Networking Team Honored

Front: Jenny Dawkins, Tim Rapson, Frank Waybright. Rear: Brig. Gen. John Barnette, Doug Weaver, Michael Noland. Not pictured: Ted Corbitt. Photo by Robert Walling.

By Robert Walling
A luncheon to honor four students for their services to aid military Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts was held Nov. 16 at noon in Room 2536.

The mission, organized by West Virginia University at Parkersburg faculty members Doug Weaver and Jenny Dawkins, and West Virginia National Guard Brig. Gen. John Barnette, was to construct a computer network for the Belle Chase Naval Air Station Center for the New Orleans area.

The four students honored were sophomores Ted Corbitt of Elizabeth, Michael Noland of Parkersburg, Frank Waybright of Evans, and junior Tim Rapson of Parkersburg. However, the luncheon’s goal was to recognize more than the student’s achievements.

“It’s too soon to forget,” commented WVUP President Marie Foster Gnage, as she discussed the need for students and faculty to remember the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Barnette gave a presentation describing how badly the hurricanes affected not only the civilians of the Gulf Coast region, but also the local Louisiana National Guard. The West Virginia National Guard was one of the first to respond and help the affected areas.

Anyone interested in pictures or information on the students’ noble help and images of the hurricane aftermath can find the material on http://cit.wvup.edu/katrina/index.htm.

WVUP Blasted in Bigley Probation

By John Hickey
West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s commitment to free speech and to due process in student disciplinary matters has been publicly questioned by some WVUP students, by local legislator J.D. Beane, and by the Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

The school found itself embroiled in front-page political controversy during the recent Parkersburg mayoral election after placing student Warren Bigley on disciplinary probation for issuing a press release as president of a student Republican group the school said was not properly registered.

Bigley and James Ashley, in an Oct. 14 news release, announced that they were re-forming WVUP’s “College Republicans” club and that the club was endorsing Democratic Parkersburg mayoral candidate Bob Newell. E-mail complaints about the news release immediately came, according to the Parkersburg News, from Rocky Peck, chairman of the Wood County Republican Committee, and, reportedly, from Wayne Riley, who had formerly acted as an adviser for the student Republican club, which is currently listed in the Student Handbook online as the “WVU Parkersburg College Republicans Chapter.”

The Republican mayoral candidate, Rick Modesitt, faxed WVUP President Marie Foster Gnage Oct. 18 to “register a formal complaint” about Bigley’s news release.

Communications Director Connie Dziagwa initiated a “disciplinary complaint” to Dean of Students Dotty Muir, who contacted Bigley Oct. 20 to discuss disciplinary action against him. In Dziagwa’s letter to Muir, she mentioned a “formal complaint” from a “local resident” about Bigley’s press release. Dziagwa said in her letter that Bigley had misrepresented himself when he said he was president of the WVUP College Republicans and that he may have thus violated the school’s code of conduct concerning dishonesty.

On Oct. 24, according to the Parkersburg News, Muir notified Bigley that he was being placed on disciplinary probation, saying “you have misrepresented yourself, used West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s name without the college’s permission and did not follow institutional procedures for release of information to the media.” He was warned that “additional misconduct” could result in his suspension from WVUP, and he was forbidden forthwith from holding office in any school organization, which he felt forced him to resign from the presidency of the College Republicans, though his group, according to Dziagwa’s letter, was “an inactive organization not officially recognized by the college.” (As of Nov. 15, Dziagwa said, the College Republicans had still not registered themselves with the college.)

On Oct. 30 an eight-day series of ads began in the Parkersburg News, proclaiming “Republicans Support Newell for Mayor,” signed by Bigley, Ashley, and four others. By Sunday, Nov. 6, the ads, with the same six names, were now headed “College Republicans Support Newell for Mayor.” A disclaimer which had originally said, “Paid for by Republican Friends for Bob Newell” now said, “Paid for by Warren Bigley.” Bigley apparently personally paid $575 for the series of ads, but in his political naivete he had created the name “Republican Friends for Bob Newell.” This opened up another can of worms for him, because he had not registered any such group with the city or state, as election law requires political groups to do. He had to scramble to correct his mistake and avoid real legal trouble.

The Bigley-WVUP story became the biggest story of the Parkersburg mayoral election campaign. The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, from Nov. 3 through Nov. 8, covered it with five front-page stories, a scathing editorial, and a letter to the editor from Pheng Xiong in Elizabeth pleading for students’ free speech rights.

The Parkersburg News front-page headline Nov. 5 read “WVU-P may have violated own policies,” and pointed out that the current WVUP Student Handbook seems to require a Disciplinary Board hearing before a student can be put on probation.

The Student Handbook online says, “In cases which would not result in probation, suspension or expulsion for the offending individual, the Dean of Students may determine disciplinary action,” and that “the student has the option of accepting the Dean’s decision.”

But, it says, “All cases that could result in probation, suspension, or expulsion must be submitted to the Disciplinary Hearing Board for a formal hearing. The recommendation by the Disciplinary Hearing Board must be referred to the President for disposition.”

The Handbook thus seems to state that, even if a student agrees to accept probation, a Disciplinary Board hearing must be held and that the finding of the hearing must be submitted to the president of the college for disposition.

President Gnage issued a statement Nov. 8 that she was in the process of reviewing the disciplinary action against Bigley. On Nov. 15 Gnage told the Chronicle that she was completing her review of the case, though she cautioned that because of privacy laws she would not be able to report specific findings. Her main concern in reviewing the case, she said, is that Bigley be treated fairly and given due process under the policies set forth in the Student Handbook.

Gnage also is working, she said, to institute a process of continuous review of WVUP’s disciplinary procedures to make them fair and effective and in harmony with the overarching policies of West Virginia University, so that administrators are not forced to reconcile one set of procedures with another when they must make disciplinary decisions.

Asked what she would do to repair WVUP’s image in the wake of this incident, she leaned back and smiled and said, “All you can do is do the right thing.”


Online update: On Nov. 19, according to the Parkersburg News, Bigley received a letter from Gnage saying she did not believe the probation was warranted and overturning the disciplinary judgment.

