From tap to environmental issues, many new classes are being created at Truman, by its own students.

While Truman prides itself on professors, not teaching assistants, leading classes, undergraduate students are stepping up and broadening Truman’s course list by teaching extra classes themselves. SIC, Student Initiated Courses, and SILO, Student Initiated Learning Opportunities, are the main programs available for students to create and teach classes. Both these programs officially started this semester but even before SIC and SILO, two environmental classes were already being taught by students.

Hannah Hemmelgarn said she took Expanding Environmentalism Consciousness class, a pre-SILO student-taught class, as a freshman. She said she enjoyed the student teacher so much that she ended up teaching two semesters as well as one semester of Grassroots Environmentalism, which is another pre-SILO class.

“I ‘taught’ – we  would say precepted, because the role of the student in these courses is far from the institutional hierarchical idea of teacher versus student, we all learn together  –Grassroots Environmentalism and Expanding Environmental Consciousness,” Hemmelgarn said.

Hemmelgarn taught the class once a week with two to three other preceptors and got paid through scholarship hours. She said the class mostly consists of weekly readings and weekly papers. She said the only hard part was grading papers.

“It can be hard to be both teacher and friend, and a lot of times I had a lot of friends in the course from the start,” Hemmelgarn said. “So it was important to establish that, while we as preceptors understand the hectic life of a student and want to be sympathetic, but  we also have to have grading done by a certain time and want to be as fair as possible, so work standards are pretty high.”

Hemmelgarn said she rarely had a problem with students especially since both preceptor and student are passionate about the class. Almost all SIC and SILO classes are non-major classes, so both the teacher and students are simply attending because of interest in the subject.

“The benefits of being student-led far outweigh the shortcomings, especially in a discussion based class where students feel much more comfortable in a space where they don't feel like they are constantly being judged by someone who knows so much more than them,” Hemmelgarn said.

She said it was especially satisfying to go to class every week and see the development of peers and students and the preceptors learn as much as the students do. Though Hemmelgarn said she loves teaching her classes, she does not plan on teaching as a profession.

Senior Andrea Montgomery, has taken tap classes since she was young, but found Truman lacking in dance classes. To apply for a class, Montgomery submitted a proposal which included her goals and objectives for the class, budget, timeline and methodology to the Provost office to be considered for SILO this semester. Montgomery teaches a tap as a health 196 course and get’s paid a $500 stipend to teach.

“I would definitely like to see more dance classes on Truman's campus, because we don't have full time dance faculty, which makes dance courses for credit few and far between,” Montgomery said. “By utilizing Truman students the university could offer many more dance classes for relatively cheap.”

Mongomery said she feels that especially at Truman students are willing to step up and provide classes when they see lacking.

She said the only time she struggles with the class is when she has a lot going on with her other classes, and has difficulty trying to find time to make lesson plans.

“The students in my class are all extremely easy to teach, as they all do what they are supposed to and never act like I shouldn't be teaching them because I'm their peer,” Mongomery said.

Senior Cody Sumpter recently started teaching his own Science Fiction movie and dinner class. This class is based off other dinner and movie classes and is not through SIC or SILO. He leads the class once a week and get’s paid in credit hours.

“My friend Nathanial and I have been talking about doing a sci-fi movie class since our freshman year,” Sumpter said. “It is our senior year so we figured better late than never.”

Sumpter said he loves that Truman major classes are not taught by teaching assistants, but that it does not leave enough staff for extra classes.

“Students are the ones who notice the holes in the curriculum,” Sumpter said. “I think that’s what makes Truman unique is students here have so many interests, experiences and knowledge and that others [are] ready to learn. I think it’s great that Truman is allowing students to become so involved in the creation and execution of new classes.”

            So far, SIC and SILO have only granted a few requests for classes but Sumpter said he thinks there will be more in the future once people hear about it.

            To view the photo gallery, click here: http://tmn.truman.edu/gallery/view_album.asp?gallery=226

            Joe Belzer isn’t your “average Joe.”

            Belzer, a former Truman State University graduate, is one of the leaders of a new church called The Crossing. However, introducing a new church isn’t all that Belzer has to deal with. Once his work day ends, he goes home to his wife and their 11 children. It’s a life where balancing time is crucial.

            “I’m pretty guarded as far as my time goes,” Belzer said. “If people want to meet, I try to meet with them during the day. I want to be headed home by 5 so my evenings are with my family. Friday is my day off and I really try to guard it also. I won’t put anything on there, even if there’s something that’s pressing.”

            Before joining The Crossing, which started in Kirksville in November, Belzer worked with the Campus Christian Fellowship. He worked at the CCF for 24 years as the leader of the ministry. Belzer said moving to The Crossing has been an exciting change, and it has allowed him to reach out to the Kirksville community in different ways. He said he misses the CCF, but it had become kind of redundant over the two decades he spent there.

            “With campus ministry, having done it for so many years, it was kind of already wrote,” Belzer said. “It became kind of a routine. Now, I’m working with families, working to reach people with addictions. We’re trying to think outside the box. Change affects us all in different ways. For me, I need more mental space to think things through.”

            The Crossing is divided into “campuses”, with headquarters in Quincy, Ill. There are now four different campuses located in Kirksville, Quincy, Macomb, Ill. and Mossel Bay, South Africa. Every Sunday morning sermon in the four locations is broadcasted from Quincy. Belzer will start preaching at the Kirksville campus later in the year. The other campuses will continue to be led from the Quincy campus. Currently, Belzer serves as the campus pastor for The Crossing. With that job, he is deeply involved.

            “I help shepherd the sheep so to speak,” Belzer said. “I oversee the staff, plan things out on our end, plan different services, and also coordinate the different outreaches. We’re going to launch small groups in a couple of weeks, and I’ve been trying to get small group leaders up to speed.”

            Being in charge of developing and promoting a brand new church can be enough of a challenge. Still, Belzer doesn’t get much rest when he goes home. He and his wife Jennie welcomed a new baby born a month ago. Belzer said he has to make commitments when it comes to family time, such as keeping his schedule open for his family when he is not working. He also said his older children do a lot to help them.

            “Some people may think [having 11 children] is overwhelming, but it seems like our older kids are a huge help,” Belzer said. “A lot of the interactions in our family is kind of them looking after each other and nurturing the others. It makes our job a little easier when they want to be a part of each other.”

            Belzer’s children range from a month to 19 years old. He said having 11 children can be daunting at times, but he’s learned to keep time available just for them. He also said his kids help him tremendously. They really look after one another, and Belzer is thankful for their help and kindness towards one another. He said his kids argue just like other siblings, but they also show compassion to each other.

            Belzer also said he puts off time for him and his wife to spend together. He said it may only be an hour to talk about their days, but those times are much needed to keep each other updated.

            Joe’s oldest son, Josiah, is a freshman at Truman. He lives on the Truman campus, but he still tries to help Joe and Jennie out whenever he can. Josiah said he tries to visit the family at least once a week to offer his help. He said being the oldest brings a little bit more responsibility.  

            “I guess I’m used to [having 10 siblings], so it doesn’t seem like that big of a deal,” Josiah Belzer said. “There’s always something happening at my house. I kind of just help out whenever they need me. Sometimes I transport people, pick up groceries, that type of stuff.”

             Reed Dent is currently on staff with the CCF. Dent attended Truman and was a part of the CCF during his time as a student. He said Belzer really helped him care for and pray for other people because that was a huge part of Belzer’s life. He said Joe will be a great leader for The Crossing and its growing population.

            “It’s evident to me that The Crossing is the right place for Joe to be,” Dent said. “He served at the CCF for 24 years and loved college students and was amazingly caring and responsible for them. Now, he’s been given something bigger, but it’s perfect for God to use Joe to minister to the community at large. I’m excited to see where [The Crossing] is in 24 years.”

            To view the photo gallery, click here: http://tmn.truman.edu/gallery/view_album.asp?gallery=227

Truman State University Softball Head Coach Erin Brown stepped into her office with a purple sheet of paper with “Truman Softball 2009” scrolled across the top.

Three team missions are listed in a big black box: “MIAA Regular Season Champions, win close games and come to play”. There are 16 signatures from coaches and players signed the goal sheet, “totally committing” to these missions.

The Bulldogs struggled to a 22-21 record in the 2008 season, going 8-10 in the highly completive MIAA. Brown said that the 2009 team has the potential to be better than last year’s.    

“I think every team probably has the national championship as an overall goal,” Brown said. “Basically, we have gone through and specified specific goals for what we want our team to accomplish.”

Most of these goals emphasize the importance of giving maximum effort and keeping a positive mindset over the course of the season. Brown said that if the team accomplishes these goals, it will put them in place to complete the three team missions.

Brown said she didn’t think this team had a weakness, but needs to be consistent in order to contend this season.

“I feel like the ability is there,” Brown said. “If everyone is playing to our potential we can compete with anyone.”

Despite these high aspirations given on the mission sheet and by Brown, junior catcher Erica LaCombe said that the team should start off with more modest goals.

“I think we put our goals to be top three in conference and we should be,” said LaCombe. “Once we get there, we’ll reevaluate the goals and hopefully go further.”

LaCombe said the team will have to fill a hole on the pitching staff left by graduate Katie Noski. In 2008, Noski went 10-4 with a 1.34 earned run average. Despite the departure of Noski, LaCombe said that pitching should be strong thanks to a newcomer, a transfer and a returning senior.    

“We did get a freshman pitcher, Ashley Rotkvich,” said LaCombe. “She should be a huge addition on the mound.”

