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Volume 106, Issue 14 | December 8, 2011

MSU’s Student Newspaper since 1895

SEMESTER IN

PERSPECTIVE CRUZADO'S LEADERSHIP & MSU'S FUTURE

W

NEWS

OPINION

SPORTS

CULTURE

4 ONLINE

6 CRU

12 FOOTBALL

15 STUDIO 374

Rise of Online Courses

Communication Crisis

History Repeats Itself

One Acts Start Tonight

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

MSU’s Student Newspaper since 1895

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

It’s not about

Eric Dietrich

Managing Editor

Like

It’s all about

Derek Brouwer

layout & design PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Smith

PHOTOGRAPHY

Emma Light, Maury Neipris, Justin Stewart, Matt Williams

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Melanie Baldwin

Tammi Heneveld, Emma Light, Vanessa Swenson, Chris Stanick, Danyelle Moore, Pierce Ware

Staff, Department of Earth Sciences

business & marketing BUSINESS MANAGER

Your commitment and contributions to our university are an inspiration.

Ryan Bovy

Marketing DIRECTOR Nicole Kuha

What do YOU

MARKETING ASSOCIATES

Jeff Dougherty, Else Trygstad-Burke, Pierce Ware, Tanner Lavering, Kendall Cotton

OFFICE MANAGER Tucker Hankinson

EDITORIAL OPINION EDITOR

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NEWS EDITOR Garrett Smith

SPORTS EDITOR Heather Kruger

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Culture EDITOR

MAKE your voice heard

Sabre Moore

technology tech editor Fred Vollmer

E-maiL

editor@exponent.montana.edu

FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS

Ad space must be reserved by 5 p.m. the Friday prior to the Thursday publication date. The Exponent’s ad sales staff can be contacted at advertising@exponent. montana.edu or 406-994-2611.

CONTRIBUTORS Sam Roloff, Kyle Lowis, David Hoy, Michelle Thomas, Michael Gross, Megan Bernhardt, Justin Taylor, Kristen Ingman, Jordan Maxwell, Bonny Birkeland, Rebekah Mohr, Else TrygstadBurke, Pat Hessman, Matt Schwager, Grant Zimmerman, Jordan Maxwell, Nathan Carroll, Karen Wilson, Vanessa Naive, Graham SandsMilsom, Colin Gaiser

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The Exponent exists in large part to provide a forum for student voices, a mission that extends well beyond the words of our staff. To that end, we encourage the broader student body to engage us by submitting letters, rants and story ideas. This is our student publication, after all, and we’d love you to be part of it. And, besides, a bit of variety does a lot to keep our pages interesting.

RANTS: Fed up with one of the myriad injustices of campus life? Want to publicly rail against it? Send us a rant to letters@exponent.montana.edu.

Just keep submissions 200-300 words.

And please, try to refrain from personal attacks.

STORY IDEAS: Aware of something we should be writing about? In a position to tip us off about a fascinating issue or event?

Please do at editor@exponent.montana. edu.

1st PROOF

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

EDITORIAL

editor-in-chief | Eric Dietrich

3

editor@exponent.montana.edu

From the Editor’s Desk

Insufficient Thanks, as the Semester Closes Eric Dietrich editor-in-chief

There are few things in our world, it seems, as powerful as a group of talented, passionate people having fun together in the pursuit of a worthwhile cause. It’s been a unequaled pleasure being part of one with the Exponent staff

this semester.

As we begin our long-awaited hiatus for winter break (we’ll resume publishing Jan. 19), it seems prudent to continue what has become something of a tradition in devoting this space to recognizing those staff members whose efforts have made that possible: Derek Brouwer, our managing editor, has done more to drive the Exponent forward this fall than anyone else on our staff, myself included. In fact, given the number of late nights of editing and writing he’s put in, I’m rather amazed he’s still alive and kicking.

And I should mention that, without his support, I’m not sure I would be myself.

Doing justice to the extraordinary impact Brent Zundel has had in his three semesters as our opinion editor is impossible enough in this space that I’m not going to even try, beyond noting that we’ll miss his talents immensely as he steps down to actually have a life next semester (or, more likely, to actually sleep between engineering assignments). We’ll inevitably call him for style advice if he doesn’t show up on production nights, however.

Else Trygstad-Burke has both been an essential member of our marketing department and become increasingly vital to our writing staff as a news reporter and, more recently, an opinion columnist. And, for his part, long-time opinion columnist Matt Schwager has become progressively more fascinating in both his writing and personal habits. Virginia Schmidt’s well-researched columns are quite regularly the highlight of our opinion section and, while he’s certainly responsible for many of Brent’s premature grey hairs, Pat Hessman’s offbeat contributions give our opinion pages a distinctive, err... flavor.

Sabre Moore’s meticulous work as our culture editor this semester has drastically

broadened the section’s selection of articles, Tammi Heneveld began the semesNaive, as well, whose fantastic editing and most notably with the addition of our biter by telling us a graphic design internship production talents have made the burgeonweekly Sugarbeet satire feature. She is also would keep her from making a major contriing program possible. probably the most unexpectedly fascinating bution to the publication this fall. And has On the business side, Nicole Kuha’s person I know (ask about her book if you ended it by regularly putting tens of hours a excellent work as marketing director has put ever get the chance — really). week and an unquantifiable amount of talent the publication on firmer financial footing Sabre’s writers have had no shortage of into the various elements of our visual design than we’ve had in years. Filling what is quite talent this semester, as well, from Andrew anyway. I’m awfully glad she was wrong. possibly the most difficult job on the staff Keene’s informatively funny recipes to KarAlso anchoring our design staff is Danywhile balancing a demanding courseload, her en Wilson’s consistently fabulous band proelle Moore, whose fantastic covers are quite leadership has breathed new life into our ad files. Zoe Standring and Sarah Rimkus have likely the main reason our publication is read. sales operation. also been nicely consistent contributors.

Additionally, it’s been a pleasure to work We hired Ryan Bovy to manage the ExA far more functional human being with Pierce Ware, who has to my knowledge ponent’s finances this year, which he’s done than she often pretends to be, Heather Kruyet to turn down any request made of him quite well. But what really baffles my busiger has been an extraordinary asness sense is how he’s managed to set to our editorial staff in leading develop a cult following with his our sports section. And not only weekly rants. While we haven’t because she’s our token English yet been able to talk to him into There are few things in our world, major. writing actual columns, he’s well Sam Roloff ’s consistenton his way to mastering the art of it seems, as powerful as a group ly fantastic football coverage, exploring issues the rest of us like paired with Maury Neipris’s to think we’re too dignified for. of talented, passionate people outstanding sports photography, And, quite possibly the has been among the publication’s most under-appreciated member having fun together in the pursuit greatest strengths this semester. of our staff, Fred Vollmer’s work Michelle Thomas, David Hoy, developing our web content this of a worthwhile cause. It’s been a and Megan Bernhardt have semester has been hugely impordone fantastic work developing unequaled pleasure being part of one tant in dragging our publication the sports sections’ profiles and into the 21st century. If you’re Michael Gross’s diverse work with the Exponent staff this semester. reading this online (at msuexpohas been much appreciated, as nent.com), he’s the one to thank. well.

Unfortunately, space preUnder the leadership of vents me from doing justice to as Garrett Smith, our news section many solidly essential staff memhas developed into the strongest team of reand ended up doing everything from helping bers as I’d like to here, particularly Danny porters we’ve had in the publication’s recent out with our advertising sales to pitching in Mecca, Kendall Cotton, Tanner Lavering, history. With their admirable dedication, with distribution on Thursdays as a result.

Jeff Dougherty, Matt Rine, Emma Light, Colin Gaiser, Kristen Ingman, Jordan I’m doing Nate Carroll an injustice by Vanessa Swenson, Grant Zimmerman, Maxwell, Hannah Wahlert, Josh Mazzoni merely calling him a fabulous cartoonist and Texel Feder, Hannah Mundt, Matt Wiland Katie Chambers have played key roles humorist, and not only because he’s jumpliams, Ashley Piper and Kendra Schaff. there, drastically increasing the thoughtstarted our fledgling multimedia program Unfortunately, you’ll have to accept my apolfulness and breadth of the conversation by sewing a bobcat puppet from scratch. In ogies and heartfelt thanks instead. behind our coverage decisions with their mentioning our developing video content, And too our readers, as well — thanks participation.

I’d be remiss not to give credit to Vanessa as always for putting up with us.

