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Volume 106, Issue 19 | February 16, 2012

msuexponent.com

MSU’s Student Newspaper since 1895

Kiah Abbey with Lindsay Murdock

Jesse Cook

Vote

“We genuinely care about every student.”

with Brian Murakami

“Students shouldn’t feel like MSU is a workplace.”

Student govt. PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS FEBruary 22-23 WWW.MONTANA.EDU/VOTE

NEWS

4

assault

Basketball Star Hospitalized

OPINION

7

oppression

Tunnel Good for MSU?

SPORTS

12

pole-Dancing

Fitness and Performance Art

CULTURE 17

SUGARBEET

Sex: 'Inconvenient' for Many Men

2

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

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

RANTS: Fed up with one of the myriad injustices of campus life? Want to publicly rail against it? send us a rant to letters@ exponent.montana.edu. Just keep submissions 200-300 words. and please, try to refrain from personal attacks. 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 16, 2012

EDITORIAL

editor-in-chief | Eric Dietrich

3

editor@exponent.montana.edu

From the Editor’s Desk

A Step Towards the Exponent’s Future The ASMSU Senate voted last Thursday to move ahead with a measure that paves the way for the formation of a Publication Board to oversee the Exponent’s operation, shifting control of Eric Dietrich editor-in-chief the paper’s budget away from student government.

While largely administrative, the decision represents the single most important step taken in recent years to protect the publication’s freedom of press and provide for our long-term fiscal stability.

By passing resolution 2012-R-3, senators gave formal permission for the establishment of a Publication Board composed of ASMSU representatives and media professionals with the expertise to advise the Exponent’s operations. Upon revision of ASMSU’s bylaws and approval by the

Montana Board of Regents to separate the publication’s subsidy from ASMSU’s general activity fee, the senate will yield control of the Exponent’s operating budget to that board.

By doing so, we can address the longstanding conflict of interest created by ASMSU’s control over the Exponent’s operating budget — a tricky system to reconcile with our mission as student media to report, critically at times, on the senate’s decisions.

While we have been fortunate in recent years to avoid controversy, the potential for cuts to the Exponent’s budget to serve as de facto censorship, real or perceived, has represented a significant liability for both our student government and student press.

The shift also gives the Exponent the ability to better manage our finances as we navigate the difficult transition from print to electronic media. Between the whims of the economy and turnover in student staff, we’ve

struggled at times in recent years to bring in sufficient print advertising revenue to support our operations.

However, by setting a consistent funding level for the Exponent’s subsidy and involving professionals in our budgeting decisions, we have the opportunity to approach our financial planning on a longer-term basis better suited to the reality of the media industry. While that isn’t a silver bullet, it is a necessary step towards giving our organization the capacity to respond to our challenges successfully.

To their credit, senators have voluntarily elected to give up much of their power over this publication by supporting this measure.

Given the extent to which they take their responsibility with managing student funds quite seriously, that represents a profound vote of confidence in the Exponent — and places no small burden on our staff, myself and those who follow me as editor-in-chief,

in particular.

Those senators who helped the measure along in various capacities, particularly Sen. Lana Lake, have my sincere thanks for their work. The continued support and advice of ASMSU President Blake Bjornson has also been essential, as has the assistance of Student Regent Joseph Thiel.

I would add that the concerns voiced in opposition to the measure — the sustainability of a yet-to-be-established board in overseeing a student-led committee and the need for a contingency plan in the event of a future budget crisis — are absolutely legitimate. As we work with senators to rewrite the Exponent’s bylaws, we must address both.

That work, like much of student government’s, doesn’t necessarily involve clear-cut answers. But it is nonetheless necessary if we want to ensure our campus has the student newspaper it deserves five or ten years down the line.

from the editorial staff

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

Bike Issue Needs No-nonsense Solutions After receiving complaints of irresponsible biking and longboarding on campus, President Cruzado tasked the Dean of Students Office and ASMSU to find solutions to the perceived danger.

Dean of Students Matt Caires and student senators have since collaborated to form a “Bike Safety Committee” that will develop a strategy to decrease cyclists’ speed and increase safety.

The committee concluded that bicyclists who travel too quickly pose a danger, but that banning bicycles from campus is not a viable alternative. They argue that bikes are important to both increase transportation efficiency for students and alleviate the campus’s parking issues.

Last week, the student senate passed a resolution to support the creation of a new ASMSU position, the Human-Powered Transportation Coordinator (HPTC).

The coordinator would work out of the

Sustainability Center, whose director would oversee the position. The Bike Safety Committee stressed that the HPTC should be a person who is dedicated to sustainable transportation methods on campus.

student, they suggest, could blow a whistle at out-of-control bicyclists and longboarders.

While unwieldy bicyclists do occasionally pose a safety hazard, it is uncertain that MSU’s biking problem is large enough to

Employing a whistle-blower on the mall would be about as effective as a chaperone at a high school dance.

The coordinator would work to promote safety with a variety of proposed measures, such as establishing a “slow biking zone” on campus and producing a “comical bike safety video.”

Additionally, the committee suggested that student government hire a student to be stationed on the centennial mall. This

warrant policing through student money.

Moreover, employing a whistle-blower on the mall would be about as effective as a chaperone at a high school dance.

Many bikers would see such enforcement measures as patronizing. Plus, a whistle isn’t going to slow down a bicyclist rushing to class.

The position could likely do more harm than good. A role solely created to annoy troublemakers would foster resentment with student government and the MSU administration.

The bike safety committee’s proposal to begin an awareness campaign, however, could potentially be more successful. Establishing a culture of considerate bicycling is the only effective means for creating a safer campus. Guerrilla marketing, like making offbeat safety videos, might encourage people to slow down. Orange-vested traffic cops would not.

Bicycles and longboards are an important component of MSU’s culture. Their use ought to be promoted through investments in infrastructure such as bike lines and bike racks, and creative initiatives like community bike sharing. These approaches would be a much wiser use of student funds.

4

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

Basketball Star Hospitalized After Weekend Assault Megan Bernhardt Four MSU athletes were charged on Monday as a result of an assault that sent a star basketball player to the hospital. Xavier Blount, a junior forward and MSU’s leading scorer, was knocked unconscious behind Bar IX early Sunday morning after an altercation with MSU football player Roger Trammell, a junior who has been dismissed from the team as a result of the incident.

Trammell, 21, was charged with misdemeanor assault, and Blount, 20, was charged with disorderly conduct and an MIP. Sophomore sprinter Chris Wilson, 20, and junior football player Zach Minter, 21, were also charged after the incident — Wilson for disorderly conduct and unlawful use of a driver’s license, and Minter for unlawful use of a driver’s license.“ Zach gave his ID to somebody. It was not a smart thing to do,” Athletic Director Peter Fields said at a press conference Wednesday.

“It was alcohol, young people and a conflict of interest over a young lady,” Fields said. “It’s sad that it was athletes

upon athletes.”

“We do not feel that this is an accurate depiction of our student-athletes,” Fields added. “We’re dealing with the individual student-athletes that were involved.”

Roger Trammel (left) and Xavier Blount (right).

Images courtesy bobcat athletics

Fields said Trammell has been dismissed from MSU’s athletics program. Wilson is currently suspended from the track team for a week, but could be suspended for longer if news that he had a greater role comes to light. Minter will be disciplined internally. “I’m sure that he’ll have some running from the football program,” Fields said.

Fields said he has not yet had a chance to talk to Blount, who is still recovering from injuries he received, and will do so before a decision is made about punishment from the athletics department. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reported that Blount suffered a dislocated shoulder, along with a broken nose and lip lacerations.

“Losing Xavier is tough for our team,” head coach Brad Huse said. Blount was a starter throughout the season, and averaged 11.7 points per game. “We have had really good production off our bench all season, and those players will have to step up a little bit more now,” Huse added.

“It’s important that our community understands that this is not acceptable, and that we’re willing to take action as far as that goes,” Fields said.

