text:
The student voice of Midwestern State University
The Wichitan page 7 'Fame' falls short Revamped version of '80s classic fails to recapture magic of the original.
page 9 Stumbled up
No. 23 MSU falls to Angelo State 20-17 due to last second field goal.
WEDNESDAY September 30, 2009
Ranked number one on the American Library Association's (ALA) list of most frequently challenged books for 2008 was a story allegedly containing material that was anti-ethnic, sexist, promoted homosexuality and anti-family messages, contained a religious viewpoint and was unsuited to its age group. T h e
book? "And Tango Makes Three," a children's book by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell that tells the story of two male penguins who care for an orphaned egg. The MSU Literary Society will be protesting banning books tomorrow in Sunwatcher Plaza and at the Bolin Fountain by reading passages from frequently challenged books. The protest will take place between 12:30 and 1:30. Censorship isn't something that only happens in other countries, Literary Society president Brianne Jamison said, responding to feedback she heard concerning a display the club set up outside the MSU book store. She said people were asking if the display, which showed several frequently challenged or banned
Photos and photo illustration by Brittany Norman
Brittany Norman Editor in Chief
See BOOKS page 3
Enrollment on the rise Chris Collins Managing Editor
MSU has reported its enrollment is up four percent. The largest increase was in the junior classification, Janus Buss, director of the office of public information and marketing, said. She attributes the increase to transfer students who have finished taking basic courses at other colleges and are enrolling at MSU for the first time. "A lot of people will transfer in after completing community college," Buss said. She also noted more students from Wichita county are attending MSU this year. "This may reflect that more stuPhoto by Julia Raymond Big Sister Hannah Knauss and Little Sister Brittney Shrum chat under a tree during their weekly mentoring session.
Little moments, big impact Big Brothers and Sisters program offers bright future Jamie Monroe For the Wichitan
This year, 11-year-old Brittney Shrum's grades have gotten better, school has gotten more fun, and her dreams have gotten a lot bigger. The reason: Hannah Knauss, Brittney's "Big Sister." But the two aren't related by blood. Knauss, a 25-year old accounting major, is Brittney's mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters. The two meet twice a month, three hours at a time, to window shop at the mall, go out to eat, bake cookies or just hang out together. The difference it has made in Brittney is evident, even without compar-
ing her report cards. She's become the "cool" kid in the neighborhood, especially when Knauss visits. Neighboring kids flock to Britney's front yard, chattering excitedly about what they want to do with their future Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Brittney herself is shy and quiet, with a big smile that lights up her whole face. Brittney has three real sisters and two brothers, and she's the second oldest of her siblings, which means she often ends up taking care of everyone else. Though she likes helping her family, Brittney also likes having a mentor all to herself. "I have another friend," she said, tucking her hair behind her ear and
smiling. Knauss said that she's seen a definite change since the pair first met. "She's become more open with me and easier to talk to. She seems to have more confidence." Knauss originally began mentoring through the school's Partners In Education program. She and Brittney were paired up at random. "Brittney was on the list of girls who'd asked for a mentor, and they put us together," Knauss said. Brittney said she asked to be put on the mentor list so she could have someone to talk to. She and Knauss started See MENTORS page 4
dents are staying closer to home than they have in the past," she said. The number of college-aged attendees (ages 18-24) has stayed about the same. About 65 percent of students are in that age group. Fifty-eight percent of attendees are female; 42 percent are male. Buss said about 69 percent of students are full-time. She had another explanation about why enrollment has gone up. Her hypothesis: unstable job market. "It seems to be pretty true that when the economy is down, people go back to school," Buss said. "Maybe they've lost jobs, maybe they thought, 'I need to get my education before I get back out in the workplace again,'" she said.
Web site, workshops to help students prep for Writing Proficiency Donace Wilkinson For the Wichitan
A new Web site has been launched and workshops planned to help students pass the Writing Proficiency Exam. According to Jacqueline ArroyoFields, writing proficiency assistant, of 707 students who took the exam this year, 196 failed, approximately 28 percent. A failure rate of 25 percent is average. All students must take the exam after they have completed ENGL 1113 and ENGL 1123 and have between 60 and 89 credit hours. Students who fail must enroll in ENGL 2113 and make a passing grade in order to graduate. The
exam, which costs $25, has been required at MSU since 1983. Statistics compiled by Institutional Research show that final grades made in ENGL 1113 and ENGL 1123 often have no relation to a student's writing ability. From spring 2006 to spring 2009, more than 15 percent of students who scored A's in both English courses failed the writing exam. Approximately 24 percent who made B's in those courses failed and approximately 35 percent who earned C's did not pass. English Department Chair David Rankin said that part of this discrepancy in scores might be attributed to a lack of See PROFICIENCY page 4
Staff Editorial
Don't get textual Texting while "listening" to lectures, texting while walking, texting wile eating and texting while attempting to carry on a conversation are all recently observed phenomena among MSU students. The prognosis of text addiction seems grim. Neither threats from professors, nor stains on T-shirts, nor humorous occurrences of smacking into walls have worked as an effective text-deterrent. The most disturbing presentation of text-addiction, however, isn't students turning in essays riddled with text-speak and lack of capitalization or punctuation whatsoever. It's texting while driving. Since so far nothing has worked to deter texters, we hold out little hope that a plea will be effective. After all, that "OMG LOL U CNT B SRS" is obviously far more important than other human beings, both afoot and operating other motor vehicles. Let's not even touch on the poor squirrels flattened because of someone behind the steering wheel simply must read about "wut she said ystrdy 2 rly mk me lmao." There are laws now against texting in school zones when the younguns are walking home, but what about the rest of us? Hasn't anyone else seen the British PSA of a group of happy young teens who die in a bloody and gratuitously graphic crash, complete with skulls cracking on windshields and a poor dead baby? Maybe it won't be that dramatic, but when you take your eyes off the road to text next time, consider that in 5 seconds at sixty miles an hour, by the time you hit "send" and take a glance back at the road, you've traveled 1056 feet. That's over 350 yards. Three and a half football fields. Your car traveled that far with, for all intents and purposes, a blind driver. If waiting until the car is in a parking spot is really too long to put your social obligations on hold, at least wait for a red light.
3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 • Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 News Desk (940) 397-4704 • Advertising Desk (940) 397-4705 Fax (940) 397-4025 • E-mail email@example.com Web site: http://www.mwsu.edu/~wichitan
Everybody, love everybody
Copyright © 2007. The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. First copy of the paper is free of charge; additional copies are $1. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a telephone number and address for verification purposes. The editor retains the right to edit letters.
Josh Hoggard Op-Ed Editor
I'm somewhat of a dork. I have Star Wars: Episode 1, Fight Club, and The Matrix memorized. I'm a huge fan of Risk, zombies, anime, and the History Channel. I played with Lego's until I was 14 and I still pretend random inanimate objects are rocket ships. Okay, maybe "somewhat of a dork" was an understatement. I realize and fully accept that I am not a normal person. Its kind of my niche. Normal is boring, anyway. What I don't understand is how people can dislike me or hate me based on the fact that I'm "not normal". And, I know I'm not the only non-normal person in this world, so I know I can't be the only one who has ever felt like this! I think the society we are living in is becoming less and less accepting of unique people.
I don't remember what it feels like to have all my friends get along. Everyone seems to have something bad to say about someone. Whether it's a diss on someones personal character or just a spreading of an unwise decision made after a few other poor decisions, hate is spreading around like a fashion. Gossip is the new black, Violence is the new North Face, Trash Talk is the new Seven Jeans, Back Stabbing is the new hug, and harsh words are the new Sperry's. I remember a time when trash talking your best friend wasn't normal. Yes, such a time existed, for any doubters. I hear about friends bashing friends and hurting friends more than I hear about enemies bashing and hurting enemies. Even people who get along don't get along anymore. Seriously, is it that hard to coexist? I don't think anything radiates more in my mind regarding hating people for a stupid
purpose than the annual Rider-Old High rivalry. All native Wichitans know exactly what I'm talking about. If you aren't from around here, let me fill you in. Old High, or Wichita Falls High School, and Rider High School are cross town rivals. Since the dawn of time, the last football game of every football season is Rider versus Old High. Right before the teams take the battlefield that Friday night, the student sections of each school line up directly across from each other. It's never clear who starts it or throws the first insult across the field, but each side takes turns degrading and bashing the other school's students. No one was safe from being completely humiliated. And, for no other reason than we went to different schools. Sadly, we still have this same attitude now, as young adults out of high school. We hate on people and completely humiliate, hurt, bash, trash talk, physically
Something to say?
harm them for something as pointless as differences in opinions, beliefs, physical features, financial status, and other things that just don't matter... People who are "not normal." Instead of letting hate and negativity ruin people, why not throw some love around? Hardly any of my friends are exactly like me. Some aren't Christians; some aren't Star Wars geeks; some don't like good music... But, I love 'em, nonetheless, because it's their differences that make them beautiful. This world could turn upside down if we'd just put aside our childish arguments, prejudices and hate aside. So, tell someone you love them this week. Compliment people and encourage people who are having a rough day. Avoid gossip and trash talk. When it inevitably comes up, show some kindness and positivity. Spread love like a virus.
The Wichitan is seeking guest columnists. If you have something you'd like to write about, email us an opinion piece to firstname.lastname@example.com. We welcome opinions from students, faculty and staff.
Use your voice!
