Always GreatS.erjacel,,·{

Many scholarships exist for students willing to look

Students have to keep track of financial aid in order to progress through school smoothly. The best aid to find are scholarships. Unlike student loans, they do not need to be repaid, making scholarships a more positive choice for most

It can be a chore to enter the data necessary to keep receiving financial aid from the government for the upcoming fall semester, but it is important to track this infonnation and stay infonned.

This knowledge will be especially helpful to some students in the coming years. According to the Omaha World Herald, Chadron State, Peru State, and Wayne State colleges will waive tuition for first-time freshmen who receive a federal Pell grant.

Pell grants are typically made available for low income students, but more people are becoming eligible for the award with the new funds from the economic stimulus package.

Students need to fill out one application as early as they possibly can: the Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA.

Institutional Application for Financial Aid

This header is from a form every Peru student has seen at one point or another during their academic career. Staying on top of deadlines and keeping track of applications are important for students who want to maximize their chances for scholarship money.

A quick trip to www.fafsa.ed.gov will give students all the instructions they need to fill out the fonn and submit it electronically. While the federal deadline is June 30, many state deadlines are earlier. The website recommends checking with the financial aid office at the individual school for specific deadlines, also. Most of this aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students can find scholarships that focus on community service and other qualities outside of academic prowess.

Non-traditional students can find scholarships designed for them, some even providing moqey to cover child care and travel expens-

es. A basic Google search brought up the the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship through Executive Women International and the Datatel . Scholars Foundation Returning Student Scholarship.

Using a Google search can help minority students find scholarships as well. One of the most notable examples of a diversity based scholarship is the Gates Millenium Scholarship. Others include the LNESC-Pepsi Escribe Tu Futuro Scholarship and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) scholarships.

For those who are searching for maj_or-specific sch_olarships, there are many available for those who

·weighing

Today's modem society revolves around the latest technology, so it only makes sense that schools have adapted to allow students to learn outside the classroom and in front of the computer screen. Along with this new, advanced way of learning comes a few pros and a few cons.

One advantage of taking classes online is that there is a choice between 16 week classes or an eight week long class. This translates into more classes in the same amount of time than a normal class takes

are willing to look. The Brown Foundation Academic Scholarship is available for certain education majors, and the InternView Business Scholarship Challenge provides opportunities for business majors to earn up to $6000 in assistance.

Students can also take advantage of local organizations they or their families are affiliated with, such as Rotary Club and Kiwanis.

If one is looking into private scholarships through different organfaations, they need to research all the criteria. Monay require essays and specific applications. Various businesses and organizations have scholarships based on specific situations.

These tend to be highly competi.tive, so get· applications in well before the deadline. Scholarship committees will review scholarships for spelling and grammar so both should be checked thoroughly. A key factor to successful scholarship hunting is keeping a resume or other list of acheivments and involvement ready. With so many people looking for aid, one has to make sure they go above and beyond what the rest of the competition has to offer. Make notes on deadlines and keep track of all the materials needed.

If a student is playing sport·s or participating in other school activities, they should 109k into aid that may be available through the insti-

tution or talk to their coach.

There are different websites that can be combed through for scholarships, such as FastWeb.com. The website can scan the student's background and narrow the search down to different qualities that a student can use. A website like FastWeb can notify them of the latest scholarships available.

Websites that charge for searching for scholarships should be avoided. Most free websites, even just -0 quick Google search, will provide the same services without the cost.

According to Assistant Director of Financial Aid Janice Volker, the financial aid office should be considered, also. Along with the scholarships available from the institution, there are funds· from the Peru Alumni Foundation.

"The application we send out is a single application for multiple scholarships," Volker said. "It doesn't get any easier than that."

More infonnation about scholarships and donations can be found out by visiting the Foundation Office _at the A.V. Larson building or contacting Executive Director of the Peru State College Foundation Kent Propst: kpropst@oakmail.peru.edu or (402)-872-2451.

Do not be afraid to ask questions about financial aid. This could make the difference between a great scholarship and taking on more debt and student loans that will have to be paid off later.

of online·ciasses

benefit of taking classes online is that everything that has to get done can be done whenever you fit it into your schedule. In this modem society that we all live in, it is hard to make a schedule that fulfills our need to do everything. Online classes allow students to have a job, have a social life, and still get the education that this world requires to survive. There are even programs that allow students to get degrees out really ever stepping into the classroom.

Not being face-to-face with the professor can have its disadvantages.

work that has to be done to ensure that all the infonnation is obtained. A second inconvenience associated with online classes concerns the Internet. As we all know the Internet is not always reliable. There are days it is too slow and days that it just will not work at all.

Many love getting to do the work when they want to do it and are not tied down to one particular time or place. Also, there are some classes that are just easier to take online, because the material is best learned through reading the text.

Online classes are the best way for students to get into college, get out of college, and begin life outside of ·the confines of teachers and donniinside the classroom. Another great infonnation packed into found time. tories. This means that there is a lot more

One drawback to taking classes online would be that there is a lot of

both sides

is available §to give you make an

Contributing Writer

Looking into the origins and traditions of Easter

"Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail..." Spring is in the air, which can only mean that Easter is right around the corner bringing Easter bunnies, brightly colored plastic eggs and all of the chocolate rabbits you can eat.

Where did all of these Easter traditions begin? How do bunnies lay Easter eggs and why are we always stuffing ourselves with delectable goodies on this holiday? After a little digging a few answers for some of the Easter traditions can be found.

The word Easter is said to have come from Eostre, a goddess of Spring, representing new life, love and fertility. Easter fell in April which was named Eostre's month. The holiday was created to celebrate the coming of Spring, its renew'll and rebirth.

How did eggs become part of this

spring celebration?

This is why they are a symbol of the

In medieval times, eggs were for- Easter holiday. bidden during Lent. The eggs .that As the Easter traditions grew, the were produced and laid during Lent celebrations became more elabowere boiled and preserved so not to · rate. The brightly colored eggs were waste food. On Easter, the eggs hidden outside for the children to were prepared and eaten. Also, eggs find and stories of how they were were colored vibrantly to represent laid there by fluffy bunnies soon the brightness of the spring sun as arose. Since spring is the time of life the darkness of winter fades and and fertility, it was only fitting that then the eggs were given to children the eggs were delivered by the as gifts. The eggs represent new life, Earth's most fertile animal, the rabbecause that is where life begins. bit. The tales of the Easter Hare first

Planning is key to successful class sign-up for coming year

It is spring and you probably have not even thought about the finals for this term, let alone your summer classes. There are obviously more important items to worry about at the moment. But as true as it is, this is the time of the year when one needs to be thinking about the fall semester.

Too many times, the downfall of students across the country is that they are not prepared for what classes to take and which ones are required for their major. Many of the consequences of registration procrastination lead to more summer classes or a delayed graduation date.

At this point in life and at this time in history, there seems to be something going on at all hours of the day. With responsibilities of classes, extracurricular activities, and personal problems, there is much more to think about than registering for

another biology class. Take the time, though, to spend fifteen minutes in an advisor's office and another five minutes on Catsonline. It will cause less stress in the long run.

Benefits of signing up for classes are longer than the list of the disadvantages. Classes, especially those that are considered general as they must be taken for any major, fill up very quickly. They range in size to about forty seats with most freshman and sophomores attempti!lg to

get into them. It is a benefit to know what you need to take and get into the class as quickly as possible.

Registration begins tomorrow, March 24 for seniors, Ml}fch 25 for juniors and March 26 for sophomores and freshman. The few weeks after spring break can be considered .the calm before the storm. They are Jess ·hectic before April where final projects start being due and final tests will be on everyone's mind.

All students will be required to meet with their advisor to review their proposed schedule before being able to register using Catsonline.

While this time in the semester is much quieter, take the opportunity to sit-down with your advisor and discuss not only the plans for this semester but those the following years, also. Having the plans ready for an entire year will give you one last thing to have on your mind.

There are no actual negatives to planning ahead, but the penalties of delaying registration will cause nothing but Jong term problems.

egg shaped cake, such as chocolate bunnies and those teeth-tickling marshmallow Peeps. Only in the last century were Easter baskets incorporated to help the children collect all of the eggs and candies.

Easter is not just about the treats and bunnies, but the coming of spring and all that comes with it. Many colorful flowers are displayed to reflect the warm change in seasons and the new blooms of the Spring. Palm branches are displayed to show peace.

originated in Germany in the 1700s.

Through the years, the feasts of Easter have increased. Easter dinner no longer consists of eggs. The tradition of treats arose centuries ago when colorful cakes were made in the shape of eggs and candies to pay homage to the coming of Spring. Modem times have brought many advancements to the simple

Now many of those beautifully decorated eggs are. plastic and the bunny usually delivers Cadbury Eggs, but the symbols of Easter remain the same. Easter is a way to represent Jove and fertility while ushering in the beautiful colors of Spring as the darkness of Winter escapes.

"Here comes Peter Cottontail, · hopping down the bunny trail..." And now we know why.

Thursday. March 26 @AWAC

Laser Tag I Late Night Breakfast

· Details.:

- LaserTag, Wii Games, etc. 7:00 - 10:00 p,m

Doors lock at 8:30 p.m. (So come by then if you want to eat }the breakfast!)

· •Late Night Breakfast served at I 0:00 PM

.jlaffle prizes worth $400 ! · Satur<lay. April 4th at 6 p.m. @ AWAC

·. PicklebaII Tournament (5th Championship Series Tourney) J)Petails TBA

Ihuroday. April 16 at 7 p.m.@ Game Room

< B<:>ard Game Night (Final Championship Series Tourney)

.··.• ·Det;rils TBA

-EveretfHale'

Stud·ent Spotlight

Salons offer people alternative tanning options

With warm weather in sight many people (girls and guys alike) are looking for a quick bronze complexion. Whether taking a trip, getting ready to ·wear shorts and tank tops, or looking for a year round glow, many users are looking for the best and safest way to get tan.

Class status -Junior Major .;. Crimi:9alJustice .• Administrationand Counseling Hometpwn ., Neb. ··

What ar.e some .Of Y:OUl' bies?

Playing lisfoning hip hop inuSic.. · ·

What pet :peeve? · >:< · ·.•.

.People judging me based on how ldress

What's ·Food - HotF;ings and Mom's Pork Chili ClassMusic - · Country Rap/Screw Music.

.What book are you i;urrently reading?

"Mexican Enoiigh"and"The Watchmen'' · ·

"\Vhat are you fovolved in on· campus?

·.BSU and Teariunates

<One thing you w0ul<Uike todo ·before you dfoJ •......•. •/ r ) t0Mexi90 'fure and · .!Wts; ·/'tV;··· · :'.iJmmer?>.? .<'. fil V:' •< •·.· · ··. ''

The following list gives some pros and cons to both, tanning in a regular tanning bed, and using a sunless or spray tanning application.

Indoor Tanning

The website Associated ContentHealth and Wellness offers some of the following Pros and Cons to tanning in a regular indoor tanning bed.

fuls::

Tanning beds are. a quick, easy, and a convenient way to look tan

- People often feel more confident when tan

- People report feeling relaxed during and after tanning

Natural and artificial sunlight cause the body to produce vitamin D, which everyone needs

Tanning produces a pigment known as melanin which helps protect the skin from becoming burned by over-exposure to ultraviolet rays

.c.ons.:..

- Can result in an unnatural or orange looking skin color:

- May cause bums

- Requires continued maintenance

- Melanin is actually a defense

mechanism of the body against UV rays. Associatedconterit.com writes, "tanned skin is damaged skin"

- Can cause wrinkling, aging of the skin, rashes, dry skin, or even hives.

- Tanning can also be very damaging to the eyes, and can cause "burns to the corneas, retinal damage and cataracts."

·_ Associatedcontent.com also states that tanning beds are "a proven cause of skin cancer." The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) consider tanning beds to be probable health hazards. They go on.to write, "It's estimated that more than one million people are diagnosed with Melanoma (skin cancer) annually." What is one of the worse culprits? Tanning beds. All three organizations give tanning bed use a thumbs down rating. If you want tanned skin, it's recommended that you buy a bottle of sun-less tanning oil instead.

Sunless/Spray Tanning

Many people feel that spray tanning or sunless tanning is a much better alternative to tanning in a tanning bed. But there are pros and cons to this method of tanning as well.

fuls::..

· - Sunless tanning is, as the name indicates-sunless. Since there are no harmful effects of ultraviolet rays there is no chance of burning skin.

- It is also a quick, easy, and a convenient way to get a tanned look

- Can increase confidence with raised self esteem

- One application creates a dark tan with an initial spray time of less than 10 minutes and effects show within several hours

- Medicinenet.com discusses the use of Spray and Sunless tanning booths and their use of DHA, an ingredient in sunless tanning. They said, "According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective sunless tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. DHA is a colorless chemical (it is derived from glycerin) that interacts with the, amino acids in dead skin cells."

- Many salons offer either a private room where a machine administers the spray, or a sunless therapist who administers the spray by hand for more precision and overall even color.

.c.ons.:..

- Uneven tanning (some spray booths do not get a person's sides)

- Splotchy applications. Some products leave streaks lines, or skin which looks like it has scales or cracks on it

- Can result in a:n unnatural or orange looking skin color

- Requires more preparation time, to clean and exfoliate skin prior to use. Dry skin can add to problems with uneven application or cracks.

- Requires continued maintenance and may only last 5-7 days.

Medicinenet.com states, "When using DHA-containing products as an all-over spray or mist in a commercial spray tanning booth, it may be difficult to control DHA exposure. The FDA states that commercial facilities should specifically protect clients from DHA exposure to the eyes, lips and mucous membranes as well as preventing the inhalation or ingestion of products containing DHA."

It is important .to remember that not all methods work for all people. Some people cannot tan in a tanning bed, or some people may have skin which freckles, easily or has been previously damaged and a spray tan will not work for them. Each individual should seek out more research on the use of any type of sun tanning product or service before using it, and should use extreme caution when using new products or services.

Monday March 23, 2009

Steven Burks named MCAC All-Conference

March 3, 2009 - The Midlands apg), and steals (1.6 spg). Burks Collegiate Athletic Conference played in all 30 games for the Cats announced the 2008-09 All-MCAC while playing four positions many Men's Basketball Teams over the times throughout the year. He finweekend in conjunction with the ished the season very strong averag2008-09 MCAC Men's Basketball ing 16 points over the last six Tournament in Bartlesville, Okla. games. Burks had two double-douBurks is a 6'6 junior for Kansas bles this season with his season high City, MO who led the Bobcats this coming the last game of the season season in points (11.10 ppg), when he finished with 24 points and rebounds (5.47 rpg), assists (1.8 pulled down 11 rebounds.