Strategic Planning Committee

Solicits Feedback Kristen Ingman MSU called for student, faculty, staff, alumni and community member feedback on a draft form of its strategic plan last Wednesday at a day-long event in SUB Ballroom B. After nearly a year and a half of collaboration, Cruzado’s Strategic Planning Committee (SPC), composed of 40 volunteers from throughout campus, presented a revised vision statement to the public last week, along with a list of values and a collection of five core goals for the university.

The proposed values are respect, integrity, students and excellence (RISE), while the list of identified goals includes success, access, engagement, stewardship and the integration of the three components of the land-grand mission: teaching, research and service.

The values and goals were displayed on posters throughout the ballroom with supplies for attendees to write their comments regarding each element of the strategic plan.

Jim Rimpau, the vice president for

planning, commented that by 5 p.m. a few hundred individuals had been in and out of the ballroom, and the web page that was open for notes on the plan had also received significant interest.

Kit Parker, a sophomore who attended the feedback session for a leadership class, explained “Students are the foundation of a school and it is important to build it upward.”

Fellow sophomore, Jonah Barta, added, “I’m here because I think all students should be involved in the development of the university.”

MSU’s Budget Director and SPC member Kathy Attebury explained that the strategic plan helps tie university funding and resources to the goals of the university and prioritize proposals. “We’ll evaluate all of [today’s] comments and make adjustments,” she said.

Heather McKenney, a senior in photography, said, “I hope the people who came today were able to add intelligible input for a collaboration between faculty and students.”

Dr. Deedee Combs explained,

Image by Kristen Ingman

Dean of Students Matt Caires addresses comments regarding the planning council.

“The planning council understands the importance of getting feedback from the wider community.” The plan is slated to be finalized within a month after the committee presents to Cruzado in early March.

Both Combs and Dean of Students Matt Caires commented on the immense interest in the proposed goal of engagement, and Caires explained that engagement largely involves rethinking students’ experiences outside of the classroom.

A senator for the College of

Engineering, Michael Townshend spoke on the significance of student feedback, “The most important thing is to bridge some of the disconnect between students and administration.”

Caires, who is also a member of the SPC, addressed the difficulty the committee will face in encompassing each concern and comment generated from last week’s session in the final plan. “To be strategic, you have to set priorities,” Caires said. “We can’t be all things to all people, so what can we be?”

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

5

news

Library Extends Hours to 2 a.m.

Michael Gross

Renne Library extended its closing time Sunday through Thursday from 12 a.m. to 2 a.m. last week.

While the change became official last week, the idea of lengthening the library’s closing time has been considered by the library staff before.

Brian Rossmann, the associate dean of the library, said that although students have expressed a need for later hours, the decision was only taken into serious consideration for the first time last fall. Along with the library commons renovation last summer, a gate-sensor was installed near the entryway, allowing the administration to detect hourly traffic.

Tamara Miller, the dean of the library, said the data presented by this technology shows that more than 100 people leave the library between 11p.m. and midnight.

“Students are here late,” Rossmann said.

“We have come to the conclusion there is a legitimate student need, which we are trying to meet.”

After a meeting with student senators to gain student support, the library administration sought approval from the provost’s office and human resources to

The National Geographic Society recently offered MSU students a free workshop on applying for Youth Explorers Grants (YEG) and shared some of the possibilities of grant funding.

The YEG is a $2,000 to $5,000 grant geared specifically toward helping individuals ages 18 to 25 fund their ideas. The three subsets of the YEG program are the Committee for Research and Exploration, the Expeditions Council and the Conservation Trust For the workshop, NGS brought in three former YEG recipients, Neil Losin, Amy Higgins and Andy Maser, to share their experiences.

Neil Losin investigated invasive anole lizards in southern Florida, where he found that a lizard’s dominance is related to its head shape.

Losin’s research led him to discover that the invasive Anole species in Florida

Years of Nursing Justin Taylor

Image by Matt Williams

After expressed demand by the student body, Renne Library will now be open until 2 a.m.

create a late-night position that will close the library after 2 a.m.

David Dunbar, a library technician, said utilizing these extra hours in excess may pose a threat to one’s sleep schedule.

He does, however, believe that student government supports the general consensus throughout campus, which is in favor of the extra hours.

Rossmann said group study rooms will be included in the extension and, like the

library, will close at 2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. Finals and Dead Week, however, are no exceptions, and the library’s hours will remain the same as previous semesters, closing at 2 a.m.

“I believe the administration is listening to students,” Dunbar said, “and is willing to try anything that gives students the tools and support needed to do well in their studies.”

MSU Welcomes National Geographic Grant Workshop Bonny Birkeland

MSU Celebrates 75

has a rounder head than non-invasive species, implying that the invasive lizard has a stronger bite force and is more aggressive and dominant.

Amy Higgins studied the relationship between artificial glaciers and agriculture in Ladahk, India. While in India, Higgins met a local retired engineer, Chewang Norphel.

Norphel created artificial glaciers by diverting water into basins to be frozen in the winter. These glaciers create a stockpile of water for local farmers in the month of April.

Higgins is researching the sustainability of using these ice banks for agriculture, especially in regions where fresh water is becoming more scarce.

Andy Maser travelled to Bolivia to observe the receding glaciers and their effect on local populations. Maser observed that the impact of humans has caused the glaciers to recede to a point at which they cannot regenerate. The lack of water has forced many farmers to abandon their farms and migrate toward the city of La Paz.

The process of applying for a grant consists of four steps: 1. Submit a pre-application while you are between the ages 18-25.

2. If the pre-application passes review, you may submit a full application.

3. Research budget costs and seek other sources of funding as well.

4. Await notification from the review committee.

The overarching theme of the presentations revolved around the phrase “don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.” Each recipient stressed the importance of following his or her passion.

For more information on NGS projects and grants go to: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/explorers/grants-programs/ young-explorers/

The College of Nursing at MSU will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. Festivities will occur throughout the year across the state to honor the milestone and the people that made it happen.

Several receptions are scheduled to celebrate the College of Nursing. On Feb. 16, there will be a reception for alumni, students and community partners in Kalispell, Mont.

“This will essentially be a birthday party,” said Kay LaFrance, the program assistant for the College of Nursing.

There will be a formal dinner event in Bozeman on Sept. 21 and a float will be built and entered in the homecoming parade.

There are several new things planned for the College of Nursing.

Recently, the program for the first group of accelerated students (those students who currently have a degree in another field and are now going into nursing as well) has begun and the second group will enter the

"Prior to [1937], nursing education was done primarily in the Great Falls hospital."

– Kay Lafrance, program assistant

Great Falls program in May. These intensive nursing programs will allow for groups of 16 students to receive degrees in 15 months.

There are also plans to implement the only Doctorate of Nursing Practice graduate program in the state of Montana.

LaFrance explained the program’s history, “It was founded in 1937. Prior to that, nursing education was done primarily in the Great Falls hospital,” she said. “This nursing program was the first done in a university setting in the state of Montana.”

Once nursing students finish their core requirements, they go to Missoula, Kalispell, Great Falls or Billings for clinical access. This stage of the university’s nursing program is rather competitive.

Only a limited number of students are allowed to move past pre-nursing, based on GPA. However, those students who do make it through have a 90 percent success rate in the future of their nursing education.

6

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

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Want to gain confidence? Improve communication skills? Look no further than MSU’s very own Toastmaster’s Club.

Toastmasters is an international club that helps individuals improve their communication, speaking ability and leadership skills through participatory workshop style meetings.

Arnie Kleinsasser, current MSUToastmasters’ president, explained that Toastmasters is, “a place where students can come practice and gain confidence.” He said, “I think students underestimate the importance of public speaking. We’re open to everybody.”

Members take turns filling different roles each week in order to provide a nopressure environment where people can give and receive feedback that will enable them to improve their speaking skills.

Each week one or two members present a short “ice-breaker” speech on a topic of their choice to begin the meeting. Speakers volunteer to fill this role and are encouraged to use this opportunity to practice speeches and presentations for their classes.