According to Truman’s Athletic web site, Rotkvich was a three-time all-conference player at Shepard High School in Palos Heights, Ill. LaCombe said that catching Rotkvich in practice has given her a lot of confidence in Rotkvich’s ability.

Richelle vanGennip, a junior transfer form the , posted a 10-4 record with a 1.73 earned run average at Crowder College (Kan.) during 2008.

“She’s a junior transfer, which is big because she has experience coming in,” said LaCombe.

Senior Stephanie Johnson provides MIAA experience that the staff needs to be effective. Last season, Johnson had a record of 6-10 with a 3.34 ERA.

Senior centerfielder Dani Mayer hit .350 and led the team in both home runs with three and runs batted in with 31 in 2008.  She said that speed will be important to this team.

“We have quite a few fast girls so we’ll steal a lot of bases,” said Mayer. In 2008, the Bulldogs finished second in the MIAA in stolen bases with 99.

LaCombe said the 2009 team will have to use team speed to win games because of other offensive problems.

“We are a small team, a really small team,” said LaCombe, “and we’re extremely fast … but we lost a lot of power at the plate. So kind of like give and take, we gained a lot of speed but we lost a lot of power.”

Johnson and Mayer hit home runs in 2008, belting one and three, respectively. The Bulldogs hit an MIAA low eight home runs last season. That trailed the second worst home run hitting team, Missouri Southern, by 14.

Once the team gets on base, the team will be difficult to stop, LaCombe said.

Both Mayer and LaCombe said the loss of MIAA Player of the Year, Christen Belcher, will hurt this team.

“There is no way around it, that’s a huge hole to fill,” LaCombe said about losing an All-American.

 In 2008, Belcher hit .418 and stole an MIAA record 42 bases.

 “We have some girls,” Mayer said, “A couple of younger girls who are slappers so I think with some practice and more experience they’ll be good too.”

Brown said that Freshmen Katie Pitts will try to fill the void left by Belcher as a slapper and right fielder. 

When thinking about the purple mission sheet, Brown said, “If we do everything that we can do, we will put ourselves in a situation to compete at regionals and then compete at the World Series if we do well.”

To view the photo gallery, click here: http://tmn.truman.edu/gallery/view_album.asp?gallery=224

A hunter sits patiently on a small hill overlooking the lush green valley below, waiting for a deer to drink from the gently flowing stream. While waiting, he watches a hawk soar through the open sky above, and begins to carve an image of the bird into the rock beside him to help pass the time. Unbeknownst to this prehistoric hunter, he was leaving his mark on history for future inhabitants to discover and analyze.

            Thousand Hills State Park, located just a few miles west of Kirksville, contains many images of animals, such as the hawk etched into rock. These carvings are called petroglyphs and were created by the Native Americans over a thousand years ago.

            Thousand Hills houses the petroglyphs in an enclosed octagonal shelter with an open floor for viewing. This shelter protects the carvings from erosion and graffiti. The site

lies on a hill overlooking Forrest Lake, open to the public year round.

Many of the images appear arbitrary, and Professor of Art History Dr. Sara Orel explained that the purpose and meaning behind the rock art is difficult to interpret.

“The petroglyphs may have been used for indications of direction or to communicate from one group to another, have religious significance or just simply a decoration or a way to mark time—‘I’m stuck here so I might as well entertain myself.’”

Dr. Amber Johnson, assistant professor of anthropology, agrees that there are various ways to interpret the purpose of petroglyphs.

“Some rock art seems to have a ritual context, while others are more what we would call graffiti today,” Johnson said. “A lot of Native American rock art is found in really out of the way places, where maybe hunters were sitting waiting for game to come by possibly for days at a time. They didn’t have a Game Boy or an i-Pod, so to entertain themselves they basically doodled.”

Johnson speculates that the petroglyphs at Thousand Hills State Park were created in this context due to their location and the livelihood of the Native Americans in the Adair County area. Most Native Americans lived in villages near river valleys, and the closest evidence of a permanent settlement is about 25 miles west of Kirksville in the Chariton River valley, according to Johnson. Since Forrest Lake, which is man-made, was not created until the 1950s, the Thousand Hills area was not suitable for villages. 

“Most of the area around Kirksville was hunting territory, where people just passed through,” said Johnson. “The petroglyphs at Thousand Hills are on top of a hill with a good view down below. So this was a good place to sit, wait, and watch for animals. The rock art there is all jumbled and random, which indicates that it was casually produced, and not related to a ritual; so the context being a form of entertainment makes the most sense,” Johnson said.

However, understanding the purpose of the rock art is not the only difficulty visitors to the petroglyphs face.

            Park Superintendent Brent Steacy said many of the visitors complain that the images are difficult to see.

            “We used to have a resident naturalist that would chalk them on a regular basis to make them stand out from the rock, but then a preservation expert said the practice of chalking was harmful, so we don’t do it anymore,” said Steacy.

            Since it is difficult to see the images, the park has placed interpretive signs around the shelter to help indicate what each image depicts. The most visible carvings are a hawk, opossum, deer and turtle. During the summer, Thousand Hills has a seasonal naturalist that puts on interpretative programs to help people understand the petroglyphs and promote interest.

Assistant Professor of English James D’Agostino, has visited the petroglyphs several times.

“I expected the [petroglyphs] to be this kind of really formalized hieroglyphs, but they do feel very much like doodles, like documenting what it is like to see a hawk or a snake.”

D’Agostino finds the petroglyphs intriguing and wants to introduce them to more of his students as a way to study the language of an ancient culture mixed with contemporary culture.  

“In a perverse way, my favorite part is the way the petroglyphs have been defaced over time,” D’Agostino said. “But given that humans are part of the landscape in the same way wind and water erosion will deface the rock, it makes sense to me to have the names of young lovers inhabit the same space as the ancient symbol for the flow of water.”

            Orel believes it is important to observe and study the history of the area you live in.

“It’s a way of understanding what’s here now, and also a really useful way to pay homage to those who’ve come before,” Orel said. “It sounds kind of sappy, but it’s simply a way of being respectful of what’s here today.”

To view the photo gallery, click here: http://tmn.truman.edu/gallery/view_album.asp?gallery=225

A two-vehicle accident on Highway 36 has sent two members of the Truman State faculty to a Kansas City hospital. Steve Reschly, 55, and Lynn Rose, 52, both of Kirksville, received serious injuries yesterday after a rear-end collision, according to the Missouri State Patrol.  The history professors were transported by life-flight helicopter to Saint Luke’s Hospital.  Injuries suffered by Reschly and Rose are not life-threatening, stated a report from the Truman Human Resources office released Monday morning.    

The collision, just east of Chillicothe, occurred when a van driven by Rose rear-ended a vehicle driven by a Mooresville, Mo., woman on Highway 36, just east of Chillicothe. A Patrol accident report states that the van occupied by Rose and Reschly left the roadway and started on fire. The driver of the other vehicle suffered moderate injuries and was taken to a Chillicothe hospital.

The status of both Reschly and Rose's condition will be updated as any relevant information becomes available.   

Before Governor Nixon’s pledge to keep higher education affordable, students were ready to do their part.

After Truman President Darrell Krueger presented budget impact predictions for 15-, 20-, and 25-percent cuts in state funding, several students and organizations moved to find ways to minimize the potential shortfall. 

Freshman Josh McCaherty said he first learned of the possible consequences of a drastic decrease in state funding soon after arriving back from winter break.

“At the beginning of the semester, my [student advisors] called a house meeting and told us about the potential effects of the budget crisis,” McCaherty said. “Since then, I’ve felt pretty strongly about saving teachers.”

Soon after the meeting, McCaherty became motivated to act, and created a Facebook group entitled “Save Truman Teachers and Staff.” The group’s main page outlines the details and possible consequences of a potential budget shortfall, and expresses support for an additional $33 per credit hour student fee to offset the deficit.

 “I wanted the group to provide information about the budget situation and promote student awareness,” McCaherty said.

According to McCaherty, the group gained over 1,000 members within the first three days.  Since then, the group’s discussion boards have been flooded with comments, suggestions, and ideas from students - from textbook alternatives to possible fundraising initiatives.

In addition to creating the Facebook group, McCaherty met with Patty Bolz, owner of Patty’s University Bookstore, to discuss possible ways students could save money on books. McCaherty said that their discussion revealed some inefficient procedures relevant to student spending.

“We found that updated editions of textbooks often include supplemental materials, which, in my experience, are either not used or worth their weight,” McCaherty said.

McCaherty also suggested that students have the power to help with the budget crisis.

“Students need to realize that they can make a difference. If you have an idea, get on the webpage and submit it to the board [of governors],” he added. “I hope to get at least 100 Truman students to attend ‘Storm the Capitol’ next month, and there’s a letter writing campaign, too.”

Freshmen Paul McCain became involved with promoting student involvement in budget discussions shortly after Nixon announced his plan to freeze higher education tuition at Missouri public institutions.  McCain also used Facebook to gain student support, starting the group “Help Support Nixon’s Plan to Keep School Funding.”  The group is geared toward Missouri students who attend public institutions and provides a template for students wishing to write letters to their state representatives.

McCain believes that letter writing can be very effective, and that many students might not know how they can help.

“I figured that not everyone would know how to compose such a letter,” McCain said. “It’s not exactly like writing a letter to your mother.”

He added that he had already received concerned responses from the St. Louis County state representatives he had written to. 

In addition to McCaherty and McCain’s initiatives, other Truman students are finding ways to contribute. Members of the Greek community are currently discussing plans for a large-scale fundraiser to benefit the University, with the proceeds going toward offsetting the budget shortfall.  Although the fundraising event has yet to be determined, Greek Director Beth Tuttle said that the refined Greek Community Relations Board would spearhead the fundraiser.

