BEHOLD

Volume 75 Issue 8 Februar y 9, 2004

Your Privates are Showing!

It is a common belief that most people are under the impression that unless they give a company or organization their personal information first By Dan Hansen hand, the information is not Staff Writer available to them. Wrong! Certain information about yourself is considered public domain and anyone and everyone is entitled to that information. The school phone book, which is published annually, has your information posted unless you specifically requested it not to be. In their defense, they mailed every student a card that you had to fill out and return if you did not want your information posted. If your name shows up in the directory, it is your fault. Apparently, ignorance is no excuse. But if you neglected to return the card in time, the annual renewal system has you stuck with your info on display. The student handbook does, in fact, have a section regarding this topic. It states, Students must maintain an address of record in the Admissions & Records office. The address, unless otherwise indicated, is public information and shall be used for official notification, including notification of misconduct procedures. As students attending an official organization, such as this university, we are charged with the understanding of our rights and responsibilities. Therefore, you are forced by ignorance to give your personal information, and it is available to the public, AND the school seems to be more concerned with your misconduct than your safety. Anyone feel safe now? You might ask, What information is available? The information considered public domain is:

is nothing illegal about it. Here is the schools stance on their own privacy, The use by any person or organization of the Universitys name or any of its registered trademarks in connection with any program, product, or activity without the prior written permission of the Administrative Vice Chancellor; or any unauthorized use of University documents, records, or seal is prohibited. Translation: they can exploit our names, address, and what we are doing, but we cannot return the same. Consider this: even within the campus directory, students names are displayed, yet staff, faculty, and employees of the university have their information omitted entirely. The only information you can find on them is a university issued e-mail address. Some professors are kind enough to divulge their home phone numbers and personal address on their course syllabus, but they make the conscious choice to allow that information. Students are left with the responsibility of requesting omission of the same. But, evidently students concerns arent as important as those of professors-or so it seems.

ASMSU-B President/Vice President Elections

President *Adam Lucido - 301 votes Carla Amerson - 228 votes Vice President Ruby Chunkapura - 302 *Alexis Urbaniak - 317 Photo by: photos.nondot.org/Graphic by Richard Castillo -Name -Home/Campus Address -Home/Campus Phone -E-mail Address -Class/School/Major -Date of Attendance -Fulltime/Part-time Status Is that sense of security getting any better? The question was raised regarding the schools selling students phone numbers to the credit card companies. This, in fact didnt happen. Your home phone number is public domain. The credit companies can obtain your information from anybody. You could be on some list that gets passed from one company to another, containing only your basic info, and there Percentage of 4,581 MSU-B students who voted in this election: 11.83% PUBLIC NOTICE MSU-B Art Students League invites you to attend our 25th Annual Art Auction on Friday March 19, 2004 Historic Billings Depot on Montana Ave. Please join us for hors doeuvres from Poet Street Market, no host bar and live entertainment featuring David Burlington and Kat Sol. Doors open at 6:00pm Silent Auction Live Auction at 7:30pm Admission is free

Gimme a Break! Spring Break Trips That Wont Empty Your Wallet! Pg. 10

I Love the Nightlife! Billings Might not be as Boring as You Thought! Pg. 17

Now Hiring! Check Out Our Website www.msubillings.edu/retort

Rant & Rave: Editors Opinion

Just Do It! Creating a Whiner-Free America

cords, and the presence of an invisible entity who wont leave you alone. Unless you possess one of these excuses or you happen to be pure wind, there is no excuse for whining allowed in the WFA (Whiner-Free America). Anyway, back to the WFA promotion trail. The Just Do It campaign was very effective in reassuring consumers that the brand they picked, Nike, was a quality brand. Wieden & Kennedy did this by recruiting celebrity figures like Bo Jackson, John McEnroe and later, Michael Jordan. If Michael Jordan can play an entire NBA season in a pair of Nikes, certainly an average Joe can trust the shoes resilience, right? AHA! Thats it! If we have a whole slew of celebrities endorse the idea of a whiner-free nation, maybe it could sink into the most thick-headed whiners. We can issue some whiner-less public service announcements like the ones NBC did for The More You Know announcments. These celebrity endorsements also appealed to the consumers sense of belonging and hipness. Nike became a self-fulfilling image prophecy: If you want to be hip, wear Nike; if you are hip, you are probably wearing Nike. So, all that our society has to do now is turn the anti-whining campaign into hip and cool buttons, stickers, and billboards; and I sense that we have found the answer to the cannot-do problem. The Just Do It campaign was able to turn sweaty, pain-ridden, time-consuming exercise in Nike sneakers into something sexy and exciting. Why cant we turn Just Do It into a motto for the can-do generation? Oh, yeahthe copyright laws. Guess its back to the drawing board on that idea. Still, why give up now? All we need is an anti-whining slogan and we are back in the game. E-mail your advertising slogan ideas to wedontcare@justdoit.com. Meetings will be every day at four oclock sharp, be on time. No excuses or whining will be allowed per section. 4 of the Whiner-Free America constitution. Per this set of rules, whiners will be tortured by viewing the complete set of Dr. Phil episodes on DVD. Membership is free to Whiners Anonymous members who have been on the wagon for 10 plus years. Guests are welcome, but they will be muzzled in case of accidental whining. Remember: winners dont whine, they Just Do It!

1500 University Drive SUB 225 Billings, MT 59101 Business & Newsroom: 657-2194 Fax: 657-2191 e-mail: retort@msubillings.edu

By Janna Huhtala Editor-in-Chief

The advertising agency Wieden & Kennedy had the right idea when they coined the phrase Just Do It at a 1988 advertising meeting with Nike. It happened so nonchalantly; in fact, Dan Wieden, head-honcho executive of the struggling advertising agency, was simply commenting on Nikes can-do attitude when he invented the now famous ad slogan. Now, 16 years later, Nike is still associated with this catchphrase. Just Do It can be seen on billboards, buses, shoe boxes, and in magazines nationwide; but why did the slogan catch on so well? The answer lies in the truth that this particular advertisement sells to its audience, and the message was simple: Instead of sitting on your butt wishing you could do something, JUST DO IT! Billions of dollars in sales later, the phrase lives on and I agree that you should always stick with what works, and I wish people could apply it to more than just a pair of shoes with a swoosh embossed onto it. Just Do It can be applied to so many things in life. I bet that you have heard this phrase used outside of an ad campaign at least once in your life. I bet that your mom has screamed JUST DO IT! at you in answer to the constant whining about impending chores; I bet you ran like hell to the kitchen to start those dishes, too. The answer to the age-old whining problem is simple: We need a campaign against the whiners of the world, something catchy and memorable. The Just Do It slogan was the golden rule for our society long before its association with Nike. Its catchy alright, yet some people still whine inecessantly. To them, I say: JUST DO IT! There is nothing glamorous about whining, unless you are going for the stuck pig sound or you are trying to accumulate wrinkles by scrunching up your face in the usual whining pose. Whining is for the people who have nothing better to do. Get a hobby, get a job, and get a lifebut for Petes sake: STOP WHINING! There are few instances where whining is allowed, and I do mean a select few. These allowances include near death illness, intentional dismemberment by a member of your family or mob members, pink-slip layoffs, computer malfunction due to the accidental unplugging of electrical

Editors and Staff

Janna Huhtala Amy Whittle Richard Castillo Jed Barton Betsy Harris Jennifer Fenton Jason Lillie Adam Wickens VACANT Dan Hansen Jessalyn Remington Evelyn Irmen Aric Weber Linsey Lindgren Becky Butcher Brett Harrison Alea Logan Michael Redstone VACANT VACANT Jeremy Seidlitz Jesse Kester Nancy Swanson Editor-in-Chief Business/Ad Manager Layout/Design Editor Sports Editor News Editor A&E Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Creativity Editor Cartoonist Reporter Reporter Columnist Columnist Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer D.C. Correspondent Graduate Consultant Advisor

Guidelines & Policies The Retort encourages the submission of letters to the Editor. Letters must be under 250 words in length and include name, signature, and phone number. The Retort reserves the right to edit for space and possible libel. Letters should deal with subject matter relevant to the students, faculty, and staff of MSU-Billings. The Retort is published every other Tuesday. Letters must be submitted by the Friday after the most recent issue date. The Publications Board of ASMSU-B advises The Retort, leaving content decisions to the editors. Opinions expressed in The Retort are not necessarily those of its members, the university, students, student government, state government, or federal government.

MSU-B to be Part of an Effort Against Racism

One cant spend any length of time at MSUBillings without encountering the phrase access and excellence. These three words are the motto of the uniBy versity, and they Adam Wickens reflect a number of different iniCopy Editor tiatives and goals. One of the goals of MSU-B, according to its core values and beliefs statement, is providing a supportive and hospitable environment for racially and culturally diversified students and faculty. Walking around campus, one may not notice the cultural and ethnic diversity that is present, but according to www.msubillings.edu, 13 percent of students who attend are classified as minorities (meaning non-Caucasian males and females), with 65 percent of those people being Native American. The university believes the needs of its minority students and faculty are important, and MSU-B is not alone in feeling a need to promote cultural awareness and deal cial problems and needs on campus. The MAC is also planning to have six or seven similar groups throughout the Billings community. The study circles are a test the MAC is giving in preparation for a large weekend conference on racial issues it has planned for August. The MAC plans t o 13 percent of MSU-Billingsp students classified as center minorities (meaning non-Caucasian males and females) the 65 Percent of those students are Native American. conferwith racism. The Montana Association of ence around these study circles. In testChurches, a multi-denominational organi- ing their effectiveness, the MAC can get zation including churches in Billings, also a feel for how the conference should be has a very strong desire to accomplish the conducted. The study circle at MSU-B will be same objective. The MAC has plans to organize a composed of 12 people. Rev. Kim Woeste, study circle made up of MSU-B faculty, the United Campus Ministries campus minstaff, students, and other persons who are ister and an affiliate of the MAC, will orinvolved with the university, to discuss ra- ganize and facilitate the group. We want to find out how individual people on campus feel about racism and get a feel for what barriers to diversity exist, said Woeste. The study circle will meet for around eight hours spread over four weeks to work through some prepared questions together. They will be discuss their own personal experiences and share personal questions. Woeste hopes that the four two-hour sessions will not only address some issues that exist, but that they will also present some potential solutions. The study circle is a pilot project that could grow over time if it is well received. Woeste anticipates that the study circle will begin shortly after spring break. The study circle is a great way to express concerns about racial issues on campus, so dont be afraid to look into participating. Any individuals who are interested in participating or have questions should contact her at 657-2165 or email her at kwoeste@msubillings.edu.

Listen Up: Yellowstone Public Radio

Broadcasting from studios across Virginia Lane from the Montana State University-Billings campus Ye l l o w s t o n e By Jed Barton Public Radio is an alternative to Sports Editor commercial radio fare for approximately 35,000 listeners across Montana and northern Wyoming. A member station of National Public Radio, Yellowstone Public Radio broadcasts a wide range of programs from in-depth news and public affairs programs, such as Morning Edition, and All Things Considered, to classical music programs from groups like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. They also air jazz and blues programs such as Riverwalk Live from the Landing, folk music programs such as The Midnight Special, and offbeat comedy such as A Prairie Home Companion. What we try to do is broadcast points of view and artistic expressions that are not popular enough to be often, if ever, expressed on commercial radio said Marvin Granger,

Graphic Courtesy of Yellowstone Public Radio With a broadcast area from the Montana Highline to Thermopolis Wyoming Yellowstone Public Radio serves as a source for news and entertainment for some 35,000 listeners. YPR general manager and program director . In addition to programs from NPR and other national outlets, YPR also produces several music and news programs locally. Other than the variety of programs aired perhaps the most important difference between Yellowstone Public Radio and other radio stations is the way the station pays for its operations. By its very nature public radio does not accept advertisements and YPR is no different. All of YPRs operating expenses from the 13 paid staff members to programming and the upkeep of the transmitters and relays located across the region are paid for by the cash donations of nearly 5000 listeners and almost 100 local businesses and community groups including MSU-Billings. I like to believe this makes us more content oriented then commercial stations which are concerned with packaging a format to appeal to advertisers, said Granger. YPR can be heard on 91.7 FM here in Billings, as well as various other locations on your dial throughout Montana and Northern Wyoming and on the internet at www.yellowstonepublicradio.org.

Graphic by Richard Castillo

Where the Hell is Racicot? We Know!