Somehow managing to stay detailoriented at 2 a.m. on a weekly basis, Tina Smith has been absolutely essential with her work in leading the publication’s graphic design efforts this fall. As she abandons us for a semester abroad (and, presumably, a more healthy sleep schedule), she will be very much missed. And not forgiven if she doesn’t come back.

Visit the Exponent online! msuexponent.com

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

Lecturer Presents on Incumbent Reelection Rebekah mohr

PHOTO illustration by justin stewart

Distance Learning Offers

Greater Accessibility kristen ingman MSU continues to expand its distance learning options in order to increase the accessibility of education. The option of distance education furthers the university’s fulfillment of the land grant mission.

In the 2010-2011 school year, 321 online course sections were offered with 5,342 students enrolled — a substantial increase from the 50 courses enrolling 806 students during the 2006-2007 school year.

Peg Wherry, the Director of Online and Distance Learning at MSU, explained that one-third of the Montana population does not have a bachelor’s degree. She referred to President Obama’s goal of seeing more degree-holding individuals, explaining that distance learning works to fulfill that vision.

“You almost can’t be a land grant institution without distance learning,” Wherry said.

Graduate and professional certificates and master’s degrees in education, nursing, science and other areas are offered through MSU’s Extended University. While no complete undergraduate degree programs are currently available online, many core classes such as human nutrition and Spanish have proven to be popular.

According to Wherry, distance learning is not easier than traditional learning, but it provides an opportunity students otherwise

might not have. Each course is structured with fixed dates and typically begins and ends with the regular semester. “Most distance learners find that you have to be more of a self-starter,” she said.

Wherry explained that although the transition from face-to-face to distance instruction can be challenging for some individuals, faculty response has been positive.

“A lot of instructors say they know their online students better than their in-class stu-

“You almost can’t be a land grant institution without distance learning.”

–Peg Wherry dents,” she said.

Wherry was pleased when President Cruzado addressed the topic at her inauguration. She said commitment to enhancing the distance education programs was part of accepting her position at MSU, “Anything operated from Montana State University has our brand, has our name, has our label on it,” Wherry said.

David Parker, an Associate Professor of Political Science, lectured on why incumbent senators lose reelections, on Nov. 30 at the Bozeman Public Library.

“The interesting thing is not why incumbents win,” Parker said, “but why they lose.”

More than 80 percent of senators have won their reelections over the last three terms, but he wants to know why the other 20 percent lose.

Parker has been writing a book on the subject for the past three and a half years.

He visited several archives from Alaska to Vermont for research. “The beauty of these archives is that you never know what you are going to find,” he said.

He looked at ads, polls and staff notes to try and decipher what was going on during these campaigns.

Typically, the incumbent senator has an advantage when they run for reelection, Parker explained. The first reelection campaign is often the most difficult — during their first six years, junior senators do not usually have accomplishments that matter to their constituency.

Parker’s research has shown that

whether or not the senators have built a relationship with their constituency determines if they get reelected. The state of the economy or national trends seem not to matter as much.

Parker chose to research senate campaigns because they are more extensive, larger affairs than congressional races and state house races.

In Parker’s upcoming book, he contrasts senators who won or lost reelections under

“The interesting thing is not why incumbents win, but why they lose.”

–David Parker the same circumstances. He said it was hard to find reelected incumbents who had ethical issues. “People need to be able to trust their senators,” he said. “Without that trust, they are not going to be reelected.”

FACULTY PROFILE: Dave Lageson This spring, Geology Professor Dave Lageson will be accompanying mountaineer Conrad Anker and the American Climbing Team in their ascent of Mount Everest.

“We’re going to climb Mount Everest to commemorate the Americans’ first ascent,” he said. The first American ascent was in 1963. Since then, no team has successfully reached the summit.

Nine men have died trying.

Lageson will assist the American team as far the base camp (18,000 feet), and then conduct geological research around the camp.

Lageson’s goal is to collect information so he can write a geological field guide of Khunbu Valley. His research will involve mapping faults and fracture systems, rock collecting and creating geological maps based on his discoveries.

Although there are published papers on the geology of Everest, Lageson hopes that a more detailed field guide will prove useful to geologists and the field of geology.

According to Lageson, acclimating to the high altitude is the hardest part of climbing Everest. He explained that getting to base camp could take a few days or several weeks. The slower the climb, the easier it is to become acclimated.

Training for the high altitudes of Everest boils down to strict diet and exercise. He is preparing for the ascent by trail running, working with a personal trainer and eating healthy.

Lageson said he will continue training and wait for the spring to come, but commented that it is still hard to believe he is going to Mount Everest.

-bonny birkeland

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

5

news

Friends of KGLT Music Swap a Success jordan maxwell Friends of KGLT hosted their first annual Music Swap last Saturday at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. The event was hosted to support KGLT, an independent radio station that broadcasts throughout Southwestern Montana.

KGLT, commented that the goal was to “make a community event around KGLT and around music.”

Porter said attendance at the event was robust, with 54 customers in the first hour

and over 300 customers throughout the day.

He hopes to make the event an annual community experience.

Porter reported that numerous customers asked about continuation of the event in

“We wanted to make a community event around KGLT and around music.”

–Tom Porter Music players, sound equipment, clothing and other merchandise were donated by community members to be sold at the event.

Revenue from the merchandise sale and cover charge will support KGLT. The event raised roughly $2,000 through sales alone.

Tom Porter, president of Friends of

Music enthusiasts compare their finds at the KGLT Music Swap.

STUDENT PROFILE: David hamer

LEADING LANGFORD For David Hamer, being an Assistant Resident Director is an opportunity to contribute to the residence hall community. If his career aspirations take shape the way he plans, this will not be the last time he contributes.

Originally from Denver, Hamer is a junior in geography, and has lived in Langford Hall for three years.

During Hamer’s sophomore year he became a floor RA. The next year, he was promoted to Assistant Residence Director — with this promotion came a broader leadership role over the Langford community.

“My responsibilities are to advise the RHA,” he said. “I’m there to kick them into gear, as well as to respond to emergency situations.”

In addition to his usual RA responsibilities, he takes over when the Resident Director is away.

Image by justin stewart

Image by justin stewart

Another activity Hamer participates in is the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). As a ROTC member, he remains active, doing physical training exercises and going to classes a few times a week.

Post-college, Hamer hopes to con-

“I’m there to kick them into gear.” tinue being in the armed forces. “I want to be in the army as an officer. I want it to be a career.”

Through his position as ARD, Hamer works to give back to his community. He hopes to further this quality in the armed forces.

-justin taylor

coming years. “We feel it was a huge success,” he said. however, Porter cited poor advertising as a problem with the event, especially around MSU. He had hoped that MSU students would have been interested in some of the merchandise, specifically the physical media, for sale.

Porter said that short preparation time, only about 10 weeks, was responsible for this problem.

The event’s appeal extended well beyond the music. Friends of KGLT invited independent vendors to sell music equipment, food and drink was on sale and KGLT played over loud speakers throughout the event.

Porter is optimistic that the event will continue in the future and that KGLT will remain an important part of the community.

“I think it’s important that people realize that KGLT is a rare resource,” Porter said.

“Friends of KGLT makes sure that resource is healthy and giving back to the community, and that the community is involved the way they are now.”

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OPINION

editor | Brent Zundel

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

opinion@exponent.montana.edu

photo illustration by matt walliams

Questioning CRU's Dorm Crusade Meet CRU. Previously known as “Campus Crusade for Christ,” CRU is an international evangelical organization with associated student groups in many colleges, including Montana Matt Schwager State University. Their opinion writer mission is to spread the word of Christ to as many people as possible, especially college students—“tomorrow’s leaders,” as their website puts it.

CRU does many things to ensure their goal is reached at MSU—they show up at Catapalooza and host Bible studies on campus. Most notably, they encourage upperclassmen to repeatedly room in dorms, apparently so they can both be role models for incoming freshmen and spread the Word.

Dorm placement isn’t merely a rumor.

Ex-members of CRU have affirmed that dorm placement is aggressively pushed at general CRU meetings in order for members to exact an influence on students. RAs, meanwhile, were willing to speak with me under condition of anonymity so as to preserve their relationship with CRU members on their floors. One RA told me that some CRU members are open about their belief that the dorms are where they should live— after all, CRU’s leadership told them so. The dorms, apparently, are places sorely in need of saving.

One could be forgiven for having some trepidation about this practice. The question of motive is especially appropriate here.

