Members of Crimson Rhythm practice dance routines in Aggie Underground Friday. (Photo by Daniel Griffin)

Story by Danny Griffin

On a Friday night, Corbett Center is usually devoid of students and everything is relatively quiet.  Unless, you’re in Aggie Underground with the New Mexico State University competitive dancesport company, Crimson Rhythm.

Dancesport is a style of competitive ballroom partner dancing that can take on most any style of music or dancing.  

Competitive dancesport at NMSU originally started as a club activity 10 years ago. After a decade as a club, the activity turned up the level of significance. Within the last year it has turned into an official company, which means Crimson Rhythm competes nationally.

“Most of us took dance class for fun,” says John Giusto, 22,  co-president of Crimson Rhythm and engineering major.  Giusto, alongside co-president Derek Leyva, run the group and make sure things run as smoothly as their dance routines.

According to the Crimson Rhythm Web site, there are three purposes of Crimson Rhythm, but one stands out in particular: “Provide members with a unique entertainment service and an expanded social and cultural environment.”  After observing just one of their practices, it becomes clear just how true that statement is.

The music and style changed countless times during the 20 minutes the group practiced.  Partners waltzed to classical music for a bit, then, without skipping a beat, started swing dancing across the entire floor.

Types of dance

Giusto explains that because dance styles come from all over the world, there is a dance style for everything.  There are numerous styles to go with each genre; there is even a style to go along with one of Giusto’s favorite bands, Linkin Park.

Giusto says that the group competes in ballroom, swing and Latin dances. The Latin style is “all-encompassing,” according to Giusto, and covers dance styles from Latin cultures all over the globe.

“Less than 10 percent (of those involved in dancesport) are dance majors,” Guisto says.  But don’t let that statistic take away from how much effort and drive it takes to compete. “We practice year-round,” Giusto says.

Crimson Rhythm spends up to 30 hours each week practicing dance routines it may use in a competition.  The group will compete in the 11th Annual Stanford Cardinal Classic April 24  at Stanford University.

Story by Heather Lang

Presidential candidates Kalyn Garcia and Travis Dulany will continue their campaigns for an ASNMSU run-off election. (Photos by Heather Lang)

Although the New Mexico State Univeristy student government election polls closed Friday evening, the Associated Students of NMSU are still without a president.

The unofficial results of the election were released at about 6 p.m. Friday evening and revealed that candidates Travis Dulany, the presidential incumbent, and Kalyn Garcia, current ASNMSU College of Business senator, will continue their campaigns into a run-off election starting Wednesday at 9 a.m. and ending Friday at 6 p.m.

According to www.asnmsu.com, Garcia finished the election with 686 votes, trailing Dulaney’s 784 votes. 

The vice-presidential elections will also continue into run-offs. Matt Ellis, College of Business senator, finished the preliminary election in front of Deborah Albo, College of Arts and Sciences senator, by 80 votes.

The run-off 

ASNMSU hopefulls have spent the past few weeks campaigning for office.

Garcia said the run-off election will begin on Wednesday at 9 a.m. and conclude on Friday at 6 p.m.

Both presidential candidates have endorsed vice presidential candidates as well. Garcia said she and Albo met Sunday to discuss running together.

“We’ve been able to adjust to each other’s platforms,” Garcia said.

According to Dulany’s  Web site, Ellis is Dulany’s running mate.

Garcia said she is optimistic about the election, and her campaign has garnered more volunteers since she made the run-off.

“I think we’re going to get a lot of support,” Garcia said.

Garcia said one challenge she and fellow candidates face is getting students inspired to vote.

A swearing-in ceremony for the new ASNMSU president will be held  March 22, Garcia said.

As of Friday evening, senate seats were won in all colleges.

The voting process

Students were able to vote for ASNMSU candidates at www.asnmsu.edu. Those who voted will need to re-cast their votes in the run-off. (Photo illustration by Heather Lang)

The ASNMSU voting polls were open online, and voting was enabled starting Monday, March 8 at 9 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m. Friday. Students voted at the ASNMSU Web site by logging in using their MyNMSU user names and passwords.

According to reports at www.roundupnews.com, Dulany won the presidency in a run-off election last year. Figures reported in The Round Up last year show the total vote count for the ASNMSU presidency at 1,911. According to the unofficial results released by ANMSU, the total presidential vote count this year was 2100.

