The Skyline Newspaper

Cartoon: Created and Designed by Jonathan Smith, Sul Ross Senior

Free Roaming Over: I may soon be cell-(phone)-ing out

Steve Lang
News and Publications

Mack the Finger said to Louie the King/I got...a thousand telephones that don't ring/ Do you know where I can get rid of these things...." - Bob Dylan

"If the phone doesn't ring, it's me." - Jimmy Buffett

If my leg starts vibrating, it means:

1. I'm having a stroke;
2. Alpine is enduring another earthquake, or
3. a cell phone is ringing and I'm wearing someone else's pants.

Yes, I carry no cell phone, despite the irritation this absence inflicts upon others.

My fiancee, for instance, who notes that my aversion to this form of technology may not be permanent.

"Everything -- excepting perhaps vending machines -- is subject to change," she noted, adding that readers should understand "that you take creative liberty with things I don't say."

Clarissa has expressed exasperation when I have dropped under the radar, or more aptly, roamed out of the cellular corral. I patiently explain that I will eventually be found, just as I was 35 years ago when I wandered for three days after heading out the door for groceries.

Just six weeks ago, I sat on the Porch at Terlingua admiring the sunset over the Mule Ear Peaks when a voice interrupted my reverie:

"Is there a Steve Lang out here?"

My son, using his cell phone somewhere outside El Paso, tracked me down to tell me his party would be arriving late.

In Terlingua, time is often measured more by the ounce than by the minute. Zeb, my daughter Alexis, and their significant others arrived about 36 of the former later.

South County, to me, resembles the wilderness Kevin Costner and the teamster experienced in "Dances With Wolves."
The difference between 1860s Dakota Territory and 2000s Terlingua region would be reflected only in the teamster's comic line:

"I bet they wonder, ‘now why don't he call?'"

I try to "cell" the argument that for me, phone service, like neatness and organization, ranks next to impossible.

Over the past several weeks, my office phone has been flooded by national media, movie producers, radio talk show hosts and authors with requests for a Lobo football player's story. Most have asked if I have a cell phone and when I reply in the negative, I detect a wistfulness in many voices, a rolling of the eyes in others.

No, I do not pretend to be totally opposed to cellular technology, but bad news finds you...sooner or eventually.
Good news might find me, too, although I adhere to the premise that when my ship sails in, I'll still be on the Terlingua Porch.

On the other hand, I recall a story about an eccentric college professor living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He wrote grant applications, often awarded, but notification took time, as he lived in the woods without telephone and with a rickshaw as his only mode of transportation outside of shoe leather.

Once, by luck, he received notification of a grant award hours after its arrival. A vice president called the country store the professor occasionally visited and asked if a message could be left.

"You can give it to him yourself," the proprietor said, "I think that he's puffing up the hill right now!"

Cell phones have other tangible benefits. They may curb smoking; at least, they give people something to do with their hands. They allow amateur photographers to flourish. Cell phones even serve as game boards.

In my 20s, owing to a serious math deficiency, I abandoned the state use of pocket calculators and starting playing games with this-then sophisticated technological innovation.

Years earlier, in grade school, I noticed the same usage with ballpoint pens. The ink cartridge was extracted, the ball point replaced by a stick pin, was taped into place, reinserted into a now-open-ended tube and used as a blow gun. Results of accuracy were readily apparent, as were declining grades in composition.

I only wonder if ancient civilizations did not experiment in reverse: by converting blow guns to communication devices.

Failure to remove all the drug from the dart points may be the reason I still tend to get drowsy reading ancient manuscripts, though.

Cell phones, unlike land-liners, are subject to peril, too. A few years ago, a student worker reported losing her cell phone down the toilet of a local establishment. I won't go into details of the incident, but the establishment went to great lengths to retrieve the instrument.

The toilet was removed the following day, smashed open with a sledge hammer and the phone, lodged halfway down, was recovered and offered back to the owner.

By that time, a replacement was safely in hand.

Tis' the season...

Nurse John Hughes
Guest Columnist

Falling leaves, winter snow, runny noses, and sore throats are all indicators of seasonal change.

