Volume 23, issue 27, April
13, 2001
Metronews
Women’s salaries equal men’s in engineering,
arts and health
Sean Weaver
The Metropolitan
Women who take jobs in engineering are more likely to earn salaries comparable
to men, according to a study released by the National Center for Education Statistics.
On average, women who graduated from college in 1992-1993 earned $30,596 in 1997, according to the report, while men who graduated at the same time earned $38,415. Women who entered engineering professions, however, reported average earnings of $42,822, while men in the same profession reported average earnings of $42,952. But according to National Science Board statistics, women make up slightly more than one fifth of the science and engineering workforce. According to statistics from the National Science Foundation, 9,200 women received engineering degrees in 1995, while 50,800 men received engineering degrees.
"One of the things that’s proven historically is we still have conservative and traditional attitudes that have persisted despite political and social reality," said Metro history professor Monys Hagen. "It’s a jump from the ‘70s when women made 59 cents to the dollar that men made, but studies done in the ‘90s say it’s probably going to be 100 years (before salaries are comparable)." The other thing too that’s more than pay, you also have to look at benefit packages, retirement and insurance. You don’t get a full picture."
The study found women in health and art fields also earned salaries comparable to men’s.
"In the arts, we don’t get paid much anyway," said Amy Laugesen, a sculptor and an education assistant for the Museum of Outdoor Arts. "It’s competitive, but I guess it’s different. I think there’s more recognition for women in the arts. It’s more subject acceptance more than pay."
The report, which was released in February, also found several factors, such as age and race, determined women’s salaries, while only major field of study, and the school attended predicted men’s salaries.
"These results suggest that women may be subjected to greater scrutiny in entering and advancing in the labor market," the report states.
An additional report released by the center in March found while women constitute a majority of college students, they still earn 18 percent less than men.
"While this disparity may in part be accounted for by differences in occupational employment…this finding nonetheless brings with it a number of implications, including questions about comparative differences in a college education’s economic return on investment," the second report states. "Therefore, whole economic parity, by definition, cannot be achieved through offsets in (a degree) for those who are otherwise disadvantaged, (a degree) nonetheless serves to mitigate those disparities."
"There’s still discrimination," Hagen said. "One of the things about that is it can be done unconsciously. You can make assumptions about an application. You tend to evaluate them differently. You could be stereotyping and including or excluding criteria you’re not even conscious you’re applying."
‘One of the things that’s proven historically,
is we still have conservative and traditional attitudes that have persisted
despite political and social reality.’
Monys Hagen,
Metro history professor
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SGA election winners no surprise
Micaela Duarte
The Metropolitan
Of the 12 positions available on the Student Government Assembly, 10 were filled
in the SGA elections April 2-6.
Though the student government elections were predictable due to an uncontested race in all positions, the winners want to use this term to continue to work on the things the current Assembly has already been putting in place.
Presidential winner and current SGA President, Stefanie Vassilaros, had a total of 106 votes of the 150 students who voted in this years election, down from last years 522 student votes.
"Obviously it (voter turn-out) was low because of the type of election, but I am happy with the results," Vassilaros said. "It could have been worse."
Vassilaros said she plans on tackling various issues this term including academic advising, an independent board for Metro, and making the Golda Meir Center handicap accessible.
"It’s really a year to continue the work we have been doing," Vassilaros said.
Of the issues Vassilaros said she plans on working on this year she said the Golda Meir Center might take a few years to implement. She said some things have been changed at the center to help make the house more handicap accessible, like a two way video and radio which connects the downstairs area to an upstairs room giving a person who is unable to walk down the stairs the chance to still participate in the event.
She said the assembly will be looking for grants in order to complete the transformation of the Golda Meir Center.
Vassilaros won on the Student Empowerment ticket, which she won with in last year’s election.
Other winners on the Student Empowerment ticket are; vice president of academic
affairs, Ellen Schauer; vice president of student services, Jorge Hernandez;
vice president of administration and finance, Bianca Ortiz; vice president of
student organizations, Dimetra Bernaquer; vice president of student fees, Carin
Viet; vice president of diversity, Benzel Jimmerson; Board of Trustees representative,
Candace Farmer. Independent candidate for the position of attorney general,
Ivan Rodriguez, also won, as well as a write-in candidate for the vice president
of campus communications, Walter Grant, with 11 votes.
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Students vote for bus pass additions
Jessica Rouch
The Metropolitan
Students from all three colleges voted in favor of the Regional Transportation
District's Bus Pass Program Contract renegotiations April 4 & 5. Out of
the 1,029 votes cast, 89 percent ruled in favor of continuing the program.
The renegotiations extend usage privileges to regional routes. Regional routes include buses such as B, D, E from Boulder to Parker.
This change will cause a $3.30 increase in student fees. The fee will be raised to $20 starting in the fall. This new price includes institutional collection fees.
"RTD gets a lot of business from the Auraria Campus," Dan Pearse, bus driver for route 12 said. "I have two sons in college and I think any break they can give college kids is great. I wish it was even more."
"I think it’s for the best, even though I just ride every once in a while," said Metro student Alaina Brandenburg
The fees will be adjusted based on student usage for the years 2002 and 2003, but it is promised they will not exceed $22.
A student identification card with a current semester decal doubles as a RTD pass. With it, students receive free local, limited Denver bus service, free light rail service, free express routes and a $2 discount on SkyRide service to Denver International Airport.
