/10618

Volume 106, Issue 18 | February 9, 2012

MSU’s Student Newspaper since 1895

msuexponent.com

4 HOPeFULS ASMSU Presidential Election

nsw

sa

E S asp

A H NEWS

T

ON

CEA EPITAN

ers

DA TE S

SUCCUL

ES DATES

M D R MY E A

S

Y A T U N D N O I T E T S ENOXsOmenot S R T I O s X ve e e F P iss say ’t o m l k s S ’ helove ndd xo can E E a l E gs wi you ve V he u V o e l N s h O I u gon ord ue me O o r L t y T w Li lroovmeasenctehree ENther deaysuelxtyxotixo o L no taims fa e th a A st e ja pid’ ve m u j Vit’siss mall cune lo S SCA k it’sbe mi OR R P Y OM A W n P e D P ONEN P EX SIT T

AN CE

OPINION

SPORTS

CULTURE

7 SUB PUB

14 BaSKetBaLL 18 ReStaURantS

Pint-Based Community Building

Cat vs. Griz Weekend

Date Ideas in Bozeman

2

MSU’s Student Newspaper since 1895

Letters to the Editor

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Defending the Magpie’s Jack Horner Coverage

Managing Editor

I caught the recent Exponent articles on the Horner marriage (Regents Professor Horner Marries Palentology Student, Why We're Covering Horner's Marriage, Feb. 2), and I commend your staff for boldly printing the story. Kudos, it takes guts to run a paper that isn't fluff, and your crew did something that the Chronicle wouldn't dare: published a damaging article about this local celebrity.

Make no mistake, even a straight-laced telling like the Exponent's is damaging.

Speaking of which, I wanted to address your concerns voiced in the Editor's Desk piece. Since we broke the story on Jan. 23, I assume you were talking about the Magpie when you mentioned "various online news outlets have reported inaccurate information." I wrote the Magpie article, and I just wanted to take a moment to go point-bypoint through my sixty-ish words: The Exponent presented the same facts reported in the Magpie regarding timeframe, location, names, ages and Horner's titles within the MSU organization. With one large exception, that's all that I printed in my piece. But that exception is a big one, isn't it? What I'm talking about, of course, was Weaver's status at the paleontological lab in the Museum of the Rockies. My source in describing her as an "intern"? The new Mrs. Horner. As of the day we posted, Weaver listed herself under her employers on Facebook as "Horner Paleo Lab, Intern."

It's a critical point because the rules on interns are almost certainly defined more clearly, and it conveys a serious abuse of power. It's obvious that MSU, the MOR, the Chronicle and a bunch of people around town would be content if that little tidbit just went away, so they're all doing the "Revisionist History" dance.

I am really glad the Exponent ran the article—it's newsworthy, absolutely.

Eric Dietrich

Derek Brouwer

layout & design PRODUCTION MANAGER Tammi Heneveld

PHOTOGRAPHY Maury Neipris, Matt Williams

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Tammi Heneveld, Emma Light, Vanessa Swenson, Danny Mecca, Danyelle Moore, Pierce Ware, Trevor Nelson

business & marketing BUSINESS MANAGER Ryan Bovy

Marketing DIRECTOR Nicole Kuha

MARKETING ASSOCIATES Jeff Dougherty, Else Trygstad-Burke, Pierce Ware

EDITORIAL OPINION EDITOR Jordan Maxwell

NEWS EDITOR Garrett Smith

SPORTS EDITOR Heather Kruger

Culture EDITOR Sabre Moore

technology tech editor Fred Vollmer

multimedia editor Vanessa Naive

msuexponent.com

editor@exponent.montana.edu Advertising 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 Kyle Lowis, David Hoy, Michelle Thomas, Megan Bernhardt, Karen Wilson, Colin Gaiser, Katie Chambers, Cassie Wilson, Alicia Exley, Ryan Bovy, Brent Zundel, Else Trygstad-Burke, Kendall Cotton, Elijah Inabnit, Anthony Varriano, Sarah Rimkus, Andrew Keene, Zoë Standring, Peter Hoag, Nicole Duggan, Jeremiah Gaiser © asmsu exponent 2012

contact us: THE ASMSU EXPONENT Strand Union Building Room 366 Bozeman, MT 59715 406.994.3976

BLAKE MAXWELL Editor, Bozeman Magpie Editor’s Note: In a statement provided to the Exponent on Jan. 25, Horner said that Weaver “was never an intern here at the museum, although was and continues to be a volunteer.” As of Feb. 8, Weaver’s public Facebook profile lists no employer.

SB Vehicles Clog Dorm Residents’ E Lots I am a sophomore who lives in the residence halls. I think that $159 a year for parking permits is quite reasonable compared to some colleges with less land in bigger cities.

However, I find it very frustrating when I leave campus during the day and return to find the E lot near Roskie full to the

brim with SB permits. The sizable number of people like me who need to run errands while stores are open, go to work or ski in the morning are screwed when we get back to campus. I don’t have a problem with the SB permits costing the same as the E permits. What I do have a problem with is that they can park in our lots and we can’t park in theirs, even though they pay no more than we do.

Most students living off campus would be quite frustrated if they got home and their neighbors were parked in their driveway. Roskie is my home and the E lot is my “driveway.” When it is full of SB vehicles, I have to look for a spot in the F lot (which is also usually full) or go way over to the E lot behind the Suites and hope I can find a spot there.

Unlike students living off campus, I cannot choose to leave my car at home and take the bus, ride my bike or walk. I don’t have anywhere else in Bozeman where I can park.

I would ask that parking services either combines E and SB so all permits work in all lots, restricts SB permits to SB lots, charges more for SB permits, or offers on-campus students R permits in the front of the E lot, which I would be happy to pay a premium for.

WILLIAM BRYAN MSU Student

MAKE your voice heard 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.

Letters to the Editor: Inspired or angered by something we've published? Want to call out our editorial judgement, good, bad or otherwise? Just want to send one of our writers "fan" or "hate" mail? Send us a letter at letters@exponent.montana. edu. Submissions should be signed and kept under 300 words, and may be edited for AP style, grammar and length.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

Mike Mosby Staff, Information Technology Center

Your commitment and contributions to our university are an inspiration.

You are PURE GOLD!

Nominate those who inspire! www.montana.edu/puregold

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

EDITORIAL

editor-in-chief | Eric Dietrich

3

editor@exponent.montana.edu

from the editorial staff

The Exponent's opinion on topics and issues impacting our campus community.

Student Government Elections: Unpacking the Rhetoric Based on campaign statements posted at www.montana. edu/asmsu/ elections.html Leadership Experience Experience with MSU Sustainability Innovative Marketing Strong Family Values Listening to Student Voices Fiscal Responsibility Bobcat Spirit & Unity

Jesse Cook & Brian Murakami

Talking Point Bingo John Stiles & Mario Stanislao

Representing Student Voices — Whose voices, exactly, do candidates plan to represent, given the physical impossibility of talking to all 14,000 students on campus?

Their existing circles of friends? Students concerned enough about a particular issue to seek them out? Everyone who complains to their roommate about a frustrating professor? Given the ASMSU President’s alltoo-finite time and energy, a balance must be struck between reaching out to listen and taking action on what they hear. How do our prospective leaders plan to approach that challenge?

Bobcat Spirit — A part of every nearly every campaign platform for time immemorial. How, specifically would the candidates define Bobcat spirit, though? What exactly can the student body president do to boost it? Several candidates talk about building community in the same breath. The same is worth asking there.

Amidst a crowded field this year, candidates could do much to set themselves apart by providing answers to these questions.

Kiah Abbey & Lindsay Murdock

the $140,000 3Oh!3 concert in December.

A third, Jesse Cooke, was elected homecoming king last fall, and the fourth, Casey Mulkey, touts military leadership experience.

The purpose of the Exponent’s elections coverage in this and coming editions is to help our readers separate meaning from rhetoric amidst that crowded field. The figure at right, based on the candidates’ formal campaign statements (appearing in the elections advertisement on page 11), is a first measure there, comparing the claims of various campaigns. While it certainly does not convey the whole story, we hope it provide a starting point for voters to question the candidates themselves.

Leaving it to our news section to explore the details of candidates’ qualifications and positions further, we’ve outlined what we see as some of the campaigns’ common themes below: Experience with MSU — Various candidates say some variation of ‘We understand MSU.’’ But what parts of our multi-faceted campus do they understand? Where are they ignorant — and, more importantly, what will they do to remedy that?

Casey Mulkey & Nate Brownlee

With presidential primaries scheduled for Valentine’s Day, student government’s election season is in full swing. Along with it, of course, has come a full-size helping of campaign rhetoric — everything from fresh buzzwords (“individual values,” “innovative outlook”) to well-worn cliches (“fiscal responsibility,” “Bobcat spirit”).

Given how important this election is to the student body — the ASMSU president and vice-president are students’ primary communications channel to the MSU administration and manage $1.8 million in fee-funded programs — student voters must dig deeper, looking beyond the spin to to understand the truth of candidates’ abilities and visions.

That is particularly true given the breadth of this year’s candidate field, easily the most diverse in student government’s recent history. Two presidential candidates, Kiah Abbey and John Stiles, have extensive leadership experience on campus — Abbey as the president of Sustained Dialogue and NECO, the high-profile campus sustainability group, and Stiles as the Campus Entertainment director responsible for organizing

X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X

From the Editor’s Desk

Use Student Gov’t Survey Results with Caution Though students seem pleased with ASMSU’s services and representation in a recent survey, those in student government should take its results with a grain of salt.

Derek Brouwer managing editor As we reported last week, over 80 percent of the 435 respondents to the survey said they were satisfied by ASMSU representation. In addition, most students agreed that ASMSU services, such as Outdoor Rec, Campus Entertainment and Legal Services, were a “good use” of student funds.

Without a doubt, the survey was a thoughtful attempt to gauge students’

attitudes. Programs that serve students, whether a part of ASMSU or not, often find ourselves at a loss to stay in touch with their users. It’s often easier to assume we know best than to work to open lines of communication.

But student leaders should remember that the needs survey is only one measure of student input— and a small one at that.

Overemphasizing the data, or using it as a talking point, could distract ASMSU representatives and services from efforts to best serve students.