Unlike the town (spelled Roscoe), there is a certain Racicot that any Montanan should have heard of. The man in question is none other than our By former governor, Adam Wickens Marc Racicot. During the time he Copy Editor was governor, Racicot was wildly popular with Montanans, reaching an 87 percent approval rate in October 1998. A homegrown product of the Big Sky State, the former governor has also served as the state attorney general and was a captain in the Army Judge Advocate Corps earlier in his career. While these achievements already stack up quite nicely, it didnt stop there for Racicot. He has since taken a position at a private law firm in Washington, D.C., has served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee, and is currently the chairman of the campaign to reelect President Bush. In light of these major accomplishments, The Retort decided that it was time to track down Racicot and find out what it is like to be a Montanan in the nations capital. I had the pleasure of talking to Racicot about his recent adventures. According to Racicot, the story of his emigration to Washington really begins during the campaign stages of the 2000 presidential election. As governor, Racicot had become friends with George Bush, the governor of Texas at that time. In fact, Racicot was one of the first governors to encourage the current president to run for the presidency. Due to the close friendship between the two, Racicots name came up when President Bush was considering cabinet positions. Racicot respectfully declined the invitation to Bushs cabinet because he felt his responsibilities to his family were of higher priority. While participating in a cabinet was not in his plans, Racicot did decide to go to Washington to practice law. He said the change from Montana to the big city was a little overwhelming at first, but he adapted well. One big difference was the level of hustle and bustle. There is less time for things like deliberation, he said. Despite the change, Racicot believes that being rural does not disadvantage Montanans. Montanans are candid but civil. We are very neighborly, said Racicot. He believes this attitude, along with the values and temperament of the West, have been assets to him. Less than a year after Racicot had relocated to the capital, the president asked him to be the chairman of the Republican National Committee, a very high honor. The position gave him the flexibility to help the administration while still enjoying his work in the private sector. Recently, Racicot took another position for the president as chairman of his reelection campaign. One of the biggest questions I had

for Racicot concerned the duties of his new position for President Bush. Racicot said he hs a array of responsibilities. He is responsible for making sure the campaign follows bipartisan regulations, a very fitting job for an attorney. The trick, Racicot says, is not only upholding the letter of the law, but the spirit of it as well. It is very easy to follow rules where necessary, but it seems that Racicot is concerned about going above and beyond what is required and running a clean and ethical campaign. His other duties as chairman include dictating policy and allocating assets in the form of time, money, and personnel. Since Racicot is so influential in the campaign process, one might wonder how much attention Montana will get in the coming year. When asked, Racicot said, As you saw in the last election, every electoral vote is important. Montanas three votes count. He said that Montana was a strong state for the president in the previous election, with Bush getting 65 percent of the vote, and the campaign would give more attention early in the race to those states where the president had a 5 percent margin of victory or loss. On the subject of voting and political involvement, Racicot admonished students to get involved as soon as possible. We need people willing to enter into the system; informed citizens are essential, he said. Racicot also gave encouragement for those entering into any level of politics, saying, Be persistent, success may not come immediately. Talk of politics and political involvement may turn off some disaffected readers, but Racicot says there is a lot of good in politics. He spoke often of civil servants, a term many today would consider a misnomer, but Racicot says the spirit of civil service is alive and well in Washington. He defined public office as a stewardship, a sacred trust between the official and his or her constituents. Not many Montanans have held such prestigious positions as Marc Racicot, but after talking to him, I cant help but feel that he is a shining light of our solid values and easy going way of life amongst the urban bustle of Washington, D.C.

Photo by Montana Governors Office MARC RACICOT Born July 24, 1948 in Thompson Falls, MT Graduated from Libby High School 1966 Carroll College, B.A. 1970, Army ROTC Graduate & Class President University of Montana, J.D. 1973 Work Experience: Deputy Missoula County Attorney Mont. Assistant Attorney General 1977-88 Mont. Attorney General 1988-92 Governor of Montana 1992-2000 Board member of United Way Chairman of the Board of Directors for Jobs for Americas Graduates Chairman of Republican National Committee 2002-03 Chairman of Bush-Cheney 04 Campaign

College of Technology Improved With New Additions

The Montana State University-Billings College of Technology has recently underwent some improvements, and more might be coming in the future. The most By Brett Harrison recent construcStaff Writer tion started last summer on a new technology center, conference center, with improvements to the heating, ven-

tilation, and air condition room. The construction and renovations were finished just before school started in the fall. New classrooms, computers and other hardware were added to fill the new technology center. The heating, ventilation and air conditioning system was remodeled to lower the 20 foot ceiling to make space usable above it and a new classroom was added. Also, new bathrooms were built, and an indoor fire suppressing sprinkler system was installed in the new construction. In the long run, a plan will be submitted to the legislature for $17.6 million to finish some renovations and cover the costs of a new library. Eventually, the plan calls for a new library that will be shared between the city of Billings and the COT. Under that preliminary plan, the city of Billings and MSU-B would split the cost of constructing the library and students and the general public alike would greatly benefit from a library project on the West End.

Sprinkling
St u d e n t s of the residence halls, prepare to feel completely secure, because on May 10 a project will begin to bring the residence hall up to fire code. Fire sprinklers By Jessalyn Remington will be installed in every room Reporter and in all common areas. Why are the sprinklers being installed? Kathy McIsaac, director of housing and student involvement, said, Its not a reaction to anything. We just need to bring these buildings up to code. McIsaac said that MSU-B has never had a fire emergency that caused major damage or injury. It seems that MSU-B has been lucky so far. According to an article on asumag.com, about 1,700 fires occur every year in college residence halls, classroom buildings, and fraternity and sorority houses. A common worry seems to be water damage that can occur as a result of the sprinkler system. This is actually only a minor risk, because only those sprinklers which are directly exposed to the extreme heat of a fire will open. The rest of the rooms will be unaffected as long as the fire is contained. The majority of the damage caused by most fires is the result of the fire itself and the hoses used by fire departments. The discharge of a fire department hose can be up to ten times more forceful than that of a

Some

Light

New technology is just one of the new features which will greet you in the COT Photo by Brett Harrison

on

Fire

Safety

google sprinkler, and in turn, cause much more damage. In addition, a sprinkler head will activate to control a fire within minutes of starting, which is much faster than a fire department can respond. What about accidental discharges? The odds of a sprinkler head opening accidentally are minimal. The most common causes of these mishaps are tampering, age, and microbial growths, all of which can be avoided by proper maintenance and location. According to Eakle Barfield, director of facility services, precautions are being taken to prevent accidental jarring or tampering with the sprinkler heads. These sprinkler heads will be recessed into the ceiling, said Barfield. The project is still in the final stages of planning, but the estimated cost is between $250,000 and $325,000. Curt Kochner, vice chancellor for student affairs, said that they hope to fund part of the project with an Intercap Loan, which will spread the cost out over a few years. The sprinkler system is to be installed between May 10 and Aug. 20, in hopes of inconveniencing the smallest number of residents possible. Well work with summer residents as best as we can, said Kochner. Kochner said that they will have to juggle summer housing in order to complete the project. Petro Hall will be the first building affected by the renovations. Students will be given the option to move to another building or to remain in their current rooms. Kochner explained that the work will take place during the day and should not interfere with the students sleep or studies. The university already has alarms and regular fire drills in place to comply with fire codes. The purpose of the sprinkler system is to further ensure the safety of campus residents and their belongings. Even if sprinklers are not enough to extinguish a fire, they have been effective in controlling fires until firefighters arrive on the scene, possibly saving lives and property from destruction. Properly installed fire sprinklers have been proven very reliable, and time after time, their benefits have outweighed their downfalls.

Police Blotter

1/29/042/8/04
Welcome back to the one place where you find out what really happens on campus. Lets see what those criminals have By Adam Wickens been up to. 1-29 A Copy Editor theft was reported in the east Rimrock parking lot. 2-1 There was a report of partner family member abuse in Petro Hall. 2-2 An incident of disorderly conduct was reported in the library. 2-3 There was a violation of privacy in communication in Petro Hall. It was reported that an individual received threatening phone messages. Heads up to all of you crank yankers

out there; it is illegal to threaten people on the phone or in writing. 2-4 Criminal mischief was reported on Normal Avenue. 2-5 There was an incident of trespassing in Petro Hall. 2-6 A n o i s e d i s t u rbance was reported in Rimrock Hall that led to an investigation by campus security. It turns out that there were minors in the dorm room while alcoholic beverages were being consumed. The minors were not drinking and were sent home. 2-6 There was an incident of disorderly conduct in Petro Hall. Once again, we have an individual who thinks the fragrant odor of urine should be shared with the general public. Urinating in public is not funny! Nobody wants to see your

apparatus or deal with your stench. If you want to be free like a dog to do your business wherever you please, Im sure it could be arranged for you to get a collar and chain and be left outside all night. The privileges of being a human do come with certain limited responsibilities. Maybe MSU-B should request proof of housetraining in addition to proof of immunization. I hope these savages have at least had their shots. Remember, if you observe any criminal behavior or are the victim of a criminal act, be sure to contact campus security immediately at 6572147 so the matter can be dealt with in a swift and proper fashion. For more information on learning about or reporting criminal activity on campus, you can access the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act at www.msubillings.edu/ security.

NoteFrom the CampusPolice:

Recently the MSU-Billings Campus Police Department has been contacted by residents of the neighborhood surrounding the campus, expressing concerns that some students are parking in front of their homes, and, in some cases, actually blocking access to and from their driveways. These concerns are valid. Residents of the neighborhood may have your vehicle towed if their driveway is blocked. This could cost you over $175, depending on the private towing company contacted by the resident. If the City of Billings issues a parking citation, the fine can be up to $25 per ticket. For those students who opt to park on the neighborhood streets, watch for all yellow curbing on the streets and at driveway entrances. In the near future there may also be new signage in some areas that you will need to follow. Showing respect for others is an important part of your growing and learning experience.

Getting

to

Know

You...

Shelly
get.

Van

Atta

Shelly Van Atta, the former director of marketing and college relations at Rocky Mountain College, is now the university relaBy Betsy Harris tions director News Editor at Montana State University-Billings. Van Attas office in McMullen hall is still fresh with bouquets of flowers in honor of her new position, but you would think she barely has time to appreciate them since she is putting in 14 hour days just to get acquainted with her new job. Van Atta replaced Ken Woosley, who recently retired. She is a fresh face at MSUB, and her enthusiasm is contagious. Van Atta says she wants the students to know that her department is here to improve communication within the school and also to let our community know what is going on with MSU-B. The better relationship we have with our community and the business and industry in it, the more growth and opportunity we can hope to attain. Van Atta says shehad a wonder-

ful job at Rocky Mountain College, were up to and why. If anyone can but felt there was more room for do this, its Van Atta. growth at a state university like MSUThe question isnt what Van Atta B. She is a highly motivated, creative has done, but what hasnt she done. person who is workHer resume is five ing on making the pages long including College of Technoleducation, work expeogy a comprehensive rience, civic activities, community college and numerous referand pursuing naences. Van Atta is tional accreditation originally from Laurel, for the College of Mont. and has a Business. She realbachelorsdegree in izes that if the comEnglish and journalism munity sees the benwith minors in theater efits a community arts and secondary college can provide education. She has to local business and worked in television, industry, they will be radio, and even as an more eager to beassistant speech writer come involved. In for a U.S. congressgeneral, the more the man in Washington, c o m m u n i t y u n d e r- Photo provided by University Relations D.C. stands how they ben- Shelly Van Atta, TheUniversity Va n A t t a h a s efit from higher edu- Relations Director won several awards. cation, the more Among the most imlikely they are to support it through pressive is the Gold Award from partnerships and appropriations. CASE for the number one college or Van Atta writes press releases, university video in the United States. organizes conferences, art shows, ca- She wrote and produced a video for reer fairs, and serves as a link between Rocky Mountain College for less than the community and MSU-B. She $2,000 and won over other universiwants to improve our school image ties with budgets up to $50,000! Oband let the community know what viously, Van Atta knows how to bud-

She has been involved with every civic activity ranging from the Billings Symphony Orchestra to the Ronald McDonald Charities of Montana to the Habitat for Humanity. Van Atta knows the movers and shakers in our community through hands-on experience with them which makes her even more valuable as the university relations director. There is not enough room to expand on the rest of Van Attas vast experience, but she would also like the students to know that she is here to promote them as well as the school. She has been known to send out personal stories of students to their hometown papers to promote higher education in their communities. Anyone who would like to receive information and press releases about university events is welcome to call Van Attas office at 657-2266 and submit their e-mail address. If you are a Public Relations, communication, business, marketing, or even English major out there wondering what you can do with your education, just stop by the university relations directors office and see a perfect example of where a good education, motivation, talent and hard work can take you.

