Eye on OU

Junior Leah Foreman discovered $500 in fines one day for parking between two faded blue lines behind her sorority. Her roommate had one $250 ticket as well. The handicap sign was lying on the ground a few yards away.

A strange movement of men took to the streets on Ohio University’s campus Nov. 9. They were dressed in normal walking attire except for one out-of-place article: high heels.

Politically active Ohio University students were out bright and early Tuesday Nov. 4 to make sure that every last student exercised his or her right to vote in the 2008 election.  

 

Due to the financial downturn, Ohio University has experienced a significant decrease in investment income and a drop in the value of its assets, as well as difficulties with the bonds it issued in 2000 and 2001 -- all of which has led to some budgetary re-thinking.

This is the first year Ohio University has been nominated in PETA's annual Most Vegetarian-Friendly College contest, which shows that the recent addition of vegan and vegetarian menu items has been recognized and appreciated by students.

Ohio University students showed off their singing talents Monday and Tuesday night while raising money for charity by participating in OU’s rendition of the TV show “American Idol.”

Bringing in attractive, 21-year-old celebrities in order to get some hype is never a bad idea. On Oct. 26, Penn Badgley and Shawn Pyfrom visited Ohio University and spoke to students about why they should vote for Barack Obama.

With little doubt that the U.S. economy is now in a recession, the economic repercussions of Wall Street’s ping-ponging values have Ohio University students wondering what may happen to them.

Exorcisms, ghosts and out of body experiences. These are just a few of the supernatural topics discussed by Lorraine Warren and her son-in-law, Tony Spera, at their lecture on the night of Monday Oct. 20 in the Baker Center Ballroom.

A current fascination with "going green" has hit Ohio University. While the university is becoming more environmentally aware, many students, however, are not conscious of small actions they can take to make dorm rooms eco-friendly.

With the omnipresent blue banner of “Change” draped behind him, Sen. Joe Biden, democratic candidate for vice president, rallied a small but enthusiastic crowd of democratic supporters at the Athens County Fairgrounds Wednesday, Oct. 15, promising more jobs and improved health care.

An Ohio University student organization aimed to help African children in need is hosting a 5K Run to Empower on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12 p.m. at Ping Recreation Center.

Recent incidents in Bromley and Dougan Halls have residents questioning the effectiveness of Ohio University's fire alarm system.

The Ohio University Sierra Student Coalition will be hosting their second annual Mountainfest Oct. 2 and 4. Mountainfest is meant to raise awareness about the harms of mountaintop removal, which is a destructive form of coal mining.

Gideon Yago discussed his journalism career while raising awareness about the 2008 presidential campaign Monday, Sept. 29 at Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium. Yago urged the audience to take advantage of what he considers a politically opportune moment to be heard.

Former judge Mitch Crane spoke to members of Greek Life about the risks of hazing to observe National Hazing Prevention Week on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium.

 

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland sang Sen. Barack Obama's praises when he spoke to a crowd of all ages that gathered at Wilhelm Amphitheater behind Scripps Hall Friday, Sept. 19.

On Thursday, March 20, 2008, right as winter quarter's final exams were wrapping up, a bomb threat was called into the Athens County Courthouse around 10 a.m.

While Ohio University students look to the summer as a time to relax, athletes from around the world anticipate something else. The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, is where participants in various sports will test their athletic abilities.

Former Vice President Al Gore spoke to a packed house Sunday, May 1, at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center in Columbus about global warming and what students can do to stop it.

After almost two months of taking its position on Court Street, Chipotle is still highly populated, especially during student feeding hours.

Presidential and vice-presidential candidates from three parties battled for positions on Ohio University’s Student Senate, but only one prevailed.

While some students on Ohio University’s campus were standing on the corners of Court Street begging passers-by to vote for their party, others were waiting in line at the many places set up for them to vote for their favorite candidate.

A new American Municipal Power plant in Meigs County will use Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) beneficially. Researchers at Ohio University have contributed to the investigation of CCP uses.

