The event, put on by Student Senate, was done March 4 in the Baker University Center third floor atrium. The event started earlier in the day as members of Student Senate passed out stickers that said whether a person was gay or supported gay rights. People were invited to come back to Baker later that night to discuss the stickers and, more importantly, the overall atmosphere of the LGBT scene at OU.

Kate Steven, vice commissioner on Student Senate for LGBT affairs, facilitated the event. Steven says that she, along with the Student Senate LGBT Commissioner Devon Turchan, thought that it would be “a good start-off for everybody to get excited for pride week [during] spring quarter.”

“We just wanted to do an event that would be inclusive to everybody to talk about the LGBT community in Athens,” Steven said.

At the start of the discussion portion, Steven asked what people have  heard about the LBGT community, remarking that she is very involved in OU’s LGBT community. Students’ reactions were mixed to Stevens opening question. One student remarked that places such as the LGBT Center were “safe zones” for people who are gay or lesbian to be themselves. However, another student said that is difficult to go into the center because people do not want to be negatively stigmatized as gay or lesbian. One student who was visiting from a satellite campus of the Ohio State University remarked that the Athens area was “very open” to the LGBT community on campus. During the conversation, Steven asked the audience if the LGBT Center was well known on a campus. One student remarked that in certain places the LGBT center “is the norm,” but stressed not wanting any negative stigmas associated with it.

Steven asked the audience whether or not there were any negative incidents that anyone from audience had experienced as a LGBT student. A few people in the audience commented on the idea that since Athens is in such a small town, most people are not used to people being so open about their sexuality. One student remarked that it “a culture shock, but it is a good thing.” Another student said that while OU is pretty accepting about the LGBT scene, Athens has a “flip side” to it when it comes to the LGBT community.

In the final part of the conversation, Steven asked students what they would like to see more of from the LGBT community. Many students commented on the success of LGBT informational programs such as the Speak-Out program and Safe Zone training to promote the idea of allies for LGBT issues.

—

Two young entrepreneurs pursue profitability with a new Web site being tested in Athens that plans to provide restaurants with closer communication with their clientele. The Web site, eatcollege.com, hopes to give local students an online restaurant guide complete with the ability to order food from any local food delivery business.

Eatcollege.com is the work of Anthony Fountas, an ex-accounting major from DePaul University, and Jehad Bittar, an ex-finance major from Indiana university. The two long-time friends came up with the idea at the beginning of last May after Fountas visited a concert produced by Bittar. As the two drove home to Chicago, they discussed the idea and immediately began researching it with their cell phones. By the end of May, they began contacting developers to make their business into something more tangible.

By the middle of last July, the entrepreneurs had signed a contract with a Web site developer, and by February, the site was ready for testing. Recently, the two saw their own logo for the first time. “Seeing the results of your hard work is very fulfilling, very cool,” Bittar said.

Eatcollege’s test site can be accessed here. The final launch has not been scheduled yet. They are still working out all the bugs inherent in starting a new Web site.

Fountas and Bittar chose Athens because of its small town feel, large student population and diverse food community. Their friend, senior Mike Hopkinson, gave them the idea to start here. After looking at other campuses, they decided starting the site at Ohio University. The compact nature of the town allows for better word-of-mouth communication and gives the Web site starters a more conducive audience to practice their business sales.

The small town mindset also allows the entrepreneurs to approach businesses that have not been bombarded with sales and to converse with local business owners without getting booted out the door. “It’s a totally different mindset here,” Bittar said. “I love this place.”

So far, out of the 60 restaurants they hope to contact, 10 restaurants, such as Mistretta’s, the Pita Pit, Papa John’s, Salaam and the Star of India, have agreed to be included on the site. The type of restaurants include everything from local bars to pizza joints. They do not plan on signing restaurants out of Athens for now.

If everything goes as planned, they hope to expand their business to a larger market. The best situation for them would be to expand the Web site to cover every college campus nationwide.

Since last May, the two have been working around the clock. After arriving in Athens in October, they have been putting in 80- to 90-hour weeks legalizing the start of their business, working with the developer and selling local restaurants on their idea. They are able to pursue so aggressively because of their young age and the lack of having to raise a family. It also does not hurt to have a set of supportive entrepreneurial parents.

Fountas’s parents have been the best resource of experience and support for the two young guys. They have also been their best critics. “One time, we were complaining about some of our headaches to Anthony’s dad. He just looked at us and said, ‘guys, I wish I had your problems.’ That really put things into perspective,” Bittar said.

Even with such support and help, the business has not and will not make money for the two until the Web site actually goes online. Also, their general idea has been tried before by another Web site, campusmenus.com.

Campusmenus.com started in 2004. It currently features 16 universities, including OU.