Following, these voluntary speeches, the table topics master begins the next section of the meeting: table topics speeches. These speeches provide members a chance to give a one to two minute impromptu speech on a subject chosen by the table topics master.

Table topics speeches encourage members to think on their feet and tap into creativity, while simultaneously gaining

public speaking practice.

“The purpose of table topics,” Kleinsasseris said, “is that often when you meet someone, you want to say something but you don’t think of it until you leave and you may only get those two minutes.”

After table topics have concluded, feedback is provided to all the speakers. An evaluator focuses on various public speaking skills such as body language, hand motions, tone and speed. A timer reports speech lengths from the evening and a grammarian gives speakers feedback on word choice and use of “filler words” such as “um” or “you know.”

Tom Stenzel, a community toastmaster, said “Feedback is the breakfast of champions.”

Toastermasters meets on alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. in Reid Hall 333. The next meeting will be Wednesday Feb. 22.

For more information regarding Toastmasters e-mail msustudenttm@gmail. com or find them on Facebook by searching for Toastermasters of Montana State University.

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

Looking Outside the Frame: Native American Photographs and Stereotypes The focus of historical paintings and portraits often tends to be the subjects in the picture rather than the artists who created the works, the intent behind the images and — perhaps most Virginia Schmidt importantly — the imOpinion writer pact of the images.

On Feb. 6, Frank H. Goodyear, the associate curator of photographs at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, challenged an audience at the Bozeman Public Library to start working to change that focus.

Goodyear, who specializes in the history of photography and of the American West, spoke specifically about the importance of looking more critically at historical portrayals of American Indians — almost all of which were created by non-native artists and photographers. Goodyear believes “people haven’t looked closely enough at the people creating those images, or at the contexts.” When one begins to do so, he or she realizes there are patterns and stereotypes which might not reflect the reality or cultural context.

“There was an idealized Native American type,” Goodyear emphasized. “You see a lot of types, but you don’t see individuals.”

When one begins to look at individuals rather than type-casted characters in historical representations, it becomes necessary to

image courtesy wikimedia commons

start asking critical questions: Who was this person, and how did he — or more rarely, she — fit in to the historical climate in which he or she is pictured? Why did the photographer photograph the person in this way?

How was this image received at the time, and how is it interpreted by viewers now?

Goodyear showed an array of historical depictions of Native Americans, the majority of which depicted brawny, middle-aged, warrior-type males. “There is hardly ever any depiction of women, children or the elderly,” said Goodyear.

“People haven’t looked closely enough at the people creating [historical] images, or at the contexts.”

– Frank Goodyear, national portrait gallery

Just as any critical thinker will question a claim, so should everyone strive to investigate the contents and meaning of any historical photo. Portraits, especially historical depictions of American Indians, are rarely in natural settings and were frequently created by artists who have never seen Native Americans.

When one acknowledges that non-natives produced most of the historical paintings and photographs of Native Americans, serious ethical concerns arise regarding the use of these portraits in an educational context. But if people look deeper into these images and consider their implications, “it can help overturn stereotypical representations that have long existed.”

Goodyear spoke as part of the Montana Council for History and Civics Education’s (MCHCE) mission to provide professional development for state history teachers in order to strengthen the content of K-12 history and civics education in Montana schools.

Goodyear and the MCHCE are right on track; in order to strengthen history and civics education, students (and everyone) must learn to critically consider every piece of historical information they encounter, be it a picture or a war narrative. Goodyear calls it “doing history” — not just seeing or reading it.

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Tunnel of Oppression Productive for MSU? Abdullah Albakri lowered and tapped his cigarette, scattering ash on the snow. “You know, when I moved to the United States, it was the biggest thing I've ever done in my life.”

Dan Goodman Albakri is a Saudi AraOpinion writer bian national who first arrived at MSU in August 2011 as a student of finance and accounting. He raised his hand for another drag but paused to say, “Bozeman has its own society. People here are friendlier. So friendly, so accepting of people from other nations. They are open to different cultures. That’s why I love it.”

Albakri, or Abee as his Bozeman friends call him, spoke just weeks prior to the Feb. 27 debut of the Tunnel of Oppression, a grassroots diversity program originating

proven,” and that “no data has been collected to determine if the presence of a tunnel on campus alleviates oppression.”

Attempts made on other campuses to demonstrate oppression through imagined representations rather than real, documented cases appear to degrade the program's credibility. For instance, an exhibit at University of Arizona’s Tunnel of Oppression in 2002 intended to address the cataclysmic six-yearlong genocide known as the Holocaust by recreating a gas chamber complete with dry ice and a slamming metal door. The incomplete portrayal, though well intentioned, limited one’s understanding of the full extent of WWII’s horror.

Though not intended to represent the collective experiences of international students and other minority groups in Gallatin Valley, Abee’s refreshingly positive encounters with open-minded and friendly Boze-

“Bozeman has its own society... People here are friendlier.”

– Abdullah Albakri, msu student

from Western Illinois University that has spread to campuses across the nation since its initial creation in 1993.

The program features interactive exhibits utilizing a variety of mediums to expose participants to an array of abusive situations.

Despite fiery criticisms from organizations like Accuracy in Academia and the Beyond Compliance Coordinating Committee of Syracuse University, the program has now spread to the MSU campus.

The MSU Diversity Awareness Coordinator overseeing Tunnel of Oppression, Phenocia Bauerly, said, “The goal of Tunnel of Oppression is to point out that oppression is all around us.” She considers the event to contain value beyond a textbook or movie, saying, “The point of Tunnel of Oppression is to be in your face — to stop dancing around the issues.”

Although many universities promote the program, Dr. Rebecca Barrett-Fox, a faculty member of the Sociology Department at Hesston College in Kansas, claims the “effectiveness of the program has not been

man locals and MSU students prior to the coming exhibit bring into question the necessity and relevance of a program like the Tunnel of Oppression on campus in the first place.

As a public university, MSU may be better off educating its students through scholarly texts and non-fiction narrative accounts of oppression as it has always done, rather than submitting students to shocking fictional portrayals that lack accuracy.

Since the program has yet to debut, one should not prematurely judge or criticize the organizations responsible for putting on MSU's Tunnel of Oppression. Describing the program as “not [nationally] standardized at all,” Bauerly states that the Diversity Awareness office “wanted to let student groups take it on their own.” Despite the inherent risks, the opportunity still exists for organizations involved with the event to develop an effective, positive and accurate exhibit. On Feb. 27, students will have the opportunity to make their own judgments.

8

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

opinion

image by matt williams

Generation Flake “He canceled on me at the last minute again!” or perhaps, “She suddenly remembered she already had plans.” Yes, I’m talking about flakers. Many of us have dealt with them, and if Pat Hessman you haven’t, consider Opinion writer yourself lucky. This weekend, I pondered why this happens.

By “flaking” I mean giving your number to a guy/girl with no intention of anything happening between you, canceling date plans at the last minute or suddenly pushing a potential interest away after sparks start to fly.

Out of curiosity, I used Google to see what other people were saying about flakers.

My first search was, “Why do women flake?”

There were 5,740,000 results. My next search was “Why do men flake?” 17,200,000 results. Clearly this happens to more than just nerds like me.

At this point I decided to venture out and gather the opinions of strangers. The first person I asked told me, “My problem is I have a hard time saying no. I want to be nice.”

She continued to tell me about a guy she had made out with once, but who wouldn’t stop texting her afterward. She admitted she was flaky, but at the same time, the guy just didn’t take the hint.

The next woman I asked admitted she had flaked on guys too. She said she gives out her phone number because it’s less awkward than rejection and “giving them your number gets them to leave feeling satisfied.”

But girls aren’t the only ones who flake.

A female friend once complained about a guy who flaked on date plans twice, so I asked him why. It turns out that A) those plans had been made when he was hammered and B) he couldn’t bring himself to tell her he wasn’t interested.

I posted my question on Reddit and received answers from men and women. One man related a story: When he first met the girl sparks flew, but after it became clear her grating personality outweighed her physical attractiveness, he distanced himself. A female commenter said there have been times she’s given out her number only after being inces-

There are times when you just don't feel like saying, ‘I'm not interested in you.' santly pestered for it by a guy. At that point, she had zero intention of seeing him again.