Letter To The Editor

To the Editor: Having taught at EMC/MSU-B for some 28 years, I was most interested to read Lindsey Lindgrens column How to be on Your Professors Good Side, published in the February 9th issue. While she makes some good points about teachers and offers a few sound suggestions about how students should deal with their instructors, there are some aspects of the learning experience that need amplification and even correction. First, the photo accompanying the article shows an open bag of chips and what appears to be a bottle of juice on a students desk. A lecture hall is not a lunchroom, so students should not eat or drink in class. (Signs in our classrooms specifically warn against this practice.) Students should eat before or after class. Similarly, an instructor ought to refrain form dining in the classroom to set a good example. If nothing else, the janitorial staff who must clean up the mess left behind will be most grateful. Second, students should learn to ask questions at the beginning of class. An upraised arm should attract the teachers attention and will (presumably) stimulate him or her to reply to whatever question is being asked. Most students are timid about doing so because their fellow students consider this too forward, a way of seeking

favor from the instructor. Also many teachers simply dont enjoy confronting situations where they must be spontaneous and not be able to refer to their notes. But if one student is unclear about the material, theres a very good chance that many others are also in the dark. An extemporaneous response is usually more informative than a lengthy lecture. Third, if an instructor admonishes students to take good notes in the class, students should ask: Can I have a copy of yours? Your notes must be very good. Why should anyone sit for an hour copying notes that the instructor has written often years before, while doing so in a fashion that is often confused or inaccurate? Lecturing is a medieval concept, literally meaning reading and practiced when books were rare or nonexistent. The instructor who introduced me to Western Civilization many years ago remarked that a lecture was the transfer of the teachers notes into the students notebook without any thought passing through the minds of either. Why not have the instructor photocopy his or her notes, distribute these at the start of class and allow everyone to leave? Question and answer sessions are far more lively and stimulating way of learning. The ancient Greeks knew this; few modern instructors seem to do so. Fourth, its not enough for an instructor to make eye contact with students, as Craig Wilson suggests. A good teacher gets to know the students in class by asking them

questions. Students are not simply names on a list-_theyre human beings who resent simply being used as a captive audience. Why not have students sign in at each class and have the instructor, rather than reading a canned lecture, call first for volunteers to discuss the material or, if no one is brave enough, ask individuals chosen at random, what they learned from the reading or if they really understand the argument, specific terms or even vocabulary? Why not even have students who dread asking questions in class read passages of the text out loud and comment on them? Getting students involved in their own education, rather than treating them as passive vessels into which knowledge is poured, makes a class more rewarding for everyone involved. Fifth, students should politely but firmly ask their instructors to make comments on their written work. Too often instructors will either not return papers, especially term papers and book reports, or simply indicate a grade. The better the paper the fewer comments are needed. Exams that an instructor finds weak need positive comments on how they might be improved. Comments on style and not simply content should be included. Conferring with the teacher during office hours, something many students are unwilling to do but should, is usually the best way to lean how to improve the quality of ones work. Finally, though Ms. Lindgren is kind enough to say that most professors are experts in If you are human, it is a given that you probably dont understand the opposite sex. The battle of the sexes has existed since the creation of life. Perhaps the cause By Evelyn Irmen of this age-old dilemma stems from Reporter the numerous chemical and emotional differences between men and women. Today, divorce rates have skyrocketed simply because the idea of divorce has become acceptable. Society By has come to acJessalyn Remington cept that sometimes comproReporter mises cant be made. Perhaps the equality issue is to blame for the recent increase in divorce rates. Men and women might be equal, but they are not raised that way. Society has set the standard for both men and women. Since the day we were born, the idea that men must play with trucks and race cars and women must play with Barbies and makeup has greatly influenced the way we relate to one another. Growing up, little boys are told to act like a man, and women are taught to show their emotions. This has had lasting effects on the way men and women relate in the adult world. There are some exceptions, but for the most part women need to talk about their problems in order to solve them. They generally dwell on a problem longer than men and tend to repress anger. They also

their fields, no instructor knows everything. Students, especially nontraditional ones, often have had life experiences, traveled or held positions that give them knowledge that academics often dont possess. Too often professors are limited by their own professional careers: many historians have never been to places they talk about so learnedly in their lectures, and political scientists usually have never held or even run for government office. To teach is to learn and much can be learned by the individual speaking in front of the room from the people who are seated and listening, presumably with interest. A classroom is a two-way street, one where both instructor and students ought to merge more informed and stimulated by the experience. A good student should be willing to raise questions with a teacher and offer suggestions or even corrections. A good instructor should be grateful for information. Obviously much more can be said about teacher-student contact. But most important of all is the idea that students should be willing and able to improve the quality of instruction that is being offered them and for which they are paying good money. Sincerely yours, James Friguglietti Professor of History try to analyze situations. For example, you wouldnt expect a column of this nature to be written by two straight men. No, we are just two women attempting to understand the unpredictable, impossible puzzle that is human nature. On the other hand, men are more decisive and tend to solve their problems immediately. They also generally express anger through physical activity such as working on something constructive. Alone time is often necessary for men to cool down during an argument. Another difference is that women need to be reassured and they need to know that their feelings are reciprocated. Men tend to approach commitment with apathy and numbness. Its not that they dont want commitment, but they have a hard time accepting the idea of being with one person forever. These factors make communication between members of the opposite sex a constant battle. Both people feel that their feelings and concerns are warranted and both want their counterpart to accept their view. Because women tend to dwell on things longer, they often mistake their significant others reactions to be insensitive and careless. In reality, he probably already came up with a solution to the problem, and assumed things were normal. This is a misunderstanding which can be solved with simple communication and acceptance of one anothers differences. Although it is difficult, communication may be the only way for the two sexes to coexist in a meaningful, symbiotic relationship. When working out problems with your significant other, be sure to remember that people cope with things in different ways. Although you have a firm grasp on your side of the issue, you should consider ways in which you can accommodate your counterpart by giving their opinion a chance. You might be able to laugh about it in the future.

Between The Sheets Communication: How To Get What You Want

Its been over a month since the beginning of the new year, and yet again Ive decided not to adhere to the resolution that Ive made. By Aric Weber What was this resolution? Columnist you ask yourself out loud while eating a bowl of Grape-Nuts that turned out to be much bigger than what you intended to pour (thats what Im usually doing on campus whatever morning The Retort ends up coming out). Well, Ill tell you: Its the time-tested goal that Ive set for myself on each of the last four New Years Eves just after the ball has dropped in Times Square, and I realize that I havent kept my end of the deal from the previous year. This years gonna be different, I think to myself. Its time to live a touch more healthy. Another round of SnakeBites, I say out loud, making use of some odd come here, please gesture directed at the nearest cocktail waitress. I went about it wrong last year, I think to myself. I shouldnt have even tried when school was about to start; too much stress. Oh, Im sorry. I thought that was a 20, I say out loud to the cocktail waitress who noticed and answered the gesture. A l l s t a l l i n g a s i d e , i t s t h a t whole Im going to quit smoking resolution. I know Ive said it, Im pretty sure that any of you who currently smoke have said it, and Im 100 percent positive that those of you who

have succeeded in quitting smoking have said it. Ive tried very hard to quit on a number of occasions, and here I sit before you: a smoker. In fact, all of this smoking-talk is kinda making me want a cigarette right now. Right now! At close to the most inappropriate time (the most inappropriate time would probably be at the funeral of a family member who has died from a smoking-related illness) - Im just at a wake. I have now decided to get to the bottom of this affliction. Why am I still in this spot? I dont know, but I do know that I dont really like this spot. I worry about stinking in this spot. Its hard finding a restaurant that I really like in this spot. I ruin car interiors in this spot (not to mention, my lungs - and by the way, earlier when I said that I was at a wake, I wasnt really). Ive decided that there is only one person that can answer me: me. Ive decided to interview myself, and through this open dialogue, hopefully myself and I will come to some agreement on what we can do to leave, but frequently visit, this spot. Me: Hows it going? Aric: Dont jerk me around! Me: Damn! Whats with the short fuse? Aric: Just dont jerk me around, thats all. Me: What are you talking about? Aric: What are you talking about? You know exactly what Im talking about. Me: No. No, I dont. Aric: Youre me. You, more than anyone else, should know How its going. Me: Oh, right, right. Thats just a commonly accepted way to open a conversation between two people, isnt it?

Aric: Shut up. Me: Well, isnt it? Aric: Just get on with the stupid interview. Me: Alright, alright. When did you start? Aric: Start what? Me: Smoking, idiot! Aric: Oh. Smoking what? Me: Cigarettes, you fool! What do you think Im talking about - ham? Thats why were doing this, remember? Aric: Yeah, Im sorry. Im just somewhere else right now. Sorry. Me: Are you okay? Aric: Yeah, no, Im fine. Me: Seriously, dude. Whats wrong? Aric: Nothing. Me: Just tell me. Aric: I dont know, I was just thinking about stuff. Me: Aww, man. You cant keep doing that. You know what that does to you. Aric: I cant help it. Thats just the way Aric Weber does it. Im a Cancer. I over-analyze everything. Me: What the hell are you doing? You dont know anything about astrology. Youre just trying to make people think youre smart? Aric: Nuh-uh, I know stuff about astrology, honest. Me: Like what? Aric: Stuff. Me: What stuff? Aric: Shut up. Me: Thats what I thought. Can we continue with the interview now, your majesty? Aric: Shut up! Me: Okay, okay. When did you start smoking? Aric: Why are you asking me questions that you already know the answer to? Me: We talked about this. So we can get to the bottom of why you still decide to smoke. Besides, maybe I

dont know why. I know for a fact that anybody who decides to read this doesnt know. Aric: Hey, you smoke too. Me: Alright, then why does anybody smoke, chode? God, youre like a little kid. One minute youre angry for no reason and the next minute youre dumb as a post. Aroc: Why do you have to be mean? Me: Im not trying to be mean, Im just trying to stay on task and youre frustrating the hell out of me. Aric: Wait a minute; you just misspelled your own name. Me: No I didnt. Aric: Did so. Me: Youre crazy. Aric: Yeah, right there. Six lines up. M e : You dont know what youre talking about. Aric: Eight lines up now. Well, well, well, Mister Perfect made a mistake. Me: The copy-editor must have changed something. Aric: Yeah, right. He changed the spelling of your name one time in this whole interview. Just admit it, you made a mistake. Come on; admit it. Me: Dammit! Thats it! I cant do this! Youre impossible! Were supposed to be talking about smoking. Youre like talking to a brick wall that throws rocks. Aric: What? Me: What? Aric: A brick wall that throws rocks? What does that mean? Me: That one time at Yellowstone you threw those rocks and that one bounced back Just nevermind! Shut up! Aric: Are we done here? Me: God, yes! Aric: Good, I need a cigarette. Me: Me too.

Dear Editor, How do you start a letter to the editor? Dear editor? That doesnt sound right, but thats beside the point. Ive recently alerted myself to a terrible problem with good ol MSUB. Im not even talking about the new wall that we have to walk around; Im talking about the symbol of our school, that lame-ass looking bee with a cowboy hat and shovel for a stinger. I dont mean the mascot at the basketball games, I have no problem with that. Its the Yellowjacket that they sew on to our sweatshirts and screen onto T-shirts. I hope you know what Im talking about, if not, just look around and youll see it somewhere. The minute you see it, youll think, Wow, that IS lame-ass. As a matter of fact, I have in my possession an ancient pennant (one of those little flag things) from the days when the school was called EMC. Maybe back in the day that wussylooking, four-legged bee was suitable

Letter To The Editor

to warn other schools of how dangerous our athletic teams were and of the high academic standards we hold for ourselves, but today it doesnt cut it. In some lame attempt to modernize the Yellowjacket, some genius added a cowboy hat, which says so much about the most populated city in the state. How often do you see a cowboy hat on campus? Not that there is anything wrong with them, its just not the picture I want drawn. I think its high time that somebody came up with a new symbol for our school. When I walk through the halls of our buildings I see example after example of the creativity of our art students. Rather than paying someone a few grand to come up with a menacing new logo, how about we let these art students have a contest to come up with a new logo? It would be cheaper and more meaningful to those who participate. Let it come down to an exercise of democracy, a vote. Now, if I may, Ill offer some suggestions. As long as Ive attended MSU-B Ive felt a little envy of

friends and family who have attended the bigger universities. You all know what Im talking about, those Bobcats and Grizzlies have a superiority complex. Its probably because they look at MSU-B and that idiot Yellowjacket in a cowboy hat and think, Ill just swat that bug and stomp on it. Thats why I suggest more than one Ye l l o w j a c k e t . Yo u d o n t s e e o n e Yellowjacket in nature, you see a swarm of them and when you do, you do your best to avoid them. I want to be represented by a vicious swarm of Yellowjackets hovering over the carcasses of those road kill Bobcats and Grizzlies. Its not hard to have pride in our school, but its hard to have pride in our logo. Its time to come up with something that truly represents the high academic, musical, athletic, and other achievements that this school offers the community and state. We know were the shizzle, now its time to show everyone else. Respectfully submitted, Joe Sampsel

No Shoes, No Shirt No Plans? No Problem!