French Riots

By Robert Walling
Storms of rioting began spreading to dozens of French cities during the last week of October. The violent demonstrations were in response to the accidental deaths of two teenagers—Ziad Benna and Bouna Traoré—in the predominately Muslim Clichy-sous-Bois neighborhood of Paris. The two were killed by accidental electrocution after fleeing from police to a power sub-station. The police maintain that the teenagers overreacted when the officers tried to question them on another incident. Lawyers representing the deceased's families question why the two felt so threatened by the officers. Rioting spread through Clichy-sous-Bois, after rumors that police had left two Muslim youths for dead in the station had spread.

Within a week, the rioting that began in one Paris suburb, where unemployment and crime are high, had spread to Toulouse, Nice and other French cities. Approximately 1,000 cars had been burned and destroyed in Paris, along with buildings and other property. Protesters throwing items at the train halted a rail line from central Paris to Charles deGaulle International Airport. Three schools were burned in Paris alone.

Although the rioting continues, the French government has responded. Any non-French citizen arrested for rioting will be deported. An after-dark curfew has been set for the affected neighborhoods.

Although the majority of the protestors have been of North African or Muslim heritage, the conflict is based on economics rather than the Islamic ideologies. Most rioters are minority French citizens in early-to-late teens who are less likely to find work than their white or ethnic French counterparts. France, unlike the United States, has no anti-discrimination laws or affirmative action programs when it comes to hiring practices. Unemployment in France’s foreign-born population peaks at the towering number of 36 percent.

Although many French-born citizens of African or Muslim heritage are college educated, there remains a bias towards hiring employees with French surnames; applicants named Rene are more likely to be hired than those named Rashid. This has to lead growing tensions between minorities trying to fit into their native society that does not, for the most part, consider them French.

Do the conflicts in France starkly relate to Americas own civil rights movement? Perhaps the French people are going through the same conflict at their own pace. If anything is learned by this conflict, it is that any society that opens its doors must be willing to open its opportunities as well.

Children Victims of Landmines

By Devon Nuckles
On Nov. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., Chad’s Ambassador to the United States, his Excellency Muhamoud Adam Bechir, visited West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Ambassador Bechir, who was here for International Education Week, spoke about relations between the United States and the African nation of Chad.

Ambassador Bechir is a graduate of the University of Khartoum, Sudan (1985-1992) with a bachelor’s in Pharmacy. He received a master’s in International Security and Civil-Military Relations (1996-1997) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey Bay, California, and has received an award of Excellency in Civil-Military Relations from the Defense Security Agency (an annual award for best foreign students). He is fluent in Arabic, French, and English. He served as National Coordinator of the Chad High Committee for National De-mining (HCND) before receiving his current title as Ambassador.

Ambassador Bechir spoke on the situation of the unexploded mines in Chad. He explained that 80 percent of the mines are in the north and east. The leftover mines are a result of the war with Libya and of Chad’s own civil war, which finally ended in 1960. He showed slides of causalities still being caused by the hidden mines, including heartbreaking images of wounded children. “Mines are not killing the solders, but the civilians,” Ambassador Bechir said. At least 147 areas are contaminated and 284,435 people are affected. Chad is having trouble with their de-mining program due to a lack of financial and technological means. However, Chad is receiving some help from The United States, Canada, Swaziland, Italy, Japan, and France.

Ambassador Bechir then explained his role as Chad’s Ambassador to the United States. He said his duties include Chad-U.S. relations, security (including the war on terror), oil production and management, the conflict in the Darfour region of neighboring Sudan (which involves dealing with refugees and peace talks), and spreading democracy.

Students then took part in a short question-and-answer session. When asked what some issues are with the United States concerning Africa, Ambassador Bechir said the United States suffers from a lack of communication with the people of Africa. He felt that while Americans are informed, they are at the mercy of a media machine that at times does not show the positive effects of our international efforts. The overwhelming opinion of Chadians towards the United States is that of gratitude, not fear of oppression or negativity.

When asked about how the process of becoming a democracy is progressing, Bechir said that Chad is making great strides. “Only a coward won’t speak out,” he said. Bechir then went on to explain that one could not be useful to society if you do not express ideas. “A citizen that speaks his mind is a good citizen,” he added. He went on to say that not speaking out will do more harm than good, for democracy can not exist if people do not do so.

Ambassador Bechir ended his lecture by tying it back to his role as Ambassador. “No matter what you are doing in life it is important to have that open line of communication.”

WVUP Student Miss West Virginia

By Jasmine Delane
A nursing student at West Virginia University at Parkersburg has been crowned Miss West Virginia. Jessica Rae Wedge, 22, of Evans, was crowned at the annual state pageant held in Flatwoods. She is a full-time student at WVUP, pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing. She is a pageant veteran, having collected numerous titles including 2004 Queen of the West Virginia Interstate Fair.

Wedge will represent West Virginia at the annual Miss USA Pageant to be broadcast live on NBC in April.

Kristin Morrison, of Ripley, Miss West Virginia USA 2005, crowns her successor, Jessica Rae Wedge of Parkersburg.(http://dailymail.com/static/view/Beauty%20Queens/thumbnails/PAGEANT10.jpg)

SGA Donates $1000 to Red Cross

David Cumberledge, SGA president; Jennifer Eaton, Red Cross representative; Christina Clancy, SGA vice president; T.J. Chestnut, SGA secretary and treasurer.

West Virginia University at Parkersburg's Student Government Association presented the American Red Cross a check Nov. 3 for $1000 toward Hurricane Katrina relief. Jennifer Eaton, a Mid-Ohio Valley American Red Cross representative, accepted the check for the Red Cross.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

'The Melville Boys'

By Robert Walling and Katie Deem
The Department of Theatre will present Canadian playwright Norm Foster’s “The Melville Boys” Dec. 9-11 in the College Theatre.

The play centers around two brothers, Lee and Owen Melville, who attempt to escape work from the factory by revisiting their childhood getaway. As the two brothers settle in, they encounter two sisters, Mary and Loretta. Owen, played by Allen Withrow, and Loretta, played by Brandi Wolfe, decide to “have a little fun” before he is to be married to another woman.

Lee, played by WVUP Theatre second-timer and independent film extra Kaleb G. Smith, is still contemplating his recent trips to the doctor, and is wondering if his brother and family are strong enough to face the worst. By his side, played by Katie Rowley, is Mary, a woman who is in denial that her husband, who has long since abandoned her, will return.