Lady'Cats net third in MCAC

February 27, 2009 - The Peru State Women's Basketball team wrapped up the 2008-2009 season on Friday night as they took on Haskell Indian Nations University in the first round of the MCAC Conference Tournament.

The Bobcats jumped out to a 3632 lead at the half but turnovers allowed Haskell to make a second half run that saw them come away with. a 76-61 victory over Peru.

The Cats shot 45 percent from the floor on 24 of 53, 40 percent from the arc on six of 15, and 58 percent

from the line on seven of 12. Peru out rebounded Haskell 43-35, but committed 30 turnovers on the game.

The Cats finished with two players in double figures as P.J. Miller and Avyn Vaden racked up 19 and 13 points respectively. Courtney Janecek and Monique McDuffie each led Peru in rebourids with each of them grabbing seven boards.

The Cats concluded the season with a third place finish in the MCAC conference.

Bobcats finish weekend, sweeping Defenders

March 10, 2009 - The Peru State · Baseball team finished the weekend by taking a four game series from Dordt College.

The Bobcats took the first game on Saturday with a 4-0 shutout. The Cats came out scoring three runs in the third and one in the fourth to secure the shutout. Peru's four runs came on four hits as the Defenders finished the game with four hits while committing two errors.

The Cats were led by Mark Houck, Brenden Gentry, Brandon

Schrupp, and Ryan Baroudi who each finished with a hit in the game.

Matt Martin picked up the win on the mound as he threw a complete seven inning game. Martin faced 26 batters while fanning five Defenders.

In game two, Peru took the nightcap 5-4 as they scored the winning run in the bottom of the seventh. The Cats scored two in the third, one in the fourth, one in the fifth, and the game winner in the bottom of the seventh after the Defenders tied the game at 4-4 in the top of the

inning. Peru's five runs came on eight hits while committing three errors in the game.

On the mound, Tim Crawford got the credit for the win facing five batters and giving up two hits in one inning of work. Jon Sanle) threw five innings as he faced 18 batters and recorded nine strikeouts. At the plate, Kyle Fredrickson and Garry Hall each finished with two hits in the game. Hall added two RBI's along with Mark Houck and Brenden Gentry each picking up an RBI.

'Cats women's basketball team has· three players named MCAC All-Conference

March 2, 2009 - The Midlands the 2008-09 All-Conference team is a 5'11" center from Dunn, NC Collegiate Athletic Conference led by Monique McDuffie being who averaged a double-double this announced the 2008-09 All-MCAC named MCAC Freshman of the season for the Bobcats. She shot 50 Women's Basketball Team over the Year. McDuffie was a All-MCAC percent from the· floor, averaging weekend in conjunction with the First-team selection along with fel- 10.6 ppg for a total of 298 points 2008-09 MCAC Women's low freshmen, Courtney Janecek. while grabbing 10 rpg for a total of Basketball Tournament in Point The Cat's Avyn Vaden received 281. This season, McDuffie had 12 Lookout, Mo. Honorable Mention All-MCAC. double-doubles over the 31 games.

Peru had three players named to McDuffie (pictured at bottom left) Courtney Janecek(pictured at bot-

tom middle) is a 6'0" forward from Avyn Vaden (pictured at bottom Omaha, NE who led the Bobcats in right) is a 5'8" guard from Brighton. scoring with 11.5 ppg as she tallied CO who played in 29 games for the 298 total points. She was second on Bobcats this season. She finished the team in rebounds with 7.6 rpg the season with 297 total points and for a total of Janecek had three an average of 10.2 ppg. Vaden Jed double-doubles this season with a the team in assists with 40 and steals season high 22 points against with 65 while averaging 4.2 rpg. Oklahoma Wesleyan.

Monday March 23, 2009

Fun Facts - Did you know?

Some numbers have a special meaning

1. Superstition holds Friday the 13th to be a day of good or bad luck.

2. In the Gregorian calendar, Friday the 13th occurs at least once, but at most three times a year.

3. There is no written evidence for a "Friday the 13th" superstition before the 19th century.

4. Any month that begins on a Sunday will contain a Friday the 13th

5. The longest period that can occur without a Friday the 13th is fourteen months, either from July to September the following year or from August to October in a leap year.

6. In Viking culture, it was believed that if 13 people were to gather, one of them would die in the following year (based on stories and superstitions of Norse gods) •

7. In Christian mythology, Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was the 13th to sit at the table during the Last Supper. This is one 'of the reasons why this number is "cursed." ·

8. Friday has been considered unlucky since the 14th century's "The Canterbury Tales," and Black Friday is associated with stock market crashes.

9. Triskaidekaphobia is a fear of the number 13 whereas paraskevidekatriaphobia or friggatriskaidekaphobia refer to a specific fear of Friday the 13th.

10. The earliest reference to 13 being an unlucky/evil number is found in the Code of Hammurabi with the 13th law is omitted.

11. In Romanian, Greek, and Hispanic cultures, Tuesday the 13th is considered unlucky.

12. In Italy, 17 is considered an unlucky number, because in Roman digits 17 could be rearranged to (in Latin) mean "I have lived" (a euphemism for "I am dead").

13. Tetraphobia is the fear of the number 4 (is phonetically similar to the word 'death' in Korea, China, and Japan, as well as in many other Asian countries). Buildings often lack floors with the number 4 and Finnish mobile phone manufacturer Nokia hosts a series of mobile phones lacking any model numbers beginning with a 4. In Taiwan, tetraphobia is so common that there are no 4's in hospitals.

Peru State Honor Choir 2009

After a long and busy day, the Peru State Honor Choir gave its 2009 concert on Feb. 24. The group was directed by Dr. Thomas Ediger, shown speaking in the photo on the left. Denis Plutalov accompanied by the Honor Choir and the Misty Blues Show Choir.

Around 250 area high school students from Nebraska and Missouri were selected by their teachers to come and be part of the Honor Choir. Schools represented were: Weeping Water, Yutan, Ralston, Pawnee City, Nebraska City, McCool Junction, Louisville, Lincoln High School, Johnson County, Friend, Elmwood-Murdock from Nebraska and Craig and Rock Port from Missouri.

Some of the songs in the program were Ludwig van Beethoven's "Hallelujah" (from "The Mount of Olives") and Joseph M. Martin's "The Awakening."

I College Cooking Comer Caramel Com

Ingredients

6 quarts of popped com in brown paper bag

2 cups brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 sticks margarine

112 cup com syrup

1 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Photo courtesy of ww.craftpad.com

1. In medium saucepan combine brown sugar, salt, margarine and com syrup and boil for 5 minutes

2. Add 1 teaspoon baking soda and stir.

3. Pour mixture over popcorn in brown paper bag.

4. Place bag in micrnwave.pnd bake for 3 minutes on full power, stirring frequently.

5. Pour out on wax paper or aluminum foil and crumble.

6. Store in air container.

The Pe

Faculty member dies of cancer

On April 1, 2009, Peru State professor Mark Klemetsrud passed away after a tough battle with cancer.

A memorial service was held April 4, 2009 at the Howell Theatre Lobby in the Temple Building at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

Klemetsrud became a professor of speech, drama, and English at Peru State College in 2006. He helped bring back the theatre department at the college, and was in the process of directing Tennessee William's "The Glass Menagerie" before leaving to cope with his illness. He also performed his one-man show on Clarence Darrow on campus Nov. 14, 2007, a character he had been portraying since the 1980's, and is also known for his show about President Theodore Roosevelt.

As Dr. Patrick Fortney, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, said in an e-mail reporting Klemetsrud's passing to the campus, "[He] single handedly worked to bring back theater to the carnpus of a thousand oaks. He will be greatly missed."

didn't know Mr. Klemetsrud for

very long, but from the moment I worked with him on the fall musical I knew he loved theatre. He will be sadly missed by students and staff, and my condolences go out to his family. For him, theatre was life, and even though he has passed on, theatre will continue for him here at Peru," said freshman Riannon Jeffery.

Fellow freshman Michael Casavant also said of Klemetsrud, "Mark was a guy that enjoyed what he did. When it came to theatre, he knew what he wanted to see on the stage and did everything he could to make it happen."

Senior Kelley Scanlan said, 'Tm glad to have been in his class and

gotten to know him, even though it was just this one semester."

Many people on campus knew of Klemetsrud's love of the theatre but not so many are aware of the fact that he also actively played golf.

An excerpt from Klemetsrud's obituary lists his many loved ones who will greatly miss him.

Among others, Klemetsrud is survived by his wife, Constance Walter, Peru's Assistant Foundation Director, three children, six grandchildren, his mother Shirley Jean Klemetsrud, and sister Jane Klemets, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

April

13, 2009

Budget plans depend on economy and legislation

budget.

In an uncertain economic environment. many students on campus are wondering and wating to know if budget of Peru State College will be affected. There are few curs being made at the moment. In a statement by Linda Jacobsen, Vice President of Administration and Finance, President Stan Carpenter announced the elimination of four vacant positions at the college, and there has been discussion on adjusting the operating budget for the school.

Two of the vacant positions are in the School of Professional Studies, since two of their faculty. members are retiring at the end of the and those positions will not be filled. ·

Governor Dave Heinemen has asked for a one percent increase to the funds marked for the Nebraska State College System (NSCS). If the increase is passed by the Unicameral, the college will not have to make more cuts to the

The proposed increase will be coupled with the previously raised tuition rate to help cover expenses for the system.

In an news release from the NSCS, Trustee Larry Teahon stated, "We have two sources of funding for the Nebraska State College System general operations - our appropriation from the state and student tuition. Once we receive our appropriation, we have to balance the needs of our students with our fixed expenses that have to be funded."

The 5 .9 percent increase brought the in-state tuition rate to $116 .50 per credit hour for tbe 2008- 2009 school year.

Much of the uncertainty about the cuts will be resolved by the end of the current legislative session.

As Jacobsen pointed out, "Much depends on how the economic recovery is coming along However, if the economy gets worse or if the Legislature does not give us the increase recommended by the Governor, we might have to go back to the drawing board [and revise the budget further]."

NotJoving· jokes in.I Love You, Man p.6 ·

.and time management p.9

What are your summer plans?

"After school is out I'm moving to Kansas City for the summer so I can get a job and make some money for school as well as be able to attend practice for the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Hopefully the talk about a trip to Hawaii wasn't just talk "

'KIRBY URBANEK

'Fre.shtnan Art Education major

"I hope to get two jobs, enjoy..my :time With > my family, party with my pe0ple,.and lceep'< in touch with all of the good frrends '.I have'..<' made here." · •

SPENCER WOLTEMATH

Freshman Social Science major

"I plan to spend the summer on the island of St.Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands to nanny for my aunt and uncle who have a house there."

LIZ STEWART

SPRIWG FLIWG 2.009 • Apri( 2.0·2.o·

MONDAY. April 20

Basketball Contests, 10:30 am - 1pm, Dining Hall

Stu.dent Talent Show, 7 pm @ Theater

TUESDAY. April 21

Activities at Home Baseball Game-'- 1 pm and Home Softball Game - 3 pm

Christopher Carter Mentalist/Hypnotist Show incorporating sports

7 pm @ Theater

WEDNESDAY. April 22

Wii Sports Games, 10:30 am - 1 pm, Dining Hall

Facµlty & Staff vs. Students Basketball Game Featuring 2

·. Harlem Wizards @ 6 pm@ AWAC

Dinner served at the AWAC from 5-7 pm

·The g;une is open to all students to participate in. Students interested in playing should come that night dressed in biack shirts and appropriate court shoes. CAB members will sign you up and put names in a bucket.. 7 Names will be drawn at random each quarter to play against Faculty and Staff members. Faculty and staff members participating in the game are Troy Katen, Mark Mathews, Terry Clark, J9hann Murray,.Sara LaBrie,William Snyder, Ellie Kunkel, Greg Galardi, Keith Sirtkhom, Dennis Welsh, Heath Clu:istiansen, Richie Mangnall, and Don Ballue! There will also be 2 members o{a traveling basketball show-team called the Harlem Wizards there that night. One will play on each team serving at the "coach". One Wizard is named Luis "Trikz" DaSilva Jr. Trikz has been proclaimed "The World's Greatest freestyle b-ball TriCkster", has appeared in 12 Nike TV ads (yes, that guy), and he's · also an actor last scien in the movie ''The Brave One"· as the villain who killed Jodie Foster's husband. · ·, hill},out on;You:Tub,e.: Tbe other Wizard is "Swoops" who is aformer Harlem Globetrotter,·7 ff.·.,,·· , 11n\i.an , , , , , ·

THURSDAY.April 23

Sports Illnstrated Pictures, 11 am - 1 pm, Dining Hall

VideoDance Party, 7 pm@ AWAC

"I will be doing roofing and construction work, Tee-ball and pitch baseball coordi-. nator for the local YMCA. Ort the week· ends I will be working on my laws farm. Any spare time I get will be spent helping a buddy and on their racecars or with my girlfrfoµd:" ', c 'f ·v·

BOB McLAUGHLIN

Sophomore Sports Manageirientmajor" ,.

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Editor

Copy Editor

Uiyout Editor

www .psctimes.com

Phuong Tran

Mary Trecek

Kristopher Miller

Kellen Sailors · '

Stephanie Hoffman

Advertising Manager Savannah Wenzl

Distribution' Manager Wellington Ferguson

Uiyout Staff Joe Smith

Lindsey Husen

Linze Thumniel

Ellen Giittingen

Carol Carpenter

Facuity Advisor

Kristi Nies

Contributing Staff

Trevor Shalon

Doug Mountford

Katfo·Kuhl

FRIDAY. April 24

Relay 4 Life Walk ($10 Donation) 10 am-12 pm

Steamboat Trace (If Inclement Weather - AWAC)

SUNDAY. April 26

Worlds of Fun Trip

Depart 9 am from PSC

let's Get Phvsica(

'f;he Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid advertisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

AH letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acommail.peru.edu or send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

Campus News Briefs

Peru State College Foundation to Honor Long-Time Professor and Artist Dr. Leland "Shorty" Sherwood April 18

The. life and work of long-time Peru State College (PSC) professor and artist Dr. Leland "Shorty" Sherwood will be celebrated on Saturday, April 18 with an open house, reception, banquet and auction of Sherwood's watercolor paintings.

The public is invited to attend the event, though advance reservations are required.

A master watercolorist, Sherwood's work is represented in many public and private collections nationwide. More than a dozen of his works have been donated to be sold at auction at the end of the Sherwood Celebration.