Spring Break: Where to Go and How to Get There
Its that time of year again! No, not the holidays, although most students look forward to it just as much, if not more. Its spring break! Just those By Alea Logan two words are enough to make Staff Writer most students start daydreaming of sandy beaches, bathing suits, snowy slopes (if youre a skier) and a week with no papers, no exams, no headaches, and no worries. Hakuna mattata, or so we think. Unfortunately, if you are traveling and dont have the right information, there might be a heck of a lot more worry heading your way than you planned on. So here are a few tips on where to go for spring break and what to do to get there. The first thing to do when traveling for spring break is, obviously, decide where you are traveling to. The old clich destinations like Daytona Beach, Miami, and Puerto Vallarta seem to be out. The general consensus on the most popular destination for students is Cancun, Mexico. This is probably the reason that it is an exotic location (not in the country), its warm, it has a beach, MTV is there, and the fact that the city has not gotten sick of the partyers that rush its city limits and wreak havoc on the general population every year. If you are an MTV fan and wont be on spring break during the time they are scheduled in

Courtesy of KRT Campus Cancun, dont worry. You can wreak have low fares and seem to take care of havoc in Miami or Jamaica with them in- everything you could think of for a trip. stead. Just check thier web site to find They offer packages with plane tickets, out the spring break schedule. VH1 and rental cars, hotels, and even meal plans. other popular TV music stations throw big The best part is they have competitive pricspring break bashes, as well, in other lo- ing and you can check them out and comcations that are just as sunny and warm. pare them in seconds. But before you rush If you want more of a family-ori- off to the Internet, we should look at the ented trip, however, Hawaii seems to be negative side of dot-com travel services. a popular destination. Once again, it has The opinion of most local travel plenty of beaches and a agents is that you are nice warm climate. The very brave if you decide Use a local travel Disney theme parks are to use these dot-com also a popular vacation agent, that way if a problem companies to travel. destination. Both places arises you have a real person Most of the Internet may still be part of the with experience who can travel sites do not allow United States and there- help...---Lelani Wong refunds for the packages fore not exotic, but look after they have been purat the bright side, you chased. The discount wont need a passport. sites also do not let you transfer the packOther popular destinations include ages to different dates. Because of both other cities in Florida, California, and of these stipulations, if you miss a flight, anywhere with a ski slope. or miss a connection, your flight is canNow that you have decided where celled, or some other strange and awful you want to go for spring break, you have occurrence hinders you from making it to the problem of getting there, and since you your destination. It is a lot easier to get are a student, you need to do it at low cost. stuck somewhere with no way home and It is common knowledge these days that a lot harder to get to your destination at you can find low travel fares by perusing all. In other words, since your plane tickthe Internet. In fact, there are many ets are usually non-refundable, non-transInternet sites out there with the sole pur- ferable, and have hefty change fees, you pose of offering vacation packages to stu- could be stuck in LaGuardia airport trydents for spring break. These sites do ing to find a cheap flight with an open seat for half of your trip; instead of on a beach in Cancun soaking up the sun. Use a local travel agent, that way if a problem arises you have a real person with experience who can help, says Lelani Wong from World Class Travel in Billings. A local travel agent can help you reschedule flights and hotels, find alternative modes of travel, and deal with any other problems that arise. She said, You can usually call one of us from anywhere and get us on the phone so we can help; the people with no one to call are out of luck. It is true, local travel agencies do have more leeway with what they can offer a distressed traveler. This is usually because they work directly with the airlines and companies that offer the travel deals. They will normally handle rebooking for you and take care of any fees. The thing that you have to decide now is what is more important, cost or security. Of course, some of the dot-com travel services do have great customer service and some of the local travel agencies may have even better fares. The best thing to do, is to shop around. Check out the local travel agencies for packages and check out the Internet; do the research and decide for yourself. The biggest thing to remember is do it now! The earlier you book, the more options you have and the lower the cost will be.

Sigma Tau Delta to Hold Poetry Contest

Sigma Tau Delta, the English honors society is sponsoring a poetry contest open to all MSU-Billings and COT students. Up to five cash prizes will be awarded, and every winner also receives a certificate: $25 First Prize, $15 Second Prize, Third prize$10 and two $5 honorable mentions. The judges are three English/Philosophy Department faculty members and/or poets. Winning poems will be displayed in the showcase on the fourth floor of the LA building and possibly published in the Retort. Winners only will be contacted. To enter, students should: Submit three anonymous typed copies of each poem with just one separate cover sheet for all entries stating name, address, e-mail, phone number, and poem titles.

Limt of three different poems per person Entry fee: $1 per poem Deadline for entry is March 18 Mail entries with fees or bring by hand to English/Philosophy Dept. office, LA 437. For more information, contact Rachel Schaffer, Sigma Tau Delta faculty advisor, by phone at 657-2954, e-mail: rschaffer@msubillings.edu or stop by LA 426

Classroom
Have you ever had to leave in the middle of class for some reason or another? We have all had to do this at least once during the seBy Michael Redstonemester for whatever reaStaff Writer son. But did you ever stop to think if you were doing the best that you could to leave with as little interruption as possible? Or did you just walk out and not care if everyone heard you leaving? Most professors understand our reasons for leaving class early and dont mind it. What about those people who start getting their stuff together when there are still five or ten minutes left in class and the professor is still talking? What is their excuse? Some professors are pretty easygoing, and they will take the hint and let you out early. However, it is still rude and annoying; because what if the professor

Etiquette:
is assigning something and you missed it because you were busy getting your stuff together? Then where are you going to be? What if your noise caused someone else to miss the assignment? Freshman Sam McDonnell says that people who leave early distract him, and he also says that it is really rude when students start gathering their stuff while class is going on. One person who doesnt mind people leaving early is senior Sonja Fields, who says students usually have a good reason for leaving early and it doesnt bother her. Professor Thomas Rust said that he doesnt mind if people leave early, and he tries to be understanding and he will let it go, but when it starts to interfere with class, then it becomes a problem. His suggestion for those of you who have to leave early is to sit near an exit, have a minimum of books out, and have stuff ready before you leave. But, his pet peeve is when most of the class starts to gather their stuff with five or 10 minutes left in class. When this happens, he reminds the students that there is still time left, and he will prolong class as

What

Not

To

Do

long as possible. If he had any thought of letting the class leave early, he will dismiss it

graphic by Richard Castillo

students who leave early distract me...

--Sam McDonnell

once students start to gather their stuff too early. Most people already know about the problems of cell phones in class. Most professors put a warning into their syllabus about c e l l phones going off in class. What about people who walk in late, are they annoying too? Most professors understand and they will let it go. Students oversleep, their cars dont start, the roads are bad, each can contribute to a students tardiness. It is when this becomes a chronic thing, that it gets annoying. If you are late for class, you should try to make a silent and stealthful entrance. This way, it will minimize interruption and not disturb the rest of the class. However, I cant come up with a way for the class to not stare at you as you walk into the room. The only way to fix that is to come to class on time.

Ignition

Name: Jolene Huntsberger Age: 22 Hometown: Libby, MT Senior Major: Special Education/Elementary Education Favorite song: Amarillo by Morning, by George Strait Favorite Professor: Dr. Madden Professor Pet Peeve: When a professor purposely tries to overwhelm you at the beginning of the semester. Who inspires you and why? My older siblings they all are very successful. What would you do with a swimming pool full of noodles? Jump in it. If you won the lottery would you take cash or annuity? Annuity. Whats the motto you live by? Live each day to its fullest. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I am impatient. What is one thing you want to do before you die? Travel to every country in the world.

Name: Meghan Surwill Age: 19 Hometown: Billings, MT Freshman Major: Elementary Education Favorite song: Hey Ya! By Outkast Favorite Professor: Lesley Jorden Professor Pet Peeve: When they dont explain things completely. Who inspires you and why? My mom She is really independent and worked hard to get where she is. What would you do with a swimming pool full of noodles? I would eat it! If you won the lottery would you take cash or annuity? Cash. Whats the motto you live by? Live life to the fullest. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would be tallerI hate being little! What is one thing you want to do before you die? Go skydiving!

Name: Stefanie Schmidt Age: 18 Hometown: Laurel, MT Freshman Major: ? Favorite song: Haunting Me by Stabbing Westward Favorite Professor: Dennis Nettiksimmons Professor Pet Peeve: Professors repeating the same question over and over again. Who inspires you and why? My high school English teacher he introduced me to a lot of old literature. What would you do with a swimming pool full of noodles? I would create different pastas. If you won the lottery would you take cash or annuity? Annuity. Whats the motto you live by? I think, therefore I am. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would be a little more truthful to my friends even though it might hurt them. What is one thing you want to do before you die? Live happy.

Photos and surveys compiled by Becky Butcher

If You Want to Participate in our Mugshots... Or You Want to Embarrass a Friend... Call Becky Butcher the Mugshooter! The Retort, 657-2194 - retort@msubillings.edu

Feb. 23-29, 2004 Aries (March 21-April 20). Business contracts or financial promises are valid. Late Tuesday, expect friends and colleagues to propose new money strategies or announce elaborate career schemes. This is a strong time for advancement, revised home planning and rekindled ambition. Dont avoid delicate or complex assignments. Wednesday through Saturday accent last-minute social invitations. Group events may prove unusually rewarding. Remain open to new romantic introductions. Ta u r u s ( A p r i l 2 1 - M a y 2 0 ) . Home and romantic plans are accented over the next five days. Before Friday, expect loved ones to discuss long-term family aspirations, traditional roles in the home or costly renovations. Study facts, figures and paperwork for valuable clues. Restrictions of time, social responsibility or money may become bothersome. After Saturday, rest and enjoy private time. Physical and emotional vitality may be low. Pamper the body, if possible, and avoid excess social strain. Gemini (May 21-June 21). Fair play and group dynamics are accented over the next two days. Watch for friends or colleagues to disagree on planned schedules, daily obligations or social events. Emotional ownership and possessiveness may be at issue. Go slow and ask loved ones for added support. Later this week, business alliances may be temporarily delayed or strained. Limited resources or complex workplace politics may be central concerns. Dont confront; permanent change will take time. Cancer (June 22-July 22). Before next week, ongoing social or romantic power struggles can be easily resolved. Expect renewed respect and added cooperation from loved ones. After Wednesday, workplace rules and regulations may dramatically increase. Watch for authority figures to set new standards, limit time schedules or demand fast results. Offer a consistent effort. Over the next eight days, key officials and trusted colleagues will rely heavily on your integrity, cheerful resolve and attention to detail. Leo (July 22-Aug. 22). Complex travel or business plans will take on a dramatic tone over the next few days. After Tuesday, expect authority figures, work partners and close friends to present controversial ideas. Short trips and creative solutions are expensive but promising. Remain patient and watch for sustained progress. Thursday through Sunday, loved ones will expect detailed explanations of recent group events, family dynamics or romantic decisions. Remain open. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Be-

fore midweek, loved ones will search out emotional validation for their romantic goals or family ideas. Remain thoughtful and wait for detailed discussions. At present, friends and lovers may need to work through delicate issues of intimacy, privacy or trust. Wednesday through Saturday, accent unexpected financial duties. Late payments, missed deadlines or long-term contracts may require new rules. If so, remain consistent. Authority figures will opt for simple agreements. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Romantic and social promises are highlighted. Late Tuesday, watch for loved ones to express a need for family sharing, emotional intimacy or sensuality. Be receptive. Love and a renewed faith in long-term commitment will offer powerful rewards. Thursday through Sunday, financial information may be misleading. Governmental agencies and large corporations may announce complex revisions. Remain patient. New income sources will arrive. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22). Previous workplace power struggles will fade. Over the next five days, watch for colleagues and friends to adopt a more creative approach to team problems. Areas strongly affected are seniority, age versus experience and minor disputes with authority. Dont avoid difficult decisions. Your actions and guidance will be quickly followed. Late Saturday, respond honestly to probing questions or subtle comments. Short-term romantic choices may be necessary. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21). An emotional or social competition now fades. After Tuesday, expect moody friends to settle differences and find common understanding. Unusual discussions or comments may also be accented. Watch for verbal power struggles to quickly evolve into silly antics. Later this week, business restrictions may temporarily delay vital projects. Key officials may limit schedules, reverse permissions or offer controversial instructions. Stay alert. Tempers may be high. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20). Close relatives and romantic partners are highly motivated to discuss family patterns, traditional roles or outdated decisions. Past differences will no longer create restriction. Use this time to improve harmony, understanding and group awareness in the home. Thursday through Saturday, workplace ethics and minor financial setbacks may demand special diplomacy. Reassure friends and co-workers of your loyalty. Continued devotion will be expected. Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 19). Social relationships are unpredictable. Before Thursday, watch for sudden bursts of emotion or rare confronta-

tions between friends. No serious or long-term affects are likely, so not to worry. Do, however, avoid detailed discussions concerning yesterdays promises or missed invitations. Friday through Sunday, a relative or romantic partner will offer unique insight into his or her private fears. Offer heartfelt advice. Long-term isolation or family disputes may be strong concerns. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20). Love affairs and long-term family plans may be complicated with last-minute time restrictions and outside responsibility. Monday through Thursday, loved ones may request special favors, demand added private time or advocate revised home rules. Refuse to be dissuaded from established routines. Romantic hopes and social decisions will be brought back into balance. Early this weekend, contact old friends. Your affection and loyalty are genuinely missed.

If your birthday is this week ... Business officials and older colleagues may be unusually temperamental over the next four to five weeks. Key areas of concern involve private family strain, marital discord or minor power struggles with younger co-workers. Avoid public discussions, if possible, and expect continuing complications. Before April 5, workplace changes and revised job roles may demand serious attention. Later this summer, surprising romantic and social opportunities may arrive. After mid-July, expect love relationships to quickly evolve into long-term commitments or complex lifestyle choices. Wait, however, until the end of September before taking on greater family responsibilities. For a private consultation, please visit www.mysticstars.net. (c)2004, Tribune Media Services, Inc. Distributed by Knight Ridder/ Tribune Information Services.

