There have been imitators and there have been ghost-debaters, but there have been no duplicators. What am I talking about? The 13th annual Legends of the Dark tours, of course.

For the past 13 years, tour guides have been walking groups throughout CMU’s campus, telling ghastly tales of mysterious lights, satanic symbols, romance, death and a creepy courtyard with an oddly-shaped grave. These stories are myths and legends deriving themselves from campus’s history.

Haven’t heard of any of these tales? You’re about to .?

Most of you have been by Warriner Hall, which was built in the mid-1920s after the first building burnt down. Now, in 1937 it was reported that a food service worker was working late at night and for some unknown reason, stuck her head out of the elevator to check what floor she was on, not knowing that it was stuck between floors. Unfortunately, she suffocated and died when the elevator came crashing downward.

From that day on, there have been reported sightings of lights flashing on and off from the sixth floor, which is impossible since the room has been locked off and hasn’t been used in decades. The only individuals who have the key are custodial staff. Even still, there have been reports of lights in the rooms, sometimes static, sometimes moving – never are they explainable.

This is only a taste of things to come. The real thrills are the other 12 stories this year. Legends of the Dark is going through some reconstruction, which means “Legends” is going into an new direction. The stories are the same (with a few additions due to recent discoveries), the locations are the same, but the way they’re being told is different this year. Legends of the Dark is going to be a lot more frightening. There will be unexpected twists and turns throughout the tours. Tourists won’t know what’s going to happen during the tour.

Legends of the Dark has exploded in popularity over the years. Because of this, there will be an extra night for tours (three instead of two) and tickets will be sold in order to maximize the student attendance. Tours will take place from 8 p.m. to 10:40 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday. Tours begin every 10 minutes in the Down Under Food Court in the Bovee University Center. Tickets are $1 at the Box Office and $3 at the door.

A few individuals have been working since September to make this event as creepy as it can be. There are more than 50 volunteers working each of the three nights to make sure that this goes as smoothly as possible in order to give the ultimate haunted experience. If you do go, you may even see The Joker walking around campus. Tell him Ryan said, “Hi.”

Legends of the Dark is the real deal on campus. It’s the place to go for good fun and great entertainment, but it will be terrifying. So while thinking about whether to attend this year’s Legends of the Dark, simply ask yourself: Are you afraid of the dark? You will be . You will be!

Coming into tomorrow’s game against Central Michigan, Ohio needs a win more than Chad Ocho Cinco needs attention.

The Bobcats are playing perhaps their toughest schedule since coach Frank Solich was hired in 2005, and they’ve performed well despite being winless in two tries.

Ohio showed it can play with anyone in the country when it went into Columbus and lost 26-14 to the then-No.3 ranked Buckeyes.

They also lost a heartbreaker at Wyoming 21-20.

The Bobcats actually led going into the fourth quarter against Ohio State and for more than 22 minutes in the game. If it weren’t for a muffed punt and an eye-popping five-to-one turnover ratio, Ohio might have come away with the biggest upset since Buster Douglas sent Las Vegas into a frenzy by beating Mike Tyson.

Defense was the key to the game, and like many Solich coached teams in the past, it will be the difference in Ohio’s season.

The Bobcats have the No.1-ranked defense in the Mid-American Conference coming into this weekend.

Ohio State mustered just 272 yards against the Bobcats and a decent Wyoming team was only able to squeak out 111 yards of total offense.

This defense looks more like the unit that carried the Bobcats to the 2006 MAC championship game, which I’m sure you’ll remember was a 31-10 laugher for the Chippewas.

They’ve done it with a defensive back unit that is deep and fast, in fact, Solich said in his weekly news conference this week that this defense is faster than any he’s had in his tenure at Ohio.

However, I doubt the Bobcats have seen an offense like the Chippewas. They certainly haven’t seen it in practice.

Ohio’s offense is about as bad as Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez’s ethics.

The Bobcats rank 10th in the conference in total offense and that was with starter Theo Scott, who is most likely out for the season after breaking his collarbone against the Buckeyes.

But don’t sleep on Quarterback Boo Jackson. Coming into this season, he was known for his passing ability, but he opened some eyes by making plays with his feet against Ohio State.

He has shown throughout spring and fall camp that he can be just as good as Scott, but can he handle the pressure?

Peden Stadium is a little different than Ohio Stadium, but Jackson was just 9-of-25 passing for 84 yards and three interceptions after coming in for Scott.

But expect that to change this weekend as the Chippewa defense has shown a matador-like approach to defense – they rank 11th in the MAC in total defense.

Sure, Georgia’s offense is good, but 552 yards and seven touchdowns, good? I think not.

If the Bobcat’s strength can somehow find a way to contain Central Michigan’s offense (a.k.a. Dan LeFevour), expect a close game.

But it will be tough for the Bobcats to come away with a win after such a devastating loss last week, especially against a team that is of the caliber of Central Michigan.

Matt O’Donnell is the sports editor of The Post, Ohio’s student newspaper. E-mail him at Mo134405@ohiou.edu

Daniel Abbey

Students could soon be able to sober up – or continue the party – at
local bars and clubs.

The Michigan Senate recently voted 35-0 to approve a bill that would
allow liquor licensed establishments to extend their hours and stay
open past 2 a.m.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s signature is the only thing needed to make
the bill a law in Michigan.

The bill wouldn’t allow bars to serve alcohol after 2 a.m., but
shows, routines and dancing would go on, along with the serving of food
and beverages.

Norm Smith, co-owner of the Wayside Central and O’Kellys Sports Bar
& Grill, 2000 S. Mission Road, said the law might be a good idea.

