the PrairieTuesday, April 12, 2011

Volume 93 Issue XXIII

Alpha Sigma Alpha will help Greek life grow‘21 Days of Change’ events of the week

In Fall 2011, WTAMU will have a new sorority join Greek Life. Matt Maples, associate director of student activities explained that since last fall, the Panhellenic sororities (which consist of Chi Omega, Delta Zeta and Zeta Tau Alpha) have been looking into the possibility of bringing another sorority to campus.

Kendall Wilson, president of the Delta Zetas, said the sororities decided to go through the extension process because it is an opportunity for the

Greek system to grow and become more successful at WT.

“Alpha Sigma Alpha’s arrival to WT means Greek life will grow,” Wilson said. “This is an amazing opportunity for not only our Greek system, but for many women at West Texas.”

Maples explained that bringing a new Panhellenic sorority to Campus requires many steps.

“All of those sororities [Chi Omega, Delta Zeta and Zeta Tau Alpha] are governed by an organization called Panhellenic and Panhellenic has different processes that you would take

in order to bring the chapter to campus,” he said.

After going through the process and speaking with different sororities, it was decided that Alpha Sigma Alpha will be the new sorority coming to WT´s campus.

“We spoke to a few sororities, but Alpha Sigma Alpha was very interested in putting in an application,” Maples said. “Last month, they had a representative from their national headquarters come here and basically gather data and learn about our campus and everything. Then towards the

end of March, their national council voted unanimously to come here.”

Kati Matis, membership growth coordinator for Alpha Sigma Alpha, said the sorority is excited to start a chapter at WT.

“[WTAMU] is a growing campus in a great town of Canyon, and we wanted to be a part of it,” she said. “The fact that it is a midsize public institution in Texas, a state where we have grown rapidly in recent years with new chapters at University of Texas at El Paso, Texas A&M – Kingsville and Schreiner University.”

Ryan SchaapStaff Writer Volunteer Expo story on p. 6

MARIA MOLINAEditor

Shack-a-Thon: April 13 @ 8 a.m. through April 14 @ 10 a.m., Southeast Lawn of Old Main.Shack-a-Thon story on page 2. Look for pictures in The Prairie’s next edition.

Stay A�oat: April 14 @ 6:30-8:30 p.m., Virgil Henson Activities Center. Stay A�oat story on page 2. Look for pictures in The Prairie’s next edition.

Spring Fling/Battle of the Bands: April 16 @ 1-6 p.m. Lawn south of Old Education Building.The winner will open for Hawk Nelson’s concert on April 21. Look for Spring Fling/Battle of the Bands story and pictures in The Prairie’s next edition.

Style Your Sole: April 16 during Battle of the Bands.Look for pictures in The Prairie’s next edition.

S.T.O.P Film Festival: April 16 @ 6:30 p.m., JBK commons.Students Taking on Prevention Film Festival.

New sorority joins WT’s campus

Volunteer Expo comes to WTStudents learn how to give a helping hand

Ryan Schaap

The Prairie has a QR code! Scan it with your phone.

Sorority story on p. 3

2 the PrairieThe Prairie Editorial Sta� 2010-2011

Editor- Maria MolinaAssistant Editor- Katelyn GarrityManaging Editor- Randi Hudson Copy Editors- Krystina Martinez & Eva Harder

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

Web Editor - Georgia RomigFaculty Adviser- Butler Cain

How to ‘Stay A�oat’KATI WATSONStaff Writer

With ‘Give-a-Goat’ coming into full-swing on the WT cam-pus, some students are expressing their excitement as the time nears for this annual fundraiser’s main event: ‘Shack-A-Thon’, which begins Wednesday, April 13.

“Students are actually planning their week out so that they can make it,” Buffs 4 Christ intern Brad Raburn said.

‘Give-A-Goat’ is a charitable fund-raiser hosted by the WT Campus Ministers Alliance that is dedicated to helping the impoverished people of southern Sudan by raising money to buy goats to send to families in need. Beau Niewoehner, assistant director of the Wesley Founda-tion said that goats are not merely meant as food.