The pass has been available to students for six years and is available only
to students.
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police briefs
Wallet stolen from library
An employee of the Auraria Library reported her wallet missing from her work area on March 21.
Vicki Britto, a Library technician of Periodicals, reported to the police that someone had entered her office area near room 130 of the library, which is open to the public, and removed her black wallet from her purse.
The wallet valued at $50, contained several credit cards, a check book, and miscellaneous papers. There are no further leads of suspects at this time.
Two thefts, one building
A theft from a room in the North Classroom Building was reported on March 18. The two victims said in the report that their belongings were being kept in separate room within the North Classroom Building.
Victim one, Christenson, reported a stainless steel, Multi Leatherman with a case that was being stored in a unattended desk drawer in room 1009.
The second victim, Sullivan, said a black Gerber Folder knife was being stored in room 1001 of the North Classroom Building unattended.
At this time there are no suspects or leads.
~Micaela Duarte
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metro briefs
GLBT offering $8,000 scholarship
An $8,000 Gill GLBT Scholarship is being offered for incoming freshmen by Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans Student Services at Metro.
Metro is among five schools that were awarded the money from the Gill Foundation as part of the foundations Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado.
The scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1,000 per semester, excluding summer, for four concurrent years.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must: be first-year students and enrolled full-time at Metro, write an essay demonstrating past involvement with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender issues and future commitment to community service, and have two letters of recommendation.
In order for students to maintain the award, they must participate in approximately 30 hours of service to the GLBT community each semester and maintain a 2.5 GPA.
This scholarship is only available to schools that include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policy.
Application forms must be postmarked by May 1. They are available in the GLBT office, Tivoli 311 or on their web site http://clem.mscd.edu./~glbtss/.
For more information contact Karen Benson, director, GLBTSS at 303-556-6333.
Scholarship workshop being offered
A workshop for anyone interested in learning more about scholarships and the
application process is being held 1 to 2:30 p.m. April 19 in Tivoli 320C.
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Used PCs offer alternatives to high prices
Deborah Grigsby-Smith
The Metropolitan
It has been said that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure — and nowhere is this philosophy more true than in the used computer market. With technology advancing exponentially every 18 to 24 months, entry level and intermediate computer users are poised to find some really good systems at a fraction of the new-PC price.
In a recent report, the IDC U.S. Quarterly PC Market Tracker forecasts significant growth for the used PC market. The report suggests approximately 10 percent growth for 2001 and 2002, and an average total market of 9 million and 9.89 million used computers respectively.
Industry experts cite that one of the biggest drivers of the used PC market is the new PC market. "As new PCs become faster and cheaper, users — both individuals and businesses — have more incentives to buy new models and sell their old equipment to (used computer) dealers," writes Paul Freeman, a contributing writer for the Pugent Sound Business Journal.
Freeman continues, "Just as there are good reasons for people to sell their old PCs, there are good reasons for people to buy that equipment. The most important is price. Anyone who doesn’t need the newest, most powerful PC can buy used, but perfectly adequate equipment at a fraction of the new-PC price."
Because of rapid advances in technology, computers age fast and that can be an advantage for buyers. "Typically a computer that is as young as nine months is considered a generation old and can sell for as little as 50 to 60 percent of its original price," says Barry Biggs, CEO of PC Brokers in Littleton. "For example, a system that may have once retailed for $1,500 could very realistically be picked up for around $500."
As for the quality and availability of the system out there, Biggs indicates that there are interesting prospects. "There are some really nice systems out on the market these days. While all these dot-com companies are laying off people, they are also laying off their computer systems as well. However, there are also some systems that are not such a good deal and buyers really need to educate themselves before making a purchase."
Biggs suggests one of the most important factors to look at when considering a used system is the dealer's ability to stand behind the product after the sale. "There are two types of used computer dealers, those that sell systems ‘as is’ and those that offer some sort of warranty or return privilege. If you are technically savvy - and willing to take a risk - then purchasing a computer in an ‘as is’ condition may be a viable option. But if you’re not technically astute, then you can reduce your risk factor by negotiating a warranty or at least some sort of return privilege with the dealer.
"Warranty or return privilege is a good indicator," Biggs adds. "It says a lot about the confidence the dealer has in his work and in the system he is selling you."
Biggs offers the following additional items to look for when buying a used computer system:
• Make sure you test the PC thoroughly before you buy, and watch for simple indicators of system stability such as a clean "boot-up" with no system errors.
• Ensure that all of the software promised has been installed, and that the licensing requirements have been adhered to. Remember that any software you find on your used system may not be licensed to you and you are not entitled to use it. Also, existing software left on a used system may also contain damaging viruses.
• Ask the dealer about the motherboard, the computers central process unit, and to help you determine its upgrade potential.
• The overall cosmetic appearance of the system is also a good indicator of its general condition. If it's dirty, has cracks and the keys are loose or sticky, the computer may have been treated poorly - these are the kinds of systems you want to step away from.
• Unless the price is particularly good you should avoid buying from computer fairs, markets or car-boot sales, as legally you may have no protection if there are problems.
• Make your purchase with a credit card where possible. Many credit card companies can help you leverage return rights if there is a problem. Check with your credit card company to be sure.
