Celebrating Black History, Love, and Leaps and Bounds

The Mane IssueThe Mane IssueFebruary 2009 Volume 6, Issue 4

Upcoming Events p. 2Tech Talk p. 2Campus News p. 3, 5Student Profile p. 4Celebrating Black History Month p. 4

Homecoming p.5Inauguration Recollections p. 6Student Commentary p.6All About Valentine’s Day p. 7Sports p. 8

Love

Black H

istory N

ew B

egin

ning

s

Change

In This Issue

February Edition

Wednesday, February 11

9am Health Fair “A Heart for Health”9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet7pm Mingle with a MovieThursday, February 12

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet5:30pm Women's Basketball vs. Snead7:30pm Men's Basketball vs. SneadSaturday, February 14

Hanceville HS Beauty Pageant4pm Men's Basketball vs. MMISunday, February 15

Deadline for Scholarship ApplicationsMonday, February 16

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet11am Food for Thought5:30pm Wmen's Basketball vs. NWSCC7:30pm Men's Basketball vs. NWSCCTuesday, February 17 – Saturday,

February 21

AL High School NW Regional BasketballTournamentTuesday, February 17

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet2pm Baseball vs. Cleveland State

8pm Journey College Bible StudyWednesday, February 18

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet2pm Baseball vs. E. Central Miss. (DH)Thursday, February 19

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food ClosetFriday, February 20

Last Day to Withdraw from Mini Term I8:30am ASCA District High SchoolScholar's Bowl CompetitionMonday, February 23

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food ClosetHOMECOMING -5:30pm Wmen's Basketball vs. Gadsden7:30pm Men's Basketball vs. GadsdenTuesday, February 24

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet7pm Community Concert Series8pm Journey College Bible StudyWednesday, February 25

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet2pm Baseball vs. CVCCThursday, February 26

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet5:30pm Wmen's Basketball vs. Bevill -

Fayette6pm Baseball vs. Calhoun CC7:30pm Men's Basketball vs. Bevill -FayetteFriday, February 27

8-3:30p.m. Music Scholarship AuditionsSaturday, February 28

10am - Theatre Scholarship Auditions2pm Baseball vs. CalhounMonday, March 2 – Sunday, March 8

Men’s & Women’s ACCC BasketballTournament Monday, March 2

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet11am Food for ThoughtTuesday, March 3

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet8pm Journey College Bible StudyWednesday, March 4

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food ClosetThursday, March 5

Mini Term I Ends9:30am Campus Ministry's Food ClosetFriday, March 6

Last Day to Apply for Stafford Loan for

Spring termRegistration for Mini Term II

Monday, March 9

Mini Term II Begins9:30am Campus Ministry's Food ClosetTuesday, March 10

8am Midpoint Stafford LoanDisbursement9:30am Campus Ministry's Food Closet8pm Journey College Bible StudyWednesday, March 11

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food ClosetThursday, March 12

9:30am Campus Ministry's Food ClosetFriday, March 13

6pm Baseball vs. Jeff StateSaturday, March 14

2pm Baseball vs. Jeff State

Notice!The SGA Dance has been cancelled.

For more events, see the calendar atwww.wallacestate.edu.

Upcoming Events

Sponsored by the Wallace State Communications and Marketing Department, KristenHolmes. Ph: 256/352-8118, JBC 11 Floor, kristen.holmes@wallacestate.edu

MissionIt is the mission of the Wallace State Student Newspaper to inform the Wallace State

student body of campus news and events.

ParticipationThe newspaper always welcomes new staff members. If you are interested in participat-ing on the newspaper staff, please contact Kristen Holmes. or a staff member for info.

Submissions and SuggestionsIf you have a story idea or would like to make a submission to the Wallace State StudentNewspaper, please send an email to newspaper@wallacestate.edu. All submissions mustinclude the author’s name and contact information. The WSCC Student Newspaperreserves the right to reject any submissions and to edit all published material.

It is the policy of the Alabama State Board of Education and Wallace State Community College, a postsecondary institution

under its control, that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability or age, be excluded

from participation in, be denied benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or employ-

ment.Wallace State Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges

and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097. Ph: 404-679-4501).

Wallace State StudentNewspaper Staff.

Sam Rolley: Editor

Aldo Amato

Andre Caldwell

Elisabethe Dorning

Jasmine Hall

Andrew Hill

Ashley Lecroy

Heather Mortenson

Bethanny Petty

Cameron Thomas

Alex Witcher

Tycheria Woods

THE MANE ISSUENEEDS YOU!

WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS,GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

For information about “The Mane Issue” orto join the staff please contact us by e-mail

newspaper@wallacestate.edu

From the EditorLast month “The Mane Issue” touted, “new year, new mascot, new

Wallace” on our cover. I am pleased to be able to say that it has been anew beginning for our publication as well. With the addition of many newstaff members who are always searching for and creating new ways toinform, to entertain, and to provoke thought from Wallace State’s campusfamily, we have increased readership and received many replies to ourarticles.

In this month’s issue, we seek to celebrate Black History Month,Valentines Day, and the ever-changing history of our country. Of coursewe will include all of the exciting student commentary, profiles, sports, andcampus news that we know you all love, or love to hate. We hope youenjoy the February edition of our humble publication.

Thank you for reading,

Sam Rolley

Tech Talk By Andrew Hill

PCs for UnPC Friendly.

I know you hate your computer. It messes up when you need something done,it crashes, it isn't friendly to use, you find it confusing. Well, you're the only onewho can do anything about it, instead of pointing your finger at your box. Any sys-tem is only as stable as the nut behind the keyboard!

First, you need to understand what a computer is. A computer is a device thatcontains a processor, memory, and the ability to input and output statements. It's ahighly sophistated calculator. It does not have artificial intelligence, hate you, or dothings on it's own. A computer only does what you tell it to.

Imagine a library, a desk, and someone reading a book. The person is yourprocessor, and it does the job it was told to do. Now, imagine the size of the desk,this person can only put as many books from the shelves on the desk as can bespread out. This is your RAM, or random access memory--it's fast, and it's whatyour computer can work with. The shelves are like your hard drive. If your table iscluttered with books, then it's hard to work with the desk. If your shelves are unor-ganized, then it will be hard to find a specific book.

We can fix the desk problem by removing things that aren't required at themoment and putting them on the shelves until we need them. We can fix theshelves by organizing the books. In relation to our memory and hard drives, thismeans limiting the number of programs running at once, and defragmenting thehard drive.

I've found a website to explain some simple things you can do to optimizeyour computer. The address is:http://home.comcast.net/~SupportCD/OptimizeXP.html

Have a computer question? Idea for an article? Send your comments to news-paper@wallacestate.edu

Retraction: The Wallace State Singers were also at the Christmas Tree Lightingwith Ms. Tiffany Stone Richter as director. We are sorry this information was left

out of the December issue and are glad to set the record straight.

