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Ron Bailey’s mind isn’t a steel trap, but his being is. “I don’t memorize,” Bailey said. “I incorporate the factor into my being.” Bailey is a firm believer in Carl Sagan’s idea of transgenerational personality where everyone is part of the generations before them. “I’m 25,000 years ago, all the way back to the first amoeba,” Bailey said. Hopefully, Bailey can use his being and the beings of others who are part of him to guide this year’s Midwestern State College Bowl team to the national tournament. This year at Midwestern’s tournament Bailey averaged a whopping 55 points per game. College Bowl adviser Mark Farris said Bailey is the top man right now at MSU. The 48-year-old Bailey could lead one to believe he is a philosophy professor the way he spouts quotes and ideas from the great world thinkers. But he is only a non-traditional history major with a nose for trivia and a passion for learning. He can easily be recognized wearing his trademark, slightly creased cap, which he claims he only takes off during sex. In high school, Bailey was, surprisingly, a C student. “I don’t really care about grades,” he said. “High school taught you what to think, not how to think.” In 1998, Bailey started taking classes at Midwestern to finish up his history major. While working at a telemarketing company Bailey met Mike Coofer who played on the College Bowl team that advanced to the national tournament in 1994. Because of his interest in knowledge, Coofer knew Bailey would be perfect for College Bowl. “He’s definitely the main engine for the team,” Coofer said. Last year at the College Bowl regional tournament Bailey averaged 38.33 points per game and placed fifth out of 95 players. Last year’s team lost four of their 10 games, but they only lost by a slim margin. The largest margin was to Arkansas which went on to win the tournament. “Arkansas creamed us because they were quicker,” Bailey said. “I would push my buzzer and their light would come on.” Bailey gave away a few of his secrets on how to be a College Bowl contender. “It’s all about preparation,” he said. “A lot of the people that play at the local level aren’t prepared. I study about three or four hours a day for College Bowl.” Bailey and his teammates, Phi Alpha Theta, begin studying months in advance for the tournament. “I make a list of 100 authors, 100 artists and learn some facts about them so I can regurgitate it on cue.” Also, getting the right mixture of people helps broaden the areas of study. “We have different fields that we study, then we come together and pool our resources,” he said. “The more obscure facts you know about something, the faster you will answer,” he said. “Once the question gets to the obvious fact, everyone knows the answer by then.” Bailey said his biggest weakness is pop culture questions. “They’ll ask questions about singing groups that came out this year. We need someone about 20 years old to answer those questions.” In his spare time, Bailey enjoys watching Jeopardy. “People always tell me I should be on Jeopardy,” he said. He also enjoys playing chess, tennis and writing. He hopes someday to write the great American novel. If you ever get the chance to speak with Bailey, be prepared with open ears and an open mind. You just might learn something. He’s not afraid to speak his mind, and you never know what he’ll say next. “I don’t mind if you put that part in about sex,” Bailey joked as he walked away.
Your mission should you choose to accept it... The University Programming Board is trying something a little different. So strap on your seat belts and get ready for a super fast-paced highly entertaining comedy show. Meet the agents of MISSION IMPROVable in MSU’s Comanche Suites on Monday at 7 p.m. They’ll have you jumping out of your seats and onto the stage. MISSION IMPROVable is a six-man improvisation group based in Chicago, Ill. Currently, this award-winning comedic troop is playing the college circuit and has performed at places like the University of Kansas, Washington University and Michigan State. The theme of their improv work is based on the show “Mission Impossible.” Armed with phrases like “this is your mission if you choose to accept it,” while unloading their artillery of quick wit and fierce humor, one can anticipate a very interactive show. MISSION IMPROVable likes to incorporate the audience as much as possible, so come ready and willing to volunteer yourself. The men of MISSION IMPROVable guarantee that no two shows are alike because everything they do is made up on the spot. That can allow for extreme antics that will leave your sides aching. Their jokes are not scripted; it is strictly improv. MISSION IMPROVable has been compared to the hit television show “Whose Line is it Anyway?” In the past, MSU has invited novelty acts such as Craig Karges, a mentalist, and Tom Deluca, a hypnotist, but MISSION IMPROVable is something truly unique to MSU. “Based on the student surveys and suggestions, students want to see comedic performances,” said Leslee Ponder, director of Student Activities. “In addition, some of the students on campus and I as well have seen MISSION IMPROVable perform, and they come highly recommended.”
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