About Sam Carter

Sam Carter is The Prairie's Opinion Writer. He is a senior Ad/Pr major. You can contact him by e-mail.

What’s On My Mind?: Dear Dr. O’Brien

Posted on April 21, 2010 by Sam Carter

Dear Dr. O’Brien,

I am writing this letter as a learning tool for what could be done as West Texas A&M continues to forge ahead into the future. I am a senior, graduating in May, and I feel that I have some very useful insight as a student here.

I would first like to focus on some things that may need to be improved on in the future. I know that this is beating a dead horse into the ground, but parking is a major concern for the students of WT. I commend you on the plans to construct a parking lot where the old Fine Arts building was; this is a necessary improvement that will help the plethora of students that have classes in the new student center get to their classes on time. However, this is far from enough to meet the needs of the students. I hope that this is always on your mind when planning for growth and expansion in the future. And think about it, if you get enough spots, people will stop complaining about this problem so you can focus attention elsewhere.

Another issue I see becoming a problem at WT is the constant tuition increases. Yes, I understand that we cannot continue to grow without money, but the affordability of West Texas is what attracts many to come here in the first place. I was at the University of North Texas before deciding to transfer here before my junior year, when looking at coming to WT, price was at the top of my list. I could get the same education for a third of the price; who wouldn’t jump at that possibility? I know the plans are to grow the University, but as my teachers have taught me in my wonderful advertising classes here at WT, it’s all about having a niche. Maybe it should be considered that people enjoy coming here because it is a smaller school that is affordable. That being said, I am not 100% sure what effect the economy has on this University, so maybe we are increasing tuition for other reasons. This I can handle, but I hope that you consider the students’ pocket books as we expand.

This is just a small thing, but could we get some more places to eat around here? At other schools they have Taco Bells and Pizza Huts on campus as well as multiple dining halls. I realize that it costs money to put these in, which contradicts my last point, but everybody eats; the entire student body could enjoy these kinds of additions. I would also like to point out that it could raise revenue within the University by keeping students’ money on-campus.

Now to the good stuff…

The vibe on this campus is great, coming from a larger university, I was used to nameless faces and lots of them. Here at WT, everyone is closer, and I feel the University does a great job in creating that atmosphere. The events put on by different organizations and the CORE office creates opportunities to meet other students in interesting ways. I feel I know half the people on campus, or could at least recognize them because of the at-home atmosphere we create here.

The one-on-one attention that students get here is amazing. The density of each class is kept at a low level, and it creates a great atmosphere to learn in. Other schools have auditoriums filled with hundreds of kids and one professor. The teacher never even meets half their students, and thus, don’t care what happens to them. Here at WT, the students are able to have a relationship with the professors; this is paramount to getting through college. We are able to speak to them one-on-one, and if something goes wrong, we are able to explain it face-to-face. Everything doesn’t have to be done through e-mail; there is a mutual understanding here which is unrivaled at other schools. I truly hope that this is the biggest emphasis on the future of WT. Personable teachers in close settings is what makes West Texas truly a great place to obtain a degree.

The final positive aspect I would like to bring to your attention is the opportunities given to the students on this campus to learn more about the workplace and gain real world experience. In my classes, and others that I have heard from, the curriculum is based around actual companies. I was able to create campaigns for actual clients and get their input on the work I created. This doesn’t happen often.

Universities teach theory after theory while the students gain no real experience. Here at WT, an emphasis is put on preparing students for their careers. WT has worked to create relationships
with the surrounding community, and it has produced a great environment for students to have the skills to move on into the workplace; that is what college is truly about.

I am proud to have my degree from West Texas A&M University, and I feel that I have gained some valuable knowledge. I have also been given the chance to put it to use, and it shows. Many schools may offer what WT has, but no one puts it together in a package the way it is here. I truly believe WT is a great place to be, and I hope the changes being made on this campus are to enhance what we have here, not change it altogether. Keep up the good work, and I look forward to seeing you at graduation.

Sincerely, Sam Carter

What’s On My Mind? – WTAMU Programs & Events

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Sam Carter

In case you’re not like me, and you haven’t been crossing the days off your calendar, the end of the semester is quickly approaching. For seniors, like myself, it means the end of our time at WT. But before I fade off into the sunset singing, “Friends Forever” with my WT ALUMNI bumper sticker, I decided to take a look back at all the programs and events I took advantage of, or should have, in my time here.

Yes this is the number one program I should have taken advantage of but didn’t. WT has a processing lab that sells steaks and other delicious meats. They are normally cheaper than the grocery store and, I would guess, fresher too. There are even special events where they try out new tenderizing methods, and they do experimental “taste tests” where they will give you two free steaks to participate with. You take steak A and B and cook them the same and simply correspond through a questionnaire. FREE FOOD – I’m not sure if there’s anything better for the college student.