Guilty By Association: DUI FYI

Imagine yourself sleeping soundly. It is 2a.m. when your phone rings. Your friend has had a few too many at a party and needs a ride home. You slip on some clothes and head By Evelyn Irmen out the door, oblivious to the Reporter risk you are taking. You could end up with a MIP (minor in possession of an intoxicating substance) and the consequences that go with it. Penalties for the first offense can include a fine of By Jessalyn Remington up to $150, court ordered commuReporter nity service, and participation in a community-based substance abuse information course, not to mention a lasting mark on your criminal record. That is a high price to pay for an innocent attempt at keeping your friend and everyone else on the road safe. According to Montana state law, a minor who is simply at the scene where alcoholic beverages are being

Graphic by Richard Castillo

consumed by minors can be charged with an MIP. This applies to a nondrinking underage designated driver as well. This leads one to ask, Is it right to punish someone for a crime he or she didnt commit? Jesse Laslovich, Montana state legislator from Anaconda, believes that the guilty by association law prevents people from wanting to be designated drivers and, in turn, promotes drunk driving. Laslovich introduced House Bill 61 to the Montana House of Representatives on Dec. 9, 2002. The proposed bill was to amend Montanas underage drinking law by adding the sentence, A person may not be arrested for or charged with the offense solely because the person was at a place where other persons were possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages. The bill died in standing committee in the senate on April 26, 2003.

Laslovich said that the bill died because of a zero tolerance stance Montana law has against minors in possession of alcoholic beverages. According to an article on www.montana.edu, Law enforcement officers counter that since it is illegal for underagers to drink, designated drivers are helping their friends to commit crimes. Sometimes, when people go out with the intentions of drinking, they designate a driver to remain sober. However, as a result of peer pressure the driver may also drink. The security of a designated driver may lead the others to drink more than they would under normal circumstances. Another common belief is that the person who has had the least to drink should drive. According to Montana law, a driver who has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10 is legally intoxicated. A 180 pound man would reach this level after only five drinks. A 140 pound woman would reach this level after only three drinks, so your so-called designated driver might not be as safe as you think. Perhaps the best solution is still to prevent underage drinking and its supporters at all costs, even if this means keeping the guilty by association law. Ignoring guilt or innocence would make law enforcement easier. The choice is yours. Are you willing to risk the consequences of serving as a designated driver so that your friends can have a few hours of fun?

Bargain Hunting For Dummies:

Thrift stores are great places to go, where you can get a lot of clothes for a very small amount of money. Not only do they sell clothes at a cheap-price but dishes, silverBy Michael Redstoneware, furniture, Staff Writer books, and mu-

Thrift Store Style

sic can be found there too. At Goodwill, I found the perfect sweater for only $5! I love shopping at second hand stores, and I can get three shirts for less than $10. You can find name brand clothing for less than half price. Shopping at thrift stores can be fun, and you dont need your whole paycheck to shop there. One persons trash can be another persons treasure. For example, you might find the perfect dinner set, or the perfect outfit that would be great to wear to the office on Monday. There are many different thrift stores around Billings for a person to choose from, such as: The Thrifty Nickel, St. Vincent DPaul, Montana Rescue Mission, Goodwill, New to You, and many more. Each store offers many different kinds of sales during the week. For example, at the Montana Rescue Mission, stock is marked half price all throughout the month of February. At Goodwill, they have colored tags that mark the stock that is half-priced throughout the week. They change their

colored tags every Monday so they can rotate out old stock to make room for new. All of these places offer great bargains, and the key to finding out what is on sale in their store is to pay attention when you first walk in. There is usually a bulletin board or a sign that says what is on sale and where you can find it. Here are a few tips for shopping at one of these places. A person should plan to spend at least an hour in the store. Anyone who has been to one of these stores knows that it takes awhile to paw through everything. If you go there in search of one thing, you might come out with something else entirely, so be prepared. When looking through the store for your purchase, make sure that the clothing is reasonably clean. You might find the perfect shirt, but there might be a large stain on the back of it. Always keep an eye out for stains or tears. Some are repairable and some arent. There is a chance that you might be able to get the stain out, or you will be able to sew a tear back up. It is up to you if you

want to put work into it or not. Remember, when you buy clothing, dishes, or silverware, to be sure and wash it before using or wearing it. If you are looking for dishes, watch for damage. Some might have a hairline crack, chips, or other damage; much of this stuff has been used before. You can also shop for used shoes at thrift stores too. Shopping for shoes is like looking for a used car, you have to determine whether or not the shoes have a few more miles left in them. Like cars, shoes that have been well taken care of by the previous owner can give miles of walking service to you, the new owner. As with any other product you buy at the thrift store, make sure that what you buy is good quality and nothing is wrong with it that a little polishing wouldnt cure. Just because you are shopping at a secondhand store doesnt mean you have to settle for something that isnt in good condition. Up next:a look at discount stores and what they have to offer.

Financial Planning: The Need to Know Info!

It is never too early to start saving money. What a clich, right? While it may be a clich, it is one worth taking note of. What separates the person who By Jason Lillie makes a lot of money and is in Photo Editor debt up to his or her eyeballs and the person who makes a moderate amount and lives comfortably? Its financial planning. It is important that you talk to a financial advisor about your saving goals. Dont be intimidated by financial planners. They are there to help you make some sense of the confusing world of investing. If you have never invested in the stock market or a savings program, do some research, and dont be afraid to ask questions. Most financial advisors are willing to help, and if you come across one that appears to be arrogant, find someone else. Again, dont be afraid to ask questionsit is your money after all. Many people believe that in order to save (or invest) large sums of money, you must first make large sums of money. That is simply not the case. When starting a savings program; you must look at the long termfive, 10, or even 20 years down the road. Remember, Rome was not built in a day. The first step toward financial freedom is a savings account. The savings account is the most basic saving platform, and the vehicle that will lead to future investments. Saving as little as $20 a month will enable you to make profitable

investments in as little as one year. Kip Post, Investment Rep. of Laurel Federal Credit Union, said you can start investing with as little as $25 a month. It is a program called dollar cost averaging. In this program you have a certain amount of money taken out of your savings account every month and invested in a specific stock for the period of a year. It is a great way to get started investing, says Post. Lets look at an example. If you put $20 a month in your savings account, that adds up to a measly $240 a year. Hardly worth the time, right? Toss in ten. Lets do the math. If you consider the long termsay 20 years in this instanceit would add up to $4,800. Now, if you had that original $240 invested in a relatively risk-free mutual fund earning 10 percent a year, you would have $264 at the end of one year. At the beginning of year two, you add another $240 to the investment; you now have $504 earning 10 percent, which gives you $550.40 at the end of year two. At the end of year three, after you add the $240, you would have $790.40 earning 10 percent, or $79. As you can see, the money would compound and build like a snowball. Remember, that is only saving $20 a month with relatively low-risk investing (ok, moderate risk investing). These are theoretical figures, but you can see the point. Another issue to consider is how to handle debt. Many students take out college loans to attend college. This can be a cause of stress, but college loans are not something to be overly worried about. Most interest on college loans is tax deductible. Credit card debt is the number one debt to pay off. It is usually high interest. Auto loans are also important to pay off, says Post. So, while you may be intimidated by the cost of your college education, it is important to look at the big picture. Credit card debt is extremely high-interest and should be eliminated as soon as possible. In addition, you can possibly write off the interest on your college loans, which should help a little at the end of the year. When considering debt, eliminate high interest debt first, and work your way down from there. The following are just some of the

guidelines to investing, provided by Sue Anderson, Investment Representative at Edward Jones. Edwards Jones offers Investors Rules of the Road. Over the years, weve met many investors looking for the secret to overnight success. 1. Have a Plan. Experienced travelers will tell you that getting there is half the fun, but unless you know where youre headed, youll waste a lot of time and money along the way. The same can be said for investing. Successful investing requires specific objectives and a plan for achieving them. Your plan should define your long-term goals and your needs for safety and return. It will help you stay focused on the long term, so its easier to say no to speculative investment fads that may be temporarily popular. 2. Dont be blinded by taxes. No one wants to pay more than his fair share at tax time, but investment decisions based solely on tax considerations are all too often, poor decisions. Quality should come first. Tax laws change frequently and tax advantages can disappear from one year to the next. 3. Stick to quality. A fine home cant be built from inferior materials, regardless of the builders talent. Similarly, the soundness of your overall investment strategy is determined by the quality of the individual investments you own. Avoid gimmicks. Look for well managed companies with long track records of growth and performance. Growth is shared with stockholders in the form of increasing dividends. Many high-quality companies can boast of 10, 20 or even 30 years of consecutive dividend increases. 4. Its time in the market, not timing the market that counts. The ups and downs of the stock market are a fact of life for equity investors, and from time to time they test the courage of long-term investors. The ultimate value of your investments is determined not by the dayto-day movements of the stock market and stock prices, but by the long-term performance and growth of the companies whose stock you hold. 5. Diversify. Will Rogers once said, If you put all your eggs in one bas-

ket, watch that basket. When it comes to investment, however, if you put all your eggs in one basket, watch out. Diversification is the key to successful investing. No single investment performs well under all market and economic conditions. 6. Buy to keep. Despite tall tales of Wall Street fortunes made overnight, the key to accumulating wealth is to buy and hold high-quality equity investments over the long term. Remember, its time in the market, not timing the market that counts. 7. Your first loss is your best one. If an investment isnt living up to your expectations, think about why you bought it in the first place. If there has been a fundamental change in the companys approach to business or its management, then your investment has changed. You can minimize losses by quickly acknowledging a basic shift in quality. 8. Make your decisions carefully. Your investment decisions are among the most important youll ever make. Dont be rushed, by yourself or by anyone else. If you have questions, ask them. You have a right to a complete explanation of any investment you might be considering. 9. Once you decide, act. Trying to time the highs and lows of the market is very difficult, even for professional money managers. When it comes to making high-quality investments, remember this rule: the sooner the better. Time is an investors ally. 10.Review your plan. Investments arent one-size-fits-all. Your investment plan should be tailored to meet your personal objectives. As those objectives change, your strategy should too. Review your plan regularly with your investment representative. For most of us, once a year is about right. If is still fits your needs and your objectives are within reach, stick with your plan. Web links: http://money.cnn.com (my personal favorite) http://www.edwardjones.com (a solid, nationwide investment firm with local offices) http://www.forbes.com (very good investing tips and market info)

Leveling the Playing Field: Disability Access at MSU-B

Even though laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act have been on the books for several years, many public places, such as government office By Jed Barton buildings and schools, have had Sports Editor trouble meeting the standards set for accommodating people with disabilities. MSU-Billings is not such a place. All of the facilities on campus meet ADA standards. We are one of, if not the most, accessible campuses in the whole Montana University System, said Disability Support Services coordinator Trudy Carey. Of course, meeting the letter of the law creates difficulties of its own. The law attempts to give the best assistance to the most people, which sometimes means that not everything can be done to help a particular group, especially if it comes at the undue expense of others, said Carey. Being able to get in and move through the buildings is, of course, only part of the challenges facing students with disabilities on campus. There are needs they have in the classroom that also have to be attended to, and that is where DSS comes in to play. What we do is provide accommodations to qualified students that allow them to approach their education on a level playing field, not give them an unfair or unreal advantage, said Carey. Some services provided by DSS include sign language interpreters, note takers, taped textbooks, alternative test taking options, and priority class scheduling. In order to qualify for DSS programs, students must provide appropriate documentation of a disability, which is defined by the University as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. Currently, there are 158 students registered with DSS, though not all actively use the services provided. If you think that you or someone you know might qualify for DSS assistance, contact the DSS office located in the Academic Support Center at 657-2283 or www.msubillings.edu/dss. Currently, DSS and the Montana Center for Disabilities are also accepting nominations for an annual award given jointly by both groups to two faculty members for outstanding work with disabled students; deadline for nominations is April 15.

Struggle and Success with the Atkins Diet

I was looking in the mirror the other day, and I thought to myself, Ouch. I didnt see a chiseled six pack or some defined pecs. I By Adam Wickens suspect those things might Copy Editor exist, but I would have to search through a blob of unsightly flab to find them. When I had made my New Years resolution to get in shape, round really wasnt what I was thinking. I quickly turned away from the mirror, and with a sudden burst of resolute determination I declared, Im going on the Atkins diet! I then walked to the kitchen to inventory my food stores and label what I had as Atkins-friendly or staying fatfriendly. All this talk about the Atkins diet had me convinced that it was the only way for me. But as I walked into the kitchen, I saw my roommate. He was sitting at the table looking at a rather bland dish of chicken and avocado. My poor roommate is on the induction phase, where carbs are severely limited, and judging by his mournful face, its a tough place to be. At that moment, my resolution faded. I thought, Maybe its better to be chubby than unhappy. That is a choice many would-be dieters have to wrestle with. Changing your body inevitably means changing your lifestyle in some way. Right now the most popular way seems to be the Atkins diet. Its normally helpful diet around Christmas time, but she couldnt resist the sweets while she was at home. Its really hard to stick to the diet when youre at home in your comfort zone, says Bradshaw. Its easier to stay on the diet at saw his dad lose 40 pounds and his sister lost 20. He was feeling a little overweight and wanted to deal with the problem before it got out of control. He went on the diet for the first time around Christmas of 2002 and then went back on it this past fall. He has lost 20 pounds or so since starting the diet and has kept it off. Working in an academic setting made it difficult for Rust to stick to the diet. There is junk food everywhere, he says. This chips and donuts in the L.A. Express were calling my name. He decided to combat that problem by bringing his own snacks from home. Now, instead of drooling over a donut in the coffee shop, Rust munches on cheese sticks in his office. Overall, Rust says he has changed his lifestyle to fit the diet. He has learned to eat less unrefined sugars and eat more wholesome carbs like whole wheat or oatmeal. He even went so far as to reverse engineer the Atkins wraps from Subway so he could have them at home at a lower price. Besides eating differently, Rust has also added some exercise to his daily routine. You must exercise, he says. Rust also encourages potential dieters to consult a physician before they start the diet. It doesnt work for everybody, he says. Make sure to look for the next segment where we will hear about the diet from a nutritionists viewpoint.