For more information about Garcia, visit her Web site; more information about Dulany is available on his Web site.

Elected ASNMSU Senators by College

• A&S SENATE: 

            Joseph Baldonado; Derrick Garcia; Adam Trejo; Courtney Laney

• ENGINEERING SENATE

            Ahmed Alyousef; Tamar Sisneros

• HSS SENATE

            Olivia Seppi

• GRADUATE SENATE

            Imad Jaradat; Isaac Harder; Hank B. Strevel

• EDUCATION SENATE

            Amanda McGrath

• ACES SENATE

            Jett Sharp; James Austin Graham

• BUSINESS SENATE

            David Maestas; Dongcao Wu

• CEL SENATE

            Christopher Schoonover; Charles Tucker

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HAFP skaters move down the ice with puck trying to score. (Photo by Jon Traffansted)

Just because we are in a desert does not mean your winter Olympic dreams have to be crushed.  There is ice hockey closer than you may expect.

The Sierra Providence Center, only a short drive into central El Paso, holds a full-size ice hockey rink.

Whether you are just starting or a seasoned pro, you can hop onto the ice and play Hockey at Fun Pace (HAFP).

HAFP is open to everyone

Fast-paced hockey action in El Paso offers great opportunities. (Photo by Jon Traffansted)

HAFP is run three days a week for only $10 a session.  It is not a problem if you do not have your own equipment; there is plenty of protective gear, sticks and skates that you are more than welcome to borrow, FREE OF CHARGE!

David Sime is one of the organizers of the HAFP program in conjunction with the pro hockey team, El Paso Rhinos.

Mark Benson enjoys the time he gets on the ice. (Photo by Jon Traffansted)

“This allows players of all skills to participate and have fun without pressure,” Sime said.

You may think there is a shortage of players in the desert; however, it is quite the opposite.  Most HAFP days there is a long waiting list of people trying to get any kind ice time they can.

Only 24 skaters get to participate in each HAFP session.  This allows everyone to get an equal chance to play.

Usually when you think of hockey you think of a man’s sport, yet now more women are playing and succeeding.  HAFP is open to men or women, anyone over 18 who just wants to play hockey.

Once a player gets a chance to get on the ice, HAFP players treat each other with respect.  Hockey has the image of smashing into the boards, fighting and using the stick as a weapon.

It is not like that during these times on the ice.  It is all about the good time and fun of hockey.  If players fall they are helped up; for those in need of help in any way, the HAFP skaters will provide it.

If you have ever wanted to try to play ice hockey this is your best chance.  HAFP has something for everyone.

Benefits are numerous

Mark Benson found HAFP through a friend and fell in love.  “It became a personal way of therapy,” Benson said.  “After my divorce, it became my way to cope with the stress and relieve tensions.”

Hockey is a full-body workout.  Just because the ice rink is below freezing, it does not mean you will not break a heavy sweat – you are covered from head to toe with protective gear.  Skating back and forth on the ice is a great cardio work out.

If watching the Olympics had you dreaming of a gold medal, do not let your dreams fall to pieces.  HAFP is a great place for adults to live out their childhood dreams.  If you have younger children there are hockey leagues for them.  If hockey is not your thing, there is also figure skating at the Sierra Providence Center.

To participate in HAFP you can e-mail Dr. David Sime by visiting the web site.  If you are just into watching hockey, you can head down to a Rhinos game.

Need a space? Many NMSU students are frustrated when they pay for one, but can't locate it.(Photo by Elizabeth Lopez)

Many students and staff have been wondering for years what could alleviate the ever-present parking problem at New Mexico State University.

Building a parking structure seems like a reasonable solution to the NMSU parking dilemma. According to the NMSU Parking Department, the plan to build a garage is in the works, but is still approximately 20 years out. The main issue is funding.

NMSU fiscal specialist Mario Navarrate said that the Parking Department does not make decisions regarding the addition of more lots and that a parking structure is not the quick fix.

Navarrate said that people must realize that structures on other campuses in the region are mainly used for VIPs and special events. Most students and faculty do not get to enjoy the structures regularly.

How much does it cost to park at NMSU?

Metered parking by Corbett Student Union costs 60 cents an hour and is free after 4:30 pm and weekends, excluding special events. A citation costs $35 and after 90 days outstanding on the second citation, a boot may be placed on the vehicle which costs $30 to remove. If the vehicle is towed, separate charges apply.