The Wichitan Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief Brittany Norman Managing Editor Chris Collins
Entertainment Editor Lauren Wood Op-Ed Editor Josh Hoggard
Sports Editor Kaitlin Morrison Photo Editor Julia Raymond
Reporters Richard Carter Photographers Loren Eggenschwiler Copy Editor Jamie Monroe
Advertising Manager Jamie Monroe Adviser Randy Pruitt
books, related to the United States. Another onlooker said no, that it was a display demonstrating censorship in other countries. "We want to raise recognition for free-spech and anti-censorship in our country," Jamison said. "It's a fundametal aspect of America. People tend not to realize that it does happen here. That this is the American list. We do it, too." Books are challenged or banned for a variety of reasons, Jamison said. Near the top of the list of justifications for restricting access to books is the presence of sexually explicit material, content that goes against family values, homosexual content, and
Wednesday • How Mustangs Round Up A's and B's in Dillard 101 at 2 p.m. • Family Day T Shirt Sale in CSC 194 • Artist Lecture Series: Rev. Al Sharpton in Akin at 7 p.m. Thursday • Career Management Center: Where's the Tent? at 10 a.m. • Athletic Luncheon and Update at noon in the Wichita Falls Museum of Arts at MSU • Afternoon Conversations: What's Old is New Again in the Juanita Harvey Art Gallery at 4 p.m. • Foreign Film Series: the Boxer in Kemp Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.
Ann Givens MCT
NEW YORK - The Hofstra University student who prosecutors say falsely accused five men of gang-raping her in a dormitory bathroom will not face criminal charges as long as she gets psychological help and does 250 hours of community service, under an agreement she signed Friday with the Nassau County, N.Y., district attorney's office in which she admitted lying about the incident. Prosecutors say they considered, but rejected, bringing a criminal charge against Danmell Ndonye, 18, of Washington Heights, N.Y., who was publicly identified by the district attorney's office for the first time. Earlier, District Attorney Kathleen Rice had declined to name the woman, citing the ongoing investigation into the Sept. 13 incident and Ndonye's subsequent recanting of her story. The agreement, signed Friday
Saturday • Fantasy of Lights Workshop at CSC Information desk at 9 a.m. • Family Day at noon
Pick up your FREE tickets to the football game and buy some great MSU apparel at rock bottom prices!
CLARK STUDENT CENTER & SUNWATCHER PLAZA MECHANICAL BULL, ROCK CLIMBING WALL, RING TONE BOOTH, FRISBEE SPIN ART, MAKE YOUR OWN STREET SIGNS, GIANT OBSTACLE COURSE Enjoy these exciting novelties and interactive games.
Okay, Mike "da Roving Guy" ties balloons… but they are really awesome balloons!!
Margaret's"Art on You" offers unique designs.
Check out one of the summer's biggest blockbuster movies. Free popcorn. Rated PG-13.
Enjoy hot dogs and the "world's greatest fries!" Drinks sponsored by Coca-Cola.
MSU students from around the world will share traditions from their home countries.
Face painting & spirit signs with the nationally-talented team.
Early Education majors and BESO members provide entertainment and activities for young children.
The show where you are the star! Featuring the national campus Hypnotist of the Year. Appropriate for all audiences.
SUNDANCE COURT & SUNWATCHER VILLAGE DROP-IN TOURS OF THE NEW APARTMENTS Tour the latest housing facilities at MSU.
Check out one of the summer's biggest blockbuster movies. Free popcorn. Rated PG-13.
Featuring live music by Charlie Shafter & the Gnomes, Original Fried Pies sponsored by the Parent Club and Parent Fund, Funnel Cakes sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, Bahama Buck's Shaved Ice sponsored by Bahama Buck's, remote broadcast by 92.9 NIN, Mechanical Bull, Rock Climbing Wall, Obstacle Course, Balloon Animals, Body Art, and more!!
Watch the nationally-ranked Mustangs take on the Buffaloes . Free tickets at the Family Day check-in tables.
A walk around the beautiful MSU campus with a Student Ambassador as your guide.
Featuring various prize drawings throughout the day.
Women v. Texas Woman's, 6:00PM Men v. St. Edwards, 1:00PM Men v. Incarnate Word, 8:00PM Women v. A&M Commerce, 3:30PM
***Free tickets available for families who RSVP online for Family Day!***
Relax, enjoy some sweets, and get to know some of the leading educators of MSU students.
Office of Student Development and Orientation Endless Opportunities. Lifelong Connections. 940.397.4500
violence. "Sexuality is the number one reason," Jamison said. Jamison believes it's important to raise awareness about banned books because important pieces of literature are challenged every day. "Some of them are classics," she said. "Some present a different mindset. We don't need to close ourselves off. Not everyone is going to like the books on the list—I've read books on the list that I didn't like—but that doesn't mean they should be banned." Jamison said even Literary Society members were shocked by the scope of the banned books list. She said members couldn't fathom why some of the books
would be banned or challenged in the first place. "We went through the reasons and then we had a fire," Jamison said. "But instead of burning books, we made s'mores." She said it was a form of protest. Tomorrow's protest, however, has a broader intended audience. "Our number one goal is awareness," Jamison said. "I don't know if MSU has any books that are banned, but this is one of the largest national protests." The Literary Society and whoever chooses to join them will only been one group out of thousands across the country standing up against censorship. "Parents are the number one
group contesting to get books banned," Jamison said. "You can delegate your home, but you can't delegate the lives and choices of others." There was a banned books protest held on Monday held in cooperation with the MSU Moffet Library and other groups on campus, but Jamison said it had a disappointing turnout. "We're going to be more forceful," she said. "Every person in the group will read from whatever book they choose at the same time. We will make people walk around us. We want to get peoples' attention."
by Ndonye, her lawyer and Stephen Antignani of the district attorney's office, sets specific terms of Ndonye's punishment. If she breaches the agreement, prosecutors could use her sworn admission that she lied as evidence in a criminal case against her. "There exists no perfect solution to this case, only our best attempt at holding her accountable while encouraging real victims to come forward and accusers to tell the truth, so that we can avoid incarcerating an innocent person for even one minute," Rice said in a statement Friday afternoon. Bruce Barket, a Garden City attorney hired this week to represent Ndonye, said his client's primary goal was to avoid a criminal prosecution, what he called "an extremely difficult," expensive and unnecessary process that would have served nothing more than to create a "circus" at every court appearance. "They took a very, very difficult situation, and we were able to fashion a reasonable and quick
resolution that I think satisfies everybody's concern," Barket said Friday afternoon. "It was a very difficult time for everybody involved, and there was virtually no chance that the young woman was going to serve any jail time." A Hofstra spokeswoman did not return a call seeking comment. Ndonye acknowledged in the agreement that prosecutors had sufficient evidence to charge her with the misdemeanor crime of making a punishable false written statement _ that is, she knowingly lied to authorities about the allegation of gang rape, and she also had prepared a sworn written statement giving the false account. If criminal charges had been brought against Ndonye in connection with the incident, a judge would have been required to give her youthful offender status, which means that her record would have been sealed at the time she was sentenced, prosecu-
tors said. Rice noted the mental-health aspect of the agreement, saying, "Because of the youthful offender provision in the law, a misdemeanor charge doesn't hold this girl accountable." Barket said Ndonye had sought counseling before she hired an attorney and had seen a therapist twice since last week. In addition, she is no stranger to community service, he said, having done volunteer work with AIDS patients in the past. In the statement that the young woman signed Friday, she says she had sexual contact with four of the men, prosecutors said. She says she did not have sexual contact with Rondell Bedward, 21, of the Bronx, the only one of the men who is a student at Hofstra. Jim Cohen, a criminal-law professor at Fordham University, said Friday that while agreements of the kind Ndonye signed are unusual in high-profile cases, they happen somewhat frequently in less-publicized cases.
Spotlight COMING SOON TO A CAMPUS NEAR YOU…
Girl falsely accuses students of gang rape
Friday • CaribFest Glow Party in CSC Comache at 10 p.m.
September 30, 2009
BOOKS.......................................................................................................continued from page 1
Campus briefs
The Wichitan
Wednesday, Sept. 30 7:00pm, Akin Auditorium
Artist-Lecture Series: Al Sharpton Hear this nationally-known political activist.
Friday, October 2 6:00pm, Sunwatcher Plaza
Caribfest 2009 Celebrate the Caribbean culture and traditions.
October 3 and 4 9am-4pm, Wichita Falls
Fantasy of Lights Workdays Paint and refurbish the holiday light displays.
Monday, October 5 7:00pm, CSC Comanche
Hispanic Heritage: Francis Garcia
Monday, October 5 8:00pm CSC Comanche
Viva La Causa: Cesar Chavez Story A social justice program for Hispanic Heritage.
Tuesday, October 6 8:00pm CSC Comanche
What if the Plane Blew Up? A student program on Bystander Intervention.
Hispanic Business Magazine 'Woman of the Year'
Grill the Buffaloes!
The Spotlight is brought to you by
The registered student organization with the largest tailgate party at Family Day on October 3, 2009 before the MSU vs. West Texas A&M football game will win a brand new gas grill! All attendees (students, families & guests) will sign in at their respective tailgate on October 3 and the organization with the most people wins. The grill can be seen at the CSC Info Desk. Don't forget, registered student organizations must have their fall rosters submitted by October 1 to be eligible.
The Office of Student Development & Orientation Endless Opportunities. Lifelong Connections. Clark Student Center, Room 194 (940) 397-4500 http://activities.mwsu.edu
Look for the next Spotlight on Wednesday, October 14, 2009!