A popular explanation by many evangelical Christians for their convictions is that their love of Jesus and their obedience

toward his commands allow them a greater tolerance. fellowship with acquaintances. As sound or Here’s another confounding level to the unsound this argument is, CRU is, and alissue: I initially contacted a couple members ways has been, a student club administered of CRU in order to gather some source inby a religious agenda. Their friendships with formation for this article. I had no thesis in freshmen have always been based on a direcmind, I told them, besides that dorm placetive to attract more members—both their loment might be concerning to some. I wished cal and national websites describe the group’s to write about different ways of thinking purpose as such.

Because of this, their practice of striving to influence freshmen It is hard to complain about positively is both admirable and peculiar, a puzzling combination. individuals being assets to a It is hard to complain about individuals being assets to a comcommunity which welcomes munity which welcomes scores of young, mentorless people each scores of young, mentorless year. But their purpose has never been to make others comfortable. people each year. But their That is the impression one gets from speaking with RAs, at purpose has never been to least. “It almost seems like they go for people who are most vulnermake others comfortable. able or most in need of a friend,” one RA said. “It’s not a bad choice to join CRU ... but, by joining, [students] shut off opportunities to be with other kids.” about community and the problems that “CRU is very unaccepting of different arise among them. One CRU member told things,” he explained. me about dorm placement as a form of outAnother RA confided, “I feel CRU reach, then said that he would find members thinks it’s their duty to judge [other stuwilling to grant an interview; he never condents], and I think it’s inappropriate.” tacted me again.

According to RAs, who are intimately The standing president of CRU agreed involved in the minutia of freshmen life, to an interview, then canceled it a few days CRU is not the perfect coalition to handle later with no explanation. He told me that vulnerable freshmen. Incoming students not only was he uninterested in talking with are often in need of an open and accepting me, ever, but also that there would probably experience, while CRU’s standard, if their be no member of CRU willing to, either. salesmen are any indication, is not one of This insularity, this resistance to

transparency, is absolutely frightening. A vast network of people deeply invested in influencing freshmen is, according to their leader, unanimously uninterested in speaking about one of their most involved practices. They are also, in this circumstance, uninterested in the general dissemination and critique of their message.

This, coming from a group whose ostensible mission statement is to spread a very particular message, could very possibly mean that they don't wish to be transparent as a student group. It is at least apparent that CRU wishes to change the lives of students, but they are not keen on certain segments of the population being made aware of it.

It's almost guaranteed that this article will generate a letter to the editor from a member of CRU. The letter might point out mistakes in my article, or might try to clear up some misconceptions about the group, or say that they, in fact, are open to their peers about their alignment. Such a letter might be entirely correct. However, if they do not choose to also explain why their leadership evaded discussion with a fellow member of the campus community (a discussion which, yes, might have included criticism), then such a letter will be a carefully molded P.R. tool rather than an asset to the student body.

Have I made some generalizations about the point and habits of CRU? Maybe.

Of course, that probably wouldn’t have happened if I had not been formally rejected from discussion. Perhaps students can approach CRU with their own critical eye and make their own judgments about a group whose only nationally stated purpose—their crusade, as it were—is to assimilate much of campus into their worldview.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

7

opinion

photo illustration by matt walliams

Distance Education Quantity vs. Quality to Cheapen Quality photo illustration by matt walliams

in Bozeman’s Public Schools In 2005 the Montana Legislature passed SB170, a bill intended to allow public schools more flexibility in structuring their school years.

The bill moved schools away from the former Else Trygstad-Burke requirement of fulfillOpinion writer ing a minimum of 180 days of instruction, supplanting it with a new demand for an hourly limit. Now required to accomplish a minimum of 1,080 hours, middle and high schools have the ability to re-organize their school schedules in order to accommodate a variety of circumstances.

As of October, 53 Montana schools (in 31 public school districts) have chosen to adopt four-day school weeks, with more hours in the school day itself as a result. According to the official Office of Public Instruction report, these schools have reported better attendance, improved energy levels and morale on the part of teachers and students, and more effective instructional time.

They have used Fridays as an opportunity for enrichment, field trips, job fairs, extra-curricular activities and help-sessions.

Implementing these new measures demanded a substantial amount of sensitivity on the part of the districts regarding family and student needs. The adjustment is intended to benefit the physical and mental health of school district attendees, workers and parents.

The four-day school week also provides more elasticity in terms of weather, transportation and student/parent safety. Most of the schools that have enacted the new policy are located in small towns, where driving

distances and conditions can influence attendance considerably.

Vacant Fridays allow the opportunity to easily reschedule canceled class days, thus removing any pressure the district might feel to enact desperate measures in order to avoid canceling classes. Many Bozeman High School graduates remember the unpleasant day, several years ago, when they were required to attend class in minus 20 degree temperatures despite non-functional buses and broken boilers (which consequently disabled the heating system).

The bill, introduced by Sen. Jeff Mangan, D-Great Falls, has resulted in exemplary demonstrations of cooperation between schools and communities. The hourly requirement itself suggests a clearly effective method for letting schools adapt their schedules to student needs, as well as those of the teachers and parents.

Although the Bozeman schools may not be ready for such a dramatic transition as a shorter school week, the district should consider making better use of the potential innovation supported by the bill.

Currently, Bozeman students begin their winter break on Dec. 21 – the Wednesday before Christmas. This means that instead of ending school on a Friday afternoon and having a full two weeks to recuperate or visit with siblings who are home from college, students will instead attend two generally useless days of school that are routinely filled with classroom pizza parties and movie days. The Bozeman district should consider the “quality over quantity” concept adopted by the schools mentioned above.

In her Monday Morning Memo last week, President Cruzado said that the online education program at MSU “allows us to offer high quality academic programs in a flexible format.” FlexibilJordan Maxwell staff writer ity is an important element in the curriculum, but should not be a driving force.

In order to maintain excellence in education at MSU, the administration must put the highest priority on the quality, not quantity, of courses offered. Cruzado claims that MSU’s online courses will maintain a high quality; however, looking past the optimism portrayed in her memo raises the question of whether these new courses can match their older, more traditional counterparts.

The first facet to consider when comparing these two modes of education is the significance of the student-teacher relationship. The rapport developed between an effective instructor and a pupil often enhances student satisfaction. Teachers create a connection with each student at the commencement of the semester that develops throughout the course of the class. That connection is strengthened through individual instruction during class and office hours; face-to-face interaction allows students who would have ordinarily struggled further chances to learn.

Student-teacher relationships and communication play a huge role in education.

Online classes exclude these important mantras; the delayed interactivity and ineffectiveness of online education and communication frustrates and confounds students.

To those participating in online classes, teachers represent little more than a part of the machine.

The online environment cheapens education; it provides students with modes to distract and cheat. A student has every opportunity to surf Facebook or check answers to quizzes and tests online. These deficits cut to the core of the inadequacy of online education. Many students choose the easy route and simply go through the motions of the course; they take it for the sake of credit, not education or self-improvement. While this is certainly a trend of education in general, online education catalyzes this shift. Classes that take place online offer students credit, but rarely in-depth understanding and knowledge.

Attempting to sell this new initiative, Cruzado advertises these online opportunities as ways to fulfill Core 2.0—a quality many undergraduates may find attractive— effectively tainting the goal of a program aimed at educating students in a variety of subjects. Initiatives such as these bear evidence to the quantity-over-quality dogma to which the MSU administration seems to have subscribed. A look at the problems currently facing the university quickly sheds light on the administrative advantages of online education: A high rate of growth coupled with low funding means the administration must find means to save money and space on campus. Online education solves the problem of space while actually making money for the school by allowing people across the state to enroll.

So what do online classes mean for MSU? The administration would like us to believe that they mean wider academic possibilities, but more accurately, they mean poorer education for the same price. Online education represents a way to spread the funding and resources currently available to MSU thinly over a wider area.

8

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

opinion

The Great Castration Tyler Durden said it best: “We have no Great War. No Great Depression. Our Great War's a spiritual war ... our Great Depression is our lives.”

It’s a strange time Patrick Hessman for young men. It seems opinion writer like men face an uphill battle. We’re living in the midst of a lost generation.

Just look at school statistics: Over the last two decades, elementary school boys have fallen behind girls in grades and test scores and are twice as likely to be diagnosed with learning disorders. Further ahead in high school, males make up 80 percent of students who drop out. Even at our age in college, men comprise just 44 percent of the undergraduate population.