(Photo by Rhona Holden)

“We don’t like to cite,”  Navarette said. “What we like people to do is purchase a permit that will help us take care of funding so we can take care of people’s requests.”

When asked how they felt about the parking situation, students had mixed responses.

“It’s horrible there’s not enough student and faculty parking. Some days you have to park illegally and hope you don’t get a ticket,” senior Kelsey Wymore said.

The parking department reported it received more than $1 million last year in revenue from parking permits and citations. NMSU students are left wondering where the revenue from the parking permits go if it is not being used to build a structure or more lots.

According to the parking department, revenue from the parking permits goes into repaving, maintaining lots and making parking safe and efficient for everyone. Some students are not so convinced.

Student concerns

“Why should I pay for a parking pass when I can’t park here? Just fires me up, makes me very angry,” junior Rhona Holden said.

Other students have a more optimistic view.

“I enjoy walking so it really doesn’t bother me. It’s like hanging out at the airport and watching people; it’s fun,” sophomore Will Schettmann said. “If I really need to park, I will by the Pan Am and walk.”

Navarrete says the most important thing students and faculty can do is to give themselves time to get to campus and to class. He acknowledges that many people wait until the last minute to find parking and are in turn frustrated when no spots are available.

What are the alternatives to parking on campus?

“The alternatives to parking on campus are maybe viewed by the transit system,” Navarrete said referring to the Aggie Transit. Students may also park in the free lots by the Pan American Center on Williams and Wells and also the lot located by the fire department on Payne and Stewart.

Students can present their questions or concerns at parking@nmsu.edu.

NMSU is one of few colleges nation wide with a specifically male mascot; many other mascots are gender neutral. (Photo illustration by Heather Lang)

Story by Heather Lang

Although the student body at New Mexico State University is mostly female, the female presence is invisible in Pistol Pete, the school mascot.

In the winter of 2002, NMSU student Julie Bostick Montgomery, agriculture major, attempted to implement a female mascot, Pistol Patty, to accompany Pistol Pete at sporting events. Montgomery said she started thinking about adding the mascot at NMSU while preparing for a speech in a communications class.

At the time, NMSU shared copyrights to the Pistol Pete image and costume with the University of Wyoming and Oklahoma State University, Montgomery said, adding that she felt a female mascot could help set NMSU apart from the other Aggie schools and make the image of NMSU more representative of its student body.

“I thought (Pistol Patty) would fit in well with the women’s teams,” Montgomery said.

 Support for “a girl”

Montgomery said she took up the cause as an individual venture, but got a lot of support from then College of Agriculture and Home Economics staff as well as former dean Jerry Schickedanz.

To gauge support for Pistol Patty, Montgomery said she met with representatives in the Athletics Department, the alumni office and the vice president of advancement. Montgomery and Associated Students of NMSU Senator Erin McSherry worked together to have a resolution for Patty’s creation passed through ASNMSU.

Although the Montgomery said she received a lot of positive feedback for the initiative, Pistol Patty never became a reality.

The student said lack of funding and administration resistance to changing campus traditions may have had a hand in Patty’s demise. Montgomery’s proposal included a $10,000 budget to redesign Pistol Pete and create Pistol Patty’s costume.

“I was really excited about it,” Montgomery said, “and I would have tried out for it.”

According to a 2005 Athletics Department press release, Pistol Pete was redesigned in 2005 and is no longer shared with OSU or Wyoming. The University of Wyoming also redesigned its own Pete in 2002, according to the Wyoming Official Athletics Web site.

Although neither Wyoming nor OSU has female mascots in addition to their own renditions of Pistol Pete, they refer to their men’s and women’s teams as the cowboys and the cowgirls. Of the seven other universities with Aggie monikers, Cameron University in Lawton, Okla., is the only one with a gender-specific male mascot. Five others use gender-neutral animals, and the Texas A&M University Aggies are represented by Reveille, a female dog.

UNM has Lucy

The Aggies’ rival, the University of New Mexico, added its own female mascot, Lobo Lucy, in the 1980s, according to the UNM Web site. As of 2008, the UNM student body was 58 percent female.

There might not be any plans to resurrect Patty at this time, but some say the mascot could be beneficial to the university and Athletics Department.

Some say creating a female mascot could help all students feel represented. (Photo by Heather Lang)

Professor Mike Hyman, who teaches marketing and sports marketing, said mascots serve as rallying icons for university teams and their supporters and a female mascot, Hyman suggested Lariat Lisa, could compliment Pete and soften his “gun-toting” image.