Campus News Febraury 2009Page 3

Learn to Fly at Wallace StateBy Sam Rolley

One of the most exciting facets of the college,requires a short drive to a small airport located in thearea. This is the place where students become pilots.

Since its inception in 1978, Wallace State’s flightprogram has been training pilots. For many studentsthe program means that they will forever be able tolive their dreams, to fly, and to make a livingthrough their passion. Highly qualified instructorssuch as the college’s chief flight instructor, BertMackentepe, and the head of the helicopter train-ing program, Jimmy Adams, spend each daycarefully honing their students’ skills both in andout of the cockpit.

“Our main goal is to give our students theskills and the hours of training that they need tobe the best pilots that they can be,” saidMackentepe, an instructor of 26 years.

The flight program at Wallace began with afocus on airplane pilot training--but realizing thegrowing demand for helicopter pilots, soon madethe addition of a helicopter program. JimmyAdams, instructor of the college’s helicoptertraining program is a graduate of Wallace State’sflight school. After spending a few years flyingcommercially, Adams decided to add his instruc-tor certification—and since 1991 he has logged thou-sands of hours instructing students at Wallace State.

Adams and Mackentepe work very closely withWallace State’s financial aid and student service

departments to ensure that each student is able totailor his or her education and pilot training to suittheir plans and dreams for the future.

“There are endless options for these students,”Adams explained, “Some choose a degree route butsome choose to obtain certification and enter theworkforce.” Others just want to learn to fly for pleasure.

There are three levels upon which Wallace State

certifies pilots--private, commercial, and instructor. Private certification gives the necessary tools to be alicensed helicopter pilot, commercial allows them to

enter the workforce as a pilot, and the instructor sta-tus gives the student the qualifications to become aflight instructor themselves. In addition to these certifi-cations, which can be completed in as little as twoyears, students can seek Associate’s Degree optionsin flight technology through Wallace State or plan totransfer to a four year college offering a flight pro-gram.

When they are not in the cockpit of the col-lege’s Schwiezer 269 C-Model helicopter orone of the college’s leased planes, flight stu-dents spend time in the program’s groundschool learning the importance of safety, main-tenance, and Federal Aviation Regulations.

“We can always tell which students reallywant to become pilots,” Adams said, “They arethe ones that give their all in the ground schooland are always dying to get back in the cockpitto complete their hours.”One of Adams’ students, Dustin Gaston ofAnniston, has been in the helicopter programsince the summer of 2008. He plans to gain hisinstructor certification as a helicopter pilot.

“I don’t think that I could have entered abetter program.”

Several industries are experiencing growingdemand for helicopter pilots and aging pilots

are rapidly retiring. For more information aboutWallace State’s flight school, contact Marsha Bradford

at marsha.bradford@wallacestate.edu.

The helicopter used by WSCC’s flight school.

Theatre Scholarship Auditions Set for Feb. 28The WSCC Theatre Department will hold scholarship auditions on Saturday, February 28, from 10

a.m.to 2 p.m., at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre in the Student Center. Students should arrive at 10 a.m.The theatre scholarship is awarded to students exhibiting excellence in performing, directing, techni-

cal theatre, playwriting, or a combination of theatrical areas. Full and half scholarships are available. Actors should prepare a short scene with any acting partner, as well as a 1-2 minute monologue or

song, choosing contrasting material that is age appropriate. Actors should bring a headshot and resumeto the audition. An accompanist will be provided.

Technicians, Directors and Playwrights should bring an example of their work (photographs, draw-ings, portfolio, writing sample), a resume, and be prepared to discuss their experience and goals.

To apply for a theatre scholarship, students must:1) attend an audition or interview; 2) fill out a schol-arship application (available on Wallace State’s website); 3 write a two page essay addressing the follow-ing: What is your experience in theatre?How can you contribute to the Wallace State Theatre program?How will you benefit from a theatre scholarship? and 4) exhibit some form of financial need.

To maintain a theater scholarship, students must: 1) participate in all Wallace State Theatre produc-tions; 2) enroll in a theatre course each semester, or, for technicians, work 10 hours per week in thescene shop; 3) maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8.

For more information, contact Lauren Cantrell, WSCC Theatre Director, at 352-8422 or lau-ren.cantrell@wallacestate.edu.

Music Scholarship Auditions The Music Department at Wallace State will

hold scholarship auditions for the 2009-2010 aca-demic year on Friday, February 27, and Friday,March 13, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the MusicEducation Building on campus. For more informa-tion call 352-8277 or emailjoann.castles@wallacestate.edu.

Intramural BasketballSign up for 3 v. 3 intramural basketball by Feb.

14. Registration forms are online atwww.wallacestate.edu/athletics/intramurals.For more information, contact Coach Barry Spitzer

at 256/352-8370 or barry.spitzer@wallacestate.edu.

Wallace State Theatre Dept. presents“Grease”March 12-14, 7:30 pmMarch 15, 2:30 pmBetty Leeth Haynes Theatre in the Wallace StateStudent Center$5 students, $10 adultsFriday night – buy one get one free!

Design the 2009 Wallace State

Christmas card!Two ways to enter -

Front Cover: First submission due April 3 by 3 p.m.

Inside Verse: Deadline for submission isApril 24 by 3 p.m.

Winners will receive a 3 credit hour scholar-ship for tuition and fees!!

For rules and regulations visitwww.wallacestate.edu or check your student e-mail. For more information, contact Adrian Scott

at 352-8145 or adrian.scott@wallacestate.edu.

For Young TravelersStudent travel agency STA Travel is offering

a sale in February with its “Travel Bailout: 5Days, 5 Deals” promotion, available to studentsor travelers under the age of 26. Each day, 20tickets to a new destination from any U.S. depar-ture city will be offered for $100 roundtrip, includ-ing taxes, fees and fuel surcharge. The destina-tion cities are Miami, New York, Denver, LosAngeles and Chicago, and the promotion is avail-able only by calling STA Travel at 1-800-360-9273. Details and online only flight deals areposted on their web site at STATravel.com.(Source: WSJ 2/10/09)

Job OpportunitiesThe U.S. Census Bureau will be on campus Monday,

February 16 at 10:00 (JBC, 9th floor, room 908) to givethe test for temporary jobs. Call 1-866-861-2010 to getyour name on the list for the test. Remember to bring twoforms of ID (driver’s license or student ID AND a SS cardor birth certificate). Practice test booklets are available inJBC on the 10th floor in Career Services.