A changing education system leaves boys behind, but they can’t express any insecurities – that would be weakness. To them, masculinity has to be proven. The greatest insult to a man is to question his masculinity. A fight for some kind of identity begins: Boys one-up each other, bully each other, try to prove who’s the better man by sexual conquest.

Men are losing their way. What’s happened?

There are a number of things that can be attributed to the decline of men. Maybe we could point out this generation of men raised in the era of 50 percent divorce rates.

Boys are left without a male role model in their lives. Translate that to school settings: Boys with little concept of a masculine identity fight to carve some kind of identity.

At the same time, environment can’t

be entirely blamed for this decline. On our way from boys to men, we contributed to our downfall. With an increasingly frustrating world around us, we turned to video games, Internet and pornography. All three of these lead to disengagement from the real world at large. Frustrations with life can be blown away on a first person shooter. Don’t feel like being social? The Internet’s here to take up that time. As for sexual frustrations, there’s porn for any tastes in which you want to indulge.

In a world that’s moving past us, we retreat away to outlets we can understand. The problem is we trap ourselves in these worlds and we are left behind. We can’t expect to live in worlds that don’t truly exist.

Men are losing their way. What’s happened?

So what do we do? The problem is huge and a college opinion writer can’t offer a magic solution. The world has changed away from the one we used to know. We have to adapt. We have to evolve. That won’t be accomplished by burying ourselves in porn and video games when we get bad grades and women reject us. Yet we can resolve not to be taken down by it.

It isn’t a man’s world anymore, but men can still thrive. A new place in the world can be carved for us. If we resolve not to be brought down, nothing will stop us.

Stand up Lately?

Your Skeleton Changed From Cartilage To Bone At 2 Months After Conception.

A Lifetime Starts At The Beginning.

Gallatin Valley

Right To Life www.gvrtl.com

P.O. Box 634, Belgrade, MT

11 Weeks

In Defense of Black Friday “Well, I'm pretty sure I'm going to vomit.

Gotta love American traditions of consumerism.” That was the Facebook status of one of my friends on Black Friday.

And he wasn’t the only Grant Zimmerman opinion writer one. My news feed was flooded with scathing rebukes of “consumerism.”

Every year millions of Americans buy billions of dollars worth of gifts and complaints of “consumerism” and “corporate ploys and gimmicks” begin creeping into our lives.

Why? Consumerism is more or less thought to be the American culture of consuming way more than we need. The reality is that everyone has an income, and everyone has a choice as to what they do with that income. For a very poor individual, nearly all expenditures may be survival related. Still, even poor people make conscious choices as to where to spend their resources.

Whether it be electronics, food, charity or even savings, every dollar a person has is spent on something.

Thus, the only reason Americans consume so much is because our incomes are high.

But what about Europeans?

They live in smaller houses, drive smaller cars and in general seem to buy less than Americans, even through their incomes are pretty comparable.

Our society has come to believe that this is a result of culture, that Europeans simply use less stuff.

What really matters is prices.

Gas in Europe is nearly $10 a gallon and housing in Paris is over $3,300 a square foot, compared to just over $1000 a square foot in New York or $183 a square foot in Denver. The truth is that Europeans do consume less, but only

because things cost a lot more.

So the truth is that we are all “consumerists.” Not one group – not rich people nor poor people, European nor American, not even hippies – is exempt from the law that income equals consumption. In the end, we all are spending 100 percent of our income.

So what’s with all the hullabaloo about Black Friday? Many Americans spend a significant portion of their income on Black Friday. The only difference is that in the early morning after Thanksgiving some people choose to engage in some seemingly abnormal behavior because retailers create artificial shortages.

Anti-consumerist advocates view Black Friday shoppers as crazy. “They’re waiting out in the cold, late at night, just for the latest widget? Psh, they value that thing way too much.” Except they don’t. Everyone in that line values that gizmo just as much that day as every day previously. The difference is that, for one day, the price has changed.

Instead of by the regular price, the sale of widgets on Black Friday becomes regulated by the cost of one’s time. For many people, the value of their sleep is simply low enough to warrant waiting in those lines and having the opportunity to pay a cheaper price.

That’s all consumerism is. It’s not some insatiable lust for consumer products, nor an evil consumerist culture trait that needs to be slayed.

It’s just people expending their resources, whether that be money or time, to obtain the things they value, just like every other day, just like you and me.

ILLUSTRATION BY DANNY MECCA

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

You Kno w

So close

What?

Ryan Bovy You know what really chills my spine? Improper clothing.

I know you’ve seen it: that one kid in your chem lab who is always 15 minutes late. He waltzes in wearing shorts, flip-flops and maybe a sweatshirt. Maybe the kid has no feeling in his extremities anymore due to this habit, but I feel obliged to tell him, “Hey dude, it’s cold out.”

Who are you trying to impress by wearing so little? That girl who works the front desk of your hall? You think she will see your flip-flops and infer that you’re more of a man because of your lack of socks? Doubt it, fool.

Now, feet are pretty gross, and I know there are some hairy thugs out there who don’t have to wear socks since their toe hair insulates so well. Regardless, put some shoes on, bro-ski. We all know you love snow because you carry your skis everywhere, but sinking your toes in ankle deep ... c’mon, I know you’re cold.

Safely in your Nikes (since you all heed my advice regularly), it’s now time to put on some pants. I don’t care if you are coming or going to the gym; turns out,

9

you can taste it

locker rooms were made for a reason.

Wear your shorts under some sweatpants if you have an irrational fear of other people watching you flaunt your junk. It is bad for your body to work out and then be exposed to extreme temperature change; insulate that fresh swell, you gorilla, you.

Ladies, I’m talking to you too, and in this case, it isn’t just shorts. Every punk with eyes knows that leggings and yoga pants are God’s gift to man (amen), but it is winter now and leggings aren’t pants. Cover yourselves – I know you can feel those penetrating stares as you walk the mall.

Wearing leggings in the winter is like wearing green to a stop light party – only sluts do it, without something over the top of it to hide yourself. In my opinion, people who dress inappropriately probs have an STD and are therefore unattractive. Objective failed.

Long story short, go outside, but cover up and stay warm this winter. Flip-flops and shorts will be OK for only the two weeks of spring we have in early February, but then put that s- - - away until May when the snow finally melts – or fall victim to my ranting.

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

cruzado’s leadership msu’s fuTure It’s a great time to be a Bobcat — but what will it take to keep our university moving forward?

by T he e xponenT e diTorial s Taff ✤ design by T ammi h eneveld

T

his

has

been

a

big

semester for MSU. In addition to the opening of the renovated Bobcat Stadium, the football team won the Big Sky Conference Championship for the second year in a row, the College of Business received a record $25 million donation and our campus’s Engineers Without Borders chapter was named among the strongest university-based outreach programs in the nation.

The buzz around campus is that it’s a great time to be a Bobcat — a direct testament to the leadership of President Waded Cruzado, just finishing her second year in office. However, the university’s progress has been far from uniform, with budget constraints and several unaddressed issues casting a shadow of doubt over the sustainability of MSU’s successes.

In crafting The Exponent’s weekto-week coverage, we find ourselves focusing on particular instances and events, often presenting snapshots of our campus rather than establishing their moment’s significance within a bigger picture. This is the nature of campus journalism, but it seems worth

taking the time to paint with broader strokes as our semester comes to an end.

Cruzado’s direct, forceful leadership since taking office has been key in reenergizing MSU’s mission as a landgrant university. While her management has led to higher achievement, it also raises questions about what sort of culture a university community ought to cultivate.

Spirit and CritiCiSm Perhaps the most apparent aspect of Cruzado’s leadership is the degree to which she has injected a sense of enthusiasm into our campus. While topdown attempts at creating school spirit often seem hokey or insincere — and MSU’s are by no means always an exception — the university has been able to boast impressive accomplishments in academics, athletics, research and community service that should foster genuine pride.

Through avenues such as ‘Pure Gold’ awards and Cruzado’s Monday Morning Memos, MSU’s administration has put significant effort into highlighting the university’s perceived

bright points. However, not all is necessarily well in Bobcat nation. Budgets are becoming tighter, faculty are increasingly departing for better opportunities, and many departments, particularly in the humanities and social sciences, are visibly deteriorating as a result of inadequate funding.

While the emerging “Go Cats” culture is a great tool for recruiting students, creating a sense of community and securing donations, public dialogue about MSU’s hurdles and shortcomings must occur if we are to become a truly vigorous, healthy university. That’s something that Cruzado’s administration must do more to foster.

