More than just a pillow fight at a pajama partyPajamas made in Thailand women’s shelter more than a paycheck: they’re life changing, page 5

Department of Journalism and Mass Communication Abilene Christian University Serving the ACU community since 1912

December 5, 2007

WEDNESDAY

Vol. 96, No. 26

1 sections, 8 pageswww.acuoptimist.com

THE

Another pizza my heartNew pizza restaurant, Double Dave’s opens to give Abilene another pizza choice, page 3

Nation’s best?ACU running back Bernard Scott one of three players in nation nominated as top D-II player, page 8

OPTIMIST

By Grant AbstonStudent RepoRteR

With the semester winding down, classes begin selecting themes and directors for this year’s Sing Song “World Tour.”

This year’s Sing Song theme, “World Tour,” centers on the idea of a band go-ing on tour, offering numerous possibili-ties. While there are still many details to work out, classes have begun working out details to produce successful shows.

The sophomore class has chosen the theme “babies” and will be co-directed by Wade Huggins, Biblical worship major from Abilene, and Chris Herrington, pre-architecture major from Abilene.

“I’m excited to direct, and it is good ex-perience leading any group of people and being involved,” said Huggins, sophomore worship ministry major from Abilene. “I have been to Sing Song since I was a baby, so it’s cool to finally be involved.”

Carrie Gallman, junior interior design major from Sugar Land, will direct the junior class, centering their act on Coca-Cola bottles with the theme “Keep on a Rockin’ Me Mommy.”

“The experience will be really fun, and our act will be fun and goofy for all kinds of ages,” Gallman said.

After winning last year, the senior class will look to continue their streak

Sing Song class themes take shape

By Sharon RapeljeStudent RepoRteR

Dr. Caron Gentry looks into the realm of women’s vi-olence in global politics in her first book, written with Laura Sjoberg, titled “Mothers, Mon-sters, Whores.”

The 225 pages analyze political women who have used violence: Abu Ghraib, the Iraq prison where de-tainees were tortured, al-Qa-eda, Chechen black widows, genocides and more.

The title refers to the la-bels placed on these women to explain their violence.

“What it really does is ex-cuse any of their reasoning or rationale behind their vio-lence,” said Gentry, assistant professor of Honors Studies and political science.

Gentry said it disturbed her that they were not held directly responsible for their actions; instead the blame fell on causation.

Her opportunity to write about the topic came in 2006 after she and Sjoberg, as-sistant professor at Virginia Tech, spoke together on fe-male terrorists and the wom-en involved in Abu Ghraib at the International Studies As-

sociation Annual Conference on the panel entitled “Notions of masculinity and femininity and violent women: a retro-spective on Cynthia Ehloe’s “Banana’s, Beaches and Bas-es.” Publishers approached Sjoberg to write a book about the issues, and she said only with Gentry.

Each author picked differ-ent women to analyze. Gentry said she wanted to include Chechen black widows be-cause of how they were por-trayed in 2002. Eighteen fe-male terrorists and 23 male terrorists held as many as 800 people hostage in a Mos-

cow theater for three days. She said she was bothered by the press focusing more on the bodies of the women ter-rorists than on the hostages or male terrorists.

“I felt that they were treated expendably, disposably, and then this language surround-ing them of the black widow and their desperate women and their revenge seeking and they’re just angry and rageful and monstrous,” she said.

Gentry said she wants the book to make people think about gender stereotypes.

“We say that the [labels] are ways of kind of upholding this

image that real women are not violent, real women are gentle, real women are nurturing so then these violent women are not real women.”

The book received good feedback at the numerous places Gentry and Sjoberg presented. Matt Greenberg, senior political science and English major from Grand Prairie, said students will en-joy it if they read it. The cov-er illustration and title word whore will either repel or in-trigue them.

ACU’s Gentry raising violent questions for women

By Val Valleonline editoR

Although it may seem im-possible for a college student in Abilene to spread aware-ness about global disease or poverty to others around the world, ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History is making it possible.

A couple of months ago, ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History launched ONE Campus Challenge. ONE Campus Challenge is a national campaign that gives students and universities the opportunity to help fight pov-erty and disease by spread-ing awareness. Students are even given the chance to be rewarded for their efforts by the ONE program.

According to its Web site, ONE believes this generation has all the resources and technology to end poverty and fight global disease.

“ONE’s use of cutting-edge Internet-based tech-nologies gives members an unprecedented level of orga-nization and involvement,” said Kimberly Cadena, ONE campaign’s spokesperson said in a press release.

Currently, there are 1,300 campuses around the nation involved in the ONE Campus Challenge, including ACU.

The Campus Challenge encourages students to hold meetings and participate reg-ularly in creating awareness about ONE in hopes to expand the campaign’s effectiveness.

Throughout the chal-lenge’s three phases, stu-dents can earn points for their school through partici-pation on campus in more than 100 different ways ONE

College students given ONE solution

By Luke SimsStudent RepoRteR

As this semester draws to a close, students are getting ready to pack up and head home. But it’s not just the stu-dents — the directors of the Department of Agriculture and Environment teaching lab have packed up as well.

The two former directors of the farm left recently for a career change, one to return

to full-time farming, and the other to try a career in New Mexico. With them gone, stu-dent employees have had to step up to meet the farm’s operational needs.

“Without a full-time oper-ator, student employees are continuing to do work and are helping out to fill in the gaps. Whether its work time or class time for them, they are putting in extra effort for us,” said Dr. Ed Brokaw,

Brady Cook professor in the Agriculture and Environ-mental Department.

Rhoden Farm, located in Shackleford County, is ACU’s agriculture depart-ment’s teaching lab. With places for students to be involved one-on-one with animal management tech-niques, as well as teaching and research techniques for students and faculty, it is an important asset for agri-

culture students.Brokaw said this lab is

very instrumental to stu-dents. “It’s very hands-on, and students get the chance to work during class or part time if they choose.”

Brokaw also said that although some might ques-tion the farm’s status now without the full-time opera-tor, it is well taken care of. “Students are really putting forth effort to keep it run-

ning. It is an important part of the class and important for the students as well. The students are really picking up the slack, and things are running well,” Brokaw said.

With the farm continu-ing to be run effectively, students should not fret of the future of their lab, it’s in good hands. Farm hands, that is.

Directors absences put students out to pasture

By Kelline LintonStudent RepoRteR

The Abilene community can soon enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, festive Christmas lights and ice skating fun in one venue.

The Ice House, Abilene’s outdoor skating rink at Fes-tival Gardens across from Nelson Park and the Abilene Zoo, will be open Dec. 14 through Feb. 16.

The skating rink will be available to the public Thurs-day through Sunday begin-ning at 5 p.m. and closing at 10 or 11 p.m. The admission price for children and military personal is $8, while adult tickets cost $10. All fees will include a skate rental.

Proceeds earned this winter season will benefit Abilene’s Habitat for Human-ity and the Dyess We Care Team; this fundraiser is only

in its second year.“It’s fun to come out here,

and it’s a good family event. It wouldn’t bring back the best memories because I fell a lot as a kid, but I would still have fun,” said ice rink volun-teer Jake Laudermilk, fresh-man business marketing ma-jor from Austin.

The 48-foot by 104-foot rink will be a prime entertainment site this Christmas for people of all ages, volunteers say.

“There’s not a whole lot to do in Abilene, and this just gives kids another option that they can do in the winter,” said volunteer Ashleigh Wieduwilt, freshman elementary education major from Blue Springs, Mo.

Last year was the skat-ing rink’s inaugural debut. It opened in mid-October, but faced numerous melting

Ice rink returns when students leave

Dickson kwong CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lauren Huff, accounting graduate student from Eastland, and friend Tre Sellari look at a piece of art in “Exposed,” the senior art show Friday in Shore Art Gallery.

katie gager CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dr. Caron Gentry holds her first book, “Mothers, Monsters, Whores,” which she co-authored with Laura Sjoberg.

Exposed Art

file photo by EMILY SMITH

Joy Huskerson, right, and daughter Kelly McIver, both from Abilene, ice skate on Nov. 17, 2006 when the Ice House opened last year. See ICE page 7

See THEMES page 7

See ONE page 7

See GENTRY page 7

E-mail Sims at: optimist@acu.edu

The Food Bank of Abilene needs volunteers to help with its annual Share Your Christmas Food Drive on Wednesday. The food drive will take place at United Supermarket at S. 14th and Willis. Shifts are available from 6 a.m.-11 p.m.

The Christmas Store, a ministry of Highland Church of Christ, needs volunteers Thursday and Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to help set up, assist with shopping and clean up. The Christmas Store gives lower income individuals somewhere to shop for their family.