The Cullman Times is seeking a freelance writer towrite a regular business feature for $35/story.(Since this infor an advertising section, bylines will not be included).Some photography may be required. For more informa-tion, contact Derek Price, Managing Editor, at 734-2131 oreditor@cullmantimes.com

Visit the Financial Aid Office for information about stu-dent work-study positions.

Stop by the Career Services Department on JBC 10thFloor to learn about part-time employment opportunities.

LifestylePage 4 February 2009

By Heather Mortensen

Q: How old are you?

A: 19Q: What’s your major?

A: I’m majoring in radiology.Q: Do you do any extracurriculars?

A: I’ve been in Phi Theta Kappa for one year.Q: What are some of your favorite pastimes?

A: I enjoy reading, writing, and owning n00bs on the Playstation 3.Q: What is your favorite food?

A: I love calamari, but because it’s a rare treat, I’m content just eating at Arby’s.Q: Who is your favorite band?

A: It has to be Avenged Sevenfold. I have a preference for heavier music, and their guitarist is amazing.Q: What is your favorite television show?

A: House. He’s the only older man I have fantasies about.Q: What’s your favorite quote?

A: “A true friend stabs you from the front.”Q: Where would you like to be in 5 years?

A: I would like to be married to Anthony Wallace and working in a hospital, taking X-rays. I look forward tobeing completely self sufficient. It would also be nice if I could have some of my writing published by then.Q: What makes you unique?

A: I’m a female gamer, and we’re a rare breed. I’m a free thinker, and I pride myself on my openness.

WSCC Student Profile: Introducing Brittny Wilson

Black HistoryMonth Spotlight:Chinua AchebeBy Heather Mortensen

For Black History Month, I have decid-ed to call attention to a man who has con-tributed greatly to (and is widely consid-ered the creator of) African literature andhas truly educated the world about therich history and cultureof the Nigerian people.Author of many nov-els, short stories,essays, and children’sbooks, ChinuaAchebe, born AlbertChinualumogaAchebe, is the mostwidely read of all thecontemporary Africanwriters. His first novel,Things Fall Apart, sold8 million copies by1995, has been trans-lated into 45 differentlanguages, and isrequired reading inmost high schools and colleges.

Chinua Achebe was born in 1930 inOgidi, Nigeria, an early center of Anglicanmissionary work (and supposedly themodel for the fictional village of Umuofia).He first attended college at theGovernment College at Umuahia, widelyconsidered one of the best schools inWest Africa, but when he was recognizedas an outstanding student, he enteredUniversity College at Ibadan in 1948. Hewas around 18 years old when he beganstudying literature there.

After completing his education, hetaught school for a year before going towork for the Nigeria BroadcastingCompany in Lagos. He had begun writingand publishing short stories during hisyears at the university and followed it withthe draft of a novel about the Nigerian

encounter with colonialism. The long draftwas eventually divided into two parts andpublished as Things Fall Apart in 1958and No Longer At Ease in 1960. He wenton to publish Arrow of God in 1964.

Things Fall Apart really exemplifiesthe term “classic”. It portrays the verybeginnings of the upheaval started bycolonial impositions, giving us a touchinglook into the day to day lives of the Ibopeople and the tragic fragmenting of thatbeautiful culture. It also inspires us tonever let fear rule our lives.

His radio career ended during thepolitical upheavals that led to the Biafran

War in 1966. He narrow-ly escaped armed sol-diers that believed thathis novel, A Man of thePeople, published in1966, connected him toNigeria’s first militarycoup.

From there, hemoved on to universityacademics. In 1967, hewas appointed SeniorResearch Fellow at theUniversity of Nigeria. Hewas made EmeritusProfessor in 1985. Hehas also taught at the

University of Massachusetts and theUniversity of Connecticut. He hasreceived many awards and honors fromall corners of the Earth, including over 20doctorates from Britain, the U.S.A.,Canada, and Nigeria. He received theNigerian National Merit Award in 1987,which is Nigeria’s highest award for intel-lectual achievement.

In addition to his own distinguishedcareer, he helped launch the careers ofnumerous African writers through hisefforts with the African Writers Series,serving as the editor. Things Fall Apartwas the first novel published in the series,and during the first 40 years of its exis-tence, the series has included more than350 titles. Today, he lives in the U.S.A.with his wife and four children and teach-es at Bard College in New York.

Black History Month Calendar of Events

Feb 1-28 Montgomery - Black Heritage Remembrance334-240-4500 Admission Charged www.oldalabamatown.comOld Alabama Town - Celebration of Black History Month with guided tours ofthe Ordeman House Slave Quarters (on its original site), shotgun house,school, and church. Available by reservation for groups of 10 or more.Mon.-Sat., 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Feb 12-22 Birmingham - “Blues in the Night”205-251-1206 Admission Charged www.virginiasamfordtheatre.org Virginia Samford Theatre - Set in a Chicago hotel in 1938, the dialoguefocuses on three women’s relationships with the same “snake” of a man…the musical director. 8 p.m. with 3 p.m. Sunday matinees.

Feb 14 Birmingham - A Celebration of Black History Month205-975-9540 Admission Charged www.AlysStephens.orgAlys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center - Drama program directedby local performers and teachers Alicia Johnson-Reed and Quinton Cockrellwith live music, spoken word, and more. 10 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

Feb 14 Birmingham - Mavis Staples205-975-9540 Admission Charged www.AlysStephens.orgAlys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center - This soul and gospel per-forming legend possesses one of the most recognizable voices in contem-porary music. She has blazed an R&B trail without leaving her gospel rootsand in the process influenced artists from Bob Dylan to Prince. 8 p.m.

Feb 14 Monroeville - Annual Black History Program251-575-7433 Free Admission www.tokillamockingbird.com Old Courthouse Museum - Coordinator and sponsor Denise Ware presentsa program of unparallel singing, dancing, and dramatizations by variousgroups and individuals. 1 p.m.

Feb 17 Alexander City - Horizons Art and Humanities Lecture Series:Daphne Simpkins on Nat King Cole256-234-8675 Free Admission. Alexander City Board of Education Bldg.,375 Lee St. - Call for hours.

Feb 20 Prattville - City of Prattville Annual Black History Program334-361-3604 Free Admission. www.cityofprattville.comDoster Community Center - Annual heritage event with guest speakers,area youth and adult participants, music, and more. 6 p.m.

Feb 20-21 Anniston - Black Belt African American GenealogyConference and Family History Fair334-877-4846 Fee for participants only. www.bbaaghs.org/conferenceCarl C. Morgan Convention Center - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Feb 21 Anniston - Black Heritage FestivalAnniston Museum of Natural History - Hear powerful, evocative, and inspira-tional orations delivered by area students. Shop for African American artsand crafts and listen to great vocal and musical performances. 256-237-6766 Free Admission

Feb 21 Monroeville - Annual Black History Program(Same as Feb 14th event)

Feb. 27 - First Annual Black History Celebration withkeynote speaker Rep. Artur Davis. 7 p.m. at the WallaceState Student Center. Date and time tentative at this print-ing. Additional details to be announced.