“Goats are useful because they’re low-maintenance and provide milk,” Niewoehner said. “Also, when they breed, one Sudanese family is able to give the babies to other families in need.”

‘Shack-A-Thon’ plays into ‘Give-A-Goat’s mission by having students and community members build cardboard shacks by Old Main to sleep in for the night as a way to simulate the level of poverty in

which the people of Sudan live. First-year graduate student and business major Caleb Dale said this temporary living arrangement helps to get students to care more.

“ [Shack-A-Thon] is a little more personal because you don’t just send a check. You actually put in some time and effort,” Dale said.

Over the course of three years, Shack-A-Thon has become a cam-pus-wide event with almost every organization getting involved, from dorms like Jones Hall to campus ministries like Buffs 4 Christ. To date, the street-shack sleepover has raised $34,000 and brought almost 500 goats to 40 Sudanese families. While the event has been tough in the past for some students because of poor weather conditions that often occur, some of this year’s participants say their anticipation is still high.

“I’m really looking forward to just raising awareness for the people of Sudan,” freshman nursing major Katy Spruiell said.

Shack-building begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 pm. on April 13. Other activities planned include goat-inspired parade �loats and judging of the shacks for prizes, such as “Most Creative.” In addition, a program will be lead by Christian Relief Fund President Milton Jones for the participants at 7:00 p.m.

The Sigma Nu fraternity is taking part in the ‘21 Days of Change’ movement by hosting the Stay A�loat race to raise money for TOMS shoes. Teams of three will meet up and build a cardboard boat. Teams will then have to race around the pool.

“I’m really looking forward to the race. Not only do I get to help raise money for a great cause, but I can’t wait to compete,” junior English major Jenessa Hauschildt said.

The team with the quickest time

around the pool will win a prize. Teams will also win a prize for the most ingenuity and the best

design. Stay A�loat will be held on April 14 in the Virgil Henson Activi-ties Center, at 6:30 p.m. It costs $15 to enter as a team of three. All of the building supplies will be provided by Sigma Nu. Following the boat races, there will be a dive-in movie in which students will be able to enjoy a movie while they swim.

“I hate the water and try not to go swimming, but I’m totally going to the dive-in movie,” Jacob Rives, a sophomore Music Performance major, said.

Buy a goat to provide better life for familiesShack-A-Thon JES ROSKENSStaff Writer

Sharyland Utilities continues to make progress running wind farm power transmis-sion lines in Northern Texas.

According to the Sharlyland website, the Dallas-based company’s Competitive Renew-able Energy Zones (CREZ) Transmission Project received �inal approval from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) on Dec. 13, 2010 to run a �inal route for a Hereford to White Deer line and on March 22, 2011 PUCT approved a Herford to Nazareth line, the �inal of two lines running from the Hereford Station.

In total, there will be �ive transmission lines running from four collection stations in North Texas. All but one line (the White Deer to Sil-verton line) have been approved.

Sharyland expects to start construction on each line segment within six to nine months after getting approval from PUCT and acquir-ing right of ways along the routes. The Her-eford to White Deer line was the �irst line to be approved by PUCT.

“We anticipate construction of the Hereford to White Deer line to begin by mid to late sum-mer of 2011.” Sharyland spokesperson Jeanne Phillips said.

The lines will run power to the major load centers within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid such the Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston areas.

“No. The CREZ lines will be connected only to the ERCOT grid, which serves approximately

85% of the state’s electric load, including ma-jor load centers such as the DFW area, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Retail customers in the Texas Panhandle are connected to an interstate transmission grid known as the Southwest Power Pool.” Phillips said when asked if any of the energy transmitted through the lines would be used in the Panhandle at any point in the future.

The scenario PUCT has selected for the transmission lines will add 18,456 megawatts of wind power into the ERCOT grid.

Hereford Economic Development Corpora-tion Executive Director Sheila Quirk believes that the impact from transmission lines going through Hereford will be good for the town.

“I think it will be a great thing for Hereford and Deaf Smith County. The opportunities for the land owners that have wind farm develop-ment groups, for them to be able to tie in to the substation. Just the impact that it’s going to have [on our community], especially for our taxing entities.” Quirk said.