“There is no advantage, other than (to keep) tradition, to limiting NMSU to a male mascot,” Hyman said.

There could be financial rewards for implementing Patty as well, Hyman said.

“A female mascot could boost sales of NMSU-related merchandise,” Hyman said.

Because mascots serve as a uniting symbol for the university, a female mascot could serve as a symbol of pride for women in the academy because students and alumni often identify with their alma mater, college assistant professor Mary Benanti said.

“I have not identified personally with Pistol Pete myself,” Benanti said.

Benanti, a professor of women’s studies, said although she is loyal to NMSU, Pistol Pete is not an image that speaks to her as a woman.

“So the question is, how many other people feel that way,” Benanti said.

As of 2009, the NMSU student body was 55 percent female, according to the NMSU Department of Institutional Research 2009-10 Factbook.

Pete’s plenty

D.J. Downs, who has served as the Pistol Pete mascot at NMSU for three years, said he feels Pistol Pete is already representative of the NMSU community and southern New Mexico.

“I think one characteristic (NMSU, southern New Mexico and Pistol Pete) share is being tough-skinned,” Downs said. “I think the people of New Mexico State and the Las Cruces communities are hard workers. They are people that know the value of a hard day’s work,” he added.  ”I believe Pistol Pete does, too.”

Downs said in his time portraying Pistol Pete, he has come to know a lone-ranger character that does not need a human partner.

“He is one of the characters in movies where he saves the day, but instead of allowing them to throw a parade or party for him he just quietly rides off into the sunset. Just Keystone, his horse, and Pete,” Downs said. “In some sense, Keystone is his partner.”

Benanti and Downs said adding a female mascot could result in a campus backlash, similar to the backlash in 2005 when Pistol Pete was redesigned with a lasso rather than his trademark pistols.

Downs also cautioned that adding a female mascot could alienate fans who might expect the duo to hold hands or kiss. Downs also said he would be concerned that a “humanoid” female mascot could be harassed by men in the stands.

“I mean, when you put a woman out there in tight pants, chaps and a vest, I think you may be asking for some difficult situations to arise,” Downs said.

Students are on both sides of the fence when it comes to feeling represented by the NMSU mascot.

Celia Calles, a psychology major, said she feels well-represented by Pistol Pete as he is.

“I believe (Pistol Pete) represents the heritage of the area as well as NMSU,” Calles said. “Besides, Pistol Pete is more appealing than Lasso Larry.”

Calles said she has never considered what a female mascot might mean for NMSU, but she wouldn’t be opposed to the idea.

However, Matthew Schwarz, a communications major, said Pistol Pete is irrelevant to NMSU.

“While is a fun mascot, he has nothing to do with the school itself,” Schwarz said, “and we unfortunately share him with other schools.”

Schwarz said he thinks its time for NMSU to get a new, more representative mascot, that would be individual to NMSU.

“Pistol Pete just needs to be recycled,” he said, “and not Lasso Larry recycled.”

Schwarz said adding a female mascot would better represent the school, considering the male to female ratio on campus.

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Recycling is a common way to join green lifestyle. (Photos by Jenn Grider)

New Mexico is known for its blue-collar jobs in the chile and oil industries, but a job of a different color is emerging in the Southwest job market.

Green jobs are currently a hot issue in New Mexico – and specifically on the New Mexico State University campus.

In January of 2009, Gov. Bill Richardson created the Green Jobs Cabinet, which was directed at enhancing clean energy, clean technology economic development and actually creating more eco-friendly jobs.

This cabinet has created various resources to benefit those developing research projects on ways to be more earth-friendly.

NMSU develops fuel from algae

The Arrowhead Research center is figuring out just how many green jobs are on the New Mexico market.

Algal Biofuels for Aviation, a renewable energy project at NMU, received $2.4 million for research focusing on algal biomass production, conversion to aviation fuel, and optimizing gas turbines for these biofuels.

“In tough economic times like these, targeted investments right here at home become even more important,” Congressman Harry Teague said at the very first Harry in Your Hometown event held on the NMSU campus. “With cutting-edge research projects like algal biofuels for aviation and keeping our nation’s food supply safe, NMSU will continue to be a key driver of economic development for our community and the entire Southwest,” he pointed out.