Norm Foster is dubbed “Canada’s Most-Produced Playwright.” He was born in Newmarket, Ontario, but raised in the capital, Toronto. He attended West Hill Collegiate Institute College in Thunder Bay. In 1980, after 25 years of a career in radio, Norm was introduced to the world of theatre. Foster is regarded as the Canadian Neil Simon.

Foster’s latest masterpieces include “Looking,” first produced at the Victoria Playhouse in Petrolia, Ontario, and “Sitting Pretty,” with Steve Thomas, at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover, Ontario, in 2005, and “Outlaw,” first produced at Theatre Orangeville in Orangeville,Ontario, in 2004.

The Toronto Globe & Mail says, “Norm Foster has a knack for creating winning characters and situations that make audiences respond with affection.”

There are evening performances scheduled Dec. 9 and Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. at the College Theater. A Sunday matinee will be shown on Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $2 for students.

A free sneak-peek preview will be presented free of charge on Thursday, Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. The sneak preview is for WVUP students only. A question-and-answer discussion will follow the preview. Any professor interested in requiring students to attend can contact Carson Soelberg at carson.soelberg@mail.wvu.edu.

West Virginia Symphony

By Katie Deem
The College Chorale will join with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus and other Parkersburg area choristers under the direction of West Virginia Symphony Orchestra conductor Grant Cooper on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. in the Blennerhassett School Theatre. The concert, “Home for the Holidays,” will also be performed on Friday Dec. 9 and Saturday Dec. 10 at 8 p. m. at the Clay Center in Charleston.

The concert includes “A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas” by Craig Courtney, “The Holly and the Ivy,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” and “Deck the Halls,” all arranged by West Virginia Symphony Orchestra conductor Grant Cooper. Dr. H. G. Young III shares that “it’s a real eclectic kind of program… a treat for the whole family… and a really wonderful concert.”

The program will also include the premiere of an original work by conductor Grant Cooper “The Cherry Tree Carol.” The carol is based on a traditional text from Ashland, KY. Dr. Young comments that this carol “draws on Appalachian culture” for its appeal.

Tickets are available for the Parkersburg concert by calling 485-4200 and for the Charleston concert by calling 561-3570. More information on the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and conductor Grant Cooper can be found at www.wvsymphony.org.

Christmas Parade Tips Off Season

By Betsy Curry
The Christmas Season often brings many wonderful events to the area. There are many events happening to keep busy this Holiday season.

The kid in all of us is sure to enjoy the Christmas lights display put on every year at the City Park in Parkersburg. WTAP and a collection of sponsors are about to make a dream come true for one Mid-Ohio Valley family this holiday season. Enter the “Home for the Holiday” drawing and bring a loved one home. Prizes include up to $1,000 in travel vouchers (air, train, or bus) and $1,150 in cash to put toward the holiday homecoming. A live drawing will occur during “Daybreak” Dec. 2 between the hours of 6 and 7 a.m. A list of places to register is available on WTAP’s website.

Join the fun with Breakfast with Santa, Dec. 3 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Warren High School cafeteria. The North Parkersburg Baptist Church is also offering Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 10 from 8 to 10 a.m.

The first of many Christmas Parades starts Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. in St. Marys.

The Girl Scouts are sponsoring a few events this season. A Holiday Skating Party will be held for girls age 5 to 17 on Dec. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Skate Country. At the Vienna Baptist Church, holiday fun will be offered for kids ages 4-12 on Dec. 3 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The Nutcracker, preformed by the Mid-Ohio Valley Ballet, is giving two performances: Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Blennerhassett School Auditorium and Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Marietta High School Auditorium.

Be sure to check out the live nativity scene Dec. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill U.M. Church on Stanleyville Road in Whipple, Ohio.

Invitation to Advent Concert

By Katie Deem
First United Methodist Church invites the students and faculty of West Virginia University at Parkersburg to attend its annual Advent concert in celebration and anticipation of the Christmas season. The concert will be held at First United Methodist Church on Tenth and Juliana Streets on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.

Choir members from St. Paul’s United Methodist, Stout Memorial United Methodist, First Baptist, First Presbyterian, First Lutheran, and Trinity Episcopal Churches will present a program that includes selections by Bach, Mozart, Rutter, Tschesnekoff, and many other traditional holiday favorites. The Parkersburg South High School concert choir will join the church choirs to form a thirty- to forty-member choir. Conductor Dennis D. Deem II shares that “This concert brings together several of the area's fine choirs.” The performance will also feature several local instrumentalists.

The concert is free to the public. An offering will be taken up at the close of the concert. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available.

Christmas Season at the Bookstore

By Rachel Nowery
With the semester almost over, the Campus Bookstore will start buying back books during finals week. “Actually, we can start buying them back whenever the students are finished with them,” says Campus Bookstore Manager Krystal McVey. The bookstore will pay up to 50 percent of the book’s worth to the student if the book is in good condition and if there will be classes that will use the book in the spring. All components of the book (CDs, extra pamphlets, etc.) must also be included to get the 50 percent back. So make sure when you bring your books back that all components are attached.

The bookstore will also be having extended hours the week of Dec. 12-15. Extended hours will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please take advantage of these hours to get spring semester books as well as buy back books. The bookstore will not be open the week between Christmas and New Year, so it is to the students’ advantage to get books before the winter break.

Charging of financial aid to buy spring semester books will begin on Dec. 19. Financial aid students need to make a note of this. Third-party charging (VOC Rehab, TAA, WIA, etc.) can begin on Nov. 28 as long as there is authorization from the third-party chargers. Again, please make a note of when students can begin charging third parties and financial aid.

Soon the bookstore will have a new sales rack of West Virginia University apparel and other merchandise. Please stop by and see what new items will be on sale. And don’t forget to get your spring semester books before it is too late.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Forensics Team

By Katie Deem
On Nov. 5, the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Forensics team traveled to Marietta College to compete in the 56th annual Ruth A. Wilcox Forensics Invitational Tournament. The team, coached by Barbara Harris and Lawrence McKenzie, continued its tradition of excellence at this competition. The team won 3rd place overall out of ten schools, and many students won trophies. The trophy winners include Brittany Huffman (1st place in Informative speaking, 2nd place in Poetry, 2nd place in Prose, and 6th place in Public Relations Extemporaneous); Rebecca McClung (2nd place in Informative Speaking); Kaleb Smith (3rd place in Dramatic Interpretation, 5th place in After Dinner Speaking, and 4th place in Dramatic Duo with Brittany Huffman).