The concept of sustainability has found a natural home in Athens, Ohio. 'Sustainable' locally owned businesses and organizations seem to be everywhere. But has the idea found its way into the hearts of Ohio University's students? Some at the university think so but still see room for improvement.

"Divided We Fall: Americans in the Aftermath" is a documentary that was shown at the Baker Center Theatre on May 5, presented by the film's creator, Valarie Kaur. A discussion followed on the prejudices that affected Americans after Sept. 11.

Many people have heard the old-time horror stories of the Ridges here in Athens. Not many, however, can recall other secrets that southeast Ohio claims — maybe because one secret is more than a century old.

Many students at Ohio University see spring quarter as a time to celebrate the warm weather and the imminent end of the school year. It is also a time for a slightly different celebration: Relay For Life.

The Ohio University Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program is associated with uniforms, training and planes. Yet while the community service organization Silver Wings is linked to the AFROTC, it has no connection to these traits.

As Greek Week ends, members of Greek organizations are preparing for one last hurrah: Airbands.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics have been mired in controversy since March when violent demonstrations broke out in Tibet. These protests, led by Tibetan Buddhist monks, resulted in numerous injuries and an unconfirmed number of deaths.

Fridays Live, Ohio University's Friday night live sketch-comedy show, is presenting fans and friends with an opportunity to bid on their favorite Fridays Live cast and crew members as they put themselves on the market at the "Get Some Auction" Date Auction.

Looking for an activity for you and Mom before hitting the bars this weekend? The Fashion Associates will hold its Mom’s Weekend Spring Fashion Show and raffle from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 in the Baker University Center Ballroom.

This Saturday, April 26 Jamnesty will be making noise and bringing an end to a day of silence.

Terms such as “shooting” and “college campus” bring to mind the tragic events at Virginia Tech and Northern Illinois University. The Ohio University Stride to Survive 5k Memorial Walk serves to remember the victims, support the universities and inform students.

The feminist movement did not end with women’s suffrage but is still a prominent issue today. As a result, a panel of men and women discussed the issues involving feminism as part of Take Back the Night Week.

A lone voice spoke on North Green Wednesday morning, proclaiming, "Every day is a brand-new day. Do you people know that you're alive?" Students remembered the Virginia Tech tragedy in many ways. Student actors chose to use the stage. 

A gym teacher at Central Primary Elementary School in Logan, Ohio, sent Johnny to the principal’s office during gym class because Johnny and Mark were playing around with their hula hoops, presumably when they were not supposed to be.

Ohio University students living in Bromley Hall received a nasty surprise Wednesday afternoon when a small fire broke out, triggering the sprinkler system to go off and causing widespread water damage.

“Hey, what is this?” joked Ohio Buckeye Blitz Captain Brett Harbage when the first women’s rugby player on the opposing team called for a sub. “This isn’t hockey!”

The brick-paved paths of Athens represent academia to Ohioans, but international students see Ohio University as a colossus of culture. The Ohio Program of Intensive English aims to connect students to the United States linguistically and socially.

Every other Tuesday of each month, an unmistakable rhythm plays here at Ohio University. Undergraduates, graduates and faculty alike gather in the Multicultural Center at Baker University Center to feel the beat of the World Drumming Party.

Young voters are often seen as apathetic, but trends are changing. Ohio University students have been speaking out about the 2008 presidential race.

Living in a college town like Athens, many students have a tough time dealing with their noisy neighbors. Sometimes it’s difficult to figure out where to go or who to call if their rowdiness is getting out of hand.

With Ohio’s primary election tomorrow, the two main political groups on campus are holding their breath to see which candidate their party will be supporting in November.

Whether instilling a pang of fear or a flutter of hope, couples in long-term relationships often look toward marriage as a promising conclusion to their courtship. However, laws in Ohio, and in many other states, propose difficulties for nontraditional marriages.

By 2:15 p.m., the line to see Bill Clinton speak was at least two across and reached from the Athens Community Center to Ponderosa. At 2:20 p.m., it inched forward as everyone filed inside, armed with signs and ready to push their way to the stage.