Another research project at NMSU to receive funding was Oil Resources from Desert Plants. The project received $176,000 for the development of new high-value agricultural crops yielding industrial products for producing renewable energies.

Those are just some of the green jobs receivting funding for their work on renewable resources, but these are difficult economic times, one needs to know what green jobs are available.

That’s what NMSU’s Arrowhead Center plans to figure out. During an 18-month project for the state Department of Workforce Solutions, the center is going to learn exactly how many green jobs are in New Mexico.

The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in the amount of $1.25 million. The primary goals of the study is to help workers, underserved communities and find jobs in expanding green industries and related occupations.

Define green

Green jobs are family-supporting, career-track jobs that precisely contribute to conserving or enhancing the quality of the environment. The Green Jobs Cabinet has created a green-job guidebook to educated job seekers and students venturing out into the workforce on what green jobs are and where to find them.

Students serve the environment when they recycle paper, cans and plastic. (Photo by Jenn Grider)

While NMSU students are seen around campus recycling and actively portraying their concern for the environment by recycling or refurbishing items in new and innovative ways, what are their opinions of jobs that concern the environment?

“If given the opportunity to choose between two equal jobs, one green and the other not, I’ll choose the green job,” Steven Bunt, a recent graduate of NMSU, said. “But in this state of the economy, I do not have the luxury of choosing—any job is seen as a good one. The green I care about at the moment is the money.”

Other Las Crucens say the research will bring new economic job diversity to the community and benefit everyone.

“I don’t care what color the job is. It’s definitely a win-win,” Bill Mattiace, vice president of governmental affairs for the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, said concerning the creation of green jobs and the economic development of the city.

 I’m sure there are several women who feel as though they are not taken seriously. Why is this so? Well, there is this ideal that has continued to hover over women for years and years called “patriarchy.” This practice is one that affects women globally.

As the United States has been engaged in “war” with the Middle East, several stories have come out in which several male voices speak up on the different issues that happen, but the women who are involved go on silently.

Something’s missing

In one world news story, “Iran arrests Sunni rebel accused of links with the West,” by Parisa Hafezi and Hossein Jaseb, subjects of the al Qaeda and bombings were all about men.

It seems like any mention of women in the Middle East only happens when death counts are given, such as in, “Shiite family of 8 killed in Iraq, some beheaded,” by Rebecca Santana.

The women who do not speak up, such as those who perform poetry, fall between cracks to the nation’s news−watching eye. Should we really have to search and search the Internet before we can find one little clip or one story including a woman’s view and opinion? Must we rely on the words of men we do not know to give us information on the rest of the world? Let society hear from the mothers, the sisters and the wives. Let them tell their stories. These are the voices that matter and should be taken seriously.

The Guerrilla Girls will perform – and question equality in art – Thursday.

Fewer than 3 percent of the artists in the Metropolitan Museum of Art are women, but 83 percent of the nudes are female.

 With this tagline, the Guerilla Girls, an internationally known group of anonymous avengers, pose the question: “Do women have to be naked to get into United States art museums?” Gender equity in the arts will be the message delivered to a Las Cruces audience this week.

The Guerrilla Girls are a group of feminists and artists who use the names of deceased female artists as pseudonyms and appear in public wearing gorilla masks to conceal their identities. This removes the focus from the performers and aims it at the issue.

 According to the group’s Web site, the historical activist group started in 1985 in response to The Museum of Modern Art in New York’s exhibition, “An International Survey of Painting and Sculpture,” in which only 13 of 169 artists were women, and all 169 artists were white.

Not a narrow focus

Though the group originally started as the “conscience of the art world,” it has also brought attention to important issues such as inequality in the world of politics and in Hollywood and the film industry.

 The NMSU Department of Women’s Studies reports that the Guerrilla Girls Las Cruces debut performance will take place Thursday, March 11 at 7 p.m. at the Court Youth Center. The performance will commemorate the 20^th anniversary of the Women’s Studies Program at New Mexico State University, as well as help celebrate Waded Cruzado Gender Justice Week. 

 “Dr. Cruzado believed in women’s studies and its significance at the university. She understood the potential of women’s studies at NMSU and invested resources where little had been invested before,” said Lisa Bond-Maupin, director of the women’s studies program and sociology department head, said in a press release.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or at the Pan American Center. Students can purchase tickets for $5 and members of the general public can purchase tickets for $12.