In the Mad Hatter Tournament, held at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, PA, Scott Cain competed and won 1st place in the Lincoln-Douglass debate. The subject of the debate was U.S. foreign policy legislation and the protection of human rights.

The team took third place overall last year as well at the Ruth A. Wilcox Forensics Invitational Tournament, in which 14 colleges and 100 students participated. In 2004 at the Intercollegiate Forensics Association’s state tournament, the WVUP Forensics team took four first-place individual awards and second place overall.

The forensics team will compete again at The Ohio State University on Dec. 2 and 3.

The team currently has 11 members. They are Jenny Metz, Candi Jacenkiw, Candace Hinzman, Kaleb Smith, Jon Corra, Molly Robrecht, Brittany Huffman, Traci Peters, Scott Cain, David Strock, Rebecca McClung, Amanda Whitlow, Christina Clancy and Matt Brothers. Anyone interested knowing more about the forensics team can contact Coach Barbara Harris at 424-8229 or b.harris@mail.wvu.edu.

Forensics Explained

By Katie Deem
The National Forensics Association identifies nine official events a competitor can present in a forensics tournament. Some of these events allow the competitor to prepare outside of the competition and others are limited preparation events in which the competitor has a set amount of time to prepare their presentation.

In a competition, students can present a prepared speech—meaning they have had time to work on and polish the speech outside of the competition. The speech can have a variety of purposes, such as to persuade for a certain position or inform the public of an issue. Judges not only evaluate the speaker’s delivery, but they also consider the content and form of the speech itself.

An “after dinner speech” is another prepared speech presented with the purpose of making a serious point through humor. The students are required to offer a comedic effort, rather than just a comedy routine.

In addition to the prepared speeches discussed above, two limited preparation events include extemporaneous and impromptu speaking.

In an “extemporaneous speech,” the contestant is given three topics on current national and international events. Forensics team Coach Barbara Harris notes that the topics can be on “anything in the world within the last three months.” She says that students involved in this event will often keep files on current events to refer to after given their topics. They have 30 minutes to prepare a five- to seven-minute speech. Minimal notes are allowed.

In an “impromptu speech,” contestants are given seven minutes to prepare a three- to five-minute speech on a given topic. “Topics are more general…, such as the power of books or politics,” says Harris.

In a “dramatic duo,” labeled by the NFA as an interpretive event, two contestants perform a part of a play. The play can be humorous or serious, and the competitors can portray just the required two characters or several. The presentation is not meant to display acting ability or theatrical interpretation. The purpose is to convey these characters and their message only through the words they speak. The focal point is on the audience, not on one another. It does not include physical interaction. Costumes and props are not permitted. Little movement is allowed.

Harris shares that being involved in forensics “is something that is [a] good [kind of] challenging.” She shares that “It’s pure joy…. There’s a confidence you get from competition.” Not all students who take the class compete in tournaments. Class time allows the student to develop an event until it is ready to be presented. Though trophies are awarded, judges also offer constructive criticism and praise to the competitors, creating an environment in which students can realize their strengths and improve their weaknesses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Disturbed Fan

To the Editor:
When it comes to the review [Devon Nuckles, Nov. 7] on Disturbed’s latest CD, “Ten Thousand Fists,” I disagree wholeheartedly. I for one believe that this is one of their best works. It is more like Disturbed’s taste than “Believe” and has much more mature lyrics than “The Sickness.” According to you, this album has “redundant vocals and mediocre, repetitive music.” If you really listen, the lead singer’s vocal range entraps you in the songs; he makes you feel as if you are going through the same emotional battles with him. He pours his heart and soul into a glass during each song in which you can absorb up all of the emotions he is filling this cup with. As for the lyrics, I would say that these are the best out of all three albums. His words pull you into the songs even more and by that time, you are engrossed in just this album and everything else around you ceases to exist. All and all, I adore this album, and I am sure that a lot of others do as well. Thank you for your time.

Marissa Louden
Education Major

'Jarhead'

By Betsy Curry
The movie “Jarhead” is based upon former Marine Anthony Swofford’s best-selling 2003 book. Just like the book, the movie Jarhead gives us a first-hand insight into the life of a Marine in the Gulf War.

Swofford, the main character played by Jake Gyllenhaal (Day After Tomorrow) is a third-generation enlistee. The movie follows Swofford through a treacherous boot camp and on to becoming the best Marine sniper in his platoon.

I reluctantly report that many found the movie “not up to snuff,” as some might say. Jarhead is being given bad reviews because “a war movie should have violence in it.” Many agree with the previous statement, but I strongly disagree. War in general is violent, but if you are not one of our heroes that has served this country you are left clueless to the daily obstacles soldiers deal with.

War plays with a soldier’s mind and emotions. Young men and women leave husbands, wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, and all too often children behind, in order to protect the country we live in. “Jarhead” presents the audience with the rare and rewarding chance to view such a diverse aspect of war. Just because every five seconds of the movie is not interrupted with guns firing and bombs exploding, or blood being spattered across the screen for all to view, does not mean the film is not worthy of viewing.

Swofford and his fellow Marines are excited at the thought of war, but none is prepared for what lies ahead, especially Swofford. The Marines are dropped off in the desert with the thought that they will only be there a few weeks. One hundred and twenty-two days later the troops still find themselves fighting the scorching Saudi Arabian heat with no victory in sight. During the time spent in the desert, the Marines are forced to deal with 100 plus degree heat, drenching rain, oil raining from blown-up oil rigs, and the emotional breakdowns of fellow soldiers.

Regardless of Hollywood’s reviews, I found “Jarhead” to be one of my favorite movies. Just like a lot of others, I like nothing more than a good action flick. With that being said, “Jarhead” is still a great movie with an unusual twist to the norm. Anyone looking for a different outlook on war, instead of the standard bombs exploding and gory battle scenes, would enjoy this film.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Campus Writer's Guild

By Jessica Milhoan
There is a new group of writers on campus. The first meeting of the Writer’s Guild, as it is called, was Tuesday, Oct. 25. The organization was created to provide creative writers on campus constructive criticism for their work. The members meet every other Tuesday of each month to read and discuss their work. They ask that members keep a positive attitude and give positive feedback.

The group plans to continue into next semester. Students are encouraged to turn in work and attend meetings as often as possible.