Even with the competition, local business owners support the young entrepreneurs. Bill Clancy, owner of Mistretta’s, says the idea sounds good. “I was anxious to be on board with them.,” Clancy said. That feeling is mutual. The only way Fountas and Bittar can succeed is if they help Athens’s local restaurants through eatcollege.com.

The two also help through their stomachs.

“We love food,” Bittar said. It only makes sense.

—

In the spirit of this optimism, let us run down the reasons to believe that every squad has a chance. The fatal flaw of each is provided for the pessimists, and the odds that they can reach the ultimate goal of the NCAA Tournament is given for the gamblers.

1. Kent State

Why they’ll win: Overall talent and balanced scoring. Justin Greene (14.1), Chris Singletary (11.8), Rodriguez Sherman (10.5), and Tyree Evans (10.4) all average over 10 points per game. Kent State answered each challenge to its conference supremacy during the regular season, beating both Buffalo and Akron by more than 15 points. If the team is playing at its top level, no one will derail the Flashes’ run for a second MAC Title in three years.

Why they won’t: Chemistry issues. Though this year’s team has stayed unified, it bears mentioning that Kent State was regarded as the top team in the conference last season before underwhelming in conference play and flaming out in the tournament quarterfinals thanks to a lack of chemistry. Perhaps the only thing that can stop the Golden Flashes this season is egotism rearing its ugly head again.

Odds: 1.5-1

2. Central Michigan

Why they’ll win: Jordan Blitzer and Robbie Harmon. The backcourt duo averages an identical 14.8 points a game while divvying up the rest of the stat line: Blitzer provides the rebounds at an even 5 per game and Harmon supplies the assists with 2.9 a game. Both shoot over 40 percent from behind the arc (Harmon at 43 and Blitzer at 40), and for the Chippewas to have a chance at the title, they need both guards to be hitting consistently from deep.

Why they won’t: The MAC West. For a few years now, the power in the conference has come from the East – no team from the West has won the conference since 2004 – and this year is no different. Central is the only team in the top five from the West Division, and though they faced a tough battle to win it, CMU lacked steady challenges from their half of the MAC. While Kent State and Akron were battle-hardened from tough match-ups nearly every game, the Chips were softened up with contests against bottom-feeding Northern Illinois and Toledo.

Odds: 10-1

3. Akron

Why they’ll win: Defending MAC champs. Being the defending champions gives the Zips a positive shot of confidence in March. They know what it takes to survive the pressure of having to win three games in three days, and that gives them a leg up on all of the other major competitors. Much like its bitter rival Kent State, Akron relies on balanced scoring to keep opponents off balance. Five Zips average more than 8 points per game, with two more contributing 7 or more points per game.

Why they won’t: Lack of momentum. Though they have won seven of their last nine, most of them were ugly. A head-scratching loss at home to Eastern Michigan coupled with the necessity of overtime to take out Ball State and Ohio – neither of whom figure to factor in the challenge for the title – show a team that is fading.

Odds: 3.5-1

4. Miami

Why they’ll win: Out-of-conference schedule. Miami is traditionally the MAC program that challenges itself the most in out-of-conference play, and it did not disappoint this year. The experience of playing at No. 3 Kentucky, No. 8 New Mexico and No. 20 Temple provided the RedHawks with seasoning that no one else in the conference can match. The duo of Kenny Hayes and Julian Mavunga spearhead a potent interior-exterior attack.

Why they won’t: Lack of a big win. While they went out and challenged themselves early in the season, they did not achieve the upset victory that they craved. Their high seed in conference is a result of beating up on the league bottom-feeders, not from consistently beating the contenders. The RedHawks have lost four straight conference games, all to MAC East teams – the superior half of the league. It is hard to believe that a team that has yet to attain a marquee win can get three in one weekend.

Odds: 6-1

5. Buffalo

Why they’ll win: Rodney Pierce. The senior guard made a late push for MAC Player of the Year and figures to be gunning for his first chance in the NCAA Tournament. The second leading scorer in the conference at 19.2 per game has been instrumental in the Bulls’ recent run of six victories out of seven games. The heart and soul of the Bulls will have to replicate the heroics of Saturday’s win over Ohio – where he hit the game-winning 3-pointer before stealing the inbound pass to clinch it – if he wants to go dancing next week.

Why they won’t: The haunting of recent disappointments. Buffalo has never made it to the NCAA Tournament, but it is not for lack of close calls. In 2005, the Bulls threw away a 19-point second-half lead against Ohio in the conference final before succumbing to a buzzer-beating tip-in by Bobcat freshman Leon Williams in overtime. Last year, Buffalo was the favorite to beat Akron in the school’s second conference final. However, the Zips jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Unless the Bulls forget about these letdowns, 2010 will be added to this list.