The Wichitan September 30, 2009
MENTOR.................................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 meeting in March of this year, and met thirty minutes each week during the school day. After school let out in May, Knauss received a letter in the mail asking her to volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters. While the organization sponsors a school-based program similar to that of P.I.E., it also has a community-based mentoring program, where "Bigs" and their "Littles" can participate in activities together without being bound to a school campus. Knauss and Brittney both applied for the program, and they first met as "sisters" just before school started up again in August. "It's better, because when you take her out of the school environment, it really helps her to open up," said Knauss. "It's just me and her, and it's just like best friends hanging out. There's not a lot you can do in that [school] environment." Knauss said another benefit of mentoring outside the school was the chance to meet Brittney's family. "You get to find out more about who they are." Brittney said that the activity she's most enjoyed was playing putt-putt golf with Knauss. It was the first time she'd ever been. The next thing she wants to do with her Big- her craziest, biggest ambition- is to get her nails painted. But her goals for the future have gotten decidedly bigger, even though her day-to-day dreams seem smaller than those of most kids. When she finishes school, Brittney plans to go to college. "I want to be a teacher," Brittney said, of what
she wants to be when she grows up, "because I like to help kids, and I like taking care of my brothers and sisters and little cousins." Kem Hogue, the Regional Executive Director of BBBS, said that college mentors are instrumental to helping kids get on the track to going to college themselves. "College students who are interested in mentoring are invaluable to a childís future," Hogue said. "Not only are they introducing college to a child who may not have considered furthering their education beyond high school, they are teaching the children that they have the power to set the course for their own future." Knauss also recommended mentoring to anyone, not just college students. "You're making a difference in someone's life," she said. "You're there to be an example, more than just a friend." Knauss said the impact of mentoring also spreads. "I talk about it with my friends, and then they're interested and they want to hear about it, or want to do it." The impact has spread even more quickly among children. Brittney said that she wishes more people would mentor, so that her friends could have Bigs, too. "I have friends that don't get out of the house much. They're always stuck at home," said Brittney. "It would make them happy." For more information on mentoring, or to nominate a child in need, visit bbbstx.org.
Photos by Julia Raymond Brittney Shrum and her "Big Sis" Hannah Knauss enjoy a day at the park during a mentoring session.
PROFICIENCY.........................................................................................................................................................................continued from page 1 consistency between instructors' grading practices. "Faculty are not all sticking close to the same standards for grading papers," Rankin said. According to Rankin, there is currently no way of regulating faculty's grading methods when it comes to essays. He said it is something that the English department is working on. Rankin also said that the key to good writing is practice. Rankin said that often, the writing skills students learn in freshman English could be forgotten if they "make an A in (ENGL 1113 and 1123) and then are not required to write in other disciplines over the next two years." Workshops will be held Oct. 5 - Oct. 9 to give students tips on preparing for the exam and avoiding common mistakes. Sample essays and self-tests
will be posted at academics. mwsu.edu/wpr. Kristen Garrison, writing proficiency coordinator, said the purpose is "to get students to discuss an issue on the spot." According to the MSU Web site, students fail for a variety of reasons. They: • don't write on the chosen topic. • don't write an appropriate thesis. • don't support the thesis. • write only one paragraph. • don't organize or develop their points. • write short essays. • make serious or numerous mechanical errors. • don't proofread their papers. From 350 to 400 students take the exam each semester in Bolin 100 or Dillard 101. The exam is given in January, March, May, July and October. According to
Garrison, topics that are selected require multiple perspectives and allow students to draw on course work or personal experience. Exams are graded by full-time English faculty whose names are kept confidential. Two persons assess each paper, which is graded "pass" or "fail". If results vary, another grader is called in. Some students take but never complete the exam. "They said they could not write for different reasons," Fields said. Results are reported via confidential memo to college deans, the provost and registrar who posts only passing results to individual transcripts. Students cannot appeal the results or retake the exam but can visit the Writing Proficiency Office in Bea Wood 234 to see their exam. "We would like more students to do that," Garrison said. Students who fail must im-
mediately enroll in ENGL 2113 in order to satisfy the English Writing Proficiency requirement, she said. The class seeks to correct common mistakes. Students must pass both writing and grammar components in order to pass the course. Some students choose to forego the Writing Proficiency Exam and simply enroll in ENGL 2113. "Students have taken ENGL 2113 as many as three times," Fields said. "Some students do not take it seriously." Failure to take the exam or enroll in ENGL 2113 at the required time results in holds being placed on a student's registration. New students who transfer with 90 credits or more must take the exam within their first semester or enroll in ENGL 2113. Rankin said if a student fails the Writing Proficiency Exam
and then takes ENGL 2113, s/he is not required to retake the test as long as s/he makes a satisfactory grade. "We need to check and see if the proficiency exam and the course match up," Rankin said. Students who live more than 150 miles from campus can take the exam via proctor at another college or university for an additional $15. Garrison said the Writing Proficiency Exam generates just enough money to pay graders' fees and keep the office open. Statistics show that ACT and SAT scores have a direct bearing on writing skills. In ACT scores, 49 percent who made less than 18 failed. The failure rate for those who made 18 and 19 was 32 percent and 20 percent for those who scored 20 and 21. Failure rate dropped to 14 percent for those who made 22
and 23 and about 8 percent for those with ACT scores of 24 and higher. Using SAT scores, the failure rate was 43 percent for 870 and below, 29 percent for 870-949, 22 percent for 950-1029, 14 percent for 1030-1109, and 7 percent for 1110 and higher. For the last three years, the failure rate for women was 29 percent and 25 percent for men. Rankin said the failure rate cannot be attributed solely to the English department. He believes that if writing skills are reinforced throughout other disciplines at the university, students would fare better on the Writing Proficiency Exam. "We want (freshman level English courses) to better prepare students for not just the Writing Proficiency Exam, but for writing in other courses as well," Rankin said.
The Wichitan September 30, 2009
6 Entertainment Eli Young Band falls flat at Falls Fest The Wichitan September 30, 2009
Brittany Norman Editor-in-Chief
After witnessing several shows by The Eli Young Band that were among the best I've seen in the red dirt genre, I had high expectations for the country/rock/roots quartet to uphold at this year's Falls Fest. The Eli Young Band headlined Friday's "Country Night." Within the past couple of years, the band has made appearances in Wichita Falls at Shrinefest '08 and at the Neon Spur in April of this year. At both of those shows the guys proved they deserved their rising stardom brought on by the album "Jet Black and Jealous." The studio release kicked their career up a notch with regional hit "When it Rains" and earned them a spot on Billboard's mainstream country chart with the catchy, slightly Kenny Chesneyeque "Always the Love Songs." There was a collective sigh of disappointment from fans when the band signed a deal with a major record label, not because everyone thought they were selling out (though some did see it as a betrayal of sorts), but because, just like the Pat Greens and Jack Ingrams of yesterday, we were losing another talented regional superstar to the "rest" of the world. It was hard to hold bitterness toward a band getting a legup toward potential superstardom, but it was the beginning of the end for the Friday nights crowded at the Neon Spur leaning against the stage and signing along. They certainly wouldn't
be playing opening for Stoney LaRue, who headlined Shrinefest last year. It was a disconnect, regardless of intention, from the "good old days." Friday at Falls Fest, a couple thousand concertgoers gathered around the stage in lawn chairs or on blankets settled on the grass, drinking beer and eating French fries cut with a hand drill by the Volunteer Fire Department. The lights malfunctioned during Brazos Stone's opening set, but they still managed to stir up some electricity. They lit up the crowd even from a dark stage. The band might still be the new kids on the Texas country scene, but Brazos Stone has collected a following already. The lights were back on when The Eli Young Band came onstage, and the crowd was buzzing. Hundreds of people gathered around the base of the stage and at least a few thousand remained seated farther back. It quickly became evident that everyone would have been just fine remaining in their seats. There weren't any technical difficulties, but something wasn't getting through. The music sounded fine. There weren't any noticeable missed notes, the vocals were strong enough and the songs were the same song the fans had screamed back at the band during thousands of past shows. People were still singing along. It just didn't feel the same. Maybe the band has just been on the road too much. Maybe it's burnout. Maybe it was just, for lack of a better explanation, an
Photos by Brittany Norman The Eli Young Band headlined Friday night at Falls Fest in Lucy Park a part of the events' "Country Night." The band also made an appearance in Wichita Flls this past April.
The Eli Young Band "off" night. No matter what the reason, the show fell flat. Soon, the band has announced that they will be touring with Gary Allen, opening for him on a national tour. If they were struggling with the size of the audience, they'll have plenty of time to adjust to stadium-sized crowds.
On Friday, however, the show might have been a hit on the Outskirts stage with 200 people listening, but the energy level just wasn't high enough for the number of people their name on the billboards attracted to Lucy Park. At really good concerts, even the concessions areas tend to
empty out as people gravitate toward the band. At Falls Fest, the beer tent remained crowded, and plenty of people even went as far as to pack up their lawn chairs and head for their cars early. If beating the traffic jam on the way out of the concert is foremost in your mind, the band isn't doing something right.
This year, Brazos Stone could have easily switched places with the headliner and the audience might not have minded. If their awesome opening set, despite playing entirely without stage lights, was any indication, the crowd might have been even happier.
Italy, America, even Scotland. Who would expect such eclecticism from a 54-year-old guitar veteran? Needless to say, this old dog has learned some new tricks. Gambetta, during the twohour set, shifted seamlessly between Italian operas, American roots standards and countryblues oldies. His blend of Bela Fleck bluegrass and Mediterranean melody is the perfect mixture for the people of Wichita Falls. Gambetta's musical textures are sophisticated enough to satiate true guitar junkies, but exotic enough to captivate music fans of all ilks. The guitar pro, dressed in all black except for bright red high-
tops (presumably made of the finest Italian leather) played his songs bathed in dim, red light. At first it gave the performer a menacing appearance, but then later made him seem more dreamlike, ethereal. Gambetta has released 11 albums since he started playing professionally in the late 1980s. His latest, "Rendez-vous," was produced in 2008. He has performed and recorded with folk greats like Gene Parsons, Dan Crary, Tony McManus and Doc Watson. He's played such prestigious venues as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Basically, Gambetta was born a ramblin' man.