Hendrick Hospice Care needs volunteers to accept donations at its “Light up a Life” tree, which will be located at the Mall of Abilene in the courtyard in front of Dillard’s for men. Shifts are available seven days a week in two-hour increments until Jan. 5. For more information, contact Jennifer Forrest or Brooke Hearon at (325) 677-8516.

Volunteers are needed until Dec. 17 at the Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Mall of Abilene. Mon-days-Saturdays from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30-6 p.m. Volunteers will help greet shoppers, record personal information from those adopting angels, log in pres-ents and bag presents. Volunteers are also needed at the Civic Center Dec. 17-Dec.22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. to organize presents, sort and display toys by age group, assemble food bags for families and assist during distribution days, which will be Dec. 21-23. For more information, contact Cecilia Barahona at (325) 677-1557.

Breakfast on Beech Street needs volunteers to help prepare morning meals and make sand-wiches for lunches to go Mondays-Fridays from 5-7 a.m. Breakfast on Beech Street is located at 3rd Street and Beech Street. For more information, contact Allen Daugherty at (325) 673-9446.

“Food for Fines” will take place throughout December. All Abilene Library Consortium librar-ies, including Brown Library, will forgive $1 in overdue fines for each can, box or bag of nonperishable food item donated.

A Christmas Concert will take place on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. in the Williams Performing Arts Center to benefit institutions in Ghana, includ-ing the Village of Hope, Heritage Christian College and the children of Yendi. For more information, contact Dr. Tanya Brice at (325) 674-2072.

The Office of Multicultural En-richment invites students, faculty and staff to join in remembrance the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Apr. 4-5, 2008 at Southern Hills Church of Christ. Guests will enter into con-versations over Christian responsibili-ties in racial reconciliation within the church, expanding of conversations that were held at the Erasing Racism conference in November. E-mail Dr. Doug Foster at fosterd@acu.edu with questions or comments.

9 p.m.Honors Program students will give an end-of-semester perfor-mance in Chapel on the Hill. The performance will feature music by Bach and dramatic scenes in a program entitled “Jesus, Price-less Treasure.” Refreshments will be served afterward in the Rotunda. The performance is free, and the public is welcome.

7 p.m.ISA, Essence of Ebony and Hispanos Unidos will host a combined Christmas Party at the University Park Clubhouse. Bring a friend and enjoy free food, music and games.

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Calendar Events&

The Optimist maintains this calendar for the ACU community to keep track of local social, academic and service opportunities.

Groups may send announcements directly to optimist@acu.edu or to the Page 2 Editor at mxe06a@acu.edu.

To ensure that an item will appear on time, the announcement should be sent at least 10 days before. The Optimist may edit items for space and style.

Corrections and clarifications of published news articles will be printed in this space in a timely manner.

About This Page

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Announcements

07 Friday05Wednesday 06 Thursday 08 Saturday

Volunteer Opportunities

8 p.m.A University Chorale and Con-cert Band Christmas Concert will take place in Cullen Auditorium.

8 p.m.The Mu Sigma Christmas Party will take place in the Foster Sci-ence Building Math Study Room. Guests will exchange $5 white elephant gifts. Wear a Christmas sweater; outfits will be judged for the most Christmas Spirit.

8:30 p.m.Jesus and the Hip-Hop Proph-ets will meet for the last time this semester in the Den classroom.

Last day of class

Last day to withdraw from the university

8 p.m.Ian Moore will play at Crossroads with special guest Hurt Street. Tickets cost $15 per person. All ages will be admitted. Crossroads is located at 4216 N. 1st St.

CreditedChapelsto date:

CreditedChapelsremaining:

Chapel Checkup6402

Help police recover stolen property. Mark or engrave all valuables with ID numbers so that recovered property can be traced back to the rightful owners.

Report all suspicious activity to the ACU Police Department at (325) 674-2305.

Mon., Nov. 19, 200712:41 a.m. Report of noise vio-lation at 600 EN 22nd. Unable to locate. 8:20 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at University Church Lot 10:30 a.m. Report of traffic hazard at 2100 Campus Court, Trailer illegally parked, tagged for towing. APD advised.11:40 a.m. Parking violation at Big Purple Lot 2:11 p.m. Traffic stop at EN 10th and Judge Ely for disre-garding traffic signal 2:23 p.m. Parking violation at 1600 Campus Court 2:28 p.m. Traffic stop at Ambler and Campus Court for speeding and disregarding traffic signal3:20 p.m. Report of possible theft at Edwards Hall. Con-tacted student that purchased magazines from salesman, no theft, no report at this time. 3:20 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at EN 18th and Lincoln 9:10 p.m. Checked Cullen Auditorium 10:32 p.m. Checked Moody Coliseum

Tues., Nov. 20, 2007 2:25 a.m. Walk through of Ma-bee Business Building 2:45 a.m. Walk through of Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 3:20 a.m. Walk through of Teague Special Events Center 7:50 a.m. Unlocked Central Plant for plumbers 9:45 a.m. Incomplete 911 at McKinzie Hall office, checked, all OK10:30 a.m. Burglary at Smith Hall 11:13 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at EN 10th and Judge Ely 1:40 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at the Library lot 3:30 p.m. Contacted visitors climbing the band tower, ad-vised them to leave the tower 5:17 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at University Park Apartments Lot

Wed., Nov. 21, 20072:10 a.m. Checked Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 7:20 a.m. Unlocked Don Morris Center for the painters 1 p.m. Walk through of main campus 2 p.m. Gave student access to Mabee Business Building to turn in a paper 3:50 p.m. Gave access to office in Mabee Business Building 4:34 p.m. Unlocked vehicle at Taylor Elementary at 900 EN 13th 7:15 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with disturbance call at 600 EN 16th 11:15 p.m. Checked Cullen Auditorium

Thurs., Nov. 22, 2007 1:25 a.m. Walk through of Ma-bee Business Building 1:50 a.m. Walk through of Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 2:30 a.m. Walk through of Brown Library 3 a.m. Walk through of the Don Morris Center 5:11 a.m. Burglar alarm at Maintenance Warehouse, checked, appeared secure 7:40 a.m. Traffic stop on Campus Court for disregarding stop sign 8:30 a.m. Alarm at Zellner Hall, contacted Physical Resources to handle 9:37 a.m. Assisted Abilene PD

with illegally parked vehicle at 2100 Campus Court 11:40 a.m. Unlocked Campus Center 1:42 p.m. Student requesting room unlocked at Mabee Hall, keys did not work 2:25 p.m. Report of no heat in Barret Hall 1:30 p.m. Locked Campus Center 3:30 p.m. Random patrol of campus

Fri., Nov. 23, 2007 1:12 a.m. Walk through of Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 1:40 a.m. Walk through of Ma-bee Business Building 2:45 a.m. Walk through of Teague Special Events Center 3:20 a.m. Walk through of Brown Library 10 a.m. Foot patrol of main campus 1:36 p.m. Locked up Teague Special Events Center and Coach’s office 1:51 p.m. Locked up Campus Center and Zoe Center2:15 p.m. Cross walk sign down on EN 16th in front of Nelson Hall 3:45 p.m. Unlocked Don Morris Center for carpet layers3:57 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with report of theft at 800 EN 11th, no theft, resident was repairing his fence 4 p.m. Contacted Physical Resources reference to warn-ing alarm and low temperature at Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 4:05 p.m. Walk through of Gardner Hall 4:15 p.m. Walk through of Edwards Hall 5 p.m. Report of criminal mis-chief off campus, no report made 7:22 p.m. Basketball coach reporting gym had no heat, contacted Physical Resources

Sat., Nov. 24, 2007 1:15 a.m. Walk through of Moody Coliseum 2 a.m. Medical call at Univer-sity Park Apartments, possible alcohol poisoning. Transported to hospital by roommates. 2:40 a.m. Walk through of Onstead-Packer Biblical Studies Building 6:01 a.m. Jump-start vehicle at the Library Lot 8:30 a.m. Report of water leak at Mabee Hall, contacted Physi-cal Resources10:45 a.m. Unlocked Sherrod Don Morris Center for carpet layers

Sun., Nov. 25, 2007 12:20 a.m. Checked Administration Building 7:15 a.m. Unlocked Campus Center 11:40 a.m. Unlocked vehicle at Morris Lot 12 p.m. Unlocked Sherrod Don Morris for carpet layers1 p.m. Jump-start vehicle at Nelson Lot 4:30 p.m. Vehicle accident at Ave D and College Drive 8:50 p.m. Fire alarm at McDon-ald Hall, reset alarm 10:50 p.m. Unlocked KACU at Don Morris Center11:05 p.m. Report of suspi-cious subject near Nelson Hall, checked, unable to locate anyone 11:10 p.m. Report of suspicious subject asking for money at Barret Hall, unable to locate 11:20 p.m. Assisted Abilene PD with information on vehicle involved in accident

Police LogEdited for space

ACU Police Tip of the Week

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 Page 3CAMPUS NEWS

By Laura TouchetteStudent RepoRteR

The W Club inducted about 50 new women into the orga-nization Thursday, which is one of the biggest induction classes in recent history.

