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University Daily Kansan, January 14 1983
Entertainment
Video game craze spreads to stores; addicts invade households, arcades
By JOHNNIE BETH FISCUS Staff Reporter
The feet are spread for balance, the control lever is held loosely between the thumb and middle finger and the eyes gleam in anticipation. The battle of man versus machine is about to begin.
Ever since the first Pac-Man "woka-ed" its way into the public eye, video games have been big business.
It starts the moment the flashing lights and curious sounds entice the video addict to play and ends when the last quarter is gobbled.
The video craze, which began with Space Invaders and Asteroids in out-of-the-way arcades, has spread to restaurants, bars, grocery stores and even private homes.
Nearly 15 million U.S. households are equipped to play such games as Chopper Command, Berserk and B-17 Bomber, according to U.S. News and World Report magazine. Some players even have added voice synthesizers and computers that warn of incoming attackers.
These television games are making the computer a household word.
This past Christmas computer sales sky-rocketed as shoppers searched for a practical bum fun gifts, said Robert Murphy, a technician Two-Way, 2011. W 20th St., a video game store.
For many people, however, home computers cannot replace the glitter and excitement of an arcade.
"Home games are totally different from arcades," said Robert Allendorph, Park Ridge, Ill., junior.
"At an arcade you try to get the most out of your money. The games are fast-paced. The home games, especially the sports games, are more for enjoyment and they can last a couple of hours."
In an arcade game a good player may play
only 10 minutes before being destroyed, he said
Not only have video games boomed over night, they also have become more complicated and more diverse.
Today, games such as Robotron, Zaxxon and Joust challenge the player with new strategies, smarter opponents and three dimensional figures.
And games like Pac-Man have more sequels than the movie "Rocky." Pac-Man fans now may play Ms. Pac-Man, Baby Pac-Man, Pac-Man Plus and Super Pac-Man.
Another new game, reminiscent of the burger war between McDonalds and Burger King, is BurgerTime. In this game the player tries to eat a sandwich while watching out for Mr. Hotdog and Mr. Pickle.
with so many games out to get your quarter it is important to understand how the game is played before inserting any money. Those who regularly visit acreades use a tried-and-proven
"Usually I watch someone play the game and pick up some tips," Allendorph said. "Then I throw in a lot of quarters and practice."
Several books on the market explain the strategies of the various games, but the true adjective addtens to shy away from these. They say it is more fun to play that to read about
"Practice is the only way to learn," said Lois Bowen, Belleville, sophomore, a Gorf adorn.
"I could spend $10 without blinking an eye. I'm very competitive and I hate to get beat by that
machine," she said. "I can't leave until I've done well. That's why I think competitive people become addicted."
Like most video game addicts, Allendorph and Bowen must limit the amount of money they spend at the arcade.
"When I go, I spend about $8. When the money runs out of it, I'll attendorph said, "For $5 I can get it.""
Wait, is it "I'll attendorph said" or "I'll attendorph said"? The first one is clear.
The second one has a period.
Let's re-read line 1.
"When I go, I spend about $8. When the money runs out of it, I'll attendorph said, 'For $5 I can get it.'"
One more check on the word "attendorph". It's definitely there.
Final check of whole text:
"When I go, I spend about $8. When the money runs out of it, I'll attendorph said, 'For $5 I can get it.'"
Actually, looking at the image, it's "when I go, I spend about $8. when the money runs out of it, I'll attendorph said, 'for $5 i can get it.)"
The last word in the sentence is "get it."
Okay, I'm ready to write.
Wait, line 2 has a period after "Attendorph said".
Line 3 has a period after "I'll attendorph said, 'For $5 I can get it.)"
Yes, that's what I see.
Let's re-read line 1.
"When I go, I spend about $8. When the money runs out of it, I'll attendorph said, 'For $5 I can get it.)"
Yes, that is correct.
Final check of whole text:
"When I go, I spend about $8. When the money runs out of it, I'll attendorph said, 'For $5 I can get it.)"
Wait, the word "attendorph said" has a period after it.
The word "I'll attendorph said" also has a period after it.
The word "get it)" also has a period after it.
The word "Attendorph said" has a period after it.
The word "I'll attendorph said" has a period after it.
The word "get it)"
Bowen said she figures out how much money she can afford to spend and then she will take a leap of faith and buy a new car.
Neither of them regret spending so much money on video games.
"Video games are an outlet," Bowan said. "They're cheap for as much thrill as you get out of them. If you do good it makes you feel like you've really accomplished something."
Lawrence celebrities step out in local production
Bv SUZANNE BROWN
Staff Reporter
If actor Dustin Hoffman in nylons surprised you, what about KU professor Del Shankel with a switchblade or Lawrence Mayor Marci Francisco in pintpreshes held over from a Prohibition speakeasy?
Skeptics can see it for themselves this month in the Lawrence Arts Center's production of "The Gazebo," a mystery-comedy by Alec Coppel. The production features cameo appearances by local celebrities Gretchen Budig, wife of KU Chancellor Gene A. Budig; Francisco; the Rev. Paul Messino, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church; and Shankel.