Finally, Biggs suggests that upgrading your current system may be an alternative to purchasing an entirely different system. "There can still be a lot of life left in your old desktop and simply upgrading your memory, processor and hard drive may be the most cost-efficient method for buyers on a budget - especially students. For approximately $300 to $400 less than the price of the average used machine, computer users can upgrade their system. Our price to upgrade a standard Pentium® system to 600MHZ, with a faster modem is approximately $440."
For more information on buying used computer systems, visit PC Brokers online
at www.pcbrokers.com or call them with your questions at 303-347-1160.
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Nebraska University health plan to now cover birth
control
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - University of Nebraska employees will have prescription
birth control added to their health benefits package under a proposal adopted
by the Board of Regents.
The proposal, adopted 8-0 April 7, will cover prescription oral contraceptives and devices for the use of birth control.
In an original proposal, the contraceptive benefits would not begin until January. But Regent Nancy O'Brien of Waterloo succeeded in amending it to start the coverage in July.
Implementation will cost between $1.5 million to $2 million.
Bob Blank, president of Metro Right to Life, criticized the proposal, saying it encourages the use of birth control, which he called tantamount to a chemical abortion.
"He absolutely has no idea what he's talking about," Regent Jay Matzke of Seward responded.
In most cases, birth control tricks the body into thinking it’s pregnant, Matzke said, keeping a woman from ovulating.
"If you can’t ovulate, the sperm and the egg can't shake hands," he said.
The regents’ decision should quell growing criticism and threats from a national women’s rights group to sue the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for its lack of birth control coverage.
In a letter sent last week to UNL officials, the Washington, D.C.-based National Women’s Law Center asked that the school immediately include such coverage.
The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in December ruled in favor of two Washington women who said that their health insurance companies, which cover the male impotence drug Viagra, also should cover birth control pills for women.
The commission said that excluding contraceptives is a violation of the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act, which requires equal treatment of women "affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions," in all aspects of employment, including fringe benefits.
The law also protects women against discrimination because they have the ability to become pregnant, not just because they are already pregnant, the agency noted.
The commission also found that excluding contraceptives amounts to sex discrimination
because these prescriptions are available only for women.
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Warning: vans used to shuttle college teams have high
risk of rollovers
WASHINGTON (AP) — The government warned April 9 that 15-passenger vans
— like those used to shuttle college teams, church groups and airport passengers
— have a dramatically higher risk of rollover when fully loaded.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also said the vans, often driven by students or volunteers, should be operated only by experienced drivers.
NHTSA issued the rare consumer advisory after finding the vans are three times more likely to roll over when carrying 10 or more passengers. The study was prompted by a series of rollovers involving college sports teams.
Four members of the Prairie View A&M University track team were killed and seven others were seriously injured when their van rolled over on the way to a meet last year. Other serious rollover accidents last year involved the Wisconsin-Oshkosh swim team, the DePaul women’s track team and the Kenyon College swim team.
NHTSA found that when fully loaded, a large van’s center of gravity shifts up and to the back, increasing the risk of rollovers, especially in panic maneuvers by drivers.
Officials from General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co. and DaimlerChrysler AG
agreed that van drivers need to be especially cautious. Ford, which makes the
top-selling Econoline, warns drivers in its owner’s manual to avoid sharp
turns, excessive speed and abrupt maneuvers, but the other two manufacturers
do not.
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Metroeditorial
Suffering from "Bubble Syndrome?"
Reema Al-Omari
staff columnist
I’m not a psychology major, but it doesn’t take much for me to conclude that people who drive four-wheel-drive vehicles have a condition called "bubble syndrome."
It’s a disorder I’ve only seen in those people driving large tank-like vehicles, like a Chevy Suburbans or Lincoln Navigators. Those who are infected with "bubble syndrome" tend to feel the fact they’re higher than everyone else makes them invincible. I believe they contract the illness from watching too many SUV commercials. The ones with fine print, stating that the stunts being made by the drivers should not be tried by just anyone, that the drivers in the commercials are professionals. For some reason, the fine print doesn’t sink in.
Now let me describe the symptoms of this illness to you so that you may spot these drivers next time you’re out on the road. Next time you’re in a parking lot at the mall, or even here at school, chances are you’ll see a tank-type vehicle taking up two spaces, of course this will mostly likely happen when there’s no parking anywhere else.
While driving, you’ll notice that bubble syndrome sufferers don’t care if there’s not enough room in the lane between you and the car in front of you, they want in and they want into the lane NOW… of course you have to let them in or they’ll crush you. Once they get in front of you, well, that’s when the real danger begins.
It’s an absolute must for drivers of these vehicles to own a cellular phone, one that they especially use when they’re driving in snowy conditions, and switching lanes suddenly. I think it's a prerequisite when you buy an SUV you absolutely must have a cellphone.
Now, I realize that there are plenty of cautious SUV drivers out there—I know a few myself—but the number of "overly" confident drivers of these vehicles far outnumbers those who are cautious. It’s a nuisance to me personally, because, unless I have five kids and a horse to trail along with me, I won't need a vehicle of that size, but I'm feeling like I'm just not safe if I don’t own one. I just don't understand why people buy these vehicles when they live alone, or simply don't share the space with RTD to give rides to people who don't get RTD service in their area. Make rounds around the suburbs periodically.
There are plenty of SUV owners in my neighborhood, I could just sit out in the yard and flag down the ones that drive by. Another thing— It may be "like a rock," but that statement can work both positively and negatively. Yes, it can pull your horse and gets the job done, even though most SUV owners work in the corporate world. But what about people like me in little sedans?