He has been traveling for most of his musical tenure, visiting the U.S. four times yearly and traveling across Europe and Asia to perform. "I try to play a celebration of traveling, of this life of traveling," Gambetta said during the performance. Not only does Gambetta love to travel, but it seems as if he loves taking his audience on a journey as well, one that takes them to a place inside themselves. One song with this inwardjourney aspect was a Scottish song about a Turkish slave who wins his independence. Gambetta beat out a rhythm, likened to the rowing of a slave ship during the Middle Ages, on the body of his guitar while he played the distinct, foreboeding tune. During the song, Gambetta picks at a melody, whips it into a story line, expands that into a cacophony and listens to it all dissipate on the dark stage. "This is a song about the carpe diem concept," Gambetta said. "If you can catch the right moment, your life can change. So I thought maybe a flat-picker can be a rich man, just for a moment. Some of Gambetta's other songs come from personal elements of his life. One song, he told audience, he wrote as a lullaby for his mother while she was suffering from insomnia. Another he wrote for his wife, who is a dancer. But audience could tell that one of his favorite styles, bluegrass, is a genre alien from his own sensibility. Maybe that's why he's so infatuated with it. The foot-stomping, kneeslapping, pickin' and grinnin' song selections Gambetta made for about one-third of the con-
cert is a far cry from olive treeand seaport-infused music of his homeland. But he plays bluegrass standards with the ease (and dedication) as a Ricky Skaggs or Doc Watson. Gambetta rearranged "Dixie Breakdown," an old banjo standard, for flat-picking guitar during the first part of the show. He even saw to it that most of the audience shouted 'Yee-haw!' at the end of the tune. The virtuoso sang in Italian and English, though his singing was average. When he wasn't wooing the crowd with his playing prowess, he had them rolling in the aisles with laughter. Not really. But he did have some decent "old man musician" jokes up his sleeve: "Flat-pickers invent many of the horrible banjo jokes," Gambetta said. "Like this one: what do a homicide and a banjo have in common? Everyone is relieved when the case is closed." Or: "What is the difference between a banjo and a hand grenade? There is none – once you hear it it is too late!" Corny jokes aside, Gambetta was talkative, personable and very entertaining, strumming or not. His smile and humor may have won the Wichita Falls crowd over as much as his playing; by the time his set was over, listeners were probably in love with him as well as his music. Gambetta proved to Wichita Falls Thursday night that he is one of the premiere guitarists in the world. But he also showed them how to have fun. That makes him more than a musician, artist or virtuoso. It makes him a real person. How novel.
Gambetta picks favorites for Artist Lecture Chris Collins Managing Editor
Beppe Gambetta plays guitar like a child. Wait, that may be misleading. The musical virtuoso from Genoa, Italy, plays the instrument flawlessly. A full crowd in Akin Auditorium Thursday night, gathered for the 45th season of the Artist Lecture Series, can attest to that. But when the master plays,
he is really just playing. He performs with intensity, lightheartedness and a sense of wonder at the same time – some of the same traits as a child. He combines all these aspects without confusion or ambivalence, but instead with a singleness of intent that belies his musical complexity. Gambetta played a melting pot of different musical styles last week, fusing the styles of
Photo Courtesy Acoustic guitarist Beppe Gambetta combines the music of his homeland of Italy, and America.
Photo by Julia Raymond Beppe Gambetta performed at the Artist Lecture Series event last Thursday evening.
Photo Courtesy Gambetta is increasingly known as one of the true live master innovators of the acoustic guitar.
The Wichitan September 30, 2009
1980s musical gets a makeover Lauren Wood Entertainment Editor
The theme song says "Remember my name, cause I'm going to live forever." Well, I'm not so sure about that. The newly renovated "Fame" came to theaters Sept. 25 and compared to the 1980 version, it falls a little short in content. "Fame" follows a group of actors, singers, musicians and
dancers at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, but is referred to as P.A. in the film. It shows them from the time they audition and get in the school, till they graduate. They all want to be famous and successful, but learn it will take everything they got to make it big. The students must go through their "skill-specific" classes, as well as, regular classes such as biology and English. They also
NOW Photo Courtesy Irene Cara stars as wild and talented Coco Hernandez in the 1980's version of "Fame."
experience regular teenage hardships such as the complications of love, betrayal and deceit, and finding out who they want to be. The best way to describe the 2009 "Fame" is a mix between "Step Up" with the performing arts school, and the "High School Musical" trilogy with its upbeat and Disney-esque score. It is definitely more of a happy-go-lucky film compared to the older version. The gritty 1980 "Fame" dealt with serious issues such as abortion, illiteracy, black and white sexual relations and drugs. The biggest issue the 2009 "Fame" deals with is scamming a naïve student who dreams of becoming a film director. The characters, however, are well-developed in the film. The director does a good job at letting the audience also see into their at-home lives, which helps us understand why the charac-
ters are a certain way. The cast consists of a few familiar faces including Naturi Naughton, Kay Panabaker, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle from the Disney channel, as well as "So You Think You Can Dance's" Kherington Payne. The film also introduces some new talent to the screen. The characters consist of Denise, a talented pianist who wants more than to play the classical piano and has a hidden talent, Malik, an angry actor who has an attitude problem, Marco, a carefree musician and Jenny, an uptight and naïve actress. The film dips into many characters lives, but these were the main characters, all struggling to get jobs, be the best and find themselves and fame. The original film focused more on four characters: brazen Coco, shy and insecure Doris, sensitive and gay Montgomery
Devan Gill For the Wichitan
competition. The music will range from alternative rock to country from bands including Coastal Train, an alternative rock band from Dallas, the Falls County Band from Wichita Falls and Alta Vista, an alternative rock band, which includes MSU students. Even though this is second go-around for some, it will be the first for members of Phi Sigma Kappa and Delta Sigma Pi as co-organizers of the event. However, they remain optimistic about the outcome. "Our fraternity hasn't done any big events, so we wanted to get our name out there and get involved with other organizations" Myca Vinson, senior marketing major, of Delta Sigma Pi said. According to Hunter Elam of Phi Sigma Kappa, the event will give his fraternity a chance to maintain their involvement with the community. "I'm hoping it's a good turn-
Photo Courtesy In the recently renovated "Fame," Naturi Naughton plays a musician who is afraid to be herself.
and abrasive Ralph. All of them, of course, decked out in spandex, leg warmers and that awful 80s hair. However, the teachers in the 2009 "Fame" were better than the ones in the older version. Actors such as Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer and Megan Mullally played the instructors that push the students to be the best. The chemistry between all the actors in both films was very well portrayed. You definitely get attached to some of the characters and dislike others. And of course, the choreography and score has changed. The new dance sequences are definitely more modern and updated, as well as the songs. Again, it has more of a "High School Musical" vibe but the characters don't burst into song and dance at a moment's notice. There are a few songs that
are in both films, remastered of course, but still catchy and entertaining, including the "Fame" cover and "Out Here On My Own." Naturi Naughton belts it out in the film, her voice amazing her peers, and the audience. A major and crucial difference between the two films is that the 1980s "Fame" is rated R, probably for the repetitive F-bomb that is dropped throughout the film, as well as nudity. The 2009 version is rated PG for thematic material including teen drinking, a sexual situation and language, but nothing too inappropriate. I suggest seeing the original film if you want a more edgy version of the musical, but if you enjoy the more happy song and modern dance type of movies, you will enjoy this new edition. But I'm not sure I would put it in the same league as the original "Fame."
Texas Wish Festival full of musical variety
Photo Courtesy In the 1980's version of "Fame," Lee Curreri stars as Bruno, a talented musician consumed by his work.
Photo Courtesy The cast of the new "Fame" is also new to the big screen but creates good chemistry.
If you missed out on the VIRUS Music and Arts festival a couple of weeks ago, but still have a hankering to support local music, look into supporting the Texas Wish Festival. The 2nd Annual Texas Wish Festival will be held this Saturday from 4 pm to midnight at the Neon Spur. In addition to live music and raffle prizes, attendees will also be contributing to the noble cause. Senior marketing major, Mary Payton, who is partnering with the Delta Sigma Pi fraternity and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, organized the event. "It was a very successful event last year. We raised $7,000 and our goal for this year is around $10,000," Payton said. The festivities will kick off by headlining act Crosswinds, a country band from Oklahoma, and will continue through the night with a Battle of the Bands
Photo Courtesy Oklahoma country band Crosswinds is set to play Saturday night at the Neon Spur.
out. We always like doing stuff with philanthropy and getting involved with the community instead of partying all the time." Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Cavenders Western
Wear on Kemp Avenue, Local Boys Liquor and in the Clark Student Center. All proceeds from ticket and raffle sales will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Dallas.
The Wichitan September 30, 2009
Mustangs improve on best start in history, move to 6-0-2 Kaitlin Morrison Sports Editor
The No. 10 Midwestern State women's soccer team placed 25 of their 32 shots on goal and went on to clobber Texas A&M International 7-0 last Friday at Dustdevil Field. Sophomores Kelsey Hill and Lindsay Pritchard had two goals each, while Kendra Clemons added three assists. Kari Bristow, Katy Lukert and Heidi Avila all added one goal each. "We didn't convert our opportunities in the first have, but we finished them with confidence in the second," MSU coach Jeff Trimble said. "I wanted to them
play with intensity on the road. They responded with a lot of energy and I was proud of them." With the win the Mustangs stretch the best start in school history to 6-0-1. Midwestern extended its unbeaten regular season streak to 14 matches, while Texas A&M International dropped to 0-7-1. MSU's goalkeeping duo of senior Ashley Meek and freshman Mallory Whitworth combined on the Mustangs fifth shutout of the season. The Mustangs have not allowed a goal in their last three matches. On Sunday, the Mustangs faced their toughest competition so far this season in Incarnate Word.
