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CORE sponsors Everything But the Mime CHEYENNE BLACK REPORTER
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n Tuesday, January 14, the CORE, Campus Organization, Resources and Entertainment, started the semester out by going crafty. Two events were hosted through the same group called “Everything But the Mime� in the JBK. The Tuesday event was the photo incense bottles that you could customize yourself using anything from feathers and moving eyes to stringing beads onto lanyards and pasting a picture. The group used recycled soda and lemonade bottles that were painted and had a vent hole for the incense. The event not only found a way for WT students to sit down and remember previous art classes, but also established a way to
week of school. Students like Brenda Vega, a Criminal Justice Major, managed to do just that by decorating a funny picture of herself. “I wanted something to stand out and be funny and when I look back then I can think how much fun I had coming here,� said Vega. The Wednesday event was the photo mugs or “Nancy Mug Shots,� said Stephanie Brackett, Assistant Director of Student Nancy Heino, who took the pictures for both events and helped students bring out their crafty side, commented on how fabulous the students are at WT and the creativity that each student showed when decorating a bottle.
“Everything But the Mime� is a talent and novelty group that employs magicians, spray can artists, and temporary tattoo artists. In recent semesters the CORE has hosted events through the same agency, like “The Big Red Chair� and “Val’s Custom Leather Bracelets.� Both the CORE and “Everything but the Mime� met at the Association for the Promotions of Campus Activities (APCA). Though the location varies every year, last year’s event took place in Houston and was about a week long. Each semester the CORE will generally host a novelty event.
CHEYENNE BLACK/THE PRAIRIE Students decorated incense bottles in the JBK.
NEWS
NEWS
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
OPINION
WTAMU’s New Media class to use Google Glass.
Legends renamed to Campus Evolution Villages.
Buffs and Lady Buffs win big over Texas A&M-Kingsville.
Co-Editor Megan Moore reviews “Lone Survivor.�
Fan support needs to be more consistent.
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NEWS
January 21, 2014 | theprairienews.com
WT’s New Media class tests Google Glass PRESTON THOMAS REPORTER
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small, sleek device sits on a person’s head as they walk down the street, like a pair of glasses without any lenses and a small square chunk of glass hovering just over one eye. The person needs to order some coffee but they happen to be in Vienna and don’t speak German. With a quick voice command they ask their device
to translate a few phrases and use the information it gives back to buy their coffee. It sounds like something out the device is real and in development today. It’s called Google Glass, currently being developed in Google X, the secretive building where Google is working on other projects such as driverless work. Dr. Emily Kinsky’s New Media class just happens to have received a pair of Glass for use in the classroom, and students is excited about it. “I’m extremely excited to use Glass,” senior Mass Communication major Tori Stone said. “To be one of the innovators is a once in a lifetime experience. I can say I helped pioneer and test out Google Glass. We are some of “They’re cutting edge tech-
PRESTON THOMAS/ THE PRAIRIE Google Glass to be used in Dr. Emily Kinsky’s New Media Class
STAFF
EDITORS Tyler Anderson Megan Moore
ASSISTANT EDITOR B.J. Brittain
to use it, so it’s quite exciting,” Maghan Rodecap, a junior Ad/ PR major, said. Dr. Kinsky has brought the small blue Glass unit to class and started to get students fa-
AD MANAGER Connor Woods
DESIGN EDITOR Kati Watson
ADVISER Dr. Butler Cain
miliarized with the device. “So far I’ve taken it to both classes,” Kinsky said. “I’ve held it up for them and showed them things from the Glass website. What I showed today’s class were all of the apps, which are called Glassware. Traditional social media has apps but you also have other apps related to Glass like when you see a sign in a foreign language you can have it translated.” Right now, Dr. Kinsky plans to have her class develop an idea for a new app taking advantage of Glass’ unique capabilities as a project, but she also sees how it could become an extremely useful tool to students and teacher alike. “It’s nice because you’re not blocking your vision, you can be part of the moment and what’s going on,” said Kinsky. “You could use facial recognition in class to help you remember names or something you needed to help a student. You could have lecture notes up there so you could walk around the class without having to page through notebooks. I could record a tour and bring it back to show my