“[In addition to] improving the Greek image on campus, the board would contribute by organizing philanthropy and fundraising events on campus,” Tuttle said.

The budget crisis has taken its toll on Truman’s Department of Public Safety, causing campus organizations to make event management changes.  

            Due to possible University budget cuts, DPS looks to make staff adjustments to in order to reorganize operations. This change will affect organizations that typically have an officer at their events, such as the Student Activities Board, said DPS Director Tom Johnson.

With no staff cuts made, DPS are no longer staffs every campus event, as they are considered overtime for officers.

“We are now being more proactive in our staffing,” Johnson said. “Before we may have provided an officer for an event that was iffy, whereas now we will not. Our biggest problem is that we are a 24-hour a day operation, and we can’t have somebody on all the time. We are probably one of the few departments where overtime is just a part of our budget and we can’t always control how many hours that is going to be.”

In the past problems have occurred, mostly due to intoxicated people, where DPS was needed. “Although we will not be present at every event, we would never compromise safety,” Johnson said.

“We will still be covering the larger events, but if an organization needs an officer for a smaller event, they need to call us at least one month in advance so that we have sufficient time to make arrangements,” Johnson said. “We will also be checking in during our patrol rounds, when an officer is not present at an event.”

            Coping with a reduced staff this year, officers have been working increased hours. Fully staffed with 10 patrol officers, including one on medial leave, DPS has no intention of cutting staff. “We are just looking at ways to improve our task efficiency, ” Johnson said.

            “Every department on campus is looking at how they do business and making cuts where they can,” Johnson said. “We still have a service to provide and we need to make sure we do that in the most efficient way possible.”     

            Meaghan Larson, the Films and Comedians Chair for SAB, said that more volunteers at events are needed. In the past, SAB has needed DPS to address problems.

            “For security, especially at concerts and comedians which are our larger events, we will have to ask for almost double the amount of volunteers,” Larson said. “That is probably the biggest change we currently face.”

            “Another problem SAB faces is that athletic events take precedence over other campus events, because at least one officer is required to be present at a game,” Larson said. “So if there is an event on game-day where we need a [DPS] officer present, we will have to make adjustments.”

The Center for Student Involvement, responsible for campus programming and student organization development and services, was informed of the possible changes over winter break.

            In response to these changes, DPS has been giving out Emergency Response Guides that explain what to do in various emergencies. The CSI has then been handing them out to campus organizations so that they are informed on how to handle emergency situations.

“Taking extra precautions, making sure you know who to call, and that you have a risk management plan will be very crucial in organizations now; whereas before, DPS was more on-hand,” said CSI program advisor Rachelle Williams.

            Williams said that as long as organizations are prepared, she doesn’t foresee any difficulties with DPS’ staffing changes.

            “For the most part, I don’t think it will be that big of an effect as long as we forewarn DPS, and also because DPS will still be there at the larger events,” Williams said.

      Cathy March is one of the many local workers affected by the economic crisis. She is the head cook at Brashear High School, but she also cleans 23 different businesses in the Kirksville area.

      “I am basically a single mother with a daughter,” said March. “I also have two older sons that I try to help when I can.”

      She tries to find as many businesses to clean as possible, because she knows businesses may soon eliminate her services.

      “When businesses start cutting back, the first one hit is the cleaning people, because they can do without those,” March said.

      “I have cut back on the number of helpers I hire,” March said. She used to employ four or five helpers through the week. Now, she only has two or three helpers. She and her 14-year-old daughter do most of the cleaning themselves. March also limits the amount of supplies she buys and uses.

      On an average day, she spends nine hours cooking and another nine hours cleaning. The weekends are not much better for her, when she spends anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day cleaning. Even with all those jobs, March said she is still just barely getting by.

      “If I had my two sons back home with me, I couldn’t feed them,” she said. “There is no way.”

      March is not the only person struggling to make ends meet during this crisis. Truman State economics professor David Gillette said that some people have a difficult time finding a second job, because they no longer have one job. The national unemployment rate has increased from 6.8 percent to 7.2 percent in just a few months, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

      “It’s probably easier to reduce some expenditures than it is to find a second job. That doesn’t mean you don’t quit looking for a job,” said Gillette.

      For individuals who cannot locate another job, Gillette suggested limiting unnecessary spending.

      “I would go through the budget and figure out what is a necessity and not,” said Gillette. “One of the main expenses people can live without is cell phones.” He suggested cutting cell phones and replacing them with a much cheaper land line, as long as they do not have a contract. This is just one way of eliminating additional expenses.

      He said the key to staying afloat for someone who is unemployed is to just buy the necessities and do without some of the plush things of life.

      There are also several resources for people who have recently lost their jobs. One major support for people around Adair County is the career center located at 2105 E. Normal.

      “We try our best to help people find work. There are jobs out there. There may not be exactly what a person is wanting, but there is work available,” said Cathy Collop, Workforce Development Supervisor of the Missouri Career Center.

      “We also have a system called Alchemy and we really like this program,” Collop said. “It’s short and brief, but to the point on how to look for a job. Anyone is welcome to use that.” 

       Once a month, the career center provides workshops for resume building, effective job searchers, interviewing tips, and how to maintain a job. Collop said it is important to keep looking and to avoid giving up hope.

        Economists are unsure how long these conditions will last. According to Gillette, the best case scenario is the low point will occur sometime during the summer, before rebounding. Whether people are adding jobs, subtracting expenses or a combination of the two, there is still a great amount of concern on enduring until then. For more information on locating jobs visit www.missouricareersource.com. 

       “This group is for people who have body image concerns, like they're trying to resist silly diets, over exercising, or criticism from society,” Jane Maxwell, Truman counselor and creator of W.I.S.E., said. “They're resisting that thin ideal.”

      Millions of people are experiencing eating disorder problems. The National Eating Disorders Association states that in the United States there are about ten million females and one million males who battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.

      Maxwell, who has a doctoral degree in community counseling, created W.I.S.E. to show women  on campus that eating disorders are dangerous and that they do not have to be controlled by appearance or what others think.

       “I see a lot of young women who limit themselves so much because of appearance,” Maxwell said.

      Maxwell also says there are many factors as to why women have body image issues. Not only are body image issues caused by peers, the media, or the over-bearing father; but, it is also the competitive nature that Truman creates in its students.

      “Here the standards are higher,” Maxwell said. “The people who come here, not always, but they tend to have these very high standards of themselves and have had this idea that they have to do well. It’s a big part of their identity.”

      Two years ago, Maxwell posed the idea of a body image program to the UCS’s director, Brian Krylowicz. They both are big fans of group therapy and thought this would be an excellent way besides the individual sessions to address some issues. Krylowicz, who is a licensed psychologist, said W.I.S.E. is there not for women with anorexia or bulimia, but for smaller problems with body image.

      “The group isn't for people with serious eating disorders because we take care of them in the individual sessions,” Krylowicz said. “This is a group where girls go to help each other in dealing with problems like the scale went up a notch or they don't like their flabby arms.”

      “It’s the sharing and support from each other, that’s where the healing comes and people are able to see they're not alone in this,” Maxwell said about the effect of a group session.

      Each week the group discusses different topics such as self acceptance, media influences and food. Right now the group only consists of five members. Maxwell says she wishes the group was bigger but she had a hard time getting the word out.

       “I suppose there are lots of reasons people don't show,” Maxwell said. “Either they didn't see the flyer or they don't have time because Truman students are pushed to the max. I think one of the biggest reasons is they don't want to come forth and share because there is something about these body image things and opening up that’s scary, it’s too personal.”

      Maxwell tried to advertise the group by using Facebook, the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), and a letter to Truman’s paper, the Index. With all her advertising efforts the group remained small and Maxwell feels it is due to the tough, personal subject matter. Maxwell will be continuing the group in the spring semester and hopes it can grow.

The WRC is the most involved Truman organization that helps promote W.I.S.E. since they are so closely related.

       “I know that we've had a few people talk to us about eating disorders,”said Angela Carter, director of the WRC. “We've seen that that is around and we've pointed people to W.I.S.E. to deal with those issues.”

      Carter said the WRC looks at body image issues for women and in October they sponsor an event called “Love Your Body” with a message for women to love themselves for who they are. During each of these events, Carter said they advertise for W.I.S.E. with flyers. Carter said the WRC is proud to have a support group like W.I.S.E. on Truman’s campus.

      “I think W.I.S.E. is a really good way to handle the situation of body image concerns,” Carter said. “It builds a community of people dealing with this and it kind of sets up a support network which is really a powerful thing to have.”

      The return of W.I.S.E. in the spring semester will add more than discussion. Maxwell said she hopes to do fun activities and even have guest speakers come talk to the group.

      “It is confidential so anything that is shared there, it stays there,” Maxwell said. “It’s a very safe place and no one is going to criticize you.”

The cold rain drummed against the squad’s helmets as they slowly crept through the wet underbrush. They made their way slowly to their target, the leader of the rebel group they were supposed to capture. Suddenly, explosions rip through the forest and the squad dives for cover, quickly returning fire while sighting their target and moving in to capture him.

            These people are not fighting overseas but are actually members of Truman’s newly-established Recondo club. Created this semester by junior David Atkinson, the club is meant to be a place to learn and hone the military arts.

            “[Our] mission is to further educate cadets about the military, enhance their skills and leadership, and make them more effective in practical applications,” said Atkinson.