The sexual harassment scandal involving former University Orchestra conductor Shuichi Komiyama in many ways exemplifies the administration’s hesitancy to negotiate its public image through responsible and productive conversation.

Komiyama was placed on paid leave last April after allegations emerged that he had sexually harassed phoTography by maTT williams

a female student. An internal investigation by the university determined that the professor abused his position’s power by pressuring the student into sexual acts while also failing to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with other students. Komiyama, a tenured professor who has a prior conviction for sexual assault of a minor, resigned his position in October.

Concerns regarding faculty and student privacy aside, the university failed to exhibit proactive leadership regarding the scandal, opting to remain silent throughout the ordeal rather than openly addressing the issue. As we argued in an editorial after Komiyama’s resignation, the administration missed an opportunity to initiate a campus conversation about faculty-student relationships and the university’s policy on background checks.

The point here is not to belabor the Komiyama incident, but to demonstrate how Cruzado’s administration has tended thus far to shy away from difficult conversation rather than work to cultivate a culture of mutually respectful criticism.

This is the trouble with the strength of Cruzado’s vision: While highly efficient, her leadership rarely seems to accommodate negotiation and dissent.

Cruzado has consistently held listening sessions and other forums throughout her tenure as president, but it is unclear how — or if — the feedback she receives is incorporated into her administration’s decision-making

processes. Though such commitment to public input is laudable, students and community members must feel as though their voices constitute more than token participation.

accessibility to higher education in order to create educated and successful citizens. As such, she has emphasized extension and outreach services, and has made it a goal to build “One MSU”

While highly efficienT, cruzado’s leadership rarely seems To accommodaTe negoTiaTion and dissenT.

mSU’S Evolving viSion The change of university leadership in 2010 has prompted renewed interest in crafting MSU’s goals as a land-grant institution. This fall, Cruzado organized a Strategic Planning Committee to rewrite MSU’s mission statement and establish a set of values that will guide the university’s growth over the next five to ten years. The group has solicited public input and generated a list of core themes which Cruzado intends for future projects to follow in order to be considered for funding.

In her inaugural speech last September, Cruzado placed the landgrant mission at the forefront of her vision for MSU, highlighting the university’s responsibility to provide wide

by working more closely with the other branch campuses across the state.

For example, Cruzado’s administration intends to develop MSU’s online course offerings as an important way the university can provide affordable and accessible education. Cruzado is now making funds available to professors to create new online courses or adapt existing courses to online formats. Targeted efforts to make MSU more accessible to Montanans are important, particularly as limited funding from the state makes broad growth difficult.

However, while the land-grant philosophy remains relevant to MSU in many ways, the university must be careful with the manner in which it

11

embraces this identity. Land-grant institutions were founded with very pragmatic aims in mind, namely to train the working class in practical fields and to produce more engaged citizens.

Today, of course, land-grants are large universities offering a broad spectrum of studies. But valuing the accessible and practical alone asserts a shallow notion of education, as it encourages the university to approach its mission by treating students as customers.

Finding cheap, efficient ways to educate students is a struggle between balancing financial concerns with the reality that education is an inherently inefficient, messy process. The most valuable parts of the experience a student has at MSU are not the large, lecture-based courses — they’re the opportunities for personal interactions with professors, or individual research, or involvement in student-driven extracurriculars.

Fostering that sort of ethic means giving students opportunities to shape our curriculums and the ability to participate in the governance of the university that directs our educational existence up to the highest levels.

The land-grant vision asserted by Cruzado is a powerful one, and it is having a clear impact on MSU. But if she hopes to truly develop MSU into an institution capable of developing the citizens our state needs, she must lead with the understanding that open dialogue concerning the university’s goals and challenges is fundamental. ✤

12

SPORTS

editor | Heather Kruger

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

sports@exponent.montana.edu

History Repeats Itself sam roloff The Bobcats narrowly escaped heartbreak in a 26 – 25 victory over the University of New Hampshire Wildcats. In a game that came down to the final seconds and a blocked UNH extra point, the Cats cemented another round in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Saturday’s win was déjà vu for Bobcat fans who remember when New Hampshire last came to town in 1976. The Cats won that game in an almost identical fashion — a blocked extra point and a win by one.

The Cats started slow, finding themselves down early against the first-ranked offense in the Colonial Athletic Conference due to a series of offensive mishaps.

“We talked all two weeks about peaks and valleys; we had to withstand the storm.

We understood there was going to be some adversity, and I think when you prepare for that and expect it happen, it helps you handle it when it does,” said Head Coach Rob Ash. A lackluster Bobcat performance in the first half was quickly overshadowed by a second half filled with big defensive plays, numerous McGhee – Akpla connections and hard north-to-south running by Cody Kirk and Tray Robinson.

MSU had 399 total yards on offense; Robinson and Kirk both earned 96 yards a piece on the ground, while McGhee threw for 167 yards and one touchdown and rushed 96 yards for two. McGhee put three touchdowns on the board, but he threw three interceptions, one of which was returned for 6 points.

It was a big day for senior receiver Elvis Akpla, who broke MSU’s all-time receiving record with 105 yards. Akpla has amassed a career total of 1,045 yards in only two years as a Bobcat.

“We’re not too hung up on records but Akpla has had a fabulous season and career, and I thought he made some spectacular catches today — he made every play,” said Ash. The Cats held UNH to nearly half their season’s average yards-per-game, allowing the Wildcats only 248. UNH quarterback Kevin Decker appeared to be perpetually evading Zack Minter, Brad Daly and MSU’s pass-rush defense—relentless in Saturday’s performance. Linebacker Jody Owens had an exceptional game with 11 total tackles,

MSU's Steven Bethley and the MSU special teams misdirect UNH's extra point with seven seconds remaining.

followed closely by defensive end John Laidet with eight.

“Our defense was highly motivated all week. We hoped we could get some good match-ups and plays with our D-line and that came true. In terms of stopping the run and the pass, I thought our defensive lineman did an awesome job,” said Ash. Saturday’s win was Ash’s first post-season victory as Head Coach. Ash has been at the head of various football programs for the past 20 odd years. “I’m very excited. I love coaching these guys — I’m happy coaching another week. I love doing this,” he said.

This weekend the Cats travel to Huntsville, Texas, to play Sam-Houston State. SamHouston enters the game with a 12-0 record and will prove to be a tough road game for the Cats. As Coach Ash emphasized postSaturday’s win, nothing is promised. “We get one more game to play. That’s all we are guaranteed.”

Below, Bobcat fans react to the team's first playoff victory since 2006.

Image by MAURY NEIPRIS

Image by MAURY NEIPRIS

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

13

sports athlete profile: J. R. Gustafson Sport: Hockey Name: J. R. Gustafson Hometown: Helena, Mont.

Major: Community Health Year in School: Senior How long playing hockey: Since the age of four.

Why did you start playing?

My older brother played and I loved watching.

What is your favorite thing about hockey?

Team road trips.

What is your motivation before a competition?

Being with the team and hanging out. We talk about the upcoming game and get ready.

Do you have an inspirational person or quote?

Barry Melrose.

Do you have any other hobbies/activities/ interests?

Anything outdoors — I love snowboarding.

What is your favorite class at MSU and why?

Psychology of Well-Being 477.

It is relaxed and easygoin,g yet knowledgeable.

Why did you come to MSU? It was between here and the University of Montana. I like this town better; it’s a little smaller and there is a good community.

Is there anything else you would like to tell students/readers about MSU hockey?

Come to the games and support the team.

–michelle thomas

Kiteboarding:

A Rush on the Wind kyle lowis Quickly becoming a popular sport, kiteboarding is an activity that can be enjoyed at any time of year; all you need is wind and open space. This renewable, reliable source of adrenaline only requires something to slide upon and a large kite.

While easily enjoyed in the summer, kiteboarding is welcomed as a winter sport as well. Montana favors wind riders with its vast, snow covered fields and plains, leaving plenty of room for kite enthusiasts to glide upon the snow. There are several strategies to hooking into a kite and literally throwing caution to the wind.

Before you tie yourself to the kite, you must learn how to fly. It takes fine precision to fly a kite and achieve maximum power. It is important to know how to properly operate the kite, as knowledge makes the difference between enjoying the thrill of the ride

Badass of the Week

These students might not be on the field or court, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t involved in an equally athletic endeavor. This column is meant to highlight students who are not a part of varsity athletics at MSU who are doing amazing things with their time outside of the classroom.