students.” “Google Glass could change everything,” said Stone. “We have such easy access to many things, I can’t even imagine a
REPORTERS
SPORTS REPORTERS
Cheyenne Black Alyssa Bonner Jacob Helker Laci McGee Sarah Jo Miller Brooke Self Jonathan Scott Preston Thomas
Glass.” “For the most part I think it will help,” said Rodecap. “It’s a huge application and I think it’s only going to get bigger. I think there’s going to be textbooks on these glasses one day.” The story of Glass at WTAMU started when Dr. Trudy Hanson, director of the Department of Communication, shared an article about a professor in another university using Glass in their classes. “Dr. Hanson sent it to all of us saying we needed to pursue this,” said Kinsky. “I had a colleague at the University of Louisville, she’s also in an organization I’m in, and she has been using Glass in class so I asked her about it and she gave me where you could be signed up to be considered. It’s by invitation at this point. It’s not on the market.” On Dec. 1, Dr. Kinsky received just that, an invitation to pur-
Wyatt Miller Tanner Sims
chase Google Glass, along with a seven day deadline and hefty price tag of $1500. “The scary part of it was you only had seven days to decide to buy,” said Kinsky. “Here we were at the end of the fall se-
how do we come up with 1500 dollars? We don’t have that kind of money in the Communication Department, so Dr. Hanson contacted the Chief Information Ofnized the value of having Glass on campus and found the funds for it.” As Google progresses with the project, its potential uses will continue to grow. Even now there are already apps ranging from cookbooks, breaking news updates, GPS directions, and every social media website you can name. With a simple voice command you can snap a picture or start recording video, then immediately share your content to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or any number of other services. “It may be used eventually in other classes as well. We’ll work it in as appropriate,” said Kinsky.
LAYOUT ASSISTANT Cheyenne Black
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Christopher Brockman
Natalia Molina
WEB ASSISTANT
Jasmine Ruiz
Georgia Romig
Thomas Koenig
The Prairie is a student-operated newspaper at West Texas A&M University. It functions to inform, educate and entertain readers accurately and responsibly. It does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the administration, faculty or staff. The Prairie verifies the legitimacy of the advertising appearing in The Prairie, but cannot be held liable for any advertising claim made in this publication. The Prairie has a circulation of 1,500 and is printed by the Amarillo Globe-News. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. -- First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
NEWS
January 21, 2014 | theprairienews.com
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WT speech team places at competition TYLER ANDERSON CO-EDITOR
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he WTAMU speech team competed in the North American Forensics Society “Fire and Ice” Challenge on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18. The speech team met teams from across the nation and Canada. The tournament was held at The Caribe Royal hotel in Orlando, Florida. Placing in the following events are:
Duo interpretation: Gavin Lawrence and Dalinda Andrade - 2nd place
Prose interpretation: García - 3rd place Poetry interpretation: Dalinda Andrade - 5th place
Kelsey Ansley and Shaylyn Walker - 6th place
Shaylyn Walker - 7th place Informative speaking: Heather Goheen - 6th place Dramatic interpretation: Kimberly Garcia - 5th place Kelsey Ansley - 6th place
Programmed Oral Interpretation: Air Kamal - 2nd place WTAMU also won 3rd place in the open division sweepstakes. The Bowling Green State University and Tallahassee Community College Forensics Teams hosted the event.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CONNIE MCKEE The WTAMU speech team hauled in 12 awards at the “Fire and Ice” Challenge.
Legends becomes CEV
ALYSSA BONNER REPORTER
T
he student-popular apartment complex formerly known as Legends at Canyon is now operating under the name of Campus Evolution Villages, or CEV. The complex, formerly managed by Asset Campus, received the new name in early December when the former owners sold the complex to CEV. The majority of the staff at the apartment complex are West Texas A&M students and were unaffected by the change in ownership, according to Sedrick Knowlton, assistant general manager. For current residents, “the name did not change anything,” Kaylee Vineyard, junior Advertising and Public Relations major, said.