The club is largely inspired by Truman’s ROTC program and borrows the program’s equipment and OPFOR (opposing forces or enemies) for their missions, said Atkinson. The similarity between the two isn’t surprising as Atkinson himself is enrolled in the ROTC program. The resources provided by those in charge of the ROTC program have been a great help to the program Atkinson said.

“Cadre (those in charge of Truman ROTC) have been great, Major [Eric P.] Shirley especially. He’s helped us, he’s supplying OPFOR which is opposing forces go out and play dead or play enemy for us. He’s willing to get us supplies. He’s offered a little advice in the background,” said Atkinson, who quickly pointed out that the club is still student run. “It’s clearly run by students. [The cadre] don’t make up our missions, they don’t tell us what to do or how to do it. They’re just there to make sure it goes fairly smoothly.”

Shirley, commander of Truman’s ROTC program and advisor says his role in the club is mentoring for the technical and tactical expertise of the students.

“One of my roles as an advisor is to help to construct [their mission], critique it, give them pointers on how to improve it, and then I go out and I monitor them as they go out and do their training,” said Shirley

As a member of Truman faculty, Shirley says he serves as a liaison between the student organization and the University for acquiring resources, reserving facilities, and ensuring their safety.

The club meets once a week on Friday afternoons to learn how to tackle different situations, such as taking out a bunker. Members use Army procedures as reference and develop their own plans for missions and accomplishment.

The group went on assignment in November to capture a rebel leader alive. The leader for the day quickly tells the group what to prepare for and soon people are moving around preparing their equipment, practicing maneuvers, and applying camouflage. After going over the plan in detail, they are out of the briefing room door and heading to location.

Safety is important for the club, according to member Sean Sawyer.

“When we cross the street we want to be safe so we post two guys to stop traffic for us so no one gets hit by a car or something serious like that,” said Sawyer.

Afterwards, members go over what they did well and what they should improve on. The learning process is continuous and the group has improved since it began according to Atkinson.

“I think we’ve made leaps and bounds better,” said Atkinson. “In our binder we try to keep after action review notes and from these notes…people can study them and prepare for the next [mission].”

Atkinson said he hopes to continue the club, increasing membership from the current 12.

“My goal would be to have around 15 [members] because every week there is around two people who can’t show up for whatever reason and our missions are on Friday,” said Atkinson. “Usually as long as we have ten people and hopefully we can get 12 or 13, we can function pretty well.”

For more photos, click on the following link:

Recondo On-Campus

            All pirate references aside, Walk the Plank Productions is determined to give local bands the chance to play shows and spread their music to the Kirksville audience and beyond.

As far as most bands are concerned, getting their music out is the most important aspect of playing.  Sure some musicians only care about money, but playing live makes bands popular.  Walk the Plank Productions, whose logo is a black pirate flag skull and crossbones, focuses on getting the music out there for the kids and any other audience in Kirksville .  There are several different styles and genres of music that local bands play, so there is something for everyone, but Walk the Plank’s focus is metal and hard rock.  

            “The goal was to give the local bands, mostly the hard rock and metal bands, a chance to play and to build a scene for hard rock and metal in Kirksville ,” states Josh Bishop, co-founder of Walk the Plank Productions. Bishop moved to Kirksville in 2006 and met local musician Ryan Taylor, who already had an early form of Walk the Plank going. The two focused their efforts and made the production company official shortly after their meeting. As of now, Bishop handles Walk the Plank duties, from setting up shows to calling national acts to play in Kirksville .  Taylor focuses on playing guitar in local heavy metal band Left Hand Black instead of worrying about the business end of things. 

            Bishop’s current goal with Walk the Plank is to blur the genre lines between bands.  He says that the scene is too small in Kirksville for there to be different genres; his goal is to have bands of different styles play together all of the time so the biggest audience can be reached.  The idea would be for those who come to the show to see just metal or indie music, and be exposed to both styles, getting a well-rounded musical experience. He also likes to give local acts the chance to play with touring bands in order to get résumé-building experience.

            Both Taylor and Bishop agree that the local scene is still very small and would like to see it grow and become very prevalent in the town. 

            “I think that the scene will grow if people come out to the shows that we put on and start to open up their eyes to what the bands here are trying to do,” said Bishop. 

            Another problem that Taylor notices is the lack of original material. 

            “There are too many ‘cover’ bands and not enough original bands, but I see it growing and I have seen more kids come out than in the past. That’s why we started what we did, to make the scene grow,” says Taylor . Taylor also went on to say that most venues encourage original acts to play and will pay them, whereas they did not in the past. 

            The current economic situation of the country could be a reason that the music scene in Kirksville is small, and Walk the Plank realizes that. A lot of free shows are held and generally more kids show up to the “no cover charge” shows, but this is not solely based on the economic crisis - a lot of 15 and 16-year-old kids just don’t have a lot of money to begin with; what little money that teenaged kids have might have to go to car insurance or a bank account to save up for college. But a cover charge isn’t the only problem with getting a younger audience out; having shows at bars also presents a problem.  Both Taylor and the front man of Left Hand Black, Aaron Huisinga, said that a lot of bars do not let underage kids in after a certain time, and unfortunately there are not a lot of local venues, so bars must hold the shows from time-to-time. However, there are a few bars that do allow minors in for shows and do not charge a cover, Leisure World’s Untouchables Lounge being one. 

            Walk the Plank throws shows at least three to four times a month and several are held at the Untouchables Lounge with no cover. Left Hand Black is probably the most active band in the Kirksville scene, but Walk the Plank supports all acts and will hold shows for any band in order to spread the music around, but there is usually a heavy act guaranteed on the bill. 

            Bishop usually tries to seek out new local acts and get some shows for them but all bands are welcomed to contact him. The best way to access Josh Bishop or Walk the Plank Productions is through its Myspace page www.myspace.com/walktheplank_kv.   

           For more photos, click on the following link:

          Kirksville's Budding Music Scene

A swift cut is blocked by a large shield and rewarded with a sword thrust. The other combatant barely dodges, twirling around to land a hard blow to their opponent’s side. “Ah! You got me,” cries out the slain warrior as he drops his weapon.

The sound of the sword hitting the ground is not the expected clang of metal but the soft thud of foam and PVC pipe. The warrior is uninjured and smiling at the person who just “slew” him. This is the world of Amtgard, a role-playing game that allows people to fight out the scenes of their favorite Lord of the Rings movie with their friends.

“We’re just a bunch of people who like the idea of sword fighting and want to do it in a safe and enjoyable way with our friends,” says Ben Goldstein, one of the founders of the Amtgard group at Truman State University .

Amtgard started with a group of medieval role-players in El Paso, Texas, who devised rules for battling each other with fake weapons, with active players from coast-to-coast and even in countries like and , according to the organization’s website, http://www.amtgardinc.com/.

Although it is a role-playing game, Amtgard emphasizes “thwacking” someone in the arm more than speaking in ye Oldé English. The goal is fairly simple; hit your opponent without being hit back. The game uses a system in which the player loses limb function when they are hit, eliminated after a second blow to a limb or the body.

Players use foam-padded weapons with a solid wood or metal core that ensure light weight and safety. Weapons can be constructed fairly easily; a sword bound with tape and a cloth cover to keep the padding in place costing around $10.

 “For a sword you can sometimes get a graphite golf club shaft from Goodwill for about four dollars, a length of fun noodle which is enough for about two swords for about a dollar, and then tape and a cloth cover will probably run you about eight dollars or so but the tape will last you for a lot of swords,” Goldstein said.

Safety is important in Amtgard to ensure people walk away with a smile and not a black eye. Experienced players such as “Fuzzy” check everyone’s weapons before play to ensure there are no sharp edges proper padding thickness. 

The group is an off-shoot of the Role-Playing Game Club and many people use their online handles as their role-playing names.

“A lot of [people] will draw them from Lord of the Rings or Norse mythology,” said Goldstein, who goes by the name “Fuzzy Ben”, “or there was a guy who follows the name Pepsi and a guy who follows the name Smurf so whatever, it’s all about having fun.”

Amtgard started up last fall through the efforts of “Fuzzy” and Ben Whiteman who goes by the name “Evil Ben.”

“Fuzzy and I really started to push it last year and we’ve got a lot of freshmen this year,” said Evil. “We usually have about 12 or so people out fighting at one time which is bigger than some official parks I know of.”

One of those new faces is Matt Dinwiddie, a junior transfer student. He is familiar with Amtgard, having played in St. Louis parks.

“Amtgard is a fun time to just go out and commune with people, socialize and have a good time,” said Dinwiddie. “It’s also a really good way to get some exercise and really get to do something spectacular.”

Strolling through the Quad on a Saturday afternoon, you are likely to see a dozen or more enthused swordsmen dueling, and don’t be surprised if you are invited to play.

“My favorite thing is if I see a couple walking by I’ll yell at the female and be like, ‘Hey, haven’t you ever wanted to hit him and not get in trouble for it? Come out and fight with us,’ or something like that,” says Fuzzy. “People will come up and say, ‘Hey, this looks like fun, can I try?’ we’ll invite them to try, we won’t turn anyone away, certainly.”

For more photos, click on the following link:

Amtguard Swordplay on-campus 

The traffic on campus is increasing. Truman State University ’s campus is small enough for its residents to walk to class. Students living off-campus, however, find driving to be appealing, especially in colder weather. For some who must travel from the north end of campus to the south, a bicycle is deemed necessary. Combine these three means of transportation with three main crosswalks, and one will quickly find that each system interferes with the others.