The event will begin with an open house from 3-5 p.m. in the Peru State art facilities in the A.V. Larson Building. A reception will follow from 6 p.m. in the PSD Student Center, with a dinner and program at 6 p.m. and the auction to follow.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to establish the Leland H. and G. Karlene Sherwood Scholarship in Art with the Peru State College · Foundation. Tickets are $50 and can be obtained by contacting Krystal Nolte at the PSC Foundation, 402/872-2304 or by e-mail at knolte@peru.edu. Reservations must be made by Friday, April 10.

Sherwood, a Chester native, attended PSC before returning as afaculty member in 1963. He retired in 1993 after 30 years as an educator and administrator. Sherwood continues to reside in Peru and teaches parttime at the college.

Peru State Professors have work published in American Criminal Justice Association Journal

Two Peru State College (PSC) criminal justice professors have had their work published in the 2008 edition of Lambda Alpha EpsilonJoumal of the American Criminal Justice Association.

Dr. Greg Galardi, assistant professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Kelly Asmussen, professor of criminal justice, authored the article "Instruction and Assessment Strategies in the Undergraduate Criminalistics Course." The article describes the elements of successfully instructing an undergraduate criminalistics course and the use of active learning strategies to stimulate learning of contemporary topics in the field of criminalistics. Topics discussed in the article include pedagogical techniques, assessment techniques, current media exposure in criminalistics, use of supplemental materials to provide an engaging learning environment, and exploration of key court cases influencing the introduction of scientific evidence in criminal court cases.

Lambda Alpha Epsilon - The Journal of the American Criminal Justice Association is the peer-reviewed journal of The American Criminal Justice Association, an academic honor society in existence since 1937. The Association focuses on student-centered learning related to professionalism and administration of justice and public safety. There are more than 250 LAE chapters at universities and colleges throughout the United States.

Batterson becomes Vice President for Administration and Finance

KRISTOPHER MILLER Contributing Writer

Dean of the School of Professional Studies Dr. Bruce Batterson recently was named as the Vice President for Administration and Finance for Peru State College on Feb. 23, 2009.

Before coming to Peru State, Batterson graduated from Ripon College in Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude. He earned his Juris Doctor degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Minnesota. Batterson received his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

Batterson came to PSC in 1999 as part of the business faculty. He received the Teaching Excellence Award in 2006. Batterson then became the Dean of Professional Studies in 2007. He was a pre-law advisor and taught business finance, business law, and business policy with other management courses.

Batterson has also been approved as an instructor of the Real Estate Principles and Practices, the Real Estate Finances and the Real Estate Law by the Nebraska Real Estate ·Commission and the Nebraska Real Estate Commission, along· with the Nebraska Real Estate Appraiser Board. Batterson will begin his tenure as vice president late summer 2009.

Batterson, when asked about any possible changes or plans on campus, stated that it will depend on

Peru State College Art seniors to exhibit show on April 13 in A.V. Larson

The Peru State College Art Gallery will soon open its doors to showcase the work of three senior art major students. Everyone is welcome to view the exhibition

during regular gallery hours in the A.V. Larson Building.

The doors open April 1 at 8:30 a.m. and will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through May 9.

The three seniors consist of Leisha Tennal, Brett Genuchi, and Ellen Giittinger. The show will include works that the students

how the state budget be distributed.

"We don't know yet how that's coming out," said Batterson. ''The state does a two year budget cycle."

Batter-son 3.J.so hopes the campus will receive two new software systems. The first system will be an accounting system that will be upgraded with the other colleges such as Wayne State ·College, Chadron State College and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. The other system to be introduced will be the Student Information System (SIS). With this system, instructors will be able to pull a student's records by checking through the system.

The last big project that Batterson

hopes to complete is the remodeling of the Jindra Fine Arts Building. The building will receive several major upgrades, including upgrading the structural design, addition of new computer and Internet systems and bigger classrooms. There are even plans for a new recording studio after the renovation of the building. According to Batterson, the Fine Arts building will be the last building up for renovation on PSC campus.

Regarding his new position, Batterson said, "I really believe in Peru State College and this new position is an opportunity to use my talents to make the college better."

have created during their time at Peru State. Examples of the student major senior art exibit include digital images, digital prints, paintings, and works of other mediums.

On Sunday, April 19, there will be reception for the artists from 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the gallery.

Obama fights the anti-American sentiments in Europe

Contributing Staff

During his visit to France, President Obama tried to get more Europeans to support American international efforts, but he also criticized the Anti-Americanism on the continent.

have been times where Europeans terrorist states, he then began to choose to blame America for much pander to the European Antiof whatis bad." American sentiment when talking

This very statement is what has about his promise to close been needed to be said for years. Guantanamo Bay.

For once I agreed whole-hearted- "Our moral authority is. derived ly with the President. The from the fact that generations of our Europeans don't care for the idea of citizens have fought and bled to confrontation on the world stage uphold these values in our nations after World War II. It is those same and in others. That's why we can sentiments and philosophy that never sacrifice them for expedience allowed Hitler and Mussolini to sake. That's why I've ordered the come into power and violate inter- closing of the detention center in national law. Guantanamo Bay."

people he is trying to persuade.

That makes no sense, This was a grand opportunity to mend some American-European ties, and it may work out that way.

Obama will get brownie points· in

France for sure, but we will see how this plays here at home. Hopefully France, Germany, The United Kingdom, and others will help us, but I'm not counting on it.

The idea that Europe will not help This kind of rhetoric just speaks to us in our continuing war on terror is the European Anti-American crowd not surprising whatsoever. They that believes we simply picked randidn 't like former President Bush's dom people from Afghanistan and policy, so that means that it's likely Iraq for torture. Europe may not work with us in the So what message is Obama really future. I hope that is not the case. trying to send to the Europeans? It

"In recent years we have allowed our alliance to drift. I know there have been honest disagreements over policy, but we also know there is something more that has crept into our relationship. In America, there is a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world, but in Europe there is an AntiAmericanism that is at once casual but can also be insidious. Instead of Just when Obama started to sound sounds like he's trying to play the recognizing the good that America tough on the Europeans, asking tough guy on the world stage, but at so often does in the world, there them to help lead the world against the same time he's agreeing with the

u.S. handling of money causes problems

DOUG MOUNTFORD Contributing Staff

·In 1973, the United States niade a bold move. The dollar, being strong at the beginning of the 1970s, was said to be too strong by other countries. , These countries, such as Japan and most of Europe, wanted the price of gold held in the U.S. reserves increased, especially with France and Switzerland who held over sixty percent of their reserves in the form of gold. The U.S. had already begun abusing the currency, and many in the U.S. government believed the gold standard would need to be abandoned altogether. After all, when on the gold standard, the U.S. could not print money as it pleased. Increasing the price of gold allowed for more greenbacks to be printed which, in tum, devalued the dollar and led to inflation.

The price of gold was increased twice, in 1971 and 1973. In late 1973 the United States unplugged from the gold standard completely.

Ever since the abandonment of the gold standard, the Federal Reserve has continued to debase the currency. Inflating the money supply breaks a promise the government made to other nations when it left the gold standard. The M3 Money Stock. which is a measure of the

total amount of money in the system, was issued regularly by the Federal Reserve as a way of reporting the sii:e of the money supply.

Leading up to the 1970s, the amount of money in the system hovered around $500-$750 ·billion. In 1970, the amount of money in the system totaled just under one trillion dollars. After leaving the gold standard, the amount of money in the system shot over two trillion by the early 1980s, jumping over 16 percent immediately upon the abandonment of the gold standard. The money in the system pushed past four trillion by 1990, steamrolled six trillion by 2000, and in 2006 smashed through ten trillion, the point at which the Federal Reserve stopped reporting the figures.

Coupled with the abandonrrient of the gold standard is the government's special knack for spending money Jt does not have. Since 1970, government debt has more than doubled every ten years. Also, interestingly enough, both graphs--the M3 Money Stock and the Federal Government debt--have very similar shapes, with the M3 Money Stock preceding government debt by about five years. And recently, on Wednesday, March 18, the Federal Reserve announced it would be injecting $1.2 trillion into the economy, essentially creating this money out of thin air.

The Federal Reserve has an abu-

sive monetary policy, one that is going to destroy the dollar completely. The current strategy the government is pursuing has been tried before and examples include the Weymor Republic, which experienced hyperinflation, and Zimbabwe, which experienced an inflation rate of 11,200 ,000 percent in 2008. The strategy has never worked, and this gives rise to supporters of the gold standard.

Recent calls advocated a return to the gold standard where one dollar is worth one dollar in gold. One of the biggest reasons being that it would reign in out of control spending in Washington, since debt could not exceed the amount of gold held by the United States. This would enforce a strict adherence to that pesky nuisance known as a balanced budget, something Washington views as a contradiction in terms. The gold standard would also do away with the Federal Reser\!e's abusive policies, since there could only be the amount of greenbacks in the system equal to the amount of gold held in the U.S reserves. The United States would have to shift from a consumer nation back to a producer nation, as the larger the number of exports would lead to more accumulated gold which truly increases the wealth of the nation, not artificially like the current system.

A gold standard also means that

the United States economy would be bound .to the amount of gold in its reserves. In other words, the economy would grow slow and steady, with limited funding available to businesses. This would limit "boom" periods, but on the upside it would also limit the "bust" periods as well. The U.S, hovering around being the third largest gold producer in the world, would have no problem maintaining an incoming gold supply like other countries with little to no gold production.

Unfortunately, the U.S cannot convert to a gold standard unless the

global economy follows suit. A simple conversion in only the U.S. would lead foreign holders of dollars to demand gold for their dollars, something the U.S. simply cannot finance. Also, the amount of debt held by the U.S. government to foreign countries exceeds the amount of gold in the U.S: reserves by thousands of percentage points. Other countries, including big names like China and Russia, have recently began mulling the idea of returning to some form of the gold standard. If this occurs, many other nations will likely follow in their footsteps.

Past visions of the future a warning about the state of world tomorrow

In Ray Bradbury's novel "Fahrenheit 451," the written word is destroyed to prohibit people from gaining the knowledge the overpowering government did not want them to know. Citizen's homes were built with walls that served as giant televisions, in which people were able to interact with shows, allowing people to immerse themselves in a different world. Books were burned on street corners as a means of warning others that attempted to hide anythi\}g from the police.

Guy Montag, the protagonist in "Fahrenheit 451," finds a group of vagabonds who maintain the written word in tfieir mind.

This last month, Amazon released the Kindle, a digital reader that allows consumers to purchase books off of the Internet and read them with no paper necessary. All forms of media· seem to be taking the same path. Music once was heard live, then scratched on to records, then recorded onto 8-tracks and tapes, and finally burned on compact discs. The majority of music is bought on digital format

now. This change has happened in a I am neither supporting nor negatseventy-five year span; the process ing the idea of genetic engineering, for switching from paper and hard- but the potential is there for the poscover books is taking longer. sible misuse of information.

The recent green revolution has Bernard, the protagonist in "A barraged us with the idea that Brave New World," finds a group of less paper is environmentally right- ' natives still functioning without eous thing to do. predetermined roles from the govc

When Gutenberg invented the ernment and still living a lifestyle of printing press, allowing mass pro- simplicity. duction of the written word, it was What these examples can show us the greatest invention of the time is there is meaning in futuristic novand is still considered cine of the els. They can test what we as people greatest in the world's hjstory. believe and what morals we hold. People, are not saying the Both these novels, written decades same thing about the Kindle. ago, are beginning to show their

In Aldous Huxley's novel "A truth as possibly inevitable.

Brave New World," people are no But one can say that we are picklonger birthed by females and are ing and choosing to what masks created in test tubes and given pre- today's society with the fiction of assigned roles in society. The citi- these authors. Yes, there are bridges zens of the world have become being built to show the connection obsessed with idea of instant between these two novels and the gratification and fill their days with events and inventions of today. frantic parties with large intakes of ,These-brLdg.es to be examiped drugs, with everyone falling into a for their destination. Is this somenature prpmiscJ.)ity ; sybere:,we re<J.li:Y \1-'aJJtJ0 1 go?,,.

With the recent lift on the .ban OD These are two small examples of the research of genetic engineering old fiction reaching the realms of by President. Obama, it has become reality. If confused about your feelsomewhat of an open playing field ings towards the events today look for scientists testing and finding the towards the past. History and literalimits of what genetic modeling can ture are. both beacons to the future. do for people. We have come to We can learn about what we believe understand though that life is pre- and the possibilities of tomorrow. cious and miraculous.

Photo courtesy of http://www.greece.k12.ny.us

Works like Ray Bradbury's "Farenheit 451" predict a grim view of the future. He shows a nation that is heavily oppressed, and the government withholds information as a controlling tool.

Iowa Supreme Court rules in favor of gay marriage

MARYTRECEK

Assistant Editor

On April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court issued a ruling that allows gay couples to wed. Until that ruling, only two other states, Connecticut and Massachusetts, allowed gay marriage. California briefly allowed same-sex unions, but the practice was repealed by a voter initiative.

I feel extremely comfortable saying that I am proud of the Iowa Supreme Court and their decision. I am also happy to report that most of the lawmakers in Iowa also support the court.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal, a Democrat out of Council Bluffs said, "The politics of it are I'm not going to put discrimination

in the Iowa Constitution. That's a horrible idea. The people who are pushing the amendment are saying equal protection under the lawexcept. I think that's unacceptable."

He's right. Denying the right to be married based on sexual orientation is discrimination. Places of employment and schools are not allowed to discriminate based on orientation, so why is the government able to deny someone their rights on the same grounds?

I am aware of the various arguments against same-sex unions. Many are concerned that allowing gay marriage opens the door to bestiality, moral decay, and conflict with the dominant religions in the country.

Not to be rude, but how does gay marriage endorse bestiality? Are people going to automatically make the jump from other humans to cows? We are still talking about

marriage between two people. If you are making that jump in thought, that is saying more about you than gay unions. As for moral decay, one's morality is based on an individual's decision. We should not make one group of people shoulder the blame for someone re-examining his or her values. I do understand many people think that gay marriage is against their religion. But that is between you and your church's governing system. There is a separation of church and state in America, and we should not be using religion as a means to oppress any person through the government.

Unfortunately, under the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the U.S. government does not recognize same-sex unions. Even though a marriage is declared legal in a par-. ticular state or in a foreign country, the United States will not recognize the union.

The Iowa Supreme Court handed down a decision allowing gay marriage in the state on April 3, 2009, making it the third state in the nation to allow samesex unions.