Wirt County Poet

By Katie Deem
Wirt County native Jesse D. Carpenter offers readers a glimpse into his tumultuous life through the poems “The Wall” and “A seed in the wind.” Carpenter’s writing is poignant, almost mournful. He shares that “a lot of people get to a dark place in their life” and his poetry uncovers that place. It elucidates the grief of a young man, and the hope he finds within himself.

At the age of 14, Carpenter moved out of his home, bidding farewell to a wearisome situation with his mother. He had no place to go, no family with whom to stay, no friends willing to take him in. He comments, “There are two types of people in this world, victims and survivors. Ultimately you get to choose one road.” (His sentiment is inspired by his favorite poem The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost.) Therefore, he worked on a farm in return for room and board, and became a soldier at the age of 18. He served as a military medic. He received a medical discharge soon after doctors found he suffered from Crohn’s disease. He previously lived in Georgia and worked in a Winn-Dixie grocery store before returning to West Virginia to pursue his degree in nursing at West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

He is currently working on a book entitled The Phoenix. He shares that the book is “like [a] Harry Potter [book with a lead character who is] half angel and half sorcerer.” This character embarks upon a journey of love and war to “conquer himself” and obtain enlightenment.


A seed in the wind
By Jesse D. Carpenter

Life passes by like a seed in the wind.
Where it lands its journey begins.

Magic then sparked, by the hands of God, laid true.
As this seed grows a plant peaks through.

Summers come and winters go,
But inside this plant exists a hope.

It is a hope not seen by man today.
It is a hope that comes from near yet far away.

It does not worry, toil nor weep.
It simply grows one more day for it to keep.

The wind blows cold as it grows old,
Still this plant it will not unfold.

It does not worry about its destiny,
Nor about what others might see.
It only wonders what its next day may bring.

As the days come, the leaves go,
But something great comes that few will ever know.

A seed is then dropped into the wind,
As our lives pass us by again, and again…


The Wall
By Jesse D. Carpenter

This wall I see in front of me stands so lonely, tall, and gray.
I fear the feeling taking over me, that I may never get away.

The Dark pierces through my soul,
Reminding me of a wound that I received long ago.
I think this pain it is returning, so I block it out knowing it’s familiar yearning.

I miss her touch so gently,
Or is it the power of her kiss.
I miss the way she used to laugh,
Or was it just little moments like this.

She turned away without goodbye,
And left me feeling every day I should die.

I stand here now, just this wall and me, Saying,
“Love won’t you just let me be?”

How could one be so vicious?
Yet in my mind, some of those memories were Delicious.

I dare not speak her name.
For I Mae A little Fear too much that pain.
Maybe someday I will find a way.
Just not today, cause that Wall it is too Lonely, Tall, and Gray.

Submit Your Writing

Students can submit their poetry or short creative writings for publication in The Chronicle. E-mail Dottie.Bibbee@mail.wvu.edu.

Student Featured in State Magazine

By Jasmine Delane
The November issue of “Wonderful West Virginia” magazine features an article by a West Virginia University at Parkersburg student. Jason Hall, a WVUP English major, wrote “Historic Parkersburg.”

The article talks about the colorful history of the Mid-Ohio Valley’s largest city. Hall is a 2002 graduate of Parkersburg Catholic High School and has been interested in becoming a published, free-lance writer for some time. He contacted the magazine’s editor with several story ideas before researching and writing the article in the current “Wonderful West Virginia” issue. Hall is pursuing an associate in arts degree as a part-time student with the goal of becoming a novelist.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

It’s Murder, Madame.

By Erika Westbrook
A car speeds into the drive, a woman jumps out; she is screaming and calling the name “Brie,” as she watches smoke billow from the windows of her granddaughter’s home. A neighbor comes to her side and calls 911. It is just moments before firefighters and emergency response workers are on the scene, and WVUP Criminal Justice students are shadowing them.
This was the opening scenario of the mock crime scene that took place during the ninth annual West Virginia Criminal Justice Educators Association Conference, held on campus Nov. 11 and 12.

Criminal Justice students were given hands-on experience as they worked alongside various organizations in creating a real-life version of a crime scene, which included arson, murder and a missing child. Students played many of the roles including victims, suspects, police officers, detectives, and emergency responders.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Wood County Detective Bureau, Eastwood Volunteer Fire Department, Fire Investigation Team (FIT), Wood County Coroner and Double K Blood Hound were among those working with the students.
“We really appreciate all the organizations that helped with this event,” said Shawn Kaftanic, coordinator of the event.

The mock crime scene is part one of a three-part project coordinated by the Criminal Justice students. Information obtained at the mock crime scene will be used in a briefing and mock trial, which will take place in the spring.

Kaftanic commented that, “This is a way for students to get hands-on training, so we will better know what to expect once we are involved in a real-life crime scene. I believe it went well and the students got to learn from each organization.”

The conference continued on Saturday with panel discussions on issues such as The Supreme Court and Civil Liberties, Criminal Behavior, Pretrial Publicity, and Policing.

Wood County Prosecutor Ginny Conley and retired WVUP professor Dr. Regina Copeland were keynote speakers during the event.

New Forensic Science Class

By Erika Westbrook
Plans are being made for an upcoming science class that will be offered at WVUP during the Fall 2006 semester. The class will be a beginning forensic science class for Criminal Justice students, and will focus on basic crime-solving investigation.

“Students will get knowledge on DNA, blood spots . . . that sort of thing,” said Nelson Ortiz, instructor and coordinator of Criminal Justice. “This class gives students an alternative to taking science classes that are not forensic related.”

Ortiz also stated that details for the class are not final and have yet to be approved. “We want to make sure the class is transferable for students who plan to continue their education elsewhere,” said Ortiz.

Criminal Justice students currently have an opportunity to get hands-on experience with basic policing and crime solving in the Criminal Justice Lab, located on the lower level of the school. The lab provides users with items such as fingerprint-lifting kits, a fingerprint comparing machine, microscopes and study material. Students can also practice policing skills such as handcuff and gun-removal techniques, and receive help from a tutor.

“The lab is open to all Criminal Justice students,” said Ortiz. “We are also hoping to issue CSI kits to Criminal Justice students to carry with them at all times. This way they learn the importance of always being prepared for a possible crime scene.”