The high levels of satisfaction suggested by the data do not mean that students aren’t looking for more out of their student government. For one, the survey, promoted in part through ASMSU’s Facebook page, was

voluntary, meaning that its respondents were likely those students who are already engaged with the organization. Such sampling biases are inevitable, but nevertheless limit the data’s broader utility.

Last week, ASMSU President Blake Bjornson said he is confident that the results are sufficiently representative of the student body. However, that may not be the case.

Voter turnout for last fall’s election was only 13 percent, and far-from consistent involvement with ASMSU indicates that students aren’t completely satisfied with its services — this publication included.

While the student needs survey marks some encouraging trends in students’ views, it should be considered a starting point upon which ASMSU can initiate dialogue with

those it serves.

Of course, having a worthwhile conversation will require more qualitative feedback, where students can express specific thoughts and suggestions — the kind of rich information that numerical data fails to capture. The student needs survey, which wisely included opportunities for written responses, concluded that ASMSU could do more to improve its public communication efforts.

As a student publication with distribution across campus, The Exponent is wellequipped for that kind of interaction, offering space for community submissions via letters, rants and story suggestions. Yet these services are too often underutilized — a sign that we could do more to engage our readers.

We would love to hear your ideas.

4

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

Primaries Near in Student Pres. Election Primary Debate: Monday, Feb. 13, 12- 1, Procrastinator Theater

Social Media Drives Campaign Efforts

Primary Elections: Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7 5

(Two top-scoring candidate pairs advance) Presidential Debate: Tuesday, Feb. 21, 12-1, Procrastinator Theater General Presidential Elections: Feb. 22-23

Voting online at www.montana.edu/vote

Race Draws Diverse Field Garrett Smith and Colin Gaiser The 2012 student government presidential race will have four nominees as compared to 2011’s one. The number of candidates has forced ASMSU to schedule a primary election for Feb. 14 to narrow the field to two pairs..

This year’s election has four election nominee pairs for president and VP: Casey Mulkey and Nate Brownlee, Kiah Abbey and Lindsay Murdock, John Stiles and Mario Stanislao, and Jesse Cook and Brian Murakami.

The primary election will be held Feb 14, one week before the general election as per the ASMSU bylaws. The two candidates who win the most votes will continue on to the general elections.

This year, there are fours groups running as opposed to last year when Blake Bjornson and Joey Steffens ran unopposed. When asked about the increase in nominees, Bjornson attributed the stronger showing to his administration's efforts to promote student government.

Kiah Abbey said that she wanted to convey an image of genuineness to students.

“Lindsey and I are really passionate about MSU,” she said.

On her profile on the ASMSU elections webpage that she wanted to promote Bobcat spirit. She emphasized this in an interview saying, “I think Bobcat spirit takes many forms.” She went on to state that things such as academic excellence and general manners could be Bobcat spirit. “Bobcat spirit is social responsibility,’ she added Abbey said that a personal goal for the election was to reach 25 percent voter participation in the elections.

Jesse Cooke drew on his wide array of campus experiences —from his role as

Homecoming King, tutor and staff member at the AskUs Desk, among others — to explain why he is the best candidate for the job.

“I’m always trying to be involved,” he said. “If you don’t want to be involved, you don’t want to stay at MSU.” Cooke is also concerned with the lack of a campus “sense of community,” saying it’s problem many people don’t aknowledge. He proposes organizing more small events on campus as a potential solution.

“One idea I have is for a small, on-campus music festival,” he explained. The campus could use the festival to “bring in more local bands,” rather than host large annual concerts, he added.

Casey Mulkey referenced his military experience as a way for him to effectively lead ASMSU. He said that trust would be an integral part of his administration, explaining that trusting both employees and peers is extremely important.

Mulkey spoke of the campus as a fractured society, saying, “Every student at MSU has their own individual view of things.” He said this could be a hindrance, but could also be a beneficial part of ASMSU. The last candidate, John Stiles, pointed to his integrity and authenticity as indications of his presidential qualifications.

“Part of being a leader is being consistent in your personality and actions,” he said. Referencing his running partner, he comented, “Mario and I have not changed our personality, opinions or the way we interact with fellow students merely because we are running for president/vice president.”

The Student Government President Blake Bjornson said of the upcoming debate, “I think its great. It will spur great conversation.”

katie chambers This year’s hopefuls for student body president are finding new ways to reach students and supporters. Candidates have created Facebook campaign pages, blogs and websites in addition to the traditional on-campus banners and posters — efforts that have turned up the heat in what promises to be a competitive race.

“We can only meet with so many students,” said candidate John Stiles. “By having an online/Facebook presence, we can encourage participation from the student body.”

Though social media’s impact on voting remains to be seen, it appears to be galvanizing candidates’ support. As of Feb. 8, the Abbey/Murdock Facebook campaign group had 850 members, the Cook/Murkakami group 293 members and the Stiles/Stanislao 202 members.

Current ASMSU President Blake Bjornson says he is excited by the new possibilities offered by multimedia tools.

“We just started our ASMSU Facebook page this year, and we have a lot of followers,” he said. “As long as online campaigning doesn’t get out of control in terms of negativity against one another, I think it’s great.”

However, the new media appear to be raising new questions regarding appropriate campaign practices. When the members of the Stiles/Stanislao campaign chose the domain name “asmsuelections.com” for their personal website, it made theirs the likely first page to show up when typed in the

browser.

“It’s not something that bothers me, but it is a little misleading,” said candidate Kiah Abbey.

“I wouldn’t personally feel comfortable with that,” Bjornson said, “but [Stiles] feels OK with it, and there’s nothing that says it’s not allowed.”

“The MSU Legal Counsel was consulted,” said ASMSU Elections Chair Healy Lyons. “There is no MSU policy reason against it.”

Stiles defended his decision, saying, “Including ASMSU is a vital part of running for office. Describing the organization that you will potentially represent and branding your campaign to fit their values and principles is key.”

Meanwhile, candidate Casey Mulkey says he isn’t interested in using multimedia to promote his campaign.

“We don’t really have a Facebook group or website,” Mulkey said. “We’re just going to reach people through people we know and face-to-face communication.”

Stiles agrees with the importance of personal interaction. “We continually meet with students in the residence halls, have posted many banners and value the physical presence when campaigning,” he said.

Abbey and Murdock are making similar efforts, meeting with students all day on Feb. 8 at The Brewed Awakening to talk about their campaign platforms.

“I urge students to look around at people and what they are saying, online or not,” said Bjornson. “And definitely vote for it.”

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

5

news

four-star general to speak at msu Nicole Duggan General Wesley Clark, one of the most prominent and decorated military leaders in the United States, will be speaking at MSU Monday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

Clark, a retired Army general, has been awarded numerous honors and declarations, including the Silver Star, Purple Heart, the State Department’s Distinguished Service Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. Internationally, he has received honorary knighthoods from both the British and Dutch governments and is highly acclaimed for providing knowledgeable insight into global current events.

From 1997 to 2000, Clark served as the Supreme Allied Commander in Europe of NATO, the central command of NATO military forces. During that time, he commanded significant operations in the Kosovo War, eventually leading to the end of the Yugoslav Wars.

Since retiring from the United States Military in 2000, he has become a prominent voice in politics and leadership and even began a campaign for president in 2004.

He is now a chairman of Growth Energy, a

prominent ethanol lobbying group. Clark has written three bestselling books including “Waging Modern War,” “Winning Modern Wars” and “A Time to Lead.”

According to Carmen McSpadden, director of the Leadership Institute, Clark’s speech will be “focused on leadership for the 21st century, including globalization and

international economics.”

His speech will be followed by a 35-minute student panel question-and-answer session, in which current topics will be discussed and deliberated.

McSpadden emphasized the importance of the event to MSU students, saying “as a four-star general and a former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, [Clark] brings an important perspective to military events, current world events and the cycles that occur in world affairs-including details and history around current world conflict and strategies.”

She continued to say that the Leadership Institute anticipates a large turnout to the event, and a high demand for tickets.

The event is sponsored by The MSU Leadership Institute, ASMSU, the MSU Office of the President, Montana Humanities Institute, Division of Student Success, Veterans Services, MSU Parent Family Association and Phi Kappa Phi. The lecture will be held at the MSU Strand Union Ballrooms at 7:30 pm on March 5. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $3 for students, $8 for general admission and are available through TicketsWest, the Bobcat Ticket Office and the SUB AskUs Desk.

image Courtesy of msu Leadership Institute

Input Sought for New Business Building Katie Chambers Hennebery Eddy Architects held open conversations this week with students, faculty and Bozeman community members to discuss future plans for the new College of Business building.

The college began planning for the building after receiving a $25 million donation from MSU alumnus Jake Jabs, the CEO of American Furniture Warehouse. However, administration does not want to create the building without input.

Hennebery Eddy held the first meeting last Thursday to learn “the goals and aspirations of the college,” said associate John McGrew. Discussion topics ranged from windows to accessibility and parking.

“Sitting on senate for the short amount of time that I have, parking is our main

concern,” said Erica McKay, a student government senator.

Another main topic of discussion was the community space, such as a main lobby, of the building.

“So much learning happens outside the classroom, where faculty and students from outside the business can get together,” said Susan Dana, the Dean of the College of Business. “That’s where great ideas come from. “ Possible building sites were also discussed at the meeting. Locations south of Grant Street, east of Hamilton Hall and next to the Wool Lab were discussed as possibilities.

“The potential of these sites has to do with the energy efficiency of the proximity to campus,” said Tim Eddy, the principal architect.

The recent meeting was for the first of the four project phases — sight selection and

programming. Meetings will be held at the beginning of each of the next three stages schematic design, design development, and construction documents.

“It was particularly helpful for me to see what they were thinking,” attendee Candace Mascel said. “I’d like more students here in these early stages to have a voice.”

“What should the college be to Montana State? What role should the College of Business building play at the campus level?” asked Kathleen Kavanaugh, Hennebery Eddy Owner’s representative and consultant.

“We’re asking you to give us what you want to see and what you don’t want to see.”

Based on the length of each stage as well as construction, the college plans to open the building’s doors in the fall of 2015.

Kavanaugh commented on the process, “We’re as interested to see where it ends up as you all are.”