The club actually has about 70 new members, but 20 or so were not able to attend the induction ceremony.

“We have a formal in-duction ceremony where we call out the women’s names, they light a can-dle and are given a rose in honor of Daisy Sewell,” said Elizabeth Poarch, se-nior English major from Jacksonville, Fla. and vice president of W Club.

“I am most excited that this is a way to meet peo-ple that I wouldn’t get a chance to know, because they have different majors

or I don’t see on campus,” said Angela Darden, junior accounting major from Midland and a new mem-ber of W Club.

In order to be inducted into W Club, a woman must have a 3.5 grade point aver-age, 45 earned credit hours and a recommendation from a professor in their designated department.

“We are an academically and service-based women’s organization,” said Laci Lawrence, senior criminal justice major from Andrews and president of W Club. “We are a place where ba-sically women that have excelled academically and in service have devotionals and serve other people. We are different than a social club on campus.”

The purpose of W Club is to inspire young women

to maturity as Christians and to recognize those who have rendered outstanding service to ACU.

W Club meets once a month at a luncheon where they invite a faculty or staff member to speak. They have a devotional, and the faculty member also gives a short speech. This semester, W Club has also started having Thurs-day Chapels where they in-vite faculty and staff mem-bers to come speak.

“It’s an opportunity for the women to hear someone speak that they wouldn’t normally hear unless they are in their department,” Lawrence said.

W Club also organizes service projects for its members. They are usu-ally to Christian Village or University Place, where

members often visit alumni members of the club.

“We meet with old mem-bers, many of the founding members who later live at Christian Village. We spend time with them,” Poarch said.

Lawrence said the future goals for W Club are to have more service projects in the coming year and to raise Thursday Chapel attendance.

W Club was started by Daisy Sewell and has been in existence since 1920. It is one of the oldest “social clubs” on campus. Accord-ing to the ACU Web site, W Club’s ultimate Role Model is the woman of Proverbs 31. They seek to be like her in the ways she helps point to Christ.

W Club swears in new members

E-mail Harris at: optimist@acu.edu

By Chandler HarrisStudent RepoRteR

A new pizza restaurant in Abilene is attracting the attention of many ACU stu-dents. Double Dave’s pizza has opened its doors and is providing a new competitor in the Abilene pizza business.

“We are a family-oriented pizza place,” said Terrill Amos, assistant manager of Double Dave’s. “We invite the community to come in

and watch football on our televisions, play games, host business lunches and enjoy our pizza.”

Double Dave’s is located across town at 471 John Knox, next to Office Max, Amos said. They serve a buf-fet everyday for lunch from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. They also provide carryout and pickup options. Next month, they will begin deliv-ering, Amos said.

“We don’t have a main competition right now, but we hope that people will come by and try us,” Amos said. “Once they try us, they might like us and start com-ing here for their pizza.”

Landon McCaig, fresh-man biology and psychology double major from Sulphur Springs, is glad to have an-other option in where to buy his pizza.

“From what I heard, it sounds like an interesting

new restaurant,” McCaig said. “I will probably check it out before Christmas break, but if not, I definite-ly will when we return for next semester.”

Billy Hill, general manager of Gatti’s Pizza, is not worried about their new competitor.

“We’ve had Prime Time and the Double Dave’s built recently, which has hurt us a little bit, but we are do-ing just fine,” Hill said. “We have our own specials that

we think will boost business, including college night on Monday nights. On college night, students can eat at the buffet for only $3.99.”

Other offers include a free drink on Sundays if vis-itors bring in their church bulletin, Hill said.

Cody Gohlke, sophomore physical therapy major from Abilene, is not as thrilled about the new establish-ment as some others.

“I have never heard of

them before they opened here,” Gohlke said. “It doesn’t sound like a place where I would go very often. I have a friend who gives me a deal on pizza for cheap. I will probably just continue to go to him for my pizza.”

For pickup or carryout orders at Double Dave’s, call 325-692-5000.

Double Dave’s offers different dining experience

By Sondra RodriguezStudent RepoRteR

iDance, a new dance par-ty sponsored by Essence of Ebony, has been postponed until next semester for planning purposes, includ-ing finding a location and the possibility of an admis-sion fee.

iDance is a new event that features a dance competi-tion between groups. These

groups audition to compete and perform at the dance. The event also includes dancing for attendees.

“Two to four groups can choreograph a dance to a specific song,” said James Graham, junior interperson-al communications major from Abilene and president of Essence of Ebony.

iDance was originally planned for Friday, Nov. 30, but because a dance party such as this is not allowed on ACU campus, the event has been postponed until next semester.

“It’s not canceled; it’s on hold,” Graham said. “We had to shift it off campus, and be-cause of the timing, we’re go-ing to do it next semester.”

This will allow time to look and decide on loca-tions throughout Abilene to host the dance.

“We’re looking at possibly Prime Time. They said they would like to have us there because it will bring them more business. We haven’t made any final decisions, but that’s probably the most likely one,” Graham said.

Along with finding a loca-

tion, organizers are contem-plating an attendance fee.

“Originally we were only going to charge the groups that were participating, but now we’re looking at doing an individual fee,” Graham said.

Dance groups participat-ing in the competition por-tion of the night must pay a participation fee. A per-centage of this is awarded to the winning group. How-ever, the decision to charge

an admission fee will affect whether the prize money comes solely from other competitors or from every-one at the event.

Although the event is in the process of being planned and finalized, students are willing to wait until next se-mester for the dance.

“I was hoping they’d be able to pull it off, but they’ll be able to get something to-gether next semester,” said Darrien Grays, sophomore information technology ma-jor from Long Island, N.Y.

“I’ll support it; I’m defi-nitely planning on going,” he said. “They tell me the time and place, and they’ll have my presence,” he said.

iDance is open to all stu-dents on campus, as well as the entire Abilene community.

“This is open to everybody, but it’s on hold until next se-mester when we can better work it out,” Graham said.

A date and location for iDance will be announced next semester.

iDance disestablished

until spring semester

Katie gager CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Shalisa Stevens, senior graphic design major from Ruston, La., gives Melisha Copeland, senior early education major from Garland, a rose as part of the induction into the W Club Nov. 29 in the Library Atrium.

E-mail Touchette at: optimist@acu.edu E-mail Rodriguez at: optimist@acu.edu

“We had to shift it off campus, and because of the timing, we’re going to do it

next semester.”

James graham, junior interpersonal communications major

from abilene and president of essence of ebony.

Wednesday, December 5, 2007 Page 4 CAMPUS NEWS

By Aaron BallardStudent RepoRteR

Not too many students can claim managing their own company as a hobby. However, Dustin Reid, se-nior electronic media major from Rockwall, has been doing just that for the past five years. He founded his company, a Silence Produc-tion, in 2002 when Reid was a junior in high school.

“It all got started in high

school. I stopped playing football and got into other hobbies such as writing, film production and of course mu-sic,” Reid said. “I combined all of those new hobbies togeth-er to form a music publica-tion on the Web called Silence Magazine, which eventually developed into a multi-facet-ed, music-centered company called a Silence Production.”

In 2006, a Silence Produc-tion began to take its cur-rent form with the help of

co-founder Ryan Feerer. To-day, the versatile company acts as a record label, book-ing agent and distributor, and is involved in management, film production, artist devel-opment and graphic design. Along with Feerer and Reid, the company’s other co-own-ers, Ben Hernandez, Matt Worthington and Paul Bryan, are all either current ACU stu-dents or alumni.

“Silence is set up some-what like a franchise where

we have many members in various parts of the country doing different jobs, but our primary focus is in Abilene and Texas,” Reid said.

Recently, a Silence Produc-tion has gained some exposure in the national music media scene for some big shows the company has put on at Monk’s Coffee Shop. In addition, the company is set to release a record, with three more being recorded right now.

Reid wears many hats

within a Silence Production. “My role today is more of

a manager of operations, al-though I also do a lot of the film production Silence takes part in,” Reid said. “My roles consist of but are not limited to: booking agent, promoter, A&R, film editor, director, cam-era man, coffee runner, etc.”