Unlike the weather, however, sinus infections caused by common cold viruses can be controlled. Since these germs are normally spread by direct contact, routine hand washing is essential during cold season.

Avoid touching the nose and mouth after touching door handles or other publicly used surfaces.  Courteous use of a handkerchief when coughing or sneezing respects other people's well-being.

Is it necessary to visit one's healthcare provider when feeling the ill effects of these annual bugs? Although there is good reason for concern here, the answer depends on the causative agent.

Fortunately, the common cold invaders are more nuisance than threat.

Over-the-counter medications won't cure anyone but can help to relieve unpleasant symptoms while the body fights off these benign viral irritants.

Although rare, influenza (flu) viruses occasionally fly in wreacking havoc upon their victims.

These particular pathogens certainly don't hide their virulence. The quickest marker distinguishing colds from more serious infections such as the flu is the intensity of the symptoms.

If running a low-grade fever of 100 degrees or less with mildly stuffy head, sniffles and scratchy throat, it's likely a cold. Fluids, rest and time are the best cure for this type of affliction.

If symptoms such as a highly elevated body temperature, hacking cough, extreme fatigue and painful body aches occur, you may want to visit your medical provider or emergency room.

When seeing students, my approach is to assume the worse. This mindset guides my nursing assessment and eventual treatment options.

Likewise, if unsure about an ailment, seeking medical advice is the smartest and safest move a person can make.

Healthy trails.

Briefs

Governor Perry Appoints Texas State University

September 24, 2007

AUSTIN -- Texas State University System is pleased to present the newly appointed members of the Board of Regents. Governor Rick Perry announced today the appointment of the following regents:

• Charlie Amato of San Antonio
• Ron Blatchley of Bryan
• Michael Truncale of Beaumont

See the governor's full announcement and a brief biography of each new regent by visiting the governor's web site.

The Texas State University System is the oldest multi-campus system in Texas and plays a critical role in the educational and economic development of this state. It is governed by a nine member Board of Regents appointed by the Governor. In addition, a non-voting student regent is appointed annually to the Board.

TSUS's eight component institutions are committed to serving the people of Texas through education. The Texas State University System Institutions include:Lamar Institute of Technology; Lamar State College-Orange; Lamar State College-Port Arthur; Lamar University; Sam Houston State University; Sul Ross State University; Sul Ross State University Rio Grande College; and Texas State University-San Marcos.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Sul Ross State University Counseling Center and the Family Crisis Center of the Big Bend are hosting an event to promote healthy relationships and to teach the red flags for unhealthy ones.

The group will be making a banner on Oct. 16, from 4-6 p.m., on the mall outside the University Center. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and add art, poetry, and personal thoughts to the banner.

The theme is "I can have a healthy relationship." By at least signing the banner, you are committing your efforts to healthy relationships. The group will be carrying the banner on a walk to the courthouse, which will leave the SRSU mall at 6:30 p.m.

Local law enforcement and domestic violence survivors will speak at 7 p.m. at the courthouse. Refreshments will be provided.

At 7:45 p.m., there will be a short candle-light vigil and a moment of silence for those who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence.

Please come out and show your support. For more information please call (432) 837-7254.

Special Service to Honor Gay and Lesbian Citizens

On Sunday, Oct. 7, 2007, at 11 a.m., the Unitarian Universalists of the Big Bend will hold a special service honoring the gay and lesbian citizens of Alpine and the surrounding area.

The sermon, entitled "It's All in the Genes; Gay is Okay," will be presented by Marilyne Crill-Dieckert, Ph.D.
The controversial subject will be explored in its historical and scientific context, aiming to correct misconceptions and revealing factual information which should lead to a greater tolerance of the gay lifestyle.

A covered-dish dinner will follow the service.

People of all races, creeds, genders, and ethnic backgrounds are always welcome at services of the Unitarian Universalists of the Big Bend, located at 1308 North Fifth St. in Alpine.

Spinning Class Offered

Spinning is a high energy exercise bicycle class for people of all levels. You spin at your own pace but have a volunteer instructor to help you along.

Classes are held in the Graves-Pierce athletic complex on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:15 a.m. and 12:05 p.m., and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5:15 p.m.

Classes are free to Recreational Sports members and to students.