You Asked For It. You Got It. LATE NIGHT AT MSU LIBRARY

Now open until 2 AM Sunday–Thursday Beginning February 12th

6

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

news

condom fashion show promotes fun, safe sex Peter Hoag The third annual Latex and Lace Condom Fashion Show was hosted last Friday at the Strand Union Ballrooms. The goal of the event was promote safe sex practices and condom use.

An estimated 1,100 people were in attendance to watch the 30 models show off outfits made from a total of 17,000 non-lubricated condoms.

Thomas Wells, Cheryl Polacek and Yanna Hesser were the three judges at this year’s fashion show. Students Adam Arlint and Brian Murakami were the MCs, while DJ Miscellaneous provided music throughout the night.

The designers were competing for $150 in gift cards to local businesses and two tickets to the Sweet Tooth Ball.

Information about sexual health and condom safety was interspersed with humor throughout the night. During the event, a continuous slide show displayed condom advertisements and information about how condoms can prevent pregnancy and the

spread of STIs. Doug Fulp, the health educator at MSU Health Promotion, headed the organization of the show, while Students Against Sexual Assault, Montana Advocates for Sexual Health, AIDS Outreach of Bozeman, HAVEN and the VOICE Center of MSU sponsored the event.

When asked about the goal of the event, Fulp identified the main purpose as the creation of a “large-scale event to promote the education of sexual health” that incorporated fun to help de-stigmatize a regularly “taboo topic.” Fulp also remarked that even if students did not attend the show, the advertisements hopefully “spawned a conversation on their own.”

Fulp also noted that it was especially interesting “to watch the progression of the designs as they develop,” and when asked which design was his favorite remained neutral, remarking Fulp was very pleased with the outcome, saying he was positive that the show will continue to build in size and effectiveness in the coming years.

Check out www.msuexponent.com/condoms2012 for a look at our photo slideshow!

image by matt williams

Clockwise from above: Models onstage at the 2012 Condom Fashion Show, Kelly O'Hare as Sailor Moon — the people's choice winner, and Natasha Cronsell strutting with latex feathers.

condom couture

top and bottom right images by Maury Neipris

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

SUB Pub Should Move Forward:

7

“SUB Pub” Would

Let’s Build Community Over Montana Brews Not Benefit Pint-based communitybuilding could become a reality on MSU’s campus. Although the idea is in its infancy, a number of dedicated students have begun pushing to install a SUB Pub in the Brent Zundel student union building.

Opinion writer While the concept has been discussed in the past, last fall’s student needs survey produced the “SUB Pub” proposal as one of students’ chief concerns, prompting student government to form an unofficial exploratory committee.

This column proposes an effective model for a tavern based on the success of local microbrewery tasting rooms, like the Bozone’s. As I conceptualize it, the SUB Pub would parallel the brewpubs that dot Montana. It would serve, in short, as a focal point of the SUB, a place where students and staff could meet for almost any reason.

Responsible Drinking First and foremost, a SUB Pub must encourage responsible drinking, and there are various models under which this might be accomplished. As any connoisseur of Montana beer knows, all brewpubs must limit their patrons to three pints per day and may serve beer only until 8 p.m. This model could easily be enforced in the SUB Pub by using the same drink cards that brewpubs employ, but perhaps the hours could be extended to a reasonable 10 p.m.

The culture of the establishment is also critical in this regard. This proposal in no way advocates a bar (à la Pour House) on campus; instead, it advocates a locally focused brewpub that can serve beer and wine to campus members 21 and over. This tavern would provide an atmosphere everyone can enjoy, instead of an unhealthy bar culture where music is intentionally blasted so loud that customers are forced to drink instead of converse.

As Dean of Students Matt Caires explained, the pub could “teach responsible use of alcohol” by cultivating a “safe” and “self-sustaining” culture. Caires, who served as Assistant Dean of Students at the University of Wyoming before accepting his current position at MSU, mentioned UW as an example. At UW, their on-campus pub serves beer on tap. Patrons come with “no intention of over-consuming,” and even recognizable

campus figures are carded. It’s not too much to ask that even President Cruzado show her ID every time she orders a beer.

With a positive, self-reinforcing culture, there is little danger of students over-indulging; on the contrary, there is the very real danger of inspired conversation, keen political insight, new friendships and a growing understanding of responsible drinking.

Campus Culture The main reasons for proposing a SUB Pub focus on providing an additional, valuable service to students. The potential for open mic nights, a venue for student bands and other events would contribute to maintaining a vibrant campus culture. A SUB Pub would also shine as a possible meeting place for any number of groups on campus.

The myopic notion that universities need to content themselves with an “academics-only” approach fosters a dangerous lack of engagement in students. Participation in sports, clubs and any number of organizations that develop meaningful connections stops students from dropping out. A SUB Pub would deepen ties to campus and community.

While the potential for profit certainly exists — especially in a state that ranks third per capita in both craft breweries and beer consumption — this proposal should be viewed as an an opportunity to enrich campus life and a way to support local breweries

(Bozone, 406 and Madison River), and not a profit-churning endeavor for administrators.

The Upshot Despite initial excitement there is, admittedly, a long way to go. Various interviewees indicated that if the pub idea advances, it will eventually land on President Cruzado’s desk, and then that of the Board of Regents.

But, as SUB Director Butch Damberger said, “If the students want it enough, it can happen.”

Student body president Blake Bjornson also expressed support for a responsible proposal, but noted that it will likely require the dedication of a few very focused members to achieve fruition.

In the end, this proposal’s positive contributions to campus far outweigh any stigma associated with college “kids” and alcohol. It could serve as a gathering place for students, faculty and staff members, while supporting local businesses and teaching students about incorporating alcohol into their lives responsibly.

The student body has already spoken by listing this as one of their top four concerns in the recent student needs survey. However, for this project to be a success, students must continue to engage their representatives and work to realize this proposal. In the future, perhaps discussions about improving MSU can take place over a pint of Montana beer in the SUB Pub.

Image by Trevor nelson

MSU students Bronwyn Rolph and Chris Zimny enjoy locally brewed beers at the Bozone taproom, with bartender Mitzi Kuall pouring a pint.

University Proponents of a “Pub in the SUB” ignore the obvious alcohol problems that Montana has as a state. I grew up in Montana and have experienced firsthand the damages that alcoAlicia Exley hol can do to a person’s opinion Writer physiology, psychology, relationships and career.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 82,000 Montanans have an alcohol addiction or alcohol abuse problem. That is roughly 8 percent of our population.

Even more shocking, the same survey showed that 209,000 Montanans — 20 percent of the population — engage in binge drinking (defined as five or more servings of alcohol in two hours) once a month. It seems many Montanans are not interested in just having one beer or one glass of wine.

In college, binge drinking is not only seen as acceptable, but normal. We are unfazed by our peers’ stories of drinking to the point of blacking out or becoming physically ill after a party. If anything, we expect it.

Some proponents of the measure advocate limiting alcohol consumption in the SUB Pub if it were built. But there are some complications to that model. With the amount of traffic in the SUB on a daily basis, how are bartenders supposed to keep track of who drinks what? Could a person go in and drink three pints, then leave and come back a half hour later and drink three more?

I don’t have a problem with drinking. In a state where there is not much to do, I understand that drinking is part of the nightlife and social scene. But knowing that students regularly drink to the point of inebriation makes me wonder how a “SUB Pub” could work at all.

Colleges exist for academic purposes and should be focused on activities that encourage students to succeed in their studies.

Having a pub on the MSU campus, even if no hard liquor is served, would not further the school’s academic merit nor serve any purpose except to give students one more unnecessary excuse to drink.

8

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

opinion

Image by Matt Williams

Image by Matt Williams image by matt williams

Montana Schools

Should Heed Criticism Several weeks ago, a small and barely noticeable report buried in the middle section of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle revealed that Montana has received “failElse Trygstad-Burke ing grades” from the opinion Writer National Council on Teacher Quality in two consecutive reports.

The National Council’s report evaluates the condition of each state’s retention of effective teachers, teacher preparation programs and teacher quality standards.

The Council presents areas that it considers to merit “critical attention” from state officials and schools. The only area in which Montana did not receive a failing grade from the report was the category regarding the retention of effective teachers.

The Montana Office of Public Instruction has protested the report’s assertions and questioned its accuracy and methodology, claiming that the quality of Montana’s students reflects the quality of its teachers.

For what reason does the Office of Public Instruction think it should be immune to the constructive criticism offered by this report? The report itself, which can be accessed by the public, does not directly state that Montana’s teachers are substandard — as most graduates of Bozeman Public Schools can substantiate, the majority of Bozeman’s teachers meet the highest of expectations and quality standards.

The National Council report instead addresses, among other things, Montana’s shockingly substandard methods of evaluating teacher performance and assuring the

high potential of graduates from teacher preparation programs.

Montana’s universities have little to no requirements for students desiring to enter into teacher education programs. Many would consider this to be a fair approach, as many university students who performed at a mediocre level in high school excel upon commencing their college education.

A majority of programs and departments offered by the university system do not ask for entrance exams nor specific requirements, instead depending upon gate systems that eliminate a portion of the initial class size according to achievement and work quality. This ensures that programs such as graphic design — which eventually eliminates a substantial portion of its entrance class — produce high-quality graduates.

The competitive nature of the gate system should be applied to teacher preparation programs in Montana. The only current requirements for students wishing to enter the upper level of MSU’s teacher education program are a 2.5 GPA, advisor approval and a record clean of specific criminal offenses. The Praxis II exam is additionally required for official licensure.

It is surprising that such low-quality expectations for entrance into the teaching community have been virtually ignored. By maintaining these deficient standards, education programs are enhancing the unfortunate and unjust reputation assigned to teachers and educators. Other “critical attention” areas — for example, the fact that Montana does not require teachers to complete proficiency tests in their subjects — might not be as critical if education departments required students to have more than a C average.

image by matt williams

Exploitation

Without Representation In its 2011 session, the Montana legislature cut the university system’s budget by 3 percent in an effort to pull back on spending. In response, the Board of Regents, who supervise Kendall Cotton opinion writer the Montana University System, approved a 5 percent tuition hike at four-year universities for each of the next two years. This increase allows for a much-needed 1 percent increase in faculty salaries.