February is Black History Month

Page 5 February 2009

Wallace State Homecoming Court

Getting to Know the CandidatesBy Heather Mortensen

The votes are in, and we have the top four candidates for the 2009 homecoming queen.However, before we crown the winner, let’s get to know each of the great girls running on amore personal level. After practice on Feb. 5, I took the time to sit down with them and learna little bit more about their personalities and goals in life. I was met with warm smiles andbubbly optimism all around and would be glad to see any of them win, but it’s got to comedown to just one. So… who will you pick?

Taylor Carpenter - Taylor is 18 years old and pursuing a degree in diagnostic imaging, orsonography. She plans to take her degree and transfer to the University of Alabama to majorin premed. She is involved in the Student Government Association, choir, and enrolled in theFast Track program. She enjoys participating in pageants and singing. She has four dogs.She feels that she stands out as a great candidate for homecoming queen because she isboth a senior and a freshman at the same time. There are so many opportunities open to heras a Fast Track student receiving dual credit.

Channing Moorer - Channing is 20 years old and getting a degree in business admin-istration. She plans to transfer to the University of Alabama in the fall and get her bachelor’sdegree in business. She works in the financial aid department as a work study and has beenin the Wallace State commercials, as well as on the billboards and brochures. She likes to goto the beach, shop, and spend time with family and friends. She has six dogs. When askedwhat makes her stand out as a good candidate for homecoming queen, she replied, “I’venever run for homecoming before, and this would be my last chance before transferring. Ireally feel that I would represent Wallace well.”

Bethany Blackwell - Bethany is 19 years old and plans to pursue a degree in law. Shewould like to take her degree and begin a career in corporate law, where she hopes to behappy and successful. Her hobbies include participating in pageants and playing golf. She has a Pomeranian named Puff. She believes that her strong, positive atti-tude, respectfulness, and genuineness make her stand out as a great candidate for homecoming queen.

Jalisa Lockhart Jalisa is 19 years old and majoring in elementary education. She wants to use her degree to become a second grade teacher. She is in the PhiTheta Kappa honor society and assists with Trio Student Support Services. She likes shopping, dancing, and spending time with children. When I asked her what

makes her stand out, she replied, “I’m lovable and dedicated. I believe that you can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.”

Homecoming Court L-R: Carpenter, Lockhart, Moore,and Blackwell

Campus Ministries NewsBy Jasmine Hall

Unmasking the Culture was a success and if youmissed it, the video will be posted on the Wallace StateCampus Ministries group page on Facebook• Tuesday Nights are the Journey Bible Study at 8p.m. in the Campus Ministries room in the StudentCenter. Jonathan Gibson is teaching!• Food For Thought is on every First and ThirdMondays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the JBC 12th floor.o Donations are requested for the missions trip.• Pray Time and Devotions are at 12 p.m. in thecampus ministries room. Join us to hear the devotionsand say a prayer request for your loved one.

It’s My Party 205 2nd Avenue SE Cullman, AL

Balloons for all Occassions Party Supplies

Costumes for Rental or PurchaseSinging Telegrams by LuLu the Gorilla and her pink

tutu.(256) 739-6269

Have something to

contribute to

The Mane Issue?Contact us at

newspaper@wallacestate.edu

A Grammy for Change?By Cameron Thomas

This year’s entertainments awards not only summarizes the past year of the entertainment industry butalso continues to push actors and actresses to work harder, and to put more effort into their next perform-ances. The 51st annual Grammy Awards took center stage at a time when our country is typically over-whelmed about recent political and economical changes, which is why it has been a welcomed rest to theworries and monotony of the everyday. Best Rap Solo Performance went to A Milli, by Lil Wayne and BestScore Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture went to James Newton Howard & Hans Zimmer for The DarkKnight. Nominees for this year’s Oscar awards, set for February 22, include Frost/Nixon, The Curious Caseof Benjamin Button, Milk, The Visitor, and The Wrestler.

It’s clear today’s economy, events, and today’s politics all have equally strong influences on theAmerican culture as a whole. But, it seems, the entertainment industry has done anything but fallen short ofthriving, and providing people with great movies, great music, and great reasons to look forward to the rest

of 2009 and beyond.

The Mane Issue thanks Coca-ColaCoca-Colaof Cullmanof Cullman and It’s My PartyIt’s My Party forproviding soft drinks and decora-tions for Mingle with a Movie onFebruary 11.

Soccer

Honors

Congratulationsto ConnerCappelletti andRoby del Guidicefor signingDivision I soccerscholarships withValparaisoUniversity inIndiana.

Did You Know?Reports from institutions such as UAH and the University of Alabama indi-

cate that students transferring from Wallace State routinely perform at or abovelevels of students who began their college careers at the universities.

According to the latest transfer report from the University of Alabama, theaverage GPA for Wallace State transfer students for all undergraduate hourstaken in courses at the 300-level or above was 2.95 compared with 2.36 fortransfers from all Alabama public two-year colleges and 2.33 for native students.At UAH, Wallace State transfers earned a 3.11 GPA on average, compared to3.08 for all two-year college transfers, and 3.12 for native students.

Approximately 20 percent of Wallace State students continue their educationat a four-year college or university on average each year. Information about spe-cial transfer scholarship opportunities is available in the Wallace State FinancialAid Office.

Student CommentaryPage 6 February 2009

An Account of theInauguration ofPresident Barack ObamaBy Sam Rolley

On January 20, 2009 the inauguration ofPresident Barack Obama offered a portrait of Americathat has been a long time in the making. In 1908 aplay written by an English Jew named Israel Zangwillopened—the play’s title was “The Melting Pot.” Whenthe play opened in Washington, the United Stateswas experiencing the biggest influx of immigrants thatit had yet seen. All of these new citizens wouldbecome Americans, bound by democracy and thepromise of self-improvement. There was perhaps nobetter place to witness Zangwill’s “Melting Pot” thanone hundred one years later at this historic inaugura-tion.

President Obama and his campaign organizerspromised change and instilled hope in the hearts ofmany Americans. He vowed to change the way gov-ernment operates and promoted transparency. Manyregarded these as campaign promises, similar tothose of all politicians—but to at least three millionpeople, these promises represent truth and a greathope for the future of a great nation. This is a countrythat has proved itself time and again—and in attend-ing the inauguration, the very thing that makes theUnited States what it is was visible.