“I’m all for it,” he said. “We’re definitely going to look into it.”

Venues would need a permit from the state Liquor Control Commission,
as well as approval from local police and governments.

Current laws allow venues with liquor licenses to stay open past 2
a.m. if they have full-service kitchens with all-night permits.
Establishments like bowling alleys are also allowed to stay open.
They are not allowed to have dancing, billiards or other entertainment.

“Other states are going until 4 a.m. with alcohol,” Smith said.
“It’s coming across the country.”

Leon Drake, general manager at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield Road,
doesn’t agree with Smith.

“I can’t see it being that profitable,” Drake said. “Most people by
that time have had too much to drink.”

Smith said the extended time will give bar patrons ample time to
sober up.

“The more time you give somebody, the better it is,” he said. “So
people don’t try to squeeze it in.”

Drake said he would rather see a sober driver or a taxi take people
home from his bar.

Holt senior Kristen Tucker frequents Mount Pleasant bars and said
she would stay past 2 a.m.

“At least for a little while, up to an hour,” she said. “It
could be beneficial for the patrons and the bar. I don’t see it hurting
anything at all.”

Tucker said she feels people would extend their hours if their
favorite bar did.

“People would stay,” she said. “Two o’clock comes too soon.”

Smith said he thinks the laws would be great for a place like the
Wayside.

“It would help night clubs,” he said. “Once they’re here and having
fun, they don’t want to stop.”

Drake said he doesn’t think the late hours are that big of a deal.

“Our kitchen is open until 1:30 a.m. anyway,” he said. “Even on New
Year’s, we close by 3:30 a.m.”

Amanda Papke

David Menton, guest speaker from the Answers in Genesis organization,
gave a presentation on creationism vs. evolutionism to a packed
auditorium in Warriner Hall’s Platcha Auditorium Wednesday evening.
Menton has numerous degrees such as a Ph.D. in cell biology from Brown
University and a career including 34 years on the faculty of Washington
University school of medicine and two years at the Mayo Clinic.

Amanda Papke

Mount Pleasant residents Pamela and John Buckley are the owners of
the new art gallery called Galleria Lazzerini at 110 E. Broadway St.

Cc

By Natalie Lombardo

Central Michigan Life

A Clare woman felt she was destined to explore Europe.

Five children and 15 years later, Pamela Buckley and her husband
John have returned to Mount Pleasant to introduce the popular art of an
Italian artist to the United States.

Open for one week on 110 E. Broadway St., Galleria Lazzerini
features the art of Giuliana Lazzerini. The collection, Landscapes of
Enchantment and Memories of Tuscany, is the first of her works to be
sold in North America.

“A good number of people have questioned our sanity to open an
expensive art gallery in Mount Pleasant,” Pamela Buckley said. “A few
small ticket items and one original have sold. We didn’t expect to see
a single soul walk though the door.”

She said Lazzerini’s work has more than doubled in value in the last four years.

“It’s starting to snowball in Europe and only in the beginning stages in the United States,” Pamela Buckley said.

Lazzerini’s work is featured regularly in 30 galleries throughout
Europe and in 150 traveling shows. Home-furnishing store IKEA and major
chain stores in Europe have purchased exclusive rights to her work.

Many people buy her work for investment as well as enjoyment, John Buckley said.

The selection ranges from greeting cards and signed prints to
limited edition prints, original oils, acrylics and watercolors.
Complimentary mediums from other artists are also on display.

Lazzerini’s art is inspired by her birthplace, Tuscany, landscapes
and childhood memories. Vibrancy of color and geometric contrast
characterize her work.

Prices range from $2.50 gift cards to a $5,900 framed original oil.
John Buckley took into account the high prices in relation to CMU
students.

“A student could buy and frame the cards and posters,” he said. “We
welcome any students that just want to admire, sketch or do a study.
Art classes could even come in for a field trip.”

He said surrounding downtown businesses have been appreciative, commenting this is exactly what downtown Mount Pleasant needs.

“If people have a way they think the gallery would benefit the
community, we don’t have a problem with that,” Pamela Buckley said.
“Along with serving as an office premise for spreading work throughout
the United States, the gallery is for people to come in and see art
that they wouldn’t have the chance to see unless they visited a
metropolitan museum.”

John Buckley said people are welcome even if they’re not interested
in buying. The couple aims to have Lazzerini’s work displayed in 20
galleries across the country and are in the first stages of a promotion
intended to offer originals to a network of galleries.

“We want very metropolitan, cosmopolitan places like the Eastern
seaboard, Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles so value goes up,” Pamela
Buckley said. “We are promoting, not making it available in a
five-and-dime.”

The couple purchased a seaside hotel on the East Yorkshire coast of
England and used Lazzerini’s work to add vibrancy to the empty walls,
forging the Buckleys’ relationship with the artist. As people began to
peruse the hotel solely to catch a glimpse of the pieces, they began
selling it and are now the sole agents of Lazzerini original art in the
United States.

Strongly influenced by time spent in her father’s mosaic studio as a
child, Lazzerini earned a Master of Arts and studied four more years at
the Accademia di Belle Arti Di Carrara in Italy. She resides in England.

Amanda Papke

Randi Driscoll performed at Carey Residential Restaurant Thursday night.
Driscoll wrote the song ‘What Matters’ for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
All proceeds from the single go to the foundation, which has raised $35,000.

Amanda Papke

“I think that they should require sophomores with scholarships to live
on campus because the university has extra beds that need to be filled, and
now they have even more with the new Towers.”

Amanda Papke

Anthony Genia (right) and Tyler White make a tackle in Saturday’s Mount Pleasant Rockets game at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.