In January, the regents hired new Commissioner of Higher Education Clay Christian. This incoming commissioner was awarded a nearly $70,000 salary increase from that of his predecessor — an effort by the regents to offer competitive salaries to administrators to match peer universities.

Administrative salary increases in Montana are far more than isolated incidents; they verge on prolific.

In the past few years, quite a number of people in high-profile positions within the university system have received substantial raises. In 2010, after UM President George Dennison announced plans for retirement, he was awarded an $80,000 pay raise to match newly hired MSU President Cruzado’s salary, which also boosted his retirement benefits. Additionally earlier in January MSU’s football coach Rob Ash gained a 15 percent pay raise, which brought his salary to $155,070.

The problem isn’t that the university

system wants to boost salaries for administrators and higher-profile positions in order to stay competitive — the problem is that the average taxpayer has little to no say in the process.

“The closed nature of the selection process and the exorbitant salaries appear to be the worst examples of cronyism,” said former board chairman Richard Roehm in a recent letter to the Bozeman Chronicle addressing the hiring of Christian.

What Roehm said is true — the lack of accountability is unfortunate. Even after complaining about a 3 percent decrease in funds and subsequently raising tuition by 5 percent, the regents find it acceptable to increase the salary of the commissioner and MSU’s head football coach in the same month. Doesn’t increasing salaries for highprofile officials go against the Montana University System’s primary goal (as listed on their website) of making education affordable and accessible?

I support the leadership President Cruzado has shown, and I also support the intentions of the board to provide better leadership in the educational community.

However, the people need to hold the university system accountable. We as taxpayers should demand that the Board of Regents be voted in, instead of appointed by the Governor. As a nation, we cannot morally allow this exploitation without representation of our young people to persist. Bureaucracy has no place in educating the next generation.

Affordability, accessibility and Montanans who have a voice in the matter, do.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

9

opinion Our Opinion staff writers share their romantic misadventures.

Just in case you needed some cheering up this Tuesday.

Idiot Small-Town Summer Confusion

The summer before my junior year of high school, I finally hooked up with the guy I had liked for two years (and who happened to be one of my best friends). Not the best way to start a successful relationship, but it was high school. I was so excited to see him the next day, which was the first day of a two-week long camp we were both attending. He promptly hooked up with the prettiest girl at the camp (who was also my roommate).

The worst part? The friend in whom I had confided about the initial encounter saw fit to call my parents and inform them of the event, who then called his parents.

The entire situation culminated in a forced coffee date with his mom, who proceeded to defend his behavior and berate me on my lack of knowledge about safe sex.

In high school, I had a huge crush on a guy who was a year or two older than me.

He was smart and relatively good-looking, so I was thrilled when he gave me his number before school ended. It took me a while to build up the courage but one day, after a pep talk from a friend, I called him and asked if he wanted to go to the county fair.

He said yes. That day, we spent several hours walking around until it got pretty late. I was trying to spark conversation, but he seemed very nervous and didn’t say much. My curfew was getting close, so I asked him if he would give me a ride home — he had a car and I didn’t. He looked completely freaked out and told me no and he should be getting home, leaving me alone with no cell phone and no ride. I had to call my dad (who was already asleep) to pick me up. I never spoke to the guy again. Definitely my worst date ever.

Signed, She Who is Very Glad High School is Over

Signed, Exponent Writer Who Thinks that by 17, You Should No Longer be Afraid of Girls

Parental Supervision My long-time, blonde-haired, blueeyed crush asked me on a date the night of my 16th birthday. I didn’t have my license and he was only 15, so his parents gave us a ride to the restaurant. I thought they were only giving us a ride. Then they parked the car, exited with us, followed us in and proceeded to sit down at the same table. The date lasted two hours, and I don’t think either of us looked up from our water glasses once. His parents led the conversation and lectured us on the following: safe sex, table manners and dating to marry. Did it kill the mood? Well, let me say that I never went on a date with a 15-year-old again.

Signed, A Girl Who Just Wanted a Sweet 16

Just Tell Me WheRe You Live

From Worse To Horrible

Near the end of my senior year of high school, I took a girl I met at a volunteer event out. The date went well until I tried to take her home. I thought I remembered where she lived, but I didn’t want to look like an idiot, so I just asked her. I was almost positive I was in the right development, but she told me she lived “like 10 miles away” or something similarly ridiculous. Despite my prodding, she continued pulling my leg.

After a few very uncomfortable minutes — in the middle of a deserted residential road — I pulled the car over and demanded to know where she lived. She still wouldn’t tell me, so I pulled into what I was pretty sure was her driveway.

She kept up her ruse, but I was tired of it by this point, so I killed the engine. If I remember correctly, she didn’t get a goodnight kiss when she finally admitted I had found the correct house.

It makes me cringe every time I think about it. In high school, my truck wasn’t starting so I had to drive my mom’s minivan to a date.

That wasn’t so bad, until I turned a corner too sharp at a gas station and swiped the side of the van on a median.

Signed, A Man Who’s Not Afraid to Ask for Directions

Signed, Surprised and Bemused that Girl Went Out with Me Again

The Worst Date is a Non-Date I have never been on a date.

Signed, One of the Exponent Staff — Try to Guess Which One

The Freaky Turkish Girl While I can’t claim this event was a date, it was certainly the worst pseudoromantic — perhaps more accurately sadoromantic — experience of my life. It was Halloween night and by 10 p.m., I had already lost my candy (a glorified euphemism, I know) twice due to over-intoxication.

Standing outside the lavatory I met Yeliz, a Turkish exchange student. In what I can only assume to be the traditional greeting in her country, she slammed her fist into my stomach without a word. Needless to say, this brought me to my third and final rendezvous with the porcelain throne. The remainder of the night was punctuated with slaps and punches from Yeliz, broken with croonings of “Jason (not my name, incidentally), you’re so perfect.” I returned home the next day, hair disheveled with bruises and bite-marks on my face. I told my mom a branch fell on my face.

Signed, Never Going Trick-or-Treating Again

10

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

opinion

Else Trygstad-Burke

Y

ou know what really gifts me an empty box of chocolates? First dates.

There are not many nights when you can feel anxious, excited, nervous, shameful, on top of the world and down in the dumps simultaneously, but a first date is one of them.

You know the feeling, being in the car and you just can’t wait; you’re about to pick her up for your very first date, and then it goes horribly — it’s super awkward and everyone has a terrible time. I’m no expert on first dates, I haven’t been on one since I was 17 because even then I knew they sucked.

Even if you snag a second date, the first date was still probably awkward. The problem with first dates is that everyone is thinking too much.

Maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic.

He’s thinking about what he says, she’s thinking about what he said then thinking about how to react, then he’s thinking about her reaction and carefully measuring out his next sentence. Settle down everyone, how do you know if you enjoy someone if everyone is pretending to be someone else?

That’s just at dinner. I don’t even want to get started on the movie. Whose hand goes where? I don’t know, but I think she just brushed my leg so I’m going to go in for the

kiss. Stop it! Sometimes an accidental brush is just that.

Finally, it is time to bring her home, to her home (it is a first date, not the third).

Now since I’m a gentleman (ladies...) I have always preferred the ‘walk her to the door’ technique. It is a huge risk, but you know what they say — the greater the risk, the greater the reward.

This is when the awkwardness becomes truly unbearable. Two people who just shared an evening in which they were both over-analyzing each others’ every word and movement comes to a crescendo. The doorstep can make — or more often break — a first date.

Each party is still thinking too much.

A twitch of the lip or hesitation with a key suddenly means someone is getting lucky.

What? No, that is just dumb. Just because a girl is clumsy does not mean she wants you to come inside.

The crappiness of first dates is truly revealed here: Everyone is thinking too much, blood pressures are through the roof and it is slightly uncomfortable. This sounds more like a trip to the doctor’s office than an event that is supposed to bond two people together for the rest of their lives.

I’d prefer if we just grab a cup of coffee or lunch, no need to label things. I’ll let you know after lunch if I want to spend my life with you. I don’t know, maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic, but first dates are disgustingly uncomfortable, awkward and unnecessary.

The Exponent's most infamous ranter takes on whatever gets his goat. If you have any questions, comments or threats, feel free to let him know at msuexponent.com/sweatpantrants.

They storm the Co-op on a daily basis with their recycled grocery bags, attempt to sell bad art for outrageous amounts of money and cling to their stainless steel water bottles with an adoration fervent enough to rival that of Gollum with his Precious. What could they be?

Only the recently rampant species that Christian Lander brilliantly describes in his book, “Stuff White People Like.” Or, as my sister and I call them, Chacos. This name, for those of you fortunate enough to have avoided an encounter with them, is in reference to the shoes they proudly wear in all seasons (sometimes, God forbid, with socks).

I have never had a problem with any group of people before, but this particular one removes chunks of my sanity on a daily basis. Every time I have walked to campus this year,

The Invasion of the Chaco I have received scornful once-over looks from individuals on bikes, with their jean cuffs rolled up to reveal their exceedingly unique choice of footwear – Danskos, Chacos or (on the more aged ones) Birkenstocks. Does it displease you that I am wearing a coat and boots that happen to be much warmer and more comfortable than your shoes? Well guess what?

They cost me a fraction of what your Patagonia jacket cost you.

Stop pretending to preach universal acceptance if you are going to judge people who aren’t like you.

Stop trying to run me over on Main Street in your Subaru Outback while on your cell phone. I don’t care if you are late for yoga, you need to obey traffic laws as well. And guess what? You aren’t the only one with that piercing, and you AREN’T a hipster or a hippy. Those only exist in cities.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

11

advertisement

COME HEAR YOUR ASMSU PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES John Stiles and Mario Stanislao are proud to announce the “We Will Do Better Together” campaign. Bozeman natives, and dedicated Bobcat fans since birth, John & Mario are dedicated to improving campus life and the college experience for all MSU students. Running on the platform of Female Safety, Fiscal Responsibility, and an Innovative outlook for student activities and programming, John & Mario have developed concrete plans that can be implemented on day one.