One commenter summed it up best: “There are times when you just don't feel like saying, ‘I'm not interested in you.’"

It seems to be clear at this point. Flaking is indirect rejection. Fear of rejection runs rampant, but so does the fear of rejecting someone else. Even when you do, those rejected demand to know why.

Maybe this little investigation shed some light on negative experiences with flakers you’ve had, or maybe it just made you hate them more. All I can say is, try not to take it personally. After all, flakers gonna flake.

You know what really engulfs my throat in flames? Spicy food.

Spicy food is simply never a good idea.

From the time you order to the time you are reading your favorite Ryan Bovy Opinion writer magazine on the porcelain throne, you regret your spicy decision.

Spicy food is secretive, too. I cannot count the number of times I have ordered only to be told there was a little pepper next to that particular menu item. That’s when the regret begins.

Before long I’m thinking, “How am I going to stomach this and not cry?”

There’s nothing worse than crying in front of an entire restaurant of strangers.

Who cares if your friends see you tear up; in fact, it would probably strengthen your bond.

Strangers on the other hand, could be anyone. Do you think your future boss is going to hire future you now that he’s seen you cry? Doubtful. Even your future wife, who was just about to buy you a drink, now sits in the rafters. One spicy dish and all of a sudden you’re alone and unemployed.

If by some power of dark magic or sorcery you’ve managed to choke down that super-hot, flaming meal that comes with a warning from the FDA, congrats — but the pain has only just begun, my

naive friend.

Right around the time you reach for the bill, your dinner will be reaching for your stomach lining. By that I mean it will quickly kick whatever else you got going on in there out, and start repeatedly punching you from the inside.

This excruciating process has been enough for some men to throw in the towel. Run home and fall asleep before your meal claims any more casualties. The feeling of everything on your inside wanting to be on your outside has ended many a date and gentleman's evening for myself; ain’t no shame in it.

You powered through the pain? Well played, good sir. Now get home and grab a good book, because you’re going to have some time to read.

Now make sure you find a seat that is comfortable for you. I prefer a private bathroom, maybe with a padded cover and some shaggy rugs, but who am I. Set up shop, and don’t be surprised if what was spicy going in is just as spicy coming out.

After this process, I recommend a quick shower. Just to cool down your core temperature if nothing else.

Long story short, spicy food is the worst. It tastes terrible, is painful to consume and is only good if you ingested something with a Mr. Yuck sticker on it.

Spicy food will clean out your system, sure, but hopefully that is not a regular need for you.

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.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

9

oPinion FamilyGrad Parking Ticketing Unfair

Katelyn lounder Attention to the campus parking enforcement: Was it necessary to write 13 tickets in Family Housing within one block visibility Feb. 6?

I do believe that parking should be enforced, don't get me wrong, but from experience as a previous tenant in the family housing community, the tickets are pathetic. I received two tickets last summer when school was not in session within 24 hours. (Which I successfully appealed because policy states on the ticket that they cannot repeatedly issue tickets within 24 hours — especially by the same enforcer!)

Parking is a highly discussed topic, but in my opinion the problem is not the lack of parking so much as it is the outrageous ticketing that is throughout the campus, the expensive fines, and the cost of the parking permits in general.

That enforcer is a joke and obviously does not understand that, when you live in family housing because of the affordability, a $60 ticket for parking in front of your house is a little bogus and does not help your situation. You would think parking enforcement would give a warning instead of a harsh ticket — maybe they were just in a rush and forgot to hang their passes.

To that parking enforcement guy whose main goal in his job seems to be how many tickets he can write in an hour to college students and family grad students: Let's see you try to earn your bragging rights back at the station when you turn in your daily quota and find all those tickets you issued appealed. Maybe then you will understand that writing all of those tickets was a waste of your time.

advertiSeMent THE ASMSU PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE FEBRUARY 21ST

COME HEAR YOUR ASMSU PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATES

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-to-day life of a normal student.

COOK | MURAKAMI

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE! FEBRUARY 22ND & 23RD STARTING AT 7AM AT WWW.MONTANA.EDU/VOTE

IN THE UNION MARKET FROM 12-1 PM

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.

ABBEY | MURDOCK

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

ABBEY, COOK TO FACE OFF IN GENERAL ELECTION

JESSE COOK

KIAH ABBEY

WITH BRIAN MURAKAMI

WITH LINDSAY MURDOCK

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

SPORTS

I

t was a week of highs and heartbreak for MSU women’s basketball. The No. 3 Bobcats (16-9, 8-5 BSC) had “ping pong play” in their final homestand of the season, according to head coach Tricia Binford, defeating Northern Colo. but losing on a last-second shot to Sacramento St. over the weekend.

—Tricia Binford, Head Coach

S

“People should be able to come to MSU and plug into what’s going on.”

—Jesse Cook on the issue of sustainability in three different ways: natural resources, finances and “human energy.”

“We want to make sure to give student leaders recognition,” Abbey said, as well as being “inclusive of all types of identity, from LGBTQ students to those involved in Greek life.”

Murdock, a second-year sociology student, added that the pair’s role would be to “collaborate, advocate and educate.”

“The more we can collaborate with different aspects of MSU, the more we can advocate for each individual student,” she said.

Cook, a senior in biochemistry as well as an AdvoCat, a staff member at the AskUs Desk and MSU’s current homecoming king, discussed the importance he would place on getting students involved and fostering a healthy campus community.

11

sports@exponent.montana.edu

BOBCATS SUFFER SHOCKING DEFEAT TO NO. 7 HORNETS

“With a conference berth secured and the parity of the conference tight, we are hopeful to make a splash the next four weeks”

tudent government’s presidential field is down to two candidate pairs after Tuesday’s primary election, with Kiah Abbey/ Lindsey Murdock and Jesse Cook/Brian Murakami advancing to next week’s general election.

Abbey and Murdock won the primary with 501 votes while Cook and Murakami followed with 132, beating out the team of John Stiles and Mario Stanislao by just seven votes. Casey Mulkey and Nate Brownlee received 49 votes.

Turnout for the election was 6.1 percent.

The primary election followed Monday’s debate between the original four sets of candidates. During the hour-long, moderated debate attended by nearly 100 people, the teams answered questions, articulated their campaign platforms and discussed pressing campus issues.

Abbey, a third-year anthropology student involved in the MSU Leadership Institute, NECO and Sustained Dialogue, explained that her campaign was focused

editor | Heather Kruger

MEGAN BERNHARDT

Vote

COLIN GAISER

“We’ll make the ASMSU office more accessible for all students.”

—Kiah Abbey “Students shouldn’t feel like MSU is a workplace,” he said. “An engaged student is a student that wants to be here.”

Later in the debate, the candidates discussed the difficult parking situation on campus.

“Working at the AskUs desk, I talk to people who are very heated over parking,” Cook explained. He proposed expanding the Streamline bus service to weeknights, saying students who get out of class in the evenings are not able to take advantage of the “outstanding service” the Streamline offers.

Abbey’s ideas for parking reform included creating carpool parking spots, developing a bike share program and increasing promotion for the Streamline.

The candidates were also asked what changes to ASMSU services they would implement. In response, Murdock

explained that student government needs to increase transparency in order for students to be more aware of what’s going on.

“We’ll make the ASMSU office more accessible for all students,” she said.

The candidates finished by leaving the audience with closing statements.

“We want people to be involved,” Murdock said, adding that “we want to make student government cool.” In addition, Abbey emphasized that she and Murdock “genuinely care about every student.”

“We’ve had great experiences and we want to recreate that for everyone,” she said.

Cook talked about how his experiences at MSU have shaped him has an individual, and said he wants students to have the same opportunities. “People should be able to come to MSU and plug into what’s going on,” he said.

The general election between the two remaining teams will take place on Feb. 22 and 23, following a final debate in the SUB Union Market at noon on the 21st.

