Federally supported ethanol programs eliminated

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Ryan Schaap

As of Dec. 31, 2011, the ethanol subsidy has thinned out, according to the Milk Producers Council. Two of the three federally supported programs that produce corn-based ethanol have been eliminated.

“By ending the ethanol subsidies, the beef industry is back into a market-type situation,” WTAMU Assistant Professor of Environmental Science Marty Rhoads said. “At the end of the day, the ethanol industry is going to be an industry as long as they are making money. Without the subsidies, we will probably see the industry start to dwindle.”

The two programs that have been eliminated are the Ethanol Blenders Tax Credit, which is a tax credit worth $.45 per gallon and is given to gas companies that blend ethanol with their fuels. The second is the Ethanol Tariff, which is a tariff of $.54 per gallon applied to ethanol products that are imported into the U.S. Continue reading →

WT students’ feedback to Stop Online Piracy Act

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Daniela Fierro

WTAMU students have spoken out about the Congress’s proposition to fight Internet piracy.

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was proposed by U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith to enable the Justice Department to fight online piracy. Although the bill was postponed indefinitely, if the bill was approved, websites like Flickr, Etsy and Vimeo, are likely to be shut down.

“The intent of SOPA is to enforce pirating and copyright laws,” History major Brooke Dossett, said. “In retrospect, there is nothing wrong with that because it is illegal and the government does have the right to enforce those laws.”

Dossett said it is a bit hypocritical for the government to pass bills like such in a country that prides itself in freedom and access to information. Continue reading →

Then there were five: GOP candidate gives up bid

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Krystina Martinez

On Jan. 19, Texas Governor Rick Perry announced that he was ending his election campaign, just days before the South Carolina primary.

Although Perry’s campaign started off strong, the announcement came as no surprise since the governor had a poor turnout in the New Hampshire and Iowa primaries.

“[He] was his own worst enemy,” Dr. Leigh Browning, WTAMU Associate Professor of Mass Communication, said. “Media were not that mean to him. His lack of foreign policy and debate fumbles were his undoing.”

Prior to the Republican National Convention, primaries and caucuses are held in every state to select delegates. Presidential candidates have the opportunity to spar with each other in debates that occur at every primary. The process lasts up to eight months and in this time, the candidates are under intense media attention.

“I don’t think [Perry] was ready for the intense scrutiny a presidential candidate gets,” Dr. Dave Rausch, Professor of Political Science, said. “While much of the scrutiny is unfair and a lot of it is unnecessary, the lengthy process invites detailed scrutiny.”

With Perry out of the race, Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Buddy Roemer battled it out at the South Carolina primary on Jan. 21 following Florida on Jan. 31. The candidate who seizes the coveted Republican nomination will have to keep a few things in mind.

“It is important to remember that the nomination process is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Dr. Rausch. “Several of the candidates have shown the ability to be great sprinters, but then they tire, or slip, and another candidate jumps into the lead. The results of the South Carolina primaries may be the best indicator of who will be the successful candidate.”

Dr. Browning pointed out that these candidates will have a long road ahead of them.

“[The campaigns] will quickly move away from substance and toward a fight with the Democrats,” she said. “These guys will all start liking each other again very soon. What you will see happening is some of them begin to jockey for a Vice President roll.”

Once the fight for party nominations end, the fight for voters begin and candidates may find themselves struggling to get votes. Some people, like junior Biotechnology and Biology major Prinav Bhakta, feel that the election season is too long and that it causes people to lose interest by the national election.

“[It’s hard to pay attention] with classes and all,” said Bhakta. “I might not even vote this time around. There are not any candidates that I’d be interested in representing me or my country.”

Then there were five: GOP candidate gives up bid

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Krystina Martinez

On Jan. 19, Texas Governor Rick Perry announced that he was ending his election campaign, just days before the South Carolina primary.

Although Perry’s campaign started off strong, the announcement came as no surprise since the governor had a poor turnout in the New Hampshire and Iowa primaries.

Computer buying tips for the average non-techie

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Jes Roskens

Computers can be great gifts to give and receive, but knowing how to choose the right one can feel daunting. Depending on what one needs in a computer, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Casual-Use

Accessing the Internet is the most common use of computers, according to a survey done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and for most people this is all they need. Technology professionals like WTAMU’s Michael Reagan, manager of the IT Service Center, said almost all basic set ups of computers reach this level with 4 gigabytes of RAM, 500 gigabytes to one terabyte of hard-drive space and a simple multi-core processor. With these specifications, the consumer does not have to be very selective, according to Pantex Information-Management Technologist Seth Ritter.

“There is not a huge difference in brands,” Ritter said.

Westgate Computer’s General Manager Brad Sanders also suggested that even a tablet device such as an iPad might suffice.