Claiming fame for his well-endowed man parts and bragging the nickname of “The Hedgehog," Ron Jeremy is best known for his infinite resumé of X-rated films. This past Thursday, however, the pornographic superstar made time to talk with Speakeasy.

When students want the most for their money, they often load their trays with enough food to feed an army. Then they waste enough to feed more than 300 people.

At midnight last Friday, freshman Laura Reineke’s cell phone rang. No, it was not a friend drunk dialing. It was a person directing her to wear "court hearing" clothes. Reineke’s first experience of Ohio University’s 48-Hour Shoot Out had just begun.

For many, the years of creating hand-made valentines are gone, but, on the eve of Valentine's Day, members of various communications organizations were able to break out the markers and glitter-glue and craft inspirational cards for women in need.

The Baker Hot Topic Debate Series continued last Thursday evening with a former lyricist for the Grateful Dead taking on a record industry professional to debate music piracy – a topic all too well known on Ohio University’s campus. 

As college students living in a technology era, they are always on the Internet, but they are more likely stalking Facebook than completing homework. Ohio University researchers examined Facebook’s privacy issues, finding that privacy settings are not enough to keep users safe.

Since our country’s inception, politics have been dominated by white men, both in the voting booth and in political offices. However, in this election, the diversity of the candidates is affecting the diversity of the voting population and inspiring change.

When it comes to life, it is always best to expect the unexpected. Never has that been more pertinent than in the primary elections that have gone on in the past week.

 

Ohio University students will brave the wintry waters to support Special Olympics Ohio's Polar Bear Plunge at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at Strouds Run State Park.

Empowered Woman's Week, sponsored by Empowering Woman of Ohio, Women Acting for Change, the Ohio University Woman's Center, the LGBT Center and various other student organizations on campus, has a full two weeks of events planned.

 

The most famous pothead in America took the stage alongside the most famous narc in America this past Thursday at the Baker University Center Ballroom. They debated the legalization of marijuana in front of a sold-out crowd.

Regardless of the national housing market, finding a house or apartment in Athens can be stressful. For prime housing, students have to start searching and start making payments almost a full year in advance.

To promote Recycle Mania, Ohio University students traded in their day-to-day trends for recyclable looks at the Trash Dance held Feb. 1 in Baker University Center Ballroom. Students took advantage of the theme by turning their trash into fashion statements.

Every Friday until March 7, Ohio University Without Boundaries (OUWB) will be conducting orientation sessions for those interested in learning the basic fundamentals of Second Life.

Having trouble finding a parking spot is the norm on Ohio University's campus because of the many cars but limited parking spaces. Some students simply leave their hot rods and Hondas at home, but those who brave the roadways are in for parking problems.

Dad’s Weekend is a favorite here in Athens. Whether it is the family bonding or the novelty of watching an elder shotgun a beer, Athens looks forward to the paternal arrival each year.

The possibility of a strip club moving into the empty building on the corner of Stimson Avenue and Palmer Street has caused quite a stir in the Athens community, especially among the women of Ohio University.

The Globetrotters dazzled the crowd Wednesday night with jaw-dropping trick shots, elaborate passes and a 77-66 win over the Washington Generals. If it weren't for a group of 32 graduate students, however, Athens may have never gotten to experience the Globetrotters’ wild antics firsthand.

The Rock for the Homeless and Good Works' 6th Annual Walk for the Homeless this weekend provide opportunities to learn and have fun while helping out Good Works, which helps those in poverty.

The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town Jan. 16, and a group of Ohio University students is just as jazzed about coordinating the event as those who will pay to watch the legendary performers clown around on the court.

Everyone has a passion, whether it be sports, careers or community service. Having a passion for reaching out, touching and helping those in need is an infatuation the world needs more of today -- more now than ever before.

With the first Tuesday in November fast approaching and campaigns coming to a close, most Ohio University students will have one thing on their mind on Election Day: finals.

While the month of October is often haunted by witches and goblins, an even more dangerous threat has gained exposure throughout last month as well: breast cancer.