While some are contesting the decision, many of Iowa's lawmakers are refusing to try and overturn the decision with an amendment to the.state constitution.

Not loving jokes in I Love You, Man OVIE REVIEW

"I Love You, Man" offers a rare glimpse into the untold world of the bromance. It is true that men have an impenetrable bond, unbroken by even the greatest of women, and this film is a comedic display of such a manly bond.

To be totally honest, the movie

The-Dream, also known as Terius Nash, released his second album, "Love vs. Money" on March 10, 2009.

The record debuted at number · two on the Billboard 200, selling 151,000 copies in its first week. The album dropped two spots in its second week.

was not exactly as I thought it ·would be.

"I Love You, Man" is about Peter (Paul Rudd) who has just gotten engaged. In the midst of planning the wedding, Peter and Zooey (Rashida Jones) begin to realize exactly how few friends Peter actually has. In an effort to rectify his situation, Peter starts going on "man dates," a date between two straight men. Many of Peter's man dates end unsuccessfully, with some way ending more poorly than others. Just when Peter is beginning to think that he will never find a friend to be his best man at his wedding, he meets Sydney Fife (Jason Segel). The two meet at an open house Peter is hosting in an effort to sell Lou Ferrigno's ("The Incredible Hulk") home.

Sydney teaches Peter how to open up to someone other than his fiancee and how to finally have a friend that is not a female. Eventually Zooey expresses her dislike for Sydney, so a bit of tension· is introduced into this otherwise mellow storyline. As would be expected, she has a change of heart and Sydney is invited to the wedding.

The major issue that I had with this movie is the serious lack of truly funny jokes. When I saw the cast list I was expecting to laugh out loud, but I only chuckled a few times.

The movie was kind of a letdown. There was a great amount of potential and every major actor in the movie is fully capable of comedy that has the entire theater laughing in the aisles.

Overall, fans of Paul Rudd and

MOVIE REVIEW

Photo courtesy of http://www.daylife.com

Jason Segel will want to see the movie because they really do make the film work. But I would suggest waiting until it comes out on DVD.

Save your prime theater going cash for this summer's major films, because there will be several of them coming out.

LINZE THUMMEL

Contributing Writter

Singer, songwriter, and producer Terius Nash, known better as TheDream, recently released his sophomore album titled "Love vs'. Money."

"Love vs. Money" proves to America that The-Dream is more than just a producer and songwriter, _but he can sing as well. The album features up-beat, smooth R&B tracks, with a style The-Dream calls "Electronic R&B," according to

musicremedy.com.

Tracks from "Love vs. Money" include guest artists such as Kanye West, Mariah Carey, and Lil Jon.

After his first CD, "Love/Hate," and hit single "Shawty's' a Ten (Clean)" in 2007, The-Dream has been the silent pulse behind today's R&B.

Though he is relatively unknown to the public now, he has had his hand in the writing or production of music of some of the industry's biggest names. He wrote the following hits fo! popular artists:

-B2K's "Everything",

-Rihanna's "Umbrella"

-J. Holiday's "Bed",

-Yung foe's "Coffee Shop"

-Usher's "Moving Mountains"

-Jesse McCartney's "Leavin"

He has also played a part in producing and/or co-writing with friend Christopher "Tricky" Stewart for Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body," and Beyonce's "Single

Ladies (Put a Ring On It)" as well.

In addition, he also co-wrote a majority of Mary J. Blige's 2007 "Growing Pains" album, including the smash hit "Just Fine."

Nash and Stewart have worked together producing a great number of albums, including Nash's own "Love vs. Money."

The list does not end there. TheDream has worked with Britney Spears, Nivea, Ludacris, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, Plies, Cassie, and many others. The-Dream won Black Entertainment Television's (BET) award for "Best New Artist" in 2008, and has been nominated for countless other awards.

His voice and style are very recognizable, and his writing style is often imitated but never duplicated. The-Dream is exploding on the music scene with his talent, writing, producing and singing it is only a matter of time before The-Dream is a household name.

'The-Dream' showcases his musical skills on hit sophomore album, "Love vs.

ER bids fare well to long time fans and friends

With the long running drama "ER" airing its final episode, it marked the ending of an era.

Premiering in September 1994, "ER" was, and continued to be, a truly ground-breaking show.

Michael Crichton, writer and creator of "Jurassic Park," wrote the original screenplay when he was a medical student. In fact, this was the first medical drama to utilize real doctors as writers. \'ER" desired to both entertain and educate the public by opening eyes to real issµes affecting society today. It paved the way for such medical shows as "Grey's Anatomy" and "House."

On Thursday, April 2, 2009, the final episode of "ER" aired. It was both a tribute to the show and· the creator, Crichton, who passed away

in November 2008. For fans of the ·show, it was easy to see where this final episode resembled the premier episode from 1994. With a nurse walking into a dark room and waking up a sleeping doctor, terrified medical students entering a daunting hospital, and all the drama, this show was true to its fofll}.

Throughout the last season, the previous cast made many cameos. Whether mentioned by name, remembered in a flashback, or actually visited, these characters were missed and fans were happy to see them again. It was slightly disappointing how few characters were brought back for the final episode, though. As a fan, I would have liked to see more individuals return to support Dr. Carter (Noah Wyle) and all of his new ambitions.

As the second longest running NBC show (next to "Law & Order"), "ER" has captivated audiences for 15 years. It is the most

The current cast of "ER' finished the show's 15 year run on April 2, 2009. The show, the second longest running show for NBC, garnered over 120 Emmy nominations. The final episode had some cast members from the past come in to help close the series.

Emmy-nominated show in history with 123 nominations, and it has taken home 22 Emmy Awards. "ER" has won or been nominated for various other awards such as the Screen Actors Guild, Image, GLAAD Media, Golden Globe, and George Foster Peabody, among others. · This drama touched many lives not only in the US but throughout the entire world. It is NBC's hopes that John Wells, producer of "ER," will be as successful with his new

drama "SouthLAnd" that will take the same time slot as "ER." Whether you loved the show or were not a fan, "ER" truly had an impact. It entertained many and opened up new and untouched areas in the film industries. This show "set the tone" for so many watchers. Premiering· with a sleeping Dr. Greene (Anthony Edwards) and concluding with the line, "Dr. Greene, are you coming?" (Hallee Hirsh), it was truly loved and will forever be missed.

Monsters versus Aliens is well-crafted family entertainment

MOVIE REVIEW

THOMAS VAN BOENING

Staff Writer

Dreamworks has done it again with another animated comedy. In the same tradition of "Shrek," "Shark Tale," "Over the Hedge," and "Kung Fu Panda," "Monsters vs. Aliens" is a well crafted and beautiful looking digitally animated movie with a funny story.

Another tradition Dreamworks has kept in its line of animated movies is a good cast of actors to bring their characters to life. "Monsters vs. Aliens" includes the talent of Reese Witherspoon as Susan Murphy, a woman who gets hit by a radioactive meteorite on her wedding day, causing her growth into a giant and her capture by the U.S. Government. Also in the cast is Seth Rogan as a gelatinous brainless blob that is always cracking jokes, Hugh Laurie as mad scientist Dr. Cockroach, PhD, and Stephen Colbert as the President of the United States.

Susan wakes up in a Government containment facility and is introduced to four other monsters that have been kept in the monster prison; Bob, Dr. Cockroach, The

Missing Link, and Insectosaurus. She pleads with the staff running the prison to go home so she can finally get married to her fiancee Derek, voiced by Paul Rudd. After refusal, she seeks the help of Dr. Cockroach to experiment on her to attempt to shrink her back down to her normal size.

The story speeds up when an alien named Gallaxhar, voiced by Rainn Wilson, who is looking throughout the universe for the same radioactive substance in the meteorite that gave Susan her gigantic size sends a humongous robot probe to extract it from Earth.

In the midst of an alien vessel sending a robot probe to Earth, the President tries to make first contact. The robot does not respond to contact attempts and starts going on a

,..-state of Play

,.,,J7Again High.···Voltage

rampage. With all conventional weapons useless against the alien machine, General W. R. Monger, voiced by Kiefer Sutherland, suggests releasing all the monsters in captivity to fight the robot.

The remainder of the movie is an easy to guess plot, but it is a fun hour and a half of laughs you can enjoy with your friends and it is a movie you can definitely enjoy with your kids. The humor is oriented to science fiction fans; however, there is also enough jokes that adults will find refreshing amongst the silly 'humor for kids. With "Monsters vs Aliens," Dreamworks has once again produced a fun fantasy flick, great for science fiction efficionados and a film which the entire family can enjoy.

-Earth NObsessed ,..,Fighting Soloist

Not all who wander into Peru want to depart

Peru gets under your skin, if you live here long enough. Growing up in suburban Detroit, I never thought I would end up attending a small Nebraska state college, living in a sqall Nebraska town, and loving it.

Moving to Peru was a choice my husband and I made when he was hired at Cooper Nuclear Station in 1984. A month after moving here, my first child was conceived. Must have been the water. Twenty-five years later, Peru has become my hometown.

No place, of course, is perfect.

· Peru certainly does not have a big shiny grocery store, a Wal-Mart, or even a Pamida. There is no pizza place (Although Pizza Hut was once here), no theater or club with live music, and only one restaurant open five days a week. But Cotty's does make a mean cheeseburger.

Why did this picturesque village and college, upholstered with oak trees, sprinkled with songbirds, where no kitchen floor is get under my skin? There are two definitive reasons:· the beauty and the people.

Connecting with nature is important; a canopy of green leaves makes the perfect cathedral. As a

writer and photographer, Peru's undulating swells and intoxicating hiking trails quench the spirit. All the oak trees on the campus and in · town delight (Yes; even the stinky ginkgo) and the feathery fronds of bald ·cypress just beg to be touched.

The town and the college campus are visually appealing. From the stately hundred-year-old homes to the Tudor architecture 6f Delzell, from the soft lavender of redbuds and lilacs in the spring to the "Currier and Ives" panorama of snow-coated Peru, each season and vista provides unique views.

This place is more than just being nice to look at. The people make Peru State College and the town of Peru a great place to live, learn, and

a family.

course,

characters too numerous to

mention and, at times, gossip does Decker's

overwhelm good sense. A person also has to be a little more creative to find fun and interesting things to do here.

Going through a divorce and open '·heart surgery, I discovered who· my real friends are. From compassionate professors to kind fellow students, from helpful co-workers to additional friends, I also discovered that most of my real friends were always in right here in Peru. They may be a quirky bunch. but I love them just the same.

From the unique perspective of

an ice

treat or Cotty's

slice

Mary

being both a "townie" and a college student - Bobcat blue in this beauti-

ful hill-of-a-town - I cannot imagine living anywhere else at this point in my life. So be careful, Peru might just grow on you too.

Codes key for online shopping value

LINZE THUMMEL

Contributing Writer

With the current state of the economy and the desire to be more ecofriendly, people have become thrifty. They are looking for ways to reduce use, recycle or just save a few dollars.

The new craze is coupons. But it goes far beyond clipping coupons out of the Sunday paper for thirty cents off a can of peas. Today's shoppers are looking to maximize on big purchase savings and get the most for the least amountof money.

For anyone who has ever gone to

check-out ortline and seen the little only could there be a fifteen perbox that says, "for 10% off or free shipping, enter promotional code here" and thought, "where do people get these promotional codes?"

the answer is that promotional codes are out there, but they have to be located. There are a variety of sites which list coupon codes. Some codes work and some do not. The best approach would be to search around the various websites and see what is out there. When making a purchase, for instance at Amazon online, try out a coupon code. If it does not work, there is no harm as the purchase was not dependent on the code. If it does work, great! Not

cent savings, there is also an idea of what coupon sites are likely to have working codes.

Some sites such a, retailmenot.com list promotion>. and show indicators of how often other users have been successful using the code. Many coupon sites have coupons that are posted directly by a retailer, such as Sears. JC Penny's, and Macy's.

Finding, using, and saving coupon promotion codes is a craft. It takes skills, smarts, patience and practice. Like many sales seekers know, timing is everything and a miss today could be a hit tomorrow.

e is available g to give you make an

Tips designed to help students get through finals week unscathed

Once April hits, the cabin fever from February and March, procrastination and end-of-the-year-itis, combined with the urgency of major projects, papers, deadlines and tests often leads to a last minute scramble and panic for students to get things done. But here are some tips to keep the anguish in check:

-Get organized. Use a daily planner, or make a calendar to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

-Determine priorities. Decide what is the most pressing, and what can wait a little while.

-Set up a time schedule. Plan times specifically for working. ·

-Break large projects or assign-

· ments into smaller, workable chunks. Creating smaller chunks leads to easier, more attainable feeling goals, which is good. Once most of the small things are done, the big project seems attainable.

-Find the right spot. Sometimes there are too many distractions at home, or in the dorm, so either break away from the normal studying spots that tend to be unproductive, or go to the normal spots which have proven to be productive. Some people prefer the library while others enjoy studying in a restaurant, like Panera Bread, where coffee and snacks are close and convenient.

-Eliminate distractions. This means putting the cell phone on silent and limiting the time with a friend who just wants to chat.

-Do well, but do not over think. Obsessing for hours on one thing, and neglecting everything else probably will just lead to more. stress, so do well, and then be willing to accept the finished product and move on.

-Plan to not study. That is right, plan to not study. Everyone needs breaks. Leave time to eat lunch, watch TV, or get outside without worrying about neglecting studying. By making a plan in the time schedule for breaks there is less of a chance of getting burned out and more of a chance of coming back to studying with a fresh determination.

-Don't cram. Get started early (set a time schedule, and break large into workable chunks above). By studying a little bit each day, the need to panic and cram is lessened, thus allo.wing the brain to

concentrate on remembering. Finally, remember, though the tasks ahead may seem close to impossible, with a little bit of com-

rnitrnent, time management, and a plan in mind, getting through it is not just possible, it is certain. Photo courtesy

Braving the problems during one of the toughest weeks for students

No studying has been done so far. No prepping had been planned. The · finals are in a few days and the question comes up, "What am I

going to do?"

Finals can make or breltk a semester in different ways; it can either enhance what you have learned and worked in class so far or it could ultimately crack the student's spine with a singfo blow.

The inevitable part· of taking a. final is enduring test anxiety. Not all

test anxiety is a bad thing; according to University · of Nebraska in Lincoln Department of English instructor James A. McShane, some text anxiety is good for adrenaline prepping for finals. But this anxiety also has its dark side: "Some is counter productive, especially if it leads to some level of terrified

paralysis," McShane said. ''The latter comes primarily from two sources; a lack of adequate preparation and from a history of non-success at exams."