The Cats played strong against the No. 7 Sacramento St. Hornets (917, 4-9), and were on top at halftime.

The lead changed 18 times, and the Cats led 76-75 in the final minute.

Sacramento St. guard Fantasia Hilliard went coast to coast in the final 5.7 seconds and made a basket at the buzzer to put the Hornets on top, defeating the Cats 77-76.

Before the game, the last

ASHLEY ALBERT

home game of the year, the Bobcats honored guard Katie Bussey as the lone senior for the Cats.

Bussey only needed two 3-pointers to overtake Chelsea Warburton — who played for Weber St. from 20042007 — as the leader in career 3-pointers in the Big Sky Conference. She scored just one 3-pointer during the game, tying the record.

Bussey finished the game with 20 points for the Bobcats, and center Rachel Semansky had 19 points and nine rebounds, on 8-9 shooting.

“Despite the loss, we hold third place in the standings and have three away games left before heading into the Big Sky Tournament.

With a conference berth secured and the parity of the conference tight, we are hopeful to make a splash the next four weeks,” Binford said.

Earlier in the week, the Bobcats began their final homestand by playing the No. 4 Northern Colo. Bears (15-10, 7-5). Bussey led the way for the Cats with nine points in the first half, for a total of 23.

The Cats shot 87.5 percent from the free throw line and won the game 5850.

BOBCAT MEN LOSE ON THE ROAD The No. 5 men (11-13, 6-7) had a disappointing week, losing back-to-back away games, playing No. 8 Sacramento St. (9-15, 4-9) on Feb. 9, and Northern Colo. (8-16, 5-8) on Feb. 11. The score against the Hornets was 76-86, and the Cats lost 64-77 in overtime against the No. 7 Bears.

The next men’s home game is on Feb. 27 against Northern Arizona. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.

JACKE ELLIOTT

AUSHA COLE, ASHLEY ALBERT, KATIE BUSSEY, LATISHA ADAMS, AND JACKIE ELLIOTT

12

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

SPortS

Pole Fitness: A Sexy, Fun Workout

different skill levels. Parties can be arranged for small groups looking to have a fun girls’ night out, and advanced dancers from the Bozeman’s only Pole Fitness studio teaches studio occasionally perform around town at pole dancing as a fitness-based performance places like Bar IX and the Emerson. art and offers fun but challenging classes Stokes has been “trying to do more for all abilities. The studio off West Main events where you see what pole fitness is, beSt. features nine poles, and owner Rebecca cause people don’t know this style,” she said.

Stokes has stocked it with high heels and “With the Pole Fitness Association we’re other props to make the experience memoall trying to say, ‘This is a really good workrable. The studio attracts younger to middleout. Let’s make this sexy and fun at the same aged women and although Stokes is open to time.’” To ensure this, high heels, boas, hats, co-ed classes, so far no men have asked to gloves and stockings are on hand in the stuparticipate. dio’s back room to spice up parties and group Stokes opened the studio in Oct. 2010, dances at the end of class. but has been teaching pole fitness for over Thursday, Feb. 16, check out Bozeman five years and is a certified Master Instructor Pole Fitness athletes at After 5 and Wedin the Pole Fitness Association. This means dings for a “Bridesmaid’s Bash Girls’ Night her classes are fitness-based and require a lot VERIFICATION COPY OF YOUR ADVERTISEMENT Out,” where they will be doing pole and Burof strength, but she added, “I really believe it smoke Tobacco lesque demos from 6-9 p.m. needs to be pretty. I kind of see it as perforTo take a class at Bozeman Pole Fitness, mance art.” edition of the Big Sky Regional Telephone py of your advertisement which will appear in the 2012-2013 students can pay a drop-in fee of $18 per Th e studio’s current schedule features published by Statewide Publishing - Montana under the heading(s) of: class, buy a five or ten class punch card or buy Burlesque, Pole Bootcamp, Pole Pump Cirand Tobacco Accessories a month unlimited pass. For more informacuit Training, Pole Dance Workout, Pole Image by rebecca stoKes spelling and ad information correct? .......................................................................................... ❑ Yestion ❑ visit Nobozemanpolefitness.com.

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anthony Varriano Though a playoff spot was out of the question, the MSU Bobcats had a lot to say in their last weekend of games against the Univ. of Idaho, sweeping the Vandals at home before rowdy crowds. Both games were hardfought, sparking the occasional skirmish and consequential ejections.

“as a club i believe we now have a solid foundation on which we can continue to build on and ensure a successful future," – WiLLiam thomPson, cLuB PrEsidEnt

Game one was tied 1-1 entering the third period before Idaho scored with 10:15 remaining, but the Bobcats would not be denied. Less than a minute later sophomore Corey Jewell answered with a goal, and then another with just 4:15 left to play to secure the 3-2 win.

Game two was equally thrilling as junior Greg Slominski scored a hat trick with goals at 19:25 in the second, 4:21 in the third and another with just 1:17 left in the game to seal it for the Cats, 6-3.

“This year we came together as a team, posting a 6-2 record during a very strong second half of our season. As a club, I believe we now have a solid foundation on which we can continue to build on and ensure a successful future." said William Thompson, the president of Bobcat hockey.

In their last weekend of play, the Bobcats improved their defense immensely and proved to be a tough test in front of their home crowd. MSU has a lot to look forward to next season. With plenty of freshmen gaining experience this season and just two seniors and one graduate student on the team, the Bobcats should return most of their current squad next year.

FEATURING LOCAL ARTISTS

8 N 9th Bozeman

Hockey Finishes Season Strong, Sweeps idaho

1st PROOF

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

13

sports

Ten Years of Royalty at Bridger Bowl

msu equestrian club results The shows were at Utah State University, Logan UT. Highlights include: Saturday Morning – English Show

Kyle Lowis

Nicole Holasek - 1st Place, Beginning WTC

Early Saturday morning, riders of all ages gathered at the top of the Bridger lift. Their goal: hike the ridge, repeatedly. This marathon tests the endurance and strength of all the participants. The steep hike can take its toll on even the strongest of challengers seeking the title “King/Queen of the Ridge.”

Despite the difficulty, this challenge is not meant to wear on participant’s spirits.

Smiles were painted across most every contender’s face. However, this event is meant to be more than a competition to see who can lap the ridge the most.

The event is a fundraiser for the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, helping fund avalanche awareness classes that further educate outdoor enthusiasts in avalanche safety in southwest Montana. “It’s the 10th year,” said event coordinator Dave Atlas. “I think so far Bridger Bowl, through this event, has contributed over $50,000 to [the organization].”

One of many community events at Bridger Bowl, King and Queen of the Ridge does more than just appease the snow gods.

It also provides for the community and promotes safety on the hill.

Although conditions were not ideal, they proved to be just another obstacle the competitors endured. Hikers faced a series of

Anna Dorough - 2nd Place, Beginning WTC

Badass of the Week

Mallory Crandall - 2nd Place, Advanced WTC Hannah Wilson - 3rd Place, Advanced WTC image by Kyle Lowis

A competitor starts his trek up the ridge.

realities about snow conditions and how to cope with them. “With the worth of what they’re doing,” said Atlas, “trying to boot pack and get up the course, dealing with the horrible layer [of snow], competitors are realizing there is a lot more to skiing and hiking when going into the backcountry.”

Leading the pack were Eric Knoff, with 26 laps, and Nikki Kimball, who earned their titles as King and Queen of the Ridge.

Kimball, an avid distance runner and marathon enthusiast hiked the ridge 27 times, setting the record for the tenth anniversary event.

The 10-year anniversary marked a milestone in Bridger Bowl’s contribution to supporting safe riding in all of southwestern Montana and bringing the community together.

Occupation: Underwater firefighter Hobbies: Wrenching on vehicles, ice climbing, skiing, jet skiing, ultimate frisbee, carve boarding, wake surfing, water skiing, wake boarding, biking, off-roading, and hang gliding.

Why did you move to Montana?

For the school and the big mountains.

Do your future plans involve this area?

image Courtesy of ian bell

Name: Ian Bell Hometown: Shoreline, Wash.