Quirk also believes construction on the lines will have a positive impact on the Her-eford economy while construction crews are in the area.

“It won’t have anything but a positive im-pact on our community for the simple reason that as the construction crews come through building the substations and building the lines, they will be spending dollars in Hereford.” Quirk said.

It is expected that all transmission lines and collection stations will be operating by the end of 2013.

MELISSA BAUER-HERZOG Staff Writer

Wind energy project continues

A group of WTAMU students visited the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia as part of the freshman Readship WT experience.

12 freshman students won an all-expense paid trip to Cambodia through an essay contest discussing The Road to Lost Innocence, the Readership book for 2010. Over 300 students submitted an essay of which 12 students were chosen.

“The trip was life-changing and it opened my eyes to ignorant issues in

the world, such as educational learning,” Samantha Pearson, a freshman Special Education major, said. Pearson met some children on the river who “were shy at �irst but once they opened up they had a lot to talk about.”

Freshman Broadcasting major Sabrina Meck said Cambodia had a different infrastructure.

“There was no trash management and the streets were very dirty,” Meck said. “Children wore ratty clothes and wore them everyday.”

Due to the Khmer Rouge, a dictatorial regime that killed nearly two million

Cambodians in the 1970s, the average age of the Cambodian people is very young.

“I saw a lot of children running around playing,” Meck said. “I also saw a group of young boys doing Taekwondo. If the kids were not in school, they were in the streets.”

Even though these people lived in poverty, they treated their guests with the upmost hospitality, sleeping on a wooden bench under an elevated house.

“The people were very loving,” Pearson said. “They gave us their rooms that didn’t have any air conditioning and

no light. We had a small mattress to sleep on and a mosquito net to keep away the bugs.”

This trip was a moving experience for the students. Each of them returned to WT with a different story to tell.

Meck said that her favorite experience on the trip was when the Readership group visited a rural area where they waited for a bus to pick them up. However, the bus didn’t arrive on time, so the students had time to visit with children who were swimming in the river.

“Instead of trying to change people,

3the Prairie

Maples said the last time WT had a new sorority in campus was in the 1960s or 70´s. The arrival of Alpha Sigma Alpha will be beneficial for the other sororities as well.

“Typically what happens is that normally organizations are able to reach in a specific pocket of groups and they have a hard time branching out of that,” he said. “What bringing a new chapter does is it will help reach out a little bit further.”

He explained that if everything goes well, the addition of Alpha Sigma Alpha will make every sorority grow.

“If the expansion process goes well, statistically it should make all of the chapters grow,” Maples said. “For example, in Fall of 98 when we brought Omega Delta Phi and added them into our fraternities, our average chapter size within a year later have grown by

about 12 people over the previous years, and that was across all chapters.”

Matis said that Alpha Sigma Alpha will be marketing throughout the summer and fall. They will participate in the open house event on Sept. 6 during formal recruitment, however because of Panhellenic rules, they will hold their own recruitment independently from the other sororities the week of Sept. 12

“We will be recruiting at least 45 women to be the founding members of our chapter at WT,” she said.

Wilson said that other sororities like hers, are happy to have a new sorority in campus.

“This process is not one many people get to be a part of, and we are all very excited to support Alpha Sigma Alpha here at WT,” she said.

Readership WT share Cambodian experience12 freshmen go on novel journey to foreign countr yRyan SchaapStaff Writer

Alpha Sigma Alpha continued from p. 1

GRADUATION MESSAGES COUPONBring this coupon and receive a $2 graduation message. Messages cost $3 without coupon. The Prairie reserves the right to review and not publish content if it is deemed inappropriate.

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rts

Lady Buffs sweep A&M Kingsville

Since beginning LSC South play, the #23 ranked WTAMU Lady Buffs have struggled to �ind their rhythm. WT looked to turn things around April 8-9 as they traveled to Kingsville to take on the Javelinas of Texas A&M Kingsville.

In game one, the Lady Buffs scored four runs in the second inning and one in the third to take the early 5-0 lead. Despite a furious comeback by Kingsville in the sixth and seventh innings, the Lady Buffs were able to hold on and claim the series opener 5-4.