Students who are interested in more information on the Forensic Science class can contact Nelson Ortiz in Room 1022B.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Fall Semester Student Teachers

Education majors who are currently student teaching and planning to graduate in December are: (first row) Samantha Burke, Ashley Gunnoe, Amber Stull, Amy Post, Tony Bailey, Wendy Johnson, Melissa Abshire, Jana May and Linda Runion; (second row) Gena Frazier, Brenda Pios, Lisa Brown, Wendy Fosselman, Jessica England, Sabrina Adkins, Suzanne Jenkins, Julia Sisson and Misty Ferrell.

Alpha Chi Initiation

Pictured left to right: Lori Tate, Charmin McCarty, Diana Seufer, Emily Durst, Melissa Russell, Alicia Durnell, Shelia Buss, Jennifer Collins, and Dr. Martha McGovern, advisor.

On Nov.9, Alpha Chi, the West Virginia University at Parkersburg Chapter of Alpha Upsilon Alpha, the honor society of the International Reading Association, initiated as new members Lori Tate, Charmin McCarty, Diana Seufer, Emily Durst, Melissa Russell, Alicia Durnell, Shelia Buss, Jennifer Collins, all Education majors who have demonstrated scholarship, leadership, and effective literacy instruction.

Afterwards, Alpha Chi elected new officers. They are Tiffany Hall, President; Stephanie Young, Vice President; Chastity Rice, Secretary; and David Cumberledge, Treasurer.

The group also appointed as Book Sale Coordinators Lori Tate and Stacy Sampson and, as Bulletin Board Managers, Stephanie Young and Jason Wyers.

During the fall semester, the Reading Association collected more than 1000 books for the victims of Hurricane Katrina, provided two engaging literacy lessons and free books to second graders at Ripley Elementary School and sold children’s books at both the main and JCC campuses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Women’s Health

By Katie Deem
Because of their reproductive capability, women use the healthcare system more often than do men. They need gynecological and breast exams as threats of cervical and breast cancers grow. They need prenatal medical care while carrying a child.

The Women’s Health Rights Coalition points out that “women face all kinds of obstacles to reproductive health care: money, time, distance, lack of childcare, language barriers, bureaucratic indifference, and misinformation.” Women’s health care is an issue because too many women have fallen victim to unawareness of their own body’s needs, and are also victimized by poverty, medical negligence, government apathy. A health care system designed almost exclusively for and by men in the past has moved women to create parallel systems designed solely for and by women.

According to the WHCWV web site, “Until the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia opened in 1976, a full range of reproductive services for women simply was not available in West Virginia.” The purpose of the center is to offer services, medicines, information and support for women.

The Center supports reproductive freedom and awareness. They are “committed to the provision and accessibility of high-quality abortion services for all women.” They inform women of the risks and consequences of abortion and allow women to explore many other options. They offer gynecological services to low-income women including birth control and information about family planning.

The web site states that WHCWV also offers breast and cervical cancer screenings for low-income, uninsured or underinsured women, “targeting those over 50.” The Center “helps women identify ways to pay for services.” Most of their services are free to eligible women. Medicaid is also accepted.

The Women’s Health Care Center of West Virginia is located in Charleston, and can be reached at 304-344-9834 or 800-642-8670. Their website is http://www.whcwva.com.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is regulated by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health’s Office of Nutrition Services. It was established in 1972 after a “national survey… found anemia and inadequate growth [was] common among American children in low-income families.” In 1974, WIC became an optional program available throughout the United States.

WIC provides education on nutrition, health screenings, breastfeeding support, medical referrals, and vouchers for nutritious foods for pregnant women, infants, and children ages five and under.

WIC seeks to treat the ills caused by poverty. They acknowledge that poverty adversely affects women’s health and therefore affects their children’s health as well.

WIC in Wood County can be reached at 428-3688. The office is located on the second floor of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department in Parkersburg, just across the street from the new parking garage. The address for the Health Department is 211 Sixth St., Parkersburg, WV, 26101-5113. Eligibility requirements can be found on www.wvdhhr.org/ons.

Making Friends With Facebook

By Erika Westbrook
Making friends has never been easier, with the help of a new online directory that is causing a frenzy with college students.

Facebook.com is an online directory that connects college and high school students through social networks at school.

The directory was launched by three Harvard students in February 2004. Since then millions of users have met other students who share common interests. It has also become an easy way for students to get help with academics.

Students set up an account by entering their school e-mail address and password. The next step is creating a profile, which includes uploading a picture, filling out information on interests, and providing contact information.

Users can add favorite music, books, movies, quotes, etc. Every entry is linked to search results, where users can see others who share the same interests. Users can also add and join groups, such as school organization groups, or “silly” groups such as “Corona Lovers.”

Facebook takes care to protect its users. Blocks are available for e-mails, and users have the right to chose who can and cannot view their profile or contact them. Offensive profiles or e-mails can be reported. Users are also encouraged to use caution when giving out any personal information.

Privacy policies can protect students from other users, but some students are getting in trouble for what they post online. Some colleges registered at Facebook have begun forming task forces to screen the directory in search of content that may go against college conduct policies.

According to the website, Facebook supports nearly 2000 colleges, including many community colleges. Nearly 85 percent of students at supported colleges have used the online directory. A total of 3.85 million members are currently registered, 92 percent of whom log on monthly.


Online update: Dan Williamson, WVUP's Director of Computer Services, says West Virginia University may in the future offer school e-mail addresses to students in the WVU system.

Interview With Student, 58

By Ashleigh McCune
One of the unique aspects of college is when people of all ages decide to further their education. West Virginia residents who are 65 and older can receive reduced rates and can audit a class for $50. This does not cover fees. They can also take classes for credit at half the instate rate. According to Registrar Cecelia Malhotra, there are only three students who are 65 and older who attend West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

I have had the pleasure of having News Reporting I with John Hickey, a 58-year-old student, this semester. His wiseness and knowledge truly amaze me sometimes and he is proof that older adults can be great people to look up to. I interviewed him to find out more about why he is attending WVUP.


Q: How old are you?

“I’ll be 59 Dec. 24.”

Q: What classes are you taking and what is your major?

“I am taking Journalism 215 and Journalism 225. I have no major.”

Q: Have you previously attended any other colleges or universities?

“I attended LaSalle University in Philadelphia (LaSalle College when I was there), which was run by the Christian Brothers, a Roman Catholic order.”

Q: What made you decide to attend WVUP?