Preparation is the key to enduring any final. Another good rule for preparing for finals is starting early. The earlier the student starts, the less of a chance the student will lose track of the information being read for the final. Starting early will enable students to organize the material that they will need to study arid time to reflect on what they already know.

After getting their books and notes organized, it is time for students to actually study for the final. Cramming before the big final may seem like a last ditch defense against failing. But if one decides to cram, chances are most of the needed knowledge for the day will be gone,

When studying for the final, students should try to make flashcards. According to FastWeb.com, flashcards act as a portable study packet for students to use. They are incredibly easy and simple to use once the information is written down on the. cards.

Aside from flashcards, students shou}d try outlining information they need to look for on the test. An outline will help a student organize thoughts and information needed for the final.

Students should not attempt to

tackle finals alone. They should take advantage of the Academic Resource Center's tutoring center, where someone skilled in a particular area will be available to help. If students had not sought help from a tutor now is the time to start the habit of making visits. Students should also meet with their instructors with any subject that is giving them trouble. Instructors will be able to help or direct the student to a person who cari help.

The most basic strategy regarding to finals is to get some sleep. A total of seven hours of sleep will help the mind and body function. If the students' mind is sleep deprived, the ability to solve complex formulas or figure out a date or a certain war will be lost during the final.

While taking the final, students should remain calm and composed. They should take time with each and every question or problem presented. If everything is answered, students should take time to check the answers to see if they are correct.

There is even a strategy after the final is over: students should not dwell on the final! Don't freak out about bombing the math test or not. It will only bog down the attitude and the thought process to succeed in other finals. If a student has studied the necessary material with the right amount of time and patience, there is probably a passing grade in the final -as a result.

Student SpOtligh"t ·

'Cats take out Eagles

March 21, 2009 - The Peru State · College Baseball team traveled south this weekend to open up play in the MCAC Conference against Oklahoma Wesleyan.

In the first game, the Bobcats used a seven runs in the fourth inning to take the victory 11-2 over the Eagles. Peru's 11 runs came on 14 hits with one error in the game.

Yimy Rodriquez picked up the victory in the game throwing six innings giving up two runs on three hits while facing 19 batters.

At the plate, Mark Houck led the team with three hits, one double, one RBI, and two runs scored. Will Hays, Clayton Brigham, Brandon Schrupp, and Robert Last each finished with two hits for the Bobcats.

Former coach dies at 87

Lou Saban, who coached football at Peru State College in 1991, who coached 0 .J. Simpson in the NFL, ran the New York Yankees for George Steinbrenner, during a career that spanned five decades, died March 29, 2009; he was 87. Saban coached at Peru State in 1991, going 7-4 that season.

According to his wife, Saban died around 4 a.m. at his home in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. His

wife stated that Saban had heart problems for years and recently suffered a fall that required hospitalization.

Louis Henry Saban was born in Brookfield, Ill. in 1921 and was a 1940 graduate of Lyons Township High School. After starring at Indiana, Saban played football for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1949.

Schrupp finished with a double, Last added a homerun, and Ryan Baroudi pitched in with a triple. In the second game, Peru held off the Eagles to take a 15- IO victory. The Cats finished the game with 12 hits and one error. Peru's Shawn Staszczyk picked up the victory in the game two. Mark Houck helped the cause with a homerun, three RBI's, and two runs scored. Five other Bobcats finished with two hits in the game. Gary Hall, Brandon Schrupp, Clayton Brigham, Ryan Lanpher, and Will Hays each recorded two hits. Brigham finished with three RBI's with Hall, Schrupp, Lanpher, and Hays adding two RBI's each.

Lou Saban, football coach at Peru in 1991, died March 29, 2009. He was 87 years old.

Saban had a long and esteemed coaching career in both professional and college football, including head coaching stints with Boston Patriots, Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos of the American Football League.

Photo courtesy of http://www.d3football.com

Erik Kohl recognized by NAIA for work

March 23, 2009 - The 2008-09

NAIA Division I & Division II Men's Basketball DaktronicsNAIA Scholar-Athletes have ·been announced with 198 student-athletes recognized, including Peru student Erik Kohl. In order to be a recipient of the Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete award, one must

fulfill these requirements: the recipient must be a junior or above in academic standing; has beell in attendance at the nominating institution a minimum of one.full year of attendance; has a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) at the time of nomination at the nominating institu-

tion; has been certified as eligible. Kohl is a 6'7" senior center from Lincoln, NE. He is currently pusuing a teaching degree in physical · and will graduate in

December of 2009. Kohl is.a graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School and played for. Peru State Alum Jeff Smith. He is the son of Bill and Pat Kohl of Lincoln.

'Cats lose to Baker University and Southwestern College

March 22, 2009 - The Bobcat Softball team dropped two non-conference games on Sunday to Baker University and Southwestern College.

In the first game against the Wildcats of Baker University, the Cats were defeated 6-3. Baker used a three run fourth innings to secure the victory over the Bobcats. Peru finished the game with eight hits and four errors. Peru's Nicole Goodrich took the loss throwing six innings giving up six runs on eight hits while striking out seven batters. At the plate, the Bobcats were led by Liz Matulka and Brittany Hoock who finished with two hits each. Hoock, Matulda, and Alexis Trujillo

each finished with doubles for the Cats.

In the second game, the Bobcats took on Southwestern Cotlege of Kansas. Peru's Natalie Zabel was credited with the loss in game t\\'.O as the Bobcats fell 10-9. Zabel ' threw three and two-thirds innings giving up two runs on eight hits while striking out two batters. The Bobcats finished the game with 11 hits as'Jen Siedlik and Liz Matulka each finished with two hits. Siedlik and Matulka also added three RBI's in the game. The Bobcats move to 10-14 overall on the season with these losses.

Third base player Brittany Hoock gets ready fij'field the ball during the game against Hastings College

Bobcats rack both wins and losses in softball

March 21, 2009 -The Peru State College Softball team picked up one victory while dropping two on Saturday.

The Bobcats opened up Saturday against McKendree College with a 4-0 loss. The Cats finished with four hits and two errors in the game. Nicole Goodrich took the loss for Peru as she threw seven innings giving up four runs on 10 hits. The Bobcat bats had four players that recorded a hit which included, Alexis Trujillo, Brittany Fry, Kerra Brummer, and Nicole Mercer.

Peru took on St. Gregory's of Oklahoma in the second game of

the day. Perndropped the game 7c 3 with Natalie Zabel taking the loss for the Bobcats Zabel threw six innings on nine'hits:.Ten Fry, Nicole Mercer, and Krista Patten each finished with a hit for Peru.

Patten and Matulka each recorded an RBI in the game while Siedlik added a double with Patten picking up a triple. Peru scored one run in the fourth, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh as they managed four hits, three runs, and two errors.

In the third game of the day, the Bobcats took on HannibalLaGrange College. The Bobcats

picked up a 9-1 victory over the Trojans as they finished with 10 hits and one error in the game. ;Peru's. Lauren· Fiori was credited \with tlie victory on the mound as she threw seven innings giving up one nm on five hits with three strikeouts. Peru scored two runs in the first, one in the third, four in the fifth, one in the sixth, and one in the seventh to generate their nine runs. Jen Siedlik led the Bobcats at the plate with a 3-4 performance with Liz Cunningham adding a 2-4 showing. Brittany Fry led the team in RB I's with three on the day.

Baseball team picks up a win and drops the ball for a loss· in March

March 29, 2009 - In game 1. the Bobcats took an early 3-0 lead in the ,first inning, and scored twice more in the 4th. In the bottom of the 4th Park tied it up with a 3 run inning and then took the lead in the bottom of the 6th.

'Cats answered scoring 8 runs in the seventh to seal the deal. Jon. Sanley got the start and went 3 and two thirds giving up 3 earned runs while striking out two. Vince Eberhard threw great for 3 and a third innings to notch the win, allowing no earned runs. At the plate, Gary Hall and Ryan Baroudi each had 3 hits. Mark Houck and Brandon Schrupp also chipped in with a 2-5 efforts with 2 RBI each. Peru took game one by the score of 13-7.

Monday April 13, 2009

University of St. Mary falls

The Peru State Softball team added a homerun for the Bobcats traveled south to take on the to secure the win. University of St. Mary in nonconference action,

The Bobcats allowed one run in the first inning then kept St. Mary's scoreless the rest of the game as they captured the win 7-

1. Nicole Goodrich threw fiving innings to pick up the win with four strikeouts. Lauren Fiori came in, throwing two innings

Peru finished the game with 11 total hits_ as Nicole.Mercer led the team with three hits one RBI, a run scored, and a do'Uble. Brittany Hoock 2-2-performance with three runs scored and a double. Krista Patten collected a double of her own as she recorded two hits with one RBI. Jen Siedlik

In the nightcap, Peru captured a 5-3 victory for the sweep. The Bobcat bats were hot as they rallied off 19 hits in the game. Jen Siedlik led the team with a 5-5 performance and two runs scored. Brittany Hoock and Kerra Brummer each finished with three hits and an RBI. Nicole Mercer added two hits and two RBI's On the mound, NatalieZabelwas credited with the victory while Lauren Fiori picked up the save. Zabel threw five innings giving up two runs on six hits with Fiori throwing two innings giving up one run on one hit with two strikeouts.

Game 2 was a hard fought battle until the wheels came off in the sixth as park broke out for a 6-run inning. Yimy Rodriguez took the loss, but threw much better than his line would suggest, as park had several seeing-eye singles. However, Rodrigues gave up 7 earned while strijcing out 8 batters. There was one · run lead going into the 6th, but struggled to get outs after that. At the' plate, Will Hayes was with a solo homer in the second. Houck once again had 2 hits and an RBI. Peru took game two by the score of 9-4

BANK OF PERU Branch of Farmers Bank of Cook New·ATM located inStud.eritCe,nter! newest branch is a little closer to.home. · :Sign up today for internet bankin.g,t. www.fbcdirect.com 622 5th Street Peru, NE ()8421 ·Phone # (402) 872. 3335

Monday April 13, 2009

Fun Facts - Did you know?

1. The pH of rain is slightly under 6 because atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves in the droplet forming small quantities of carbonic acid, which then partially dissociates and lowers the pH.

2. In some desert areas, the airborne dust contains enough calcium carbonate to counter the natural acidity of precipitation causing rainfall to be neutral or even basic.

3. Rain with a pH below 5 .6 is considered acid rain.

4. Rain is categorized into six groups including: very light(< 0.25 mm/hour), light (0.25 mm/hour - 1.0 mm/hour), moderate (1.0 mm/hour - 4.0 mm/hour), heavy (4.0 mm/hour16.0 mm/hour), very heavy (16.0 mm/hour - 50 mm/hour), and extreme(> 50.0 mm/hour).

5. Precipitation is measured using a Rain Gauge.

6. Rainwater contains pollutants, soil, plant parts, insect parts, bacteria, algae, and some times radioactive materials that the rain/snow has washed out of the air.

7. Virga is a process in which not all of rain reaches the Earth's surface. Some/most of it evaporates while falling through dry air. This phenomenon is most often seen in hot, dry desert regions.

8. The Bergeron process is the major explanation of how rain forms and falls.

9. Seattle is believed to have the most rainfall in the US but it's average rainfall is 942 mm (37.l in) per year, less than New York City's 1173 mm (46.2 in). However, Seattle has 201 cloudy days per year, compared to 152 in New York. Melbourne, Australia has a similar reputation to Seattle's.

10. Australia is the world's driest continent.

11. South America is the world's wettest continent.

12. The wettest city in the 48 contiguous United States is Mobile, Alabama, which average 1702 mm (67 in) of rainfall per year. Ketchikan and other locations in the temperate rain forest of southeast Alaska get an average of 4064 mm

Senior Jenn ifer Epting models a classic work ensemble for women at ,the for Suc,cess" style show sponsored by Phi Beta Lamba (PBL) and Career Services.

The sho,w was held April 7, at 12:30 p.m. in Benford Recital Hall.

Photos by Kellen Sailors

Dress for Success

prizes from local busjness, includfog the Peru State (160 in) of rain a year; sometimes receiving over 5000 mm (about 200 inches) in a year.

13. Currently, there is a dispute over the wettest place in the world. The contenders include: Mount Wai- 'ale- 'ale, Kauai (one of the Hawaiian islands), Mount Tutenendo, Columbia, Lloro, Columbia, Cherrapunji, (North-Eastern) India, and Mawsynram, India.

College Cooking Comer Mini Pizzas

Ingredients:

1 package of 6 English muffins

1 small jar pizza sauce

8 ounce package shredded Mozzarella cheese

48 slices pepperoni (or meat of your choice)

Final Exam Schedule - Spring Semester 2009

Directions:

1. Take out 6 English muffins and place on a microwavable-safe plate. Pour sauce on to open face muffins.

2. Place 4 slices of pepperoni on each muffin.

3. Top each muffin with your desired amount of cheese (how much or little you would like).

4. Bake in microwave for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

5. Enjoy!

The Pe

Professor to take students abroad

Dr. Kelly Asmussen, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the School of Professional Studies, will be taking students to visit Australia later this summer.

The study abroad group is comprised of 12 participants. They will depart from Omaha on May 18 and return on June 8. The group will visit Sydney, Australia for ten days and Brisbane, Australia for the rest of the study tour.

Students who enroll in a hybrid course to take the trip will explore Australian history, economy, culture, the social welfare program, and the aboriginal peoples. They will study Australia's drug treatment program, interagency cooperation, crime, juvenile and justice programs, courts, and other agencies.

Students will be able to tour some of the sights in Sydney, such as Hyde Park Barracks Museum, which, according to Dr. Asmussen, is an actual anthropological site that once housed two hundred and forty hammocks for inmates. The group will visit Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre, a facility for

female offenders and part of the larger Silverwater Correctional Complex twenty-one kilometers west of Sydney's business district.

The group will visit the Justice and Police Museum, where they will view police weapo'1s and mug shots of Australia's criminal offenders.

The group will see the koalas at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, known as Australia's largest and oldest koala sanctuary.

In Brisbane. the group will visit the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre, the Link-up to Boys' Town and the Queensland Police Academy will also be visited along with other sights related to law enforcement. There will also be ·a day trip to the Australia Zoo, which not only hosts native Australian animals but also exotic creatures such as elephants and tigers. The group will venture to Surfer's Paradise, a beach that also serves as a restaurant, fashion, and nightclub scene.