Washington D.C. was ill-equipped to handle themasses that descended upon it on January 20th.While security was extremely tight, crowd control wasnearly impossible. Streets throughout the city were

completely congested with bodies shoulder to shoul-der and nowhere to go. The lines were long andunmoving for hours. Many people, especially thosewho had tickets-as I did- arrived early prepared towait, not realizing the sheer magnitude of what theywould experience that day. As the day continued thecrowds grew infinitely larger until it seemed the cityhad reached a sort of human surface tension. It

looked as if the addition of just one more personwould bring about a breakdown of all existence.

What truly remained amazing as this historicevent unfolded before my eyes was the fact that in allof this confusion, mass mentality never took hold. If aproblem arose in the crowd, spectators became vol-unteers and organizers, looking out for each personas if they had all been friends for life. Strangers of allethnicities and walks of life helped one another findvarious viewing areas and pointed the lost in the rightdirections. In an age that often alludes to the absenceof “the common good of man,” it was truly an amaz-ing sight to see all of these strangers working towarda common goal.

There has been a great deal of media hype sur-rounding the inauguration of our new president.Unfortunately, I have seen nothing on the news thathas related this great event to the people in atten-dance. To understand what it meant to be at the inau-guration and to gain a sense of patriotism from it wasnot really to see ceremonies that took place. Theactual swearing in was of very little importance, it wasthe people that created the greatness of what hap-pened. Regardless of political views and of feelingstoward our new president, it could be argued that itwould be very unpatriotic to deny that this was anevent to chronicle what it means to be an American.The inauguration ensures the peaceful transfer ofpower from one leader to the next—the very spirit ofAmerica is captured as it takes place every fouryears. Presidential inaugurations are one of the few“history in the making” moments that everyday citi-zens are able to witness-- this one was witnessed bymillions.

As the world becomes more unstable with eachpassing day it is a great feeling to know that thiscountry is filled with people capable of workingtogether as Americans always have to better thisgreat nation. No government can provide change,hope, or security—only the people, the individuals, ofa nation can shoulder these burdens. Each man,woman, and child is responsible for a small part ofthe American way of life, a way of life that we as citi-zens of this great country have achieved throughoutthe course of history. Only with time can the successor failure of the presidency be debated but thestrength of American people as a whole is indelible. Iwill be forever grateful to have been in attendance atthis inauguration, not for its historic value, but for theopportunity to witness what makes the United States

of America work—its people.

One interesting piece of Obama Merchandise

Letters to “The Mane Issue”We recieved a great deal of student andinstructor feedback in regards to AldoAmato’s article about Hanceville,Alabama. Here are some of our favorites.

Thumbs Up!

Just wanted to drop a note saying that ILOVED the article Is There Anything To Do InHanceville. Good job Aldo! I completely agree thatthe city needs to do something to appeal to the col-lege kids! Maybe you could speak with SGA to seeif they could sponsor a movie night once a week forthe students who live in Hanceville. Just a sugges-tion. Keep up the good work!

Heather Slade Congo M.A.

Hello Aldo,

Ah... another young soul introduced into thethriving city of Hanceville, AL. Well first of all,Welcome! And second, I would like to say I oncethought with your simple mind as well. Aldo, Imoved here (middle of nowhere AL) five years agofrom Nashville, TN. Why? Because God led mehere to play softball. And I've know been here 4 outof the last 5 years.

What was I thinking you may ask? It's beauti-ful! It's a great and safe place to live! It's a greatschool! And yes, after exploring a little more thanjust the backroads of Hanceville, I found there is somuch more to do than sneak off down the interstateto buy alcohol for parties at College Park. (Like weall don't know what goes on! Give me a break!) Letme challenge you to go out and explore Cullman,Good Hope, Fairview, etc... Go to a different churchevery Sunday and keep your mind open to new peo-ple, theories, and ideas. Research the history ofHanceville and Cullman in the library on the top 2floors.

Do you know how Hanceville was founded? Do you know how Cullman was established? First explore the city and as it says in Romans

12:2 says, "be transformed by the renewing of yourmind".... I also want to challenge you to talk andreally get to know the people who live here and have

moved here and ask them why Cullman County?Personally out of the four states I have lived in andthe countries I have visited, I love Cullman! I amthankful it still is dry! Did you know Aldo thatCullman wasn't always dry? It hosted a StrawberryFestival every year and they made strawberry wine,and we now call it a German Festival.

Once you explore and really develop relation-ships with the local people you will find more to dothan pity of the fact that it is a dry county.

For instance, have you been to Berkely Bob'sCoffeehouse and chatted with Bob? Do you knowhis story? Have you been to Cullman's oldestchurch? Do you know which one it is? Are youinvolved in a church? Did you know Crosshavenhas a college group that meets at 7 every Sundaynight for food, fellowship, and corporate worship?

On Mondays there's worship led by a local col-lege-aged band at 7:30 at the Cullman CountyMuseum! On the 1st and 3rd Mondays every monththere's Open-Mic night at Bob's! On Tuesdaysthere's a bible study at the Student Center! Or theBasement in Birmingham! On Wednesdays there'stons of churches to go to! Just pick one! OnThursdays there's The Pit across from Domino’s forworship led by your local college students fromWallace and Athens State! On Fridays andSaturdays there's movies, dancing, tons of resta-raunts - just pick one! Go to the mall! Or worship atVerse 7 Ministries just 15 minutes away in Haydenoff exit 289! Check them out on myspace!

Do you see Aldo? Transformed by the renew-ing of our mind.... what are you doing here on earthwhile your life is but a vapor, a breath from God?When you die are people going to have to lie at yourfuneral? Or are they going to plead with God toraise you from the dead because you are so neededhere on earth like they did with Dorcas in the bible?

Now is there still nothing to do in Cullman?If you think so - check out the Civic Center, go

workout at a local gym, the new Aquatics center inCullman is opening soon, or join a club! Meet newfriends at Campus Ministries! Volunteer or get a job!

Well it's nice to meet you Aldo! And I pray youwill be transformed by the renewing of your mindand open your heart to the small town feel as many

of us have!Heather Tucker

A Life Less Ordinary

I searched the argument regarding Cullmanbeing "more ordinary" from a debate perspective.The main arguments are "there's nothing to do" and"there's no alcohol." I will counter these points, andthen show what there is to do, then explain whyCullman and Hanceville really are "less ordinary."

I'll take on the alcohol part first. Your demo-graphic was 18-20, in which it's illegal for them todrink to begin with. I'm not going to debate the harm-ful nature of tobacco either. The problems with alco-hol are numerous. More than 1,700 college studentsin the U.S. are killed each year—about 4.65 a day—as a result of alcohol-related injuries, another159,000 of today's first- year college students willdrop out of school next year for alcohol- or otherdrug-related reasons.