The Lady Buff offense was led by sophomore Meghan Slattery who went 1-for-3 with two RBI. Junior Whitney Midkiff went 2-for-3.

Junior Marci Womack picked up the win pitching for the Lady Buffs (14-5) giving up four runs on seven hits while striking out �ive in 6.1 innings of work.

WT kept the momentum going in game two as

junior Kim LeComte hit a grand slam in the top of the �ifth inning to help propel the Lady Buffs to a 5-2 victory. Junior Shelbey Cockrell picked up the win on the mound for the Lady Buffs (14-6) giving up two runs on four hits while striking out 14 batters in the complete game win.

With the sweep on the horizon, the Lady Buffs put together a solid performance in the �inal game of the series. RBI doubles by Slattery, LeComte, and freshman Alyssa Lemos helped WT get a 3-0 victory and the series sweep over Kingsville.

Marci Womack went 5.1 innings in picking up the win (15-5). She gave up no runs on three hits while striking out four. Shelbey Cockrell picked up the save (3) striking out four batters in 1.2 innings of work.

WT’s overall record now stands at 30-11 over-all with a 7-5 record in LSC play. The Lady Buffs will return home for a showdown series with #10 ranked Angelo State on April 15-16. First pitch from Lady Buff Yard is set for 4:00 p.m. with a doubleheader on April 15.

Womack picks up pair of wins on the mound

Bu�s drop tight series to SOSU

With only three series’ left in LSC play, every win is important for WTAMU Buffs if they are to make it into the conference tournament. WT was looking to improve its position as they took on Southeastern Oklahoma State on April 8-9 in Durant, Oklahoma.

In game one, SOSU used a three run sixth inning to jump out to put the game away and come away with a 5-0 victory over the Buffs.

Junior Justin Kuks was tagged with the loss (6-3) giving up five runs on five hits with three strikeouts in 5.0 innings of work.

WT rebounded in the second game of the series. Thanks to a 7-0 lead after two innings, the Buffs added two more runs to propel them-selves to a 9-3 victory.

Junior Eric Dorton led the offense for the Buffs going 2-for-4 with two RBI. The highlight of Dorton’s day came in the sixth inning when he hit a solo homerun down the left field line.

Senior Jonathan Paez got the victory pitching for the Buffs (4-0). He gave up three runs on five hits with four strikeouts in 5.0 innings of

work. Junior Josh Reyes made a relief appear-ance in the contest giving up no runs on two hits with four strikeouts in 4.0 innings of work.

Game three was a classic encounter as both teams were looking for the series victory. After 1 ½ innings of play the game was tied at 1-1. SOSU plated two runs in the bottom of the second to claim the 3-1 lead. WT cut the lead to one in top of the fourth before the Savage Storm plated one more to keep the lead at 4-2. In the top of the fifth the Buffs made it 4-3 be-fore eventually tying the game at 4-4 in the top of the eighth inning.

Unfortunately, the breaks just didn’t go WT’s way as SOSU used a walk-off single in the bot-tom of the 13th inning to claim the 5-4 victory.

Senior Trey Horn led the Buffs offense with two RBI on the day with Eric Dorton close be-hind with one RBI on the day.

Junior Josh Cordova picked up the loss (0-1) giving up one run on two hits in 1.1 innings of relief.

WT’s overall record now stands at 25-13 with a 14-10 record in LSC play. The Buffs will return home for a single game matchup against Oklahoma Panhandle State on April 12. First pitch from Wilder Park is set for 4 p.m.

EVAN GRICEStaff Writer

Buffs lose series finale in 13 inningsEVAN GRICEStaff Writer

Quidditch hits WT

Whomping Willows win WT Quidditch tournament. Kati Watson

Seekers chase after the human snitch. Kati Watson

Whomping Willows defend their goal post against Shirley Hall Raven-claw.

Kati Watson

Quidditch players ride their brooms while trying to score.Kati Watson

Last week, WTAMU welcomed an unusual sort of exchange “student.”