Reid started the company because he had a passion for music and community, and he hated complacency.

“Complacency is under-

rated though,” Reid said.Reid sees himself moving

to New York next semester to pursue a Silence Production more heavily with Feerer.

“I don’t think there is an ultimate goal. We’re doing what we want to do now, and it’s what we love. “I think if anything, it’d be nice not to change anything except not to be stretched so thin fi-nancially.”

Student production company set to release record

By Yuri SudoStudent RepoRteR

The cafes around campus have been getting new snacks, sandwiches, desserts and more this semester. Workers in the Retail and Purchasing office said they will have larg-er variety of selections next semester by knowing the stu-dents’ needs. There are new styles of turkey and chicken sandwiches, dried fruit and nut mixes, veggie cups, sala-mi and cheese cups and Blue-bell Ice Cream.

The campus food coor-dinators have considered increasing healthy foods on the campus. The adminis-trative coordinator, Shan-non Wallis said the cafes have gotten healthy foods, but they still have popular

foods like Pop Tarts, cereal bars and candy bars.

“We have basic and healthy foods both here. We are test-ing right now to see what students want for the cafes,” Wallis said.

However, some students think the prices of the foods are a little high. The foods are selling without being discounted. Students strug-gle between choosing the price value or convenience of items.

“Campus foods are convenient. I usually buy

soups,” said Nathan McKen-zie, senior political science major from Albuquerque, N.M. “Their soups are really great, but the cafes’ food prices are a little high.”

McKenzie suggested sell-ing grocery store products at the cafes such as loafs of bread or cartons of milk for more convenience.

One café, the Den in Bar-rett Hall, is selling travel mugs, and students can pur-chase them with their bean bucks this semester. It will be another option for the

students who still haven’t used their bean bucks.

“We’ve gotten healthy snacks in the Campus Store,” Wallis said.

She said the nuts and fruits mix called Sweet Caro-line, Berry Good Mix and Yo-gurt Pretzels are popular.

“I liked the new sandwich-es. It is good to have variety,” said Kristin Childress, senior interdisciplinary major from Afton, Va. She has been us-ing her bean bucks mostly for buying snacks. She said she especially likes new muf-fins and sandwiches.

“I think they are having more fresh stuff this semes-ter. I want more of a variety of fruits and sandwiches,” Childress said.

Variety comes to cafes on campus: high priced

By C.J. PiersonStudent RepoRteR

After taking his first jump in April of 2004, Lance Fer-guson started the club The Coalition Flyers at ACU one year later.

“Unreal, pumped, scared and adrenaline” were the words Ferguson, senior mar-

keting major from Ontario, Calif., used to describe the weightless drop into nothing experienced while skydiving.

“The group has an open invitation,” said Nick Hester (‘07). “If you jump with us once, you are in, there are no fees, nothing official, and everyone is invited to join in this experience that is like nothing else.”

The group plans to head out to its jumping location, Skydive Smithville, which is about 30 minutes south of Austin, this Saturday if the weather is good, Fergu-son said. For those who are weary of taking the plunge

because of safety reasons, Hester said there are many safety precautions and steps, but still has a reputation for being an unsafe activity. He said the only people who die are doing extreme stunts.

He also said skydiving, as far as extreme sports go, is one of the safest you can find. “It feels weird, because

you are in an element that you are supposed to not be in, like birds and planes,” Ferguson said.

“You can go wherever you want; you control if you speed up and slow down. It’s like your body is flying,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson and Hester have made a combined to-tal of 47 jumps. Hester said his wife, Jennyfer, joined him for the first time on the club’s last jump on Nov. 10, and he said she loved it.

For more information, see thecoalitionflyers.tripod.com.

Skydive slated for Saturday By Mallory Edens

page 2 editoR

Several opportunities are available during Christmas Break to give back to the community.

Students who stay in Abilene during the holidays often participate in vol-unteer services, and many faculty members offer their homes to others during Christmas meals.

Students who are look-ing for a host for Christmas may contact Laura Blake, director of international student services, to set up somewhere to go.

“There are people who want to host you,” Blake said. “For Thanksgiving, quite a few students went to

staff members’ houses and now have somewhere to go for Christmas.”

Blake’s parents, Art and Susan Green, have hosted international students for the past several years and are extending that invita-tion again this year to any international student that needs somewhere to go.

Blake said there are many benefits to hosting internation-al students for the holidays.

“It’s neat [for international students] to see how Ameri-can families have Christmas,

and it also helps some with homesickness,” she said. “It gives them dinner and people to spend time with.”

Many students must stay in town for reasons like work and sports. Some of these students choose to use their free time to serve the community.

Service opportunities include accepting dona-tions at the Hendrick Hos-pice Care ‘Light up a Life’ tree at the Mall of Abilene, helping with the Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Mall

of Abilene through Dec. 17 and organizing presents at the Abilene Civic Center Dec. 17-22.

Alyssia Ambrose, ju-nior education major from Killeen, said that while she suggests students give back to the community during the holidays, she wishes more activities were avail-able around town for college students over the break.

“I wish there was stuff for students to do on campus,” Ambrose said. “They could announce them in Chapel or something where everybody meets, or at least college nights at restaurants or some-where so we could all get to-gether and meet people.”

Students serve, share meals over break

E-mail Sudo at: optimist@acu.edu

E-mail Pierson at: optimist@acu.edu

E-mail Ballard at: optimist@acu.edu

E-mail Edens at: mxe06a@acu.edu

“It feels wierd, because you are in an element that you are supposed to not be in,

like birds and planes.”

Lance Ferguson (’07)

“It’s neat [for international students] to see how American families have Christmas, and it also

helps some with homesickness.”

Laura Blake, director of international student services

“We have basic and healthy foods both here. We are testing right now to see what students want for

the cafes.”

Shanon Wallis, Campus Store administrative coordinator

Information courtesy of www.chiangmai-thai.com, www.hopeforthenations.com and ww.hfnthailand.com

On unwed mothers:

* Unwed mothers live without proper food, education or health care* 300,000 women per year seek an abortion* 822 per day seek an abortion

On children born to unwed mothers:

* 50 percent of prostitutes working in Bangkok are younger than 14* A child born to an unwed mother could be sent to live with relatives* Drug smugglers use children as “carriers” across the border

On faith:

* 95 percent Buddhists* 4 percent Muslims* .5 percent Christian* .5 percent Hindu, Sikhs and other relgions* 1,200 temples

By Kelsi PeaceManaging Editor

Dana Rector chats with a customer as she rings up her purchases at the immaculate Jordan Taylor & Do., Dana’s home and furni-ture boutique at 201 Walnut Street in down-town Abilene.

Soaking in the festive holiday atmosphere in the store and scanning the room, which is filled with an array of women and high-end gift items, one isn’t likely to connect the boutique with im-poverished women across the world.

But in the back of the store, a box filled with drawstring jewelry bags waits to be priced on Nov. 29. The American women who purchase them will unknowingly form a bond with five women living in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The glistening gold jewelry bag, now sitting in the luxurious boutique, rests in a world far different than the world where a woman made it as an alternative to prostitution.

Project: Prevention

The bags represent one item in Dana’s hu-manitarian line. Unwed mothers learn to pro-duce products with broad Western appeal for the line – and in the process they sustain their family and escape the prostitution they oth-erwise would likely turn to. The project has been a decade in coming, and it represents the combined efforts of Dana, her husband Dr. Tony Rector, physician and director of medi-cal services, and several missionaries immers-ing themselves in the lives of Thai women.

“It’s a good God story for us,” Tony said, re-calling the last decade. “It’s like waiting on the Lord, and being thankful and being patient.”

The Rectors’ heart for missions manifested itself in several medical missions to Latin Amer-ica, the largest one in 1996-1997 to Guatemala, where the family worked with Health Talents In-ternational doing medical missions.

“Dana and I never considered ourselves tra-ditional missionaries, whatever that looks like,” Tony said. “It was a great experience, but yet we came back with a sense of question mark, wondering ‘What exactly did you want us to get from this experience?’ We served, we did some good, but we felt there was a certain open-end-edness, unfinishedness, to that experience.”

While they wondered, Jordan Taylor con-tinued to grow, expanding two years ago to the 30,000 square feet it is today. The growth spurred the couple to seek venues to use the business’ gifts for missions. Although they were already supporting a missionary in the Bronx, N.Y., the Rectors continued to search for more involvement.