The event is sponsored by NMSU Women’s Studies Program, NMSU Department of Sociology, NMSU Office of the Provost, and Women’s Studies/Journalism “Women and PR Group.”

Stacie Christiano explains how NMSU students can become Big Brothers and Big Sisters.(Photo by Chelsey Drummond)

“Little Moments, Big Magic” is exactly what the Big Brother Big Sisters program is all about.  Stacie Christiano, chief executive officer of the Southwestern New Mexico branch, knows all too well how accurate the slogan can be.

“We’re in the business of providing one-on-one mentoring for any child who wants a positive impact in their life,” Christiano said. “We live for the magical moment when the matched little brother or sister is introduced to their mentor. The look on their faces makes the whole experience worthwhile.”

BBBS, as a nationwide program, encourages youth mentoring and attempts to create influential bonds between adults and children. 

Christiano said she believes that of the potential volunteers in Dona Ana County, New Mexico State University students could especially benefit from joining the mentoring service.

Program is mutually benficial

A big and little brother bond over arts and crafts. (Photo courtesy of BBBS Southwestern New Mexico)

“University students are some of our most successful matches because of the smaller age gap between Bigs and Littles,” Christiano said.

“The little brother or sister develops a deep connection with the student, increasing their academic goals at an early age,” she said. “They essentially want to follow in their Big’s footsteps, to shadow their lifestyle.”

How do students get involved?

A rather extensive application and background check is required of all potential big brothers or sisters. After filing an application, an in-depth personality/activity match and personal interview complete the process. Christiano stresses that becoming a Big is very easy and entails only three basic criteria.

“We only require that you give us time, talent, and treasure,” she pointed out.

BBBS offers many different programs to fit any potential volunteer’s schedule, the director said.  There are two different forms of matches:

• A school-based match requires only one hour per week of one-on-one time at the child’s school.

• The community-based match requires four to six hours a month and is virtually limitless as far as activities are concerned. 

Matches are encouraged to experience fun, interesting and new things for both members. Activities can range from coloring and fishing to sports and movies. The most important aspect is to bond and spend quality time with one another.

More than just fun and games

The program is not solely for fun and games, however; a significant part of the match must be designated to schoolwork or educational improvement.

“We work really hard to create an academic feel for our kids. We try to promote reading and writing as well as verbal and social skills. The Big becomes an all-in-one: friend, counselor, and teacher,” explained Christiano.

Of all the volunteers at BBBS of Southwestern New Mexico, around 30 percent are NMSU students. The program has proven that by pairing a child with someone experiencing higher education or promoting academic success, the more likely the child is to graduate high school or college.

Whether a school-based match or community-based match, both the Big and Little benefit from the experience. “The majority of the benefit falls on the Little, but success is a two-way street. If the match is successful, then the Big also learns and grows,” said Christiano.

Opportunities to help

(Photo by Chelsey Drummond)

If NMSU students are not able to volunteer as a big brother or sister, then there are other opportunities to help. BBBS holds several fundraising events throughout the year and is always looking for people willing to help. Bowl for Kids Sake, held on April 11 of this year, is one of the most profitable events for the program.

 “Any spare time that can be given is for a great cause. We want NMSU and the community to help ensure a brighter future for the youth of Dona Ana County,” Christiano said.

For more information, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern New Mexico at 523.9530 or visit the Web site.

The recent “scandal” with Tiger Woods has proven once again that people would much rather concern themselves with the private affairs of a celebrity than any of the numerous more pressing issues that affect their lives.

Watching the news, one can easily tell that health care and the war in the Middle East are among the most pressing issues the government is dealing with, and the result of the decisions made on these issues will affect the entire country. Despite this, the news story that gets harped on the most is on the love life of a pro-golfer.                                                                                                Overexposed

How does Tiger Woods’s sex life affect the lives of anyone who is not intimately associated with him? Mentioning it once is expected, since he is a celebrity, even if it is for golf. However, there is no reason to give the public the blow-by-blow and further invade this man’s privacy just to get a story in the news.

The only people who are hurt from his actions, other than his wife and family, are those who invested in his image. To try and milk the situation for profit is the most pathetic excuse for privacy violation I can think of. Only the announcement of the deed and his apology are newsworthy. There are more important stories that should be focused on.

Let the tabloids handle the deplorable business of privacy invasion for profit, and let everyone else in the business get back to respectable reporting and important news stories.