Her name is Jule Eikmann, and she

was one of 12 German journalists chosen for an international exchange to the United States. Jule (pronounced “Julie”) was the only RIAS Fellow to visit the Texas panhandle, and she con�irmed the area’s reputation for friendliness almost immediately.

“In Germany, there is a saying: ‘once you warm up their heart, you are friends for life.’ Here, you’re on the street for three minutes and people are asking ‘Where are you from?’, ‘What are you doing here?’”

Radio in the American Sector, or RIAS, was formed in Berlin after World War II to provide news and democratic messages via radio. During the Cold War, both Berlin and Germany were physically divided along ideological and political lines: the

West was democratic and supported by the U.S., the U.K. and France; the East was communist and controlled by the Soviet Union.

After the cold war ended and Germany reuni�ied, RIAS established itself an exchange program between American and German journalists.

German fellows spend three weeks in the United States. The �irst is in Washington D.C., the second is at various

locations in the U.S. and the third is in New York City. During her time here, Jule visited local media outlets including television stations ProNews 7 and KAMR NBC 4, radio station KGNC-AM, and several WT communication classes.

She is a freelance radio journalist for Deutschlandradio. It is the largest public broadcaster in Germany, operating four networks across the nation. She also reports for Breitband and works on a variety of programs including a children’s show though the week and a digital culture show on Saturdays. She also produces stories on books and German culture.

According to Jule, German news is very different from what Americans are used to.

“It’s not good or bad, but it’s so fast -- these commercials are crushing in and they’re even faster!” she said of American television fare. German news, she said, “will put you to sleep. It’s a little dif�icult to spice up dry, boring news.”

Dr. Butler Cain, assistant professor of communications at WT, became a RIAS fellow in 2007 and invited the program to send someone to the Canyon/Amarillo area this spring.

the Prairie 5

MELISSA BAUER-HERZOGStaff Writer

Amazon releases Cloud Drive to the public

Amazon released the Cloud Drive in late March with the adjoining Cloud Player, which will give users a new way to hear their favorite music or access documents on-the-go.

The Cloud Drive allows Amazon account holders to store �ive gigabytes of media on their server, excluding music purchased from Amazon. By storing the media on the Amazon server, users are able to access their library from any Internet-enabled device, no matter where they are located.

Part of the Cloud Drive is the Cloud Player, where users can stream music and sort their library in many different ways. The Cloud Player also allows the account holders to stream their music from anywhere they can access their account.

“It would make life easier to be able to stream my music from anywhere as long as it is compatible with my iPod and is easy to sync back and forth,” Lindsay Raften, junior Equine Business major, said.

Many question if the Cloud Drive will be able to compete with the popular Apple iTunes and Google.

“I think I would pick it over iTunes, unless there’s a cost factor that makes it not worth the money, because iTunes is free and you just buy the songs,” Morgan Ayers, junior Environmental Science major, said. “But [with] the idea of the Cloud Drive, I would pick it over iTunes.”

Consumers like Ayers have caused iTunes and Google to look for ways to compete with the new program.

The program already allowed listeners to authorize �ive computers to access their libraries, but now they may be forced to allow

libraries to be accessed from any location as long as the user can sign in.

While iTunes holds a slight portability advantage through the manufacturing of the iPod, the Cloud Drive also allows people to access their music on smart phones.

However, the issue of security with the Amazon program may have some users hesitating when it comes to downloading and accessing media from their Amazon accounts.

“I wonder how easy it would be for someone to hack [the account] or if it makes it more accessible for someone after I sign off a computer.” Ayers said.

While the Cloud Drive is new and innovative, it leaves many consumers wondering what is next when it comes to the world of streaming music.

Program competes with iTunes and Google

German Journalist visits WT on international exchangeGEORGIA ROMIGWeb Editor

Thank & Supportthe AdvertisersWho MakeYourWTAMUDirectoryPossible

wtamudirectory.com

Courtesy of Dr. Butler CainJule Eikmann at the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo.