Name: Sam Reinsel Hometown: Bozeman, Mont.

Major: Photography (minor in writing) Occupation: Excavation for a Superfund cleanup project in northern Idaho in the summer.

Hobbies: Skiing, biking, backpacking, climbing, fly fishing, reading and listening to terrible rave music.

Why did you move to Montana?

My parents moved here when I was three; I didn't have much say in the matter.

Do your future plans involve this area?

Right now I'm not sure. I want to try living somewhere else, but I can't find anywhere I like more than Bozeman. There are a lot of places that have more writing and photo op-

portunities, but right now I'm more worried about skiing and fishing.

What is a day you will never forget?

Climbing my first 12,000+ foot peak in the Beartooths alone, after a few days in the mountains. Standing on top and looking over the entire plateau on one side and a sheer 2,000 foot cliff on the other was incredible. I've climbed other mountains and been a lot of amazing places since then, but nothing has compared to that feeling.

If you could do anything for a day, what would it be? I'd go fly fishing for pike in Northern Canada again. Watching 45-inch fish explode on giant topwater flies is crazy.

As a photo major, Reinsel brings his trusty camera along on his outdoor adventures around the area. Doing so, hours of hiking in the summer (or skinning in the winter) pays off for the chance to create amazing images. Whether it’s on Mount Blackmore catching bluebird pow pow or climbing up to 12,000 feet, Reinsel has utilized his time when not in the darkroom for thrills of adrenaline.

Recently while climbing, Reinsel was crossing a snowfield on the south side of Granite Peak, and it turned to blue ice about halfway across. It was about 45 degrees and there was a 50-foot cliff below, and Reinsel forgot to bring his crampons. (Crampons are traction devices used to improve mobility on snow and ice).

“That was probably the only time I have been genuinely concerned for my life. I've learned how to read topography maps better since then,” Reinsel said.

–David Hoy

and being dragged away by an out-of-control kite to the horizon.

The next step is to choose a riding instrument. By far the most popular methods are riding on a snowboard or pair of skis. It is simple enough to ride on ski or board; strap in and get the kite in the sky. Harness the power of the Montana breeze and fly across the plains. An important strategy to learn is the art of flying upwind, or tacking. Do not be surprised if you must trek a long way back to base camp after you carelessly sail into the distance.

Another option for the thrill-seeking among us: Hook up to the kite and sit in an inner tube. Hold on to your hat and have a buddy on standby, because this is your candid “No Guts, No Glory” course of action.

The ride will be a rush and the most fun you’ve had in your life, just don’t expect to control the situation.

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

sports

Women Win Four Straight; Men Beat Utes michael gross

Mohamed Fall goes up for a dunk against the Roadrunners last Saturday.

IMAGE BY MAURY NEIPRIS

The past month has been an exciting one for Bobcat basketball. The women’s team has been able to seal the past two weeks with four consecutive wins, while the men have captured huge victories on the road. However, the men haven’t been as consistent, and have coupled three wins with two losses.

The men played strong in their game against the University of Utah (1-7) Nov. 19.

They left Salt Lake City with a critical 70-64 victory, MSU’s first win over the Pac-12 Utes in 74 years. However, they lost their momentum in the following week and fell to Seattle (3-4) 73-85, and Idaho (6-3) 67-76.

Christian Moon, guard, made up for his team’s weak offense in the next game against San Jose State (3-5). Moon’s five three-pointers and four rebounds led the team to a 77-70

win over the Spartans.

The Cats won their next game on Dec. 3 against Cal State Bakersfield (5-2), putting an end to the Roadrunners’ four-game winning streak. In the close game, the score tied 10 times and the lead changed 11 times.

The Roadrunners held the lead at halftime and kept it 12 minutes into the third quarter. Then MSU’s Rod Singleton, point guard, was fouled with eight minutes left. He made both his free throws to bring the score to 51-52. Less than 30 seconds later, Xavier Blount, guard, was fouled and made both his free throws to take the lead.

The Cats dominated the remainder of the night, which ended 71-67. Blount scored a career-high 26 points and went 8-8 in free throws. Singleton went 9-10 in free throws and forced six turnovers.

The women’s team has been successful this season, as well. At 7-2, they have won their last four games and are undefeated at home. They are currently first in the Big Sky Conference, followed by Idaho State (5-3).

In the game against Utah State Dec. 2, five Cats scored in double digits. USU responded strongly, and the score went back and forth throughout the night.

It was not until five minutes into the second half that Bobcat Ausha Cole, guard,

Jackie Elliot goes up for a IMAGE BY MAURY NEIPRIS layup against Utah State.

scored a layup and sparked an 11-2 run for MSU. They were able to hold the lead and end the night in a 78-61 win.

The men (4-3) will be hosting Willamette (3-5) tonight, Dec. 7 in Worthington Arena. The women will be traveling to Las Vegas to take on Illinois (3-5) Dec. 19.

MSU Rugby Trying to Improve Image megan bernhardt Who: Any MSU student When: Tues. and Thurs., 6 p.m.

Where: TBA Cost: $40 minimum fee to become a USA Rugby member Rugby at MSU might be known by another name, the Bozeman Badgers Rugby Football

Club. Club president Brandon Marsh said among the team they call each other the Honey Badgers, a show of the team’s sense of humor. The name is a spin-off of the popular “Honey Badger” video on YouTube.

According to Student Activities, the team must earn the right to be called Bobcats. Marsh agrees, which is part of the reasoning behind their current name.

Marsh started the new club after he

played on the Bozeman men’s team last spring, and learned that even though it was “supposed to be for the students, [because] it’s a club, it’s more of a men’s team.” He started the team, but decided to play with the men’s team again this fall. When the college students wanted to keep playing, he officially started the Badgers.

The fall season ended a few weeks ago, and Marsh is currently preparing for the spring season. One of his main goals is to keep college students interested; in the past they have been turned off by the prospect of playing against 30 to 40-year-old men.

“What I want this club to do is provide guys with the opportunity to play college rugby, but also give back to the Bozeman community.” Marsh said. He has been in contact with Eagle Mount, and a few players have volunteered with the organization.

The team has also done things with Sports Facilities, such as shoveling the stadium before football games, laying down the court for basketball games and helping at the Champ Change auction. The team also tries to get together for dinners and bonding.

The Badgers are a Division II Collegiate team with USA Rugby and compete in the Pacific Northwest Football Rugby Union (PNFRU). Their conference includes teams from the Univ. of Mont., Boise State, Idaho State, Western Oregon and Southern Oregon.

Any college student is eligible to play for the Badgers, as long as they fit the guidelines of USA Rugby. “Once you start college, you have five years to play USA Rugby. If you’re a male student and within that five years, you can play on the team. You have to be in good standing with the university; you have to be a student,” Marsh said.

The Badgers’ first game is on Feb. 11, and their real practices begin as soon as the spring semester starts. The playoffs begin on March 24, and from there various rugby tournaments will play, with the Final Four played in the beginning of May. For more information visit the website rugbymsu.com, the Facebook page facebook. com/rugbyatmsu or email Brandon Marsh at rugbymsu@gmail.com.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

CULTURE Studio 374 One Acts Start Tonight editor | Sabre Moore

Need a break from studying for finals? Stop by the Sunday Night Multimedia Series on Dec. 11 to experience a night of multimedia video and electronic music by MSU students and professionals.

The concert features work from the Interdisciplinary Studies course, a combined music technology and film course, as well as the Sound Design and Synthesis class in the Music Technology department.

The Sunday Night Multimedia series was founded by Kristi McGarity in 2006.

The series presents four concerts per year, featuring video art, electronic music and electronic music with live instrumental performance. The pieces span across a variety of ideas, from political to physiological, and explore the use of light and texture.

The multimedia/experimental video works that will be presented are the outcome

REVIEWS M VIE REVIEW Bozeman Film Festival

The Guard

IMAGE courtesy black box theater

Dungeons and Dragons, a movie referencing heist, a period piece about murder and the radio and two 'dramedies' about the many trials of marriage.”

It’s worth taking a break from the rigors of Dead Week to come support these students as they showcase the results of an entire semester’s work. According to Roth, “Students should go because this year especially our plays are filled with death, laughter, sex, sexiness, beautiful people, gunshots, loud voices and also sex. The last play of the

evening, directed by Alex Brinkman, is going to be a nonstop riot festival where you'll laugh, moan, hiss, piss and just maybe discover something about yourself in the process.”