They ended the game in a scoreless draw with the Cardinals, although that was not the outcome they had been hoping for. "It's not what we wanted, but with the circumstances I was really proud of the girls for the way they fought," Trimble said. The Mustangs went most of the match missing three key starters. Senior Brittany O'Neal was out with a high ankle sprain, Jamie Pompey was sidelined due to an illness and Brandy O'Neal suffered a concussion in the first half and did not return to the game. The Cardinals, who opened the season ranked in NSCAA/
adidas poll, peppered MSU to the tune of 29 shots while forcing the Mustang keeper combo of Ashley Meek and Mallory Whitworth into extensive action. The duo was up to the task as Meek made four saves before departing at the half. "Meek made a save on a point-blank shot which was really nice," Trimble said. "And Mallory came off of her line well and made a great one-onone save." Whitworth, who made nine saves, lowered her season goals against average to 0.19 and has permitted just one goal in over 465 minutes between the posts. The Mustangs, which man-
aged just nine shots including four on goal, notched their fourth-straight shutout and extended regular season unbeaten streak to 15-straight matches dating back to last season. MSU improved to 6-0-2 on the season. Midwestern opens Lone Star Conference play on Friday night when it hosts to Texas Woman's University at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. as part of a doubleheader with the men following with an 8 p.m. match against Incarnate Word.
Kelsey Hill scored two goals in MSU's 7-0 win over Texas A&M International on Friday. (Photo by Patrick johnston)
Golf strong in inaugural showing Mustangs slip to fifth in region MSUMustangs.com For the Wichitan
Midwestern State broke ground in its inaugural women's golf tournament Monday afternoon in the Lady Buff Stampede at the Par-71, 5,947-yard La Paloma Golf Club. The Mustangs showed they are more ready to compete at high level in NCAA Division II by carding an opening round 324. "The course was pretty tough with a stiff north wind," MSU coach Jeff Ray said. "I mean, it was a really tough course where the rough was 4-to-6 inches deep and really close to fairways
and greens. I was very proud of them, especially for a first tournament." The total, which was +40 to Par, placed Midwestern in third place, but the Mustangs are just 12 strokes behind tournament leading and defender Lone Star Conference champion Tarleton State, which fired a 312 (+28). Midwestern, which is eight strokes behind second place Newman (Kan.), placed second among the eight LSC teams entered in the Lady Buff Stampede. Junior Kyla Whittley, a junior transfer from North Texas, fired an opening round 77 (+6) to place third and is just five
strokes back of individual leader Linzi Allen of Newman going into Tuesday's final round. Freshman Lindsay Burkhart is sixth after carding a 78 (+7), while freshman Kendra Whittley is 16th with a 10-over 81 and freshman Taylor Klutts fired a 17-over 88 (tied for 43rd) to account for MSU's countable rounds. Freshman Lauren Romines carded an 18-over 80 to place 50th, while freshman Megan Richardson and Kari Goen recorded rounds of 88 (+17) and 98 (+27), respectively, while competing as individuals.
Kaitlin Morrison Sports Editor Midwestern State slipped three spots in the NCAA Division II South Central Region as released Tuesday by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches' Association last week, but remain at No. 5 for this week. The Mustangs finished eighth in the 41-team field at the Missouri Southern Stampede two weeks ago in Joplin, but was fourth among members of the South Central Region. Missouri Southern, which finished second in its home meet,
remains at the top of the region followed by Dallas Baptist (third at Missouri Southern Stampede), Pittsburg State (Kan.) (fourth at Missouri Southern Stampede) and Truman State (Mo.). The Mustangs are trailed closely by Central Missouri, Fort Hays State (Kan.), Northwest Missouri State, West Texas A&M and Southwest Baptist (Mo.). Midwestern State competes in the Oklahoma State Cowboy Invitational this Saturday in Stillwater. The Mustangs are lead by Sydnee Cole, who is a two-time Lone Star Conference runner of
the week, and placed first at the MSU Mustangs Stampede that took place on Sept. 3 and the Aggie Showdown, which was ran on Sept. 12. She challenged the school's 5K record at the Missouri Southern Stampede on Sept. 19, where she finished 26th with a time of 18:34:69. The team finished 8th at the meet behind regional competitors Missouri Southern (second), Dallas Baptist (third) and Pittsburg State (fourth). MSU will compete for the Lone Star Conference Championship on Oct. 24 in Canyon, Texas.
Cycling team takes fast track to Collegiate Track Nationals Matt Fox takes bronze medal in overall individual results
Top Right: Matt Fox takes Bronze in the Individual Omnium( overall). Bottom Right: Matt Sauls, Danny Robertson, Josh Carter and Matt Fox line up for the start of their team pursuit. Bottom Left: Matt Fox in the 1k Time qualifier. He was able to go on and win Silver in the Finals. Top Left: Josh Carter, Danny Robertson, Matt Fox and Matt Sauls try to stay warm as they wait for their turn. Bottom Right: Matt Sauls, Danny Robertson, Josh Carter and Matt Fox lineup for the start of their team pursuit. (Photos by Loren Eggenschwiler)
The Wichitan September 30, 2009
Midwestern falls in heartbreaker to Angelo State 20-17 MSUMustangs.com For the Wichitan Ryan Smith's 36-yard field goal with 6.9 seconds remaining lifted Angelo State to a 2017 win over No. 17 Midwestern State Saturday night at San Angelo Stadium. ASU quarterback Josh Neiswander completed four-straight passes for 46 yards to move the Rams into position for the game-winner including a 27yard strike to Dakarai Pecikonis. The field goal negated a solid performance by MSU quarterback Zack Eskridge who passed for career-best 345 yards on 20of-32 passing, but was sacked
six times. "He took a beating and we didn't get our running play going," MSU coach Bill Maskill said. "We didn't protect the quarterback the way we wanted to." The junior signal caller completed each of his four passes including a 42-yard strike to David Little and a 27-yard hookup to Kevin Swanson before finding Sheldon Galloway for a 15-yard score to pull within 17-15 with 3:40 remaining in the game. Eskridge then hit Andy Tanner for the two-point conversion to knot the game. The teams exchanged two possessions before Neiswander
guided the Rams down the field for the game winner. Neiswander completed 19of-31 passes for 211 yards, but it was the Angelo State running game that gave the Rams the early advantage. Michael Simpers, who rushed for 99 yards on 13 carries, scored rushes of 16 and 45 yards to stake the Rams to a 17-6 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the third quarter. The Mustangs, who scored a pair of field goals in the first half, settled on a 32-yard Jose Martinez field goal after Eskridge connected with Marcus Mathis on a 52-yard screen pass to give MSU the ball at the ASU
15-yard line. Tanner went over the century mark for the second-straight week, catching six passes for 109 yards, but the Mustangs were limited to 47 rushing yards despite a 74-yard effort on 19 carries for Marcus Mathis. Mathis, who also caught four passes for 59 yards, accounted for 133 yards of total offense. Midwestern State plays host to West Texas A&M in regionally televised contest Saturday night at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. The game will be carried by KFDX-TV in Wichita Falls and KAMR-TV in Amarillo.
prove in. We had good pass defense. We got turnovers, things we had been missing." A makeshift Cowboys offense opened the game without starting running back Marion Barber (quadriceps strain) and then lost Felix Jones to a third-quarter knee injury. But after being held scoreless in the first half for the first time since 2006, the Cowboys manufactured 13 secondhalf points to help secure the victory. Third-team running back Tashard Choice scored on a 5-yard run and Nick Folk had field goals of 24 and 19 yards. Jones gave the Cowboys an initial spark with eight carries for 94 yards, but suffered a knee strain on a 40-yard run in the third quarter. He returned for a couple of plays before leaving for good. Jones, whose knee was wrapped heavily after the game, said he will be fine. He will be re-evaluated today by the Cowboys medical staff. Considering Barber's injury, the running back situation is a huge concern.
Choice filled in with 82 yards on 18 carries, but the Cowboys (2-1) might have some decisions to make as they embark on a two-game road trip before their bye week. They play at Denver (3-0) on Sunday, then at Kansas City (0-3) on Oct. 11. It certainly wasn't a pretty night for the offense. The fans, who were eager to see the first win at Cowboys Stadium after the disappointing 33-31 loss to the New York Giants in the inaugural game, rained down boos on the offense several times. The Cowboys killed themselves several times in the first half with drive-stalling penalties. But credit quarterback Tony Romo for being efficient, if not spectacular. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 255 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions. The latter was key after he was intercepted three times last week against the Giants. "There is always stuff you can improve on and get better," Romo said. "We didn't have any turnovers. My goal is to learn
what I did wrong last week and get better. I thought we accomplished the goal we set out each week." Phillips and owner Jerry Jones said the Cowboys simply got mad at themselves at halftime for their miscues and it showed in their performance in the second half. That definitely was the attitude of the Cowboys defense, which like Romo needed to bounce back from a poor performance in the loss to the Giants. After allowing a touchdown right before the half, the Cowboys forced four straight three outs to start the second half. Then the fifth time the Cowboys had the ball Newman returned an interception for a touchdown to put the game away. It came after the Cowboys had to settle for a field goal after failing on second- and third-andgoal from the 1. "It was huge," Newman said. "Before the game we talked about how the defensive line and the linebackers did their job last week..."
