Oct. 7, 2009

cm-life.com | to be down 12 to 2 a.m. thursday | pizza stories A day in the life of a delivery man, 1B

cross country| Sudan distance runner displaced from nation when 13, 7A

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

Central Michigan Life

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

External sound systems OK’d for tailgate SGA President Nichol: ‘The students stood up’

By Jake May and Jake Bolitho Senior Reporters

The ban on external sound systems in the student tailgate lot is lifted.

Central Michigan University officials will amend the tailgating procedures to allow students to use external sound systems, which will start at 8:30 a.m. with Saturday’s tailgate

in Lot 63 before the football game against Eastern Michigan.

All other tailgating expectations remain unchanged.

Athletics Director Dave Heeke said the sound systems will have to adhere to certain requirements pertaining to emergency situations. He said the restriction on sound systems originated because emergency personnel could not communicate in the lot in previous years.

“We’ll work with emergency personnel as long as we know students will be supportive and turn their

systems off when we need it most,” Heeke said. “It will be responsibly enforced, but it’s not a hard-fast rule just yet.”

A joint statement was released Thursday from Interfraternity Council President Brandyn Lawson, CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley, Heeke and Student Government Association President Jason Nichol.

Yeagley said vehicles with external sound systems will be placed in specific locations, and security will notify those individuals in advance regarding what to do in an emergen-

cy situation. He said the amendment appears to be a good compromise.

“This was an area that people had some concern,” Yeagley said. “Let’s give it a try.”

Student committee University officials are working with a student ad-hoc committee formed by Nichol to ensure there is greater communication and understanding of tailgating expectations in Lot 63.

Food relay shows spirit with gusto

A tailgate | 5a

Parking passes w Vehicles with external sound systems must be registered w Those with sound systems must set them up three-and-a-half hours prior to kickoff. w Parking passes go on sale 8 a.m. Thursday at the Athletic Ticket Office w Passes are $6 each

H1N1 vaccines and more flu shots on the way

By Joe Albrecht Staff Reporter

The H1N1 vaccine will be offered free to certain students in a few weeks at Central Michigan Health Department.

Students 24 years or younger with no insurance are eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine for free, said Dr. Robert Graham, medical director at Central Michigan District Health Department, located at 2012 E. Preston Ave. The mid-Michigan area is waiting on shipments of the H1N1 vaccine and more seasonal flu shots. H1N1 vaccines should arrive in Mount Pleasant in about two to three weeks, Graham said.

“People from 6 months of age to 24 years old are considered part of the high priority group that should get the H1N1 vaccine,” he said. photos by neil blake/staff photographer

Grosse Pointe Park junior Stephen Repicky slurps up whipped cream while being cheered on by his Thorpe Hall teammates Tuesday evening in Finch Fieldhouse for the food relay, a Homecoming event where teams could earn points for the Maroon Cup and Golden Goblet.

Barnes Hall, Beta Theta Pi/ Delta Phi Epsilon win contest

By Randi Shaffer | Staff Reporter

W

hat do hot dogs, HoHos and hungry students have in common?

A sense of Central Michigan University pride.

The Chippewa Food Relay took place Tuesday in Finch Fieldhouse as a part of CMU’s Homecoming Week events.

Two rows of seven tables ran down the middle of Room 110, each holding a particular food item.

Hemlock sophomore Jamie Hockemeyer, right, eats a piece of cornbread while being cheered on by Merrill Hall Council teammate Warren senior Mike Mueller Tuesday during the food relay in Finch. Out of all the food items in the relay, the cornbread took the longest for participates to eat.

A rally | 2A

[inside] NEWS w Library moving digitally, 3A

ahead

sports w Breakdown of the Mid-American Conference in football so far, 7A

campus vibe w Thorpe Hall, SRA win Quest for Central Spirit, 1B

CM-LIFE.com w Video on ‘Yell Like Hell’

weather w Rain showers High 57/ Low 41

A $15 vaccine Central Michigan Community Hospital, 1221 S. Drive, will offer the H1N1 vaccine for $15, said Darcie Van Dop, CMCH community relations specialist.

A mixture of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine nasal spray and injections for the H1N1 vaccine will be distributed nationwide. The LAIV is a weakened form of the virus sprayed into each nostril while the shot will consist of the inactivated virus.

“The safety and efficacy of the H1N1 vaccine is the same as the seasonal flu shot,” Graham said.

Not the same shot The H1N1 vaccine is meant to be used alongside the seasonal flu vaccine, according to the Center for

Information H1N1 vaccines available in two or three weeks: w Central Michigan District Health Department: Free for uninsured students 24 years old or younger w Central Michigan Community Hospital: $15 w University Health Services: Cost to be determined Seasonal flu shots: w Central Michigan Health Department: $30 w Central Michigan Community Hospital: $25 w University Health Services: $30 when shipment comes in

Disease Control.