Tickets for the Studio 374 One Acts are $8 for students and can be purchased at First Interstate Bank in the SUB, at the front desk of the Visual Communications Building or by calling 406-994-3904. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., but you might want to get there early because seating is limited.

Multimedia Show Unites Film and Music vanessa naive

15

entertainment@exponent.montana.edu

karen wilson Junior film students in the MTA Theater class have been working hard all semester to produce and polish six one-act plays called The Studio 374 One Acts, which they will perform in the Black Box Theater on campus for three nights only Dec. 8-10.

“All the junior students have worked incredibly hard on these plays, and unfortunately come Sunday we'll never be able to show them again, which is a real shame.

I think the students of MSU will have a fun night at these plays, and it's also nice when fellow students come out and support other students’ art,” said Steven Roth, writer and director of “Thin Walls.”

Tood Ruhnau, the writer and director of “The Little Things,” agreed: “This is a great opportunity to see what it is that we do in the School of Film and Photography. We have been working on these plays for almost the entire semester and they show our abilities and passion for what we do.”

All of the six plays were directed and produced by students, and five of them were written by students. “These plays are very professional in their production. Our blood, sweat, tears, money, time and sanity went into these plays,” said Ruhnau, who also explained that “much of the humor and topics of the plays are very relevant to our age group and generation. There is a farcical comedy about prom night, a drama written about

of the Interdisciplinary Studies co-taught by professors from film and music. Each student from film and music has had the opportunity to explore music and film in the nontraditional sense, pushing them beyond their boundaries. The class introduces students to a non-narrative construction of space and time, from works of sound art, conceptual art and sculpture, to musique concrete and electronic reproduction and sampling.

Lori Hiris, professor of the film portion

of the class, feels that the opportunity to screen live and recorded sound and picture is huge.

“A live performance is such a luxury for filmmakers, who often make works that "get screened" on the Internet. This expands the students notion of space and spectator reaction and perception, among all the other things they have to hone like the technical specs for a live performance,” said Hiris.

“It’s about learning to work with someone who may have different aesthetics, ideas and ways of doing things,” said Jason Bolte, music co-teacher. “The collaboration between Film and Music/Audio is a process that every Film and Music Technology student will have as they continue their careers.

This is only the beginning of building those types of relationships and understandings.”

The Sunday Night Multimedia Series will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Recital Hall. Admission is free.

The newest film to be presented at the Bozeman Film Festival is a dark comedy from Ireland entitled "The Guard." The movie follows an Irish cop (Brendan Gleeson) who is known more for his partying and drinking problem than actual police work. He gets involved with an FBI agent (Don Cheadle) to try and stop an international drug cartel. What ensues is a new take on the classic "buddy cop" formula in which two vastly different men of the law try and work together to stop the bad guys.

British comedies have a different humor than what most Americans are used to. The movies are a little darker and the humor is drier than American slapstick comedies. It takes a little getting used to for an audience to know when to laugh.

While many of us would be hesitant to go and see a movie that doesn’t have many big name stars and contained humor that isn't laugh-out-loud funny, I urge you to give this one a shot. It has a sharp script, great performances and a storyline that doesn't follow the usual funny cop agenda. If you are willing to try something new and different, I suggest this movie as a change from the normal American comedies we have seen a thousand times.

Rating: 8/10

–graham milsom

Calendar december 9 - 15 FRIDAY

december 9 A Portrait of a Freshman in Health and Human Development, 12 - 1 p.m.

Herrick Hall 117 Participate in Dr. Lynn Owens’ Student Success Seminar Series for freshmen to explore their strengths and how those strengths can be leveraged for success in their academic career An Overview of Grant Sources, 12 - 1:50 p.m., Renne Library, Heathcote Classroom; A hands-on session offering a general overview of where to find both private and government grants Letter & Science Distinguished Speakers Series 3:10 p.m., The Procrastinator Theatre; George C. Schatz will present “New Twists on DNA in Materials and Biology” Physics Colloquium 4 p.m., EPS 103 S. James Gates Jr. will speak on “Drilling Where the Wood is Thick” and will discuss a problem in theoretical physics that has not been solved in more than 30 years Studio 374 One Act Performances Dec. 8 - 10, 7:30 p.m., MSU Black Box Theatre; Student and Senior Tickets: $8; General Admission: $10 A series of theatrical one acts produced by film students “Rollotrobes and Traded Memories” by Sukha Worob, Final Day of Exhibit, The Exit Gallery In this exhibit, Sukha Worob explores contemporary approaches to printmaking through intermedia installation and interactive works December Art Walk 5 - 8 p.m., Emerson Cultural Center; Enjoy Sean Erwin’s sculpture in the Wilber Gallery, Archie Bray ceramics in the Mud Room Contemporary Ceramics Gallery and more; Also featuring an “Evening with the Artists Studio Tour” event

FRIDAY

continued Dead Week Live: 3OH!3 with Plain White Tees 6:30 - 10 p.m., Brick Breeden Fieldhouse; Tickets: $20 Available at Ask Us Desk, Rosauers, Bobcat Ticket Office and online at Ticketswest.com Annual Arc’teryx Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival Dec. 7 - 11; 5 - 7 p.m., Emerson Cultural Center; Tickets: $10 $15, Join in Gear demos, reps and athletes from the festival sponsors, presentations and a book signing from Martha Talbot; More info at www.bozemanicefest.com Bozeman Icedogs vs.

Billings, 7:30 p.m., Gallatin County Fairgrounds, Haynes Pavillion; Tickets: $5 - $8

SATURDAY december 10

Bozeman Trail Promotions - Cabin Fever Gun Show Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Gallatin County Fairground Admission: $5

SUNDAY

december 11 Ornaments of Adornment 3 - 10 p.m., Emerson Cultural Center, Weaver Room Exclusive holiday shopping event where you will find unique and trendy gifts from Los Angeles handpicked by young ladies specifically for the Bozeman lifestyle Men’s Basketball vs. UC Riverside 1:00 p.m., Fieldhouse

MONDAY

december 12 Final Examinations Begin Dec. 12 - Dec. 16 Good luck!

Snowshoeing Basics 6:30 p.m., REI Join the staff of REI for a class on the basics of snowshoeing, including gear, clothing and where to go

TUESDAY

december 13 Wonderlust 2:30 p.m., Museum of the Rockies, Hagar Auditorium An Art History lecture that will focus on those major individuals, from Manet to Monet, Seurat, Gauguin, van Gogh and Cezanne, who together provided the diverse pathways that created the art of the twentieth century Canned Film Festival 7 - 10 p.m., Procrastinator Theatre; Admission: $2 or bring canned food Join students from the Film Program as they showcase their Fiction and Non-Fiction films!

WEDNESDAY december 14

Sizzling Salsa Every Wednesday, Lessons at 7:30 p.m., Open Dancing: 8:30 - 10:30 p.m., Baxter Ballroom; $5 per person

THURSDAY december 15

Salsa Night, Every Thursday, Lesson: 8 - 9 p.m., Open Dancing: 9 - 11 p.m., SOB Barn Free and open for all

Got an exciting, entertaining, extraneous, educational, or just plain excellent event coming up? Let us know at calendar@ exponent.montana.edu

THURSDAY continued

President’s Holiday Receptions, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., SUB Ballrooms Attend the President’s annual holiday open house for the entire MSU community Date Night Downtown Bozeman, 5 - 10 p.m., Downtown Bozeman A whole night dedicated to having a night out with your significant other or friends for a fun, stress-free evening of dining and holiday shopping with promotions at over 40 downtown retailers and restaurants

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

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CULTURE

It's Time to Start the Music...

nate carroll

I didn’t grow up watching the “Muppet Show” or even “Sesame Street” for that matter, but the prospect of watching a new Muppet movie sounded fun. Turns out I was right. “The Muppets” is a wonderful one hour and 38 minutes of singing, dancing and celebrity cameos.

The big question, though, is whether the reinvigoration of the Muppet franchise hits the mark with today’s audience. Jim Henson’s Muppet creations were successful in the past because they were a fun combination that kids, young adults and parents could enjoy. With new writer/actor Jason Segel at the helm and Disney as its owner, a new Muppet movie has a challenge. Can something conceived as a variety show in the late ‘70s still be marketable?

The latest Muppet adventure follows Gary and his Muppet brother Walter as they help Kermit and the gang get back together to do a telethon show to save the Muppet

theatre from evil oil baron, Tex Richman.