A year and a half ago, the couple was in-vited to a fundraising drive for ACU gradu-ate Leah Cypert, who works with women at risk for prostitution and human trafficking in Thailand. Leah numbered among others the Rectors encountered who were advo-cates for these ensnared women — and such relationships compelled the couple to seek a way to use their business in eliminating human trafficking.

In January 2007, Tony stumbled across a Christianity Today cover article, that featured a couple that rescued women from the red light district in Thailand. He contacted the couple from the article and began a network that stretched across the world.

“That, to me, was our confirmation,” he said. In July, the couple spent four days in Chi-

ang Mai, Thailand, networking with missionar-ies and gleaning understanding from Dr. Chris Flanders, assistant professor of missions with several years of experience in Thailand, who headed to Chiang Mai for research and facili-tated the Rectors’ trip.

“We were going there to network and offer what we could do in a business model to help them,” Tony said.

And the Rectors brought something more than patterns for the pajamas the women would learn to make for the ministry to be self-sustaining. They brought what Tony calls the “Dana Factor.”

“She is extremely sharp and astute at creat-ing things that have a general market appeal — something somebody would buy no matter if there was a good cause or otherwise,” he said. “And also, she is blessed with good, positive, helpful connections in the retail industry.”

Dana’s connections include buyers from the

major department stores at Dallas’ World Trade Center and 20 years of retail experience.

Leah suggested the Rectors contact Rob and Evie Payne, who work with Hope for the Nations in Thailand.

At Hope for the Nations’ House of Hope in Chiang Mai, the Paynes work with about seven unwed mothers, ministering to them, teaching them life skills, and now with the help of the Rec-tors, offering them a venue to sustain themselves and the ministry.

“In Thai culture, an unwed mother is an out-cast,” Tony said. “She has no resource

or recourse… There’s no wel-fare or social sup-port system — not their parents, not their friends, they’re just ostracized. And you know, with that heartache is a great opportunity to teach the love of Christ.”

Rob and Evie do just that every day at the House of Hope, loving and teaching the seven women who keep the house at its capacity.

“One of the missing pieces that we kept hear-ing over and over was getting them integrated back into society in a different way and having jobs for them that could create a stable income for them,” Dana said.

The project emphasizes prevention in Bang-kok where 50 percent of prostitutes are under

14 and in Thailand, where 822 women seek an abortion every day, according to the Hope for the Nations Web site.

“My philosophy of medicine is that I have a strong emphasis on prevention,” Tony said. “For my life, that also applies to this world. If we can help prevent these women from enter-ing prostitution, that’s a better stage of preven-tion. And that’s one thing that’s attracted us to Rob and Evie.”

Not a sympathy purchase

Once the Rectors joined forces with Hope for the Nations, Dana returned to America – and Jordan Taylor — to create a business model in

which profits from the items the women made could sustain the ministry.

With five silk pajama designs, some jew-elry and a robe pattern, Dana’s plan differs because the products the women at House

of Hope create target women in the Western world.

“It’s not a sympathy pur-chase — it’s a purchase be-cause ‘I really want to buy this,” Dana said. “I know

kind of what’s out there in the market.

I’m just trying to find some little niches of differ-ent things that can be made fairly easily.”

Dana’s 20 years of experience haven’t elimi-nated the trial and error aspect of the humanitar-ian line.

“Trying to get the fit right was harder than I thought it would be,” Dana said, explaining that Thai women are much smaller than American women. “They think we’re giants.”

Although the designs still require some tweaking, Dana said she hoped to release the de-signs in Jordan Taylor by Christmas. And in the meantime, she aims for smaller projects, like the jewelry bags, to encourage the women with the immediate results.

When the bags hit the shelves Nov. 29, Dana released them without a hangtag explaining their story and without a set retail price.

“For right now, we’re going to put a price tag on them and see if they sell with-

out the story behind them,” she said. “If they sell without the story, than

they’re going to sell even better with the story.”

Jordan Taylor will serve as the testing ground, where Dana can

perform cost analysis on the prod-ucts, test the market and modify the

designs. The jewelry bags, jewelry and paja-mas begin what the Rectors hope will become a complete line Dana can eventually whole-sale.

“Won’t it be amazing that something from a woman who’s learning about Christ in Thailand is now making something to help support her family that’s being sold in Dillard’s or Neiman Marcus in the United States?” Tony said.

Plans also include the possibility of a co-op among several missions in Thailand, where wom-

en from several different locations could work with Dana’s line, sustain their families and share Christ’s love.

“That’s way long term,” Tony explained. “We do have a building right now, we are making the pajamas, we are making the jewelry, but we’re not really full steam.”

Expanding the project reflects the Rectors’ desire to be missional in business — a passion both expressed.

“So much we compartmentalize,” Tony said. “I do business, I make my donation in church on Sunday. But we really believe that, especially if you own the business, that business needs to be missional at all different levels.”

Missions manifest themselves in many ways, Dana said, not just in the more traditional form of relocating to spread the Gospel.

“I have done that part of it, too,” she said. “Tony and I, we sold everything and moved to Guatemala. I’ve seen both perspectives. But I believe that God wants every part of us, and I think Satan has done a really crafty job in the United States of making people believe that ‘this part is God’s and this part is mine. This part is holy, and this part is secular. This part is church, this part is worldly.’ I think the more that we under-stand Scripture, the more we understand it’s all His… I believe that our businesses are His, too.”

Teaching others

While the business model took off in Thailand, it also launched in Nigeria, after ACU graduate stu-dent Eniabitobi Esi-Edodo showed Dana a pair of pajamas she made three or four years earlier.

Eniabitobi, or Tobi, as the Rec-tors call her, told Dana she made the pants and knew, “God wants me to do something with this sometime.”

After completing the two-year marriage and family therapy Master’s program at ACU, Tobi returned to Nigeria, where she works with

single mothers, pregnant teenagers and girls rescued from prostitution, and “does some-thing” with her pajamas. She and Dana contin-

ue to chose designs and improve the products, but Tobi said the process encourages her.

“I am very excited at the prospect of seeing the women I work with earn an income to help them move on in life and educate their children,” she said in e-mail from Nigeria.

And Tobi could be just the first among many ACU students immersed in humanitarian aid with the Rectors’ project.

“What I’m encouraged with in our culture and the students here is there’s a real growing passion and desire to be about doing that,” An-thony said.

He and Rob have discussed offering summer internships for business, social justice or edu-cation majors, where students will learn to cre-ate a missional business model. Although such plans are only an aspiration now, Anthony said one day he hopes to build a dormitory and offer scholarship aid.

In the near future, students could be used as manpower — to package products and to pro-mote the project.

“I’m convicted that part of our responsibility, too, is to teach others to do the same thing,” An-thony said.

The Rectors plan to return to Thailand this summer to touch base with the mission, exam-ine some property and connect with the five women crafting Dana’s products as well as the other women in the home, one of whom is fin-ishing her college degree.

“By that time, we’ll have had six month of his-tory to see where this is going,” Dana said.

Wherever the project goes, the Rectors sound confident it will take shape as it is intended to.

“The story’s not about us. It’s really about what God can do,” Anthony said. “To me, the story is to leave yourself open to God doing work – no matter what you chose as far as a profession or career. And He’ll do that. And it’s wonderful.”

December 5, 2007 Page 5

FocusWednesday

Business MissionNew clothing and apparel in Abilene bring jobs, safety and hope to widows in Thailand.

E-mail Peace at: knp04a@acu.edu

ViewswednesdayOptimistPage 6 December 5, 2007

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Editorial Board and News Staff

Jared FieldsEditor in Chief

Kelsi PeaceManaging Editor

Lauren SuttonCopy Editor

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Denton JoseyFeatures Editor

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Kenneth PybusAdviser

Career accomplishments:Naimadu became the first athlete in NCAA history to win four cross country titles.

Naimadu has helped the track and field team win several national championships.

In his four years at ACU, he’s won 13 individual national championships.

He went undefeated in all of his cross country races in 2006 and led ACU to the 2007 national outdoor track and field team title.

Nicodemus Naimadu leaves behind memorable legacyNicodemus Naimadu stamped

his spot in history by winning four-straight NCAA Division II cross country championships, but the phenom’s legacy ex-tends well beyond his athlet-ic achievements.

A teammate, entertainer, employee and most of all friend, Naimadu’s impact on this campus will resonate long after the runner’s last race for the Purple and White.

“Whenever people ask me about Nic, what’s going to be the lasting impressions that Nic leaves behind is his leadership,” said head cross country coach Derek Hood.

In his four years at ACU,

Naimadu won 13 individual national championships, helped the dynastic ACU track and field team win nu-merous team national cham-pionships and accomplished something that no other ath-lete has done in the history of the NCAA by winning four cross country titles.