The group will also have a barbeque at the University of Queensland. Dr. Asmussen mentioned the University would have a public release about the group coming from the United States to Australia on the trip.

The estimated cost for the trip is about $3,750. Most of the sights, transportation and meals will be at

the students' own cost.

The focus of this trip is comparing a country's criminal justice system to that of the United States' criminal justice system. Students will tour the three aspects of the system: police, the courts and the juvenile justice system.

Aside from Australia. Dr. Asmussen has also taken students on trips to Costa Rica in past years.

To Dr. Asmussen, the trip is more than just an opportunity to take students to a continent for a fresh experience. He is a good friend with Ian Davies, who developed the Victims of Crime national organization for Australia. Davies was also awarded the top three humanitarian awards in Australia.

"When I go back, I go back to see friends," he said, "because that's how close we are."

Dr. Asmussen possesses many souvenirs from Australia, including a didgeridoo, a rod-like instrument of the Aboriginal tribes that makes a deep, vibrating sound when played. He also carries around a "mook mook" stone, which is given to him by Senate of the Waka Waka Tribe of Queensland Gloria Beckett in 1995, for good luck.

Overall, Dr. Asmussen was highly optimistic about the trip; "They [the Art show displays the workby three seniors - p.5

Back

students] get to have an experience that will be etched in their minds forever."

Two students participating in the study abroad trip from Shickley, Brianna Zauha and Doug Mountford, expressed thier excitement for the opportunity presented.

"I can't wait for the experience because I know it will be an eye-

opener and be something for me to talk about when I get interviewed for med school. I wish you all the best of luck with this course and hopefully I'll see some of you on our trip to Australia," said Zauha.

Continue on page 5

What do you do to prepare for finals?

"I don't really do anything before finals; kind of just review everything the ·before and again right before class."

COURTNEY CUTLER

Freshman Elementary and Early Childhood , Education major

"I sit down with a snack and have some music playing while I study. I also get lots of sleep to relax."

ART ROSE

,SetJ/Qt Elementary, Early Childhood, and Special Educ.atiOn major

Alpha Chi inducts new members

MARYTRECEK

Alpha Chi, the academic scholarship society on campus, inducted its new members Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m.

Thirty-nine Peru students were installed into the society by the faculty sponsors, Drs. Bill Clemente, Spencer Davis, and John Hnida.

The new president elect of the group, Denise Blazek, accepted her responsibility of office at the ceremony.

"The ceremony was formal, yet friendly, honoring our scholastic and academic acheivment." said inductee and new student delegate Carol Carpenter.

Other officers inducted are Kate Staples (VP), Christie Haynes (Treasurer) and Kristopher Miller (Secretary).

Peru State College holds annual commencement ceremony May 9

for guests, according to the Peru State College website, will be on a "first come, first served basis."

·

STEPHANIE HOLDSWORTH·

Freshman Business Education major

and get plenty of sleep. Study extr'a:'.fQr the one l know will be hard and just stay calm."

CAITLIN FETT

Elementary and Special Education

.

The 2009 Graduation Commencement will take place Saturday, May 9, at the Al Wheeler Activities Center. The line up for the commencement will begin at 8:15 a.m., with commencement starting at 10:00 a.m.

The total number of students who will participate in the commencement exercise is 532. This also includes students who have graduated or are anticipating graduation from terms in the summer, fall, and spring semesters.

As with any graduation ceremony, there are factors for preparing for a successful graduation. Parking will be available in parking-designated areas. Some guests can be transported by a shuttle service between the parking lots and the Al Wheeler center from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The seating

THE PERU STATE TIMES

Editor-in-Chief

Assistant Editor

Copy Editor

Layout Editor

Advertising Manager Distribution Manager Layo;it Staff

Phuong Tran

Mary Trecek

Kristopher Miller

Kellen Sailors

Stephanie Hoffman

Savannah Wenzl

Wellington Ferguson

Joe Smith

Kristen Rusen

Linze Thummel

Ellen Giittingen

Carol Carpenter

Tom Van Boeing

Contributing Stq/f

Trevor Shalon

Doug Mountford

Katie Kuhl

Shyriah Marshall

Zak Groenke

Overall, guests are encouraged to come early for commencement. If students have any honor cords or pins from any organization on campus, they should visit with their faculty sponsors to see if they can wear them or not.

Students who will graduate \\'.ill assemble in the main circulation area of the library at 8: 15 a.m. after entering through the library's main entrance. If anyone has valuables, they need to trust guests to hold onto ·them. No one except the students will be allowed to march to the graduate seats in the processional. The processional march will be made of two lines, and it will move from the library to the AWAC building. During the processional, students will receive name cards that they must keep and present while entering the stage

Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Mike Barger was chosen as the win-

ner of the Teacher Excellence Award for this year. Recipients are chosen from faculty who are nominated for the award. The nominees are evalu.ated by the Rank and Tenure Committee, who forward the recommendations to the administration. The Board of Trustees and college administration then pick the potential candidate.

Dr. Barger has some advice to students who will be graduating from Peru State College:

"Contrary to popular opinion, life is long for most people, and there is no reason to spend all that time doing something that is distasteful and unsatisfying," he said. "That being said, the current economic climate will make it more difficult than usual to find the perfect career for students graduating this year. I wish them good fortune in the years ahead, and I hope they leave knowing that they can always rely on their former professors to help them as they pursue their careers."

The Times, the official student newspaper of Peru State College, is published five times per semester by Peru State College students. The Times office is located in the College Publications Office in Room 126 of the AV Larson Building.

The opinions expressed in the Times may not be those of the entire newspaper staff. The Peru State Times is an independent publication funded by student publication fees. The views expressed in this publication, including the contents of paid advertisements, do not necessarily reflect the views of the administration, faculty or staff of Peru State College.

All letters to the editor are welcome, and the writers of those letters need not be students. Letters, cartoons, articles, pictures and any other material submitted to the Times must be signed by individual(s) submitting them and will be published at the discretion of the staff. The Times reserves the right to edit all letters, articles and other submitted materials for grammar, length and clarity. The Times also reserves the right to decline the publication of any materials, including paid advertisements, for any reason.

Facuity Advisor

Kristi Nies

To reach the Times, call us at (402) 872-2260, email us at psctimes@acornmail.p'eru.edu or send material to the Peru State Times though campus mail or to: PSC Times, Peru State College, P.O. Box 10, Peru, NE 68421.

' ''I 'to get snacks and sit dowti .ali<! my hardest class, then I focus on the next day. But I do particpate in po.wet because that helps take the stress away.?"

fhuo1119 and .Stephanie. have a se.r1>1:rus tnof'fltw1t at the offce.

rimes' Senior Saying "Farewell"

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Bu:stness Mom:gement, Motl<A!:ting, Qnd CMIS

My cell phone., laptop, ond the. iMnc.

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re:oct if lMt'ISUwmt.dJ into (l nsh?

I WQUld to tronsfO:t"m to one.

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My pborie Qfld my li'lle in them.

I'm o che.ed'<!Ulder Go team! I would drOWtl.

Biology with a mirior in Cheanr$try ond (l;(Jting, W<iter rs uaful foe.

Psych<>l¢gy '#fth o: n'Wni:w tn Business:

food. the 9reat tll'ld of cour!:ie Peter!

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I wouid 'o'f!l.r:y strong- I would make friends fy freak (!dit;e-d mth:Nemo. 1<n< language),

Whl:it !5 tny worst qwlity?

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1 am 011 oppi:w- ! crar:iky ti.J1'11ity hater. I hate when I d<:i not have oc:everybody cess tc food for long nf time.

..,S'ilmce ... "NOfle. of my adS' better ! j11Js:t rem.et"nber be- be miSSfng. flt1uong!" ing tijrsd a»d a lot

PSC non-traditional students continue to close the gap

On most college campuses, there is a noticeable shift in student population. For several generations, the typical college student was an eighteen to twenty-two year old fresh out of high school, plucked from their hometown and parked for four years on a college campus. Not anymore.

According to U.S. Census data, while sixteen percent of college students are considered in the traditional age range, in 2003, and nontraditional students numbered 6.1 million or thirty-seven percent. Some estimates in 2005 place them as high as 12 million out of a total of 15 million college students.

Changes in th.e economy and dwindling job markets will only cause these numbers to grow. Not only are the demographics of students changing, but the classrooms themselves are morphing into a new medium. Most colleges are restructuring to meet the growing demand.

In 2003, only thirty-eight percent of students at PSC both full time and part time were non-traditional. While traditional students made up fifty-four percent of full-time students in 2008-2009, non-trads are definitely closing the gap. This year, fifty-two percent of PSC.parttimers were non-trads and forty-six percent of those taking classes fulltime were also non-traditional.

Graphic Design major Elaine Karel said, "The best part of being a non-traditional student for me is rediscovering how much I love to learn. I wish I had never stopped and I hope I never stop challenging myself to try new th.ings."

Karel said that at first she thought she would not fit in with the other

"My experience has been that my age has had no influence on how I fit in," Karel said, "The students here at Peru State show each other great respect. Without the help from my classmates and the other students who have been apart of my journey for knowledge, the trip would be quite burdensome."

Karel added that her biggest challenge is not having a variety of financial aid options available as undergraduates. ·

To accommodate the non-traditional, PSC and the state college system needed to restructure and have greatly expanded their online and other programs. PSC offers classes in both bachelor's and masters programs as well as classes at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue. Colleges, such as Kaplan University in Lincoln and Omaha and Bellevue University, offer evening and weekend classes for expedited degrees. The University of Phoenix advertises as being the "college of right now."

The truth is that not everyone is ready for college when they graduate from high school. Many will choose instead to get jobs or start families. Others may lack motivation or finances and put off going to college. Obviously, many of them eventually chose to enroll because th.e numbers are staggering.

The US Department of Education also noted that high school graduation rates will decrease between 2008 and 2015, so the current trends in non-traditional enrollments are likely to continue.

According to the U.S. Department of Education and the University Continuing Education Association, adults twenty-five and older who are working and raising families are the fastest-growing group taking college courses.

Among the reasons for returning to college, nontraditional students

most often stated they returned to · advance or change careers. Corporations may utilize higher learning to improve worker performance and job satisfaction by offering tuition reimbursement and other incentives to hire or to retain valued employees.

Colleges are also businesses and must cater to their clientele. While PSC and other Nebraska colleges deliver a quality education at a reasonable price, the schools must also stay competitive and recruit nontraditional students. When the number of online classes tripled in 2002, the tides had undoubtedly turned. Now it is in the school's best interest economically to recruit and retain students as well as expand their online and distance learning programs.

According to 2003 data, women constitute not only a fifty-five percent majority of the traditional college-age student population, but also fifty-eight percent of nontraditional college-age students. The person perched at the next desk may be a mom, grandma, aunt or older sibling. In fact, among students thirty-five and older, almost two-thirds

Sifting Sands literary joum,al is on. sale

The Peru State College English. Club is pleased to announce the first edition of Sifting Sands Literary Journal.

Writing Contest. Contestants entered poetry, creative non-fiction, and fiction with first prizes and honorable mentions awarded in all categories. The winners receive a copy of the journal along with a

Pictures of non-traditional students at Peru State College.

cash prize. Copies of Sifting Sands are limited and available for $5 each. Contact Abby Linnerson or Drs. Dan Holtz and Bill Clemente to reserve your copy today.

are women". But th.ere are many men, including returning veterans or former athletes, in the mix. Consider the story of Troy Aikman, an adult learner who put

-Affordable Birth Control? -STD Exam? -Pap Smear Exam? -Condoms? -Emergency Contraception? On Campus, the 3rd Thursday of every month 1:30-6:30 P.M. in the AWAC's Health Center Please call Family Health Services, Inc. @ 1-877-691-8382 for an appointment

PSC musiC wraps up the year

As the year draws to a close, the Peru State Music Department has prepared a string of concerts and performances for the choirs and bands.

The Madrigal Choir had the annual Night of Musical Theatre on April 14. The show featured music from a variety of musicals. ranging from classics like "South Pacific'' to songs from newer musicals.

The last weeks of April were truly busy, starting with the Jazz Band and Show Choir Concert on Wednesday, April 22. The performance opened with the Misty Blues Show Choir, then continued with the band. Thursday saw the Jazz Band's Party on the Patio. The band played while the crowd enjoyed the sunshine and complimentary ice cream bar that featured sundaes, banana splits, and root beer floats.

Sunday, April 26 was the Spring Choir Concert. The show opened with the Concert Choir. Following them was the Madrigal Singers. Misty Blues wrapped up the night. After the Ch0ir and Show Choir performances, Dr. Thomas Ediger, director of the groups, recognized the graduating seniors and members of the choirs that would not be returning the next year.

show displays work by 1three seniors

KRISTOPHER MILLER Copy Editor

acrylic on canvas, prints, digital photography, digital layout, and digital illustrations.

After that busy week, there are still events to come. The Spring Band Concert will be held in the College _Theatre May 3, at 3 p.m. and the Madrigal Singers will sing at graduation.

Following graduation, the Jazz Band and Misty Blues will go on tour in Kansas City. They leave May 11 and return May 13, 2009.

Professor to take students abroad (Page 1)

''As for the trip, I am indeed going!" said freshman social science major William Jackson. "I did struggle with my decision at first because of the cost. My dad has always told me to take the opportunity to travel, especially at young age. I am very excited to experience this trip both intellectually and as a great opportunity to see a whole other culture. I know that I will most likely be the youngest going on the trip but I hope that I learn things I would have never thought of and I hope I create new friendships that will last a lifetime," said Jackson.

"I am thrilled to be part of a study abroad program that is well orgranized by Dr. Asmussen and the college. I have spent the majority of my time in Nerbaska so it would be nice to take a break from school and work to travel the world again," said senior business management, marketing, and CMIS major Phuong Tran, a native of Vietnam.

One of the group members, Karlee Dom, is not a Peru State student. She is attending University of Nebraskai,incoln and taking the Peru State hybrid course in order to participate in the abroad trip. ·

"I am super excited to go to Australia in May. I have never been but always wanted to. However I am slightly worried about the long flight I am really excited to learn more about all of [my classmates]," said Dom Students who will be participiating in the trip:

I. Sophomore psychology major Candice Eckwall (Omaha)

2. Senior psychology and pre-med major Brianna Zauha (Shickley)

3. Senior criminal justice major and English minor Christine Lauby (Lincoln)

4. Senior criminal justice major Jared Brass (Lincoln)

5. Senior psychology major Doug Mountford (Shickley))

7. Business education major Jennifer Clark (Bellevue)

8. Freshman social science major William Jackson (Omaha)

9. Senior business management, marketing, and computer management information systems major Phuong Tran (Hanoi, Vietnam)

IO. Junior criminal justice administration. major Leigh Edwards

11. Senior criminal justice major Doug Hayes (Omaha)

12. Junior criminal justice counseling Jason Rodriguez (Scottsbluff)

Three Peru State College senior art students, who come from Palmyra, Nebraska City, and Morill, Kan. are holding an art exhibit from April 14 to May 7. A reception was held for the artists on Sunday, April 19. Ellen Giittenger of Nebraska City, .Leisha Tennal of Morill, and Brett Genuchi of Palmyra are presenting their works at the Senior Art Exhibition, which are comprised of different visual medi- · urns. These mediums include ·.