SUV owners suffer from "bubble syndrome," and my mission is to burst
that bubble.
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Protest best achieved with brain, not stomach
Guest commentary
It’s not every day that a radio talk show makes my blood boil. I know,
most of the airwaves these days are filled with egocentric shock jocks and long-winded
commentators, but on this particular day, it was one moron’s rhetoric that
set me on edge.
This man was calling for a boycott of all Chinese restaurants in response to the recent standoff between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
For those of you who have been watching the ten o’clock Sports Center instead of you local news, China demanded an apology for the collision between an American spy plane and a Chinese fighter jet over international waters, forcing the Americans to make an emergency landing. China held the 24 members of the American plane’s crew hostage in the meantime.
Now I’m half Asian, and I don’t at all approve what the PRC is doing. For years now, they have committed serious violations of human rights, both in their own nation as well as places like Tibet. But boycotting Chinese restaurants? I’m willing to bet that at least half of the Chinese restaurants in this nation probably aren’t even owned by Chinese immigrants. And so what if they are? Is Chinese cuisine somehow an attempt by Communist China to exploit Americans? These restaurants are usually independent operations with no corporate ties. Would boycotting takeout really hurt the PRC? Would they even notice?
It really wasn’t the lunacy of such a statement that disturbed me. It was the fact that this idiot was pinning the actions of a Communist regime on an entire race. The same mistake was made during World War II when Japanese, Chinese, and Korean Americans were rounded up into internment camps for fear that they might be the enemy. The comments by the man on the radio were hardly racism to that degree, but it was racism nonetheless.
The point is, taking out your anger and frustration on an entire race is at the very heart of what defines prejudice. And even if the avoidance of Chinese cuisine could somehow be justified as a means of protest, that is nothing when faced with the fact that Communist China has been trading on a large scale with the US for quite some time now–an agreement that has just recently been solidified.
Do you want to protest China’s actions? Write to your Senator or Congressman, let them know that China’s actions are wrong. Let them know that Washington’s trade agreements with Communist China are wrong. Get involved with Students for a Free Tibet, an organization dedicated to righting the most serious of China’s wrongs. Let Wellington Webb know that economic alliances with China are not what we need in our fine city. Let him and others know that pouring money into the pockets of Communist officials is not worth economic stability. Let him know that he should be in Denver, not in Beijing negotiating with Chinese officials.
Taking out your anger on the man or woman with the slanted eyes or funny accent is wrong, and ultimately useless.
Besides, they, like me, may be just as American as you.
Thomas McPherson
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Party in the AAS department
Dear Editor,
I want to tell all Metro students, "the party is in the African-American studies Department." Last Thursday, April 5, 2001, I was able to hear the unanimous Colorado Commission on Higher Education, vote granting a three-year extension of the African-American studies major and saving it from discontinuance. African-American studies department faculty and students along with students of all majors, Metro student government, Black Student Alliance, Metro faculty, Metro administration, and Metro's Board of Trustees, have been fighting to keep this important program's major this year, citing its significance in promoting academic diversity and fulfilling Metro's mission statement.
Last semester, after hearing the AAS major was still in danger, (even though last year we all sighed a deep sigh of relief thinking it was saved), BSA students, Metro students and faculty senate president Dr. Hagan went to CCHE headquarters to talk to Tim Foster to save the program. This meeting did not yield the results in writing that we wanted and so the renewed struggle began.
Many worked hard on saving the major for Metro; many different efforts were put forth with immense energy. Some thought it was a lost cause, but the cause won. A combined effort of rallies, lobbying, community support, media pressure and others led the way to the final victory at the AAS department.
On March 29, 2001 Metro experienced and embraced a BSA- Metro Student Government sponsored rally of support for African American Studies. It had speakers and resolutions and attracted press. At the rally was also a large banner rallyers could sign in support of the AAS major. Many great speeches were given and there was a groovy show of support. The banner for signing was also signed from end to end.
This banner was shown to the commissioners a week later before taking the vote on whether to give the extension or not. Our provost, Dr. Norton spoke, as did the AAS chair Dr. White and the BOT chair, Dale Mingleton, in favor of the major and an extension. The banner can be seen and signed in the AAS department in the rectory building where you can also learn more about the major. The banner will last as a reminder of the power that Metro can generate behind an issue and will also be a banner to march behind if we ever need to stand up for academic diversity again.
If Metro continues to stand up for what it believes, it will continue to get what it deserves. Metro students, faculty and administration worked together for Metro's diversity and won. Go Metro, go standing up for what you believe...and go party in the rectory building. Oh yeah, lets not forget to celebrate and never take for granted the diversity we fight to keep because once we do... its gone.
Candace Farmer
Vice President of Metro Academic Affairs
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We’re talking a lot of trash here!
Dear Editor,
During a recent research project for a class at Metro, I discovered the actual figures that identify the amount of trash we are generating daily here on our greening campus. With an estimated 33,000 of us breezing through here each day on our way home, to jobs, and to future careers somewhere else, we have quite an environmental impact.
AHEC spends an estimated $100,000 per year to have BFI Corp. pull our dumpsters away in the early morning hours before most of us arrive. And the mountain of trash generated here in a year would be larger in volume than the Recreation Building if we could set them side by side.
A tremendous volume of this trash consists of beverage containers alone. The Daily Grind, pouring by far the best "cuppa" on campus, goes through approximately. 4,800 disposable cups a month, and McDonald’s in the Tivoli dispenses more than double that number, and for only one month. And these are only cups!!
