Wescolite (Dillon, Mont) 1949-2009, October 06, 2004, Image 2

October 6, 2004 Verb, It's What You Do Editorials The Wescolite Student Newspaper The Wescolite Returns By Scott Calhoun , Editor I’m a big fan of watching the channel Nickelodeon. I realize that its primary objective is the entertainment of children, but I just can’t help myself. I love watching The Fairly Odd Parents and Sponge Bob Squarepants. These programs are full of good quality American family fun, but I am drifting to a point far from the one I am intending to make. While I watch these magical programs, I notice something odd. Every other or every third commercial break includes a commercial that emphasizes the impor­ tance of getting outside and playing a game, whether it is basketball, baseball or any other sport; it doesn’t matter as long as it’s some form of physical activity. One of these commercials depicts a boy playing a video game, when suddenly, his basket­ ball attacks him in a violent manner, dragging him outside to play. There are several similar commercials that involve various sports paraphernalia dragging a young girl or boy outside to be physically active. Many of these commercials end with the hypnotizing catch phrase “Verb, it’s what you do!” Don’t get me wrong, I like all of these commercials. They are witty, funny, educational, and dare I say it? Cute. It’s just that the cynical part of me wants to point out these commercials are promoting not watching television, on television! Advertising is a big portion of television revenue. Television not watched equals commercials not watched, which in effect, equals advertising revenue not received. Why is it a television channel would knowingly encourage children to not watch their programs and in essence not watch their sponsors’ commercials? That leaves me to believe that there must be some ulterior motive behind these commercials. All paranoid suspicions aside, the message of these commercials is an important Jone indeed. Nickelodeon runs these commercials because they realize the impor­ tance of America’s youth living a healthy lifestyle by staying physically active. ¡Kidshealth.org says that over nine million children ages 6-19 are overweight. •Studies show that staying physically active, next to proper diet and nutrition, is the ¡most important step to maintaining a healthy body weight. Being overweight can eventually lead to obesity. Children who are obese run the risk of being diagnosed jwith diabetes, which includes a list of health problems all its own. The executives I it Nickelodeon realize that all of the above mentioned health problems are worth rying to prevent despite the potential loss of revenue. These commercials are encouraging children to go out and play on their own jtime, which is fine and dandy. It’s a great message to send, but what about the ¡schools these children attend? Are they getting enough physical activity through their school physical education program? I’d like to say that all schools have adequate physical education programs, but that’s not always the case. Many schools faced with a tight budget choose to cut the physical education program in order to make it through the school year. They justify these cuts by thinking of P.E. as nothing more than children playing games. This isn’t the case. P.E. is more than game playing. A child can learn life long healthy choices by staying active in a physical education course. Also, many children might not have time to exercise on their own , or they’re too busy watching television to go out and play. It’s a sad truth of the world, but not all children have the initiative to go out and be physically active. They need encouragement, they need physical education classes. After reading this editorial, I hope you have learned three very important things: 1) Nickelodeon has some quality programming that the whole family can enjoy; 2) Staying physically active is a very important aspect of life; 3) Physical education is an important aspect of staying physically active. I guess there’s no other way to conclude this editorial than to encourage all of you to go outside and play while also encouraging the children in your life to do the same. Play a game of basketball, racquetball or go running. It doesn’t matter what physical activity you partake in as long as it is some form of physical activity. Remember kids “Verb, it’s what you do!” By STAFF The students of English 215, Journal­ ism, are pleased to present the first issue of The Wescolite to the students, faculty and staff of The University of Montana- Western. Responding to the requests of alumni, administration and community leaders, the students voted to change the name of the newspaper from The West­ ern Wire back to The Wescolite , the name the college newspaper was published under from 1952 to the late 1990’s. In addition to a name change, the newspaper has also changed staff. Scott Calhoun, a junior majoring in English at UM-W, has accepted the position of Edi­ tor in Chief. Travis Crismore, a sopho­ more at UM-W, has accepted the posi­ tion of Business Manager. Rebecca Knotts is the new faculty advisor. Rebecca was the Editor in Chief of The Wescolite in 1993 and returned to UM-W in 2004 as an Instructor of En­ glish. The Wescolite staff writers are: Katie Bacon, Sandra Bradford, Matt Bryn, John Currier, Scott Day, Ader Evans, Marie Giere, Deanna Levine and Elizabeth Sivils. The newspaper is produced by the students enrolled in English 215, however all UM-W students, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit articles and story ideas. For more information contact Scott Calhoun at 683-7045 or via email at western wire @ umwestern.edu. Wescolite Staff Editor- Scott Calhoun Business Manager- Travis Crismore Staff Writers Sandy Bradford Matt Bryn Ader Evans Deanna LeVine Jon Currier Jr. Elizabeth Sivils Marie Giere Scott Day Katie Bacon Advisor- Rebecca Knotts