I looked at my friend and thought to myself, If she can, I can, Laura Bradshaw, student on The Atkins Diet
to hear real peoples stories, so I tracked down a couple of Atkins dieters here on campus to ask them about their experiences. Laura Bradshaw is a junior in elementary education, and she is currently doing the induction phase. She said she got on the diet because she was feeling overweight and out of shape. It also helped that she had a friend who lost a lot of weight on it. I looked at my friend and thought to myself, If she can, I can, said Bradshaw. At the time of the interview, she had been on the diet for five days, but this isnt Bradshaws first Atkins experience. She was on the school; theres more structure. At home my mom always has something good that I cant eat, she says. Bradshaw says that the diet does impact her life on several levels. She said that it makes it really awkward when people invite her over for dinner. People invite me over sometimes without knowing Im on the diet and I dont know what to do, she says. I dont want to be rude and not eat, but I dont want to cheat on my diet. She also says its tough because it takes so much extra time to cook. Another Atkins veteran is history professor Tom Rust. Like Bradshaw, Rust chose the Atkins diet because he

Perfect Scorers vs. The Perfect Score

Great moments are born from great opportunity, said Herb Brooks, the coach of the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team. The By Alea Logan movie Miracle Staff Writer proves that. Miracle is the story of the 1980 United States Olympic hockey team. The story mainly focuses on the coach, Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell), and the way he seems to finally turn the tables in favor of the United States at the Olympics. The story starts during the Cold War, a year before the Winter Olympics are to be held in Lake Placid, New York. It follows the team and their coaches through all the trials and tribulations of selecting and preparing a hockey team during this trying time in U.S. history. Twenty-six players begin the season, but only 20 go to the Olympics. The story is very well told and the writer is ingenious. As audience members we get to know the coach and his family and get to know the team the way the coach game obviously isnt in real time because the movie is only two-and-a-half hours long, but we tend to forget that. As a spectator we also tend to forget that as a whole we already know how the story turns out. Of course we all know that the United States wins, but at the end of the movie, everyone in the audience was so enthralled with the game that we clapped and cheered when the team won, just as if wewere there. Now thats a great experience. What other sports movie about a past event has ever been able to capture its audience like that? The movie is long, then again, its somewhat shorter than a few of the blockbusters from last summer. Other than that, there is really nothing bad to say about this movie. Once again Disney has a smash hit. I recommend seeing this movie, whether you are 10, 20, 40, or 70. You will enjoy it, even if you arent into sports. The creativity and work it took to turn this story into something America can watch, truly enjoy, and understand in just a few hours is amazing. Its something for everyone. If you dont enjoy the movie for the plot, you can at least appreciate the artistic value of it. Its not just another sports movie, it is truly a masterpiece.

does, on the ice. we see the hockey players from his perspective and dont really see them in their home environments. Because of this, we learn how they act as a team, and so you are drawn into this story of a hockey team and their coach, rather than the story of the individuals. The movie takes us on a roller coaster of emotions when it comes to Brooks. Like

the hockey players, we both hate and love their coach. We feel the same emotions for him that they do. Again, this is a wonderful tribute to the writers, producers, and directors. The way the games are presented is another ingenious idea. Without taking up a lot of time, the audience feels like they are there, watching the entire game. The

5 stars

ANOTHER teen movie? Well, yeah I guess, but this one has a new twist. The Perfect Score is not some sappy romantic comedy involving teens who, after the extenuating circumstances of having to go to high school prom with someone else, find that they really dont hate each other and fall into what amounts to their version of love. Its not a movie about someone who was a loser and is now popular; its not even a movie about parents who finally understand their teen. No, this movie is about thievery. Yes, I said thievery. It really doesnt amount to much else. Okay, so it does. Thieverys not the only thing that its about. It is about six students who become unlikely friends while attempting to steal the answers for the SATs. Its a modern day Breakfast Club with a twist. Although somewhat shallow, its really quite entertaining. I laughed a lot at the humor sprinkled throughout the plot. The film does a good job of satirizing the different types of high school stereotypes. It is narrated by Roy (Leonardo Nam), the typical high school stoner, terribly smart, but too baked to even think about living up to his potential. He joins the group by accident but just like all of the others, his life is changed by the events that follow. The star of the movie is actually Kyle (Chris Evans). Due to their low scores, he and his friend, Matty (Bryan Greenburg), decide that standardized testing is unfair and conclude that the only way to advance

The Perfect Score: Nothing Else

in the system is to beat it at its own game. Unfortunately, they only have a week before the SAT re-test. Desperate to pass, Matty concocts a plan to steal the answers to the SATs. Whats their stereotype? I guess they just represent the average student who hates filling in those little circles on those stupid tests. Then there is Anna (Erika Christensen), your typical 4.0 goodie two shoes. Everyone thinks shes going places in life, but unfortunately, all through high school she hasnt gone anywhere. The other girl to join the group is Francesca (Scarlett Johansson), the Goth chick. All she really wants is for dear, old, rich daddy to love her. Dear old daddy doesnt realize this, however, so she craves attention from others. The typical jock comes in the form of Desmond (Darius Miles), a basketball player who is more worried about the game than he is about getting an education. He cant get into the college his mother wants because his SAT scores are too low. This is because he never actually had to pass a class to advance, just a ball. Hes just your typical, dumb jock, or is he? Well, the kids end up learning a life lesson: that you shouldnt judge people until you really get to know them, and you dont need all the answers to get by in life, just faith in yourself. Okay, so it does have the typical moral lessons and happy ending, but not really. I dont want to spoil

the end, but know that not everyone gets off scott-free. This twist made the movie a little more bearable. The movie is also worth watching if you are a political advocate or an education major. It explores the faults in standardized testing and the corruption politics has caused in the school systems. Just Mattys speech advocates the idea that SATs and other standardized tests do not even begin to correctly analyze whether a student is smart or not. He proves this in the speech by showing that he knows more about automotives than most of his fellow students, but there is no section in the SATs for that. This movie has some quality arguments against standardized testing ingeniously imbedded in the humor and teen drama. It was also somewhat amusing to see these kids trying stunts that we normally see in movies like Mission Impossible, Tomb Raider, and The Italian Job, just to get the answers for a test. If you want a humorous movie that doesnt take a lot of thought to enjoy, I recommend this. Be prepared however, it is still a teen movie and we all remember our teen years., however, it can provoke deep thought as well if you have any opinion at all on standardized testing. All in all its a nice break from the textbooks. You can think if you want, but you dont have to, so sit back and enjoy. 3 1/2 stars.

Top Ten:
Tips for Cell Phone Etiquette
1. Stay at least 10 feet from anyone while
talking.

2. DO NOT dial while driving! 3. Stay away from loud annoying rings i.e.
La Cucaracha.

4. Dont speak louder than you would on a

regular phone.

5. Dont wear an cell phone earpiece while talking on a regular phone. 6. Dont try to impress people (cell phones
arent exactly new anymore).

7.

Dont set it on the table at dinner longingly waiting for it to ring.

8. Turn it off in libraries, museums, restaurants, theaters, churches, buses, doctors offices.

9.

Dont use it while participating in professional sports (Joe Horn, a New Orleans receiver, got a 15 yard penalty for calling from the end zone).

10. Dont become addicted to your phone.

*Due to the fact that several females have expressed contrary views regarding Monster Truck tickets as one of the worst Valentine gifts, the Retort respectfully retracts No. 2 of the previous issues Top 10 Worst Valentine Gifts.

Love

the

Night

Life
Grand Ave., is another popular spot to play; they have afternoon and evening bingo, and you choose your payout based on the amount you pay in. You must be 18 or older to play, and you will want to arrive early so that you have somewhere to sit. Keep in mind that if you dont like smoke, then bingo at these establishments probably isnt the game for you. If you and your friends are looking for someplace to go and hang out, have a few drinks, and dance, then the bar maybe the place for you. Billings has many bars in town, that have specials for each night of the week. Of all the bars in town these seem to be the most popular: Wild West/ Surfer Joes, located off of Fourth Avenue downtown, has the best drink specials on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Montana Chads, located at 3953 Montana Ave., has karaoke on Monday with $2 Long Islands. Caseys located downtown, is another spot. They spotlight local bands and offer drink specials. Wednesday is college night. Peppers is another hot spot (see the ad in the paper to find out specials and location). There are many other bars in town that have drink specials that differ each night. If you and your friends are just looking for some wild and crazy fun, why not head to Wal-Mart; it is open 24 hours, and you can create lots of chaos. Go to the grocery section and try your hand at turkey bowling, but remember to run when you see an employee approaching. Why not grab a bite to eat and head out to the lawn and garden for a romantic or friendly picnic under the stars. If you decide to venture over to the toys, try playing a game of football in the aisles; just keep your eyes peeled for other customers making sure you dont disturb their shopping experience. Another fun idea is tricycle races, have fun with this one. There are so many other things that one can enjoy while spending the evening at Wal-Mart. Just let your imagination lead the way, keeping in mind that you are not the only ones in the store. So, if you thought that there was absolutely nothing to do besides sitting at home with a video rental, you were wrong. Billings has lots to offer for people of many ages. Just promise me that you wont be seen hanging out in the parking lots located of 24th Street West. That was something we thought was cool in high school and junior high.

I t s F r i d a y evening 6 oclock, and all my friends are twisting off, Im at the house just turning on TV. Do these words By Jennifer Fenton from Tracy A&E Editor Byrds new song have a familiar ring to them, except Friday night is like every night? Billings is considered by some to be a small town and has small qualities, such as nothing to do. However, Billings has plenty for all ages to do and enjoy, besides sitting home alone. When thinking of something to do, going to the movies instantly pops into my head. Billings has three movie theaters. Wynnsong 10, Billingss newest and nicest theater, is located near Rimrock Mall, next to C.Js Restaurant. This theater has 10 screens and stadium seating. The next theater is Carmike 7; this one has been in town for quite a while and is located off of Overland Road behind the Shopko/Costco complex. This theater has seven screens and shows mostly new releases with a few flicks that have been retired from Wynnsong 10. The last theater in town is Cine 7, Billingss oldest theater; some refer to it as the dollar theater. Cine 7 is located at Ninth and Broadwater. Tickets for Wynnsong 10 and Carmike 7 run $4.75 for matinees and $7 for evenings. The Cine 7 is $1 Monday through Thursday and $3 Friday through Sunday. This is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages. The next all-age activity that comes to mind is bowling. There are four bowing alleys, if you count Town and Country lanes in Shepard. Within the Billings area there are three: Sunset Bowl, located at 17th and Central; Fireside Lanes, located at 1431 Industrial Ave.; and Center Lanes, located downtown at 109 N. 30th. Most evenings and weekends, there is open bowling offered at all three of the lanes and at reasonable costs. Sunset Bowl also has disco bowling, a fun, vibrant, and musical way to bowl. Roller skating, an activity we probably all enjoyed as children, is becoming a hit with college students. There are two skating rinks in town that have open skate Friday and Saturday evenings as well as Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Skate World is the first of two and is located downtown at 910 Third Ave. W. The second is Skate World West located at 29th St. West and Rosebud Drive. This is something that two people or a large group could enjoying. For a good laugh, serious drama, and an occasional musical number, the Alberta Bair Theater makes for a nice evening out with a group of friends or a quiet date. ABT is located downtown on the corner of Broadway and Third Avenue North Venture Theater, also located downtown at 2317 Montana Ave., showcases local talent performing in plays and improv comedy. For those who are 21 and older, Venture Theater improv can be seen Wednesday nights at Surfer Joes; the other shows are open to all ages.