The drink machines may be handier than a trip to the Tivoli, but their remains are more voluminous yet. And while it is possible to recycle the bottles and cans here on campus, only a sliver of them actually end up recycled, as volume measurements prove.
With a total of 165 machines on campus, the 20 oz. bottle machines are especially popular. A sampling of just two buildings during January 2001 revealed these tallies: 11 machines located in the Arts Building. and West Classroom sold 9,618 bottles of 20 oz. drinks. That’s a figure for two buildings on campus in only one month. The 4 machines filled with 12 oz. cans in these two buildings burped forth a total of 3,140 cold ones during January, and the instant coffee machines in these two buildings alone served 2,582 steamy cupfuls. Math majors: multiply these figures…Artists, picture the months of garbage being smashed under a tractor into the landfill…Earth Science majors, assess the impact…Historians, tell us if this type of system of waste is found in history…and all the rest of us, think about this system that we are unknowingly supporting..
I am calling for a campus-wide movement here in our community within a city. I challenge all daily visitors to become aware of our refuse. It would be a small difference to each of us personally if we all carried or kept a beverage cup on campus, and then chose places like The Mercantile or the Daily Grind who willingly fill personal cups for a discount, over dispensing a new disposable. Or carried a water bottle from home and refilled and reused it.
But it would make a great impact on the land. As a group we could make a positive
impact together, one that is measurable. And this could grow as awareness and
integrity and a love for our campus and our Colorado.
I challenge all daily visitors to become aware of our daily refuse.
Karen Kenney
Metro student
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Letters Policy
The Metropolitan welcomes letters of 500 words or fewer on topics of general
interest.
Letters must include a full name, school affiliation and a phone number or e-mail
address.
Letters might be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.
Mailbox:
The Metropolitan
900 Auraria Parkway, Suite 313
Denver CO 80204
e-mail: haraburd@mscd.edu
phone: 303.556.2507
fax: 303.556.3421
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Metroactive
Racing to keep cool
Story by Elena Brown
Photos by Melanie Bialik
The patter of athletic shoes hit the streets of downtown Denver and generated
a roar as 570 runners raced for Global Warming.
The 5K foot race/walk to stop Global Warming began and ended in front of Nike Town on the 16th Street Mall on Sunday Apr. 8. The run is a qualifier for the famed 10K Boulder Boulder race on Memorial Day.
Denver hosted the race that was conceived by the Portland, Oregon-based Green House Network. The non-profit, Green House Network held it’s first race last year in Portland, it was successful enough to be expanded to Denver and Seattle. Business and individuals concerned about global warming financially support the races. The goal of the organization is to promote responsible energy use, and be a nation-wide race reaching over 15 cities by the year 2005.
The Green House Network is aimed at informing the public about the danger of global warming. The earth’s climate is predicted to change because human activities are altering the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the buildup of greenhouse gases — primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. This raises the Earth’s temperature.
The Greenhouse Network will hold a series of Earth day related races/walks in Seattle on the 22nd and Portland on the 29th.
The 3.5-mile certified route led the runners down and around the Platte River, beginning and ending in front of Nike Town.
"At first I didn’t want to run," said 9-year-old Jordan. "But then it got sunny. It was fun." This is the Louisville Elementary students’ first race.
The springtime Denver temperature reached a high of 60 degrees for the race. A bit cool in the shade, but many of the runners found the weather just great for running or walking. Jordan was there running with her mother and grandparents. The family was one of the many families sponsored by Rocky Flats.
Some of the corporate sponsors included: Nike, Aveda, Gaiam, CH2M Hill and Econergy International.
The runners and walkers could register at any Whole Foods or Wild Oats stores, in person at Nike Town or online. The pre-registration fee was $20 for adults and $17 for children. Entry fee the day of the races was $25 for adults and $17 for children.
Claudine Schneider organized the Denver event and openly challenged Colorado business to help the Green House Network by becoming a corporate sponsor, and join in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and use energy more efficiently.
"We’re not interested in green-washing corporations." Green —washing is a term used for companies that superficially support environmental causes.
This race was the first race organized by Schneider. The former U.S Congresswomen became involved with environmental concerns as she served on the Rhode Island science committee. She served for 10 years and introduced the Global Warming Preservation Act, which led to the Kyoto Treaty. The Kyoto Treaty is the international treaty on Global Warming.
The Green House Network also provides speakers free of charge to speak at college campus, churches, business, schools and retirement communities.
The City of Denver hosted the Energy Fair and post-race celebration. A stage was set up for the bands, Good Wood and the Mid-Life Crisis Blues Band, and award presentations. A presenter entertained the crowds with trivia questions, such as; how many miles does the Ford Expedition vs. the Honda Insight get per gallon.
The prize of the trivia question was a Global Warming Race T-shirt. By the way, the Ford Expedition only gets 12 miles to the gallon and the Honda Insight gets 10 miles to the gallon.
As the band played, "Shake your Money Maker", many of the participants, volunteers and onlookers ate fruits and drank orange juice from the Wild Oats stands and gained energy conservation information from various booths.
The booths were located at the Denver Pavilions Shopping Center on 16th and Glenarm. Many of the shops closed for the morning for the race.