But those closest to him will remember Naimadu through their memories and encoun-ters with the Kenyan runner.

“He’s going to be a tough one to replace,” Hood said. “But he will have a lasting effect.”

Hood said Nicodemus dis-played his shining personality and character at the Division II

awards ceremony on Nov. 17. Hours after successfully

completing history by win-ning title No. 4 — a feat that bettered four other athletes’ records, including the Uni-versity of Oregon’s legendary Steve Prefontaine — Naima-du stumbled while walking onto the stage to accept his award.

But like a true champi-on, Naimadu brushed it off, smiled and kept walking.

Throughout his collegiate career, Naimadu has done just the same. While balanc-ing classes, athletics and his night job cleaning for physi-cal resources, Naimadu has

pushed through it all and made history.

“He is the most gifted dis-tance runner to come through ACU, and though there were little trips and stumbles, he handles them, grins and goes right on with the show,” Hood said.

With his phenomenal col-legiate career over, Naimadu said he now can focus on his next two life goals: graduat-ing from ACU and running for Kenya in the 2012 Olympics.

And though Hood said Naimadu will have to wade through the extremely po-litical and competitive at-mosphere of qualifying to

run for Kenya and is two semesters from graduating with a degree in biology, we know that like his athletic challenges at ACU, Naimadu will succeed.

We congratulate Naima-du for his achievement and thank him for the privilege of covering greatness. It has been an honor to profile his career from his first race to his final championship.

What do the definition of engender and feeding the

poor have in common?

E v e r y -thing when it comes to the latest online em-b o d i m e n t of the old killing two birds with one stone cliché — Fre-eRice.com.

At the altruistic Web site, any-one who knows the mean-ing of engender — a fancy word for c r e a t i n g something — and a long list of other ob-scure defi-nitions can help end h u n g e r one word at a time.

The Web site confronts its browsers with an SAT style vocabulary quiz, in which a bolded word is followed by four choices. One option is the highlighted word’s syn-onym, and for each correct response, the Web site’s ad-vertisers donate 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Program, the world’s largest humanitar-ian organization.

Although 20 grains of rice, upped from the original award of 10 grains, may seem like a miniscule amount, the benevolent word game, started in October, has amassed nearly six billions grains of rice for the hungry in its first two months of ex-istence. That is more than 14 metric tons of the Asian staple. Not too shabby for a Web site started by an aging

computer programmer. “It’s hard to get people

to read about hunger and poverty,” creator and 50-year old word master John Breen told the Washington Post. “It’s kind of depress-ing, so I had to think of an entertaining way to draw people in.”

And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a word whiz to help the cause.

FreeRice’s word list ranges from everyday words to those reserved for scholarly articles. The words’ difficulty level is measured by the amount of definitions donators get

right and wrong, so a n y o n e from your v e r b o s e E n g l i s h professor to the guy who says “Dude,” at the begin-

ning of every sentence can help the cause.

The Web site, bound to be bookmarked by well-read do-gooders, created a sim-ple way for anyone hooked up to the World Wide Web to practice altruism and lit-erally learn its definition. And Breen said he plans to continually up the amount each word donates as the site’s popularity grows.

So if you want to test your diction’s depth or have a penchant — my newest FreeRice word — visit the Web site, learn a few new words and help the hungry. It’s OK to cheat every now and then. After all, it’s for a good cause, right?

Literally learning the definition of altruism

OpinionShouterDanielJohnson

Lebensgefahr Alex York

E-mail the Optimist at: optimist@acu.edu

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

Perhaps Bono should be-gin looking for a new cause

to promote; the AIDS p a n d e m i c appears less critical than we previous-ly thought.

The Unit-ed Nations’ AIDS scien-tists plan to acknowledge this week their over-e s t i m a t i o n

of AIDS victims around the globe. The estimated number of cases, 2.5 million, dropped by 40 percent when the hope-ful – yet troublesome – reports showed an actual decline in the pandemic throughout the

last decade.Although the declaration

of this decline proffers posi-tive news, we do not excuse the UN from its misrepresen-tation of the AIDS crisis.

The UN changed its sta-tistical methodology to more accurately convey the AIDS crisis. Previously, the UN largely based their numbers on infected preg-nant women in clinics and projected AIDS rates of tar-geted sub-groups like the homosexual community.

When the UN relies on inflated AIDS statistics to achieve a proactive re-

sponse from society, the is-sue becomes more political than scientific.

The Washington Post re-ported on the disheartening-ly dishonest overestimation, saying it affected funding decisions concerning AIDS education and prevention. Also, the skewed reports obscured potential lessons about how to slow the pro-gression of the communica-ble virus.

The most recent informa-tion about AIDS does not lessen the significance of the worldwide crisis, nor should it remove any sort

of social responsibility. The pandemic continues to take lives in large numbers, es-pecially in areas of Sub-Sa-haran Africa.

The new, more accurate information will help in con-structing a pragmatic way to deal with the AIDS problem in a more appropriate fashion by matching prevention strat-egies with the correct number of infected individuals.

And Bono can continue raising AIDS awareness in the name of love. Because really — how long, how long must we sing this song?

New AIDS statistics reveal skewed data

State ofMindLaurenSutton

E-mail Sutton at: les03c@acu.edu, optimist@acu.edu

We do not excuse the United Nations from its misrepresentation of the AIDS crisis.

Anyone from your verbose English professor to the

guy who says, “Dude,” at the beginning of every sen-tence can help the cause.

I am an avid Wildcat fan for all sports but even more than avid for basketball. This year’s squad is exciting, and Coach Copeland is doing a fantastic job with them.

However, whoever manages the house at Moody is killing my spirit! The music is played so loudly before game start, during time outs, etc., we fans cannot relax, visit with each other or even think straight.

You say it is for the college stu-dents? This is what they like? Have you looked recently into the stands? The college stu-dents are not there. When they come in the numbers of the older ones, I assure you there will be no complaints from us.

Keep winning, Wildcats. We’ll be there to cheer you on. Hope you can hear us above the music.

Edsel Hughesedsel.hughes@acs.acu.edu

Basketball fan expresses unease about loud music

So here I am in Abilene, a supposedly Christian area.

Recently, I was taking a five-hour test for educators. It is enough to make even the strongest person get a little cranky.

Sitting down the row from me was a sweet elderly man. His face is weathered but gentle, his clothes are worn from hard work. This is what America is all about; equal

opportunity for everyone and never having to be finished, you can improve your life whenever you want.

Good, I thought. A couple hours pass by. Suddenly there is a lady standing over him asking, “What is that? You have to put that away.”

The old man looked up with confusion. “It is a mag-nifier” he said. “Without it I cannot read, I cannot tell if the minus signs are plus signs, or if the plus signs are minus signs.”

She folded her arms and said, “Unless you have a note

stating you have a disability, you cannot use it.”

He begged, but she was full of anger. I sat there watching as the pride fell off of his face, and it almost seemed as if a small piece of him might have died.

He quietly put it away. I looked around as the class sat in shock.

Why not ask all the stu-dents wearing glasses to put their eyewear away unless they have a note? What about the students with hearing aids? What is this world com-ing to? What kind of school

policy permits students from seeing the test?

What kind of harm is to be done with a magnifier? Where is the respect for the elders?

Shouldn’t a Christian school exemplify these stan-dards? Call me a bit dramatic, but I find it a tragedy. How is this changing the world?

Christia Panggraduate education

student from Abilene cboylepang@twu.edu

Inequality during testing creates anger, confusion

A response to testing rules at ACU.

YOur VOiCE

YOur VOiCE

Page 7 Wednesday, December 5, 2007FROM THE FRONT

problems. Changes have been enacted this year to ensure a more productive skating season.

A top cover for the rink will be added.

When the ice freezes, an air barrier forms above the surface. This cold air keeps the ice from melting. Last year the strong winds of West Texas blew the barriers away,

causing mass melting of the skating rink and resulting in its closing for 14 of its 57-day season.

“You can have a 60 de-gree day and still the bar-rier would keep the ice. You could have a 40 degree day with the winds blowing, and they would melt the ice,” said Ray Holder, interim executive director for Abilene’s Habitat for Humanity.

The new rink cover will act

as an artificial air barrier.Another change this year

is the ice rink’s time schedule. Work did not commence on the rink until the end of November to catch the colder tempera-tures of the later months.

Last Saturday was the big workday for the skating rink. Karen Mendoza, events coor-dinator for Abilene’s Habitat for Humanity directed more than 60 volunteers as they tramped around Festival

Gardens, laying rubber mat-ting, building picket fences or decorating trees with Christ-mas lights. All volunteers re-ceived a free skating pass for their time commitment.