This used to be a class if I’m not mistaken, but now it is its own organization. Outdoor Pursuits offers trips for the students of WT to go on. Skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing are just a couple of the trips/activities they get together. I love the outdoors, and this would be a great way to get out and do the things I’ve always wanted to for a cheaper price than it would normally cost me to plan it and go alone.

Yes, I realize this sounds totally lame, but I wish I had taken advantage of the guest speakers WT paid to bring in. After days of listening to teachers lecture and teach, the last thing any student wants to do is listen to someone talk. But these are usually quite interesting, and it’s a great opportunity to hear from professionals and know what is out in the world. College is all about expanding your knowledge and broadening your horizons, and this is a great way to do it.

Another way to broaden your horizons is by traveling to new countries. But for those of us who can’t, WT’s Diversity Program helps bring countries to us. They have events like the one coming up called, “Taste of Turkey” where there is free food and music from the country. This is a series, and different countries have been represented. It’s in the JBK and has grown in popularity through Facebook. It’s another way to experience things that are not always accessible.

This may not be an organization but the event is actually pretty cool. Yes, it’s just a University Prom, but it’s fun for those who like to get dressed up or need a cheap date night. For fifteen dollars you get a full meal and access to good entertainment and dancing. That’s as cheap as Midnight Rodeo, but with a little sophistication. I went last year, expecting the worst, and was pleasantly surprised.

It’s located in the student success center, and the people are great. I have used this service to find an internship, and they are currently targeting jobs for my field in the city I want to work in. These people are great and have their finger on the pulse of the Amarillo job market. It’s better than Monster.com or any other job finding site; they weed out the thousands of “work from home” jobs (I wish I could make $100,000 sitting on my couch). It’s a good place for seniors who are scared of being jobless to go and get some help. They also hold resume workshops and hold practice interviews so you are ready to land the six-figure paycheck everyone dreams about.

For those who care to actually go to another country, study abroad is available. This may be the biggest regret of my scholastic career. It costs some money, but I think the experience would be amazing. Trips are offered to almost any country, and you gain the credits you need while going. I have had friends that went to Australia and Costa Rica, places I have always admired, and they loved it. It’s a way to take a trip in the middle of your school year and still stay on track with your degree plan. If I had the money, I would have loved to have gone, and for those who do, don’t pass on such a great opportunity.

This started over the past year, and is helpful to those who have to complete a Spanish class or two. The great thing about it is that it can help those who have a general interest in learning the language. I know that sounds nerdy, and that’s probably why I haven’t gone very often, but it’s a great program and a great way to learn conversational Spanish. It’s a laid back atmosphere where you don’t have the pressure of a teacher beaming at you, or a class full of people laughing when you mess up. There are plenty of native speakers who attend, and it’s easier to learn from a peer than out of a textbook.

Now these were just a few of the great things that WT has to offer; don’t get offended if I didn’t talk about the one you belong to. I have finite space here, so I just talked about the programs I’m aware of and wanted to be a part of.

The most important thing to take from this, underclassmen, is to take advantage of what the school provides. You’re paying for it, so get your money’s worth. Don’t just go to class and go home if you can help it; get out there and network – it may be quite rewarding.

What’s On My Mind? – Amarillo Venom

Posted on March 25, 2010 by Sam Carter

In case you haven’t been keeping tabs on Amarillo’s sports scene (yes Amarillo has a sports scene) I’m here to let you in on the latest happenings. The Dilla’s are still alive and kicking with possible upgrades to the Dilla Villa, the Gorillas are wrapping things up and the Amarillo Dusters are no longer here. For those of you unaware of the Dusters, they were our indoor football team. But before we break out the Kleenex and get are bugles ready to play Taps, let me inform you that indoor football still exists in our own backyard. That’s right, the Dusters have changed leagues and team names. We are now all fans of the Amarillo Venom.

Well, maybe we aren’t all fans, but we can at least all know what they are talking about on the news each night.

What’s in a Name?

The team is back and ready to take on its opponents in their new league, the Indoor Football League (IFL). The change was made over the offseason, and it was found out that the Arena League 2 owned the rights to the Dusters’ name. So there had to be a change in the team’s name. In order to get more interest in the move, the team’s owners left the naming to the fans. This was a great idea in theory; people could go on the Amarillo Globe News website and vote on the new name of the team. If you suggested the name that would later be picked, you won season tickets to the unnamed team’s home games.