Jule Eikmann enjoying dinner with faculty at Dr. Trudy Hanson’s house

Courtesy of Dr. Trudy Hanson

the Prairie6

KRYSTINA MARTINEZCopy Editor

Entertainment

Looking Forward to the Past

Cliff Vanderpool, director of the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum, announced April 6 that the museum will be undergoing renovations. Speci�ically, Pioneer Town will receive a $20,000 upgrade.

“Big changes are coming, and we’re happy to begin these efforts with the renovation of this great attraction at the museum,” said Vanderpool.

First built in 1969, Pioneer Town has been one of the most popular exhibits in the museum, which simulates the living and working conditions of early Panhandle settlers. The renovations will create an

entirely new �loor plan, complete with extra build-ings, new lighting and �looring.

“It’s really hard to get that pioneer feeling on lino-leum,” said Vanderpool.

Carol Lovelady, president of the museum’s adviso-ry board, says that it has been a goal of Vanderpool’s to upgrade Pioneer Town since he became museum director seven years ago.

“[Once construction is complete], it will be more authentic,” said Lovelady. “We’re going forward and backward at the same time [and] it is a wonderful thing.”

The museum hopes to have the new Pioneer Town complete this year. The project will be time-con-suming, with the removal of the old structures and

artifacts, construction of new buildings and remov-ing asbestos in the �looring.

These renovations will be the �irst phase in sev-eral projects the museum has in store. They also plan to upgrade the petroleum and energy exhibits and add a new educational space for school children to use as a classroom.

“The museum is committed to being a relevant and engaging museum that constantly seeks to serve our community through exhibits, programs, and special events,” said Vanderpool.

The project is sponsored by the Canyon Economic Development Corporation, the M.S. Doss Foundation, the Mary E. Bivins Foundation and Amarillo National Bank.

Panhandle Plains Historical Museum announces renovations

Nintendo is seeking to revolutionaize the portable gaming industyr again with the 3DS, a portable handheld console that will allow players to experience their games in 3D.

Without having to own a pair of 3D glasses, players can view a 3D display as long as they directly face the screen. This gives gamers a better experience and better perspective to the characters and the world of the games.

“The 3DS is one of the next generations of portable video game technology,” Kody Koenning, junior vice president of the WT

Technology Club, said. Kody said that there will be a stream for Net�lix that plans to open sections to watch movies in 3D. This would not be possible without the AR (Augmented Reality) card that enables the 3D display that is Nintendo’s main selling point.

“It breaks the fourth wall, meaning the video game is now in the environment of the player,” said Koenning.

The 3DS has a feature that allows users to adjust the 3D intensity of the display. This can be turned down all the way so that the view is now 2D. Another feature that the 3DS offers is the motion sensor and gyro sensor. This feature lets players twist and tilt the 3DS to which the game will respond instantly.

Though the 3DS gaming experience is innovative, there have been reports of people getting headaches from playing the system. The device requires concentration from the player which can cause them minor health problems like any other video game console. Nintendo of�icials advise players to take breaks every few hours.

“The headaches are being caused by depth perception of the 3D imaging,” Landon Ware, CFO of Black Star Holdings, a technology testing company, said. “When the 3D is created, your brain overworks to comprehend the material.”

Ware says that despite the problems, technology is growing rapidly, bugs are being �ixed, and eventually, the 3D side effects will

cease to exist.

Nintendo 3DS: Revolutionary device or gaming headache? RYAN SCHAAPStaff Writer

Photo courtesy of Siliconrepublic.com

Volunteer Expo story from p. 1

On April 11, the university hosted a volunteer expo where students could get involved in the community. Pro-grams such as Family Support Services of Amarillo, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Panhandle, CareNet and Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains had booths where informa-tion about volunteer opportunities could be found.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Texas Panhandle has two programs that students can get involved in to help local schoolchildren.

“[Volunteers] get to be the popular kid,” Keri Jungmeyer, program coordinator for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said.

The volunteer opportunities at CareNet allow students to get involved with a program that provides services and min-istry outreach to expecting parents.

The goal of CareNet is “sharing the gospel [and] allowing people to know that Jesus loves them,” Stacy Willis, director of CareNet, said.

The Girl Scouts and Family Support Services offer similar volunteer opportunities to students also.