Professor Ken Anderson is very pleased with how well the show has gone so far. "The public will view and appreciate the v.aried approaches that students employ in their work," he said.

The public can view the exhibit at the A.V. Larson building. The regular gallery hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, Monday through Friday. The gallery can also be open by appointment by ·either calling 872-2271 or e7mailing Professor Artderson at kanders9n@oakmruLperu.edu.

Rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony faces challenges after reuniting

Though the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony has had limited success since the 90's, the reunion of all five members makes fans hopeful for a new infusion of classic rap and hip hop flair into today's music scene.

In the 90's, Bone Thugs-nHarmony dominated the charts and were a key part of musical culture. Their developed from fast paced rap flo·w and violent origins to incorporate more spirituality, stylistic maturity, and a harinonious blend of hip hop soulfulness.

"Creepin on ah Come Up" was their first release in 1994. After being initially signed to Ruthless Records after opening for Eazy-E,, the album was certified two times Platinum. "E. 1999 Eternal,"

t think I mi What a

released in 1995, and "The Art of War," released in 1997, were both were certified four times Platinum. "BTNHResurrection" released in 2001, was also certified Platinum. In addition to Eazy-E, Bone Thugs also collaborated with Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, and Big Pun.

Shortly after their success, the group began having problems. Members began quarreling, and they were having problems with their record label as well as attempting to pursue solo ventures.

The group released "Thug Stories" in 2006, and "Strength and Loyalty" in 2007, neither of which gained much attention, though the latter was certified Gold.

Despite glimmers of the harmonious and evolving "thuggish" style, the group was not what it once was. People seem to be collectively voicing the sentiment that Lil Wayne, -T-Pane, 50 Cent, and Kanye West tired, and that the

return of Bone Thugs is going to , shake up hip-hop.

In July of 2008, Flesh was released from prison and reunited with Bone Thugs. But that was only the beginning of the reunion. Bizzy Bone, who was never too far away (he and Layzie did several Bone Brothers CDs together, in addition to his solo work), was also back. Fans who have been speculating about a reunion can now celebrate the confirmed rumors.

Bone Thugs are in the studio working on their new CD, "Uni5," set to be released this summer. Challenges still lie ahead as today's music scene is different froijl that of the 90's. The game is different, the players are older, and

The picture above shows group members from Bone Thugs-n Harmony. They reunited in 2008, and are working on new material fol an upcoming album.

Bone Thugs are relatively unknown albums worldwide, but only tim1 to today's younger audience. A will tell if this mega group will b1 strong, mature, fan base helps, as able to continue to win the hearts o does having sold over forty million audience.

VHl confirms current rumors about the network's new reality dating shows

With the condusion of "For the Love of Ray J" ·and "Rock of Love Bus," and the beginning of spin-off

"Daisy of Love," the rumor mill is buzzing about what is next for the VHl reality dating show line up. When "Daisy of Love" rumors surfaced, there were also rumors of castoff Heather from' "Rock of Love" getting her own show.

Rumors of Megan Hauserman

(from "Rock of Love 2" "Cham School" and the first "I Love Money") getting her· own shov have recently been confirmed. The show is to be called "Trophy Wife' and should premiere in Augus 2009.

Another confirmed rumor is tha "A Real Chance of Love" will havt a second season. Official premien date is unknown at this time.

A.n additional questionable rumo concerns Danger from ''For th( Love of Ray J" woo may get hei own show. This not been con· firmed and potent.ildly not evei happen. Viewen offendec by Danger's ad it woulc be tragic hff

Only these:--

is available to give you make an

Movie releases promise to heat up summer box office

So far for the year 2009 we've had some adult oriented box office hits like "Friday the 13th," "Watchmen," and "Fast and Furious." We have also seen kid friendly films such as "Monsters vs. Aliens," "Hannah Montana: The Movie," and "Race to Witch Mountain."

But with hits, there have been some very big misses as well. Some movies that looked like potential - winners, such as action films "12 Rounds," "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li," "Dragonball: Evolution," and "Crank: High Voltage," fell short of expectations. Also, notable movies that did not live up to the hype were comedies

with poor box office performance like "Fired Up," basically a "Bring It On" knockoff and "Miss March," a rehash of what was done in "Sex Drive." Abysmal performance-like comedies such as these have proven that moviegoers are tired of the same thing that we have been getting over and over for years. But there is hope. For there is a looming summer of upcoming films that are sure to be great popcorn flicks starting soon. In May alone, we have "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," the new "Star Trek" prequel, "Angels and Demons," "Terminator Salvation," "Night at the Museum: Battle at the Smithsonian," and Disney/Pixar's next animated film "Up." A very busy month with some sequels and prequels to highly popular franchises and highly anticipated movies to boot, you almost find yourself lost in all the releases, but variety is a

good thing.

June also has some potentially fun movies. Comedies like "Land of the Lost" and "Year One" look like they will be welcomed by kids and adults alike that want to get out of the summer heat and have a few laughs at the same time. Probably most science fiction fans are most anticipating for the summer is the sequel to Michael Bay's 2007 hit "Transformers," "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

The summer movie season will just begin to sizzle when July comes around with even more future blockbusters. We all know sequels like "Ice Age: Dawn of the' Dinosaurs" and "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" are going to be big winners, but what may be another hit is from Judd Atapow, director of "Knocked Up" and "Superbad", with his comedy "Funny starring Adam

Sandler and Seth Rogen, another consistent box office recipe for success.

As the summer movie season enters August, it looks like there may be yet some potentially good movies before we all have to go back to school again. What may be either a big winner or a big loser is the live action adaptation "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." Also coming is Quinton Tarantino 's "Inglorious Bastards," Ang Lee's "Taking Woodstock," and Horror films like Halloween 2 and "Final Destination: Death Trip 3D."

Whether you are into comedies, horror movies, or just fans with either wizards or giant robots, this summer should be filled many great opportunities to take a two hour breather from the world and enjoy time together on a date or with the family. is hoping for a good summer loaded with great movies.

Zac Efron grows up, displays maturity in teen film 17 Again

MOVIE REVIEW

KATIE KUHL

Contributing Writer

Zac Efron lost some major cool points with many people when he starred in every "High School Musical" movie, but he has earned a them back in "17 Again."

This was the high school that I would much rather see him in. "17 Again" is about a man who is losing everything he has in life, and just when things could not get any worse, he is given the chance to relive his senior year. This movie follows the tradition of "Freaky Friday" by allowing an adult to

remember what it is like to be a teenager.

Obviously, the basic plot has been done several times before, but "17 Again" offers the same moral lesson to a younger generation. I went into the theater expecting the same old story told dozens of times before, but I was thoroughly surprised. The movie really started once old Mike O'Donnell (Matthew Perry) transfomied into young Mike. At that point, he goes to live with his old high school buddy· Ned. Ned acts like he is Mike's dad and signs him up for high school classes, and along the way falls for the principal. Several jokes ensue simply because of the things that Ned wears. After several life-altering views on the way things really are, Mike comes to realize exactly what he needs to do in order put his life back together.

My favorite character was Mike O'Donnell's best friend from high school, Ned Gold, played by Thomas Lennon. His character was

perfectly cast. Several jokes were directly aimed at him. Aside from the excellent casting, the witty and snappy remarks made the movie. The cast did a great job of having the appropriate facial expressions for every joke.

Zac Efron matures in this movie and he appeals to adults as well as the teenage audience. It was a great comedy that was wonderfully cast and perfectly scripted.

Conversation staple just not right Pirates take US ship

can lead in to another "just one

more." The word "just" can lead to

a continuous string of bad habits that can be detrimental to one's health and sanity. Just one more

There is a word that has plagued piece of cake. Just one more cigathe English language for the longest rette. Just one more drink. We have time. A word that has demoralized, deformed the meaning of the word hurt, and belittled too many people. just as a personal device to assure

It is hard to say what the origins of ourselves that one more of a bad this word are because it has become thing cannot lead to the end of it all. too accustomed to our everyday Ian- "He or she is just "Just what? guage. They have to be something. To We say it and think nothing of it someone they are something. When while moving on to the events that someone says, "Oh that's just Bob" we find important, often not realiz- there are certain .connotations that ing that we have crushed someone's go along with it for the person who world. We might say the word in does not know who Bob is. Bob order to crush someone's word. One must be another person.It is nothing word. Four letters. The impact when special to mention to a person who said can be great as we use it for a does not even know Bob. Bob has purpose but for some reason we still no qualities that make him stick out use it so subtly that we forget what from "just Steve" or "just Dan". To kind of impact it can have. someone else, he might have the The word is "just." Not in the sense qualities that stick out. that something had to be just, as in "You are just a " Just a what? right, but that something isjust. It is Fill in the blank with any vulgar just something. We say this word so obscenity that you want. Now the many times very often, never realiz- word is used with purposeful intent. ing the impact that we have on soI!le We are using the word to tell somepeople. one they are nothing more than "Just one more" is the phrase that again, add any sort of negative crit-

icism and you get the idea. Saying placed excellent shots, in order to "just" is another way tq demean free the captain. someone for being nothing special.

DOUG MONTFORD

The story has a happy ending, Can just be a motivation tool? Nike Contributing Writer which is quite pleasing to have in tells us to just do it. Get passed all of the current struggles our country the barriers and just do it. Would it The United States, under the com- faces. President Obama managed be the same if they told us to do it? mand of Thomas Jefferson, first the situation fairly well, showing No just. I think if someone looked bumped heads with pirates in the poise and discretion, as well as takyou in the eyes and said "do it" you early 1800s. Now, over two hundred ing the necessary action of force would wise up fast and do it. No years later, the United States, led by where needed. However, what hapquestions asked. So "just" adds President Barack Obama, is facing pens now? The problem did not just nothing for motivation other than to them once again. disappear, as the pirates have vowed reinforce the idea that can be said The harrowing event took place in more attacks in the future by saying, without "just." the Indian Ocean in early April that "America will be the one mourning Why have we added definitions to gripped the Union for five whole and crying ... we will retaliate for the the meaning of "just?" Just used to days as the country prayed for the killings of our men." mean being right and correct. Now safe return of Captain Richard In order to navigate the troubling we say "just a minute," or "you are Phillips. The pirates hit hard and waters ahead, President Obama just a friend," or "just hang on." fast. Phillips ordered his crew to must continue to display the same "Just" is a small word and many barricade themselves in a room. He calm composure in the future. He times it goes unnoticed in a conver- was then captured after offering up must not buckle under any future sation. But I am tired of the word. I his own life in the place of his crew pressures the pirates place upon the am tired of being just. Being just on April 9. On April 10, Phillips country. Standing with poise and another student, just another guy, attempted to escape the pirates' honor, Obama must keep this counjust another worker. When you lifeboat through a backdoor, but was try and its civilians safe as he did on think about it, no one wants to be recaptured quickly. After a five-day Easter Day when Captain Phillips "just." ordeal and a $2 million ransom was freed. If such an event should

So do not be. Do not let anyone say request, Phillips was returned safely unfortunately occur again, we, as a you are just anything. Show the home. Acting under the authoriza- nation, must be able to place confi. qualities that make you more than tion of President Obama and the dence behind Obama that he will just. And pay it forward to people order ohhe commander of the USS handle it correctly. At this time,. we by never saying just to anyone else. Bainbridge, the Navy SEAL snipers certainly can.

Obama administration faces many challenges in the first 100 days

One hundred days have flown by since all the excitement and craze over Barrack Hussein Obama being sworn in as president has passed us by. With all the zeal and alacrity seeming to wind down day by day, we can now begin to judge what kind of leader Obama is.

On the first day he was sworn in, there was already controversy with not correctly swearing in the oath of office at his own inauguration by saying "to" when he was supposed to say "of' ill accordance with the Unlted States Constitution. I think this was a big deal over such a little thing, but if it is written in the Constitution, it should be followed. I could easily botch something like that with millions of people watching from all over the world, so I can let that pass.

What happened in the weeks to come was that appointee after

appointee was rejected for different cabinet positions. The list includes Tom Daschle with his tax evasion, Bill Richardson with his grand jury investigation on state contracts awarded to his political donors, and Judd Gregg with his "irresolvable differences" were all reasons for the previous withdraws from Obama's appointees.

Obama made sure to keep his campaign promises over lobbyists by announcing stricter limits on lobbyists in attempt to make the White ·House seem more ethical. One day later, he nominated William Corr, an anti-tobacco lobbyist. This action send mixed messages a· little bit.

Another campaign promise coming true is the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by August 30, 2010. What Obama hopes to create in the process of leaving Iraq is a 50,000 person "transitional force" to support and train personnel up to the end of 2011.

One very good thing that Obama has proven is his decisiveness to order our troops to save Captain

Phillips from Somali pirates during the siege of Maersk Alabama hijacking. This was the first successful hijacking of a vessel under the United States flag since the early 1800's.

Obama's actions show that he is not the coward conservatives were making him out to be.

When all things are said in done, the media loves to grade the current president in the first 100 days as an indicator of what kind of president he will be. Sometimes it does not mean anything. Former President George W. Bush was considered a moron from beginning to end of his presidency, and the media already made up its mind on Obama a long time ago.

I think that Obama is wishy-washy on some policies, but his responsibility to respectably get out of Iraq and finish operations in Afghanistan put together with his quick decisiveness on saving Americans from Somali pirates is a pretty strong prediction that this could be a great president yet.

Tattoos are forever, so be wise

For many people, being eighteen means one thing: you are old enough to get a tattoo.

What many fail to realize is that a tattoo is something that could be on your body for the rest of your life. There aie many consequences that come along with getting one.

Give help to others

The other day when I was headed to the grocery store, I saw a homeless man with a sign that read, "Anything helps." I was driving with my air conditioner on, going to get food for a barbeque, and my heart went out to this man, who was standing in the heat of the day, probably hungry, and homeless.