Unfortunately, the best two names that anyone could come up with were the Venom and the Turf Monsters. That’s right, we were close to being the proud fans of the Amarillo Turf Monsters. (I laughed while typing that.) Luckily some fans had more sense and the name Venom won with 63 percent of the votes.

At first glance, I thought it would be cool to have the Turf Monsters as our team name. Random goofy names work in the smaller leagues. Just look at minor league baseball who features names like the
Albequerque Isotopes, Clinton LumberKings, Lansing Lugnuts, Montgomery Biscuits and the Idaho Falls Chukars. They are original and fun to laugh at, but does anyone really want to be a Turf Monster? The next thing you know, we will be on that KGB commercial as the answer for the most ridiculous sport mascot. Move over Bulweivels, the Turf Monsters are coming in.

Sink Your Fangs In

That’s all in the past though, and we are moving forward with the Venom which is a solid name (for an area known for rattle snakes) and will make for a cool logo to put on the helmet. But I have to say, we could have had something better. Look at all professional teams; there are only a few with obscure things or concepts as their name rather than a true mascot – the Magic and Wild to name a couple.

How are you a Wild? Team names should be animals, people and birds. Anything with an S at the end of it is usually acceptable.

I think we should have stuck with our Amarillo theme of a name that rhymes with the city or feature the double L. Amarillo Chillas or Killers maybe? Ok maybe not, but I think we should have thought about it a little more and looked for some professional guidance on this one. I guess there is no going back now, and we will have the Dillas, Gorillas and…Venom going forward in Amarillo professional sports. Go Venom!

Name aside, it is pretty entertaining football. Here’s when you can check out the Venom at the Civic Center:

03/27/10 7:05 PM – West Texas @ Venom
04/10/10 7:05 PM – Corpus Christi @ Venom
04/24/10 7:05 PM – Colorado Ice @ Venom
05/01/10 7:05 PM – Abilene @ Amarillo Venom
05/15/10 7:05 PM – San Angelo @ Venom
05/22/10 7:05 PM – Arkansas @ Venom
06/12/10 7:05 PM – Austin Turfcats @ Venom

What’s On My Mind? – March Madness for Dummies

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Sam Carter

Ahh March is here… The sun is shining (for a couple days); spring break plans are coming together, green beer is mere days away and Sports Center has non-stop tournament talk. That’s right the NCAA Basketball tournament is quickly approaching. I have looked forward to breaking out the brackets and highlighters all year long, and the moment is finally upon us. But it just occurred to me that everyone doesn’t sit around and watch ESPN all day long like I do, so I’m here to help out the less informed and give a lesson to those who don’t know of the majesty of March Madness in an article I like to call: March Madness for Dummies.

Lay Some Seeds

Let’s start out with the basics. Hundreds of Division I basketball teams from 33 different conferences play a regular season where they hope to win enough games and play enough good teams to be selected to go to the tournament of 65 teams.

It’s a complicated process that involves strength of schedule, something called the RPI and of course wins and losses. If a team has enough big wins in a competitive conference, they will receive a bid to play in the tournament. These teams are the ones that are within the top 25 poles you have seen constantly talked about over the past two months.

You may be thinking, “What about the small schools like Vermont and Creighton who play in weaker conferences?” Ok, obviously if you know teams like Vermont and Creighton, you know how this all works, but let’s just play dumb for those who don’t. Those teams have the opportunity to get in by winning their conference tournaments.

These tournaments are coming up at the end of the regular season. The winner of these conference tournaments gets an automatic bid to play in the March Madness field of 65 teams.

This gives the weaker teams, or the ones who have had some bad luck and bad losses throughout the regular season, a chance to play for a national championship. In theory, this gets the best 65 teams in the running for a national championship.

Bracketology

This is a term you are going to hear a lot from this point on if you choose to follow college basketball. This simply refers to where each team is seeded in the tournament itself. All of this means nothing until the seeds are revealed on Selection Sunday.

Selection Sunday is a big day if you care to take your friends or co-workers money when you fill out a bracket for your pool. As the teams are being announced on the Sunday after the conference tournaments, the analysts and “experts” will be able to fill you in on anything you have missed so far in the regular season. And let’s be honest, who has had time to watch every game that Winthrop University has played this year? This is good information that you probably want to know so you don’t suffer the embarrassment of last place in your group of friends.

Now Go Mad

I’ve given you the tools to look like you know what you’re doing, so go do it. If you’re still caught up and trying to decide whether it is worth that ten dollar buy in to the office pot, STOP. Stop thinking; this is a fun way to take up your time and maybe get you into something you normally wouldn’t obsess about.