Across the booth informing the public about the uses of wind power was a line of all ages forming for a go on the 30-foot climbing wall that was set up along the stage. From grandmothers to grandsons, the line was just as diverse as the race itself.
Many age categories competed in the race, from 14 and under to 70 and over. And the runners came from all over the state to compete in the race. Some of the winners were from Aspen, Franktown, Golden, Colorado Springs, Boulder and Denver. The prizes included phone cards and $50 Nike Town gift certificates.
The First Lady of Denver, Wilma Webb was on hand to support the Greenhouse Network as well as Olympian and 1997 Boulder Boulder champion, Libbie Hickman.
Hickman signed autographs and was the MC for the Children’s fun run and Diaper Dash.
"This is a great first race," Hickman said.
In the ‘open category’ the male winner came in with a time of 15:39 and the female winner from Boulder finished with a time of 17:54. Both winners received a $300 Nike Town gift certificate, a plaque and qualified for the Boulder Boulder race.
"Remember," Schneider began, "this is about changing the world,
not running a race."
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Looking for polite filmgoers
Chris Ward
On Film
"Due to the complex nature of the film Memento, absolutely no one will
be admitted once the feature has already started."
This is the sign I saw the other day when I went to an afternoon movie at the Mayan. Luckily, I was a good ten minutes early, so I had plenty of time to find a seat, fill up on concessions, and even listen to a couple of the box-office workers discuss who could and couldn’t get away with wearing hats. I would like to think I was somehow responsible for their conversation.
The sign was a bit of a surprise though. I hadn’t heard of many movies being closed to latecomers in recent years. In fact, the only case I had heard of was in 1960, when Alfred Hitchcock ordered theater doors to be closed as soon as the opening credits started for Psycho. Hitchcock’s reasoning was that he didn’t want audiences to feel cheated out of seeing Janet Leigh, who received top billing in the movie but was only onscreen for about 30 minutes before taking her infamous shower.
While watching Memento on the other hand, it really is necessary to see the opening of the movie, without which the rest of the film is difficult or impossible to comprehend. This is largely because of its innovative style; Memento starts at the end and finishes at the beginning (trust me, it makes sense when you watch it).
The only problem I have with the practice of not admitting latecomers is that it is not done often enough. Aside from being able to understand movies that don’t rehash every plot point once every ten minutes, there are other benefits to having everyone in the theater when the title sequence starts. Those filmgoers who own functional timepieces and know how to use them wouldn’t be interrupted ten minutes into the movie by people walking in front of them and asking what they had missed. This type of activity is directly below cell phone use and stating obvious plot points out loud on the list of movie theater pet peeves.
Maybe theaters could work towards improving the manners of moviegoers in other areas as well. They already use soundproofing material to make sure audiences only hear the movie they are watching, so why not design the theaters to block cell phone signals as well? All the other recent innovations in movie theater design, such as stadium seating and digital sound, don’t mean much if you still have your movie interrupted by an annoying electronic rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth. This way people who forget, or just plain refuse, to turn off their phones wouldn’t have that option in the first place.
As for talking, there isn’t much that can be done to keep people quiet in the theater. At one point, I thought if a movie was engaging enough, people would be too interested in what was happening onscreen to discuss it. Sadly, the opposite seems to be true; the more attention a movie requires, the more some people will feel the need to distract those around them. Maybe it has something to do with their not understanding the movie, and needing to hear their own voices to be comforted.
I guess that’s part of why I write about films; it gives me the opportunity to go to screenings with only a dozen or so people, all of whom know to be there on time and the only noise they make is occasionally writing something down.
Still, it would be nice when going out to a movie to be able to expect common courtesy without having the theaters enforce it.
"All the recent innovations in movie theater design . . . don’t
mean much if you still have your movie inturrupted by an annoying electronic
rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth."
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horoscopes by miss anna
ARIES: Avoid taking yourself to seriously this week. You have a tendency
to work yourself into the ground - are you just a conscientious
worker or a workaholic? Lighten up. Pay close attention to an important relationship, you may be in way over your head.
TAURUS: It's time to take a softer approach in expressing your love and appreciation for someone you care for. Avoiding any problems which are on the front burner will not make them go away. Take a deep breath and jump in. The resolution will be easier than expected.
GEMINI: Your financial situation seems to be steadying this week, and will remain so for at least the next several months. Build a solid foundation now - you can never be too sure of what the future holds. If you're feeling restless and bored, go do something new.
CANCER: If you are bursting with energy this week, take the opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise. If you are trying to break free of a difficult relationship or habit, a close friend may be able to help. Changes may be difficult to face, but will be best in the long run.
LEO: This week is not time to be taking major risks with a primary relationship. Any changes must be made slowly, keeping in mind the feelings of others involved. You are experiencing a feeling of contentment, that everything is well, in spite of contrary evidence.
VIRGO: There is some surprisingly good advice concerning money coming your way. Take financial advice of a close friend. A conservative approach is definitely best, and any investments should be well thought out first. Time just for you will help to unwind putting things in perspective.
LIBRA: You are in a great mood this week, and can remain so if you look on the bright side of what is really quite a wonderful life. Use your wit and charm on those stick-in-the-mud folks who always want to play it safe and rarely have much fun.
SCORPIO: Your work is a major concern during this week. Start to organize and delegate more than usual, and you'll be surprised how quickly goals are accomplished. If you are overwhelmed by choices regarding monetary purchases, sleep on it first. It is time for introspection and much needed rest.