Sports fans, there is plenty of entertainment to go around. Students show your school spirit and go out and support our college athletes by attending a sporting event here on campus. For non school related sports the Billings Bulls hockey team still has a month and a half of non-stop action hockey left; student tickets are $7, no matter where you sit. Arena football will also be returning with the Billings Outlaws bringing another thrilling season to the Metra. Boxing fans, there are still a few good fight nights that remain to be seen at Thursday Night Fights, which are held at the Babcock Theater, located downtown across from the ABT. To view the fights you must be 18. There is always golfing, fullcourse or miniature, and Billings has a few places to go to hit a few balls around. Look in the phone book for locations and phone numbers so you can call and reserve a tee time. However, most courses are open seasonally. What about pool? If you and a few friends want to get together and go shoot some pool, there is Breakers Billiard Supply located at 1804 Monad Rd. and Corner Pocket located at 131 Moore Ln.; these are open to all ages and are alcohol free. Bullwackers and Kings Corner are for those of you who are 21 or over. Table prices vary and some are charged by hourly use. If you look around Billings, it would seem that there is a casino on almost every corner. Gambling is an addictive habit that can get many people

into trouble if not done responsibly, so if you decide to go and play keno or poker, limit yourself to the amount you will take with you and try to spend just that. Although Bingo could be considered gambling, it is something that can be done alone or with a group of friends. It can be a bit costly to buy in, but if you win you are usually guaranteed a large payout. Doc and Eddys Bingo, located near 14th St. West and Broadwater (in the same complex as the Sports Page) offers $100 payouts on Friday and Saturday nights.Big B Bingo, located at 13th St. West near

The Bradbury Press Free Concert Feb. 24

Staff Press Release
Pop group, The Bradbury Press, will be seen live in a free concert at MSU-Billings on Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. and at Caseys Golden Pheasant on Feb. 25 (there is a $5 dollar cover charge). According to an electronic press release, The Bradbury Press make their own, rocking acousti-band sound that puts good songs and strong hooks first. Darren Goldens brooding, distinctive vocals are backed by the tight musicianship of Dave Brewer, Travis Hartman, and Greg Garcia, bringing the energy and intensity of the jam band to the four minute pop nugget. The result is more party than rock pageantry, more music than musical muscle flexing: its simply a good time. Often compared to the Dave Matthews Band and early Counting Crows albums, The Bradbury Press debut album Hanscom has already paid off. Recorded in The Bradbury Press rehearsal space, Hanscom is an intriguing mix of folk and rock, funky beats and breakdowns. From the opening pop of Bouncing Ball to the spacey vibe of Daydreaming Song, The Bradburies keep their influences close to the surface while adding their own sheen of catchy melodies and distinctive vocals, says their press release. The Bradbury Press Hanscom has inspired the band to be labeled as tuneful as any number of bands whove gone on to bigger and better things by Seattle Weekly.

To hear tunes, see photos or for more information visit www.thebradburypress.com.

American Idol

One Hit Wonders

Some of the most loved and greatest p l a y e d songs were one hit wondres for their artists. Throughout history there has been a long By Jennifer Fenton list of oneA&E Editor time-only hits that have graced us through radio and video play, making these songs what they are today. Everyone was trying to write that once in a life-time song that would be remembered by all, impossible to repeat. So what classifies an artist as a one-hit wonder? They had to have only one song from their album or albums go into the top 40 record charts. This song had to have extensive radio play and record sales that would put them up in the top charts for radio play and sales as well. You may recall seeing a show on VH-1 that showcased such artists. I have searched the Internet and combed archived Billboard charts to make a list of the top 30 One-Hit Wonders. Some of these songs may have you asking yourself, Didnt they have more than one top 40 hit? What ever happened to them? It may also have you saying, Oh yeah, I remember that song. Some of the songs on the list even topped the charts at No.1 for a couple of weeks. Lets take a trip down memory lane as the list begins with No. 30. B a b y d i d t o p t h e charts at No.1 in 1990, but that just wasnt enough to help hold up the block of ice.

7) Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men

The sports fan favorite song of 2000. Who Let the Dogs Out went to the charts in the top 10. The Baha Men were already hits in their homelands and the song made them just as popular here in the United States.

6) Mickey by Toni Basil

Toni Basil, already a popular face in the music and television industry, decided to launch her own video. Mickey went to number two on the charts; this would be Basils only hit song.

5) Im Too Sexy by Right Said Fred

This U.K. trio was already quite famous in their homeland when they released this single that would go number one for them in the United States. They had equally provocative hits back in the U.K.

4) Loving You by Minnie Ripperton

This is probably one of the saddest cases in octave Wonders history. Minnie Ripperton died of breast cancer shortly after the release of the high octave song.

30) Tainted Love by Soft Cell 29) Come on Eileen by Dexys Midnight Runners 28) Take on Me by a-ha 27) 99 Luftballons by Nena 26) Epic by Faith No More 25) Groove is in the Heart by Deee-Lite 24) Bitch By Meredith Brooks 23) Cars By Gary Numan

22) All My Life by K-Ci and Jojo 21) Turning Japanese by The Vapors 20) Tubthumping by Chumbawamba 19) Sex and Candy by Marcy Playground 18) Blue (Da Ba Dee) by Eifel 65 17) Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega 16) One of Us by Joan Osbourne 15) Total Eclipse of the Heart by Nicki French 14) How Bizzare by OMC 13) Rump Shaker by Wreckx-N-Effect 12) Whip It by Devo

11) Funkytown by Lipps 3) Rappers Delight by Inc. The Sugarhill Gang

The time has come for the top 10 One-Hit Wonders. I will include where the song peaked on the charts as well as any information I can about the group or artist.

The first rap song ever to be performed and to top the charts; this song paved the way for all rappers to come.

2) Baby Got Back by Sir10) Jump Around by Mix-A-Lot I Like Big Butts Who can forget House of Pain those words? These and other risqu
This tack topped the charts at No.3. The members of the band put out a few more albums and went on tour with the popular band Rage Against the Machine . More recently, member DJ Lethal has joined the popular Limp Bizkit. lyrics are what took this song to the top 10 in the charts, but would linger in the minds of many and help ruin the career of a rapper.

1) Macarena by Los Del Rio

Who doesnt remember doing the Macarena at school games or at pro sporting events? This song was a world- wide phenomenon that would take this single to the top of the Billboards 100 chart for many weeks during the summer of 1996. These selected one-hit wonders are just a few of the thousands that were released. I am sure that one can think of many others that once rang in their ears. For more hit songs one can go on the Internet. Your favorite song just may end up being there.

9) In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida by Iron Butterfly

The last time these guys played together was in 1995 for an anniversary tour. The 17 minute compilation song was the largest selling album for its record label.

8) Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice

We a l l k n o w w h a t h a p p e n e d t o the Ice man, he tried rock music and flopped. Ice Ice

The 3rd Annual Retort Oscar Contest

It is time once again for the greatly anticipated and most watched award show on television. The 76th Annual Academy Awards will be held By Jennifer Fenton on Sun., Feb. A&E Editor 29, 2004 in Los Angeles, Calif. at the Kodak Theater. The star-studded fest will be hosted, for the eighth time, by Billy Crystal, and will include a special guest appearance by Oprah Winfrey. S o w i t h o u t f u r t h e r a d o , here are t h e n o m i n e e s . 76th Academy Awards Best motion picture of the year: *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (New Line), A Wingnut Films Production, Barrie M. Osborne, Peter Jackson, and Fran Walsh, producers *Lost in Translation (Focus Features) An American Zoetrope/Elemental Films Production, Ross Katz and Sofia Coppola, producers *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (20th Century Fox), A 20th Century Fox and Universal Pictures and Miramax Films Production, Samuel Goldwyn, Jr., Peter Weir, and Duncan Henderson, producers *Mystic River (Warner Bros.) A Warner Bros. Pictures Production

Robert Lorenz, Judie G. Hoyt, and Clint Eastwood, producers *Seabiscuit (Universal/DreamWorks/ Spyglass), A Universal Pictures/ DreamWorks Pictures Production Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Gary Ross, producers Best animated feature film of the year: *Brother Bear (Buena Vista) Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker *Finding Nemo (Buena Vista) Andrew Stanton * The Triplets of Belleville (Sony Pictures Classics) Sylvain Chomet Performance by an actor in a leading role: *Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Buena Vista) * Ben Kingsley in House of Sand and Fog (DreamWorks in association with Cobalt Media Group) *Jude Law in Cold Mountain (Miramax) *Bill Murray in Lost in Translation (Focus Features) *Sean Penn in Mystic River (Warner Bros.) Performance by an actor in a supporting role: *Alec Baldwin in The Cooler (Lions Gate) *Benicio Del Toro in 21 Grams (Focus Features) * Djimon Hounsou in In America (Fox Searchlight/20th Century Fox) * Tim Robbins in Mystic River (Wa r n e r Bros.) * K e n Watanabe in

The Last Samurai (Warner Bros.) Performance by an actress in a leading role: * Keisha Castle-Hughes in Whale Rider (Newmarket Films) * Diane Keaton in Somethings Gotta Give (Sony Pictures Releasing) * Samantha Morton in In America (Fox Searchlight/20th Century Fox) * Charlize Theron in Monster (Newmarket Films) * Naomi Watts in 21 Grams (Focus Features) Performance by an actress in a supporting role: * Shohreh Aghdashloo in House of Sand and Fog (DreamWorks in association with Cobalt Media Group) *Patricia Clarkson in Pieces of April (MGM) *Marcia Gay Harden in Mystic River (Warner Bros.) * Holly Hunter in Thirteen (Fox Searchlight/20th Century Fox) * Rene Zellweger in Cold Mountain (Miramax) Achievement in directing: * City of God (Miramax), Fernando Meirelles *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (New Line), Peter Jackson * Lost in Translation (Focus Features), Sofia Coppola *Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (20th Century Fox), Peter Weir *Mystic R i v e r ( Wa r n e r Bros.), Clint

Eastwood Adapted screenplay: *American Splendor (HBO Films in association with Fine Line Features), Written by Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman *City of God (Miramax), screenplay by Braulio Mantovani *The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (New Line), screenplay by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Peter Jackson *Mystic River (Warner Bros.), screenplay by Brian Helgeland *Seabiscuit (Universal/DreamWorks/ Spyglass), Written for the screen by Gary Ross Original screenplay: *The Barbarian Invasions (Miramax), written by Denys Arcand *Dirty Pretty Things (Miramax and BBC Films), written by Steven Knight * Finding Nemo (Buena Vista), screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson, and David Reynolds original story by Andrew Stanton *In America (Fox Searchlight/20th Century Fox), written by Jim Sheridan, Naomi Sheridan, and Kirsten Sheridan *Lost in Translation (Focus Features), written by Sofia Coppola Best foreign language film of the year: *The Barbarian Invasions Canada *Evil Sweden *The Twilight Samurai Japan *Twin Sisters The Netherlands *Zelary Czech Republic

Dear readers, the Retort is holding a contest using this list. Choose your picks from here or from www.oscar.com. Clip or print out your ballot then drop it off in the designated drop boxes. The boxes will be located on select news stands throughout campus. Movie coupons will awarded to the winners.

MSU- Billings Thespians are Back to Entertain

MSU-Billings theatrical talent is back with two new productions. Still Life by Emily Mann is being directed by Alicia Pugh, and The Food Chain by Nicky Silver is being directed by current MSU-B student wife and mistress, also being interviewed. This play has virtually no action, but the content and talent should make it woth watching. Still Lifepremeirs Mar.24 at 7p.m. in LA621. It is an adult drama, and is perfect for a night out without the kids or with a group of friends. The Food Chain is about sex and the stupid stuff people do to get it, said Wilson. The play wraps itself around five New Yorkers whose lives comically converge. This comedy brings a variety of personalities to the stage, such as a neurotic urban poet whose new husband has disappeared, a cranky crisis hotline operator with problems of her own, and an absurdly good-looking underwear model and his 300-pound ex-lover. Wilson cast MSU-B students, Lauren Mareno as Bea, Christie Fisher as Amanda, Jesse Thorpe as Surge, and Matt Foss as Ford to perform these hysterical parts. The Food Chain premiers March 31 through April 4 in LA 620. Presenting the play in the lecture hall will allow the actors to interact with the audience better. The play has an intimate feel and there

By Evelyn Irmen Reporter

Patrick Wilson. Still Life is a documentary play in which an ex-Marine and Vietnam War veteran, Mark (MSU-B student Matt Foss), his wife, Cheryl (MSU-B student Miranda Pugh), and mistress Nadine (MSU-B student Betsy Casper), testify to their traumatic memories of violence. The drama is set in the late 70s in the upper Midwest. Mark has been back from the Vietnam War for eight years and has not yet fully recovered. The play is presented as if Mark is being interviewed by some unseen other, and with him are his

should be a lot of audience interaction. Theplay, like Still Life, is best for adults and mature audiences. Foss, who is cast in both plays, said, These plays should have more of an intellectual turn-

out. Admission will be $8 for non-students and $5 for stud e n t s . Wa t c h f o r t i c k e t s a l e s a n d deals.