Odds: 3-1

6. Eastern Michigan

Why they’ll win: Frontcourt play. Athletically gifted Brandon Bowdry has rebounded from a broken foot that cost him his sophomore season to become one of the premier interior players in the conference. He is currently two-tenths of a rebound per game shy of averaging a double-double. Bowdry and fellow big man Justin Dobbins create mismatches for every opponent in a conference that is currently lacking in elite forwards and centers.

Why they won’t: 3-point shooting. Eastern ranks 11th out of 12th in the MAC from beyond the perimeter, which causes defenses to collapse inside and clog up the paint. Senior guard Carlos Medlock has been a reliable scorer for the Eagles, but most of his points have come from driving the lane. 3-point shooting keeps underdogs in the game against higher seeds, but unfortunately for EMU, they have none of it.

Odds: 15-1

7. Western Michigan

Why they’ll win: David Kool. His storied college career will come to an end in Cleveland barring a surprising championship run. If there is one current player that no one wants to bet against, it is Kool. The former MAC Freshman of the Year and Conference First-Teamer leads the league in scoring at 21.1 per game and, like Pierce, hopes to end his career with his first NCAA Tournament appearance. The appropriately named guard has been terrorizing teams in the clutch for four seasons. Expect a bit more Kool magic over the next week.

Why they won’t: Lack of a supporting cast. Martell McLemore and Flenard Whitfield are solid role players when Kool is playing at the top of his game. When teams take him away and make the rest of the players beat them, however – like the two pivotal seeding games against Ohio and Central Michigan – the Broncos lose. In a single elimination tournament, teams will be doing everything they can to take away Kool. The chance that he will end his WMU career on a high note rests not with him but with McLemore and Whitfield.

Odds: 12-1

8. Ball State

Why they’ll win: Defense. The Cardinals lead the conference in points against at an impressive 61.6 per contest. The stingy defense keeps the scores down and allows Ball State to hang around with nearly every team that it plays. Putting themselves in a position to win is all that can be asked of underdogs seeded this low. BSU has knocked off Miami and Buffalo and is an intriguing dark horse pick if it can achieve some momentum in the early rounds.

Why they won’t: Offense. The downside to teams that pride themselves on defense is that, more often than not, they use it as a necessity because of their inability to score. Ball State fits the mold, as it lacks the firepower to challenge the top seeds. Sans Toledo, the Cardinals are dead last in the MAC in scoring per game. Defense can only get a team so far, as evidenced by the 30-plus point beating they took at Kent State and their current three-game losing streak.

Odds: 28-1

9. Ohio

Why they’ll win: Guard play. D.J. Cooper, Armon Bassett and swingman Tommy Freeman pace a high-scoring attack that leads the conference in points per game. Cooper is the definition of stat stuffer, averaging over 13 points, five assists and five rebounds a game while also coming in at fifth in the nation in steals (2.6 per game). Bassett started out slowly during his transition into the conference, but he has been on a recent tear and leads the Bobcats in scoring (15.1 ppg). Freeman is ranked 23rd in the country in 3-point percentage at 46.1.

Why they won’t: Close games. Ohio is 3-8 in games decided by 5 points or less. During the high pressure conference tournament, games will only get tighter. Subtract Freeman’s late heroics in the recent victory over Miami, and Ohio has been the master of the late collapse this season. Two of the games that they threw away – Ball State and Kent State – may be their first two tournament games, so there will be an opportunity to make amends.

Odds: 20-1

10. Bowling Green

Why they’ll win: Ability to rise to the challenge. Though the sub-.500 conference record may not reflect it, the Falcons gave every title challenger a tight contest and even beat Kent State early in MAC play. Upsets are predicated on the ability to hang around and make the favorites nervous, and BGSU has proven that they can do that.

Why they won’t: Inability to finish. Aside from the Kent State game, all of the aforementioned close games that the Falcons forced ended in losses. Balanced scoring (five players average over 8 points per game) means that Bowling Green lacks a go-to scorer in crunch time. This squad will make things interesting in the tournament, but unless one of its many role players steps up in the clutch, the season will end early with another close loss.

Odds: 40-1

11. Northern Illinois

Why they’ll win: Xavier Silas and Darion (Jake) Anderson. Much like CMU’s Harmon and Blizter, these two score in bunches while dividing up the remainder of the stat line. Silas rebounds while Anderson provides, and any hope for a Husky upset is predicated on this duo having a spectacular performance.

Why they won’t: The MAC East. NIU was 0-6 against the Eastern Division, including a double-digit loss to Akron, its potential second-round match-up. If the team can survive the showdown against Eastern Michigan – whom it played toughly in two regular season games, even winning one – it will more than likely face only Eastern squads the rest of the tournament. An early exit from the Huskies seems all but assured.