Major: Business management and photography

Yes sir. I plan on starting a few companies and enjoying our backyard.

What is a day you will never forget?

On a trip to South Africa, I was able to get within three feet of baby cheetah cubs

Sarah Lacart - 1st Place, Novice Flat; 2nd Place Novice Fences & Reserve High Point Rider

Saturday Afternoon – English Show Sarah Lacart - 3rd Place Novice Fences; 1st Place Novice Fences Heather Ridgley - 2nd Place Novice Flat Rachel Chambers - 1st Place Novice Flat Mallory Crandall - 1st Place, Advanced WTC Nicole Holasek - 1st Place, Beginning WTC Anna Dorough - 2nd Place, Beginning WTC

and take photos of them as they played and wrestled with each other. it was such an amazing day!

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

Speed flying down the Swiss Alps.

As snowfall continues to hit well below average, Ian Bell spends less time skiing and more time utilizing the Bozeman’s outdoors in different ways. He is preparing to conquer an intense ice climb in Cody, Wyo. called “The Main Vein.” This ice climb is at least 900 feet tall. Bell has been ice climbing at Hyalite as much as possible with out compromising his school work.

As a double-major, Bell has learned to utilize every weekend to its fullest. One of

Sunday - Western Show Carolyn Thompson - 3rd Place, Intermediate II Hannah Wilson - 3rd Place, Intermediate II Kelly Deaton - 2nd Place, Intermediate II Angie Preston - 3rd Place, Intermediate I

Upcoming Schedule: Next shows are Feb. 18–19 in Billings at Rocky Mountain College. There will be three Western shows, two on Saturday and one on Sunday, followed by Regionals which is Sunday afternoon. We hope to have several riders qualified to participate in Regionals. If they place 1st or 2nd in their class, then they move onto Zones and then Nationals.

Our last shows are March 10-11 again in Logan, UT at Utah State University.

There will be two English shows on Saturday, followed by Regionals on Sunday. We already have two riders that have qualified for Regionals and anticipate a few more qualifying that weekend. Again, they will then go onto Zones and Nationals.

his majors is photography, so Bell can take his camera on all his adventures. Bell used his major to become a photo intern for Outside Bozeman for over a year.

Bell said, “I started ice climbing because of my internship.” Bell has been ice climbing more than skiing because of conditions, but he still gets out on his skis in a different way: After seeing a RedBull video of wake boarders tearing through a cranberry bog powered by a winch system, Bell designed a stationary self-contained ski winch to use here in Montana. Last week he used the 80-pound device on the Bozeman Ponds to drag him across on skis. With 600 feet of cable, the winch pulled him at very high speeds.

– David Hoy

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. Know a badass? Let us know at sports@exponent.montana.edu.

14

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

sports athlete profile:

Name: Michael Schallinger

Michael Schallinger

Sport: Nordic Skiing Hometown: Vachendorf, Germany Major: Mechanical engineering Year in School: Junior How long involved in skiing: Since the age of five.

What are the different races in which you compete?

A 10 km race one day and a 20 km race the next.

Why did you begin skiing?

My parents sent me to ski practice as a kid and my dad liked to take me out on the mountain.

What is your favorite thing about skiing, and why?

It is fun to be out and exercise.

Image courtesy Michael Schallinger

What is your motivation before a competition?

The competition itself is motivation enough. I just race as fast as I can and try to get on the podium.

qualifiers so far this year.

Are you planning to continue competing after graduation?

I transferred from Anchorage, Alaska my freshman year. I came here for a race and fell in love with the place. It was a good decision.

Not on a professional basis. I would like to, but there is a lack of opportunity back home.

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

Dedication to both school and sports and combining the two.

You have to make sacrifices in other areas, such as your private life. It is especially hard during the season when you’re gone from school competing and working out between races, and then have to come back and catch up.

Do you have any awards or achievements you have received while involved in skiing?

Two third place finishes in the NCAA qualifiers last year. One third place finish in the NCAA

Why did you come to MSU?

Do you have any other hobbies/ activities/interests?

Fly-fishing, backcountry skiing and photography.

What is your favorite class at MSU and why?

Manufacturing processes. It was a great hands-on experience and was fun overall.

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

We are hosting the NCAA championships and Regionals in Bozeman at the Bohart Ranch in March.

– michelle thomas

[club profile] Swing Cats Dance Away the Night Cassie Wilson

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

Nighttime activities can be difficult to find in the middle of winter. The Swing Cats Club at MSU provides a great (and warm) activity for Friday nights. In the words of Annelise Staven, president of the club, “You really can come in with two left feet.”

Staven, now a senior at MSU, has been dancing for four years. She was brand new to dancing when she joined Swing Cats and now as president, she helps teach new dancers and loves every minute of it.

Swing Cats provides lessons for West Coast, East Coast, Lindy Hop and a little bit of Charleston. “We’re not expecting any of the greats like Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers or Elanor Powell to grace the floor immediately,” she explained. “It takes time to dance, but we have worked to create an environment that is fun, inviting and encourages the inner dancer in everybody.”

The message of the club is to bring

anyone and everyone together for a fun activity while sharing a mutual love of dancing. The mission is lighthearted fun — no pressure and no stress about skill level.

Staven explained, “My favorite moment is seeing that person who came in with two left feet find his or her rhythm and look great on the dance floor, smiling and having a wonderful time.”

For more information stop by Romney Gym this Friday night at 7 p.m. or email club.swingcats@gmail.com. You don’t need to bring a partner, just yourself, some comfortable shoes and maybe a water bottle.

Dancing, after all, can work up a sweat.

What: Swing Cats Club When: Romney Dance Studio Where: Fridays at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: None

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

15

CULTURE

editor | Sabre Moore

entertainment@exponent.montana.edu

'The Understudy' Performs at the MSU Black Box Theatre Vanessa naiVe Ever wonder what transpires backstage during a Broadway production? Peek behind the curtain in Therese Rebeck’s comedic hit, “The Understudy,” presented by MSU’s School of Film and Photography at the Black Box Theatre, opening Feb. 17 and running Fridays and Saturdays until March 3.

Directed by MSU theatre and film professor Stephanie Campbell, “The Understudy” takes place behind the scenes during the Broadway run of a long-lost Kafka play.

The cast includes a star who doesn’t quite understand the play, a frustrated stage manager, a stoner set technician and the understudy, who is trapped in a thankless role amidst the chaos swirling around them.

“It’s a piece of theatre within theatre. We find that the little man in the big design that’s happening in theatre and in fact life is being undercut and also alienated,” said Campbell.

Despite this, she describes it as a “comedic farce.” “Rebeck’s comic scorn comments on the corruption of the theatre by the public and theatre’s obsession with celebrities.”

After acting and directing in serious shows, she is excited to direct a comedy, “The best thing I’ve experienced is that the three people I’ve cast have exceeded my expectations. They are so committed and believable, and they make the show a joy.”

“It’s an MSU show, not just the School of Film and Photography. I’m hoping that

Image courtesy msu blacK boX theater

broadwaY baCkStage

Steven Roth, Sarah Beagle, and Phil Taylor star in "The Understudy"

students of MSU come and support what we are doing in theatre,” she said.

The show stars MSU students Sarah Beagle, Steven Roth and Phil Taylor.

A Question of Bar Etiquette Dear Aspen, Lately I’ve been noticing that the bar scene has been different.

People aren’t as friendly, and I’m not having as much fun as I used to. Am I getting too old for this?

I’m afraid so. But it’s not so much that you’re getting old, as the individuals who frequent the bars are getting younger. In the past few months we’ve seemed to have a surge of fresh 21-year-olds, ready to bar hop without a clue how to do so.