There is only one event that can bring countries from around the world together on friendly terms: the Olympics. This year, the summer Olympic Games will be held in Beijing, China, and Ohio University is celebrating it in a unique way.

Ohio University lost the top party school vote to Wisconsin on RedEye.com. While some seem glad to ditch the reputation, others believe a degree from a party school does not hurt graduates in the job market.

On August 6, Keeling and Associates, an independent consulting firm, conducted an assessment of the Hudson Health Center. The first of its kind in 20 years, this assessment unearthed lingering troubles in the center.

Shively Hall will be experiencing the pains of renovation this time next year. Shively, which was constructed in 1956, will be undergoing a major renovation to both its residence and dining sections during the 2008-2009 academic year.

Most students at Ohio University are technically adults -- that is, 18 years old or older. Having adults in class the same ages as students’ parents, however, has the younger adults questioning whether they feel awkward around their classmates or enthralled by them.

On Oct. 31, a group of costumed partygoers surrounded a semitruck and prevented it from making a delivery. That fateful night in 1974 has been both celebrated and criticized as the birth of the Halloween party on Court Street.

A recent dining hall survey sent out to students suggests the possibility of a new type of meal plan allowing unlimited access to the dining hall during hours of operation. The Dining Services Department administers this survey annually to gather student opinions.

College students often worry about their post-graduation plans, but what if there were a job that needed a leader to help educate kids in underprivileged areas? Such a job does exist, and it’s called Teach For America.

Union job cuts at Ohio University have students wondering how often the campus’s 1,045 toilets and 430 urinals will be cleaned.

It’s a late night. A student is feeling lonely, so he gets on his computer and runs a Google search. He types in one small, four-letter word and gets over 158,000,000 results. Keyword: porn.

Book-burning, name-calling, physical attacks -- author Dan Flynn has experienced it all, and with a book called “Why the Left Hates America: Exposing the Lies That Have Obscured Our Nation’s Greatness,” Flynn expects to be met with some resentment.

Despite the small venue, a large statement was made by a group of students last Friday concerning what they consider to be their student newspaper, The Post.

Sustainability Week began this weekend with the seventh annual Athens Area Sustainability Festival. Presentations and workshops on sustainable living, or environmental responsibility, were the main event. Other events sponsored by Ohio University and the community will continue throughout the week.

More than a million uses for paper exist in a college student’s life: writing essays, mailing mom a note for cash, giving some random guy or girl your number. The new campus organization, emPOWER, hopes college students will soon be wearing paper as well.

A monument has recently been erected outside Voigt Hall. It does not pay tribute to long-forgotten heroes, nor does it commemorate any of Ohio University’s past achievements. Instead, 296 pounds of black coal lie in a heap.

Students for a Democratic Society is starting the year off strong with a protest already planned for Friday, Sept. 28.

Just to clear up all the rumors, all of the amazing descriptions that are floating around about Adams Hall, the new dormitory on South Green, are probably true.

Since the tragedy of Virginia Tech, universities nationwide have revamped their security measures tenfold. Ohio University is no exception.

Six years ago, Ohio University students were sitting in front of middle and high school chalkboards when news broke of the terrorist attacks. Today, chalk was meant to bring those fatal events back into students' hearts and minds.

The Athens High School men's basketball team will hold what it hopes to be the world's largest Simon Says game at 1 p.m. at Peden Stadium on Sept. 15. The team's goal is not only to raise money for their organization, but also to capture a place in the Guinness Book of World Records and give back to the community.

If you've been sensing mutiny in the air, you're not the only one. Since this past September, the McDavis administration has received countless blows to its reputation, leaving students, faculty and staff trapped in a heated debate. Here's our take on Ohio University's top administrators and what they really accomplished during the 2006-2007 school year.

The 2006-2007 school year—how quickly it has all flown by. A slew of unforgettable events have lent their hand in cementing this landmark year into the subconscious of every Ohio University student’s vault of memories. These events—sending one on a rollercoaster ride of emotion—range from the festive, carefree attitude of the Halloween celebration to the sobering realities of the Virginia Tech massacre.