Residents did not have to sign a new lease when the change in ownership took place. “We didn’t believe in changing things that they already signed up for,” Knowlton said. “The only thing that changed is them writing a different name on the checks.” In order to become a resident at CEV, a background check must be passed. You do not have to be a student to live there, but about 98 percent of the residents are students from Amarillo College and WT. If applicants do not have a roommate already lined up, compatibility form. CEV will then match them with roommates with whom they are the most compatible. “The way they pair you up with your roommates is awesome. I love the girls I live with,”
Emily Lomax, a sophomore Nursing major, said. If residents are unhappy with their living situation, CEV will try to transfer them to another apartment based on compatibility. At CEV, they do not like to think of themselves as a normal apartment complex. “We think of it as a community,” Knowlton said. “We have events bi-weekly. We want our residents to view it as their second home.” CEV has a ping-pong table and a pool table for residents to enjoy. They also have a sand volleyball court, a resort-style pool with a BBQ area and a fully ter available for residents. Campus Evolution Villages is located at 47 Valley View Road in Canyon.
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SPORTS
Note from the Editor TYLER ANDERSON CO-EDITOR
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s some of you may know and know well, our sports department has been gutted with the graduation of three prominent writers. With losing a stellar sports mind such as our friend Keltin, and proven writers such as Matt and C.J. at the Hereford this semester. semester, I will step in and provide some sports commentary while the search for a new column writer is in the works. Now, whether that will be next week, next month, or next semester will be determined as everything progresses. I’m just asking nicely to bear with me for a little while. rie. I have been tasked to make sure our sports get great, consistent coverage as well as making sure our newspapers hit the stands for you to read and enjoy. Other than enjoying long walks on the beach, I have been a sports reporter in the past. Covering soccer, basketball, football, and having the privilege to report on the Amarillo Venom in the past, I’m very well versed with the sports well as the Amarillo sports scene. With the introduction aside, let’s talk about some sports. More importantly, let’s talk sports uniforms. I’m a bit of an enthusiast when it comes to what your favorite sports clubs wear. Lately, there is a new trend in the NBA and the NCAA to wear sleeved jerseys.
rie i a r P u! o y s t wan
While Adidas has been reporting that the reaction has been “very positive”, I believe it’s quite ridiculous. LeBron James, as it appears from his comments about the sleeved jerseys from the Heat’s Christmas game, may be in the same camp as I am about how restrictive these uniforms could be for one’s shooting motion. ball player, not a very good one, but one who knows how restrictive a compression shirt or sleeved jersey can be when playing ball. Also, to wear a sleeveless basketball jersey was a rite of passage. While it did show a profound farmer’s tan at times, it showed that I was indeed a basketball player. Another reason is that it’s a money grab for Adidas and the NBA, prompting fans to buy expensive team merchandise to add to their collections. Some may call me a traditionalist when it comes to uniforms, and that’s on paper or on an article of clothing, to make sense for its company, organization or sports club. I also don’t believe in change for the sake of change. I also don’t believe in a brand with so many identities and looks that it lacks consistency. of the whacky college football uniforms that come out nowadays. Yes, I know athletes love new stuff for their swag arsenals, but there is indeed a suit.
We are looking for :
Reporters for this semester For more information, email theprairiewt@gmail.com or come by the Fine Arts Complex, Room 268.
January 21, 2014 | theprairienews.com
SPORTS
January 21, 2014 | theprairienews.com
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Buffs Basketball downs A&M-Kingsville WYATT MILLER SPORTS REPORTER
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ore than 1,800 WTAMU faithful gathered in the First United Bank Center on Jan. 18 to watch the West Texas A&M Buffalo basketball team defeat the 5-10 Javelinas of Texas A&M Kingsville, 82-59. The game started off rather slow; neither team seemed to be worried about making the contest a shootout. It wasn’t until just under 17 minutes re-
the board, courtesy of WT junior forward David Duncan. The Buffs got ahead early, leading 13-4 with 11:42 left in
extend the Buffalo lead back to six as they led 27-21 with 3:53 At the break, the Buffs were Buffs were led at the break by
cut the lead to 17-14 following a free throw. Soon following, a WT offensive foul would lead -
rebounds followed by junior guard Tez Dumars with eight
forced a Buffs timeout with WT leading 39-32 with 17:42 left. The Buffs led 48-37 at the ond half. The Buffs used a Kingsville turnover to their advantage after the timeout as senior guard David Gibbs scored
several Duncan slams, and with 4:05 left in the game the score
The free throw line would give the Buffs most of their remainmedia timeout. With 1:33 left in the game, a Gatewood fast-
Robertson with six and senior guard Drimir Ferguson with
-
timeout.