Their participation in the play is the brain child of director Laurie Vander Pohl-Hosek, KU
graduate student, who sought a gimmick to attract larger audiences to "The Gazebo" and to increase awareness of community theatre in Lawrence.
"It's an effort to increase box office sales and to bring in audience members who otherwise might not come to a community theatre production," she said.
The four celebrities will take turns playing the role of Louie, the knife-wielding, tough-talking gangster who appears briefly as the sidekick of the principal bad guy, the Duke, played by Charles Oldfather.
Each celebrity will appear in one of the four performances Jan. 27-30.
Nan Scott, who is both actress and production manager for "The Gazebo," is sure Vander Pol-Hosek will have her actors ready.
"Last summer Laurie got 43 teenagers ready in one month for the youth theatre production of 'Lil Abner.' she said, "I have a feeling, after I see four experienced actors is a piece of cake."
Gretchen Budig was grateful for Vander Pol-Hosek's accommodating rehearsal schedule, which worked around the many obligations of the celebrities.
"The 45-minute evening rehearsals were all I had time for, with the baby," she said. "But I'm glad I could do it. It'll fun."
"The Gazebo" is a comedy about a television mystery writer plagued by a blackmailer and a suburban existence, which he hates. He tries to squech them both while unraveling the skein of mysterious events surrounding his house and its new gazebo.
Richard Seconberg and Kate Taylor play the luckless writer, Elliott, and his actress wife, Neli, and Doug Wasson is friendly neighbor, the county's assistant district attorney.
The play combines the antics of an early screwball comedy film with the parodied menace of a St. Valentine's Day massacre. With the added filip of local fame, the experience is not likely to be repeated in the Lawrence community theatre.
"The Gazebo" will be performed at 8 p.m. Jan.
27-29 and at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Lawrence
Arts Center, Ninth and Vermont streets.
The Center is offering a dinner theatre package at the Eldridge House restaurant on the play's opening night. For dinner theatre information, call Beatrice Pettigrew at 749-6013.
Local artists featured at public library art exhibit
Staff Reporter
By LAUREN PETERSON
Outdoors the wind whispers a cold chant of winter blues, but inside the Lawrence Public Library a warmth of color and light declare a different season.
Three local artists, Jan Gaunnitz, James Comnelly and Debi Ferrington, are responsible for this seasonal change of warmth. Their works in the month's exhibit at the library, 700 Vermont St.
*Gatumuth, a Lawrence resident since 1967, who earned her master's in fine arts at the University of Kansas in 1975, is exhibiting acrylic and acrylic nature paintings, in the library lobby.
"My feeling on exhibits is that the primary goal is to finish a new body of work and share it," she said. "I need to communicate with people I want them to identify with the piece."
want them to be in your picture.
Identifying with her paintings is easy for
viewers who appreciate the beauty and simplicity of autumn.
One of the more pleasing watercolors "October Leaves," is a large canvas of cinnamon, caramel and orange leaves with a sky-blue background.
She said a series of photographs taken on her farm near Lecompton inspired this watercolor.
Gaunnitz, who also sculpts and works with ceramics, considers her paintings as impressionistic. She feels comfortable with a recognizable character, but she said she had worked with sculpture form.[4]
abstract or formulae
"You can't grow unless you try new things," she said. "You have to find the right combination to express what you want to say."
Also in the library lobby is jewelry by Connelly, a metal smith.
He said the library exhibit had given him the
Connely, who received his master's in jewelry and silver smithing at KU in 1972, owns and runs the Casbah Deli and Silver Works, 803 Massachusetts St.
opportunity to show some of his stranger pieces he was trying to expose rather than sell.
"Exhibiting is a tremendous way to educate the public," he said. "It's unfortunate, but there is a small minority of people who understand modern art and crafts."
In one case Connelly displayed gold jewelry, including a pearl necklace with a small pearl dangling from a half-inch strip of solid gold attached to the chain.
Other works of copper and silver included a money clin and pendant.
He said his work was sculptural, clean and had very little decoration.
"There are so few people who trust your creativity," he said. "It's frustrating when people want to know why your work is so good." He also noted that a true craftsmanship takes to create an image."
Connelly said that he received many requests to design rings for customers, but that it was not possible.
jewelry making because of the excitement of creation.
The Christmas cards to be given
But he said he had never been bored with his
"If someone doesn't like what I've made, I can always melt it down and start all over!"
The Gallery Room holds work by Ferrington, a mixed media artist.
She displays several pen and ink drawings, a series of fruit and vegetable pastel drawings and a collection of mixed media.
"I enjoy it all," she said. "I don't like to stick with one thing. I got bored."
Laurie Culling, co-owner of Phoenix Gallery,
820 Massachusetts St., and an artist herself,
chooses the local artists who exhibit each month at the library.
She said the Lawrence Public Library art exhibits started in the late 1960s to expose the public to art and give local artists an exhibition opportunity.