If you’ve just turned 21, there are a few things to consider when heading to the bars for your first real time (your birthday doesn’t count. Even the experienced get silly on the one day they’re allowed to.) Following these

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets for “The Understudy” are $10 for students and $12 for others, and are available in advance at First Interstate Bank in the SUB, Cactus

Records downtown, the front desk of the Visual Communications Building at 11th and Grant streets, the Black Box reservation line at 994-3904 or at the door.

suggestions can make the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Patience. Don’t shove mindlessly through a crowd of people. Yes, the bars will be crowded, and yes, it will be a struggle to move through the throngs of drinkers. However, everyone is going through that same struggle, and you are no better than anyone else out there. If you have to bump someone, acknowledge it. Apologize or make a joke (guys love the one about the accidental boob graze).

The same can be said about ordering a drink at the bar. If you’ve just drained your vodka-ginger and stepped up to the plate, there’s a good chance a few of those around you have been waiting longer. The wait doesn’t have to be terrible. It can be an opportunity to talk to that cutie you’ve been eyeing all night.

Intelligence. You know what won’t help your chances with that cutie? If you’re stupid. If you’ve reached the glory age of 21, you

should be smart enough to recognize that it’s cold outside and you’ll probably need a jacket. If you’ve recognized this but have decided not to bring one so you won’t have to carry it, you’re not allowed to complain. (The same is to be said about high heels or getting hit on when wearing slutty clothes.)

Respect. If you’re old enough to drink, you’re old enough to understand that everyone deserves respect, whether it be other bar patrons or the staff who work there. Be nice to the bouncers, they can kick you out if they don’t like your attitude. Be kind to the bartenders, who can cut you off or have a bouncer kick you out. And don’t be rude to another customer, as he or she could be a relative or friend of a staff member, and therefore have you kicked out.

21-year-olds. Welcome once again to the bottom of the totem pole. At the bars, 21 is the new 18. We’d love if you could prove us wrong.

16

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

CULTURE

Liam McGenity Releases Debut EP 'The Peaks' Hannon Date Auction Raises Money for Charity Karen Wilson

zoë standring The Hannon Hall Date Auction proved to be a lively affair for those that attended last Friday night. A bit after 8 p.m., two quickwitted emcees set a humorous tone for the night as hits like “Sexy and I Know It” blared through the speakers and the soonto-be auctioned off dates strutted down the catwalk.

The event took place in the Hannon Hall cafeteria, where a long catwalk was constructed upon which the dates showed off their physical attributes and winning smiles.

The cafeteria filled up quickly, making it difficult or those standing on the sidelines to view their prospective dates. The two emcees, sporting outfits of dashing argyle sweater vests and handsome khaki slacks, began by auctioning a soon-to-be-shirtless young man (the inevitable removal of a man’s shirt quickly became a theme for the evening).

Eager bidders held up heart-shaped signs which added $10 to the bid each time.

During each participant’s walk, the emcees wittily discussed the interests of the ladies and gentlemen using their answers to pre-show questions. For example, to the question “If you were the opposite sex for a day what would you do?” one girl answered, “pee standing up!”.

This continued throughout the night.

Bidding for a particularly classy gentlemen reached $280, though people who were just there for the eye candy did not have to bid in order to attend the event.

Saturday night, the couples were treated to a night at Johnny Carino’s, compliments of the Residence Hall Association.

The proceeds from the auction went directly to the charity Wings of Hope, which specializes in creating strategies to reduce poverty.

Liam McGenity is a musician from Widnes, England, who is studying abroad at MSU this year and majoring in business management. He recently released his first EP, “The Peaks,” which was recorded at Basscamp Recording in Bozeman and symbolizes his experiences in Montana.

The album's artwork features McGenity sitting on top of a mountain with five other "Peaks" visible in the background. "I wanted it to be a story of my time in Bozeman," said McGenity. "Each mountaintop represents each different song on the EP as a peak of my life. I'm sitting on top of "Montañas," which is the most recent song, the most recent peak, and the rest are in the background."

At 20 years old, McGenity is soft-spoken and enjoys taking in the world around him. “I just like speaking to people. I speak to anyone that I can,” he said. “I like to party of course, and I work quite hard.” McGenity works as his own manager and hopes to start a record label in the future.

His music reflects his work ethic; the

clean sounds of “The Peaks” make it hard to believe it’s his first studio EP. McGenity's music can be described as indie acoustic; he writes all of his songs on guitar and the lyrics to go with them. He said

honest, if I wasn't living in the dorms, I probably would have written quite a bit more this year, but I'm going to remember everything and take it all down for the future.”

McGenity will play at the MSU Food

"I wanted it to be a story of my time in Bozeman."

– Liam McGenity, musician

the lyrics are harder to write because "I always try to get them to mean as much as possible.” McGenity plays live shows solo and writes his music alone, but “The Peaks” was recorded with harmonies and vocals, different guitar parts and three studio musicians on bass, drums and synth. Still, the EP expresses the solo nature of McGenity's music.

“I always write on my own, normally at about three in the morning,” McGenity said of his songwriting technique. “To be

last week's answers:

Bazaar on Feb. 18 in the SUB Ballrooms, and again at Norris Hot Springs on March 19.

“The Peaks” is available digitally on iTunes and Amazon mp3. You can get a signed hardcopy from McGenity in person or at one of his shows. To order the EP, contact McGenity about booking a show or to find out anything else you may want to know about his music, visit liammcgenity.com.

With Apologies to America's Finest News Source

sex 'Inconvenient' for many men Brent Zundel “i hate Valentine’s day,” complained msu sophomore matt carroll in an interview with the Exponent this Wednesday. after spending all night with his girlfriend Emma sausalito, he seriously doubted whether he’d be able to catch up on all the “shit” he had to do. “it’s not even the expensive dinner, overpriced roses or mass-produced cards that really rub me the wrong way. my girlfriend insisted that we spend all night having sex.” in his interview, carroll explained that sex is “inconvenient” for most men. “masturbation is just so much simpler,” he said.

“When i’m alone, i can hurry up and finish and still catch the latest rerun of ‘Golden Girls’ and not waste time with unnecessary things like foreplay and cuddling. it takes 10 seconds for me to be ready for sex, so i don’t get what’s taking her so long,” he said. sex cuts into other aspects of a man’s life, according to carroll. he cited difficulty in achieving his necessary nine hours of sleep when his girlfriend suddenly wants to fool around at midnight and he has to wake up for a 9 a.m. class. “she just doesn’t get it, man,” carroll lamented. carroll also enumerated the various ways in which his girlfriend’s “insatiable”

sex appetite was ruining his grades. “i have an essay for college Writing i due next week that i haven’t even started,” he said. he also had “at least” 10 math problems he needed to “really plow through.” not to mention all the expensive, emotional “bullshit” that comes with a sexual relationship. While not “super pissed” about all that stuff, carroll was “a little bit peeved” that he had to buy dinner and flowers. “the emotional stuff is the worst though,” said carroll, whose girlfriend purportedly tried to talk to him for over 10 minutes while he was pretending to fall asleep after sex. the Exponent asked alleged girlfriend Emma sausalito for an interview to present the woman’s side of the story.

When questioned about Valentine’s day, sausalito began to lay out a conspiracy in which hallmark cards, the hershey’s company and teleflora join forces once a year to profit off cards, candy and flowers, while single people “suffer at the hands of this corrupt capitalist-oriented holiday.”

But when pressed about her boyfriend, sausalito responded uncertainly to the request: “matt who? … i think there’s some kid in my writing class named matt who’s always staring at my breasts.”

board of regents cuts Funding for Technical programs Garrett smith a recent survey conducted by the montana Board of regents reported there has been a steady increase of students enrolled in humanities programs in the state. this rise has been matched by a sharp decrease in jobs available for those with technical degrees nationwide. angela arevalo, chairwoman of the board, commented on the trend. “We’ve over-saturated the job market,” she said.

“We’ve told kids they have to get degrees that they can do something with, but apparently society can’t handle that.” she went on to say that every job, save “artsy” ones, were effectively taken.

“We’ve decided to fund our humanities departments,” said board member tony Graham. “no other program is a good use of montana money.” Graham went on to say that the board would cut any programs like engineering and physics that were “pointless and superfluous.”

