Vision is one of the most important senses that humans possess. It allows us to perceive and interpret the world around us through the use of our eyes. Our eyes work by utilizing a complex system of structures and mechanisms to capture light and convert it into electrical signals that our brain can then interpret. One common condition that can affect vision is called nearsightedness or myopia. This is a refractive error of the eyes that causes objects in the distance to appear blurry, while close objects remain clear. Nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal or the cornea has too much curvature, which causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it.

Five things to know about Western Illinois University

Nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal or the cornea has too much curvature, which causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Another condition that can affect vision is called farsightedness or hyperopia. This is the opposite of nearsightedness, where close objects appear blurry while distant objects remain clear.

1What is a Leatherneck and why is it the nickname at Western Illinois? Leatherneck is a slang term for a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, whose soldiers years ago wore stiff leatherneck collars to keep their posture upright. In 1927, Western Illi.

Western Illinois' nickname the Leathernecks and its English bulldog mascor are take from the traditions of the U.S. Marines Corps.

What is a Leatherneck and why is it the nickname at Western Illinois? Leatherneck is a slang term for a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, whose soldiers years ago wore stiff leatherneck collars to keep their posture upright. In 1927, Western Illinois athletic director Roy Hanson gained permission to use the Leatherneck nickname and the English bulldog mascot to page homage to his service in the Marine Corps. Western Illinois is the only non-military university to use a military nickname.

Western Illinois is located in Macomb, which has a population of 21,516. It was named after Alexander Macomb, a general in the War of 1812.

Western Illinois has an enrollment of 8,694 students. Besides its main campus in Macomb, it also has a campus in Moline, Ill.

Notable alumni include: actor John Mahoney, best known for his portrayal of Frasier's dad in the TV sitcom 'Frasier'; pulitzer-prize winning reporter for the Chicago Sun Times Mark Konkel; former NFL linebacker Bryan Cox who is now the defensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons; former NFL Pro Bowl safety Rodney Harrison who is now a commentator for NBC's 'Sunday Night Football' and former Major League Baseball pitcher Rick Reuschel.

Western Illinois' football team has been playing its home games at Hanson Field since 1950 when it was named after former football, basketball and baseball coach Ray 'Rock' Hanson. The stadium seats 16,358 fans with an attendance record of 19,850 in a 1973 game against Central Michigan. But this season, attendance averages around 6,000 fans.

1 / 3: Hanson Field has been the home for Western Illinois football since 1950.

2 / 3: Rodney Harrison, commentator for NBC's Sunday Night Football, is a Western Illinois alumnus. Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

3 / 3: Former NFL linebacker and current Atlanta Falcons defensive line coach Bryan Cox is a Western Illinois alumnus. Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Western Illinois University

The Mascot Memorial pays homage to WIU’s live mascots (past & present) and provides a history of the WIU Live Mascot Program. The memorial serves as a campus icon and point of pride for the Western community.

The Mascot Memorial prominently features a bronze bulldog statue sculpted by WIU Art Professor Duke Oursler. The sculpture, which was inspired by the characteristics and features of each of the WIU Live Mascots stands guard outside of the north entrance of the University Union Building, and is part of the Alumni Plaza.

Colonel's Doghouse

There’s nothing like riding in style and that is exactly what yours truly does on gameday. Colonel’s one of a kind doghouse is 12 sq. ft of luxury pup living. With working air conditioning, television, and the ability to hookup to our golf cart and be on the go, Colonel’s Doghouse is truly special thanks to the following individuals for their help in bringing the doghouse concept to reality!

• Retired Lt. Colonel Dave & Jackie Thompson
• Rusty Roselieb
• WIU Foundation
• WIU Photography & Design Production Services
• Fusion Tech
• WIU Housing & Dining Services
• Dan Bentz
• Molly Borth
• Brad Utter
• Natalie Divan

Give to the Live Mascot Program

The WIU Live Mascot Program is 100% supported through sponsorship and donors. Your donations help us with providing the many comforts it takes to raise a pampered pup as well as put our mascot program on the map!

Here are just a few things that your support has helped us with over the years:

• Colonel Rock’s Doghouse
• A sponsored hole at Macomb’s Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center
• Stickers, buttons, and other swag that is given out at appearances, parades, etc…
• A bulldog photo booth cutout at the Dave & Jackie Thompson Dog Park
• Colonel’s custom clothing

Sponsors

From healthcare, to transportation and everything else in the middle, numerous individuals and organizations ensure that Colonel Rock’s needs are met. If you would like to inquire about Colonel Rock sponsorship opportunities, contact Joe Roselieb.

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Western Illinois University

Western Illinois' first live mascot made its first appearance on Oct 10, 1959. The English Bulldog, which was purchased by the Student Government Association, was officially named Colonel Rock, following a contest in which more than 200 entries were received. The winning entry was chosen to honor former WIU Coach and Athletics Director, Ray "Rock" Hanson. A highly decorated veteran of World War I and World War II, Col. Hanson was responsible for bringing the Leathernecks nickname and the Marine Corps' traditions to Western Illinois University. Colonel Rock I was cared for by the John Storey family of Macomb.

Colonel Rock II: "Continuing with Tradition"

After Colonel Rock I passed away in February 1966 during his second cancer operation, Capt. Dale A. Luster, a recruiter from the Marine Corps League of Chicago, was instrumental in assisting the Corps' purchase of Colonel Rock II, aka "Rocky." On Sept. 26, 1968, Luster was killed in action in North Vietnam. In 1973, Colonel Rock II retired and the first costumed version of Western's mascot took the place of the canine mascot.