Not a ground-breaking plot to be sure, but it sets the stage for the Muppets to do what they do best—travel across the country, sing, run into celebrities and overcome laughable villains. If you are fans of “Community”, “The Office” or Neil Patrick Harris, then you’ll be pleased with the cameos and the humor. The music was supervised

by Flight of the Concords’ Bret McKenzie, which is evident in several of the numbers.

The most unbelievable thing about the movie is not the Muppets, but their human co-stars. The last movie Jason Segel starred in with a puppet, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,”

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building modern street credit for the Muppets, even for fickle college-aged movie-goers. You probably won’t see it twice, unless you need a tolerable movie to watch with your younger relations over the break. On the other hand, if you like walking out of a movie with skip in your step, maybe you will.

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opened with him in the nude whipping his wiener around in front of his girlfriend. In “The Muppets” he stars as Gary, a man of indeterminate age who, despite having a girlfriend of 10 years, still sleeps in the same childhood room as his Muppet brother Walter. His girlfriend, played by Amy Adams, is probably too sweet for her part.

That being said, it is a Muppet movie and they take over the screen quickly enough for the audience to forget their performance.

The introduction of a new Muppet, Walter, is also forgettable, but then again a lot of things probably are when you’re up against a banjoplaying frog.

This film does its due diligence in

Fri. Dec. 9th 8:00 - 5:30 Sat. Dec. 10th 10:00 - 4:30 Dec. 12nd - Dec. 16th 8:00 - 5:30

M R E AK E AT S G A IF T

WE DON’T MAKE THIS STUFF U P

THE VERY BEST OF THE BOZEMAN DAILY CHRONICLE POLICE REPORTS JULY 23, 2011

A woman called police hoping they could help her find her husband, who had likely joined the carnival.

This 120-page paperback book is available for $10 at:

msubookstore.org • 994-2811

Order online at dailychronicle.com.

With Apologies to America's Finest News Source

CLARENCE MJORK'S APOCRYPHA

Radiohead Crashes and Burns in Bozeman

COLIN GAISER

While most Bozeman citizens were kicking their boots to the music of country star Dierks Bentley on Nov. 17, the members of legendary rock band Radiohead struggled to impress a small audience across town.

The band played at a second-rate Mexican dining establishment, after a scheduling mix-up with a Nickelback cover band and a cat acrobat forced them to change venues.

However, this was only the beginning of a disastrous night for Radiohead.

After the band arrived on the makeshift stage, front-man Thom Yorke introduced himself with his trademark British politeness: “How we doing tonight, Missoula?” then was promptly pelted with a barrage of free chips and salsa.

The bewildered and now-messy Yorke beckoned the band to begin playing in an attempt to smooth things over with the small crowd. However, their ethereal soundscapes, monotonous percussion, synth loops and dark lyrics exploring disillusionment in the modern world failed to connect with the bored audience.

“Play ‘Creep!’” screamed an audience member between songs.

“That’s not who we are anymore,” Yorke replied, while munching on a vegetarian taco. By then, only a dozen hipsters and a few confused drunks remained.

After beeping and booping their way through material from their new album, “The King of Limbs,” one fan hollered at guitarist Jonny Greenwood to do something “cool” with his guitar.

“It’s not even plugged in,” Greenwood admitted, while scowling at Yorke in a moment of uncomfortable tension. “Like he said, ‘that’s not who we are anymore.’”

“He’s only here because he’s the second best-looking member of the band,” Yorke said.

The band finished their set with a 20-minute ambient synthesizer jam, and received polite applause from the lone remaining audience member, former Radiohead guitarist Jonny Greenwood.

“I think it went pretty well,” Yorke explained afterward. “Though the acoustics could have been a little better.”

Chickenosaurus Pack Ways to Keep Sane During Finals Terrorizes Bozeman PAT HESSMAN

rape of the natural world.”

The brilliant discovery turned into a horror story when a mysterious power outage released the Chickenosaurs from their holding pens. The wild pack rampaged through Bozeman, first devouring every horse at the stables and three dogs leashed outside Renne Library before disappearing.

“That’s chaos theory,” Sheen remarked at the incident.

The pack reappeared to crash a preDead Week bonfire. The Chickenosaurs took down a gang of cycling hipsters fleeing from the scene. As they were torn limb from limb, an unnamed onlooker mused, “Perhaps those lizards aren’t all bad.”

Horner wasted no time in taking responsibility for the incident. He ventured into Hyalite Canyon, the last location the Chickenosaurs had been sighted, with nothing more than a loaded tranquilizer gun and a lead pipe. He never returned, although recovered video footage shows he fought valiantly until a Chickenosaur snuck up on him from behind. His last words were purportedly, “Clever girl...”

The Chickenosaur pack is still at large.

What began as a foray into defying extinction to bring dinosaurs back to the present ended in tragedy. A man-made pack of “Chickenosaurus” escaped and left a trail of death and destruction across Bozeman.

MSU’s renowned professor and paleontologist Jack Horner recently rocked the university with his announcement that a bio-engineering effort to recreate dinosaurs out of chicken eggs was underway. The experiments fared better than expected—before long an entire pack of Chickenosaurs had been bred.

Scientists and dinosaur lovers worldwide rejoiced.

Horner said, “We went all out on this and spared no expense!”

Detractors still emerged. The third grade class of Hawthorne Elementary complained the Chickenosaurs were nothing more than “six-foot turkeys” and demanded to know when they’d get to see the “cool dinosaurs.”

Neil Sheen, a prominent chaos theorist, also voiced his objection, “You may call them a discovery, but to me it’s a

are more willing to be good Samaritans if they are offered up a chance to slap someone.

3. Drink your favorite brand of study brew, and stick with it. Finals week is not a time to start experimenting with strange new combinations of Five-Hour Energy, Red Bull and meth. Come to think of it, there probably isn’t ever a time to do that. If you drink coffee, drink your normal amount.

2. Get some sleep. This sounds clichéd but fatigue is a tricky master. If you do find yourself low on sleep from the night before, try the 15-minute power nap.

To make sure this doesn’t turn into a three hour nap, refer back to tip four.

1. If you’re having girl problems, I feel bad for you, son, you’ve got 99 problems and your test ain’t done. Finals week is not the time to start a relationship, nor is it a good time to end one. If you are in a relationship, take your partner out on a nice date this weekend and then apologize for the future sleep-deprived stress ball you are about to become. They’ll understand.

Finals are fast upon us, or possibly crumbling around you as we speak, if you’re an art major. It is all too easy to feel overwhelmed. Fun fact: This is why bears hibernate, not out of biologic necessity but to avoid responsibility.You are not a bear and therefore do not deserve the privileges of hibernation. To help you cope with this fact, I have put together Clarence Mjork’s top five ways to keep sane during finals.

5. Eat, but do it right. It’s easy to either not eat enough or eat too much of the wrong stuff. God knows I can eat three whole giant tubs of cheese puffs in a sitting. Was it worth the week of orange fingers and apologizing to everyone in the locker room? Maybe. Was I on top of my scholastic game? No. 4. Get up at the right time. This will require you to know your finals schedule ahead of time, so you can set a crazy number of alarms on your cell phone. If you decide to take a nap before your final, you might want to put a note on yourself that reads “If I am still asleep at X o’clock, you have permission to slap me”. People

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

THE ASMSU EXPONENT | December 8, 2011

Lori Saulsbury The Best of Non-Cliche Yellowstone

I tried to show off the beauty of simple things found in and around Yellowstone National Park besides the over-photographed waterfall or bison. None of these photos have have been photoshopped or altered in any way. They were taken with a crappy kodak digital camera that was 8 years old and shaped like a box.

Do you have art you'd like to show off to your fellow students? Please e-mail art or questions to production@exponent.montana.edu.

19

Last Minute Dirty Santa Gift Ideas ONE PERSON'S TRASH COULD BE ANOTHER'S TREASURE

Used, slightly damp towel Framed photograph of yourself Self-help books Nickelback's collective body of work

Gift NOT Included: A box full of batteries His & Hers KY and Pregnancy Test Calendar from last year Roll of toilet paper

Shake Weight

Motorola Razr

The new fragrance by Justin Bieber

A 3-litre of RC Cola A baby

Aerobics videos

Comic

Concept and llustration by Nate Carroll

Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

SUDOKU

Welcome to The Box, a weekly feature intended to provide an eclectic array of puzzles, cartoons, jokes and quotes. Have suggestions for content to be published here? E-mail us at: editor@exponent.montana.edu.