CLARENCE MJORK'S APOCRYPHA clarence mjork’s cold remedies cold season is here. the sounds of sniffles and coughs fill the air. it’s the time of year when you realize which bathrooms have paper towels and which ones have only hand-driers, forcing you to wait for someone to leave a stall just so you can blow your nose with toilet paper. But as you stay in bed, watching more than your fair share of netflix and drinking Emergenc, take this into consideration: clarence mjork’s Top 5 things to do while you fight off your cold. #5: don’t watch netflix all day. you may be tempted to snuggle up to your laptop in bed with your favorite tV series, but as you drift in and out of a cough-syrupinduced consciousness, constantly watching a show will have negative

as a result, msu’s history, philosophy and similar programs have had vast increases in funding. however, funding for technical degrees has gone down. the engineering program has been forced to fire professors and increase lecture size. “its not fair to students,” said myles Grogan, an engineering professor. “Just because we don’t teach something that stimulates the economy doesn’t mean we don’t have worth.” he added that engineering is a part of culture that people should learn.

“We wanted to add a biomedical engineering degree this year but were unable,“ Grogan said. “the regents refused to add anything that did not directly create jobs.”

“We would recommend that students

effects. the lines of reality will blur, and it is doubtful that your professor will accept an essay about the Walking dead. #4: drink fluids, but not beer. i know you may be on the mend and believe you can socialize, but do the rest of campus a favor and keep your germs out of the beer-pong gene flow. also, i heard once that not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol while you’re sick increases your recovery time. sounds legit. #3: here’s another possibly made up fact: coming up with things to do while you’re sick is hard. #2: this fact isn’t made up: Posting on Facebook about how much it sucks to have a cold will not make you better.

Writing a letter to your older relatives however, will. you’ll be happy you accomplished something, and they’ll be happy to hear from you and will probably send you a care package. #1: take a shower. this is less for you and more for the rest of us. When you finally crawl out of your hole and throw on some sweatpants to venture out for more medicine, it’d be nice if we couldn’t actually see the layer of bed funk on you. thanks.

enroll in the humanities,” Graham said. “that’s the only chance that they have.”

Enrollment in the humanities has skyrocketed at msu. one transfer from the physics department, Philip mcclain, explained the difficulty of changing to philosophy. “the professor keeps throwing Latin terms on the board,” he said. “it’s like he expects me to read.” he added, “i don’t feel as if we are getting anything accomplished.”

Failure rates in the department of history and Philosophy have increased by 80 percent. “those old technical students just don’t seem to get it,” said colin mann, a philosophy professor. “i will assign a five-page paper and all i get back is a diagram.”

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

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THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

Calendar February 16 through 29

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

Thursday

February 16 WHAT: MSU Association of Retired Faculty lecture, “Hands-on, Active Learning, Six sessions Lobbying in the Montana Legislature” WHERE: Byker Auditorium WHEN: 4 P.M. COST: N/A WHAT: Lab Safety and Hazard Communication Session WHERE: 1160 Research Drive WHEN: 11 P.M. to noon

WHAT: “The Vagina Monologues” WHERE: The Procrastinator Theatre

WHAT:

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Fri. Feb. 17 and Feb. 18 COST: $5 for all attendees

WHERE: The Filling Station

Wednesday Februar y 22 WHAT: Jeremy Morton: Americana Acoutic Guitar WHERE: Starky’s Authentic Americana WHEN: 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. COST: N/A

COST: N/A

Friday

February 17 WHAT: “The Understudy” WHERE: Black Box Theater WHEN: 7:30 p.m, and also on Feb. 18, 24 and 25 COST: $10 for students $12 for adults

Wednesday Februar y 29

Monday

Februar y 27 WHAT: Tunnel of Oppression WHERE: Strand Union Bldng.

WHEN: 11 A.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 9 P.M. Also same times on February 28 COST: N/A, contact the MSU Diversity Awareness Office at 994-5801 to reserve space for a tour

Futurebird’s Black Diamond Tour

WHEN: 9 P.M. COST: N/A

WHAT: Jawbone Railroad: Toe Tappin’ Blue Grass WHERE: Starky’s Authentic Americana WHEN: 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. COST: N/A

GENERAL NOTICE:

Sizzlin’ Salsa class are now Mondays at Santa Fe Red’s downtown location.

CLASSIFIEDS for sale “Expand the Band” - $10/raffle ticket – Chance to win $500.00 travel voucher – Drawing on 2/27/2012 at Basketball game – All proceeds support Spirit of the West Marching Band – Donations Welcome! wanted Female Model Wanted - $100/hr - Fine Art Figure Photography - email faceshot to Julia at jkern@bresnan.net or call with questions at 406-570-8653. wanted 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 5708653 for more information. volunteering Volunteer tutors needed: Make a difference in the life of a child through MSU America Reads*America Counts! Flexible schedule, gain great experience! More info: www.montana.edu/community or email: msuamericareads@gmail.com employment The Nature Conservancy’s Pine Butte Guest Ranch in Choteau, Montana, is currently hiring seasonal staff for positions for the summer of 2012. We are looking for qualified, friendly folks to fill positions as kitchen staff, wranglers, wrangler/naturalists, naturalists, and in guest services. To see complete job descriptions and apply, please visit www.nature.org/careers and complete an online application by March 11, 2012. For more information, call 406-466-2158.

THE ASMSU EXPONENT |February 16, 2012

ASMSU Exit Gallery Presents: “Bray Days”

by The Archie Bray Foundation

The exhibition will be displayed in the Exit Gallery February 20th through March 9th. Bray artists Nick Bivins and Lindsay Pichaske will visit MSU for a day of demonstrations and lectures on Wednesday, February 22nd in the MSU ceramics studio, Haynes 108. There will be demonstrations from 9-12 and 1-4 pm, as well as a slide lectures during the afternoon session. That evening there will be a reception at 5:00 pm. All events are free and open to the public.

Steve Lee

Kenyon Hansen Nick Bivins

Lindsay Pichaske

Lindsay Pichaske The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts is a public, nonprofit, educational institution in Helena, MT founded in 1951 by brick maker Archie Bray. Its primary mission is to provide an environment that stimulates creative work in ceramics and is internationally recognized as a gathering place for emerging and established ceramic artists. Each spring the MSU Ceramics Guild and the Exit Gallery collaborate in the organization of “Bray Days”, an exhibition which brings a selection of ceramic work by resident artists of the Archie Bray to MSU. The exhibition includes a variety of ceramic work from functional pottery to sculpture that often incorporates mixed media and this year will highlight two visiting artists. Featured artist Nick Bivins makes highly functional pottery with a modern, minimal aesthetic. Bivins says his work is “utilitarian pottery using a precise, clean and efficient geometric language,” and he “maintains an obsessive interest in looking for a personal definition of the perfectly handmade.” Lindsay Pichaske works more as a ceramic sculptor, creating animal forms out of inanimate materials that rely on touch to take shape, like clay, string, and hair. Pichaske is propelled by a desire to create a believable sense of life and is able to encompass intersections of the familiar and strange, beautiful and repugnant and the human and animal within her work.

The Exit Gallery is located in SUB 212. For more information please contact ASMSU Arts and Exhibits at 406.994.1828 or asmsuexhibits@montana.edu.

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False Fun Facts about our Presidents YOU CAN ONLY BELIEVE THEM IF YOU WANT.

Ben Franklin actually Abraham Lincoln coined the phrase "Live wouldn't get off his Long and Prosper." phone in the theatre.

George W. Bush locked himself out of the Oval Office fifteen times during his presidency.

Theodore Roosevelt ate raw bear liver for breakfast every day.

George H. Bush voted for John Kerry.

Grover Cleveland employed a personal mustache wrangler.

George Washington is buried under the U.S. Capitol.

Barack Obama is not a natural-born citizen of the United States

Comic

Concept and llustration by Tammi Heneveld

Travis’ attempts at using flirtatious President’s Day trivia during the Mardi Gras party proved to be unsuccessful.

“I don’t think so, honey — not unless you can tell me the four pillars of Reagan’s economic policy!”

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.

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