Odds: 45-1

12. Toledo

Why they’ll win: Swine flu. The only reasonable way that the 1-15 Rockets will be cutting down the nets is if every other team in the MAC contracts the highly-publicized global pandemic.

Why they won’t: Everything. The Rockets cannot score and they cannot stop teams from scoring. They are bottom in the conference in scoring by more than 6 points per game, averaging a paltry 54.2 points per game. Toledo fans should not book their hotel stays for more than one night.

Odds: 500-1

—

Kenneth van Kempen and his Ohio Bobcat teammates enjoyed a victory in their final regular season game and KVK’s last home contest, defeating the Bowling Green Falcons 82-60 in front of the 6,792 fans who filled the Convocation Center on Senior Night.

KVK, the lone senior on this season’s Bobcat squad, helped lead his team to victory in their last game before the start of the Mid-American Conference Tournament, which starts this weekend.

Ohio (17-14, 7-9 MAC) lost its meeting with Bowling Green earlier in the season and had dropped its last four match-ups against the Falcons (14-15, 6-10). Following a devastating 3-point loss at the hands of Buffalo last Saturday, the Bobcats were in dire need of a good all-around effort. Luckily, they came away with a 22-point blowout win that was not even as close as the score suggests.

Junior guard Armon Bassett led Ohio in scoring with 17 points, along with some help from fellow juniors Tommy Freeman (15 points, 5-9 3FG) and DeVaughn Washington (14 points). In fact, all 10 Bobcat players that saw the floor ended up scoring. The Falcons were led by forward Scott Thomas (17 points, nine boards) and guard Luke Kraus (16 points off the bench) in the loss.

But it was a freshman that gave BGSU the most trouble over the course of the evening. Point guard D.J. Cooper channeled his inner Magic Johnson, completely controlling the tempo of the game and picking apart the Falcon’s defense at will. He pulled off an unconventional double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds and dishing out 11 assists. He even flirted with a quadruple-double, pitching in 6 points and seven steals, as well. Bowling Green seemed to have zero chance of containing him, and once his Bobcat teammates started hitting shots, the Falcons never had a prayer.

“Good guards can find ways to impact the game without scoring a ton of points,” head coach John Groce said. “He found ways through rebounding, through getting deflections, steals (and) passing to make our team better.”

Cooper also set the Ohio Bobcats’ single-season school record for steals (85) during the game, something Groce credits to the young guard’s relentless focus on the defensive end. The Bobcats also set a team single-season record, hitting 230 3-point field goals over the course of the year.

The game’s final result, however, was in no way indicative of how it started. Both teams opened the contest ice-cold from the field, combining to score only 18 points in the game’s first 12 minutes. Fortunately for Ohio, the Bobcats were able to recover, finishing the game shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. The Falcons (40 percent FG’s, 25 percent 3FG’s) were not as fortunate. From about the 3-minute mark of the first half, Ohio shot 65 percent from the floor and a whopping 72 percent on 3-pointers. The team’s hot streak in the half’s final minutes was sparked by a couple 3-point bombs by Freeman, and two Sportscenter-esque alley-oops by Washington, courtesy of Freeman and Bassett.

“I wish I could jump like that,” Groce said of Washington’s dunks.

But in the end, this one belonged to the man they call KVK. The senior center was honored prior to the game’s start, receiving a framed jersey and picture, escorted by his parents and his brother. He was also surprised by a playing of the Dutch National Anthem (KVK is originally from Weert, Netherlands) as the O-Zone waved miniature Dutch flags in the air.

KVK went on to have a solid game, scoring 8 points and grabbing eight rebounds before fouling out with 4:13 remaining in the second half. He walked off the floor of the Convo for the last time to a standing ovation from the crowd and rousing cheers of “K-V-K” from the student section. The Bobcat’s big man also put his own name in the record book, becoming the school’s all-time leader in games played. His total currently stands at 128. With everything that took place, KVK was understandably touched when it all came to an end.

“It was emotional for me,” KVK said. “The crowd was fantastic … The way the team played today, I really appreciate that.”

KVK was especially happy that his family could be there with him and was extremely touched by the playing of his home country’s National Anthem. But he knows one of the things he will miss the most will be those faithful Bobcat fans.

“I had a great career here,” he said. “The crowd and the fans…I really appreciate what they’ve done for me.”

Groce had only good things to say about his only senior after the game.

“All he cares about is winning,” Groce said. “That is an unbelievable feeling as a coach when you (have) a guy like that.”

And while Groce had many beaming comments about KVK’s effort and improvement on the basketball court, he was even more proud of his accomplishments off the floor.