“I wanted to get more professional in my writing. I have been studying the structure of English and the elements of writing for more than forty years, I’ve done some free-lance editing and some writing in recent years (some of which I’ve published at http://stmichaelsgate.blogspot.com/), and I’ve begun to identify myself as a writer and editor.

“I have learned Chicago style, which is used in book publishing and some other academic writing, and I’ve familiarized myself somewhat with APA (American Psychological Association) style, which is used in some academic journals. I wanted to discipline myself in Associated Press style and get more experience in putting together a newspaper. (I worked on a few hippie newspapers years ago, but we had no software - we just hung double-page size sheets of paper on a clothesline along one side of somebody’s basement and pasted stuff up on them until it was ready to go to the printer.)

“I also am feeling my way along to see if I want to apply to the master’s program in journalism at WVU in Morgantown. I think I would like to have the time to put together a book (as a master’s thesis), which I tentatively have titled Signals: Punctuation as the Structuring of Expectations, to make the case that a writer’s choice of punctuation should in every instance be based entirely on the actual effect the punctuation will have in structuring a reader’s expectations, so that the reader will be led like a dancer through the music the writer hears to the clarity the writer sees.

“In almost every case, I hasten to add, the punctuation one chooses on this basis will be exactly the punctuation now prescribed by the “rules.” My aim is to ground the choice in its effect instead of having the rules just float out there as rules.

“The book would take, from the New York Times, the Associated Press and other news organizations, passages that use punctuation in a way that throws the reader off. I will lay out some of the unintended (and hopefully humorous) sentences the reader might think to be emerging from the clumsy punctuation, and then present the passages edited to structure a reader’s expectations more felicitously.

“I think I could apply a similar analysis to radio. I notice that especially on NPR stations, like WOUB out of Athens, Ohio, people often speak pieces that they obviously have written down and then memorized. Because they have not learned, as actors do, to speak from the heart, they sometimes use stress patterns which imply something different from what they intended when they wrote the piece. It can throw the listener off, sometimes jarringly. I think I might be able to do an audio piece playing clips, pointing out the implications of the stress patterns the speakers are using and then speaking the piece in the way the writer probably originally intended.”

Q: Do you have any advice for younger students?

“My advice would be to never do anything just because some old fool tells you to. Blessings on you.”

Q: What is the best aspect of attending school now and the worst aspect?

“I like doing a lot of writing and editing, and I love the students. The worst aspect is me. I tend to stick my two cents in when maybe I should keep quiet sometimes.”

Q: How long have you attended WVUP and for how long are you planning on attending?

“This is the first semester I have taken any courses at WVUP. I do not know how long I will be here.”

Q: Do you have any previous degrees?

“In June of 1968 I earned a B.A. in Philosophy after four years at LaSalle.”

Q: How did you end up in this area?

“After taking care of my folks in New Jersey during the last years of their lives, I had been living in Philadelphia since 1993, but last year I decided to head out to West Virginia. My brother Neil lives here and I like it here.”

Q: Do you get any special benefits for attending as an older student?

“I think there may be benefits available - I gather the Regent’s Bachelor of Arts gives credit for life experience - but I have not explored them.


“I think some students at WVUP might not realize what a good thing they’ve got here. Many schools have a grim atmosphere, a faculty that is distant from the students, and tension between students. WVUP seems to me to have a warm atmosphere, friendly faculty (like Dottie and Paul Bibbee), and students who are nicer to each other than students at many schools are. I think it makes for a good learning situation, though some students might have to watch out that they don’t get too relaxed.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Open Registration Through Jan. 13

By Ashleigh McCune
The Academic Advising Center reminds students that Open Registration continues through Jan. 13. Students will receive confirmation cards over Christmas break and they need to be returned to confirm your schedule. “Online Registration has been going smoothly,” said Jeff Holland, Director of the Advising Center.

Campus Library Open During Finals

By Robert Walling
The West Virginia University at Parkersburg Library will open its doors for two extra days before finals week. On Dec. 4 and 11, the Library is operating between the hours of noon and 4 p.m. Regular hours remain from 8 a.m. to 9 p. m. for Monday through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

However, some research material is no longer available to students. Christian Science Monitor is no longer available through the library to students. Periodicals such as the Time, Newsweek and US News are still available, in addition to the Charleston Gazette and State Journal. Online newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and other major metropolitans are available through the Library’s computer network.


Online update: Stephen Hupp of the Library sent us a correction to this story. He says, "The Christian Science Monitor is available through the Lexis-Nexis database. The library currently does not have a subscription to the paper version of the newspaper, and has not had a subscription for many years. We are willing to obtain a subscription. However, the college community has electronic access to this publication."

President Gnage Thanks Smokers

By Dylan Webster
West Virginia University at Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage recently expressed her thanks to all of the smokers for adapting to the new smoking areas. “It took a bit of a transitional phase, but it now seems that most smokers are doing their part,” commented Gnage. She continued, “Most important however, is not my opinion, but the positive response that we have received from visitors to the campus.”

Gnage also stated that we are coming close to resolving the problem of shelter in these designated areas.

“It has been a good semester and I am happy with the progress we have made toward our goals for the school. I wish everyone luck during finals.”

Volunteers Very Helpful

By Dylan Webster
Janice McCue and the rest of the Learning Center would like to thank all of the volunteers who have helped this semester. “Without their help, tutoring wouldn’t be possible,” stated McCue. The staff of the Learning Center would also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and good luck with finals.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Navigating tip: Clicking the Home link at the bottom of each story will bring you to the top story in the latest issue of the Chronicle.

Pujols and Rodriguez 2005 MVPs

By Heath Bloxton
Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Player Awards for the 2005 season have been given to Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals and Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees.

Pujols batted .330 and nailed 41 home runs for the Cardinals in the 2005 campaign. He also collected 117 RBIs on his way through a great season with St. Louis. Pujols edged out Atlanta Brave’s centerfielder Andrew Jones and Chicago Cub first baseman Derek Lee.

Rodriguez hit .321 and belted 48 home runs for the pinstriped New York Yankees. Rodriguez edged out Boston’s David Ortiz for the award.

WVU 38, Cincinnati 0

By Heath Bloxton
The Mountaineers blew out the Cincinnati Bearcats 38-0, Wednesday, Nov. 9, at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mountaineer running back Steve Slaton ran wild on the Bearcats for 129 yards and four touchdowns.