Putting a new vision to ASMSU elections the Stiles/Stanislao campaign was the first to develop an innovative website www.asmsuelections.com, create daily blog updates with pictures, the first to create a campaign Facebook page and distribute marketing materials. Their dedication is clear, their vision is concrete, and their dreams are immense. Vote John Stiles & Mario Stanislao and “We Will Do Better Together!”

PRES VP

AT THE PRIMARY DEBATE FEBRUARY 13TH PROCRASTINATOR THEATER FROM 12-1 PM - FREE CAKE!

Kiah Abbey, a third year Anthropology student, and Lindsay Murdock, a second year Sociology student, have extensive experience in leadership at MSU. Both have served on the executive boards of Sustained Dialogue and NECO and individually have been involved across campus in Residence Life, the MSU Leadership Institute, the VOICE center and ASMSU. Their broad scope of involvement has allowed them intimate knowledge of the needs and wants of the MSU student body.

Kiah and Lindsay are passionate about creating a venue for student voice and input and will encourage feedback to continue making ASMSU even better.

During their term they plan to emphasize holistic sustainability focusing on fiscal responsibility, stewardship of Montana’s natural resources and fostering the Bobcat spirit in all.

PRES VP

JOHN STILES MARIO STANISLAO PRES VP

PRES VP

KIAH ABBEY LINDSAY MURDOCK

JESSE COOK BRIAN MURAKAMI

Hi everybody, my name is Jesse Cook I was your 2011 homecoming king, I am running for the position of ASMSU president, with my good friend Brian Murakami running for vice president.

We both are seniors, and both have spent our fair share of time on this campus. With our experiences here, we have grown to notice different issues that need to be changed and the campus as a whole should feel more united as that we are all students part of the MSU community whether or not you bleed blue and gold. We love this campus and care about the ins and outs of the day-today life of a normal student.

Don't forget to vote!

February 14th from 7 am to 5 pm at www.montana.edu/vote

CASEY MULKEY NATE BROWNLEE Your top candidates for president and vice president, Casey and Nate are the team to best serve you! As two freshmen with military experience, we bring you extensive leadership, supervision, teamwork and time management skills. Our combat training and familiarity provides evidence that we’re able to function in high stress and relentlessly fight for a cause. As ASMSU president and vice president, it will be our obligation to listen to your requests and fulfill our positions as best fit by you. We both stem from strong families, which give us ambitions to protect against a fractured society and appreciate individual values. Our knowledge of school and life provide you with a perfect combination to help make your college life as excellent as it can get, as well as craft your voice to be heard and express your ideas. Leadership!

Excellence! Honesty!

s e d

12

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

a p a

c s E c i p

facebook official

Sexy Time

E

Written by Heather Kruger

Dinner and Movie

Make dinner and watch a movie together. Grocery shopping can be a fun way to spend some time with your significant other in an everyday setting, and you can split the bill. We suggest making spaghetti and watching Lady and the Tramp — we know you’ve always wanted to attempt the meatball scene.

Yellowstone

Looking for the “wow” factor?

Book a tour date with Yellowstone Dog Adventures and tour the Chico Hot Springs area via dogsled. Tours range from two hours to an entire day, and you can take turns directing the dogs. A half day trip costs $150 per person, and we imagine your date will be drooling as much as the dogs.

Go-kart Racing

If you’re looking to pump up your adrenaline (studies have shown attraction level rises with adrenaline levels) head to Four Corners for gokart racing. For $15 you each get 10 minutes of racing, and what better way to show your affection than to ram your significant other into a wall?

3-D Movie (with aspirin) Designed by Pierce Ware

The weather is prime for moonlit adventures such as hiking or a picnic. Take a romp to the top of Peet’s Hill or the “M” with a basket for a spectacular view of Bozeman, or if you’re feeling charitable, head to BagelWorks after closing to snag their day old bagels and share your dinner with the ducks!

Bagel to share

first date

Mini Golf Ice Skating

Horror Movie

The Boiling River offers a romantic setting that can be enjoyed night or day.

Get there early for a more secluded spot, or head out later and meet some fellow couples for future double-dating. It’s a great opportunity to get close over wine and cheese — just please make sure to put the wine in a plastic bottle. A trip to the hospital does NOT make for a successful holiday.

Boiling River

Remember back in the day when flirting consisted of pushing someone off the jungle gym? It’s not too late to regress.

Take a trip to the nearest elementary school (after hours, of course) and play lava monster tag — don’t touch the ground!

After you’ve taken your turn on the swings and seesaw, warm up with coffee.

Lava Monster

single

$

Drink Wine and watch "The Vow"

Planetarium

Homework

$$

13

$$$

Scavenger Hunt

Head to the MOR’s planetarium for a starlit make-out session. MSU students get a discount (only $9 each) and admission works for both the planetarium and the museum for two consecutive days.

Right now the planetarium has two shows, including Stars of the Pyramids. What better way to evaluate your love than on the wisdom of the zodiac?

If you’re not down to spend a lot of cash this Valentine’s Day, plan a scavenger hunt around town. Provide clues leading to familar destinations — where you first met or had your first kiss — and leave something small at each one (like candy or adult toys), along with a clue for the next adventure. End at your house for dinner and time to enjoy all the treats your significant other has discovered along the way.

14

SPORTS

editor | Heather Kruger

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

sports@exponent.montana.edu

Image by maury neipris

Rod Singleton takes a dive to maintain Bobcat possession of the ball.

Cats Split Games Against Idaho St., Lose to Griz Megan Bernhardt & Anthony Varriano It was a difficult week for the Bobcats, as both the No. 4 men (11-11, BSC 6-5) and No. 4 women (15-8, 7-4) played conference foes with higher rankings. Both teams played Idaho St. on Thursday and the Grizzlies on Saturday.

In two overtime thrillers, the MSU men dropped a heartbreaker to No. 3 Idaho State (8-14, 6-4), 87-86, but the Bobcat women countered by beating the No. 1 Bengals (166, 8-1) in overtime in Pocatello, 79-67. Senior guard Katie Bussey set a school record, scoring 41 points in the win. Head Coach Tricia Binford called Bussey’s performance, “the most remarkable individual performance I have ever witnessed as a coach.”

Men’s Head Coach Brad Huse showed early frustration with his team’s effort, as sloppy play resulted in eight turnovers, leading to 13 Bengal points in the first half. The Bobcats also struggled from the foul line in the first half, shooting just 46 percent.

Huse must have said the right words at halftime, as the Bobcats came out running, scoring 10 unanswered points including two three-pointers by senior guard Rod

Singleton that brought the crowd to its feet.

There were 10 ties and 10 lead changes in the second half, the best of which occurred with under a minute to play. ISU senior guard Kenny McGowen drained a three to put the Bengals ahead by two, but sophomore forward Tre Johnson answered with a dunk that electrified the crowd and tied the game with just four seconds to play.

Sloppiness again plagued the Bobcats in overtime, as three huge turnovers and a beautiful drive and layup by McGowen sealed the deal for the Bengals.

Cat/Griz Double Header Last Saturday, the No. 4 Bobcat women played the No. 3 Lady Griz. The Cats (139, 6-3) ended up losing a hard-fought contest with the Lady Griz (13-9, 6-3), 61-54.

MSU shot just 30.8 percent from the field, and Bussey went 2-10 from the three-point range, leaving her four three-point field goals away from the Big Sky Conference record.

“A win on the road in a tough atmosphere coming back from a 16-point deficit proves our team has strength amongst

adversity,” said Binford. “We have been on both sides of tight games and are going to continue working toward that consistent finish,” The MSU men also had bad luck against the No. 2 Grizzlies, but fought to the end before a raucous capacity crowd, falling 67-58. The Cats shot just 12.5 percent from three-point range and were 0-8 in the first half. Jourdain Allou was perfect from the floor (5-5) and finished with 15 points and 6 boards.

Derek Selvig was a major factor for the Griz, finishing with 15 points and draining back-to-back three pointers late in the second half. Kareem Jamar also played well for the opposition, leading the way with 21 points and 4-5 shooting from behind the arc.

“It was a tough weekend for us losing an overtime game and losing to our rival, but I was really pleased with how hard we competed,” said Huse. “It is now a matter of becoming more precise with what we do for longer stretches and becoming more consistent on both offense and defense.”

The women are home tonight, Feb. 9, against Northern Colo. Tip off is at 7:05 p.m. The men will be in Calif. tonight playing Sacramento St.

Image by maury neipris

Latisha Adams jumps past Griz defenders early in the game.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

15

sports

Beta Scout: the Web’s Outdoor Community Elijah Inabnit Are you an MSU student who enjoys exploring the vast Montana landscape right outside your door? Do you love finding like-minded people to go out and enjoy the distractions with you? Check out Beta Scout, the new free online community network.

Beta Scout was designed to help outdoorsmen find new areas to take their recreation and check out conditions on local favorite hotspots. Be it skiing, backpacking, ice climbing, rock climbing, fishing, snowmobiling, mountain biking or dirtbiking, Beta Scout has set up a community of which students can take advantage.

Beta Scout is designed to encourage the sharing of outdoor knowledge. It can be used to answer questions like: Which flies are working on the Gallatin today? Are

pb&rj

“The Virtues” worth the hike up? Is ice on “the Good Looking One” strong enough to climb?

It can be hard to go to school in Bozeman with so many outside distractions, and spending a few hours on the Ridge when there are no good lines can impact a tight homework schedule. Thanks to Beta Scout, you can look at what other people are saying about the conditions in these troublesome areas. The community can also see official reports from the GNF Avalanche Center and the Forest Service to ensure the areas are safe to use.

Beta Scout was developed in Bozeman

by Blake Maxwell and Mike Porco and got its start last August at Catapalooza. The community was specifically designed for MSU students with the hopes they would spread the network wherever they go.

“It is our intention to make this a

usable tool for people all over Montana,” said Maxwell. “We created a venue; it’s up to the students to populate it.” It is simple and encouraged for members to add new locations to the site; with spring break around the corner, Maxwell and Porco are expecting many new locations to be added. They are encouraging posts by offering a photography contest — the most acclaimed photos will be featured in the online newspaper, the Bozeman Magpie.