Colonel Rock: "The Era of the Unknowns"

Throughout the remainder of the 1970s, and into the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, several members of the WIU and Macomb communities kept the tradition of the live mascot alive as they volunteered their own English Bulldogs to serve in the capacity of the mascot. Two families in particular were the Don and Edy Daniels family of Colchester, Illinois, and the Riggens family from Carthage, Illinois, who bred and often brought their English bulldogs to the WIU campus.

Colonel Rock III: "A New Era"

On May 15, 2010, Western revived the live mascot program, ending the 37-year hiatus, when Colonel Rock III aka "Rocky" was introduced. Beth and Richard Siess of the Siess Ranch in Seneca, KS, donated the 10-week old English Bulldog to WIU. Joe Roselieb, an employee within WIU's Student Services Division, was named caretaker for WIU's new mascot. Eight years later, after a successful mascot career, Colonel Rock III officially retired. On January 25, 2021, just shy of his 11th birthday, Colonel Rock III passed away due to health-related issues.

Colonel Rock IV: "The Future""

On June 7, 2018, WIU welcomed Colonel Rock IV aka "Ray" as the newest addition to the Leatherneck family. Like his predecessor, the then-16-week-old English Bulldog (born on Valentine's Day) was donated by the Siess Ranch. Although not directly related, there is a distant lineage between Colonel Rock III and Colonel Rock IV. Like Rocky, the Roselieb Family serve as Ray's caretakers and handlers.

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WIU celebrates the fifth birthday of live mascot Col. Rock “Ray” IV

MACOMB (WGEM) - Western Illinois University’s live mascot, Col. Rock “Ray” IV received plenty of attention Tuesday in celebration of his fifth birthday.

The history of WIU’s live mascot dates back to 1959.

At that time, the univeristy’s Student Government Association purchased an English Bulldog, named Col. Rock I, after Col. Ray “Rock” Hanson, who is a World War I and World War II veteran.

Hanson would later become WIU’s athletic director and football coach.

Throughout the from the mid-1970s to the early 2000s, the live mascot program was suspended until Col. Rock III was introduced.

Col. Rock “Ray” IV is just the fourth live mascot in the school’s history.

“It’s about school spirit, it’s about that tradition that Western Illinois University is known for and just about having a good time in the middle of the week coming off a good Super Bowl and a long weekend, what better way to celebrate than with the live mascot in Col. Rock,” said Executive Director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management Joe Roselieb.

Since the program’s resurrection in 2010, Roselieb has been the official caretaker for each live mascot.

He was first the caretaker of Col. Rock III, who was donated to the university at 10-weeks old. Col. Rock III would retire in 2018 and make way for the introduction of the current mascot.

Col. Rock III passed away in 2021.

Col. Rock “Ray” IV also enjoyed a cupcake or two during his birthday celebration.

Copyright 2023 WGEM. All rights reserved.

Farsightedness occurs when the eyeball is shorter than normal or the cornea has too little curvature, causing light to focus behind the retina. Astigmatism is another common vision problem that occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly curved. This causes light to focus on multiple points of the retina, resulting in blurry or distorted vision. To correct these refractive errors and improve vision, many people turn to various vision correction methods, such as wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. Eyeglasses work by bending the light that enters the eye and focusing it correctly on the retina. Contact lenses work in a similar way, but they sit directly on the surface of the eye. Advancements in technology have also allowed for surgical procedures to correct vision problems. LASIK surgery, for example, uses a laser to reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. This procedure can often eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses. In conclusion, vision plays a crucial role in our daily lives, allowing us to see and experience the world around us. However, various vision problems can affect our ability to see clearly. Fortunately, there are many options available to correct these problems and improve vision, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgical procedures. It is important to regularly visit an eye care professional to ensure optimal eye health and to address any vision concerns..

Reviews for "Exploring the Potential of Vison and Smartwatches in Professional Sports and Athletics"

1. Ashley

Rating: 2/5

Review: I really wanted to like "Vision and Scarlet Witch" because I'm a big fan of superheroes, but I was ultimately disappointed. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, with too many subplots that were introduced but not properly resolved. The pacing was also off, with some episodes dragging on while others felt rushed. Additionally, the character development was lacking, with the main protagonists feeling one-dimensional and lacking depth. Overall, I found "Vision and Scarlet Witch" to be a missed opportunity and I hope future superhero shows can learn from its mistakes.

2. Jack

Rating: 1/5

Review: "Vison and Scarlet Witch" was a complete letdown for me. The writing was incredibly weak and failed to captivate my interest. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the special effects were subpar, especially considering the high standards set by other superhero shows. The lack of attention to detail in the production was apparent and took away from the overall viewing experience. I couldn't help but feel bored throughout the entire series and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping superhero story.

3. Emma

Rating: 3/5

Review: While "Vison and Scarlet Witch" had its moments, I couldn't fully embrace the show. The performances by the cast were solid, particularly from Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany, but the writing and plot felt lackluster. The concept had potential, but the execution fell flat. The storylines lacked depth and originality, often resorting to clichés and predictable twists. Additionally, the action scenes were underwhelming and failed to deliver the excitement usually associated with superhero shows. Overall, "Vision and Scarlet Witch" just didn't live up to my expectations and left me wanting more.

Vison and Smartwatches: Enhancing Personal Safety and Security through Visual Assisted Features