7the PrairieEntertainment

WinnerCongratulations Shaun Leutwyler for

winning The Prairie’s iTunes gift

Can you �nish �rst?

We are giving away one $10 iTunes gift card more.

Finish the three puzzles and turn it in at the FAC room 103.

8 the Prairie

Actions speak louder than words

Spectrum, a WTAMU special-interest organization, intends to bring people together on April 13-14 for ‘The Days of Pink and Silence’ to make a strong statement against bullying, simply by saying very little.

“We have high hopes for these events,” Spectrum Vice-President Emily Phillips-Murray said.

As a part of WT’s ‘21 Days of Change,’ Spectrum members have set two days to bring awareness to bullying and how harmful such acts can be. The �irst focus, the ‘Day of Pink,’ is an internationally recognized effort that focuses on bully awareness, according to its organizers. This particular event started in Canada and has since spread to the United States. On this day (April 13), participants show their support by wearing pink.

“Just wear something pink, whatever you have,” Public Relations of�icer Sandra Eblevi said.

Following the Day of Pink will be the ‘Day of Silence,’ inspired by

celebrity photographer Adam Bouska’s ‘No H8’ campaign, on April 14. Students are asked on this day to be silent for the entire day as a way to protest hateful language. In addition, the silence is intended to honor victims of bullying. WT’s department heads have been made aware of this day’s activities. Students who wish to participate can put a piece of duct tape over their mouths as a sign of participation. “Speaking cards” also will be available from a booth that Spectrum will have in the JBK that day.

“We’ve done a really good job, PR-wise, in setting this event up,” Spectrum President Steven Rothermel said.

Spectrum members say that they are encouraged by past successful events and that students have shown their willingness to be a part of similar awareness days such as ‘A Day Without Shoes.’ However, they are uncertain as to how many students will be joining in this year’s events and what the effect will be.

“Most faculty, staff and students are aware, but whether or not there’s going to be follow-through remains to be seen,” said Rothermel.

JES ROSKENSStaff Writer

Spectrum is raising awareness of bullying on the WT campus

On April 7, “By the Bog Of Cats” opened in the Happy State Bank Studio Theatre. An Irish tragedy written by Marina Carr, “Bog” takes a different turn from the WT theatre’s last big production, “The Secret Garden”.

The story is a love struggle between Hester Swane, played by Bailey Lawrence, and Carthage Kilbride, played by Lane Bridges. A formerly married couple, Swane and Kilbride are engaged in a bitter dispute prior to Kilbride’s second marriage. Many of their loved ones attempt to interfere with varying degrees of consequence.

The set design of “Bog” is gorgeous and perfectly conveys the desolation and emptiness that many of the characters feel within the play. The entrance into the studio theater is deco-rated in such a way that audience members are taken into the story upon arrival. Cast members sometimes enter and exit through the same tunnel, which creates an interesting effect. The studio theater is smaller than the Branding Iron Theatre, where most productions take place.

However, the smaller space creates a more intimate setting and the audience can feel the emotions from the cast.

The sound and music is minimal, but the audience hardly noticed because cast members are so convincing in their roles. Lawrence stole the show as the female lead. She shined in every aspect, from the painful interactions with Bridges to her happier moments with her daughter Josie, played by Abby Boyd. The entire “Bog” cast is probably one of the best casts assembled by the theatre department this season.

As fantastic as the overall direction for “Bog” is, the story began to drag in the middle of the second half. Also, the only negative side effect of the intimate setting in the studio the-ater was the inability to see certain parts of the show due to spacing issues.

However, these are small complaints in comparison to the bigger picture. “By the Bog of Cats” takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster and the heart-wrenching end-ing will leave you emotionally drained by the time you leave the theatre. Director Stephen Crandall did a fantastic job in assembling the cast and crew to create a highly compelling performance.

“By the Bog Of Cats” will be showing at 7:30 p.m. on April 13-16 at the Happy State Bank Studio Theatre in the Fine Arts Complex.

“By the Bog of Cats” a must-see showWT’s theater department impresses audience in their newest productionKRYSTINA MARTINEZCopy Editor

Photo courtesy of Stephen Crandall