Let Speakeasy take you back to the year that was and all the events that capitalized these past 10 months.

Ohio University is known for its aesthetic value: the beautiful brick buildings, the charm of Uptown, the nature that surrounds us all. Buildings around campus can add character and build traditions. Whether it’s your home away from home or just a place to grab a Chalupa, you know they will always be there. However, the 2006-2007 school year saw the end of some dearly beloved structures as well as the birth of new homes and lively campus centers.

In a town like Athens the students make up almost half of the entire population, needless to say, what happens to students is felt throughout the community.  2006 – 2007 brought students together against major changes and at times divided students over stereotypes and reputation.  While Ohio University welcomed one of it largest freshmen classes ever, it also mourned the loss of friends near and far.  Speakeasy looks at student life on campus and major occasions that happened this past year.

Policy is what defines a university. It’s what makes up the day to day life of a school. It’s also what gets students in trouble. 2007 was a defining year for not only the running of Ohio University, but also for anyone who has ever been “busted.” Chances are you’ve illegally downloaded, drank alcohol or at least been locked out on occasion. If any of these are applicable to you, then the policy changes of 2007 made or broke your year.

The sound of mellow music mixed with a rustling chatter filled the Baker Center Theater 7 p.m. on Tuesday before the Association for Women in Communication-sponsored night of business fashion tips commenced.

How much would it take to reveal your deepest, darkest secret? And, if shared anonymously with the world, how would that secret affect others? This simple relationship is at the heart of Frank Warren's PostSecret project.

International Week kicked off Sunday and ends this Saturday with a street fair. The week’s events promise to be entertaining but also to take a serious look at the Cambodian genocide.

With elections looming, Ohio University’s Student Senate met briefly on Wednesday, May 16.

Two million people were murdered and Dith Pran was almost one of them.

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge took control of Cambodia and sent the millions of native people to labor camps. Pran was one of them. Tuesday night, Pran was at Ohio University lecturing those in the Baker Center Ballroom on the tragedy he lived through.

Ohio University students will vote Thursday regarding the confidence they have in the current McDavis administration, but no direct action will come of Issue One.

VOTE TODAY at stusenate.admsrv.ohio.edu.

Learn more about the Student Senate presidential candidates:
Tim Vonville
Will Klatt
Shane Tilton
Patrick Heery

Although Ohio University has been preparing for a compost system since the opening of the new Baker Center, a recently received grant will allow OU to begin composting by next year.

Ohio University is meant to resemble a microcosm of sorts. Just like the Student Senate is the equivalent of the U.S. Senate located in Washington D.C., President Bush has numerous critics and political pundits castigating his every move, as does our own leader, President McDavis.

Despite the upcoming student senate elections, the environment at this week’s student senate meeting was relatively calm. This week it was the presenters, not the senators, with the most to say.

Contestants lined up early for this year’s production of OU Price is Right, forming a line that wrapped almost completely around the second floor of Baker an hour before the show was even set to start. The show which was put on by The Game Show Appreciation Society here at OU, proved to be a success despite its “smaller than last year” crowd.

Once a year, President and Mrs. McDavis, the Department of Residence Life and Ohio University’s Chapter of Mortar Board come together to honor the residence halls and Greek organizations that earned the highest grade point averages for the school year.

Take Back the Night Week culminated Thursday with a rally meant to empower women, followed by a protest march around campus against sexual assault.

Many students associate the amendment Title IX with equity in athletics, but at last Wednesday's seminar, “Celebrating Equity: 35 Years of Title IX,” the amendment took on a more comprehensive meaning.

It’s fair to say that at times we all wish our lives had a bit more glamour, that our lives were a bit more flamboyant, a bit more . . . fabulous. Face it, you’ve got a pain and United Campus Ministries has the prescription: The Queen Challenge.

Athens’ hottest drag queens and drag kings will be taking to the Union’s stage tonight, May 9. The doors open at 7:30 p.m. and close, oh whenever, darling.

Despite a heated presidential debate occurring just the night before, it was business as usual at Ohio University’s Student Senate meeting May 2.