Beta Scout is also a great way to meet new people with similar interests. The site allows members to leave messages on other people’s posts — if someone is repeatedly on the same mountain bike trail you ride, you may want to ask to meet up next time. Beta Scout wants users to connect with the community and show off their adventures. Sign on to www.beta-scout.com and show them what you are involved in.

image by karen wilson

Morning set-up at Moonlight.

Volcom Peanut Butter & Rail Jam Hits Moonlight Basin karen wilson Last Saturday, Moonlight Basin hosted the sixth stop of Volcom’s 2012 Peanut Butter and Rail Jam (PB&RJ) tour. The snowboarding competition featured three side-by-side features for the competitors to hit: a downflat-down kinked rail, a double wave box and a feature that required a transition between two big cylinders with another directly in front that was reminiscent of a spaceship.

There was one judge per feature and there were four divisions: 15 and under, 16 and up, open and women. Each division had a 20-minute qualifying round and a

20-minute finals round. Prizes were awarded to the top five in each division. The event was free and open to the public, and participants received free T-shirts and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

More than 100 snowboarders participated in the rail jam, and they were positive and supportive of each other in the freeflowing competition. Riders pushed the possibilities with front and backflips, big airs and spins on and off rails. The jam setup meant that every rider hiked the park as many times as possible in the 20-minute heats; some riders focused on getting a certain trick while others experimented with the endless jibbing possibilities.

Cole Schneider of Bozeman won the open division and Vanessa Moore of Minnesota won the women’s division. Winners from every category were invited to compete in the PB&RJ Championships on April 21 in Mammoth, Calif.

Fuel TV was present and interviewed the winners after the event.

This was the fifth year that Moonlight has hosted a stop on the tour and it was quite a success. It looks like the Peanut Butter & Rail Jam has become an annual event for Moonlight. Check out Moonlight’s recap video on YouTube: “Volcom Stone’s Peanut Butter & Rail Jam at Moonlight Basin 2012.”

Day Hikes Made Easy

With Outdoor Rec Kyle Lowis

Looking to enjoy the clear blue skies on a quick and easy trek that leads you through the foothills and into the woods? Outdoor Recreation held such an adventure this Saturday on the Triple Tree Trail just outside of Bozeman.

Past the mansions sprinkled across the foothills, this out-and-back trail is a fantastic, low-intensity hike that delivers all you can expect from a hike in the Gallatin Range. After moving past the stately homes, hikers are left with the elegant sight of Mount Ellis.

The trail led the snowshoe group through a frosty meadow, navigating between bushes that are typically covered by snow and not normally an obstacle this time of year. A signifier to the sad state of winter, this did not stop the group from enjoying the wilderness.

Journeying into the woods, hikers found themselves navigating through a maze of trees, following a path through the alluring woodland. Onward and upward the snowshoers went.

Waiting for the adventurers on the other side of the trees, the trail lead up through a snowy clearing, leaving hikers with a sprawling view of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley. With nothing but sunny skies, the hikers were left with panoramic views that stretched for miles on end.

Outdoor Rec hosts outings almost every Saturday. The next trip on Feb. 11 is a cross-country ski tour through Brackett Creek in the Bridger Range. Cost is $15 and transportation and equipment provided.

Check out Outdoor Rec’s website for more information at http://www.montana.edu/ outdoorrecreation/.

Image courtesy outdoor rec

Hikers enjoy the panoramic views on the trail.

16

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

sports athlete profile: Asa stavens Year in School: Fifth-year senior How long involved in Track and Field: Since sixth grade.

What event do you compete in and what does it entail?

The decathlon during the outdoor season and heptathlon during the indoor season.

Why did you join Track and Field?

I was energetic as a kid and liked to run around and participate in a lot of sports. In track you run as fast and jump as high as you can.

It’s straight up talent.

Image courtesy asa stavens

Name: Asa Stavens Sport: Track and Field Hometown: Georgetown, Texas Major: Fish and wildlife management; minor in entomology

Badass of the Week

It depends how the outdoor season goes and if I make it to the Olympic trials. I’m also looking at going to graduate school. It would be hard to do that and train.

What do you think is the key to your success as a student athlete?

What is your favorite thing about Track and Field, and why?

Progression, getting better over the years and seeing myself make progress.

Are there any awards or achievements you have received while involved in Track and Field?

What is your motivation before a competition?

All conference pole vault, high jump, long jump and heptathlon.

Field athlete of the meet. Several Athlete of the Week awards and a recently broken school record in the heptathlon.

Why did you come to Montana State?

The outdoor aspect and the familiarity. We went to Livingston for summer break, and both my sisters live here.

What is your favorite class at MSU and why?

Ornithology and mammalogy. The professors are fun and energetic and I like learning about animals.

Is there anything else you would like to tell students/readers about MSU Track and Field?

We would like more people to watch the meets. Meets are on Fridays and students get in for free.

– michelle thomas

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: Tim Crandall Hometown: Anchorage, Ala.

Occupation: The Round House (Ski/Bike Tech) and Web Design Hobbies: Skiing, biking, backpacking, hiking, running, snowboarding, tele-skiing, kayaking and climbing.

Why did you move to Montana?

It was the closest college to great skiing.

image Courtesy of tim crandall

Do you plan to continue competing in Track and Field after graduation?

You have to balance practicing three to four hours a day and school. You have to keep your GPA up. Training comes second, being a student comes first.

Major: Architecture know a badass? let us know at sports@exponent.montana.edu

I lie around a lot to keep my mind off it, then right before I listen to a favorite song.

Do your future plans involve this area? Definitely. I’m applying for graduate school here at MSU.

What is a day you will never forget? Downhill biking and dirt jumping in Bellingham, Wash. while riding with the Transition Bike Company and their team.

If you could do anything for a day, what would it be?

Wingsuit-ski base jumping.

In a recent failed backflip attempt at Big Sky in the terrain park, Tim Crandall dislocated his shoulder.

It took him 15 minutes to place it back in the socket, and a doctor put his arm in a sling.

Later, 25 inches of snow hit Jackson, Wyo. in one of the biggest 24-hour snowfalls in recent history.

Without hesitation, Crandall headed out to shred with his

knee brace from a previous injury and one good arm.

Once on the mountain, an onlooker stopped him to ask how he intended to use ski poles with a sling. Crandall replied, “I’m not sure yet, but I’ll figure it out when I start heading down."

Before ski season, Crandall spent the fall semester backpacking through Europe. Traveling with a few friends, he visited countries including France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy and Turkey. In France, Crandall recalls having to sleep in an alley. After early snow closed biking trails in Switzerland, the crew headed south to the Italian Riviera. After spending several days in different towns, the group found suit-

able mountain bike rentals.

Crandall used the rest of his time in Italy biking over abandoned Roman bridges and past ancient Roman cave houses.

On an adventure in Turkey, Crandall and his friends took a hot air balloon ride, touring the landscape littered with formations called “fairy chimneys”.

Later, he explored ancient cave homes carved out of the cliffs roughly 2,500 years ago, with roots reaching 50 feet tall.

Currently, Crandall spends his time working as a ski tech off Main Street.

– david hoy

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

17

sports

Hellcats Drop Close Game to Mont. Tech Interview Anthony Varriano In a wild game at a packed Haynes Pavilion last Saturday, the MSU Hellcats lost a heart-breaker to the Montana Tech Diggers, 8-6. The Hellcats had an early 5-0 lead but couldn’t hold it as penalties and puck possession played key roles in the loss.

The Hellcats started strongly, scoring four goals in the first period, including a fast break goal by junior Cliff Davis, who deked

his defender and the goalie in one move.

Both squads were rarely at full strength due to penalties, making for a high-scoring affair.

The Diggers quickly mounted a comeback, tying the game at five points with 4:59 left in the second period. MSU started scoring two minutes into the third period during a power play. The Diggers, and junior Ryan Vekved, answered a little over a minute later to tie at six. The Diggers then scored goals

with 11:41 and 6:35 left in the game, pulling away for the victory.

The Hellcats played their hearts out for a rambunctious crowd, but were unable to control the puck for the majority of the game, making it difficult to run time off the clock. Their next games will be against Vandal Friday, Feb. 10 at 10:30 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Haynes Pavilion at the fairgrounds.

Parkour Club: Physical and Free Parkour is a training method that focuses on moving around obstacles with speed and efficiency. It is often performed in urban settings; anywhere will serve as an appropriate environment. It is one physical exercise that requires no equipment, no specific training arena and no fancy gear.

Brandon Busby, a sophomore at MSU, is the club’s president. “I got involved in parkour through a friend that showed me a video clip on YouTube. We went out and started training at our local schools in Billings. When I moved to Bozeman I was lucky enough to find some friends who were also interested in parkour and in forming this club,” Busby explained.

The mission of the club is to educate people on the idea of parkour and body movement. It is also a goal to teach and

harlem

globetrotter

[club profile] Cassie Wilson

with a

welcome newcomers. Meetings usually consist of a warm-up of muscles and joints while conversing about what the group specifically wants to work on. Then they work on the basics with rolls and vaults, before continuing on to more difficult techniques.

“The best part about parkour is the community. Since it is such a small group we form a great companionship with each other as well as with other groups throughout Montana,” Busby said. The club encourages anyone of any skill level to check it out.

There are no fees and there is no equipment to purchase. Busby said, “Parkour is a great workout that anyone can do.”

For more information, contact Busby at bozemanpk@gmail.com or attend a meeting on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in front of Cobleigh hall.

ADOPTION

From Loving Hands Into Open arms

Y

H

Our ANDsYYY Protected Your Baby From Abortion.

Reached Out For ADOPTION Support.

Researched Which ADOPTION Preference Would Fulfill Your Dreams For Your Baby.

Placed Your Baby Into The Arms Of His Overjoyed New Parents.

Hold Your Baby’s Memories Near Your Heart.

Gallatin Valley

Right To Life

www.gvrtl.com PO Box 634, Belgrade, MT

What: Bozeman Parkour When: Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

Where: In front of Cobleigh Hall Cost: None

“When I moved to Bozeman I was lucky enough to find some friends who were also interested in Parkour, and in forming this club.”

– Brandon Busby, Club President

YOUR AD HERE.

The Exponent is seen by 3000 students weekly.