SAGITTARIUS: Use your creativity to the max to solve problems which you would usually put off to the side. By the week's end you may feel quite secure and successful in your present quest to provide the best use of your resources. You may get caught up in a project and lose all sense of time.
CAPRICORN: Any connections you make in your present love relationship will reflect the interconnection you have cultivated within yourself. Take a leadership role where money matters are concerned. You may not know what is best, but you know enough to bring about success.
AQUARIUS: Are you suddenly being drawn into an unusual relationship? Pay attention to your hunches and intuition, particularly where love is concerned. Don't act out of ego if you expect to get anywhere. You will emerge victorious in a situation due to your ability to reason things through.
PISCES: Your feminine side is present, and this may make you feel a
bit uncomfortable in a society where everyone is encouraged to act and think
in a macho way. Don't be your worse enemy, thinking things through may only
take you out of the game. Know when to leave well enough alone.
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Metrosports
Metro finds winning ways against Mines
Nick Garner
The Metropolitan
What a nice way to start off a long road trip.
After losing three of four games to New Mexico Highlands the weekend of April 1-2 at the Auraria Fields, the Metro baseball team started an eight-game road trip by winning three of four games from Colorado School of Mines last weekend. With the wins, it puts the Roadrunners (17-16-1, 5-7 RMAC) back in the hunt for a spot in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament
"This past series was important, but there is still a lot of season left to be played," said baseball coach Vince Porreco. "We have four more conference series games left. I have always felt that it comes down to the last series of the year, and with everyone in the RMAC being strong, everyone just beating up on everyone else."
Game 1 — Metro 10, Colorado School of Mines 8
Behind junior Chad Gonzalez’s 3-for-3 performance at the plate, Metro started off the series on a good note, beating the Orediggers by two.
With Metro holding onto a one-run lead in the top of the fourth inning, the Roadrunners exploded for five runs off Mines starting pitcher Kevin Barrett to take a six run lead.
But just as quickly as the Roadrunners took the lead, the Orediggers came back in the bottom of the inning, scoring six runs to tie the game at eight.
After two scoreless innings, Metro broke through and scored two in the top of the seventh.
Game 2 — Metro 10, Colorado School of Mines 9
The Roadrunners played a little home run derby with the Mines pitchers, with junior Chad Gonzalez leading the way with two, as Metro had to comeback from a five run deficit to beat the Orediggers.
"He was just in the zone," Porreco said. "All year long, he has been the most consistent hitter.
"He made adjustments at the plate and was driving the ball and when you make those types of adjustments, you will be very successful."
With a runner on, one out and the Roadrunners trailing 2-0 in the top of the second inning, Gonzalez launched a shot over the fence to tie the game at two.
After Mines scored six unanswered runs in the next two innings to take an 8-2 lead, Metro began its comeback.
With the same situation in the fifth inning as it was in the second, a runner on and one out, Gonzalez, for the second time in the game, launched a shot over the fence, his fifth on the season, to close the gap to 8-4.
Following back-to-back singles by freshman Brian Edwards and senior Bryce Gehlen, senior Jack Edwards stepped up to the plate and for the eighth time this season, he smashed a home run over the fence, a three-run shot, to put the Roadrunners back by only a run, 8-7.
After holding the Orediggers in check in the bottom of the fifth inning, Metro finally took the lead in the top of the sixth inning.
With runners on first and second with one out, Brian Edwards came to the plate and like Jack Edwards did the pervious inning, he smashed a three-run shot over the fence, giving the Roadrunners a 10-8 lead that they never gave up.
For the game, Gonzalez went 3-for-3, three runs scored, four RBI and the two home runs. In the first two game of the series, Gonzalez went 6-for-6, with five runs scored and four RBI and two home runs.
Brian Edwards finished the game 3-for-4, two runs scored and three RBI, including the game winning home run.
Jack Edwards, who is only eight home runs short of the school record, went 1-for-2, one run scored and three RBI.
Game 3 — Colorado School of Mines 4, Metro 3
With the game tied at two in the bottom of the third inning, Mines Adam Marwitz hit a home run which proved to be the game winner for the Orediggers as Mines avoided being swept by beating Metro.
The Roadrunners got on the board early in the first inning, when freshman Brian Edwards continued his hot hitting against Mines pitching, sending a single up the middle scoring senior Jerod Stultz and junior Chad Gonzalez, putting Metro up 2-0.
Mines responded in the bottom of the inning, when Terry Packer smacked a RBI triple to pull the Orediggers within a run at 2-1.
With Packer on third, Marwitz grounded to out to second base, but it brought in Packer to tie the game at two.
After a scoreless second inning for both teams, Mine’s Ryan Kamada and Marwitz struck.
After Kamada doubled to left field and advanced to third base on a sacrifice fly by Packer, he would steal home to give Mines the one run advantage.
The very next batter, Marwitz, smashed a solo shot over the fence to push the advantage to two runs at 4-2.
Metro cut the lead to 4-3 when junior Donald Gwinner doubled to center field, scoring junior Nathan Lavrenz from third.
The Roadrunners had a chance to take a lead in the top of the seventh, with the bases loaded and two outs, Lavrenz struck out to end the game.
The Roadrunners got a solid pitching performance from senior Bryce Gehlen, who pitched all six innings, allowing seven hits, four runs all of them earned, and struck out eight and walked none in a losing effort.