The Javelinas were led at the half by Jordan Jahr with 12 lowed by Irvin Hollinger with
all four to stretch the WT lead to 54-39 with 12:53 left. Junior guard Miles Gatewood found
rebounds followed by Ferguson
a Kingsville timeout with the
the double-double. The Buffs return to action on Wednesday night as they
the game led by Duncan with a
four. The Buffs held the LSC’s leading scorer, Rashad Basy, to
Tarleton State (15-0, 4-0 LSC) The two teams exchanged
to 58-42 with 9:44 left. The teams would
trade
the First United Bank Center in
Lady Buffs win twice TANNER SIMS SPORTS REPORTER
O
n Jan. 15, the West Texas A&M Lady Buffs defeated Angelo State 81-42. With the win, the Lady
Kingsville. WT dominated with
defense held the Javelinas to 8
early against the Javelinas. Texas A&M Kingsville couldn’t get any offense going to close out the
of the second half. WT easily Texas A&M Kingsville 82-47. “I like what we had going
half included Logan with nine year at the First United Bank
guard Casey Land had eight
offensively where senior guard guard Danielle Logan scored
The Lady Buffs returned home Jan. 18 to host Texas A&M
good thing,” coach Mark Kellogg said after the Kingsville game. and we did just that tonight.”
At halftime, WTAMU honored former WT women’s basketball to celebrate the 50th season of WT women’s basketball. WT came out strong in the second half, hitting a three
the First United Bank Center. Tarleton State has a 13-2 record on the season and 4-1 on
back with three straight scoring
of 13-1 on the season.
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ENTERTAINMENT
January 21, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Movie Review: The Great Books Series “Lone Survivor” LACI MCGEE REPORTER
MEGAN MOORE CO-EDITOR
D
irector Peter Burg portrays the story of Marcus Luttrell, Navy Seal played by Mark Walhnburg, and his brothers in the American Navy as they take on the mission of apprehending or terminating al Qaeda leader version of “Lone Survivor.” The captured the hearts of many Americans and earned $84,857 opening weekend. storyline of the book written by Luttrell himself. His character is outstandingly played by Wahlberg, who is not only faced with critical decisions that affect the outcome of the mission but also with the kind hearted villagers who save his life by sheltering him from the enemy. The dynamics of war are displayed extravagantly throughout this movie. It shows the bad guys who we the ones who aren’t. Luttrell has to decide if he trusts these villagers and though he can’t understand them or their motives, puts his life in their hands anyway. The supporting cast gives by introducing them at the with their loved ones back home and showing that even overseas, they normalize by making decisions about
tile and horses as wedding presents. Heartbreakingly so, the audience views pictures of the mission’s team Michael Murphy played by Taylor Kitsch, Danny Dietz played by Emile Hirsch, Matt “Axe” Axelson played by Ben Foster, and others that died during the mission. were graphic and gruesome, they couldn’t have been made any better. The audience was able to see the extreme extent to which the four me went to survive and exactly how their injuries effected them. War is something that most Americans only see through movies and short clips on a newscast. They hear stories from war veterans, but this movie displays not only the bloody side of war, but also compassion and passion the men had for our country and each other. This movie not only showcased extreme heroism, bravery and willpower to survive but also encompassed the moral dilemmas that one would face in a place of war. As one who has never been on the front lines of war or had life or death decisions dangling thankful that I was exposed to his experience but also proud to share the home state of Texas with such an admirable man.