ACU contributed almost half the volunteers through Dr. Da-vid Dillman’s and Dr. Joe Ste-venson’s U100 classes, Dr. Mel Hailey’s and Dr. Neil Coates’ political science classes, the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity and Phi Eta Sigma,

the freshman honors society.“[The Dyess We Care Team]

is [also] getting involved in ev-ery way possible,” said Mike Perkins, a Dyess volunteer. “We care about the commu-nity,” he said.

Perkins came to work on a Saturday morning because he had free time and wanted to get involved. “I have two kids that had a lot of fun with the ice rink last year, and I want to bring them out this year, so

they can say my dad helped build this,” Perkins said.

Abilene’s Habitat for Human-ity and the Dyess We Care Team purchased the skating rink this year after deciding to no longer rent it annually. This invest-ment means a long-term fund-raising future for the Abilene community that can now claim its very own Ice House.

Ice: Habitat tweaks skating rink to prevent messy meltContinued from page 1

E-mail Linton at: optimist@acu.edu

said Jessica Jennings, senior integrated marketing commu-nication major from Austin, who will co-direct with Shaley Lucas, integrated marketing communication major from Coppell. “We want to get ev-eryone involved and having fun, so it is not too stressful,” Jennings said.

A new category has been

added this year to the mixed voices category, IEH, which represents the International Students’ Association, Es-sence of Ebony and Hispanos Unidos. Their theme will be the gnomes from the Trav-elocity commercials.

“I think the combination of people is going to be a whole lot of fun and diverse. It’s not as big as class acts, but we have about 50 people, and ev-

eryone is offering help, so it should turn out really good,” said Linly Stowe, sophomore nursing major from Brentwood, Tenn. and IEH act director.

Rebecca Hopkins, computer science major from Edmund, Okla., and Bobby Kelly, Biblical worship major from Frisco, will co-direct the freshman class.

Themes: Mixed voices addedContinued from page 1

E-mail Abston at: optimist@acu.edu

on campus in more than 100 different ways that ONE lists.

Each school’s progress is tracked by ONE and will be rewarded with each milestone

they achieve. Rewards are given in order to continue to encourage students’ efforts and their participation. The campus with the most points at the end of the Challenge will get the chance to host a special

performance on their campus. For more information about

ONE Campus Challenge, visit www.one.org/campus.

One: Rewards offered for involvementContinued from page 1

E-mail Valle at: vmv04a@acu.edu

English major from Grand Prai-rie, said students will enjoy it if they read it. The cover illustra-tion and title word whore will either repel or intrigue them.

Other books have been written about this topic Gen-try said. However, they do not

explore it to same breadth that this book does or exam-ine how the media and schol-arship represent violent, po-litical women.

“I think it’s a disservice to say that these women aren’t political and didn’t stand for something. I think our goals are to just to keep chipping away

at those gender stereotypes and to kind of continue to look at women as fully capable, cul-pable actors,” Gentry said.

The book has not been re-leased in the United States, but students can purchase it at the start of the spring semester.

Gentry: Book hits stereotypesContinued from page 1

Eubanks, only the second defensive player to finish in the top three of the Harlon Hill voting, set the all-time Division II career record for sacks with 39 for 249 yards and ranks third all-time in Division II history in career tackles for loss with 70.5 for 355 yards. He helped Delta

St. to a Gulf South Confer-ence championship and a spot in the quarterfinals of the NCAA playoffs.

Woodhead, the 2006 Hill trophy winner, rushed for 1,876 yards and 24 touch-downs in addition to 53 pass receptions for 562 yards and three touchdowns. The senior from North Platte Neb., fin-ished his career at Chadron St. with the most yards in the

history of college football. In his four seasons with the Eagles, Woodhead racked up 7,962 yards and ranks second in all division in all-purpose yardage with a total of 9,479. The senior’s 109 career touch-downs tied the NCAA record and his 654 career points ranks second all-time.

Scott: RB in top three for Hill trophyContinued from page 8

E-mail Johnson at: djj04a@acu.edu

“I really felt like Satur-day’s game was one we could’ve won,” Lavender said. “I think we’re playing a lot better. If we start being a little more consistent from

the floor, we can start get-ting on a roll.”

ACU’s next game is Thurs-day against East Central in Ada, Okla. East Central is 4-1 on the season, and com-ing off a 69-64 victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville.

“This road trip is going to be crucial,” Lavender said. “I think this will be a good test for us this week.”

Streak: Women face East Central nextContinued from page 8

E-mail Freeman at: mxf04b@acu.edu

to get them to take better care of the ball.”

Callahan was the leading scorer for ACU, with 25 points. Other leading scorers were se-nior guard Corwin Ragland with 13 points and eight as-

sists, junior guard Dante’ Ad-ams scored 12 points, and ju-nior forward Cameron Holson put eight points on the board.

ACU returns to action Thursday in Ada, Okla. at 8 p.m. against East Cen-tral as they continue LSC Crossover play.

Copeland said he and the team aren’t worrying about game-by-game play.

“We’re still focusing on worrying about ourselves and how we play,” Copeland said.

Loss: Callahan posts 25 in first lossContinued from page 8

Katie gager CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Roberts, Fixture World, Inc. employee, installs a new information desk in the Campus Center on Friday. The Campus Center also received new TVs and a bench.

E-mail Rapelje at: optimist@acu.edu

E-mail Davis at: red04a@acu.edu

Friday facelift

Optimist

spOrtsWednesdayDecember 5, 2007Page 8

Standings

Upcoming

For complete intramural scores and schedules

visit:w w w. a c u o p t i m i s t . c o m

IntramUral roUnd-Up

Scoreboard as of Tuesday

ScoreBoard

Briefs

n The intramural schedule in the Optimist is subject to change and is not permanent. Any changes can be viewed on the intramural bulletin board in Moody Coliseum.

men’s BasketballTeam Div. OverallTAMU-KTarleton St.

ACU WTAMUAngelo St.

MSU

0-00-00-00-00-00-0

5-05-14-16-23-22-4

ENMU 0-0 2-5

Women’s BasketballTeam Div. OverallTarleton St.Angelo St.WTAMUTAMU-KMSU

ACU

0-00-00-00-00-00-0

4-04-23-23-42-32-4

TX Woman’s 0-0 1-3ENMU 0-0 1-5

thursday

SoFtBallDelta Theta vs. Siggies Yellow, Women’s League, 4 p.m.

Purple Socks vs. Siggies White, Women’s League, 4:50 p.m.

Saturday

Women’S BaSKetBallCentral Oklahoma 78, ACU 69

men’S BaSKetBallCentral Oklahoma 89, ACU 88

Scores

thursday

Women’S BaSKetBallACU at East Central, 6 p.m.

men’S BaSKetBallACU at East Central, 8 p.m.

n Home games listed in italics

acU honors cBS Sports producer

n ACU will host a press confer-ence Wednesday to honor ACU alum and CBS Sports executive producer Lance Bar-row. Barrow, a nine-time Emmy Award winner, was in charge of last year’s Super Bowl XLI telecast. The press conference will be held at 11:30 a.m. in the foyer of the Teague Special Events Center where one of the classrooms in the Teague Center will be renamed in Barrow’s honor.

By Michael FreemanAssistAnt sports Editor

The women’s basket-ball team’s two-game home stand ended on a sour note Saturday as the Wildcats lost 78-69 to Lone Star Con-ference rival Central Okla-homa. The loss drops ACU’s overall record to 2-4, while Central Oklahoma improves to 5-1 on the season.

“Central is probably the best team we’ve played, and probably one of the best teams we will play,” said head coach Shawna Lavender.

Bronchos junior forward Lizzie Brenner, who was named LSC North Division co-Player of the Week Mon-day, and senior guard Cas-sidy Pillow led the way for Central Oklahoma as both players chalked up a double-double in the game. Brenner finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while Pillow had 14 points and 10 rebounds.

But the Wildcats kept pace with the Bronchos through-out the game thanks to three ACU players scoring in dou-ble-digits. Senior guard Alex Guiton led the Wildcats with 19 points, four rebounds and two assists. Junior cen-ter Audrey Maxwell finished with 14 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore forward Jamie Meyer ended with 10 points and eight re-bounds. Sophomore forward Jody Meyer also contributed with nine points and 10 re-bounds. However, the Wild-cats’ scoring did not come

at opportune moments in the game.

“I thought we played re-ally well,” Lavender said. “We missed a lot of easy shots though.”