According to a statement from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), there are 4,100 registered vehicles at Truman State , and of these cars, 2,616 are student-registered.

Registered bicycles are harder to keep track of. DPS has registered 110 new bicycles this semester alone. However, this does not include the hundreds of bikes that were previously registered, and are still in use on campus.

People who walk the sidewalks are weary of those who ride their bicycles right past their shoulders at high speeds, and worry about whether or not cars will actually stop at crosswalks. Bicyclists have the same fear of cars stopping as pedestrians, while drivers hope that a person doesn’t just step off the curb in front of them, or that a bicyclist doesn’t attempt to fly through a crosswalk without looking.

Senior Nathan Imse commutes to and from class via bicycle.

“Every now and then I’ll be riding my bike and I’ll be on campus and there will be some people that I have to slow down for and announce, you know, ‘Bike on your left,’ and I’ll go on their left,” said Imse.

During the busy times of the day, when many people are walking to and from class, Imse rides on the outside of campus.

“I try to do my best to kind of ride defensively,” said Imse. “Since it’s a slower traffic area, traffic doesn’t go more than 35 mph anyway, they usually aren’t too upset by being behind a bike for, you know, 100 yards.”

Though some find traffic not to be an issue, others have had close calls. Junior Kim Slattery had a close encounter with a car just a few weeks ago.

“I was walking to Ryle for lunch, and I was in the lane of a driver and they didn’t slow down,” said Slattery. “And when they realized I was there they kind of swerved around me. It was really scary.”

Looking past her experience with one driver, Slattery feels comfortable crossing the street.

“I think most of the time they’re courteous,” said Slattery. “I think it’s easy to get confused because pedestrians aren’t always very confident about … when they are going to cross the street … but sometimes I think drivers just really don’t care.”

Junior Brooke Zell commutes to school every day and finds the traffic on campus to be a problem, in a different way.

“Traffic on campus usually isn’t that bad. It just depends,” Said Zell. “In-between classes is just horrible.”

As a driver, Zell sees the masses of people crossing the streets on campus to be the problem. She also see students jay-walking as a big issue.

“I don’t think I ever drive up through campus without someone crossing where there isn’t a crosswalk,” said Zell. “I just let them cross.”

When it comes to cyclists, Zell doesn’t find as much trouble as she does with people walking across the street.

“There’s been a few times that they just dart out in front of you, like they have the right of way,” said Zell. “That’s frustrating.”

For more pictures, click on the following link:

Campus Traffic

The brick house on Scott Street is missing the family van. Inside there is no furniture to relax upon. The kitchen only has a sink, no oven to cook a meal. The walls lack family portraits. This brick house is vacant but that does not mean it lacks a family.

The brick house is called the Studio House. Located at 209 E. Scott St., it gives upper-level painting majors a place other than Ophelia Parrish to work on projects.

 “For us it’s a place where students can work in a professional atmosphere,” Jim Jereb, Truman’s printmaking professor, said. “It’s an attempt to make this school compete on the same level as bigger schools where all students get studio space for themselves. We’re trying to give our students that same advantage.”

Jereb said the Studio House has been used by printmaking and fiber students. However, the house is better suited for painting or drawing majors because print and fiber students lack equipment at the house. At the moment, five painting majors are using the house.

A peppy, curly blonde occupies the garage.  Allison Sissom, a junior studio art major, is using the Studio House as her painting and drawing study.

“It’s a getaway,” Sissom said. “A playground for experimenting! It’s away from other distractions like T.V., friends, cell phones, etc.”

Music hums in the wood-paneled garage as Sissom works at her drafting table. Sissom’s space is filled with previous works and paintings in progress. Complimenting her pieces are the dirt floor and cobwebs of the garage. Sissom has no problem with the house’s shanty appearance.  

“I adapt to fit my needs and make a space I feel comfortable in,” Sissom explains as she points to her carpet, lamps and space heater.

Leaving Sissom in the garage and then follow the cracked archways of the house, a young woman in a black peacoat is found. Leslie Song, a junior painting and fibers major, applies paint to her large canvas in a cold room at the front of the Studio House.

“I just paint here,” Song said with a nervous smile. “There is plenty of room to spread out. I personally find it easier to paint bigger paintings because I like working with things larger than myself. So, the house is a good space for me.”

Song said her canvases cannot fit in her car and are too cumbersome to walk home with, so the Studio House is a perfect place for her needs.

“There isn’t a whole lot of space and I kind of like being around other people who are painting to get others’ input and no one really works in the OP studios,” Song said. “Also, I’m in OP all the time, so it’s a nice change!”

Next to Song lies a small, corner room with canvases from a senior painting major who also uses the house. Up the old, matted-down carpeted stairs lives another painting major. The upstairs is filled with a creepy silence and following the cracked linoleum, the rustle of bats at dusk can be heard, Sissom said.

Running downstairs from the bats to the garage, Sissom cuts clippings of fashion magazines. She was encouraged by her parents and her high school art teacher to pursue a degree in art.

“My parents were concerned when I told them I wanted to be an art major,” Sissom said with an eye roll. “They at least wanted me to be an elementary art teacher, but I can’t do that. I want to be making statements with art and being more progressive is the most important thing in the world.”

While Sissom yearns to make a statement with her art, Song holds a different aspiration.

“I hope to influence and inspire my audience,” Song said in a soft-spoken voice. “Instead of having my own bias towards something, I just let the audience think for themselves.”

Song comes from a family of Korean immigrants. Her parents wished for a doctor.

“Originally my parents and I thought I was going to be a pediatrician,” Song explained. “So I studied biology at Truman but I found I liked art so much more. I think it’s important to do what you are really passionate about.”

Both Sissom and Song share a love for the Studio House, but this home for artists can disappear with a snap of a finger. At the end of each school year, art students have to clean out the house incase Truman decides to tear it down and build a parking lot, Jereb said. For now the house will be used only for art students.

“We were told that this house is only temporary,” Jereb said. “The University is going to do what is in the best interest of the University, not for a specific program.”

If the University was to take away the house, they would be taking away a lifestyle, according to the artists.

“This is where I spend all my free time,” Sissom said. “Other people watch T.V. or hang with their boyfriends. I don’t have a boyfriend, my boyfriend is my art!”                                                                         

For more pictures, click on the following link:

Kirksville Art Studio

Thanksgiving is a time which allows Truman’s international students to celebrate a truly-American holiday.

            On the fourth Thursday every November, Americans across the country celebrate with a day of thanks.  A few days off of school and work provide much needed relaxation in a society that is often traveling at a non-stop pace.  It is a time for reflection and being thankful for the many positives in our lives.  Many people attend a church service, others sit on the couch and watch endless hours of football; for the majority of Truman students, it is a time to push school and homework to the furthest reaches of their brains and go home.  Reuniting with extended family members, catching up with old friends that are back in town, and while this is tradition for most American students, for a small portion at Truman, this is a totally foreign concept simply because, well, they are foreign.

            There are approximately 200 international students that represent 46 countries at Truman, and very few of them have any experience with Thanksgiving in .  Melanee Crist, the Assistant Director of International Education, says it is common for many international students to go home for Thanksgiving holidays with their American roommates; however, some do not have this opportunity.  With the break only being a few days long, some international students opt just to stay in Kirksville . 

          Crist says that often a small group will stay and cook up a dinner, but this becomes an issue if the students reside on campus in one of the dorms.  On Nov. 25, the residence halls will lock their doors at 6 p.m.; all dining halls will be closed as well.  Students may choose to stay in their rooms but must obtain a key to the back doors of their building if they want to stay.   

            It is not just international students who are affected by this holiday break though.  Truman has many students that are from regions of the other than the Midwest and whether it is gas prices or an expensive plane ticket, some of these students just cannot afford to go home. 

Ben Hoyt, a junior from Eagle Rock, Va., says that he would love to go home, but gas prices as of late have left him staying in Kirksville for the break.  For Hoyt, this year will probably be the same as last.  He will be preparing a nice, home-cooked turkey and all the fixings, for one.  Hoyt does not mind being by himself and insists the time away allows him to relax and maybe even pick up some work at the student recreation center or the SUB and earn a little extra money for the semester.

            Fortunately for students like Hoyt, and any students for that matter, who are staying in Kirksville for Thanksgiving, there is another option.  A local couple, Jill and Mac McCord, put together a huge Thanksgiving feast at their house for any student who does not have anywhere to go.  According to students who have attended previous years, along with great food and company, students can watch TV, put their feet up, and enjoy the holiday right.  The McCords could not be reached for comment.

            In past years, there have been local churches such as the Methodist church as well as the Country Side Christian Church that have put together a Thanksgiving dinner for not only students but community members as well.  However, due to either short numbers or other circumstances, they have decided against it this year but will be providing a similar dinner over the Christmas break instead.

For more pictures, click on the following link:

Thanksgiving in Kirksville

            With Proposition B on the Missouri ballot recently passed, and a vice presidential candidate with a special-needs child, disabilities issues remain a hot topic within the local political climate.

Jamie Graham, a Kirksville community member with disabilities, said tears came down his face when he heard Sarah Palin speak.

            “Oh, yes!  I’ve got to vote for Sarah Palin,” Graham said.  “She’s our shining hope.”

            Nan Davis, executive director of the Adair County Senate Bill 40 Developmental Disability Board, said it worries her that Sarah Palin is just one voice.

            “Because of her son having a disability, I am so glad at least to think that it has encouraged awareness about disabilities,” Davis said.  “It scares me, though, because she’s one voice.”

            Graham, however, remains an avid Palin supporter. 