"This was one of his better outtings of the year," Porreco said. "He was keeping the ball down and the biggest thing was that he was getting ground balls out of those pitches."
"He was staying ahead of the count and keeping them off balance. It was good to see him get back in rhythm."
Game 4 — Metro 13, Colorado School of Mines 3
In the final game of the series, the Roadrunners scored 12 runs in the final three innings to win its first conference series of the season.
With Metro clinging to a 3-2 lead in the top of the sixth inning, the Roadrunners exploded for six runs, with the big hit coming from senior Jerod Stultz, who smashed a bases loaded triple into right field to give the Roadrunners a 9-2 lead.
"It was good to see it transpire," Porreco said. "We scored all six runs with two out in the inning. Good teams will take advantages of other teams mistakes and I think that we did just that."
Mines started the scoring in the first inning, when Oredigger Terry Packer singled down the left field line scoring Chad Herbers from second base.
Metro responded in the top of the second inning when senior Bryce Gehlen got on base by way of an error, which allowed senior Josh Vickers to score to tie the game at one.
After Mines took the lead back in the bottom of the fourth inning, the Roadrunners reclaimed the lead in the top of the fifth when Vickers hit his first home run of the season, a two run shot, to give Metro a 3-2 lead.
Junior Tim Price pitched 5 1/3 innings to get his team leading fourth win of the year.. He allowed three hits, three runs all of them earned, and struck out three.
Vickers his best game of the series, going 3-for-4, scoring three times and
drove in a 5 RBI.
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Soccer announces 2001 schedule
Nick Garner
The Metropolitan
The Metro men’s soccer announced its 2001 schedule April 9. The Roadrunners will look to repeat its performance from the 2000 season when they earned its first ever regional berth.
Metro will open with seven of its nine games at the Auraria Fields, including four straight at the Auraria Fields. The Roadrunners will open the season in the 4th annual Mile High Classic on August 24-25 at the Auraria Fields.
The Roadrunners will face Southwest Oklahoma on Aug. 24 and Montana-State Billings on the following day, Aug. 25.
Metro will open its 2001 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule during the four game home stretch against archrival Regis University August 29. The Roadrunners will wrap up with a match against Westminster College in Utah.
"It’s important to get off to a good start like we did last year," said men’s soccer coach Brian Crookham. "With the change in the conference scheduling, we were able to get a lot of games at home."
Following the home stand, the Roadrunners will get into its RMAC schedule.
Metro will travel to Golden to take on the defending conference champions Colorado School of Mines on Sept. 3.
The Roadrunners will be back at home for two games, as they take on Colorado University at Colorado Springs on Sept. 7 and University of Southern Colorado on Sept. 9.
After the brief home stand, the Roadrunners will be back on the road for two of three games, with stops in Durango against Fort Lewis on Sept. 16 and Lakewood, against Colorado Christian Sept. 21. In between the two road games, Metro will take on Mines for the second time, at home Sept. 19.
The Roadrunners will leave the Colorado to take on two teams from Oklahoma, Northeastern Oklahoma Sept. 28 and Tulsa Sept. 30.
"Northeastern Oklahoma is a team in our region," Crookham said. "They are one of the better teams in the region as well.
"Since we scheduled a game out there, we had to find another team to play and we were lucky to get Tulsa. They are traditionally a good program at the Division I level, so things worked out well for us."
Two Texas teams will be coming to the Auraria Fields when Metro gets back from Oklahoma, the Incarnate Word (Oct. 5) and St. Edwards (Oct. 8).
The Roadrunners finish out its season with three of its final five games on the road. Metro will travel to Colorado Springs to take on The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (Oct. 12), back to Denver to take on Regis (Oct. 17) and Pueblo for a showdown with Southern Colorado (Oct. 28).
Fort Lewis (Oct. 21) and Colorado Christian (Oct. 26) will be the final two regular season home games for the Roadrunners.
The conference tournament will be Nov. 2-4 with the top team in the RMAC getting right to host the tournament. The Roadurnners will be hoping to make its third consecutive appearance in the conference tournament.
The Midwest Regional will be a week later, Nov. 10-11, with the top team in the Midwest Region hosting.
The complete 2001 Roadrunners men’s soccer schedule:
Aug. 24-25 4th ANNUAL MILE HIGH CLASSIC
Aug. 24 SW OKLAHOMA 2 p.m.
Aug. 25 MONTANA-ST.BILLINGS 4 p.m.
Aug. 29 * REGIS 2 p.m.
Aug. 31 WESTMINSTER (Utah) 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 3 * at Mines 7 p.m.
Sept. 7 * CU-COLO. SPRINGS TBA
Sept. 9 * SOUTHERN COLO. TBA
Sept. 16 * at Fort Lewis TBA
Sept. 19 * MINES 3 p.m.
Sept. 21 * at Colo. Christian 2 p.m.
Sept. 28 at NE Oklahoma TBA
Sept. 30 at Tulsa TBA
Oct. 5 INCARNATE WORD TBA
Oct. 8 ST. EDWARDS TBA
Oct. 12 * at CU-Colo. Springs TBA
Oct. 17 * at Regis TBA
Oct. 21 * FORT LEWIS TBA
Oct. 26 * COLO. CHRISTIAN 3 p.m.
Oct. 28 * at Southern Colo. TBA
Nov. 2-4 RMAC Tournament TBA
Nov. 10-11 NCAA Midwest Regional TBA
* Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference games
All home games are in BOLD
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