Want to advertise with us? Contact ad sales:

advertising@exponent.edu or 406-994-2611

David Hoy The Harlem Globetrotters will make an appearance at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse this Saturday, Feb. 11. Nicknamed the “Clown Princes of Basketball”, the Harlem Globetrotters have been performing in Montana since 1930.

Being positive role models has been an integral part of the Harlem Globetrotters since their beginning in 1926. Carrying goodwill across the world, the Globetrotters have traveled to 120 countries and territories.

In anticipation of this weekend’s per-

Atkinson managed to brighten the day of about 100 kids. formance, “Ant” Atkinson stopped by Irving Elementary School to talk at an all-school assembly. The fifth-year Globetrotter was decked out in Globetrotter pants and shooting jacket.

Bozeman was the third city in three days in which Atkinson spoke to elementary students.

Atkinson’s speaking tour involves a partnership between the Harlem Globetrotters and the Department of Education. The kids attending the assembly learned how the CHEER program can help better their way of living. Each letter stands for a positive word which children should focus on in their lives. By mixing fun basketball tricks with a positive message, Atkinson managed to brighten the day of about 100 kids.

Some of the basketball moves this weekend will be spectacles of coordination.

Atkinson’s favorite moves are, “spinning the ball on [his] finger, inner roll, alley oops and catching the ball on the back of [his] neck.”

Catching a Harlem Globetrotters game is a one of a kind experience that can’t compare. As the kids at Irving Elementary School can tell you, Ant’s got some slick moves ready for display.

18

CULTURE

editor | Sabre Moore

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

entertainment@exponent.montana.edu

Hottest Date Restaurants in Town andrew keene

Vanessa Naive I love food. More than that, I love going out with my boyfriend to indulge in exceptional food that I only dream of replicating at home. Nothing beats dressing up, going out and enjoying the company of your loved one.

It’s hard to narrow down the plethora of restaurants in Bozeman, but these two are definitely the cream of the crop for date night.

of the heart of Los Angeles’ trendiest district. There’s a great variety of quality food and drink that leaves you more than satisfied by the end. Small dishes run anywhere from $4-$12. Worth the money and time.

Montana Aleworks 611 East Main Street

Many of us dread Valentine’s Day for its ability to suck the wallet dry. Trying to make the experience memorable and classy often translates into expensive. However, this time Sweet Chile’s Asian Bistro you’re in luck. A local legend whose name 101 E. Main Street Suite 1 inspires awe and salivation in the mouths of people everywhere has you and your wallet For those of you who are more daring, covered: Montana Aleworks.

Over the Tapas this restaurant boasts Thai, Chinese and JapAleworks is the epitome of the epic col19 S. Wilson in Downtown Bozeman anese-style food. Dishes range from noodles lege hangout with great food, over 40 local to seafood (including exotic alligator), with a Over the Tapas boasts traditional, and regional beers on tap and a kickass athandy spice rating system. With tables and a Spanish inspired “tapas” (small plates that mosphere complete with pool tables and big Buddha bar, there is more than enough space promote sharing) with a variety of foods, TVs. This Valentine’s Day, Aleworks is makfor two, or for group dinner dates. Prices for VERIFICATION COPY OF YOUR ADVERTISEMENT ing the customer’s time memorable. from mini beef-sliders, to Cajun shrimp and individual dishes range from $10-$30, and delectable vegetarian options. While the “We want our customers to feel special you receive a good portion for the price. smoke Tobacco space is small, it feels like it was plucked out and set apart from the normal restaurant py of your advertisement which will appear in the 2012-2013 edition of the Big Sky Regional Telephone experience this Valentine’s Day,” explained published by Statewide Publishing - Montana under the heading(s) of: Sean Faris, assistant manager at Aleworks.

“We will be taking reservations throughout and Tobacco Accessories People walking in without spelling and ad information correct? .......................................................................................... ❑ Yes the ❑ restaurant.”

No a reservation will still be able to find a table your phone number and address correct? ................................................................................. ❑ Yes (Note: ❑ No sitting in the Grill Room will require understand that colors in my ad may vary due to differences in printer inks & paper. ... ❑ Yes a reservation). lease mark the necessary corrections directly on the ad as neatly as possible.

In addition to their regular menu,

Aleworks will be cooking some awesome specials. Seafood lovers will appreciate Valentine’s Day specials, with dishes like Sashimi grade Ahi Tuna and Fresh Penn Cove Mussels. “It’s amazing that we can serve mussels the same day they’re harvested on the coast,” boasted Sean.

If food that once walked on land is more your flavor, hearty Kobe beef and Duck Breast will also be served. Drink specials for the night will include fancy non-alcoholic beverages. For those of you with food allergies, many of their dishes and a selection of beers are gluten-free, or can be made so.

Aleworks has great value for the exceptional and diverse food they serve with dishes priced between $5.50 and $14.50, and specials and steaks being in the $20-$40 range. If you’re really short on funds, happy hour is from 4-6, where beer and small plates can be had for under $6.

Sean couldn’t have summed it up better when he said “the people of Bozeman are important to us; whether you’re out on a date, out with the buds, or with the parents, Aleworks works for all occasions.”

The MSU School of Film and Photography presents

T h e U n d e r S T U dy

by Theresa rebeck

page color

FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS

Directed by stephanie campbell MSU’s Black Box Theater (corner of 11th and Grant on the MsU campus) February 17-March 3 Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. $12 Adults $10 Students

Custom Designs • Lowest Prices Tapestries • Glass Pipes New Glass Arriving Daily Hookahs And Accessories Shisha Tobacco • Incense

Tickets available in advance at First Interstate bank in the MsU sub, cactus records, at the front desk of the Visual communications building (corner of 11th and Grant) the black box reservation line at 994-3904, or for purchase at the door.

BEST SELECTION

Open 11am-7pm Mon-Sat • 11pm-5pm Sun www.coldsmoketobacco.com 8 N 9th Bozeman

1010 Grand Ave Billings

406-556-8444

406-252-0470

1st PROOF

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

CULTURE

Love Potion Tunes: Elton to Mumford garrett smith If you’re in a relationship, Feb. 14 is kind of a big deal. Buy that special person the biggest, most obnoxious box of chocolates and take them out to a fancy dinner. The following is a small sampling of a greatest love song playlist. Happy Valentine’s Day folks.

6. Mumford and Sons - Winter Winds Mumford and Sons wrote this song about love’s fleeting nature. “My head told my heart, let love grow,” the group sings.

“But my heart told my head, this time no.”

Just because love may not last long, it doesn’t make the experience any less beautiful. Love as if the relationship will end tomorrow; pretend like it will last forever.

5. Christina Aguilera - Ain't No Other Man Because when it’s good, there isn’t anyone else. ‘Nuff said.

4. Shania Twain - From This Moment Shania Twain uses this song as a promise to continue loving. “From this moment, as long as I live, I will love you,” she sings. “I promise you this.” Too many relationships end because the people involved just stop

caring. The idea of really working on love is a noble one.

3. Elton John - Your Song This is a beautiful song about how stunned and amazed by his or her lover one can be. Elton sums it up best with, “I hope don't you mind that I put down in words, how wonderful life is while you're in the world.” When one is with someone special, every moment with them should be a privilege. Spending time with the person should never be an obligation.

2. Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers Your current relationship isn’t usually your first. Kylie says that doesn’t matter to her. She sings, “All the lovers that have gone before, they don’t compare to you.” She wants to make it feel like every relationship is different and new.

1. Coldplay - Yellow This song expresses the three most important words in love: “I love you.” “I wrote a song for you, and all the things you do, and it was called yellow,” they sing. “You know I love you so.” Go home and say those three words. It’s not hard, and they probably want to hear them.

19

20

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

CULTURE

The Cold Smoke Awards: A Celebration of Winter Culture Karen Wilson The seventh annual Cold Smoke Awards will take place Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Emerson Theatre. They will feature the best snowrelated films of the year according to everyone who voted during the People’s Choice Tour, which consisted of 10 stops in western mountain towns beginning in Big Sky on Dec. 30 and ending in Bozeman last Thursday at the Cat’s Paw. While any snow-related film is fair game, submissions must be short in order to make the People’s Choice format work. The Bozeman stop featured 7 videos, and attendees voted for their favorite at the end of the night. Toy Soldier Productions edited their feature-length video “Set Your Sights” to a short film with a completely different feel in order to enter Bridger Brigade Productions’ “Ride the Tiger” ended the night with wild, backcountry footage from Montana, British Columbia and Tahoe.

The Cold Smoke Awards were founded in 2003 by four MSU graduates: Jonas Grenz, Anjin Herndon, Jeremy Mistretta and Brad Van Wert. At the time, the founders wanted

to create a local version of the Powder Video Awards, but today they receive submissions from big names such as Teton Gravity Research (TGR) and have to narrow down the submissions to make the awards manageable — this year 26 films were included. “We try to cater to ski bums,” said Grenz. “We put on a show; that’s what we do.”

Each stop on the People’s Choice Tour showcases a few local movies along with bigger-name productions, and there are different categories of awards. In the end, “we can do whatever we want, that’s the nice thing about it,” said Grenz. “It’s about celebrating winter culture.”

The proceeds from the awards benefit local organizations such as BYEP and the Gallatin Avalanche Center. Despite their widespread popularity, the Cold Smoke Awards are very much a product of the Bozeman community. “Everybody pitches in to make it happen,” said Grenz. “There’s no possible way this could happen without the community.”

For more information check out coldsmokeawards.com.

Image by karen wilson

The crowd watches a film entered in the Cold Smoke Awards at the Cat's Paw last Thursday.

A Question of V-Day Dear Aspen, What’s with all this hype over Valentine’s Day? I’m single and have no plans, and I’m getting all sorts of pity from my friends. Is there something I’m missing out on?

Your friends might think that your day will be incomplete without a Valentine’s Day celebration. They may feel that dinners, giant teddy bears and soon-to-be-dead flowers best represent the love (or lust) they share with their significant other. However considering its history, there is no reason you should feel anything other than relieved to be single on

Feb. 14.

Valentine’s Day history is shrouded in mystery. There were three saints named Valentine that could have provided a basis for the holiday, although the most well-known legend is that of a priest who continued to hold secret marriages for young men after it had been outlawed, until he was put to death.