            “I’m going to speak up for all the disabled—I want to be their voice to vote for Sarah Palin.  All of these people without disabilities don’t understand why we need Sarah Palin so much,” Graham said.  “We need her so badly.”

            Local candidates in the upcoming election met Thursday, Oct. 23, to discuss disabilities issues in a forum held at the Kirksville Regional Center .  Proper funding for programs emerged as a constant concern among audience members and candidates.

            Davis said the Adair County Senate Bill 40 Board uses local tax-payer dollars and grants to provide resources for those with developmental disabilities and pay for what the state and other entities cannot, which includes personal care attendant services, transportation, home modifications, medical equipment and a variety of other things.   

            “We get requests all the time of things that are not funded,” David said.  “The Medicaid cuts have been huge, you know, to a lot of folks.”

            The cuts especially hurt coverage for dental and other healthcare needs, Davis said.  She added that it is difficult to find a dental provider who accepts Medicaid. 

            According to Davis , using funds to pay for medical needs is sad because the funding should really go toward home modifications and things that are not covered in other ways.

            Disabilities not only affect community members, but Truman students as well.  Robyn Esmahan, a senior English major at Truman, said her disabilities make it more difficult to transition into the next phase of her life.

            “I’m actually working on trying to find insurance, once my parents drop me, which is a lot harder when you have things like ADD, depression and anxiety,” Esmahan said. 

            Esmahan has a condition that keeps her from standing for long periods of time, which makes finding a job difficult. 

            “Any job I get, I can’t stand,” Esmahan said.  “I can’t work at Wal-Mart or any of the fast food places, or pretty much anywhere in Kirksville .”  

            Surgery on her ankle put Esmahan in a wheelchair for six months, most of which she spent at Truman.  She said, for the most part, Truman continues to work on becoming more disability friendly, but it still has a ways to go. 

            “Truman is completely sitting on a hill.  I found that out when I tried coming out of one of my classes and going down the sidewalk and I went straight down, almost into the middle of the street,” Esmahan said.

            She also said the doors do not always work and, sometimes, she would just have to wait for someone to pass by and open the door for her. 

            “Thankfully, Truman is full of really nice students when it comes to disabilities,” Esmahan said.   

            The women’s bathroom on the second floor of Baldwin Hall poses some difficulties for those in wheelchairs, Esmahan added.

            “You go in, you turn this way—yeah, try that in a wheel chair—especially if you don’t have anyone to help you,” Esmahan said. 

            Esmahan said, one time, the handles on the side of the wall in the wheelchair accessible bathroom fell when she was using them.  She said Truman could use some advice when it comes to disability renovations. 

            “Honestly, to update places like Truman, and actually just about anywhere, you almost need people who are disabled and have been through it because you’re less likely to notice if you haven’t been in that situation,” Esmahan said.  “People look at campus and they’re like, ‘Oh, well, it’s really disability friendly, you know, we have all these doors, things like that,’ but they don’t look at it from the eyes of someone who has tried to open those doors.”

            Davis stressed the importance of legislation on the lives of those with disabilities.   

            “If you think about it—people with disabilities—their lives are so affected by legislation, and they really don’t have much of a say what happens,” Davis said. “I wish legislators could meet individuals like Jamie more and just see, you know, these issues are really affecting someone’s life,” Davis said.  

            Glossy, green peppers stuffed with local hamburger, freshly pressed apple cider, and delectable sweet potatoes – just like candy – decorated the plates of 50 students and faculty at an evening meal.

            By collecting from several local farmers, senior Hannah Hemmelgarn hosted this semester’s Local Foods Banquet in the Student Union Building on Oct. 29.

            Hemmelgarn challenged her guests to come up with solutions to the integration of local foods at Truman.

            “It’s all too easy to be bogged down by the infrastructure changes needed to start purchasing local foods,” Hemmelgarn said. “I hope tonight we can overcome some of this hesitance to change the mentality by discussing real solutions.”

            Some students at the event, like sophomore Sarah Cramer, were very interested in supporting Hemmelgarn’s cause, but were mostly in attendance to learn more about the advantages of local foods.

            “I’m just excited to learn more about the local producers and what there is to offer in the area,” Cramer said.

            During Hemmelgarn’s presentation and the local foods purchasing program video, students were not only informed on the processes to create this program but also enjoyed a variety and surplus of local foods at the buffet. The food offered at the dinner was intended to serve as evidence that food on campus can be both tasty and supportive of the local community and the environment.

            Dennis Markeson, director of Sodexho at Truman, was invited by Hemmelgarn to speak on Sodexho’s challenges with bringing a local foods program to campus. Markeson is a supporter of a local foods program, but has several restrictions that prevent the program from advancing.

            “I have to abide by a lot of rules and regulations of big corporations and the campus,” Markeson said. “If it was sent from [the university farm] to us, then I could get by without insurance because the school is insured. If it comes from the farmer’s market then I can’t even buy it.”

            Despite Markeson’s angst, Hemmelgarn remained optimistic as she described how local foods are already available on campus.

            “Actually, we already are doing local foods at Truman, too,” Hemmelgarn said. “We already have Weiler milk which is antibiotic and hormone-free and it’s local. And we have some specialty meats in the convenience stores every now and then that are also local.”

            It all led to a discussion after the supper was finished and speakers were done. Sophomore Amelia LaMair recognized the problems faced in creating a local foods program.

            “I learned a little bit more about the difficulties involved with distributors and actually setting up and having local foods, so that’s something we’re going to have to work on,” LaMair said.

            However, the discussion proved to be effective, as LaMair was able to construct her own solution to the problem that stands to be the best one for creating a local foods program according to the presentation’s primary message.

            “I think ultimately the best thing would be to start a co-op with farmers so they can band together and get the insurance policy,” LaMair said.  “It would save Truman money.”

To view pictures from the event, click on the following link:

Local Foods Dinner 

            At 2:26 a.m. Wednesday morning, 99 percent of the votes were counted for Missouri ’s next Attorney General. Democratic candidate Chris Koster won with 53 percent, earning over 150,000 more votes than Republican Mike Gibbons.

            Earlier in the evening Gibbons’ elections results party took place at the Magic House in Kirkwood, Missouri, where hundreds of his supporters gathered to watch results filter in.

            Gibbons said as a Senate Leader he has deeply held beliefs and positions but that in his work he strives to reach across the aisle to his Democratic colleagues to work together.

            “My approach to the legislature was to always try to find common sense solutions to the problems that we are facing,” Gibbons said. “And anybody who is willing to sit down and work in a positive way to try to find that solution I am willing to sit down with.”

            Gibbons said he was unsure how Missourians would vote, but he was aware that it would be a close race. 

            “It is a very tight election night,” Gibbons said. “I feel very good about the campaign we ran and good about the effort. It’s in the hands of the voters, so we’ll just wait to see how it turns out.”

            The sentiment within Gibbons supporters in Kirkwood at large was very positive.

            “I’ve known Mike for a very long time and I’m very confident that he can take this race,” supporter Ruth Jayne said. “He’s a man of integrity.  People know it. He has demonstrated it over the last years in the Senate, in the House, in local politics and he’s one of the finest politicians that I’ve ever known.”

            Another supporter was not as staunchly positive about the election results, but his praise for Gibbons was similar.

            “I’m cautiously optimistic,” Gibbons supporter John Griesheimer said. “It’s not a good year for Republicans but anybody that knows Mike Gibbons whether you’re Republican or Democrat you know he’s the best guy out there and hopefully the voters see that. ... I think he’s got as good of a chance as anybody. In fact he may have an edge on the other Republican’s running.”

            Griesheimer said he thinks Gibbons campaign was run very well and if he didn’t win it was not because of the campaign or the candidate, it was because of voter opinion.

“I think he has done everything he can do to win,” Griesheimer said. “The fact that he got every newspaper endorsement except one that endorsed in his race says a lot; it speaks volumes.”

            Gibbons supporter Dave Jayne said Gibbons has stayed positive throughout his campaign.

            “His opponent has got real integrity issues and those have been brought up, but other than that he has remained very positive,” Dave Jayne said. “And you know what else is nice about [Gibbons]? Even when he takes a stand that is not popular with his constituency but he knows its right he does it anyway and he’ll stand up and explain to you why he did it even though it’s not what people want to hear.  He’s the real deal.”

Joan Bray demonstrated her support for Democratic Governor-elect Jay Nixon tonight at The Pageant rally in downtown St. Louis . Bray has been a member of the Missouri state senate since 2003 after spending ten years in the House of Representatives. Bray is anticipating the outcome of the election and hopes the results are in favor of the Democratic candidates for state Governor and President. 

 “We are very optimistic and hopeful because we have had such a great turnout,” Bray said.

The outcome of voters making it to the polls for this years election became an overall success. An increase in first-time voter turnout benefited the outcome. 

“The number of young people who have registered and voted looks very good. With students at their early maturity of voting maybe it will become a pattern, well hopefully it will become a pattern especially because I have a good feeling about what will happen this time,” Bray said.

Bray is strongly in support of Nixon because of his displayed passion and intention to connect with the people and focus on family concerns involving issues of healthcare and education. 

Bray has helped the Nixon campaign by providing assistance for 18-20 months and respects Nixon for his desire to balance the numbers in the legislature.

To make this election an overall success in the eyes of Joan Bray, she admits,

“I would just like to go home happy.” 

This result would arise after Jay Nixon was elected Governor of Missouri, and Barack Obama was elected President . As the night came to an end, the results proved that Joan Bray walked away from The Pageant with her head held high.  

            Election Day has come and gone. It was a momentous occasion that set some remarkable records.