“When I tell you I don’t have to worry about him at all, I’m talking zero (worries),” Groce said. “He’s a double major … represents our program off the court at the highest level, and epitomizes the term ‘student-athlete’ … It’s for all those things that I’m proud of him.”

With the win over Bowling Green, Ohio secured the number nine spot in the MAC Tournament and will travel to Muncie, Ind., today for a match-up with Ball State University at 2 p.m.

“I’m excited for these guys,” Groce said afterward. “We’re playing some pretty good basketball right now.”

—

Harper, a seasoned veteran of the music industry, is also involved in a number of environmental campaigns, including water and ocean preservation groups Surfrider Foundations and Living Lands & Water. His newest band, Relentless7, will join him for a night of “half rock tour, half environmental campaign,” according to the tour’s Web site.

Since its debut album last May, Relentless7 has been garnering favorable attention from fans and critics alike. The group’s music is a slight departure from Harper’s previous work, incorporating raw, aggressive elements. True to form, however, Harper’s signature thoughtful lyrics and unremitting passion drive the band’s sound.

Relentless7 will be accompanied by Reverb, an organization that aims to motivate music fans to be more environmentally conscious through art projects and carbon neutral greening services. The organization is based out of Portland, Ore., and is headed by Guster frontman Adam Gardner and his wife Lauren Sullivan. Founded in 2004, Reverb has held over 80 concerts and works with different businesses to create environmentally friendly music industry resources. Reverb has worked with a wide variety of musicians, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phish, Ray LaMontagne, Andrew Bird, Norah Jones, Linkin Park and Blue Man Group.

Reverb began Campus Consciousness Tours, or CCT, in 2006, bringing artists and environmentalism to various colleges. Reverb’s school media and community outreach coordinator Amy Makowiecki feels colleges are good way to spread “green” lifestyles and reach music fans. “We have several exciting opportunities for students to plug into what we’re doing on campus,” Makowiecki said. “We will construct our Eco-Villages inside the venue, where students can get connected with national, non-profit partners as well as their local student environmental organizations.”

Eco-Villages are centers where fans can learn more about practicing environmental issues, and they also provide giveaways and various incentives for students. Past Eco-Villages have included meet-and-greets, signed guitar giveaways and bicycles. When CCT hits Ohio University, it will be joined by non-profit environmental groups HeadCount and Sierra Student Coalition.

The colleges themselves usually approach the organization for these efforts. “Students are enthusiastic and eager to learn more about what they can do to influence positive environmental change,” Makowiecki said.

“We’re (looking) for 17 volunteers to help us raise environmental awareness and spread the eco-goodness at the Ben Harper and Relentless7 concert,” Makowiecki said. “In return, you’ll receive a free general admission pass to the concert, a sweet volunteer T-shirt and our eternal gratitude.”

Members of both Reverb and Harper’s crew will set up the events. The greening process includes preparing Eco-Villages, recycling centers and biodegradable catering stations.

Reverb will hold activities the day of the show where students can participate in eco-trivia and connect with their partners.

Through Reverb, different artists are able to “lend their name and popularity to influence real change within the music industry and beyond it,” Makowiecki said. “Their actions matter to their fans – they want to set a good example.”

Hip-hop artist Drake will also headline a simultaneous tour. He will appear at Penn State, Michigan State and West Virginia University, among others.

Tickets for Ben Harper and Relentless7 are on sale now. Students interested in volunteering for Reverb can sign-up at www.CampusConsciousness.org.

—

Participants gathered at College Gate at 10:30 a.m. to begin the one-mile march down Court Street. Layers upon layers were wrapped around each participant not only because of the 20 degree weather but because they were anticipating stripping the clothes from their bodies to donate before they made their way to Broney’s Alumni Grill (the final destination of the race).

Bare on the Bricks is the Athen’s version of the classic “nearly naked mile,” a new-age way for young people to benefit their community and have fun at the same time. Stripping down to a bare minimum of a bathing suit or undergarments, participants donate the clothes they take off and run a distance.

Sarah Kelly, philanthropy chair for the Student Alumni Board, explained that the desire to hold a “nearly naked mile” in Athens was based on the success other universities have had putting on similar events. “I realize the importance of giving back to the community,” Kelly said. “I hope this event displays that you can do this in a fun way!” And from the impressive turnout of the event, the event did just that.

Through the collaboration of OU’s Student Alumni Board and Alpha Epsilon Pi, much of Greek life on campus got involved in the event. Members of Greek life could participate in the event to benefit their fraternity or sorority, along with helping out Athens and Haiti. Sophomore Melissa Villanueva participated in the event for these reasons and was informed of the event through her sorority.

