Pepperdine University - Promenade Yearbook (Malibu, CA)

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don't believe it, it's him!' Battle of the Network Stars by Kerry Graffy Yes, it was that time of year again when things were getting a bit weird around campus. My first clue was the bleachers set up on the intramurals field. The grass was colored, camera equipment was in position, cables zig-zagged across the turf, and planes and helicopters circled above like vultures waiting for their prey. I knew something was up when I passed a group of girls on my way to the pool. They were completely awestruck, clutching pieces of autographed paper. They didn't respond to my hello so I moved on. One young man was proudly displaying a towel to his comrades that Heather Thomas of The Fall Guy had used. One sports jock, who never before seemed to be at a loss for words, now could not seem to find his tongue because he had actual eye contact with Heather Locklear, a sexy star of TJ. Hooker and Dynasty. Although many Pepperdine students act rather nonchalant, unimpressed, and bored with the Battle of the Network Stars, the truth of the matter is that many students, businessmen, mothers and children alike are transformed into wild, screaming, autograph-seeking star gazers. Things were getting a bit out of hand, so I decided to analyze this. What exactly is a star? Are they super-human, untouchable gods and goddesses made immortal by film? Through a plan best not mentioned, I managed to get up to the stars' trailers, hoping to catch a different side of these much sought after people, away from their screaming fans. To my amazement, I saw one star asking another for an autograph. I saw Donna Mills, of Knots Landing under the makeup tent with her hair in curlers and Ana Alicia of Falcon Crest sitting on the ground rubbing sore feet. These were REAL PEOPLE! I couldn't wait to tell those disillusioned fans that these were people just like us; people who dieted, had idols, and put their shoes on one foot at a time like the rest of the world. I really get nervous, admitted Heather Locklear, especially in the Kayak competition, right before it's my turn. Billy Moses,of Falcon Crest con fided that he doesn't get ner- vous about performing in the Battle. Luckily, I love sports and stay in shape. One year they called me the day before and asked if I would be in it! Ana Alicia was practicing for the baseball dunk. After hitting the target twice, she finally missed. Now that's more like me, she exclaimed, I usually always miss. Lottery star Ben Murphy excitedly told of his most memorable event of the weekend. In the bicycle race, I took this one turn really sharp and actually got ahead of Mr. T and beat him! Mr. T, from The A Team enjoyed entertaining the crowds and playing with the children. If they had made a bouncer competition, I would've won it! he joked about his big build. Battle 15 was not much different than the other 14, but maybe this year some of us can sit back and laugh at ourselves and admire the stars for being real people. Opposite page: top photo, 'Battle' stars dive into the swimming competition; bottom sequence. Heather Locklear plunges into the dunk tank. 28 FEATURES

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c I caused by parental over expectations or self expectations. A student's major is also a big determinant in creating pressure. Some students suffer from test anxiety; although they know the subject matter, they clam up for a test. For this, she recommends counseling. She adds, In addition to academics, interpersonal tension can lead to pressure. Many students have problems dealing with relation-ships-more frequently with roommates than with a boyfriend or girlfriend Social pressure is significant at Seaver College. Many may question whether they will fit in with their peers. Will you have to change your style, your attitude, your identity? Would you drink to fit into a certain clique? are questions college students ask themselves. Student Bonnie Newman comments, Many people are great to talk to on a one-to-one basis, but when I talk to them in public, their whole attitude seemed to change. We finally make it to our senior year. All of the college pressures are almost over. One important question remains in our heads: Will we get the jobs we were hoping for? Suddenly the pressures we put upon ourselves cramming for the Heritage test seem insignificant. We live in a fast-paced world. We are continually bombarded with responsibilities and decisions to be made. But life is truly what we make of it. And so is pressure. Conrad Theodore FEATURES 27 -David lea$«r

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■Carlos Arakelian ■David leaser FEATURES 29