            The day saw election turnout at an all-time high in Adair County . Of the total 17,298 registered voters in the county, 11,999 cast ballots. That equates to an astounding 69.37 percent voter turnout. Voter turnout in 2004 nationally was 59.6 percent according to the Web site of the University of Oklahoma . In 2004 Adair County's turnout was 62.4 percent, according to the Missouri Secretary of State’s Web site.

            “For Adair County , as far as I could tell, [voter turnout] was larger than we have seen in the past,” County Clerk Sandy Collop said. “We’re just really anxious to get everything in here and see what percentage actually did [vote].”

            The only problem reported all day was a voter registration oddity: some students were unable to cast their vote because they were not said to be registered in Adair County . Some voter registration applications had not been turned into the proper places. The College Democrats, with other organizations, attempted to register students on campus during the fall.

            “We registered just over 1600 voters at Truman,” College Democrat president James Lang said. “We had a push to vote local. … I’m only aware of one [voter registration that was not turned in] right now. And that was someone who talked to me. We’re looking into it. As far as I know, those aren’t sitting someplace. We began the process understanding that we’d be undergoing a huge effort on campus. And I think when you put that power into volunteer’s hands, into anybody’s hands, there’s a risk of misplacing something, losing something. … I haven’t heard any widespread issues of people registering with us and not being able to vote today.”

            The people who found themselves unable to vote today were left with two choices: Not vote, or cast a provisional ballot.

            “A provisional ballot is a ballot that you can vote, if you so desire, but nine times out of 10, it will not be counted if you are not registered in this county,” Collop said. “If you vote at the polls, and you tell us that you are registered here but for some reason we are unable to find you anywhere… then we have you vote provisionally. Then when things kind of slow down a little bit, and we have a chance to go through those provisional ballots, if we find your card, then your vote will count.”

Kirksville Watch Parties - Andy Moore, Ben Green

More Jefferson City Coverage - Kristyn Potter, Shannon Walter

Washington University Protest Art - Mark Hardy

Jefferson City Coverage - Kristyn Potter, Shannon Walter

Kirksville Local Voting - Andy Moore, Ben Green

Obama Columbia Rally & Kirksville Voters - Kristyn Potter, Shannon Walter

St. Louis Snapshots - Mark Hardy

The Associated Press has called the governor’s race in Missouri and declared that Democrat Jay Nixon will be the next governor. However, republican candidate Kenny Hulshof’s campaign manager John Hancock said that Hulshof has not conceded yet and has no plans for a concession right now.

            “I’m obviously disappointed that the Associated Press called the race at 7 o’clock Hancock said. “We’re going to wait and see the numbers come in. Hopefully things will turn around, but if they don’t, this great man – this great Missourian –  Kenny Hulshof will be down and he will talk to the people of Missouri .”

            The mood at the Hulshof’s election party in Columbia is a somber one. It seems as if the small gathering is anticipating a Hulshof concession speech later on this evening.

SAINT LOUIS, Mo. --Food, shelter and a need for change—those are the issues some see on this year’s ballot.

“There are a lot of people of here who don’t have jobs, don’t have a place to stay, you know,” said 36-year-old Calvin Shelton outside a poll Tuesday afternoon. “You know, people say there’s nothing wrong with the economy, that we are not in a recession but to me, the recession has already hit; it has already happened.”

Shelton , a father of three children, has been unemployed since Sept. 18 of this year. He said he is frustrated with the last eight years and is ready for a change. Shelton also said his desire for change is rooted in issues he observes in the community.

“Myself, I’m not working right now and I gotta pay $75 to be seen at a free clinic so it ain’t free to me,” Shelton said. “If I have to go to a free clinic, where am I supposed to come up with $75?”

Stephen Conway, St. Louis alderman of the eighth ward, said people like Shelton represent a large portion of the population in his ward. Conway said, as a result, the important issues they face include unemployment, healthcare and the general state of the economy.

“We have working class people,” said Conway . “When you have middle class people that are just a paycheck or two away from keeping their house or keeping up with your medical bills.”

Shelton said he was excited to see people of his own race at the polls and knows that he is not alone in how he feels about this election.

“Even the temp. [agencies] don’t have work,” Shelton said. “I mean, I went to the unemployment office and I see a lot of my friends outta work and we’re good hardworking men coming out of the black community. We aren’t jailbirds, you know. We work hard. There just no jobs out there…and it’s kinda weird. I go to the store and I see the drunks saying they gotta stay sober to vote Tuesday. They’re tired. They say even they’re tired.”

            As votes are cast, the word on Washington University students’ lips is Obama more often than not.  Issues of importance differ within the student population, but one response is common: change.

            “No matter which way [this election] goes, it is a turning point,” freshman international studies major Kathleen Brophy said. “Everything right now is on the balance. It’s on the edge. It can go completely in one direction; it can go in another direction. Things right now are at a very pivotal point so this [election] is going to determine the history of the world. … This is the election that determines the fate of [people] living 20 years from now.” 

            Washington University students who were interviewed collectively agreed that campaigning from both presidential candidates toward the end of election became aggravating.

            “I’ve always been an Obama supporter,” Brophy said. “I have family in Chicago so I followed him when he was their senator. I haven’t been able to watch him as much lately because he has been forced to act like such a politician and do the whole buzzwords and catchphrases. I’m just very turned off by that and I don’t want to watch it because I believe in him as a person.” 

            An important issue to one Washington University student is international affairs.

“Foreign policy and the war in [are significant to me],” junior math major Andy Wilson said. “I think [these issues] affect a lot of people both here and abroad. I think that how we come out in this election will shape how we interact with other countries for a long time.” 

One student voiced a unique view on the Washington University campus on the issue of the economy.

“I did support McCain, but it was a really tough decision for me because I’m mostly fiscally conservative and socially liberal,” senior biology-chemistry major Stephanie Brosius said. “Neither campaign was really going to cut back a lot on our debt which for me was a big problem. It was really hard to choose between the two because Obama has a lot of really great ideas, but we really just don’t have the money for them.”

SAINT LOUIS, Mo. --Increased voter excitement and turnout was noticeable at a polling place in the eighth ward.

Alderman of the eighth ward Stephen Conway (D) said he had been traveling around visiting many of the eighth ward’s polls and noticed a change in voters this year.

“As a percentage everybody’s coming out so I would just say it’s probably about 15 to 20 percent higher than normal,” Conway said. 

Conway said he thinks the increase in voter turnout is not due to any single issue, but rather the intensity of this year’s presidential campaigns.

“It’s just a dramatic difference in two candidates and a perception of which way the country wants to go,” Conway said.  “It’s the top of the ballot I would say that the vast majority of people coming out are looking at.”

Conway said he not only noticed an increase in numbers at the polls, but also a boost in eagerness among voters.  He attributes much of what he calls “voters feeling positive about the election” to unusual amounts of zeal from volunteers working for each of the campaigns.

“Four years ago we had various groups working for Kerry and Liebermann and they did much of the same things the Obama people are doing this time, but they didn’t get as much people out as they have today,” Conway said.

Poll workers said there was a rush of voters earlier this morning and many poll officials anticipated another surge around 6 p.m., when many voters get off work. At this particular precinct, it was estimated that about half of today’s voters were first time voters. 

Volunteers campaigning for Sen. Barack Obama were present in the eighth ward.  Though they were unable to comment about the day’s events, there were roughly 10 Obama volunteers outside the poll, offering assistance, fliers and encouragement to voters.

Frank Gianella, a democratic volunteer for the eighth ward, was among those stationed outside the ninth precinct poll.  Gianella said he had been handing out sample ballots to voters for nearly four hours and was set to stay until the polls closed at 7 p.m.

“There seem to be a lot more folks,” Gianella said.  “There’s a wide span – the whole gamut. … People from all over.”

Student voters are out in full force at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo. Shuttles bring students from campus to McClung Park , the polling place for all the students living on campus as well as in the surrounding area. Every few minutes a new shuttle pulls up dropping off five to six students and picking up those who have already voted to take them back to campus.

            Lincoln University , a historically black college, has a large contingent of Obama supporters making their way to the polls. Groups of campaigners stand outside the polling place, making sure to keep the required 25 feet from the entrance, handing out Obama stickers and temporary tattoos.  

            Lincoln University student Seth Alston, 19, said he is excited because it’s his first time voting. He said he was compelled to vote because of how important the election was this year and how much of a historical impact it is likely to have. “This is the first time ever a black man has gone out for president, and I wanted to be a part of helping to elect him,” Alston said.

            A majority of the voters at McClung Park polling place as well as at the John G. Christy Municipal Building polling place were young voters, in the 18-29 age bracket. It seems that the predictions for a large young-voter turnout are being realized, at least in the Lincoln University area.

            Lincoln University student Sara Westbrooks said she voted for Obama because of his policies on healthcare, the war and the economy. “It’s really important for student voters to come out to the polls because of the issues that will affect them like health care and education,” said Westbrooks. She also said that she really supported Obama’s incentives for students to help them with college tuition. Westbrooks said that even though she is going to be graduating, she thinks it is important for future generations to have help paying for college.

            Students set up a table near the polling place offering free refreshments to voters as an incentive to stay and vote in spite of the long lines. They are also encouraging students who voted to tell all of their friends to vote as well. Tre Kelley, 20, and Nobel Russell, 19, were working the table and both said that they already voted this morning. They support Obama as well, and said that it was important for students to get out there and have their voices heard. “Mainly, our school is for Barack Obama so we are trying to represent for him and give out stickers and buttons to his supporters,” Russell said. Both Russell and Kelley are voting in a presidential election for the first time and feel that the most important issues in this election are the economy and the war in .

            Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan told Missouri voters they should be aware of a text messaging scam at a news conference earlier this afternoon. Carnahan said messages are being sent to cell phones telling people that “due to long lines today, all Obama voters are asked to vote on Wednesday.”

            “I have no tolerance for anyone intentionally causing confusion on Election Day,” Carnahan said. “Every eligible Missourian should be able to cast their ballot today, and my office will immediately respond to any reports of misinformation.”

            It is a crime in Missouri to knowingly provide false information regarding election procedures in order to prevent any person from going to the polls. It is considered a class one election offense, and is punishable by jail time.

            Carnahan also said that, other than the text messaging scam, everything else seems to be going without a problem. She reminded people that as long as they are in line at 7 p.m. they will be allowed to cast a vote.

            The messages have been forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s office for further investigation.

            Just because there is no Starbucks or Krispy Kreme in Kirksville doesn’t mean students can’t still get a freebie or two this Election Day.

            Some professors are giving extra credit for participating in the election or canceling classes altogether so students can vote, and one local business is sponsoring a unique promotion.

            Professor of English Linda Seidel canceled her JINS 381 Public Issues and Political Rhetoric class today and also is offering extra credit to students who drive voters to their polling places or help out in other ways.

            “I canceled class because I thought if I was going to ask them to do that, they need time to do it,” she said.

            Seidel added that she created the class specifically for this election season and her course material focuses mainly on campaign rhetoric in respect to the media and public opinion.

            Senior Missy Hastings said her physics lab was canceled in honor of it being Election Day. She said she celebrated the day by doing the homework for the class, in addition to voting and grabbing one of the free Barack Obama stickers being distributed by the College Democrats.

            Hastings added that she is undecided about what she will do tonight but said she will probably listen to KTRM’s coverage of the election because her roommate works there.

            At Dyed Hyde Tattoos and Body Piercings late this morning, a group of about 10 Truman students lined up to receive a free piercing. Sophomore Allie McGrath said she was there to have her ear pierced.

            “Piercings are usually really expensive, and this is really exciting that they [are] doing this,” she said. “I think it encouraged people to vote in a different way, which is kind of neat.”

            McGrath said she found out about the promotion through friends.

            Dyed Hyde owner Flash offered the free piercings as an incentive to get younger people to vote, according to the Oct. 23 issue of the Index.

            “I'm doing this because I care about my country and the direction it's going,” he said in the Oct. 23 issue.

            Many candidates mention their religious beliefs during their campaigns. Although each of them emphasize it to a different degree, many candidates seem to believe that their own religious beliefs and those of their opponents are important to the campaign process.

            Earlier this year, false rumors that Democratic candidate Barack Obama was a follower of the Islam faith. While these issues were false, they created quite a stir in the media. But how much does religion matter to the voting population?

            Among the several students that were interviewed about this issue, none thought that the religion of either candidate would play a serious role in their decision who to vote for. Each said they preferred to have their names undisclosed.

            The first student interviewed identified themselves as a non-religious McCain supporter. They said the beliefs of either candidate played little part in their decision on who they would vote for.

            “McCain is the best candidate this year because he has military background, a decent economic plan, and he has the knowledge to run this country, unlike his counterpart,” the student said. “McCain can be whatever religion he wants. I’m not really a religious person, so it doesn’t really matter [to me]. I’ve never really even thought of that.”

            There are also plenty of people on the other side of the aisle, who are actively religious and support Obama. To one student that was interviewed, the issues were more important to them than their religion or that of either candidate.

            “[Obama] is a democrat, and we need a bit of change,” the student said. “We’ve been republican for eight years, and the economy is doing very badly. … Obama is very [strong] on education, and for the next four or five years of my life, that’s going to be one of the main things in my life, and how much money I’ll get [for it]. That’s the reason I would like [Obama] in the office.”

            The student went on to talk about why their own religious views did not influence their decision to vote for Obama.

            “I believe church and state are completely separated,” the student said. “I don’t vote for religious beliefs at all, one way or the other. … If [my candidate] believes in the right way to do things, then that’s the way I’m going to vote.”

            Another student said why they thought voting based on religious ideas was not a good idea.

            “I just think that there are more important things [than religion], such as their policies, or their general outlooks or general philosophies on life that play, probably, a more important role in the decisions that they are making in office,” the student said. “While religion is important in driving people, I think its extent only goes so far in a political office.”

            The overall impression that the students interviewed made was that it was the issues that mattered to them the most. The candidates’ religion was of very little importance to them. When voters cast their vote on November 4th, it will more than likely be a vote on the issues, not on the religion of their chosen candidate.

The Truman Media Network will be covering the General Election this coming Tuesday, November 4, 2008. Teams of student-reporters will be canvassing the Show-Me State in locations such as St. Louis, Jefferson City, Columbia and right here in Kirksville. In preparation for the Election, TMN reporters are covering various election-related events around Kirksville, including the GOTV Rally with Sen. Claire McCaskill (Dem.) and 9th Congressional District candidate Judy Baker's (Dem.) visit to campus on Monday, November 3, 2008.

KTRM 88.7 The Edge will be broadcasting live throughout the evening beginning at 5 p.m. Preceding the Coverage, both News 36 KTRM-TV and KTRM will be re-broadcasting the 2008 Adair County Candidates Forum and the 2008 Legislative Healthcare Forum. Audio and video broadcasts will air simultaneously on KTRM and News 36 respectively beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3 and Tuesday, Nov. 4. Tuesday's Coverage will end after the General Election results have been reported.

KTRM 88.7 The Edge will be collaborating on live Broadcast Coverage with KCOU 88.1FM (University of Missouri-Columbia) and the Student Life newspaper (Washington University in St. Louis). Teams of reporters will be calling-in to the shows throughout the evening, giving detailed updates on the atmosphere of their locations.

The Promotional Portfolio for the Coverage highlights the various reporters involved in the project. It can be viewed on the Truman State University Communication Department website Tune in to KTRM 88.7 The Edge and follow the Coverage live right here at the Truman Media Network.

The News You Want, The Way You Want It.

A Truman State University Organization is reaching out to students urging them to vote locally in the upcoming election. 

            Vote Local is trying to raise awareness about the importance of the elections on campus, especially by helping register students to vote before the recent Oct. 8 Missouri deadline.

Susan Presley, president and co-founder of Vote Local, said that between 100 and 200 students have registered to vote this semester alone, and many more have registration forms they have not yet turned in. 

Many of the students are not from Adair County , and would traditionally go through the absentee ballot process, rather then simply registering to vote in Adair County .  However, many of them do not know this.

“I am going to vote absentee this election, I didn’t know I could register and keep my home stuff too,” said Corey Hasting, Truman State Graduate Student, from St. Louis . 

Vote Local started in the spring 2008 semester when Presley and a group of people realized that they could register to vote in Adair County and still keep their identity and drivers licenses in their home states. 

“We wanted a better way for other people to know that and we figured out the best way for that to happen was through this organization.” said Presley. 

This organization has three main purposes, which other organizations that distribute registration material do not.

“We educate people about the issues that will be on your next ballot, educate them that they can vote here if they want to.  Second step is registration, we help them get registered” said Presley. “And the third thing is we help people get to the polls because, if you are on campus your voting place is the Student Union Building, but if you are not, your voting place may be across town and it’s often cold during voting time and so we give people rides if they need them.”

   Truman students can affect this presidential vote, especially by voting in Adair County .  The Adair County Clerk’s office said in the 2004 presidential election county- wide there were 11,546 votes out of the approximately 25,000 people that live in Adair County .  This is astounding, considering the population of Kirksville alone is around 17,000 people.  With that many people not voting in Adair County , Truman students can make an immense difference in the voting process. 

“You live here about nine months out of the year, so issues that come up are going to matter to you, and not enough students ever vote to impact.” said Presley, “The county clerk’s office has told us that the student body has never made an impressionable difference in an election, in a vote, not about anything whether issue or candidate, If you are going to be here nine months out of the year, you pay taxes here, it is included in your rent if you live off campus, you spend your money here, so vote here.  Make your voice heard.”

In order to get the word out about the initiative, Vote Local has about a dozen people that go speak in classes, in order to inform students about the registration process of voting locally.  They are also constantly in contact with the Adair County Clerk’s office, getting statistics, information and more registration forms. 

“Active members, as in people that go around and talk to classrooms and that sort of thing, we have about a dozen now, but we would welcome more.” said Presley.

If you would like to get involved you can contact Vote Local at votelocal.truman@gmail.com.

The following photographs were taken on the evening of Thursday, October 2, 2008 on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis from the 2008 Vice-Presidential Debate.

Biden Bot

Sen. Joe Biden (De.), resembled as a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot, taking on Gov. Sarah Palin (Ak.)

Palin Bot

Gov. Sarah Palin (Ak.), resembled as a Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot, taking on Sen. Joe Biden (De.)

DUC Viewing Party                                                                                                                                     

Washington University students gather to watch the Vice-Presidential Debate

Graham Chapel

One of the many debate-watch locations on the campus

NBC Debate Spot

A closer look at the NBC main stage

What You See on T.V.

A look from behind-the-scenes shows NBC pundits on the set

Watching the Speech Outside

The NBC stage was converted into a make-shift viewing area for audience members

Satellite Trucks

Many local and national news trucks gathered together in a restricted area of campus

CNN Bus

A look at the bus mentioned in Mark's blog

Media Van

The typical news van in which editing is done on-the-fly