Although the weather was cold and snow was still on the ground from the night before, the male and female students participating were not afraid to (nearly) bare it all to benefit their community.

—

The unexplained murder causes Mary (Nicole Serrat) and Charlie (David Cappa) to begin developing a closer relationship. Photo by Jackie Bon.

The Lost Flamingo Company presents “Stranger in Skitter Creek,” a murder mystery written by an Ohio University Alumnus set in a quaint American city – a locale dauntingly similar to Athens.  The shows begin March 5th and 6th in Mitchell Auditorium at 8:00 p.m.

The play takes place in a small town, where the murder of a young woman creates disillusionment and strong suspicion within the community. Later, secrets begin to spill.  “The play introduces a mysterious aspect, of a stranger seen in the town. No one knows who the stranger is or what their connection is to the deaths,” said Devin Devor, the director of this LFC production.

“It’s a nice change from the standard play. There are no focal characters, and it does not feature a lead or leading lady,” Devor said. “You get to know multiple personalities; it gives the play a truly small town atmosphere.”  The small town feel also is perpetuated through the play’s setting in the town’s square. The setting functions as the unifying element of conversation and gossip within the town as well as a “diversion from the conventional living room set.”

The performance is also a contemporary piece. “There are a few scenes where characters have conversations on cell phones,” Andy Drummond, the assistant director, said. Although the play takes place in a picturesque small town, “it’s definitely not a period piece.”

Doug Devor, an Ohio University alumnus and former member of the Lost Flamingo Company, wrote “Stranger in Skitter Creek.”  Devin Devor, his brother and member of the LFC executive board, stepped up to the position of director in order to help make his brother’s script a reality on the stage. Doug Devor has also devoted time to make his script his success, stepping in recently to observe rehearsal and smooth out the final bumps of the production.

The Lost Flamingo Company continues to allow many talented performers achieve a beginning outlet onto the stage and into additional theater involvement. “Stranger in Skitter Creek” provides many freshmen students their first opportunity to perform at a college level. “Getting new people involved has been the most enjoyable aspect of directing,” Devin Devor said.

The play will be performed March 5th and 6th in Mitchell Auditorium in Siegfried Hall at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets at the door cost $3.

—

The Oscars, also known as the Academy Awards, stirred up buzz earlier this year by announcing an expansion in the Best Picture category. Instead of five nominees they doubled it to ten, spurring cheerful exclamations from fans of popular but deemed un-Oscar-worthy movies such as “Star Trek” and “District 9” along with sneers and snickers from others who felt such “popcorn” movies did not deserve a spot next to films such as early contender “Precious” or “The Hurt Locker.”

Another problem arose with the scramble to find suitable hosts. The charismatic Hugh Jackman increased viewership last year with his easy-going humor and musical bits but declined the offer to host a second time. Eventually, comedians Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin took the gig.

The Oscars are typically the end of the awards season, so if a movie and/or director wins at the Screen Actors Guild Awards or Golden Globes, then they are likely – although not certain – to take home the same honor at the Oscars. Based on previous wins and general media buzz, the frontrunners for the main categories include:

BEST PICTURE: “Avatar,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Precious,” “Up,” “The Blind Side,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “An Education,” “A Serious Man,” “District 9,” and “Up in the Air.”

FRONTRUNNER: “The Hurt Locker”

After losing to “Avatar” at the Golden Globes, the tense drama about a bomb-defusing squad of soldiers in Iraq earned Director Kathryn Bigelow a Directors Guild of America Award. Doing so put Bigelow’s film in the front of the race not just because of the prestigious honor but also because she is the first woman to have ever won the award. “The Hurt Locker” has also won a handful of other smaller awards, including top prizes for critics associations in New York, Washington D.C. and L.A.

LONG-SHOT: “The Blind Side”

A surprise to people who were not expecting the emotional Nelson Mandela flick “Invictus” to be kept out of the running, “Blind Side” is a long-shot due in part to its own commercial success. It is just the type of movie that the Academy seems to want to keep out of the Best Picture category. Though Sandra Bullock has received more than enough of her share of praise for her performance, the orphaned-kid-becomes-a-football-star family film has little else going for it, especially without the aid of a superb script or blue-people special effects.

BEST ACTOR: Jeff Bridges, George Clooney, Colin Firth, Morgan Freeman and Jeremy Renner

FRONTRUNNER: Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”

Long described as one of the best actors out there, Jeff Bridges has been nominated for an Oscar four times. His fifth, for his portrayal of washed-up, alcoholic, ready-to-give-up country singer Bad Blake in the drama “Crazy Heart” might just be his first win. It was assumed the category would go to George Clooney after rave reviews of his role in “Up in the Air,” yet it was Bridges who snagged Best Actor not only at the Golden Globes, but at the Screen Actors Guild and nearly every other critics association.

