Everybody’s business

A Jolt to the system
Jolt Cola, the gimmicky soda made popular in the 1980s that doubled up on the caffeine and sugar, is back—and available exclusively in Chico at the Craig Hall dorms.

The new Jolt is now available in five flavors, including classic Cola, Cherry Bomb, which claims to have 70 percent more caffeine than other sodas, and Ultra, which contains ginseng, taurine and vitamin B complex.

The sodas also come in cans that resemble batteries, with a meter on the side to show how much “charge” is left.

The new version of Jolt looks to either help dorm rats stay alert during mid-terms and finals or keep them up playing Halo 2 until 4 in the morning.

Super mega ultrasound
Although ultrasounds are used to monitor the development and health of fetuses, some also find it enjoyable to slap the black-and-white image of their little tykes swimming in amniotic fluids on the refrigerator for all to see.

Now there’s a way to see clear images and even watch the baby touch its toes to its forehead, said Michalene Hunter, whose new business, 4D Imaging, provides elected prenatal ultrasounds.

The new business is operated by Hunter, a registered nurse, and Joannie Lister, who is a licensed vocational nurse. Hunter said the business allows soon-to-be parents to view a 3D snapshot or a 4D video sequence of the expected bundle of joy.

Hunter said that, despite what some think, the process is safe for the mother and the fetus. She said the sound wave intensity is the same as the traditional 2D, and that the only difference is the computer software used.

However, there are requirements. Hunter said they require a verification form from a doctor, and the mother has to have undergone a second trimester ultrasound. For more information, call Michalene Hunter at (530) 300-2304.

Men are from MARS
There’s a new organization at Chico State for men who want to speak out against violence against women on campus.

Men Against Rape and Sexism (MARS) had its first meeting in late January and contends that the group’s focus will be to provide information to educate and help decrease sexual assaults, rapes and violent acts against women.

According to the group’s press release, they “intend to help males realize that their strength is not for hurting, and that they too can help to end this violent plague that affects our lives.”

The broken record
I was notified that yet another Orion reporter has been recognized in the Hearst Journalism Awards Program.

Becky Regan, now the college weekly’s news editor, won 11th place in the feature writing category for her in-depth story on cocaine use among college students.

The article, which appeared in the Oct. 27, 2004, issue of The Orion, was also a major factor in the paper’s taking first place in the Best of Show competition at the 83rd annual National College Media Convention held last year in Nashville.

Regan said it wasn’t necessary that I mention it in the column. But that’s just too damn bad. You deserve it, Regan. And I needed to fill space.