Yellowjacket Sports

COMPETITION
Yellowjacket Cheer Team Heads for Competition in Warmer Weather
On Feb. 29, the MSU-B Ye l l o w j a c k e t cheer team will depart for the first of two cheer competitions. The first one will be held on the campus of the University By Michael RedstoneNeveda, Las Vegas. This will be Staff Writer their first appearance at this competition, and they will be going up against over 30 other college cheer teams from across the country. The team will then leave again on March 10 for another competition in southern California. The Yellowjackets came in fourth in their division last year and they hope to place higher this time around. Coach Dani Ruoff has been working to get her team prepared physically and mentally with lots of late night practices and hard work. Ruoff said that she is both excited and nervous about competing, and the team has been working on fine-tuning their routines for the last three weeks. Ruoff said it is great that the athletic director has given them the opportunity to go, and they look forward to representing MSU-B while in Las Vegas and southern California. Since it will be the first time at the Las Vegas competition for MSU-B, Ruoffs goal for the team is for them to hit solid routines, and to qualify to compete on the second day. Her goal for the Yellowjackets at the southern California competition is for the team to execute a good routine, and if they win Ruoff said, Its icing on the cake. Other members of the Yellowjacket cheer team gave their opinions on their chances and what they are feeling as the date for departure for the first competition draws closer. When asked if the late nights and hard work were going to be worth it, helped them prepare for competition and he is confident that they will take first. In responce to critics that who charge that cheerleading isnt a sport, most of the cheer tean responded by challenging anyone to come down and watch one of their practices. Brooke Henderson quoted from the movie A League of Their Own, It is supposed to be hard, thats what makes it great. If it wasnt hard, everyone would be doing it. Bradley Lauckners response was that cheerleading is one of the hardest sports that he has ever tried, and it has taught him discipline and teamwork. He goes on to compare it to other team sports by saying that stunting forces them all to work together, because if they dont, someone might get hurt. One of the biggest things that motivates the cheer team is the crowd response, because it is give and take, says Snider. He and the rest of the cheer team invite everyone to come and watch them at the next Yellowjacket basketball game, and they promise that the team will put on a great show for their fans.

To learn more about the individuals of the YellowJacket Cheer Team or if would like information on how you can become a part of the team, visit the YellowJacket Athletic Website at www.msubillings.edu/athletics/

Mens Games
SAT. FEB 28 MONTANA AAU 7:PM ALTEROWITZ GYM THUR. MARCH 4 WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY 7:PM ALTEROWITZ GYM SAT. MARCH 6 WESTERN NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITY 7:PM ALTEROWITZ GYM

Photo taken by Jason Lillie---(from top, left to right) Linsey Parrish, Kristin Hodges, Jacquelyn Lind, Brandi Hallgren, Frankie Reno,Kimberly Bone and half of Tanner Rienhart---The Yellowjackets build a pyramid called the table top. cheer team member Brandi Hallgren said but everything has been coming together. Definitely, it will all pay off at the com- Brooke Henderson said that the petition. Another member of the team, Yellowjackets are ready and that their tranLyndsey Hart, said, Nerves work for you sitions between stunts are going to be huge. when you are competing. Two members of the MSU-B team who are When Frankie Reno was asked if cool and calm are Bradley Lauckner and they had a secret weapon that will be used Marc Snider, who say they are ready and to impress the crowd and judges, he said cant wait to go. When asked what move that the MSU-B team is well known for the team would use to impress the crowd their surfboard stunt and that it was a Snider said, Our skill is enough to impress crowd favorite. He also said that the team the crowd. He also says that playing late needed to work on some of their pyramids, night Smack Down tournaments has also

Changing Lies: Golf Looking Ahead to New Season

The MSUBillings mens and womens golf program have undergone several changes since last season. They have a new head coach, Roger Burckley, a new home course, The Briarwood, and a new indoor practice facility, Mitchell Golf. Basically we are gearing up for our toughest season yet, said Burckley. Burckley, who had a successful collegiate career at nearby Rocky Mountain College, is in his first year at MSUB and sees a lot of potential for the program which will play its first full season of Division II West Region competition this year, and compete for the first ever Pac-West Conference championship in 2005. He said, The team will see their first real taste of what the West Region has to offer. Its a tough region and we hope to compete. Both the mens and womens squads will play six tournaments this year, with the mens season beginning this week at Cal-State Bakersfield, and the women opening March 8 at the Subway Invitational in Chico, Calif. Not on the schedule for this year however, is a tournament here in Billings we hope to have one of those next year, said Burckley.

By Jed Barton Sports Editor

Do You Know Your Tennis Team?

Spring is in the air. The snow is beginning to melt, the cold spell i s o v e r, a n d tennis season has arrived. The MSU-B Yellowjackets By Jason Lillie are preparing for a tough Photo Editor season with a full schedule. While most of the matches will be played on the road, there are some exciting home matches to look forward to. On March 6, the mens and womens teams play Weber State in Billings. The Men play Weber again on March 7.

A View From Section 106: Some Solutions for the NHL

As you may known for a large population of hockey 2. Change the overtime rules or may not know, fans, it is impossible to get the numbers A wise but also slightly perverted the National for TV or radio that even small market man once said that ending a game in a Hockey League is teams in the north such as Minnesota and tie is like french kissing your sister. If facing a labor Ottawa get. Eliminating these teams that was really the case, the NHL would stoppage follow- would make the other two franchises in be found to be in violation of community ing this season the region, the Atlanta Thrashers and Dal- decency standards in most civilized socithat may possibly cost the By Jed Barton league all of next season. Sports Editor Now I dont know all the specifics of collective bargaining agreements or revenue sharing, but I think I have some common sense solutions to help out hockey. 1. Reduce the number of teams from 30 to 26 I would take the Carolina Hurricanes, Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning, four out of the six teams residing in the southern United States, and contract Photo by KRT Campus---Philadelphia Flyers forward Simon Gagne shoots the puck them. You see Raleigh, Nashville, Mi- just wide of the goal past Toronto Maple Leaf goalie Ed Belfour during the seventh ami, and Tampa were all good minor game of their NHL playoff series last May. league hockey towns prior to the arrival of the NHL, attracting decent sized las Stars, regional powerhouses, able to eties, with the number of regular season crowds to games as do the current NHL draw TV and radio numbers more inline games that end in ties. Now some people franchises. But the difference, is that in with some of their northern competitors. say that a soccer-style shootout is the anminor league sports, filling the seats is ev- Of course being the fair-minded indi- swer to that problem, but I say that the erything in terms of franchise viability, vidual that I am, North Carolina, Tennes- solution has stared the NHL in the face whereas in the major leagues, you need see, and Florida would receive, as com- for years; they just havent realized it. an adequate number of people tuning into pensation for the loss of hockey, one ad- Believe it or not, the answer is: play overgames on radio and television in order to ditional NASCAR Nextel Cup race a year time periods until someone wins just like attract advertising revenue. With so many per franchise lost, to be held at speedways during the playoffs and Stanley Cup Fiteams in the south, an area not exactly in those states. nals. Now I know what you are saying with teams playing four games a week doesnt that seem unpractical? which leads me to my third suggestion. 3. Reduce the Number of Games in a Season from 82 to 56 In NCAA Division I, college hockey teams most often play two games a week, one on Friday and one on Saturday, with the same two teams squaring off in the same location both nights. I plan to make it even easier on the professionals by suggesting they adopt a schedule which has them playing a Thursday and Saturday version of the college schedule each of the 26 weeks from Oct. 1 though May 1, followed by the regular playoff format. Thus, each game would become more of an event and perhaps draw more attention from media and fans. 4. Change the standings to a simple win-loss format. Another benefit of suggestion number two is with the elimination of tie games through the overtime process. The convoluted points system that now exists in the NHL standings could be dropped in favor of a simple win loss format like baseball or basketball. So there are my suggestions for helping the NHL through its difficult times. If you have any thoughts on this subjects or any other sports related topic I should address in this space, e-mail them to me at jed_barton@yahoo.com and put: Section 106 in the subject line.

4 Decades a Jacket
by Jed Barton Before every Yellowjacket home game the sight is the same. From his reserved seat behind the scorers table, Wally Rubic greets his friends: the coaches, players, athletic department staff and fans that make up the MSU-B basketball family. You see while not a former player, coach or even an alumnus of the school, Rubic, a retired Billings businessman, is sort of the unofficial head of that family, having seen almost 600 Jacket games dating back to the 1963-1964 season. His explanation for that record is quite simple, I like basketball, he

says.

Five New Inductees Added to the Hall Of Fame

Press Release BILLINGS, MT Montana State University-Billings inducted five new members into its Hall of Fame and Distinction on Saturday Feb 14. The brunch and induction ceremony was held in the SUB ballroom on the MSU-Billings campus. The five inductees represent four different sports and competed for the Yellowjackets in four different decades. The 2004 Hall of Fame and Distinction inductees are Dr. Rick Billstein, Cal Crawley, Megan Dickerson, Michelle (Taylor) Lipp, and Dr. Ronald Sexton. The five new inductees will bring the Yellowjacket Hall of Fame to 100 members. Billstein played baseball for the Yellowjackets from 1963 to 1966. A Billings native and Billings Central graduate, Billstein was a four-year letter winner for the Yellowjackets. He started as a second baseman and leadoff hitter all four years. Crawley was a gymnast from 1971 to 1976, competing for Hall of Fame coach Jay Shaw. He was one of the Jackets top performers during his four years, leading the team in season average in at least one category each year. In his final season, Crawley led the Yellowjackets in season average for floor exercise, rings, parallel bar, high bar and all around. His 44.66 all around average in 1976 is the twelfth-highest single season average in the programs history. Dickerson is being inducted in her first year of eligibility. A womens basketball player from 1995 to 1998, she is one of the most decorated Lady Yellowjackets in the programs history. In 1998, she was the Pacific West Conference player of the year and earned Division II Bulletin and Kodak All-America honors. She was also a first team All-West Region selection as a senior and earned first team all-conference honors twice. Dickerson is still in the top ten in school history for seven statistical categories, including third for scoring with 1,502 points. Lipp ran cross-country for the Yellowjackets from 1993 to 1995. She was a two-time All-Pacific West Conference runner, finishing in the top ten at the PacWest Conference Championships in 1994 and 1995. Lipp set the school record for the 5,000 meters in 1994 with a time of

Rubics most Over the course of vivid memories are those four decades, Rubic perhaps of the days has seen many players when the and teams come and go, Yellowjackets beand, like any fan, has his longed to the NAIAs favorites. He said, The Frontier Conference best player I saw play with several other here was Jim Soft in the Montana schools. 60s while the best teams Back in those days, we have had are the ones he said, you would in the mid 90s. Soft who get a Rocky or Carroll stared for what was then or Montana Tech in known as Eastern Monhere to play and the tana College from 1964gym would be packed Wally Rubic has been a 68 holds several places in to the rafters with fixture at MSU-Billings the Yellowjacket record people. I dont know home games for four books including the all why it isnt like that decades having seen time career lead in retoday. Maybe its benearly 600 of them since bounds while the Jacket cause of the distance 1963. teams Rubic mentioned the teams we play made the postseason travel; I guess it is three consecutive years from 1996-98. harder to get the community excited

about the games when our conference rivals come from Honolulu instead of Helena. When asked if in order to improve fan interest in the program, MSU-B should return to the Frontier Conference which it left to enter NCAA Division II prior to the 1980-81 season. Rubic is against the idea, No I dont think that would be a good thing the quality of play we get in Division II is far superior to what is seen in the Frontier Conference. He goes on to say that he thinks, The best idea would be to get into the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. The RMAC is Division II league made up of schools from Colorado, New Mexico and Nebraska. No matter what league MSU-Billings basketball may find itself in, for the foreseeable future they can count on one thing: the support of its number one fan, Wally Rubic.

18:47 and placed sixteenth at the NCAA North Central Regional. She becomes the first female cross-country runner to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Sexton played baseball from 1956 to 1959 and was a member of two Frontier Conference Championship teams. He went on to play one year of minor league baseball after graduating from Eastern Montana College and also played on the U.S. Army baseball team. Sexton is currently the Chancellor of Montana State University-Billings. See photos on next page.

Left: Freshman Forward Jessica Bratton goes for a layup in a game against Converse College on Feb 13.

Above: Members of the Yellowjacket basketball team huddle up during a break in action against BYU-Hawaii on Feb 12.

Above: Members of the Yellowjacket Basketball Band excite the crowd during a recent home contest.

Athletic Director Gary Gray and Director of Marekting Krista Montague presented Dr. Ron Sexton with his Hall of Fame plaque on Feb. 14th.

Above: Cal Crawley (Gymnastics 1971-76), Rick Billstien (Baseball 196366), Ron Sexton (Baseball 1956-59), Megan Dickerson (Basketball 1995-98), and Michelle Lipp (Cross Country 1993-95).

Winterfest Athletic Photos Winterfest 2004, has come and gone here at MSU-B, and as usual Yellowjacket Athletics played thier part. From both Womens and Mens Basketball (top), to Cheerleaders Frankie Reno and Kimberly Bone becoming royalty (left), to Pep Band (top right), to the Hall of Fame Brunch which saw 5 new inductees honored. It was a busy week in the world of MSU-Billings Sports .------Photos courtesy of Megan Sturlegson/MSU Athletic Department Photography for Frankie Reno and Kimberly Bone done by Rick Zimmerman. Graphic Design and Layout by Richard Castillo

Michael Redstone & Betsy Harris

Betsy Harris Age: Non Trad, ok? Major: Mass Comm., Sophomore Hometown: Billings, MT If I had $1 Million to spend on only one thing I would...TRAVEL! What would you do with 100 pounds of Jell-o? I dont know but nudity would be involved. My dream job is...Book Tour. Michael Redstone Age: 20 Major: Mass Comm., Junior Hometown: Frazer, MT If I had $1 Million to spend on only one thing I would... I would buy my mom a new house and car. When I graduate I want to... make lots Mosesca (Money). My dream job is...I want to be a reporter for the Wotanin Wowapi!

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