shots. If we can't put the ball on frame, we can't win." MSU exploded on Dustdevil goalkeeper, Luis Ricon, but he came away with the shutout and eight saves on the night. "They are better than their record and they came in here and played hard," Elder said. "Soccer is just like that. You can outshoot a team, but that doesn't mean you win." The Mustangs had plenty of chances to take the lead, but struggled with the ball in the air throughout the match. Sophomore midfielder Nathan
Fitzgerald won the ball In the air on MSU's 10th corner kick in the 70th minute and sent to deflection to Tyler Murphy, who put a shot right into a TAMIU defender's chest. Five minutes later, Kyle Kmiec earned a turnover in the Mustangs' offensive third, but couldn't connect with an open Tex McCullough. But as fortunate as it seemed Texas A&M International was at times, the Mustangs defense was also up to the challenge much of the night. Junior Raul Herrera bailed the
Mustangs out of a jam throughout the night. He stopped Oscar Suvais on one-on-one breakaways in the 19th and 92nd minute to keep the Mustangs in the contest. "He's really saving us right now, but it shouldn't come down to that," Elder said. "We just can't afford to let people get behind us like that." Texas A&M International moves to 2-3-2 on the season with the draw. "They are better than their record and they came in here and played hard," Elder said. "Soc-
Midwestern State quarterback Zack Eskridge passed for a career 345 yards in Saturday's 20-17 loss at Angelo State. (Photo by Patrick Johnston)
Cowboys get first win in 'Jerry's World'; beat Panthers 21-7 Clarence E. Hill MCT It wasn't always pretty. And it certainly won't cure the angst that is surrounding the Dallas Cowboys and their restless fans. But the Cowboys did what they needed to do in scratching out a 21-7 victory against the winless Carolina Panthers before a crowd of 90,588 at Cowboys Stadium. Credit a dominant effort by coach Wade Phillips' maligned defense. After entering the game as the only team in the league with no sacks and no turnovers, the Cowboys feasted on the Panthers with three sacks and three turnovers. Rookie linebacker Victor Butler led the way with two sacks and a forced fumble. Cornerback Terence Newman sealed the victory with a 27-yard interception return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. "If you are aggressive those things will come and they did," Phillips said. "We improved in some areas we needed to im-
Dallas Cowboys running back Tashard Choice (23) is congratulated by teammates Marc Colombo (75) and Jason Witten (82) after scoring a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, September 28, 2009. (G.J. McCarthy/ Dallas Morning News/MCT)
Mustangs outshoot Dustdevils but come away with scoreless draw Kaitlin Morrison Sports Editor
Although the Mustangs outshot Texas A&M International, it doesn't mean they won the game. Midwestern State took 31 shots, eight of which were on goal, throughout the 110 minutes they battled the Dustdevils, but could not put a ball into the net and came away with the scoreless draw. "I thought we were the better team tonight, but doesn't really matter," MSU coach Doug Elder said. "We just couldn't hit any
cer is just like that. You can outshoot a team, but that doesn't mean you win." The shutout was Midwestern State's sixth-straight and is the second longest in school history. The Mustangs also extend their home field unbeaten streak to 15 games, dating all the way back to the 2007 season. MSU plays host to Incarnate Word Friday night and take on St. Edward's Sunday afternoon at the MSU Soccer Field. Kickoff for Friday night is set for 8 p.m. and Sunday for 3:30 p.m. folloing the women's team
against Texas A&M Commerce at 1 p.m. The NSCAA/adidas poll, announced Tuesday afternoon, has the Mustangs sitting at No. 20 in the nation after dropping two spots after the weekend, and third in the region behind West Texas A&M and Truman (Mo.). The next Friday (Oct. 9) the Mustangs will travel to Talequah, Okla. to take on Northeastern State. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. before the team travels to take on West Texas A&M in Canyon.
6,343 * Free Wi-Fi
Number of students enrolled for fall 2009 semester.
The Wichitan September 30, 2009
On Deck this week... Friday October 2 Volleyball @ Incarnate Word 7 p.m.
Women's Soccer vs. Texas Woman's 6 p.m.
Volleyball perfect in Lone Star Conference matches Kaitlin Morrison Sports Editor Midwestern State took to the court at D.L. Ligon Coliseum for a three-game home stand to face Southeastern Oklahoma, East Central and Wayland Baptist. Thursday they faced Southeastern Oklahoma who came into the match with a 13-4 and 2-0 in Lone Star Conference play. Freshman Shelbi Strong delivered 15 kills to lead the Mustangs to a 25-20, 21-25, 17-25, 25-14, 25-7 win over the Savage Storm. Stewart seemed to deliver one big hit after another after the Storm answered a first set, dominated by MSU with two-straight wins, but the Mustangs just
Men's Soccer vs. Incarnate Word 8 p.m.
Mustangs to watch...
Saturday October 3
Women's Soccer
Cross Country
MSU women's soccer has jumped ahead two spots and how holds the No. 10 ranking in the NSCAA/ adidas National Rankings announced Tuesday by officials. The Mustangs extended their regular season unbeaten string to 15 matches with a 7-0 win over Texas A&M International Friday in Laredo before battling No. 19 Incarnate Word to a scoreless draw Sunday.
@ Oklahoma State Cowboy Jamboree Volleyball vs. Texas A&M International (@ St. Mary's) 11 a.m. Football vs. West Texas A&M 7 p.m.
Sunday October 4 Men's Golf @Texoma Championship Women's Golf @ University of Central Oklahoma Broncho Classic Men's Soccer vs. St. Edward's 1 p.m. Women's Soccer vs. Texas A&M Commerce 3:30 p.m.
Home Events are bolded
wouldn't allow Southeastern to deliver the knockout punch. Sophomore Hillary White gave the Mustangs nine kills and 28 digs to lead the back row effort. Kiara Jordan added 19 and the setter duo of Kimberly Jeffrey and Dimery Michaels had 14 each. Mallory Goon finished the night with six digs, but gave an extra boost of life to the defense. Middle blocker Lauren Bayer played an exceptional match with eight kills, 11 digs and eight total blocks. Miranda Byrd added 14 kills and nine digs on the night. The Mustangs had a seasonhigh 106 total team digs. Jeffrey had a career-high 34 assists to complete her second
double-double, while Michaels added 17 assists for her second career double-double. MSU returned on Saturday and kept their Lone Star Conference record perfect by defeating East Central in five sets. With the victory, Midwestern joins West Texas A&M as the only two schools in the conference with a perfect LSC record. Shelbi Stewart led the Mustangs for the second-straight game with 15 kills. Sesley Graves added 12 kills, while Hillary White notched 11 and Miranda Byrd had 10. Graves also had an extraordinary performance at the net where she had eight blocks, including three solos, while Lauren Bayer added four total blocks,
two solos, and Tiana Bond added another solo block as the team finished with a season-high six solo blocks. MSU's setting combination of Kimberly Jeffrey and Dimery Michaels finished with 28 assists each to help the team to a .274 hitting percentage. Sophomore Kiara Jordan turned in a 32 digs to lead the back row effort, while White had the third double-double of the season with 13 digs and Jeffrey added 10 of her own. On Tuesday, MSU played a non-conference match against Wayland Baptist and lost a close game in five sets- 25-17, 19-25, 25-18, 23-25, 8-15. The Mustangs were led by sophomore Miranda Byrd who
turned in 15 kills, while Shelbi Stewart added 14. Sesley Graves finished the night with 12 kills and Lauren Bayer had 10. Kiara Jordan led the back row effort with a season-high of 37 digs. Hillary White finished with 22, and Mallory Goon added 17. Lauren Bayer finished the game with five block assists and on solo block. kills. The loss moves Midwestern to 5-14 on the season. MSU travels to San Antonio to take on St. Mary's on Friday and will face Incarnate Word later that same day. On Saturday they will face Texas A&M International, but the game will be played at St. Mary's. Tip off is set for 11 a.m.
Take the Internet. Leave the bulk. The HP Mini netbook. Connected. Portable. Affordable. Introducing the ultra portable HP Mini netbook with America's Largest and Most Reliable 3G Network built-in. Loaded with an 80GB hard drive, webcam, and Windows® XP, it's anything but small.
And now it's only $19999 with Mobile Broadband plans from $3999 monthly access.
Activation fees, taxes & other charges apply.*
Football Although, they lost to Angelo State on Saturday, the MSU football team remains in the top 25 in the AFCA poll. They slipped six spots to No. 23, announced on Monday afternoon. The LSC boasts four ranked teams including No. 2 Abilene Christian, No. 9 Texas A&M-Kingsville, No. 11 Tarleton State and No. 23 Midwestern State while Angelo State is receiving votes.
HP® Mini netbook NOW $ 99 ONLY
$299.99 2-yr. price, less $100 mail-in rebate debit card with 2-yr. activation on a Mobile Broadband plan.
Men's Soccer Men's Soccer Midwestern State's Nick Auditore and Ryan Spence garnered Lone Star Conference Player of the Week honors when the league announced its weekly awards. Auditore leads the LSC with five goals. Spence was tapped the league's defender of the week after helping the Mustangs limit the opposition to 16 shots with just two falling on frame last week.
Switch to America's Largest and Most Reliable Wireless Network.
Call 1.888.640.8776
Click verizonwireless.com
Visit any store
VERIZON WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS STORES Open 7 days a week. Technicians available at select locations. WICHITA FALLS 3210 Midwestern Pkwy. 940-692-8080
* Our Surcharges (incl. Fed. Univ. Svc. of 12.9% of interstate & int'l telecom charges (varies quarterly), 7¢ Regulatory & 92¢ Administrative/line/mo., & others by area) are not taxes (details: 1-888-684-1888); gov't taxes & our surcharges could add 7% - 27% to your bill. Activation fee/line: $35. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer Agmt, Data Plan, credit approval & rebate form. Up to $175 early termination fee, up to $.10/MB after allowance. Mobile Broadband is available to more than 280 million people in the U.S. in 259 major metros. Offers & coverage not available everywhere. Rebate debit card takes up to 6 wks. & exp. in 12 mos. Network details & coverage maps at verizonwireless.com. ©2009 Verizon Wireless. NETS
WEDNESDAY SEptEmbEr 30, 2009 The sTudenT voice of MidwesTern sTaTe universiTy Photo by Julia Raymond Big Sister Hannah Knauss and Little Sis...