By filling out a bracket, you have a rooting interest in each and every game. Most playoff systems are interesting until your team is eliminated, and then you tune out until the championship game. That’s the beauty of March Madness; you have 62 teams you are rooting for.

So what are you waiting for? Go find a pool or start one of your own and show your newfound skills.

Have Your Own “One Shining Moment”

If you can’t find a pool somewhere else, look no further; The Prairie is holding a bracket pool! If you are interested, e-mail us at theprairiemail@yahoo.com. Get signed up today. (Sorry there will be no cash prizes, but feel the glory of being the best basketball picker at WT. Also have your name and picture featured in the next issue after the tournament.) It’s your chance to have One Shining Moment. (That’s the song they play while the Champions cut down the nets.) Go mad!

BY THE NUMBERS

All four number one seeds have made
it to the Final Four one time in the tournaments history.

All four number one seeds have never
been eliminated before the Final Four.

No number one seed has ever been
upset in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

The lowest seeded team to ever make a
Final Four is an Eleven seed (twice).

On average there are 13 upsets
through the first and second rounds of the tournament.

Almost every year a 12 seed upsets a
5 seed in the first round. Put it on the board, it will happen this
year as well.

What’s On My Mind? Olympics and Snow

Posted on February 18, 2010 by Sam Carter

The Olympics have started again and for the past weekend I have been glued to my television. The U.S. and its elite athletes are once again competing for medals and honor. This is a truly special event that only comes along every four years and cements athletes’ place in history. Due to numerous complications these athletes are struggling to compete.

There have been many storylines for these Winter Olympics, but the biggest one has to be the lack of snow. That’s right; there hasn’t been enough snow at the WINTER OLYMPICS!

How does this happen? Some chalk it up to El Niño, but the truth is it’s jinxed. You heard it here first, the Olympics are jinxed.

No Snow, No Go

Yes, the lack of snow has caused a ton of problems for an event where snow is one of the key factors. Have you ever tried skiing down a grassy mountain? It’s not easy. In fact, it’s a near impossibility.

That’s why the International Olympic Committee has been scrambling to create a pseudo-environment for the athletes to compete on. When you turn on your TV and see people skiing down a mountain of fresh powder, it’s all a lie. Yes, it is real snow, but it has been flown in from surrounding areas to give the competitors a playable surface (they could get quite a bit from WT’s parking lots). In order to make the snow last in temperatures comparable to our own in Amarillo, the committee has routed a series of tubes below the surface. These tubes are filled with dry ice to try to keep it from melting each day. It’s a little ridiculous when you think of the magnitude of these events.

The Need for Less Speed

Of course everyone knows the tragedy that happened on the first day of trials on the luge course. I don’t want to go into this too much, more than saying it was a very sad way to start an otherwise fun and uplifting event. But it brought on a huge change in the makeup of the competition. The IOC cut the course down to have the men start from where the women normally would, and the women start even lower. This move was made to decrease the speeds that these sleds could get up to. This will help stop any further tragedy, but it has taken all of the skill and interest out of the sport.

The lugers are still reaching speeds of 90 miles per hour, but the decrease in course has made it difficult to make up for any slow starts.

To add to this, the icy course is melting as the sun beats down on it. This means that slush builds up and slows down the competitors
who go later in the day. This creates an unfair race and a less exciting one to watch. But more importantly, it has created an environment where the best athletes in this sport, who train for years, can’t show off their abilities.

Their hard work isn’t illustrated in this event anymore, and that is very unfortunate.

Zamboni Troubles?

That’s right, even the machinery at these games has gone haywire. The Zamboni, besides having the coolest name ever, is used to clear the ice after events to create a new surface. It seems that these have stopped working correctly and are leaving the ice unfit for competition. This has caused some speed skaters to think twice before competing.

I know I would; I’m afraid to skate on the ice after a Gorillas game, let alone go 20-40 MPH over bumpy ice. This is depressing;
these Olympic games have been planned for years, and they can’t get the Zamboni to function. It’s just another unfortunate way that these athletes, who have trained their entire lives, are unable to showcase their talent.

Mother Nature and human error have created quite a show at these Vancouver Games, but the athletes are still the stars. If you haven’t checked any of the events out yet, I strongly recommend that you do so. The presentation of the Olympics is amazing.

You get to see the stories behind each American competitor, and unlike other sports where we all have separate rooting interests, everyone is rooting for their country’s representative. It truly is one of the greatest events to watch. These athletes are the best of the best, with the weight of their country on their shoulders. To watch them perform is truly impressive. So watch it nightly, and root on the U.S.A.