So what happens if alcohol is taken out of theequation? One night of heavy drinking can impairyour ability to think abstractly for up to 30 days, limit-ing your ability to think, reason, listen to lectures,take notes, and read. Many of my classes are diffi-cult enough without these handicaps. The averagestudent spends about $900 on alcohol each year. Doyou want to know how much cash he drops onbooks? About $450. Want a better job? By youngadulthood, early alcohol use was associated withemployment problems, other substance abuse, andcriminal and other violent behavior.

What about an essential part of the young col-legian's life, sex? As many as 70% of college stu-dents have had sex when they wouldn't havebecause they were drunk. 90% of all campus rapesoccur when either victim or rapist are drunk.

Bottom line, alcohol can affect your grades,your wallet, your jobs, your life, and even what's inyour pants. Most college students will drink, but mak-ing it harder to get alcohol by keeping it in a neigh-boring country will no doubt decrease its use.Compare Cullman's crime rate to Tuscaloosa's crimerate.

So, what about modernism? Let's compareCullman to Trussville. What's there to do in Trussville?

There's a movie theater, a bowling alley, large shop-ping centers, starbucks, restaurants, and two clubs.

We have a movie theater (but the show timesaren't as frequent as Trussville's - Cullman has nomatinees; on the other hand, Cullman has HD).Cullman has a bowling alley, Cullman has shoppingcenters. The major shop of Trussville's shoppingcenters? Clothes. I'd rather order my clothes online.Cullman doesn't have a Starbucks, but Cullman hasa Moxie Java and another coffee shop in Hanceville.Some restaurant prices are lower here thanTrussville, Cullman has some restaurants they don'thave and vice versa. What about the clubs? Cullmanhas the JC Arena near the school, and concerts areheld at various places around Cullman.

Does Cullman have anything they don't?Cullman has a flea market, Cullman has mom andpop stores, lower gas prices, much better traffic thanTrussville's 5 o’clock nightmare, and Cullman hascountry roads that are great for motorcycle riding. InBirmingham at UAB, people are "clicky," theMountain Brook area especially comes to mind.Wallace has students from many counties, andthough a majority are from Cullman, there isn't reallya "clicky" atmosphere.

We are less ordinary because Cullman isn’t abig city. We're smaller, Cullman has fewer distrac-tions, Cullman has simplicity, and Cullman has bettertraffic. Wallace truly lives up the slogan "a life lessordinary.”

Andrew Hill

Ignite My Bloody Nightlife!

In response to Aldo’s “Is There Anything To DoIn Hanceville,” I encourage people to stay informedwith Ignite Entertainment events on their Facebookgroup and at Myspace.com/igniteyournightlife. Ignitehas drawings every month to win a free VIP room atZen for those that are on their mailing list! Visitwww.BHAMNIGHTLIFE.com to enter. For WSCCstudents, Ignite Entertainment has select free passesto Zen for anyone who is 21+ and promises dis-counted admission to everyone 18+ who gets to theirevents before midnight.

Andre Caldwell

Software A lert:By Andrew Hill

Wake Up NewsI'm a heavy sleeper. I can get up, have a full conversation, eat breakfast, go backto bed, 3 hours later it's noon, and I have no memory of being awake. I needed abetter alarm clock. Enter Wake Up News. You set a time, you pick the sound towake up to (included sound, MP3, or internet radio), and you set your wake upoptions. You can have it display a math problem and require you to enter theanswer or make complex serials and enter them correctly (example:

s96zufbbv#kj%nr=lz). You can also play music with an auto-turn off (fall asleep tomusic), and it will display news and comics. Registering the program costs $15.

How to open Microsoft Word 2007 files in Microsoft Word 2003:If you're having problems with the different versions of office, never fear.Microsoft has released a patch to make Word 2003 and Word 2007 files compati-ble. You can find it at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923505

Microsoft Discounts for Students - $1200 in Savings on max versions of Officeand Windows Vista at http://microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

Page 7 February 2009

The History of Valentine’s DayBy Heather Mortensen

Almost all of us celebrate it, but do any of us really know where Valentine’s Day comes from? Somepeople say that it was invented by the greeting card companies in the 19th century to get cash fromgullible lovers, but it goes so much deeper than that.Esther Howland’s mass produced greeting cards were justa reinvention of the holiday; a revival. Believe it or not,Valentine’s Day dates all the way back to ancient Rome!

Ancient Romans held an archaic rite of fertility onFebruary 13 through 15 called Lupercalia. This festivalprobably honored either Lupa, the she-wolf who suckledRomulus and Remus, or Faunus, the god of fertility. PopeGelasius I, in an effort to Christianize the holiday, abol-ished Lupercalia and replaced it with St. Valentine’s Day.

Supposedly, there were several Valentines canonized,so it is hard to distinguish exactly which one the holidaycelebrates. During the 14th century, the stories of theValentines were merged into an inseparable jumble thatleaves us wondering. However, the popular legend is thatthe St. Valentine of Valentine’s Day fame was a defiantRoman priest who lived during the 3rd century AD duringthe reign of Claudius. Because Claudius was a vicious ruler, he required vast armies of men to leavetheir young lovers to go to war for him, resulting in a military that fought half-heartedly and spent moretime thinking of home than war. To stop this attitude in his troops, he banned marriages altogether.

Father Valentine thought that this simply wasn’t right and defied the emperor by marrying younglovers in secret. However, the emperor caught on to this and had him arrested and sentenced him todeath. It is said that couples that he had wed would visit him in his cell, leaving him flowers and notes astokens of their gratitude.

The romance of this tale continues. Supposedly, Father Valentine fell in love with the jailer’s daugh-ter. On February 14th, the day he was executed, it is said that he slipped a note to his lady love, whichwas signed “from your Valentine.” It is here the tradition of giving Valentines began.

Cupid, a popular image on Valentines the world over, started out as the Roman god of love. He wasalso the inspiration for the image of the Christian cherub, which is how he is most commonly portrayedtoday.

Although our modern Valentine’s Day is removed from its religious and pagan past, it is still one ofthe most celebrated days on the calendar, second only to Christmas. On average, Americans give thegift of 180 million roses and 36 million heart-shaped boxes of candy to their lovers each year, not tomention all the cards, fine dining, and diamonds. The holiday brings happy retailers $14 billion in saleseach year. If that quote sounds a little steep, just remember that the poets probably had it right: love isall you need.

Saying I Love You

Well, there are a lot of reasons that love should be mod-eled on a potato and not a flower such as a rose. I mean,roses only last like a couple weeks and that's if you leavethem in water. They really only exist to be pretty - so that'slike saying: "My love for you is transitionary and based solelyon your appearance."