Pope Gelasius officially declared Feb. 14 Valentine’s Day in the fifth century. Conveniently, the beginning of bird’s mating season in England falls around the same time, lending to the theory of romance. From this point on, Valentine’s Day became a day for expressing romance toward one’s significant other.

Sorry for the mini history lesson, but it’s important to realize how materialized this holiday has become. While it used to be about romance, it is now trivialized into

trinkets and disposable flowers. Your friends are worried about how you’ll fare? They should be more concerned with the fact that now they have to carry that giant teddy bear everywhere for the next three hours.

Valentine’s Day is another day. How you feel on this day should not be based on whether or not you’ve been given any chocolate, but whether you’ve had a day you won’t regret. Rather than worrying about someone else, worry about yourself. Take the time to do something special for you, and give the hysteria some time to cool down. Tomorrow will come soon enough.

If you really can’t handle the excessive PDA and foolishness around you, water balloons work fantastically for breaking up squirming couples.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

21

CULTURE BOOK REVIEW Set on a ranch in the heart of Montana, “Montana Sky” by Nora Roberts is a novel that visits the trials and tribulations of love, family, trust and ranch life.

How to Impress a New Chick for Valentine’s Day I have been seeing this girl for about a month, what should I do for her on Valentine’s Day? What is appropriate and what isn’t?

Is February really the time for romance?

How is this relationship going so far? First and foremost it seems like you’re really diggin’ this chick, because you want to take her out on Valentine’s Day. But is she into you?

If the signs say “go”, then start simple.

What does she like? It’s okay to ask the lady.

A month of dating is short but let’s work at this. Why does it have to be Feb. 14? Be a tad more creative and make the special day all about the upcoming weekend.

Are you a classic gentleman? Feed her food that is easily digestable (sex later?

Yes please!). You could even take her out Saturday night, making it your “own” Valentine’s Day. Or on the 14th, you could bring her to Plonk (make reservations!).

Dinner route not looking too hot?

A nice play-date would be fun. No don’t play with her, yet. I am talking about a nice winter hike, ice climbing, a stroll downtown, skiing/snowboarding, a drive to a “special” spot or an adventure to the hot springs. (If you need more epic ideas, check

out the centerfold) Still not liking this advice? If you want to save some cash make her a Valentine’s Day card. Don’t buy her a store bought card, that’s tacky. If you make a card, this is showing your partner that you put a little extra effort to make her feel special. Not that creative? No biggie, she’ll still like it.

Attach pieces of candy and pick out her favorite gummy colors.

Unless she has the entire Disney princess movie collection in her house and still sleeps with stuffed animals, leave the teddy bear holding the heart at the store

The Sex

Nervous about the sex on Valentine’s Day? Get over it. More importantly, don’t make it such a big deal. When sex is put on the pedestal it makes it less enjoyable, because you think about it too much. Let the passion flow naturally, and if you don’t have sex on Valentine’s Day that’s okay.

Perhaps after a play date, you could suggest a nice hot shower to get all the dirt (and her) off.

After Jack Mercy died, his youngest daughter Willa expected to inherit his ranch. Jack was a conniving old man who always wished for a son. After three different marriages he ended up with three girls: Tess, Lily and Willa. Tess and Lily were sent away with their mothers but were asked to return to Mercy Ranch after Jack died.

After the funeral, the will revealed that in order for any of the girls to inherit any money or part of the ranch, they would have to live together on the ranch for a year. If they did not, they would each get $100 and the ranch would be given to nature conservations across the state. Also, Ben McKinnon and Nate Torrence, heads of neighboring ranches, would have to oversee Willa’s running of the ranch.

Loud-mouthed Tess, a film writer from L.A., had no interest in spending time in Montana, while Lily was running from an abusive ex-husband and looking for a place to hide. Willa

was the only girl who stayed on the ranch—her mother died before Jack could divorce her and send her away.

Naturally she felt cheated by having to share the ranch with two women who had hardly lived on Mercy land before.

There was another person looking for a piece of Mercy inheritance. To get even with Jack from beyond the grave, he started to mutilate bodies of both humans and cattle throughout Mercy land, hoping to scare away those who he thought should not be there.

Though at the beginning the sisters have no use for each other, they join together to stick out the year and keep what is rightfully theirs.

Whether you have a lover this Valentine’s Day or dream to be loved, I would recommend Montana Sky to any Montana girl who doesn’t mind a romance novel.

– Sarah Rimkus

nau.edu/mba

You have the

motivation and drive

Northern Arizona University will provide you with the tools to succeed in today’s business world.

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT Women with interesting tattoos wanted for photography project. Pay is $50 per hour. Please email a photo of your tattoo to jkern@bresnan.net or call Julia at 570-8653 for more information.

EMPLOYMENT Female Model Wanted - $100/hr - Fine Art Figure Photography - email faceshot to Julia at jkern@bresnan.net or call with questions at 570-8653.

MBA – Applied Management MBA – Accounting

opportunity Are you interested in helping our local community become more connected to the global community? AFS is looking for volunteers to educate communities and schools about The Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. Through YES, the U.S. Dept of State Provides Full Merit-Based Scholarships for Outstanding High School Students. AFS is a nonprofit, international student exchange organization working towards a more peaceful and just world by providing intercultural learning experiences through a global volunteer partnership. Please contact Nancy Jochem at 587-0530 if you’re interested in volunteering.

Early Career – no previous work experience required.

10 Month Accelerated Program – Begin your career sooner.

Pay in-state tuition if you are from one of 14 western states.

opinions?

we want them.

send them to editor@exponent.montana.edu

The ASMSU Exponent

22

October 27, 2011 | 8

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

Calendar February 8 through 22 Thursday Februar y 9

WHAT: Want to start your own business? Think you have an edge even with this nasty economy of ours? Well come to How to Start a Business in Montana.

WHERE: On campus Gaines Hall room 148

WHAT: Cold Smoke Awards Official Ceremony.

WHERE: Emerson Theater WHEN: 7 pm COST: $12 WHAT: Cold Smoke Awards Official Ceremony.

WHERE: Emerson Theater

WHEN: 6:15 pm- 9:15 pm

WHEN: 7 pm

COST: $59

COST: $12

Friday

Februar y 11 WHAT: American Indian Council Taco sale WHERE: Wilson Hall, Rm #1 WHEN: 11 a COST: $6

Saturday

Februar y 11 WHAT: Love basketball?? Well how about seeing the Harlem Globetrotters!

WHERE: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse WHEN: 7:30 pm COST: $20

WHAT: Don’t miss out on LATE NIGHT: including billiards, bowling, shuffelboard and PS3!! Free pizza, pop, and popcron.

Also a ChampChange event WHERE: Recreational Center WHEN: 8 pm-1 am COST: $5 WHAT: National Geographics annual Young Explorers Grants Workshop.

Learn about grant writing for research, exploration, and more.

WHERE: Gaines Hall WHEN: 9:45 am-3 pm COST: www.montana.edu/wwwlead1/events.html

Tuesday

February 14 WHAT: Professional Rescuer CPR certification course. TAUGHT BY A PROFESSIONAL!!!!

WHERE: MSU Recreational Sports and Fitness Center WHEN: 5:30 pm-8 pm, also same time on Feb. 16

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

WHAT: The Moustache Bandits WHERE: 406 Brewery WHEN: 6 pm COST: FREE WHAT: Bozeman’s first winter Farmer’s Market WHERE: Emerson Ballroom WHEN: 9 am

COST: $75 and worth it!

Saturday

February 18 WHAT: Elvis Lives: The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Event.

Brought on by the American Bank Broadway.

WHERE: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse WHEN: 7:30 pm COST: $25 starting, and go on sale February 9. Buy your tickets on www.TicketsWest.com

WHAT: Experience the wild west and come to the Wild West Winterfest!

WHERE: Gallatin County Fairgrounds WHEN: 9 pm

GENERAL NOTICE: Sizzlin’ Salsa classes are now Mondays at Santa Fe Red’s downtown location.

WHAT:

Montana State University’s 30th International Street Food Bazaar. Over 25 countries will be represented.

Also included are activities set up by international students and faculty of MSU. WHERE: MSU SUB-Ballrooms WHEN: 4 pm-7 pm

COST: Free-MSU students, children $2 for students 10-18 $4 adults

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 9, 2012

“Landscape” Jake Murie

I can remember the moment clearly in my mind: it was when I had returned home from a backpacking trip in the Sierra Nevada Range in California with my father, and we were looking through pictures he had taken on the trip.

In my teenage mind they were so good, they deserved to be on the cover of National Geographic. Of course, deep down inside every teenage boy wants to be just like his father, so I asked for a camera so I could be just like him, and that’s how I started taking pictures. Now it is just a hobby, that hopefully will develop into something more.

But the reason I do it now is not only because of my father, but because I have this urge in me to capture the beautiful moments nature has, almost like small little treasures, and in an odd way I get joy showing them to people.

Almost as if I am spreading the wealth of memories, and experiences I have had with others. Giving them a small piece of that incredible sunrise or mysterious mist filled valley.

Words by Jake Murie

21

Are You Ready for the Big day?

Valentine's day quiz.

Are you ready for the big day?

1. You’re approaching your crush to ask about V-day. You: a. Can’t stop sweating through your palms. b. Notice someone more attractive and forget what you were saying. c. Coolly propose a date, and walk away with plans for Tuesday.

2. You’re meeting up in a few minutes.

You: a. Buy some flowers and wait at the doorstep. b. Realize you don’t know where he/she lives. c. Answer a call from your ex and meet up with him/her instead.

0-2 Points. Not ready. Maybe spend a little more time practicing in front of the mirror, or reading Cosmo.

3-4 Points. Good to go! Lose those nerves. The object of your affection will think you’re as suave as 007.

5-6 Points. You’re a jerk. Do the human population a favor and become asexual.

1. a-0, b-2, c-1. 2. a-1, b-0, c-2. 3. a-0, b-2, c-1.

Comic

3. Dinner’s over, and it’s time to pay.

You: a. Forgot your wallet at home. b. Pretend you forgot your wallet at home. c. Offer to pay, then ask where he/she wants to get dessert.

Concept and llustration by Jeremiah Gaiser

Find us on Facebook The Montana State Exponent 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.

Visit us at msuexponent.com