What’s On My Mind? Super Bowl Dos and Dont’s

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Sam Carter

This is it, what we’ve spent every weekend for the last twenty-or-so weeks watching for. This is what those countless hours of Sports Center reruns were for, this moment this weekend, Super Bowl XLIV. Wow guys, lets share in this momentous occasion and rejoice.

The biggest game in the biggest sport in America is finally here. Right now every girl reading this is already losing interest and wondering why guys put so much stock in something so dumb. Well ladies keep on reading because this article is actually
for you. This article will take you deep into the psyche of men and clear up some questions you have, as well as give you some tips on how to be the best girlfriend ever (just in time for Valentine’s day).

Guys Are Dumb!

Boy that subtitle probably caught every girl’s eye. I’m sorry to disappoint, but that’s actually a false statement. Men are actually smarter; it’s science. But we are simpler, and that’s why we love this sport so much. It’s easy; give guy football, run towards end zone, tackle guy with football and the team that’s the most successful will win. How awesome is that? Oh that’s right I’m talking to a species that spends thirty minutes choos¬ing what kind of toothpaste to buy, nothing is simple for you. And that’s the disconnect; that’s why you don’t relate to our passion for this “silly game.”

We don’t understand why you have to make the bed before you can get into it, but we deal and that’s what I’m ask¬ing for ladies, just deal with it. This game will be the topic of discus¬sion for the next two weeks, so just clear your Sunday, and deal with it. Don’t get discour¬aged though. This is a great time to get interested, and there is a lot more than just football to consider.

Cel-a-brate good times C’mon

Super Bowl night is one of the biggest party nights of the year. Everywhere you go someone will be celebrating this national holiday. Everyone loves a good party, so find one and go have fun with friends so you don’t have to focus on the football side of it. Just a word of warning though, some guys actually want to watch the game, so keep that in mind if you get around your loud friends at the party. But I’ll talk more about that later.

For those of you who are stuck watch¬ing with your significant other, don’t worry. There are things to keep you entertained as well. This is the single most watched event year in and year out, and thus, advertisers create the most entertaining commercials of the year to debut. This is the one time you won’t want to hit fast forward on your DVR.

“I’m talking to a species that spends thirty minutes choosing what kind of toothpaste to buy.”

Finally there is the half time show. Sure, every since the Janet Jackson “incident” the acts have been more classic rock and out of our age range, but it is still an entertaining production. Even though I have no interest in The Who, I will still watch because months and months of planning have gone into this production. So I have to think it will be at the very least, watchable.

Do: Make an Effort

Just as you desire, guys just want effort. Don’t complain or try to play games and distract us. Women are great at multitasking, but men are not, so just sit by and be happy that we are happy.

Don’t: Learn the Game

Questions are good, it shows you’re interested. But for those of you who haven’t taken the time to learn how the game is played, just be quiet. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but the Super Bowl is not the time to try and teach why that yellow line is going across the field. That’s what the other 19 weeks were for (for help with this, read page 16 of this week’s Prairie).Do:

Root for His Team

If your guy has a rooting interest, don’t ruin it by rooting against him. If his team loses, it will be bad enough that he lost. Don’t make it worse by making him feel like he lost to you as well.

Don’t: Pull a Dr. Phil

Not that men ever really want to talk deeply about their emotions or their relationships, but Super Bowl Sunday is most definitely not the time to do it. Just because you are sitting together on a couch with seemingly nothing to do but watch TV, it is NOT psychology time. It’s not even talking time. Just try to understand us, and shut off your brain and watch the big guys in pads beat the crap out of each other.

Do: Smile and Nod

We take pride in being knowledgeable about something that many of you are not. So of course we are going to show this intelligence by talking about it, often too much. But don’t hold it against us; women dominate most every conversation, so just let us have this one and listen, smile and nod.

The Bottom Line

Follow these simple tips, and you will all be winners. Your man will be happy (just in time to pay you back on Valentine’s Day) and you will be happy knowing you were completely selfless for an entire night. And for you single ladies, if you’re the cool chick at the party that follows these tips, you might just be bagging yourself a man by the end of the night.

It all may seem chauvinistic to tell you to be quiet and give in to your man’s needs for a night, but honestly it will go a long way. I’m not saying you have to cook him dinner in high heels and something from Victoria’s Secret (besides your Pink sweats). Just make it an enjoyable night, and show us men some love.

Web Editor’s Note: For Valentines Dos and Don’ts, click here!

What’s On My Mind? Valentine’s Day Dos and Don’ts

Posted on February 4, 2010 by Sam Carter

I’m here for you guys. I’ve learned from some past experiences, and I’m here to pass on my little bit of knowledge to you with these simple tips.