But a potato! Potatoes last forever! In fact, not only willthey not rot, they actually grow more even if you just leavethem in the sack - that part alone makes it a good symbol -And there's more! There are so many ways to enjoy a potato!You can even make a battery with it! And that's like saying "Ihave many ways in which I show my love for you" Potatoesmay be ugly, but they are still awesome. So tell your love islike a potato, man, and that's like saying: "It doesn't matter atall iwhat you look like, I'll still love you!"

-Author Unknown

Top 10 Hot SportsCouplesBy: Aldo Amato

10) Patriot’s Tom Brady and modelGisele Bundchen

9) Carry Underwood and NHL player Mike Fisher

8) Rapper Trina and Kenyon Martin7) Bayern Munich player Michael

Ballack and Simone Lambe6) Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and

model Alena Seredova5) Former tennis star Anna

Kournikova and singer EnriqueIglesias

4) Softball star Jennie Finch andpitcher Casey Daigle

3) Rapper "Common" and tennisstar Serena Williams

2) Golf star Tiger Woods and ex-model Elin Nordegren

1) Soccer star David Beckham and

his wife Victoria

True Love: 50 Years TogetherBy: Katherine Dorning

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon King, a couple from Susan Moore, Ala. -- andmy own grandparents -- will be celebrating their 50th weddinganniversary this Valentine’s Day. Below is an interview with themsharing their story and secret to staying in love for half a century.

(Q): How did you meet?(A): At the Oneonta fair of 1958.

(Q): Where was your first date?(A): It was at Skyview Drive-In theatre in Oneonta.We went to see a movie there and ate hamburgers while wewatched. That was the thing back then.

(Q): How long were you two together before you got married?(A): We were together for about a year after we met.

(Q): Do you still love each other as much as you did when you firstmarried?(A): Even more than we did in the beginning. It grows through theyears.

(Q): What’s your secret to staying in love for so long?(A): Having the Lord in our life.

(Q): How does it feel to have spent half a century together?(A): It’s wonderful. We’ve had our ups and downs but the good timesoutnumber the hard ones.

(Q): Why did you choose to get married on Valentines Day?(A): It was a special day.

(Q): What’s your favorite thing about being married to each other?\(A): We just can’t live without each other.

(Q): Would you do it again if you could?(A): Definitely. There’s no doubt about it.

Wow! Fifty years together! What a blessing to have someone to loveyou and love in return like that. I don’t know about you but I’d say

that the good Lord has greatly blessed them with such a true love.

Romance on a BudgetBy Tycheria Woods

Valentine’s Day is on the way and with the economy down the toilet; who has the money tospend on gifts for his or her sweetheart? Here are a few tips on having a romantic Valentine’sDay on a budget.• Instead of buying a huge bouquet of red roses, which can cost $12.99 or more plus tax,buy a single rose or a bouquet of several different flowers. • Another idea for Valentine’s is to have a picnic. If the weather outside is too cold or rainy,have a picnic in the living room. Just move a few of the couches, place a blanket on the floor,turn off lights and light a few candles, turn on the best romantic music, cook a nice simple din-ner (such as spaghetti). Do Not Turn On The T.V.!• Wine is a wonderful drink for this romantic day. However, wine can by very expensive. Inaddition, you must be at least 21 years old to buy the wine. Therefore, to substitute for thewine, buy a bottle of Welch’s White Grape Cider or Welcher’s Apple Cider, which can cost$3.50 and it is non-alcoholic, which is also better if you and your sweetheart are under age.(Remember to stay safe.)

Remember that you do not always have to spend a bundle of money and it’s more the

thought that always count.

True Meaning of Flowers on Valentine’s DayBy: Bethany Petty

It is true a single red rose is a beautiful flower given tothe one you love on Valentines Day. But there are othersflowers which your partners will also love such as:

Violets symbolize faithfulness Daisies symbolize innocenceLilacs symbolize first loveTulips symbolize caringBaby’s breath w/ roses symbolizes festivityWhite flowers symbolize purityFreesia symbolizes spiritedHydrangea symbolizes perseveranceJasmine symbolizes grace and eleganceYellow symbolizes zealous

All of these flowers have great meaning but they have agreater meaning when given to someone special. But like allflowers, there are some that aren’t appropriate such as

Lavender symbolizes distrustRhododendron symbolizes bewareZinnia symbolizes thoughts of friends

Myngle Online While Learning a

New LanguageLearn a new language in your bathrobe.

Amersterdam-based Myngle (www.myngle.com)allows you to learn languages from Albanian to Zuluby conversing over the Net live via the online phonesystem Skype with teachers all over the globe. Morethan 2,000 courses are available with instructors inplaces such as Italy, Hong Kong, Brazil and Nepal.The price for a half-hour varies, but is about $10.Myngle takes a cut of what you pay. A brilliant newoption in language-learning and a great addition toyour Wallace State Spanish class.

(Source:National Geographic Traveler, Feb. 2009)

Sports February 2009Page 8

Women EdgeOut Bevill By Bethanny Petty

On Thursday, Jan. 29, our WallaceState Lady Lions went against the BevillState Lady Bears. Unfortunately ourLady Lions didn’t finish with victoryagainst Bevill State in their hometown.Our Wallace State Lady Lions played afierce game to the end as they lost byonly two points.

The halftime score was WallaceState 32 and Bevil State 25 .The finalscore of the game Wallace State LadyLions 50 and Bevil State Lady Bears 52.The highlighting stats of the gamewere: #23 Andrea Crawford with 19points and 11 rebounds#1 CourtneiBowens with 9 points and 12 rebounds,and #55 Courtney Scott with 4 fouls. Atthe end of the game it was announcedby the head coach ,Larry Slater, thatour Lady Lions have won two gamesout of four in the conference.

On Thursday January 5, 2009 ourWallace State Lady Lions playedagainst the Lawson State LadyCougars. The Lady Lions came to thegame that night with heart and dedica-tion as they stepped up to the LadyCougars on their home court. The Lady

Lions had so much dedication they wentinto double over time against Lawson.

The end of the first half score wasLawson 39, Wallace 34. The end of thesecond half score was Lawson 67 andWallace 67, which caused the first overtime. The Lady Lions and LadyCougars managed to tie it up again atthe end of the first overtime, both hav-ing the score of 79. At the end of thesecond overtime the Lady Lions hadearned their second win over the LadyCougars with a final scored of 89-91.

The highlighting stats for the LadyLions were: #1 Courtnei Bowens with22 points and 10 rebounds; #23 AndreaCrawford with 17 points and 5 steals;#55 Courtney Scott with 17 points and

9 rebounds; and #12 Jamie Lack with 9rebounds.