LONG-SHOT: Jeremy Renner, “The Hurt Locker”

Even though “The Hurt Locker” is supposedly one of the best movies of all time, Renner is an unknown without much Academy experience under his belt. He looks like a small college freshman up against graduate students when compared to Morgan Freeman and George Clooney.

BEST ACTRESS: Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Sandra Bullock, Carey Mulligan and Gabourey Sidibe

FORERUNNER: Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”

“The Blind Side” was not necessarily met with excellent, top-of-the-chart reviews, but the Sandra Bullock-driven, based-on-a-real-story flick passed the $200 million mark near the end of its theater run in January. Bullock’s portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy – the matriarch of a rich, white family in Tennessee who adopts future Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Michael Oher – turned the heads of critics and awards panel judges everywhere. It earned Bullock a Best Actress awards at the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice, Screen Actors Guild and People’s Choice associations.

LONG-SHOT: Carey Mulligan, “An Education”

Mulligan has been dubbed the next “it” girl by everyone from “Vanity Fair” magazine to boyfriend and co-star in the upcoming “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps” Shia LaBeouf. The young, English actress suffers from the same shortcomings as Jeremy Renner – a lack of experience. While Gabourey Sidibe is also an unknown, “Precious” has the added advantage of having snagged nominations in the Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, while Mulligan’s “An Education” has only one other nomination – Best Adapted Screenplay.

BEST DIRECTOR: James Cameron, Kathryn Bigelow, Lee Daniels, Jason Reitman and Quentin Tarantino

FORERUNNER: Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”

Bigelow is not the first woman to be nominated for this award, but she is certainly the most likely to receive it. Bigelow has received praise across the board for “The Hurt Locker” The movie has earned nine nominations at this year’s ceremony,  tied for most nominations with James Cameron’s – Bigelow’s ex-husband – trippy CGI adventure, “Avatar.” Cameron’s mega-hit could possibly snag Best Picture, but Bigelow is definitely the one to beat for Best Director.

LONG-SHOT: Tie between Lee Daniels, “Precious” and Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”

Bigelow and Cameron are going to be neck-and-neck for this award and even though Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” is unlikely, the director and cast have been dutifully making their rounds and hyping the WWII fantasy action-drama. “Inglourious Basterds” has been said to be a bit too graphic for the Academy’s liking, but the Holocaust undertones keep it from being totally written off. Daniels and Reitman, however, each stand less of a chance. Though both of their movies have achieved popularity and success, it has not necessarily been the director’s doing. Both are based on novels, so the subject matter is not new like the other contenders. Additionally, both movies have gotten more buzz over the acting than the directing.

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Brett Harbage and Danny White, members of the wheelchair rugby team Buckeye Blitz, face off against an Ohio University team. Photo by Kirstin Allinson.

Cheers went up and frustrated words flew as two armored wheelchairs crashed loudly into each other. An unusual scene for most, but for the Ohio Buckeye Blitz, a team of competitive wheelchair athletes, this is where they find joy and hope.

The Ohio University School of Physical Therapy hosted the third annual game of Four Play! Quad Rugby in the Grover Gymnasium Saturday. Teams of four matched up against members of the Buckeye Blitz from Columbus for a half hour of sweat and tears, offense and defense.

This is no ordinary sport. Quad Rugby is a fast-paced, full-contact game mixed with something unexpected – wheelchairs. The members of the Buckeye Blitz have suffered from spinal cord injuries and rely on wheelchairs for mobility.

Teams of Ohio University students, professors and community members registered to play the game in wheelchairs to “level” the playing field, but in almost all cases the Buckeye Blitz were victorious.

After only two of these incredible athletes defeated her team 19 goals to 10, junior exercise physiology major Casey Hesselgesser described a new perspective on her athletic ability in comparison to the team. “They are way more advanced than me. You can tell that they’ve had a lot of practice and are just amazing at it. There’s no way I could compare to them,” she said.

Co-coordinators Mark Badenhop and Erin Muck are physical therapy students in their third year of graduate school and have participated in the event in past years. They took time to explain the relatively simple rules of Quad Rugby.

A standard-sized volleyball is passed between team members across a basketball court in an attempt to score goals at the end of the court. Individuals must be holding the ball while they go through the goal to score. Dribbling is normally required every 10 seconds, but rules are relaxed for those who are not used to the sport.

Armored wheelchairs bring the element of full contact to the game. Hitting, blocking and hooking are allowed in order to inhibit the competition from scoring.

“A lot of (the guys) don’t have hand function. So the fact that these guys are throwing a ball and wheeling themselves down the court twice as fast as any of us … they’re obviously athletes,” Muck said.