As if Wal Mart and Walgreens haven’t tipped us off enough with their rows and rows of pink and red aisles, I’m here to let you know that Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching.

This means that girls’ minds are spinning out of control with lovey-dovey fantasies that even the Lifetime channel couldn’t make into a movie. It also means that every male on the planet is being pressured to be romantic for a holiday
that some say has been created by Hallmark.

I’m here to clear some things up for the disgruntled men who are dreading February the 14th.

Don’t Hate Hallmark

To those who think Hallmark is responsible for the creation of this holiday, well you’re wrong. The origin of Valentine’s Day actually dates back to Roman times with Romulus and Remus, the boys who were raised by wolves and created Rome.

When Rome was founded, it was a place of very few women, which obviously made it difficult to procreate and populate the empire. To remedy this, hundreds of Sabine women were captured and were made citizens of Rome.

Unfortunately for the Romans, the women were not very fertile so they held a festival called Lupercalia that honored the wolf who raised Romulus and Remus. The night before this festival, which was held on February 15th, boys drew the names of girls to be paired with. Some pairings lasted for life.

As time went on and our world evolved, a Pope by the name of Gelasius I outlawed the festival of Lupercalia and renamed it the feast of St. Valentine’s Day. This is supposedly in honor of a priest who secretly married young soldiers during Emperor Claudius II reign. Claudius had outlawed marriage because bachelors made better soldiers, but St. Valentine kept love alive in a time when it was not allowed.

So though it may be a Hallmark holiday in the fact that women expect gifts, cards and flowers, it actually has significant historic meaning. It truly is a celebration of love.

Boom, dropping some knowledge on ya!

Lowered Expectations

Why is it that we as men feel such pressure to make a splash on this holiday? This probably is the fault of the media and movies where we see the girl’s house covered wall to wall in roses. But I’ll let you in on a secret guys, come in closer; they really don’t expect that stuff. But your sayin’, “Hey Sam, you don’t know my girlfriend.” And you’re right, I don’t. But I have asked around, and for the most part, it doesn’t take a huge amount of money or the most creative person in the world to please their significant other on V-day.

“Guys shouldn’t have to buy something for every little holiday,” said Jessica Siegel a student at West Texas A&M. “Just do something out of the ordinary; show that you put some thought into it.”

Callie Crum, another WT student, backed her up. “At least do dinner, show that you realize it’s a special day.”

So you see guys, our years and years of hating on this holiday have paid off. We have gotten their standards all the way down to a simple dinner and a thoughtful gift or gesture.

That’s awesome! Now take advantage of this recession of expectations and do something truly great. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but just show that you think of her and she means something to you. I promise it will come back to benefit you down the road. Don’t try to be a man’s man and boycott this “silly” holiday; be the romantic guy that every girl dreams of. IT’S JUST ONE DAY! It won’t kill you.

Do: Have a Freakin’ Plan

Do you think you’d notice if the Saints went into the Super Bowl without a game plan? Yes of course you would notice. They would run around with no direction and get torched by the Colts and the ultimate
planner, Peyton Manning. So go into it with a plan; girls can sense if you have no idea what you’re doing (they’re smarter than they look). Be a Peyton Manning, and win big this Valentine’s Day.

P.S. If you didn’t catch that, I’m taking the Colts in the game this Sunday.

Don’t: Over Do it

Yes, I do realize I’m kind of contradicting myself with this, but hear me out. If this is you and your girl’s first Valentine’s day, you’re setting a really high standard. Don’t set the bar so high that you can’t top it next year. Keep this in mind every V-day. If you end up marrying the girl you’re with now, you have a lot of Valentines to come. So do something sweet, but not too lavish.

Do: Put Your Ego Aside

This is the hardest thing to do, I know. But that could be the biggest gesture you could possibly make. Take her to a movie she has been talking about. That Valentine’s Day movie looks like the ultimate chick flick. Impress her, and have the tickets ready so she didn’t even have to suggest it. Something that simple could make all the difference in the world, and make her Valentine’s Day.

Don’t: Think that Flowers and Candy are Cliché

Yes, it is shoved down our throats every year, but you know why that is? Because CHICKS EAT THAT STUFF UP! It works. Now don’t just go to WalMart the day of and expect to find the perfect bouquet and box of chocolates. Do some shopping, yes shopping, and find a florist who can wrap them up nicely or get gourmet treats from a local bakery; it’ll show some effort
and make her day.

The Bottom Line

We as guys need to pick it up, and think of others this upcoming Valentine’s Day. That’s what love is all about, putting
someone else’s needs before your own. And this Valentine’s Day, I think it’s time we prove it. Be happy you have someone to share it with, and make it a day to remember.