"I always had a fantasy of making Lawrence a new art center. I hope that people from Kansas City will come to Lawrence to see the art that it has to offer."
Spare Time
This calendar is a weekly list of entertaining events in Lawrence. Items should be submitted by 4 p.m. Wednesday for Friday's paper.
Saturday Jan.15.
Jazz radio series;
"Live at the Jazz-
haus" with alto sax-
ophonist Richie Cole's
"Alto Madness";
KANU radio hosted by
Dick Wright. 10 p.m.
Master's Recital:
Phil Paris, organ;
Grace Cathedral, Topea;
free; 8 p.m.
Workshop: "Inside
Sunday Jan 16
Vocal recital: Maribeth and George J. Crawford accompanied by Steve Wiseman; Lawrence Arts Center; $5 and $3 for students; 2:30 r.m.
Workshop:
Jaws," with J.D. Stewart; KU Museum of Natural History; $4 for adult members and $$ for non-members; 9 a.m. to noon.
2.30 p.m.
Exhibit: "Birds;
Exhibit: "Birds"
Personalities in Design
by design, hastel and calligrapher,
catherine Seibel; open through Feb. 25; in the East Gallery of the Lawrence Arts Center.
Monday Jan. 17
Monday, Sat. 17
Classes: begin at the Lawrence Arts Center in art, dance and
Wednesday, Jan. 19
Slide Show: "New Discoveries in Grassroots Art"; folk art photographed by members of the Kansas Grassroots Art Association; Lawrence Art Center; 7 p.m.
Elephant training a weighty task for Topeka keepers
Agile, intelligent and social, the elephant is the largest land animal. But the size doesn't seem to bother Kirk Craver, elephant keeper at the Topeka Zoo, as he gives Sunda her morning exercise.
By LADONNA LONGSTREET Staff Reporter
Circus elephants need training in amounts comparable to their size.
"If (the keepers) are going to manage these elephants on a daily basis, they must have the psychological advantage through voice communication," said Gary Clarke, the director of Topkea Zoo.
Two of his elephants, Tembo and Sunda, each weigh 5,000 to 6,000 pounds, giving them a clear physical advantage over the keepers, Clarke said.
At a training session Wednesday morning, Steve Beck, area supervisor, and Kirk Craver, elephant keeper, used voice commands, calling the elephants by name. Each man carried an ankus, a short rod with a curved end, to help direct the animals.
One keeper directed his elephant to say,
"hello." She politely guffawed. *
The elephants walked around the room, raised their feet, sat on stools and bowed. When both keepers commanded the elephants to "down square," Tembo and Sunda laid down.
Beck climbed onto Ternbo, and Craver settled on Sunda's neck. On command the elephants ambled to their feet and continued their exercises with the men on their backs.
This training session occurs twice daily at
10:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the zoo. The sessions are not intended for the public; Clarke said, but the public is permitted to watch.
"They are done twice a day every day for the elephants' sakes." he said.
Clarke said the elephants had to be controllable. For instance, if one of the poles came loose in their pen when there was snow on the ground and they were unable to repair it while the elephants stayed inside.
In such a situation, Clarke said, the keepers would command Tembo and Sunda to "down square." The elephants kneel so the keepers can walk around them. The elephant knows it is secure and safe, Clarke said.
Similar procedures would be used when a veterinarian tried to examine the elephants,
If the keepers were not in control, the elephants might not receive needed care simply because the veterinarians could not get near them. But with such training, he said, trainers can walk in at any time and give any command, and the elephants will respond.
Without training the elephants could get lazy, lifting their feet less and less on tricks until they stop performing at all.
"If one is really being ornery the keeper will
"Elephants like to cheat." Clarke said. "They will try to get away with something on a crowded street."
They are disciplined immediately, he said, because they must associate the discipline with the misbehavior.
spank her with the handle of the anus," a move which audiences sometimes misinterpret as cruelty to the animals.
Clarke said that in the circus elephants have a memorized routine that they must perform in perhaps six minutes, and the trainer cannot take the time to correct their behavior.
"The training sessions demonstrate their mental and physical capabilities and the rapport developed with their keepers," Clarke said.
He said that when the elephants first arrived at the zoo professional trainers assisted in the training of the elephants.
Just as the training must be accompanied by constant discipline, he said, the elephants also receive rewards. Before the workout the keepers patted the elephants, and after the exercises each keeper placed an apple in his elephant's mouth.
garrier in the morning keepers cleaned the stall and bathed the elephants. The keepers washed them with a high-pressure water line, Clarke said, which pleased the elephants as well as helped to condition their skin. They also scrubbed their hide with a rough brush.
Following their treat, the keepers tossed hay into the stall. Each elephant picked up tufts of hay with her trunk and at the hey. He said each trunk contained 40,000 muscles.
The hay isn't just food to the elephants, Clarke said. It's 'an "occupational activity."
As Clark watched the elephants playing with their hay, he said they were in "elephant heat."