Ohio University grad student Steve Takacs, left, tries to steal the ball from Buckeye Blitz member Jake Jordan during a game of wheelchair rugby on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at Grover Center. The Buckeye Blitz was here for its annual fundraiser. Photo by Sean Work.

However, she added, “They play according to how you play.” Sometimes kids play, and they tone down the physical contact and competitive language. But Muck warned, “If you talk crap, they’ll pull a move.”

28 teams from the Athens area registered to play this year, which is much more participation than the group normally sees, Muck said.

Hesselgesser played on a team with her fiancé, friends and other members of the OU Physical Therapy Club. She was attracted to Quad Rugby after viewing “Murderball,” an Academy Award-nominated documentary about the national Quad Rugby team. She wanted to participate “to help raise support for the guys. It’s a way to interact with different kinds of people for a good cause,” she said.

Muck explained that Quad Rugby is very valuable for physical therapy students. “You get to hang out with the guys and learn more about their injuries without having them as patients,” she said.

In order to register, teams had to pay $75 each. The money raised will be used to buy a new wheelchair for the Buckeye Blitz, which will cost around $4,000. Raising enough money is difficult in the current economy because people are reluctant to be sponsors, Muck said.

The sponsors of Saturday’s event were Donatos, United Seating and Mobility, Crescent & Sprague, Floor & Moore, Dickman Supply Inc., WellWorks, Hampton Inn, Holzer clinic, The Athens Real Estate Company and Athens Realty.

Badenhop said, “It’s definitely very rewarding,” and he is excited to see the event continue next year after he graduates.

The event is open to all majors and individuals. Hesselgesser encouraged anyone who is interested to show up next year to play. “You won’t regret it,” she said. “Don’t let anything hold you back.”

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The film takes place on Shutter Island in the Boston Harbor Islands in 1954. The island is host to Ashecliffe, a maximum-security mental institution for the criminally insane. U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a widower who must investigate the disappearance of an inmate. His partner, Chuck Aule, is played by Mark Ruffalo.

Ashecliffe is sinister, to say the least. The patients are eerie, most of them being older, weathered killers bound by chains. The facility has three separate wards: two splitting men and women and a third for the most violent inmates. Each ward echoes with distant creaks and screams. A mysterious converted lighthouse also adds to the ominous mood of the island.

When the two marshals arrive, they learn that their escapee, Rachel, drowned her three children, but her delusional state allowed her to believe that they are still alive. Their investigation begins with faculty and patient interviews and a search of her room.

While searching through her bleak, concrete cell, they find a single clue: a note saying only “The Law of 4” and “Who is 67?”

The more Teddy and Chuck search the island, the more suspicious they become. They find more questions than answers, and the level of security makes Rachel’s escape seem more and more unlikely.

In between interviewing people and independently investigating Ashecliffe, Teddy falls into his own delusions. A World War II veteran and recovering alcoholic, he flashes into dream-like fantasies about his late wife Dolores (Michelle Williams). Flashbacks of Nazi internment camps also continue to stir the marshal.

The visions are highly romanticized and often visually stunning. Scorsese uses the hallucinations liberally and the editing is choppy, adding to the growing confusion. The visions are, however, reminders of the conflicting layers with which Teddy must reckon.

Staff members eventually find Rachel and return her to her ward. Emily Mortimer plays the soft-spoken patient, but the discovery doesn’t sit well with Teddy. The plot continues to intrigue the further the story develops. Teddy, as well as the audience, realizes that all assumptions are rooted in possible deception.

“Shutter Island” is marketed to suggest that it’s a paranormal thriller, but Teddy’s battle is pure psychological warfare. DiCaprio, Scorsese’s muse of recent years, brings Teddy to life through his sharp instincts and unyielding commitment to the struggles he faces. Ruffalo, who has made a name for himself through his supporting roles, is a calming, thoughtful partner. The two have a good balance, even if it’s not always clear that they can trust each other.

In spite of different expectations, “Shutter Island” is rich in American gothic, from the esotericism of the asylum, to the overly dramatic musical accompaniment. The island itself is a sweeping illustration of illness and mental struggles, deeply isolated in its own menacing subculture. With a supporting cast that boasts Sir Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson and Oscar nominee Jackie Earle Haley, it’s hard to tell whose deceptions are genuine.

The story itself eventually becomes an exploration of the human mind. Realities are distorted and suddenly nothing is certain. The film concludes with twist ending better than anything M. Night Shyamalan could have executed. Even though it runs over two hours long and moves slowly at certain points of the film, “Shutter Island” is an engrossing, sinister tale that skillfully suspends all beliefs. Scorsese masterfully probes the mind and what it thinks it knows, leaving audiences questioning the film’s true outcome.

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Speakeasy Rating: A