Web Editor’s Note: For Super Bowl Dos and Don’ts, click here!

What’s On My Mind? – Hayden Link and Resolutions

Posted on January 21, 2010 by Sam Carter

Another semester and year has begun, and with it comes the hope and goals of doing our best in all our endeavors. Some people have chosen to make New Year’s resolutions that will change the way they live their lives in 2010. I am one of them.

As the New Year approached, I sat down to think of ways I could improve myself for the next year, but nothing came to mind right away. I mean how do you improve on perfection? (I guess I could work on learning humility).

I began asking others what they looked forward to working on and got the same standard answers; eat healthier, budget better, work out daily, focus on school more and get organized. All of which I have resolved to do myself in past years. I was stumped.

I went on about my daily life, looking for anything that I could resolve to do when I was rocked by the news that one of our fellow students here at West Texas A&M was in the hospital dealing with major health concerns that threatened his life.

Hayden Link is a senior Broadcast Journalism major who looks forward to a future in sports journalism. He has been highly involved in the broadcast department during his tenure at WT. He has been a member of the Sports Team, The Live Crew (which covers all WT sporting events), The Unsportsmanlike Conduct Radio Show and the National Broadcasting Society. He was finishing his last semester of classes and looking forward to graduation, when he was stopped in his tracks.

Hayden was diagnosed with a large brain aneurysm in October. He was forced to leave school as his final semester dwindled down in order to have an 11-hour surgery in Dallas. Unfortunately, this procedure was unsuccessful.

Suddenly the worries of school and work were the least of his problems.

As news reached students and faculty of WT, the reactions fell into two categories, sadness and disbelief.

Maxine Ridling, president of NBS, described her reaction to the news. “It was devastating to hear that someone with such a warm heart was laid up in the hospital.”

Others reacted in dismay, “It stopped me,” said Dr. Leigh Browning, professor of Mass Communication and head of the Broadcasting Department at WT. “We often times view young kids as invincible, and when something happens like this, it makes us realize that so many things are more important than what we do here.”

He returned home to Amarillo where he kept people updated through Facebook, but eventually returned to Dallas. It was there that the doctors discovered he had a second aneurysm. The doctors could not remove these aneurysms but were able to stabilize them with two more procedures in December.

Hayden has since returned to work at KAMR Channel 4. He has resumed classes and looks to graduate this semester.

Recently the community has rallied around Hayden’s family as they look to take care of his mounting medical bills. The Hayden Link Benefit Fund has been established at Herring Bank with donations being received from many people in the area.

A local restaurant has lent a helping hand as well. Next Monday, a benefit is being held at Blue Sky, on the corner of I-40 and Western. Those who eat there and mention his name will have a percentage of their purchase donated to the Hayden Link Benefit Fund.

All of WT is invited to participate in this event. An invitation has been spreading through Facebook with great response. After seeing the response within the Communication department, Dr. Browning said, “It’s great to see the connections and bonds we make in this building. We often focus on the stresses of this place, but the relationships are the single most important thing.”

Indeed this is the most important thing. Thus, I have found my New Year’s resolution. It’s time I focus on others and create lasting relationships. I challenge everyone reading this to revise his or her resolutions for this year. In addition to the selfish goals of shedding pounds and saving money, I hope we all take the time to focus on others. Whether it’s helping another student with homework or volunteering at a homeless shelter. Even something as simple as eating a burger could show your support for a person in need.

I hope we can change from selfish to selfless in 2010. And to start this resolution I propose that we all start by enjoying a burger together next Monday.

Staff Picks: Best Holiday Flicks

Posted on December 3, 2009 by Sam Carter

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It’s a Wonderful Life
Beka Rutledge (Assistant Editor)

The movie that I must watch every Christmas is, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It is such a great story about second chances and the true love you get from family. Although the film is in black and white, I think that aspect makes it even more beautiful. It captures all the magic of Christmas. Even though there are some low, slightly depressing portions of the movie, the magic of the giving season still shines through. I am in such a great mood after it has ended. It has a great romance in it between George and Mary. One of the famous lines is, “I’ll give you the moon Mary.” It is a very well told story; the plot flows so well. If you haven’t had the chance to see it, I encourage you to catch it on TV or go rent it. It will be well worth it. And don’t forget, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.

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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Sam Carter (Opinion Writer)

I’m talking about the original – the cartoon. Not that over-done, high-budget Ron Howard remake. Though I did like Jim Carrey in it, it doesn’t hold a candle to the original cartoon. The scene of the Grinch slithering like a snake under the tree as he steals all the Christmas presents and decorations, stands out when I think of Christmas programming. It only comes on once a year like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” so it is a special event that I plan my night around every year. It embodies the Christmas spirit and helps put me in it every time.