West Virginia’s quarterback Pat White also had a great game as he threw for 100 yards and rushed for 111 yards. Coach Rich Rodriguez believes White has increased his play dramatically since the season’s beginning.

Some people saw this game as a “trap game” for WVU. With the Mountaineers in the BCS Bowl picture, experts thought that the Mountaineers might have a letdown in one of their last games of the season. However, the Mountaineers rose to the occasion by blistering Cincinnati in a shutout.

The defense was outstanding once again, as they caused four turnovers on interceptions by Kevin “Boo” McLee and Abraham Jones, and fumble recoveries by Bobby Hathaway and Dee McCann.

WVU moved their record to 8-1 overall and 5-0 in Big East Conference play. The announced crowd attendance for the game was 25,893.

High Hopes for WVU Basketball

By Heath Bloxton
The Mountaineer basketball team is ready for another successful season. After an Elite 8 finish last season, the Mountaineers will have high expectations as they are predicted to finish fifth in a tough Big East Conference.

West Virginia has quickly gone from being the hunter to being the hunted. Coach John Beilein thinks it is a concern and does not want the “expectations” to get to his players. He feels they should put everything aside, and focus on winning basketball games and working hard.

WVU returns four starters and five seniors, including forward Mike Gansey and center Kevin Pittsnogle. Gansey averaged 12 points per game and Pittsnogle averaged 11.9 points per game.

Returning in the backcourt for the Mountaineers are seniors J.D. Collins and Joe Herber. Also returning from last year’s bench are Patrick Beilein, Frank Young, and Darris Nichols. All three players contributed effectively in last year’s tournament play.

Penn State transfer Robert Summers seems to be Pittsnogle’s backup at the center position. Freshmen Alex Ruoff and Joe Alexander could see some playing time as well.

The Mountaineers will face another tough season, but hope to repeat their trip to the NCAA Tournament.

BCS Format Not Popular

By Dylan Webster
While most all college football fans agree the “BCS” format is not acceptable in determining a true national champion, it seems that at least this season they will get it right. With Texas and USC being the only major undefeated teams left, a title showdown appears to be in the cards. It must be understood that if either of these teams is beaten that the water that runs clear now will again turn murky, but this is unlikely.

The Trojans will bring a high powered, pro-style offense to the table. Led by last year’s Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart, the Trojans can score seemingly at will. If the passing game sputters, they also have a Heisman finalist in tailback/returner Reggie Bush. This has been a two-punch combination that no team has been able to stop this season, or last. Perhaps the main thing that USC holds over Texas is the “been there, done that” factor. Two years ago, the Trojans won a share of the national title, and last season they were the undisputed champion.

In some ways, the Longhorns are a mirror opposite. Texas enjoyed many early season triumphs throughout the years, only to have their title dreams crushed by Oklahoma. However, now the Longhorns have began to shake the “choker” tag. Beginning with last year’s dramatic Rose Bowl victory over Michigan, Texas seems to have gotten over the “big game” hump. Taking the momentum gained last year into this season, the Longhorns rolled over archrival Oklahoma. The Longhorns also boast this seasons Heisman favorite, Vince Young. The Texas two-threat quarterback is as likely to run for 200 yards, as he is to pass for it. On some occasions, he will do both.

As good as this match-up looks on paper, if either of these teams falters the entire process will be thrown into total chaos. ACC and SEC fans will have valid arguments for all of their once-beaten teams, and the soundest beating will be taken by the BCS.

Dylan’s NFL Christmas List

By Dylan Webster
As the holiday season approaches, the “haves” in the NFL are separating themselves from the “have-nots.” In this spirit, here is a Christmas wish list for this year’s cellar- dwellers.

New York Jets – Next season, when Matt Lienart is their QB

Baltimore Ravens – Coach Billick will admit that Kyle Boller is not their guy

Houston Texans – A lineman who can pass-block

San Diego – Some other team’s schedule

Philadelphia Eagles – A WR (NFL experience preferred)

Green Bay Packers – Terrell Owens

San Francisco 49ers – Approximately 53 NFL prospects

New Orleans Saints – A real home game

Spotlight: Hines Ward

By Heath Bloxton
Steelers receiver, Hines Ward stole the spotlight Sunday, Nov. 13 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. Ward broke out in front of a sold-out crowd by catching eight passes for 124 yards.

The biggest play of the game was when Ward caught a 15-yard pass from Charlie Batch to become the Steelers all-time leading receiver. With the catch, Ward passed Hall of Fame wide receiver John Stallworth with the 538th reception of his career. Ward felt that to be mentioned in the same sentence as Stallworth was an honor in itself.

Ward has become a “franchise player” in the Steelers organization and a favorite among the people.

Not only did Ward break the record, but also helped lead the Steelers to a 34-21 victory over their hated rival, the Cleveland Browns. Ward said it was a storybook ending with the record-breaking catch and the win over a very big rival. Ward said he could not believe he was the Steelers all-time leading receiver after only eight seasons with the organization.

Who would have thought that a college quarterback and underrated athlete would be a club’s leading receiver? Ward was told early on that he would not make an NFL team, would not start a game and would never make an NFL Pro Bowl. However, Ward has done all three of these things and then some.

Hockey in Wheeling?

By Robert Walling
Many are unaware that West Virginia does host a professional hockey team. The Wheeling Nailers of the East Coast Hockey League have started their 13th season in the Mountain State by wining six of their first nine games, the best start in franchise history. As of Nov. 10, the Nailers hold a tight one-point margin over the Toledo Storm for the North Division lead.

Contributing to their success is the ability to score on a nightly basis. Wheeling currently leads the National Conference with 34 goals, and is tied for third in their goals for-against differential with a +10 margin.

Leading the team is forward Brendon Hodge. After knocking in four goals and passing on three assists, Hodge was named Player of the Week to open the season. In addition, Sean Collins was named Rookie of the Month for October. So far, he has scored five goals and added seven assists to his resume.

Wheeling Nailer games are very accessible and inexpensive. Ticket prices range from $11 to $14 to the public and are $6 with a college ID. If gas prices are a factor, the distance between Parkersburg and Wheeling via Ohio Rt. 7 is only about 90 miles. The route contains few towns and is scenically located along the Ohio River.

To listen to or watch the games on your computer, free audio coverage is available as well as pay-per-view streaming video. The cost for video is $6 a game and can be watched at http://www.wheelingnailers.com.