See the Lady Lions in action athome Feb.12, Feb. 23, and Feb. 26.

Lions MaulBearsBy Aldo Amato

It is getting closer to the end of the

regular basketball season for the Lionsand they are rolling along and poisedfor a good seed in the ACCC D1Tournament. Right now, the Lionsare at second seed after surren-dering a pair of loss to Sheltonand one to MMI this February.How about that finish down inBirmingham by Mr. Lone Starhimself Darrick Thomas nailingthe game winner with time expir-ing? Most recently, the Lionscapped off another win here inHanceville against Bevill-Sumiton.The Lions got off to a great startwith rainmaker Jasen Jonus nail-ing a couple of threes. If onlyDick Vitale came to Wallace for agame. He would say, “It’s rainingthree’s baby! Someone get some watercause Jonus is on fire!” Anyway, theLions started to lag on their dominantdefense but still kept the lead for thewhole game. Huntsville native and for-mer Butler High School standout JeffSmith was also a force to be reckoned

with putting up 15 points for the night.But the two players that put the mostwere the “Dwight Howards” of WallaceState--6-foot-6 Brandon Moore and 6-foot-7 Darrick Thomas scoring 17 each.Overall, it was a productive night for theLions. I’m not sure what the halftimeshow was all about but Wally the mas-cot did his thing on the mic. Maybenext time we could see some break

dancing? Coach Sharpe said that theteam needs to improve next time byallowing fewer points (in the 50-pointrange rather than the 70s). But all in all,our Lions are doing just fine and ontrack to be in the NJCCA Tourney afterthey dominate the ACCC D1Tournament.

The Lions play Snead at home Feb.12, Feb. 14, Feb. 23, and Feb. 26.

Wallace State Welcomes MajorLeague Alumni

Coach Randy Putman has helped 27 for-mer players to the major leagues. Five of themost recent additions to the professional ranksreturned to Wallace State for opening day towitness Wallace State’s sweep of Motlow(Tenn.).

Blake Jones, Craig Kimbrel, Jake Elmore,Ryan Keedy, and Graham Godfrey were recog-nized between games of the double header,and were honored afterwards during a recep-tion on the 12th floor of the Bailey Center. J ones was a catcher and power hitter forWallace State from 2000-2002 and a memberof the 2002 World Series team. He now playsfor the Florida Marlins organization.

Keedy, who spent most of his time at firstbase for Wallace State from 2003-2005, is nowwith the Chicago Cubs. His 2005 Wallace StateWorld Series teammate pitcher Godfrey nowplays for the Oakland A’s.

Elmore was a middle infielder for the Lions from 2005-2007, and the Big StickAward winner at the World Series during the Lions 2006 appearance. He nowplays for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Two other players from the 2006 team -

Derek Holland, who is with the Texas Rangers,and Zealous Wheeler with the MilwaukeeBrewers, had already reported for training andwere unable to attend.Kimbrel graduated from Wallace State lastyear after earning a combined 17-3 pitchingrecord in two years, and is now a part of theAtlanta Braves organization. His brother Mattis a freshman on the Wallace State team thisyear, and was the winning pitcher for theLions’ debut game on Saturday.

Wheeler’s brother Brian also plays forWallace State this year.

A complete list of professional playerscoached by Randy Putman is published in thisyear’s baseball media guide, available for saleat the Wallace State concession stand duringeach home game.

The Lions’ next home game will be onFebruary 17, when the team takes onCleveland State at 2 p.m. The Lions followedup Saturday’s sweep of Motlow with a sweep

of Volunteer State on Sunday, and will take a 4-0 record to the Meridian Tourney.

Recent Wallace State players now in the professional ranks visited Wallace State forSaturday’s opening game. L-R: Blake Jones, Craig Kimbrel, Jake Elmore, Ryan Keedy,Graham Godfrey and Coach Randy Putman.

Super Bowl

XLIII By Aldo Amato (A-Dizzle Da Sportsman)

Wow so what a game! From startto finish this year’s Super Bowl wassmoother than the ice cream fromDairy Queen across the highway(you’re welcome for the plug). Thenight started off with Faith Hill’s beauti-ful rendition of “America the Beautiful”.Followed by that, American heroChesley B Sullenburger and the flightcrew of Flight 1549 were introduced tothe crowd and received a standingovation. Following their introductionwas one of the best renditions of theNational Anthem I have ever heardsung by the lovely and beautifulJennifer Hudson. It was extremely

emotional in that this was the first timeshe has performed since the tragicmurders of her family. Afterwards itwas kickoff and “Big Ben” got the partystarted by driving the length of the fieldto score a touchdown (or so itseemed). Thanks to a thing calledCoach’s Challenge, the short TDscamper by Roethlisburger was over-ruled on account of his knee was downon the one-yard line, therefore forcingthe Steelers to kick a field goal. In thesecond quarter things heated up a bitmore. Gary Russell rushed one yardfor a touchdown to put Pittsburgh upby 10. But then Kurt Warner answeredback with a one-yard pass to BenPatrick. Then, just before the halfended, the Cardinals had a chance toeither tie it up at 10 points a piece orgo ahead by four. So on the one-yardline as time expired, Kurt Warner threw

probably the dumbest throw of hiscareer. The ball went right into JamesHarrison’s big hands and the big fellowtook it back 100 yards for a touchdownto put Pittsburgh up 17-7 at halftime.The third quarter was a defensivestruggle only to allow a field goal to putPittsburgh up by 13 points. Just whenit seemed over for the ArizonaCardinals, a glimpse of hope came topass. With about seven minutes to go,Kurt Warner put one in the corner forthe insanely good Larry Fitzgerald tograb down and narrowed the lead tosix points. Then a holding call in theend zone caused a safety, thus nar-rowing the lead to four points. So withless than three minutes left, it seemedimpossible for Kurt Warner to drivedown the field. Not so fast. Just 21seconds after catching a break by

being awarded a safety, Kurt Warner

put one down the center of the fieldand it was off to the races for LarryFitzgerald as Arizona took the lead 23-20. So all “Big Ben” had to do wasdrive down the field and put Pittsburghin field goal position. I’ll tell you what;he did much better than that. He andSantonio Holmes were on fire the finaldrive to bring it down to 35 seconds.Roethlisburger started out scramblingand then put a beauty in the back rightcorner of the end zone to who else butSantonio Holmes to nail to game win-ner and one of the best Super Bowlfinishes in NFL history. As expected,Santonio Holmes took home the MVPtrophy and, get this, BenRoethlisburger played with broken ribsthe whole game.

Super Bowl XLIII Final Score: 27-

23

Darrick Thomas grabs a rebound.

Camika Davis drives down the court.