T
he Great Books Series is a program that was started in 2010 by Dr. Bonnie Roos, Associate Professor of English, and it is sponsored by the Department of English, Philosophy, and Modern Languages. It takes place the second Tuesday of each month at the Southwest branch of the Amarillo public library at 7 o’clock in the evening. This program is designed to give back to the community. “It is a program to help people love books,” said Dr. Roos. the New Year was the Divine Comedy and the discussion was led by Dr. David Baum. February 11 is the date of the next
Great Books Series meeting. This one will be led by Dr. Andy Reynolds, Assistant Professor of Spanish; he will be leading a discussion over And the Earth Did Not Devour Him. “I think it is fabulous,” said Dr. Bonney MacDonald, Professor of English. “I take seriously the conversation between the academic and the public, where they [the academic] can take the kind of energy from the classroom and spread it to wider audiences. This program highlights the link that is between our campus and the community.” “It was interesting, but I had taken the class before, so it was nothing new to me. There were a lot of people, but only two of us from WT. Mostly they were
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older people from around the community,” Summer Baker, senior English major, said. Dr. MacDonald does not lead another Great Books Series until November, but at that time she will be speaking about Mark Twain’s text Huckleberry Finn. To enjoy the Great Books Series, you do not have to have read the book beforehand. “We’ve built a following, and it is really delightful to see the same faces in the audience each time. Our presentations have become event for them. That’s son, Associate Professor of English. “This is part of what a university should do,” said MacDonald.
OPINION 7
January 21, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Sport fans’ support must be consistent
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e at The Prairie would like to welcome back returning and new Buffs alike for this spring semester. For some, graduation is coming up in May while others are aiming to complete their abode that is West Texas A&M University. As much as we could write a piece that says all the right things about our university while tryhow parking isn’t that great, it’s been done to death. ger at the different organizations on campus and tell them how they’re wonderful or how they’re terrible, but not this time around. Instead, we want to challenge you, the student body of
West Texas A&M University, to become more involved with the events that are held by groups such as CORE and our athletics department. In the past, there have been numerous calls for more support for our athletic programs from the students – some from the journalism program and others from other various departments within the university itself. Most of them go unheeded, but it’s something that needs to be brought up and brought to the student body’s attention. After all, it’s sad that most of the student representation is mostly the Maroon Platoon or those who are friends or family of the athletes. As much as the Maroon Platoon is appreciated for their efforts to rally the home crowd, it wouldn’t hurt to
see more than just the hardcore groups and individuals coming out to support the Buffs and Lady Buffs. When we caught wind of a new group called The Herd, it was a long time coming. In fact, more student fan groups should be welcomed and appreciated by athletes, fans and those who provide coverage of the likes of basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports that don’t quite catch the imagination or passion as much as football. So with the atmosphere progames of the semester, it was a welcome sight. When students show up in droves, alumni and casual fans become excited while the players are pressed to play to the best of their abilities. This in turn encourages more
victories, or at least better competition, out of both visitors and the home team. In layman’s terms, it provides The challenge will be this: can you, the WTAMU student body, show in droves on a consistent basis? And can you support a team through thick and thin? For example, while we’re so quick to support the Lady Buffs Basketball team who are currently 13-1, will it hurt to stick around for a while longer and cheer on the men’s basketball team which is straddling a .500 record while dealing with the aftermath of head coach Rick Cooper’s retirement? If anything, we’re sure that Coach Patel and his players would want students to come out to the First United
Bank Center to help them salvage their season and cheer them to some strong Lone Star Conference play. After all, both students and alumni, even when dealing with not so great seasons, would support the sports programs hailing from most large state universities. The same goes with the small, private universities out in the eastern part of the United States. Why can’t West Texas A&M? So that will be our challenge to you. Not only do we encourage students to come out to regular season games for basketball, volleyball, soccer… you name it, we encourage our student body to support the Buffaloes and Lady Buffs on a more consistent basis.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Prairie accepts letters to the editor every week. Send letters to
theprairiewt@gmail.com OR
facebook.com/theprairiewt All letters to the editor are subject to editing according to appropriate grammar, language and Associated Press and Prairie formatting.
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PHOTOS
January 21, 2014 | theprairienews.com
Sailesh the hypnotist hypnotized students NATALIA MOLINA PHOTOGRAPHER
Students dance “Gangnam Style” while hypnotized.
Seven men hypnotized and play their favorite air instrument.
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Sailesh the Hypnotist hypnotized 13 WT students at the JBK.
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