I decided to get him some food while I was at the store. It was nothing spectacular and nothing highly expensive, just something high in protein; carbs, and that did not need to be refrigerated. So I found a jar of peanut butter, a loaf

of bread, some crackers, and several bottles of cold water. I even went by the deli and got some plastic knives. It was not much but it was so.mething.

But when I left the store, the man· was gone. Possibly headed for some shade, or to spend a dollar someone had donated him, or to try to get a spot at the mission, I could not know.

This really got me thinking. Even though I am a poor college student, and the economy is bad, I can make a difference in the lives of people less fortunate than myself. I urge you to do the same.

There are over 4,000 homeless children right here in Nebraska. That is not counting adults, just children.

Anyone can donate food to organizations like their local Food Bank.

Peru State needs TEACH grant

Peru State College is considered to be the state's number one college for preparing teachers, but the college does not offer future teachers with one of the best grants opportunities available-the TEACH Grant.

The TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant gives future teachers up to $4,000 in grant money per year as long as the teather agrees to meet specified criteria. Criteria include (but are not limited to) agreeing to teach in a highly needed field (which in Nebraska for 2009-2010 includes fields from special education, math, science, foreign language, English, and music) and the teacher must agree to teach for 4 consecutive years out of 8 in a school with a high concentration of low-income students.

If a teacher cannot fulfill the cri-

teria, the individual's grant is then converted into an unsubsidized student loan, accruing interest from the award date. According to Janice Volker, the Director Financial Aid at Peru State College, this is one of the concerns in offering the TEACH Grant program, though Volker did state that these concerns wouldn't necessarily prevent the college from offering the grant in the future. She continued by saying that many schools who are offering this grant may not have awarded it to students yet because of some unsettled rules or regulations. Volker stated that the TEACH grant is being considered for Fall 2009.

This article was submitted anonymously and the opinion is that of the writer, not the PSC Times.

For many, it is one of the worst pains they will ever feel, but for others it does not hurt at all. Just like almost everything in the world, tattoos differ depending on the person as well as where they are done.

One of the consequences that come along with getting tattoos is regret. Some people get tattoos at a very young age and once they are older, they regret getting that design. Many people have tattooed names of boyfriends and girlfriends onto their bodies, failing to realize that forever is not always promised in relationships

Some people get tattoos in places where they may stretch if one gains weight. Many people should debate on what they want to get a tattoo for awhile before they actually do it, which may help to avoid regret. In the long run, this may help you decide not to get a tattoo that would have meant nothing to you.

For those who like to give blood to the American Red Cross, there is another issue to be considered, especially since they visit us here at the college multiple times a year. If you receive a tattoo in a non-state regulated shop, you are not allowed to give with the Red Cross

until a year after the date that you received the tattoo. But if you do receive a tattoo in a state regulated shop, you are able to give blood directly after.

Although people' say that tattoos are on you for the rest of your life, many times there is a surgery that can remove tattoos. The surgeries sometimes still leave the outline of the tattoos and can be very expensive depending on the size of the tattoo. Some tattoos can take up to a year to completely remove. Green is one of the hardest colors to remove while blue and black (or any darker color) are the easiest to remove.

Although tattoos may seem like a good idea now, make sure they are something you want to keep on your skin forever.

Hunting, Fishing fa Party Headquarters

Promise Nelson

Class, - Soph,omore

New athletic director committed to ill)provement

ZACGRUENKE

Contributing Writer

Spring of 2009 marked the beginning of a new era for the Peru State College athletic department, with the hiring of new Athletic Director Steve Schneider.

After spending many of the past years as the A.D. at College of St. Mary in Omaha, Schneider comes to Peru planning to get things done the right way. Earning his B.A. from Midland Lutheran and his Masters from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Schneider has plenty ofknowledge to share.

He spent a great deal of his career at Midland Lutheran, IO years as an assistant football coach/defensive coordinator, 10 years as the head football coach, and an additional five years as the A.D. Schneider also coached women's softball and created the fitness program at Midland· Lµtheran.

·In looking at Peru State's athletics, the new A.D. commented on PSC's current sµ:engths.

sum·

·Working/with the Census Bureau)' going to Mount '.Rushmore, and spending tirne with fanllly and friends·

What's your favorite?

Color Purple Holiday··Christmas'

Movie .: The Bourne Triology

Author:. Nicholas Sparks

Name a random fact about yourself. .· .•.

I colledt Wtllow dolphin· · stuff, arid Atlanta Bravesm.emo-c rabilia. ·

What are you involved in on campus?.

CAB Residence Life, PSC At-Risk Subustance Use Task force, and tutoring in the ARC

Where would you love to trav· el?

Hawaii

What career do you have in mind at this time?

Counseling troubled youth

"All of the coaches are very well committed to their athletes, and have a strong work ethic to improve every year," he said.

Schneider also considers Peru State's long standing tradition in athletics as a strength that keeps the program running. The athletes demonstrate a strong work ethic and passion for their sports, as well.

Very simply put, Schneider wants all Peru athletic programs to win ·· more, but to do it the right way, and minimize anything that may prevent the programs from excelling.

When asked what should be the role of student athletes on campus, Schneider said, "They should exemplify and model the champions of character that the NAIA encourages among all student athletes."

There is even thought of starting a Student Athlete Advisory Committee, in which there will be a voice among the athletes to enhance communication with the A.D. and keep things running as smoothly as possible. This will encourage leadership in the athletes and ensure that programs run smoothly.

Soccer will also be considered as

a program, but only after talks with students and alumni ·about what sports programs to pring to Peru and how they might work out. Of course, there. is always talk about upgrading the Oak Bowl.

"I would like to secure resources before going forth with a project like the Oak Bowl, as much of the funding usually comes from private donners or fund raising," said Schneider.

Lady 'Cats steal doubleheader from York College

April 21, 2009 - The Peru State College Softball team hosted conference foe, York College in an MCAC Conference showdown.

In the first game, the Bobcats fell behind early as the Panthers held a 4-0 lead after first five innings. In the bottom of the fifth, Peru's bats awoke to drive in four runs and tie the game up. The contest went into an extra inning with York scoring a single run in the top of the eighth but Peru answered back with two runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 6-5 victory.

The Bobcats· six runs came off of 14 hits while leaving 11 runners

stranded. Nicole Mercer led the Bobcats with three hits and two RBI's with one of Mercer's hits being a double. Jen Siedlik, Brittany Fry and Alexis Trujillo each recorded two hits for the Bobcats. Kerra Brummer recorded two RBI's with a double while teammate Brittany Hoock added a double of her own.

Nicole Goodrich started for the Cats on the mound but had a nodecision after six innings of work while Lyndsay Drumm came in to pick up the victory after two innings

of relief

In game two, each team scored two runs in the first but Peru. broke the tie with three runs in the second and held onto a 5-4 lead going into the bottom of the sixth. In the sixth, Peru put the game out of reach with three additional runs to give them an 8-4 victory and the sweep for the day.

Peru's Natalie Zabel picked up the victory throwing three innings holding the Panthers scoreless and giving up just three hits.

Softball receives fourth seed in MCAC tournament

April 27, 2009 - The Peru State College Softball team will enter the 2009 MCAC Post-Season Tournament at the fourth seeded team.

The Bobcats will open up play on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. as they take on the top seeded Bellevue Bruins.

Peru finished the season winning five out of their last six games to finish 18-22 overall and 6-6 in MCAC action. Peru State and College of Saint Mary finished with the same conference record but the Flames held the advantage in the head-to-head matchup.

The tournament will be held at the Haworth Park - Sigler Field in Bellevue, Nebraska.

In 2006, the Bobcats won the MCAC regular season and tournament titles. These were the first MCAC championships for Peru State College in Softball. With the teams success in 2006, Coach Mathews was awarded the MCAC and the Region IV "Coach of the Year" titles.

One of the priorities of the Softball program is success in the classroom. During Mathews' tenure there have been 20 Bobcats that have received NAIA All-America Scholar-Athlete recognition.

Assistant coach Judd Remmers begins his first season with the Bobcat Softball team. Remmers is a native of Auburn, NE.

Double-header against Doane results in two wins

April 18, 2009 - The Peru State Bobcats split a double-header with the Tigers of Doane College in a non-conference match up.

In game one, the 'Cats jumped out early as they took a 4-0 lead after the second inning. Doane scored their first run in the third inning and their second in the sixth. Peru added to their lead in the bottom of the

2009-2010 Cheer squad announced

Cheerleading try-outs were held Saturday, 4. The new squad, captained by sophomores Jessica Clifton and . Kendra Kratz, will be made up of ten cheerleaders and four alternate members.

Members of the squad are Jessica Clifton, Auburn; Kendra Kratz, Auburn; Lisa White, Plattsmouth; Becky Colling, Omaha; Ashley Goodrich, Eagle; .Kimmie

Sohm, Omaha; Shyriah

Marshall, Omaha; Michael James, Lincoln; Elizabeth Stewart, Jackson, Ala.; and Addy Markowsky, Yorktown, Va.

Alternates for the squad are Hanna Leonard, Omaha; Shelby Jones, Johnsbn; Kelsey Potter, Nehawka; and Dani Decker, Lincbln.

sixth to secure an 8-2 victory.

Peru's Nicole Goodrich threw a cbmplete game to grab the win giving up six hits and fanning five. Peru left 12 batters stranded on base for the game. Jen Siedlik and Krista Patten led the Bobcat with three hits each. Siedlik drove in two RBI's with Patton picking up one. Kerra Brummer and Liz Matulka each

added two hit for the team. In game two, Doane's bats came alive as they broke a 3-3 tie after the third inning to capture a 10-5 victory over the Bobcats. Peru's five runs came off 11 hits as they left seven runners on base. Lyndsay Drumm started the game for the Cats as she threw five innings and received the loss. Natalie Zabel

.SCHEDULE.

Thursday (April 30):

12 p.m. - #1 Bellevue vs. #4 Peru State College (Game 1)

2 p.m. • #2 Park vs. #3 College of Saint Mary (Game 2)

4:30 p.m. - Loser Game I vs. Loser Game 2 (Game 3)

6:30 p.m .• Winner Game l vs.

Winner Game 3 (Game 4)

Friday (May 1):

12 p.m. - Winner Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 (Game 5)

2:30 p.m. - Winner Game 5 vs. Winner Game 4 (Game 6) if necessary ·game 30 minutes after Game 6

came in the game for relief throwing two innings of work.

Siedlik and Brummer led the Bobcat bats with three hits each.

Junior Kerra Brummer holds second base during the doubleheader against the York College Panthers.

Baseball faces both wins and losses against York College

April 24, 2009 - The Peru State Bobcats split the first two games in a four game set against York on Friday afternoon, coming from behind to win the first game 8-5 and dropping the second 4- 7.

In Game one, the Bobcats were shutout until the sixth inning when they broke out for an eight run inning, topped off by two run homers from Gary Hall and Mark Houck and ultimately the win. York

had scored one in the first and four two RBI's, and Clayton Brigham in the second to get out to an early stayed hot at the plate going 2-3 5-0 lead. The Panthers were shut with a double and RBI and run

down after that by Yimy Rodriguez who settled in and got the complete game victory pitching seven innings, allowing just four hits and two earned runs, while striking out four. At the plate Brandon Gentry was 2-3 with two RBI, Houck was 1-3 w\th a homer and two RBI's and a run, Hall went 1-3 with a run and

scored.

In Game two, the Bobcats took an early two run lead in the first and added another in the three. York tied it up in the fourth with a three run dinger. In the top of the seventh York loaded the bases and with two outs a passed ball on a strikeout

scored the go-ahead run from third The Bobcats tried to battle bad scoring a run in the bottom of th( inning and had the tying run at tht plate, but couldn't pull it off. Jor Sanley got the start and pitched si> strong innings, fanning seven bat ters and giving up three earned runs Crawford threw the seventh anc struck out the side allowing n< earned runs.

I

College Cooking Corner Chinese Noodle Salad

Final Exam Schedule - Spring Semester 2009

Ingredients:

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

114 cup vegetable oil

2 (3 ounce) packages ramen noodles with seasoning packet

112 head romaine lettuce, chopped

1 (10 ounce) can mandarin orange segments, drained

1/4 CUp slivered almonds Photo courtesy of http://allrecipes.com

Directions:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together vinegar, sugar, and oil.

2. Microwave on high until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Mix well, and set aside to cool.

3. Crush ramen noodles in the packages. Pour into salad

4. In a salad bowl, toss romaine lettuce with oranges, almonds, and salad dressing.

"'Graduation Quotes"'

"I learned law so well, the day I graduated I sued the l: 1 college, won the case, and got my tuition back." Allen

"A graduation ceremony is an event where the , commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that "individuality" is the key to success."

Orben

"A professor is someone who talks in someone else's sleep."

"Of course there's a lot of knowledge in universities: the freshmen bring a little in; the seniors don't take much away, so knowledge sort of accumulates."

"Your families are extremely proud of you. You can't imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money."

Bolding

"I will try to follow the advice that a u.niversity president once gave a prospective commencement speaker. "Think of yourself as the body at an Irish wake" he said. ''They need you in order to have the party, but t· , no one expects you to say very much." Lake

Fun Facts - Did you know?

I. Candidates are referred to as Graduands before the graduation.

2. The date of graduation is often called Degree day.

3. The graduation itself is also referred to as commencement, convocation, or invocation.

4. At the ceremony, it is common for graduates not to receive their actual diploma but instead a certificate indicating that they participated in the ceremony or a portfolio to hold the diploma.

5. The Baccalaureate Ceremony origin is said to go back to 1432 with the first ceremony commenced at Oxford University.

6. In the United States, the color of the graduation gown was gray up until the 1950s. However, colors were utilized in European countries as far back as the 1800s (Colors signifying the area of study).

7. During the 12th and 13th centuries, the standard dress for faculty and/or students was a clerical dress. It was not until 1321 that the University of Coimbra decided that all Doctors, Bachelors, and Licentiates would be required to wear gowns.

8. The caps that students wear today are believed to have originated from hoods worn by different Celtic Groups. These hoods, worn by Druid priests, symbolized their superiority and higher intelligence. Currently, the "hood" or "cap" is used to identify the student's academic institution and degree.

9. Today, student's receiving advanced degrees may participate in a Hooding Ceremony.

10. The hood itself is a symbolic garment, which is worn draped around the neck and over the shoulde.rs, displayed down the back with the lining exposed.

11. The hood's length signifies the degree (the lining is the institution's colors and a velvet trim color signifies the scholar's field).

12. Doctorates are hooded upon the stage.