The first debate among the candidates for the Student Senate presidency took place Tuesday, but not without any hitches.

Ohio University students will get the chance to elect Student Senate members for the 2007-2008 school year on May 17, with the option of selecting candidates from the PULSE party, TOGA party or those running independently.

Ohio University’s Women’s Center has only been open for three months, but it has already established itself as an amazing resource for women on campus by offering excellent programming and opportunities to the community.

New members of the Theta Chi fraternity painted one of the graffiti walls on Richland Avenue during the first week of April. They are now performing community service and other duties in punishment for the image and phrase they painted.

A timeline of any hazy freshman year can be relived in detail with just a few clicks through a Facebook photo album. Friends may laugh at the pictures of the night Stacy tried to make out with Homer, the resident beagle, but potential employers are not likely to be as impressed.

College: the time when hours are dedicated toward a degree that will transform a student into an adult, ready for the “real world.” But how many will know what to do with that first paycheck? Handle credit cards? Make investments?

Several important events transpired at the April 25 Student Senate meeting, the most important being the passing of a resolution that could give students a vote on the Board of Trustees.

Ohio University will soon enforce a new policy regarding peer-to-peer, or P2P, file sharing and that may mean more than you think.

People took their seats, rolls were called and things got underway one minute early at Tuesday night’s Student Senate meeting. This week’s assembly involved heated debate, heartfelt condolence and tabled issues that will likely rear their complicated heads in the future.

Athens will get a spring cleaning Saturday morning, when over 200 student volunteers and more than fifteen student organizations participate in the second annual Athens Beautification Day.

The disaster that happened this week at Virginia Tech has affected our own campus as we mourned for their losses at the vigil that took place Wednesday night.

View our Virginia Tech Slideshow, photographed by Dustin Franz and Shaena Mallet

Renovation of Alden Library has been in the works since 2005. However, it is now amidst a controversial budget deficit in a post-Baker Center world that the renovation stage will officially begin.

President McDavis and several other administrators spoke to a crowd of students, faculty and community members Tuesday afternoon about the university’s budget at a University Town Hall meeting.

A group of sharply dressed people known as the Ohio University Student Senate gathered April 11 for its weekly meeting. The meeting was like a good class — short and to the point.

Don’t smell the food. Don’t wear flip-flops. And most importantly don’t forget the toilet paper. These tips could be heard at the International Studies Majors Association’s etiquette dinner in Baker Center on April 11, along with other authentic advice.

The debate over Iraq is reaching a fevered pitch. Enmeshed in the calamity is Mike Shiley, director of the documentary, “Inside Iraq: The Untold Stories.” UPC hosted an event in which Shiley spoke about his time spent in this controversial nation.

This summer, the Task Force on the Calendar and System will recommend either a switch to a semester system or a continuation of Ohio University’s quarter setup. With the committee’s decision approaching rapidly, students and faculty have begun taking sides.

Questions of religion, tolerance and the existence of god are all being discussed this week at Ohio University as it plays host to the Veritas Forum.

The government process always takes forever so I was not surprised when the Apr. 4 meeting of the Ohio University Student Senate ran much longer then I had expected. What was surprising was the long agenda they had for just the first meeting of the quarter.

Ohio University is taking serious action against accusations of plagiarism and the newest weapon in the war on cheating is a Web site designed to quickly identify unoriginal work. However, with plagiarism, there are no clear answers.

The arrival of spring means more than Easter, warm weather and sunbathers littering every inch of the lawn. It’s also tax season, and many students don’t know the first thing about this pesky bit of business.

Large snowflakes fell silently on College Green, but even they could not chill the fiery emotions emanating from the group of protesters huddled around the Civil War monument last Friday.

A t-shirt is ordinarily just a few pieces of cotton sewn together that is worn after waking up fifteen minutes before the start of an 8 a.m. class.  However, at Friday’s Town Hall meeting a t-shirt represented much more.

There are the costs of war that most people don't know about.  These are the ones that groups like InterAct, the Appalachian Peace and Justice Network and People for Peace and Justice would like everyone to be familiar with.