text: Zenergy Kira Animal Scoop Tee Style: 570057234 Out of Stock Love it? Everyone else did too. This item sold out! Use our search tool, chat online or call 1.888.855.4986 to find something equally desirable. Call of the wild in the softest jersey top. It's cling-free, fade-resistant, and long-lasting. Mixable, matchable, cozy-chic Zenergy®: live in, lounge in, love. Ruched sides define the waist. Length: 24" to 26". 95% rayon, 5% spandex. Machine wash. Imported. Read More… Share on Facebook Tweet Pin

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Principal, Emmanuel College
Professor of the History of Christianity, Emmanuel College and the Department for the Study of Religion at the University of Toronto
B.A., Howard Payne University, Brownwood, TX
M.Div., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Office: Room 103
Tel.: (416) 585-4541
Fax: (416) 585-4516
Email: email@example.com
Dr. Toulouse joined the faculty of Emmanuel College in 2009 after spending 23 years at Brite Divinity School of Texas Christian University as an historian of religion and culture in the United States; he also held administrative roles at Brite as associate dean, and dean and executive vice-president.
An ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Dr. Toulouse regularly conducts workshops for ministers and lay people on topics pertaining to North American Christianity, Disciples history and theology, religion and public life, and theological education. Dr. Toulouse twice received (1999 and 2007), by vote of his colleagues at Brite, the Catherine Saylor Hill Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research. In 1997-1998, Dr. Toulouse was named a Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology.
Selected Publications
Dr. Toulouse is the author of numerous articles and books, the latter including The Transformation of John Foster Dulles: From Prophet of Realism to Priest of Nationalism (1985); Joined in Discipleship: The Shaping of Contemporary Disciples Identity (1992 and 1997); Makers of Christian Theology in America (1997), Sources of Christian Theology in America (1999), Walter Scott: A Nineteenth-Century Evangelical (1999), and God in Public (2006). The Academy of Parish Clergy named God in Public one of the top ten books of the year.


text:
Pit bulls must get spayed/neutered if law approved
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. - On the heels of some high-profile pit bull attacks, the Riverside County Board of supervisors voted unanimously in April to draft legislation mandating that all pit bulls be spayed or neutered.
Some critics say the breed specific legislation unjustly singles out pit bulls.
One of the people writing the new ordinance says the overarching goal is to keep pit bulls out of animal shelters.
"Although this is breed specific as far as spay and neuter, it's not breed specific as far as banning the specific breed in the county," said Riverside County Animal Services Deputy Director, Frank Corvino. "We are just trying to curb the number of animals that come into the shelters and end up being euthanized."
Pit bulls are brought in to the shelter more often that any other breed. Two out of every 10 dogs in the shelters are pit bulls. Pit bulls also account for nearly 30 percent of the dogs that are euthanized at Riverside County animal shelters.
"Pit bulls are 20 percent of our impounds. And there is a high euthenasia rate," Corvino said. "They are very hard to place once they're in the system. That goes for any animal control agency in the state. So anything that we can do that might affect a positive outcome for any dog, whether it's a pit bull or a chihuahua is something that we're in favor of."
Some say forcing all dogs of a specific breed to be fixed will amount to genocide. Corvino says it will never come close to that.
"We might have an evergreen clause in the law which would mean once we get to a certain point of animal impounds - once we're past a certain level, whatever the point is, say 6 percent of impounds into our shelter - when we're down to that level, then the law would evergreen. It would go away at that point," Corvino said.
Once written, the ordinance will go back to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to be voted on. That is expected to happen in late June or July. The law would only apply to unincorporated areas of Riverside County.
According to http://www.dogsbite.org/legislating-dangerous-dogs-california.php San Bernadino County, Sonoma County, and 10 cities in California have enacted breed specific legislation mandating pit bulls be sterilized.


text:
It sounds like something they would serve up at Hogwarts. Rumbledethumps. Even if you'd never heard of them, and let's face it most of us hadn't until now, you could picture them being served in generous dollops to hungry schoolchildren by overweight and slightly menacing dinner ladies. Hearty and filling, just the thing when there's a cold wind blowing outside. And, as it turns out, that is exactly what they are: perfect recession fodder. Gordon Brown's favourite dish, as revealed in a book of celebrity recipes for a Scottish charity, is fried leftover cabbage and potatoes brightened up with a bit of melted cheese or, if you really want to push the boat out, a slice of crispy bacon.
Is it really what the prime minister would pick from a menu with unlimited options, or was it, forgive me, cooked up by those more concerned for his public image than his taste buds? After all it has just the right ingredients.
You can imagine the spin-doctor's checklist: Must fit in with the Britishness agenda and hard-working families, so nothing fancy or foreign; frugal but wholesome; regional if possible; ideally something David Cameron would choke on. Brown loves dividing lines that differentiate him from his opponents, and rumbledethumps are on the right side of the culinary divide. You can imagine him digging in to them while poring over some sobering economic statistics - saving the world economy is unglamorous but hungry work.
Thankfully Brown does not say we should all be tucking in to the Scottish equivalent of bubble and squeak. We don't like politicians telling us what's good for us. We hate it even more when they pretend to be, or to be into, something they are not. He can afford no more gaffes akin to liking the Arctic Monkeys.
No, rumbledethumps sounds authentic Brown. There's even a subliminal hint of his rumpled appearance and the smack of firm government. But let's get not carried away. It may not be a spin-doctor's confection at all. It may just be the prime minister's favourite dish. Maybe.
• Lance Price is a former Labour party deputy director of communications.


text:
Have Finance Questions? Ask a Financial Expert Online.
I appreciate the opportunity to help!
Massive credit card debt is very hard to get out of regardless of the interest rates. Unless your income is strong and you have a large amount dedicated to pay down this debt, then it could han over you for many years to come. Making the monthly payments is good for your credit, but the balances go little to nowhere. You can contact each card company and ask then to put you on a hardship repayment plan. They would cancel the card and drop the rate down and eliminate the fees so that you can concentrate on paying the balances. Not all of them cooperate as much as you would hope, but if you start talking about filing bankruptcy, then they usually start to listen a bit more. Anyway...depending on what you have in CC debt and other ebt, a mountain of debt may eventually push you to bakruptcy. Its a last resort, but something to consider if you cannot get your arms around this. Let me know...
Eric: As mentioned, we have spoken to both CC companies without success. I cannot fathom what justifies their raising our interest rate? Are there legitimate negotiators who can interceed on our behalf. No, we do not have the ability to reduce these balances significantly, especially at these draconian interest rates. The cards are frozen and each time we make payments on the principal amounts they lower our limits so the cards are basically useless. Thus closing them under a payment plan makes sense. The CC companies in this case are Chase and Mastercard.
Typically you would be dealing with a custermer service rep and they are trined to tell you no and give you little info. THey are required to tell you why the interest rate was changed, if asked. You need to ask to be transferred to the hardship dept or an ombudsman dept so that you may try to resolve this. Advise them you wish to work it out and if cannot, then you will file bankruptcy. Its more of a bluff at this point, but the idea is to get to the right person for assistance. They CAN help and work it out, but you have to press and be deliberate. Any third party person or entity you could hire would do just that.
Save time and money and do it yourself. You can also Google for some ideas on what has worked in negotiating high credit card debt. I hesitate to even steer you in the direction of third party help. In most cases, its a waste of time and money. The only true third party help would be hiring an attorney to help.
Also...typically the only way they could break the interest rates and raise them like that would be because of a missed payment. But you need to ask specifically and they are required to tell you.
I was told by our Banker that through Clark Howard I could recieve references to a legitimate debt resolution specialist. Thus far you have not given me anything subsatntive. Thus I am not satisfied with your service. Please release my CC pmt.
If all you are looking for is a reference to a third party service or person to negotiate, then that is not a problem. I was merely advising you to make every effort yourself first before you go that route. In otherwords...why pay for something you can do yourself. It seems that you have already located a resource to find the appropriate help through Clark Howard's website. I wish you luck. Nothing has been paid on this until you accept the answers.


text:
Monday, August 30, 2010
And we're back!
We're not even going to try and sum up the details of our lives since our last actual post because really, it's impossible to do. We'll just say... finally, our lives have returned to some sense of normal and we might actually have the time to keep up with our blog.
Beatrice Kate is about 5 1/2 months old now and is probably over 12 pounds and around 24 inches long. I say probably because we aren't due for a check-up with our friendly pediatrician for another 2 weeks. For those keeping track- that's 10 pounds and 10 inches she's grown since she was born. We're pretty convinced that she's put most of that weight on in her cheeks (and her thigh rolls). It's nice to be able to take her in public without having to go through the whole "Oh, it's a new baby" song and dance with strangers. For a while, I felt like an unfit mother carry around an abnormally small infant. Then, I just got tired of having to explain that no, she is actually 5 months old but she was born early so really she's like a 2 month old, etc. Now I just smile and say, "Yep, she's pretty tiny", and move out of the way quickly before they try to touch or (or kiss her on the head, which has happened in Harris Teeter before).
I'm always amazed at the lack of personal space awareness that strangers, old people in particular, seem to have. We have giant hot pink signs on her carseat, carriers and diaper bags that say "Please wash your hands before touching the baby". Yet somehow, some fail to understand that yes, we do mean you! Anyway...
Our days seem to have a pretty predictable rhythm again. That is, as much of a rhythm one can have with a 5 month old (who is really a 2 1/2 month old). She sleeps nearly throughout the night, going down to bed at 7:30 and wakes up ready for a midnight snack at 4 a.m. Thankfully, however, she'll usually go back to sleep with the help of her handy mobile, and let us get a few more minutes of sleep until Casey gets up to go to work!