After going into half-time with a 37-34 lead, ACU came out of the break to shoot only 33.3 percent from the field in the second half, while Central Oklaho-ma shot 55.2 percent. The Wildcats stayed in the game with their play from beyond the three-point line. Gui-ton buried a three-pointer with 3:03 left to cut Central Oklahoma’s lead to 70-67. ACU shot 36.4 percent from three-point land for the game, but it wasn’t enough as the Bronchos nailed 11 of 14 free throws in the second half to clinch the win.

UCO ends two-game winning streak

By Rachel Davisopinion Editor

The Wildcats’ undefeat-ed streak ended Saturday against the University of Central Oklahoma in a heart-breaking Lone Star Confer-ence crossover 89-88 loss.

The loss was ACU’s first of the year, putting them at 4-1. The Bronchos, who were picked in the preseason poll to win the LSC North Division, are now at 6-1.

“We hurt ourselves in two ways,” head coach Jason Cope-land said. “We had 21 turnovers and allowed them to pick up 13 offensive rebounds, and that’s not acceptable.”

Copeland said he couldn’t pinpoint the loss on either the performance of the offense or the defense.

“We played really hard, there were times when we were offensively really good and defensively really good,” Copeland said.

The Wildcats were down by

11 points, 79-68, with 8:22 left to play and came back to cut the lead 88-84. Even though the team fought back from the 11-point deficit, they were unable to get the win.

Senior guard Brandon Cal-lahan sunk a 3-pointer to cut the Bronchos’ lead to 88-87

with 51 seconds left on the clock. Central Oklahoma then came back and scored a point on a free throw with 10 sec-onds left to make the score 89-87. Callahan, on his way to the basket with four seconds remaining, was fouled and made one of his shots to make the final score 89-88.

“They shot about 19 or 20 times more than we did,” Cope-land said. “We gave them more scoring opportunities, and we just can’t let that happen.”

The Wildcats had a better performance in the first half, holding a 50-41 lead at one point before going into half-time with a 52-44 lead.

But in the second half, Cen-tral Oklahoma dominated with a 35-16 run, including six pos-sessions with five 3-pointers to create an 11-point lead.

“We’ve definitely got to work on some things,” Copeland said. “We need to work on our plays and work with the guards

Men drop first loss of season

By Daniel Johnsonsports Editor

After breaking numer-ous NCAA Division II rush-ing records and helping the ACU football team to one of its best seasons in 30 years, junior running back Bernard Scott is on his way to winning a Heisman of sorts.

Scott is one of three final-ists for the Harlon Hill Award, the Division II equivalent of the Division I Heisman tro-phy, and he will find out if he is named the top player in Di-vision II for 2007 on Dec. 14 at the 22nd Annual Hill Tro-phy Presentation Banquet in Florence, Ala.

“He’s got incredible talent, and when you combine hard work with good talent good things will happen,” said head football coach Chris Thomsen.

Scott is one of three top-vote getters out of the nine finalists for the Hill award. The other top three are senior linebackers Michael Eubanks of Delta State University, and senior running back Danny

Woodhead of Chadron State College in Nebraska.

Scott, who transferred to ACU this season from Blinn Junior College, broke the Di-vision II records for touch-downs scored in a season (39), rushing touchdowns in a season (35) and points scored in a season (234). He went over 100 rushing yards in 11 games in his first season with the Wildcats and finished the season with 2,165 rush-ing yards. Scott broke ACU’s single-game rushing record with a 303-yard performance in ACU’s season-ending play-off loss to Chadron State on Nov. 24, scored three or more touchdowns in nine games and had six touchdowns in two games.

Scott was a key part of one of the best offenses in D-II football and helped the Wildcats to a 10-3 season and their first NCAA Division II playoff win, a 56-12 thrash-ing of Mesa State at Shotwell stadium on Nov. 17. In that

game Scott rushed for 125 yards and scored three touch-downs on only 12 carries.

“It speaks a lot about the work that he put in to pre-pare for the year and how he worked hard to get ready, and really the offense in general,” Thomsen said of Scott’s Har-lon Hill trophy nomination.

Sports information di-rectors at their respective schools nominated Hill tro-phy candidates, and those nominations were reviewed by the Hill Regional Advisory Committees and trimmed down to a list of nine. Vot-ing took place until Nov. 30, and the National Harlon Hill Award Committee will pres-ent the winner with the tro-phy prior to the NCAA Divi-sion I Football Championship Game on Dec. 15. The voting results will not be revealed until the banquet.

Scott’s competition, Eu-banks and Woodhead each posted accolade-worthy sea-sons themselves.

Record-breaking Scott up for Heisman of sorts

Dickson kWong CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERSenior guard Corwin Ragland shields the ball from University of Central Oklahoma guard Brian Walker during ACU’s 89-88 loss to UCO on Saturday. Ragland scored 13 points in ACU’s first loss.

MATT nEWHoUsER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Junior forward Kristee Davidson drives past Northeastern State guard Jessica White during the first half of ACU’s 56-46 win on Nov. 29. Davidson scored eight points in ACU’s latest loss against Central Oklahoma on Saturday.

bRiAn scHMiDT SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

Junior running back Bernard Scott stiff arms Mesa State defensive lineman Kurt Kissner during ACU’s NCAA Division II playoff win over Mesa State on Nov. 17.

Football

Uco 78, acU 69

Women’s Basketball

men’s Basketball

Uco 89, acU 88

See Scott page 7

See StreaK page 7

See loSS page 7

chadron State loses in ncaa Division II football quarterfinals

n Chadron State, who knocked ACU out of the NCAA Division II playoffs with a mara-thon 76-73 triple overtime win on Nov. 24, got knocked out of the playoffs Saturday. The Eagles lost to Northwest Mis-souri State 26-13. Northwest Missouri State will play No. 1 Grand Valley State this Satur-day at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Uco 44 45 — 89acU 52 36 — 88Central Oklahoma (89) — Tucker 3-9 4-4 10, Harper 2-5 0-0 5, Walker 2-4 0-0 5, Cazenave 3-10 0-0 9, Belt 8-16 2-6 19, Neal 3-7 1-1 8, Terneus 0-1 0-0 0, Thomas 7-10 5-6 24, Sosanya 3-9 3-4 9. Totals 31-71 15-21 89

ACU (88) — Sencanski 4-12 0-0 3, Musa 0-6 3-4 3, Ragland 5-8 1-4 13, Callahan 8-13 5-6 25, Adams 4-6 1-2 12, Nikolic 2-3 2-4 6, Holson 2-2 4-5 8, Wagner 1-1 5-7 7, Lambert 1-1 2-2 5. Totals 27-52 23-34 88

3-Point Goals — UCO 11-20 (Harper 1-3, Walker 1-2, Cazenave 3-7, Belt 1-4, Neal 1-4, Thomas 5-6). ACU 11-20 (Sencanski 1-6, Ragland 2-5, Callahan 4-4, Adams 3-4, Lambert 1-1). Fouled Out — UCO (Walker, Thomas) . ACU (Nikolic). Rebounds — UCO 38 (Belt 10), ACU 36 (Ragland 7). Assists — UCO 18 (Walker 6), ACU 18 (Ragland 8). Total Fouls — UCO 26, ACU 20. Technical Fouls — None.

Uco 34 44 — 78acU 37 32 — 69Central Oklahoma (78) — Brenner 11-19 2-5 24, Pillow 5-15 3-4 14, Yarbrough 0-1 2-2 2, Markus 4-8 1-1 11, Hester 4-8 1-1 11, Beckley 5-8 2-3 12, Free 1-3 2-2 4. Totals 30-67 14-19 78.

ACU (69) — Davidson 3-11 0-0 8, Meyer, Jamie 3-8 2-2 10, Maxwell 5-9 4-7 14, Darby 4-14 0-0 9, Guton 5-15 6-7 19, Meyer, Jody 3-7 3-4 9. Totals 23-68 15-20 69.

3-Point Goals — UCO 4-15 (Pillow 1-3 Markus 1-3, Hester 2-5). ACU 8-22 (Davidson 2-4, Merye, Jamie 2-4, Darby 1-5, Guiton 3-6). Fouled Out — None Rebounds — UCO 49 (Brenner 10, Pillow 10), ACU 42 (Meyer, Jody 10). Assists — UCO 16 (Yarbrough 5, Hester 5), ACU 10 (Meyer, Jamie 3). Total Fouls — UCO 21, ACU 18. Technical Fouls — None.

n Softball games will be played on the south softball fields by the Edwards parking lot. Playoff games will begin in the spring semester.