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A Christmas Story
Tammy Luksich (Sports Editor)

My favorite Christmas movie is “A Christmas Story.” It tops my list because I love all of the characters, especially Ralphie. Watching the movie has been a big family tradition since I was 6-years-old. My dad taught me to shoot a rifle when I was about that age, so I understand the nagging Ralphie felt when his parents continuously told him that he would shoot his eye out. There’s nothing better than sitting at home during the holidays and enjoying a cup of hot cider and watching “A Christmas Story” with my family.

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Home Alone
Jonas Rios (Staff Writer)

I look forward to watching “Home Alone” every Christmas season. It really is an entertaining, funny movie. The robbers crack me up when they are up to no good, and of course the movie has an overall good point of Christmas and family.

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The Grinch
Allie Renya (Photographer)

My absolute favorite Christmas time movie is “The Grinch!” Jim Carrey does an amazing job as the Grinch, and my absolute favorite part is when they show the Grinch as a child and is being taunted by all the other children. This is the one movie that continuously plays over and over during the holidays that I will not get sick of. I think it is a very creative portrayal of the original cartoon that the whole family will enjoy.

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Elf
Kayla Goodman (Editor)

My favorite movie around Christmas is none other than the infamous “Elf!” I love this movie because, well, I love Will Ferrell. He is one of the funniest actors I have seen, and he makes me laugh all the time. My favorite line is, “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” Hahaha. If you haven’t seen this movie yet (even though it’s been out for like 10 years) you should! It will make your holiday season complete! No more Mr. Scrooge this Christmas!

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Home Alone 2
Georgia Romig (Web Editor)

I’m not sure when it started, but my family started watching “Home Alone 2” for the holidays. It’s not really my kind of movie, but it grew on me over the years… maybe ‘cause I used to be kind of a brat like Macaulay Culkin. Now, it really puts me in a holiday mood. For a comedy, it’s got some really touching moments, especially when the kid gets lost in the Big Apple and reunites with his family. Plus, it’s funny in a corny kind of way.

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Jack Frost
Maria Molina (Staff Writer)

My favorite Christmas movie is Jack Frost because I remember watching it many times when I was a kid. I remember how it made me appreciate my family, especially my dad. It is a very touching story for me because my dad and I are very close, so it made me think about how horrible it would be to lose him. It also made me appreciate him more and made me realize that the times I was mad at him were just a waste of time we could have been together. It also made me think of the days when I was very busy and how I should always have time for him because one never knows what can happen

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The Polar Express
Megan Gerber (Sports Writer)

When I think Christmas movie, I think the Polar Express. It’s the perfect holiday story for every age, and I have to admit that I still get choked up at the end of the film. The animation is great, and who doesn’t love Tom Hanks? I find myself humming the songs from this musical throughout the holidays. This movie gives me the urge to curl up by the fireplace with a big cup of hot chocolate. It definitely will give you the inspiration to believe.

What’s On My Mind? – Thanksgiving

Posted on November 19, 2009 by Sam Carter

This week, with Thanksgiving coming up, I began to think about things I am truly thankful for, and here is my list:

I’m thankful for my Cowboys being 6-3, though they look ugly doing it and still need a new quarterback.

I’m thankful for good food like Thai Spice or Sharky’s Burrito Co, but I am not thankful for the way they make me feel afterwards. I’m thankful for having a roof over my head, though it smells funny because my neighbor is a chain smoker.

I’m thankful for the advances in technology that make 3D movies possible (see my review at the bottom of this page). While we’re on the subject of movies, I’m thankful for any movie with Sandra Bullock. I’m thankful for Friends… that show is hilarious.

I’m thankful for my family; they are always there for me. I’m thankful for my dog that does her best to keep me in shape with random “chases” down he block. I’m thankful for Zebra print because my girlfriend looks so good in it. And I’m thankful for that same girlfriend who keeps promising she’ll cook… next week.

I’m thankful for my truck and means to get around, but not thankful for the price of the gas I have to buy to keep it running. I am thankful for swine flu because it makes for a great excuse to miss class, and it makes people finally wash their hands.

I’m thankful for this opportunity to speak my mind without rebuke from others. I’m thankful for this school for giving me the true college experience; it drains my money just enough to where I have none for myself.

I am truly thankful for everything I have, jokes and sarcasm aside. I am a very lucky man to have all the things I do. Though things in my life may not be perfect, it is a perfect life, and for that I’m thankful.

This Thanksgiving, be sure to think about all the little things you are thankful for, and enjoy the season.

Avatars by Sterling Adventures