Gaming-Uses

When it comes to a gaming computer, more knowledge and consideration is needed in order for the consumer to buy a computing system that can handle big-name titles such as Battlefield 3.

“It is all about the speed,” Sanders said.

To reach high-computing speeds Sanders, Ritter and Reagan said you will need 8-16 gigabytes of RAM, one terabyte or more of memory, a high-end processor and an advanced video card such as G force GTX 580. These experts said buying a computer with these specifications will put a sizable dent in your wallet for the initial purchase. Significant investments may also be required for the inevitable updates needed to keep the machine from becoming obsolete.

“Gaming hardware is expensive, so keep in mind it might be more cost-effective to use a console (Xbox 360- or PS3-type system),” Reagan said.

Creative-Uses

According to Sanders, content creators for media such as videos and music require computing needs somewhere between gaming and casual uses. He recommends computer specs of eight gigabytes of RAM, 500 or higher gigabytes of hard-drive space and a quad core processor. However, Reagan pointed out that a lot depends on the kind of programs the consumer intends to use.

“I would use (software) system requirements as a guide, but more is obviously better,” he said.

Beyond system specifications, Sanders advises that a consumer should look at the support given by the company after purchase. It is because of Westgate Computer’s support service that this local company has been successful, Sanders said.

“The support behind the machine can be just as important as the machine itself,” he said, “especially for the first-time computer buyer or novice.”

Congress fights online piracy, theft

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Jes Roskens

To combat Internet theft of copyrighted materials, Congress is taking action with its new Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).

Many people do not think that pirating movies and music from the Internet creates a significant loss for these producers industry-wide. According to NPD, a group that gathers business statistics, in 2009 only 37 percent of music in the United States was purchased legally. Creative America, a group fighting online piracy of movies, reports that more than 500,000 movies and television shows are viewed illegally every day. In addition, stats from the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation show 24 percent of the world’s bandwidth is devoted to digital theft of movies, music and other copyrighted material. These numbers equate to tens of billions of dollars lost annually and more than 10,000 U.S. jobs lost every year.

“The bill is of vital importance to protecting American jobs and artisans, protecting American consumers from dangerous counterfeits, and ensuring the very vitality of American culture,” House Judiciary Committee member John Coyers, Jr. (D-Mich.) said during a hearing on the act in front of the rest of the house on Nov. 16. Continue reading →

Obama and Republicans face challenges in 2012

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Krystina Martinez

President Barack Obama will have to jump a few hurdles in his 2012 re-election campaign. According to a recent New York Times & CBS News poll, 43 percent approve of his performance.

The nation’s view of the government is even more bleak. 23 percent believe that the country is going in the right direction, while only 12 percent approve of the job Congress is doing.

“Voter mood in 2012 is the same as it was in 2008,” Dr. Dave Rausch, WTAMU professor of Political Science, said. “Voters are angry, but they can’t tap into who they’re angry at.” Continue reading →

Great American Smoke Out helps students with smoking habits

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Ryan Schaap

Every third Thursday of November, a day is dedicated to raising awareness about the consequences of smoking cigarettes. This is the 36^th year that the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smoke Out. A booth was set up on Nov. 17 in the JBK where students were informed about the Great American Smoke Out.

“It’s a day of awareness about the dangers of smoking cigarettes,” said Terri Prescott, manager of Health Initiatives. “It also gives people a target day to quit smoking.”

Students and members of the American Cancer Society encouraged students and faculty to try to quit for one day.

“I think it’s great to provide awareness to students about different factors that they choose,” Amanda Kraemer, a senior History and English major, said. “A lot of younger students think it’s cool to smoke, however they don’t know the consequences that comes from smoking.” Continue reading →

Candidates vie for Republican nomination: Part 2

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Krystina Martinez

Election 2012 road sign. Courtesy of iStockphoto.

Web Editor’s Note: This is Part Two of a two part series. To read the first article in this series, click here.

Election season has kicked off strong with ten Republican candidates seeking the GOP nomination against President Barack Obama, who will be running for re-election. Last week, The Prairie profiled half of the Republican hopefuls. We finish up where we left off last week by looking at these five politicians and their positions on the issues: Continue reading →

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Penn State scandal opens questions around WTAMU

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Melissa Bauer-Herzog

A college scandal that rocked the nation over the last week was brought even more into focus by the behavior of its students after the news that their football coach had been removed from his position.

After a week of widespread speculation on what Penn State officials would do with head coach Joe Paterno when it was revealed that he knew about sex abuse allegations involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, the scandal was rocked with more news.

It was first announced by Paterno he would be retiring from coaching at the end of the season. However, vice-chairman John Surma of the Penn State Board announced in a press conference on Nov. 9 that Paterno and university President Graham Spanier had been fired, effective immediately. Continue reading →

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