It's possible that she may be trying to cut her first teeth. At least, I hope that's what's going on and she's not got a leaky faucet somewhere because girlfriend can DROOL. I mean- a lot of drool. We're changing onesies about 4 times a day because she dribbles worse than Cooper. She is also learning how to roll herself over and even reached for a toy yesterday! Who knew that simple milestones would create so much excitement in our house, that we nearly break our necks on the hallway runner in our race to grab the camera.
I guess, when your baby is born weighing less than a human liver, any milestone is amazing!
For those that don't already have the link, you can find all of Beatrice Kate's progress documented by photography here. I promise we'll try to be more diligent in keeping up with updates, etc. But... no promises, we do have a crazy, high-need, drama-loving baby on our hands now!
Posted by The Raleigh Collins at 3:52 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


text:
Article Preview
Association of Pro Senior Golfers Planned; Eligibles Must Be Professionals 20 Years
Although the golfers of this country are rather well organized into sectional and national groups, a new association is now in the process of organization that will be a distinct departure from those both here and abroad.
December 19, 1928
Thank you for visiting The New York Times archive.
New York Times subscribers* enjoy full access to TimesMachine—view 129 years of New York Times journalism, as it originally appeared. 99¢ for your first 4 weeks.
Or, purchase this article individually for $3.95 and download a high-resolution PDF.
* Does not include NYT Now or Premium Crosswords subscribers.
Already a subscriber? Log in to view this article »


text:
In Oracle's (Nasdaq: ORCL ) antitrust trial regarding the PeopleSoft (Nasdaq: PSFT ) hostile takeover, a verdict is not expected for a few months. Yet there is a verdict forming around the enterprise resource planning (ERP) software market: a death sentence for growth.
This is not to imply ERP is not a good business. After all, with its significant maintenance revenues, there is a lot of free cash flow. But, in finance theory (at least what is taught at MBA schools), ERP companies are basically cash cows. Either you pay the cash to shareholders (which never seems to happen) or blow it on acquisitions and lawsuits (the preferred method).
The most damning evidence was the bombshell of the aborted Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT ) - SAP (NYSE: SAP ) combination. For Microsoft, the move was an attempt to do something with its huge cash hoard. As for SAP, it was much more troubling: The company realized that the growth story was over. Might as well combine with the most powerful software company in the world, right?
Interestingly enough, customers of ERP software are getting much wiser to the new dynamics of the game. That is, even with only a few competitors, companies are able to play hardball to get huge discounts on software purchases. And it's only a matter of time before companies start to cram down on maintenance fees, as well.
ERP is similar to the standoff between Coke and Pepsi. Growth is a matter of stealing customers, since the market is fairly saturated. In the ERP space, the addressable market is the Fortune 1000, and there are not many new entrants to that class. Ironically, SAP recently snagged ERP customer Pepsi from Oracle.
Then there are cutting-edge companies -- such as Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM ) and Red Hat (Nasdaq: RHAT ) -- that are disrupting ERP's world. Salesforce.com is building out a platform of Web services that allow better integration with software applications, as well as a recurring subscription revenue model. The firm is gaining significant traction with small-to-medium-sized business customers.
Red Hat, on the other hand, is leveraging the powerful Linux operating system. Backing from IBM (NYSE: IBM ) is making Linux a viable option for enterprise customers.
The solution for the ERP giants? Well, acquisitions. The problem is that investors have pushed up the equity values of Salesforce.com, Red Hat, and others. It's no surprise that Oracle's Larry Ellison is spending time complaining in the courtroom.
Want to read more about Oracle and PeopleSoft? Check out the following articles by Tim Beyers:
Fool contributor Tom Taulli is the author of The EDGAR Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements. He does not own shares in any of the stocks mentioned.


text:
MMA Forum - UFC Forums - UFC Results - MMA Videos (http://www.mmaforum.com/forumindex.php)
- Entertainment (http://www.mmaforum.com/entertainment/)
- - Final Fantasy discussion thread (http://www.mmaforum.com/entertainment/94393-final-fantasy-discussion-thread.html)
Final Fantasy discussion thread
Its funny I'm starting this thread because when it comes to Final Fantasy I'm really not that good at it. I have 7 Final Fantasy games and I have only finished one (FFX). Pathetic right.
I was introduced to the series when I bought Final Fantasy X. I thought it was a fun game except for Tidus. Every time he says "This is my story" I call bullshit. If its anybodies story it was Yuna's. I also thought Blitzball was a pretty weak mini game and a complete waste of my time. Despite its faults I finished the game in one month and felt I got my monies worth. I lost interest in FF X-2 and FF12. I got bored with 13 and decided to finish it at a later date. I just bought Final Fantasy 7 and so far I am having fun with it. I just got to get a memory card so I can actually save my progress. I also bought the Dirge of Cerberus and Dissidia 012. I have no idea what to expect from those games.
But anyways, if you are a fan of these games then go ahead and talk about what you like about this series and what you hate about it.
I love FF 1-9, after that, I'm not a fan.
FF7 is the best in the series, followed by FF9 and FF6. FF8, although good, is the worst out of 1-9.
FF10, 11(MMO), 12, 13, 14(MMO) were all not that good in my opinion.
If you are playing FF7, then be prepared for one of the, if not the greatest JRPG of all time. The story/characters/weapons/leveling system don't fully open up until about 10 hours into the game, that's when you realize how amazing the game is, and it never stops from there.
2 Attachment(s)
Gotta agree with M.C on his FFVII views. I absolutely loved X and XIII though.
I tried XI online and thought it as absolute garbage, didn't mind X-2 for gameplay but the storyline/plot/chick flick aspect completely ruined it for me. I still preferred it to XII.
XIII-2 and XIII Versus are my most anticipated games along with Guild Wars 2 and Skyrim.
Second of all, I agree with most of what you said, MC. FF7 is the greatest RPG and IMO the greatest piece of gold in existence in the video game industry. I literally just beat it again for the fourth time a couple days ago.
I also agree that ff9 is the second best in the series and ironically i just started playing it again yesterday. The music, just like in every final fantasy, is beautiful and the battle sequences, storyline, cutscenes, and environments are breathtaking.
I ALSO agree with you saying ff6 is the third best in the series. Lb for lb sort of speak it could potentially top ff7. The depth of the storyline and incredible plot development in this game is a piece of art. I feel it was the graphics that really limited the full potential of the game but for what its worth, its brilliant. Everyone talks about remaking ff7 with better graphics which I would die for but what really would interest me would be the remake of ff6....damn.
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with you saying ff8 was the worst of the series. FF8's music, cutscenes, and character likability were the best of the best in the series IMO. The one factor that did however come into play that made this game fall short of 6,7, and 9 was the plot development. I feel as if the second half of the game became too generic and didn't stand out from other rpg's. With all that being said though, the overall package of ff8 makes it one hell of a game.
As for my 5th favorite in the series, its probably a 4 way tie between 4,5,10, and tactics. All 4 games bring something special to the table. A lot of people haven't played tactics and considering it's lack of a world map and any real depth in terms of overall control in the game, most would think it would fail in comparison but the storyline and battle system are off the charts in terms of uniqueness, excitement, and overall draw.
Also some side notes:
I never played 3, 12 and 13 but they'd have to be pretty damn impressive if they would want to break into the top 5.
X-2 and tactics advanced were mistakes IMHO but enjoyable mistakes so even though I never played 13, I can't imagine 13-2 being much different in value than x-2 and tactics advanced.
I'd say 11 was easily the worst... awful game in general.
Glad to see another FF fan on the board.
The reason why I have FF8 at the lowest, is for the following reason:
1. Draw system was horrible in my opinion. I had no joy in drawing magic, it felt boring/repetitive and didn't add anything to the series. Probably the single worst magic system I've seen in an RPG.
2. Multiple character stories. When playing an RPG (or any game), I like to play 1 main character. Switching between characters/stories always turns me away from the game (one of the reasons I don't like FF13 as well).
3. The story seemed a little bland to me compared to other FF games. Squall was a pretty boring character, but the rest of the characters were fun and good.
The graphics/music were pretty great for the time, but graphics/music just don't compensate for the, in my opinion, horrible magic system, bland story, bad main character and multi-character story.
All of the above is just my opinion, of course.
Just out of curiosity would anybody here count the Kingdom Hearts games as a Final Fantasy game? A really weird concept, mixing Final Fantasy with Disney. Who would have ever thought you would see Donald and Goofy teaming up with some kid just to beat the living crap out of Cloud Strife?
Wow, this is the most love ive ever seen for 9 in one place. I think it is one of the most underappreciated games of all time and is a tie with 8 for my favorite. I thought the franchise took a giant turn for the worse after that and havent been able to get into any of them since that point.
2 Attachment(s)
I hate to admit I've still yet to play 9, and I consider myself a huge FF fan. Shocking eh?
It's on my PS3 (thanks for letting me steal that shit M.C), and I normally have 3-4 hours a day in the morning of 'me' time. I'm going to kick that game a new asshole.
Oh, how one can dream.
I'm still playing Final Fantasy 7 but so far I can see why people love this game and why they hate Final Fantasy 13. Now I don't hate Final Fantasy 13 but the game does have some major flaws. One of them being the Auto-Play.
If the computer chooses the attacks for you then why do you need me?
Second the game(FF13) takes itself way to seriously. FF7 had a dark story but it also had some goofiness to it. For example, Cloud dressing up as a women to infiltrate Don Cornelo's mansion. FF13 doesn't have that.
|All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:42 AM.
Powered by vBulletin Version 3.8.7 , Copyright ©2000 - 2017, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
vBulletin Security provided by vBSecurity v2.2.2 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2017 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2017 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.