On Sept. 24, University Health Services ran out of seasonal flu vaccine, said Steve Smith, director of public relations.

“Each year, when the manufacturer ships vaccines, they only ship partial orders,” Smith said. “As of now, they only have two-thirds of the order and are expecting the rest of the order by mid-October.”

Normally, Health Services does not get the shipment until late September and administers vaccines until early October, but the manufacturer is reducing the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine, he said.

University Health Services also will offer the H1N1 vaccine when the shipment comes in, but the cost is not yet set, Smith said.

Seasonal flu shots are available at CMCH for $25, said Van Dop. university@cm-life.com

Comedy Central comedians, author to lecture in November Black, Showalter, Klosterman speaking in Plachta Auditorium

By Brad Canze Senior Reporter

Program Board has two high-profile speaking events planned for the month of November.

Comedians Michael Ian Black and Michael Showalter will lecture on making a comedy television show at 7 p.m.

Nov. 4 in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

Jo u r n a l i s t and author Chuck Klosterman will talk at 7 p.m. Nov. Michael Ian Black 30 in Plachta Auditorium. Both events are free and open to the public.

Program Board lecture chairwoman Nikki Burnstein said although Black and Showalter are not performing stand-up, their presentation will contain comedy.

“I thought it was interesting,

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because it’s a little different from a normal lecture, because they’re comedians,” the Farmington Hills junior said. Michael Showalter “But they’re promoting their tour as a lecture series, and they’ll be talking about what it’s like to make a TV show.”

Black and Showalter have appeared in MTV’s “The State,” the film “Wet Hot American Summer,” Comedy Central shows “Stella” and their current

ARE YOU CMU’S

“Michael and Michael Have Issues.”

“I’ve seen a lot about them on Comedy Central,” said Coordinator of Chuck Klosterman Student Activities Damon Brown. “They’re taking their act and turning it into a lecture, so that’s really interesting.”

Burnstein said she is expecting a large audience turnout for the comedians.

“It’s focusing on their show ‘Michael and Michael Have Is-

sues,’ and they’re going to go into the behind-the-scenes of what goes into making a comedy television show,” Burnstein said. “It’s in Plachta, so I would hope they have to open up the balcony for the show.”

The author Brown said although the Klosterman lecture has been planned for some time, the Black and Showalter lecture is a recent addition.

“We’ve had the Chuck Klosterman (lecture) booked, we’ve been working on that

A lecture | 2a

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2A || Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

LGBT group members discuss local issues

EVENTS CALENDAR TODAY

By Hilary Farrell Senior Reporter

w Homecoming Trivia Challenge will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Auditorium as a part of the quest for the Golden Goblet. w Poet Marie Howe is presenting a reading at 8 p.m. in the Baber Room of the Charles V. Park Library. w Michigan Story Festival Murals are on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first and third floors of Charles V. Park Library.

THURSDAY w The Make a Pitch Contest for potential entrepreneurs is hosted by CMU’s College of Business Administration at 5 p.m. in Grawn Hall Room 100. w CMU Homecoming Field Games will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. in Finch Fieldhouse Room 110 as a part of the Maroon Cup challenge. w “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen” will play at 8 p.m. in Pearce Hall Room 128. w Alumnus Jonathan Nichol will present a saxophone performance at 8 p.m. in the Staples Family Concert Hall in the Music Building.

Flint senior Will Calhoun said the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy has caused many service members to lose their jobs.

“The military won’t ask, but you can’t tell,” said the Central Michigan University representative for the Isabella County Human Rights Committee.

The policy was just one that area lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight-ally organizations discussed Monday in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium.

Important topics included the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the proposed federal Employment NonDiscrimination Act, the National Equality March this weekend in Washington, D.C. and local and state LGBT issues.

The Mount Pleasant Area Diversity Group and Chi Alpha came to show support.

Mid-Michigan Community College freshman Brandi Matthews a member of Chi Alpha, a campus Christian organization member, said supporting diversity is important.

“We’re a Christian ministry group, but we don’t judge,” Matthews said. “Everyone is welcome.”

The panel spoke about local issues, including Mount Pleasant’s lack of a non-discrimination ordinance. The

lecture| continued from 1A

Corrections

since the summer,” Brown said. “Then the Showalter and Ian Black one, they just started touring. That’s one that just kind of fell into our laps. We really wanted to get them in this semester — it was a great opportunity to bring folks of that caliber to campus.”

Klosterman has written for

Central Michigan Life has a long-standing commitment to fair and accurate reporting.

It is our policy to correct factual errors. Please e-mail news@cm-life.com. © Central Michigan Life 2009 Volume 91, Number 20

www.cm-life.com

[News]

ordinance was proposed to the City Commission in April, County Commissioner James Moreno said.

Young power Lewis said the current generation of young people has the power to demand change.

“This generation gets it for the most part,” Lewis said.

“This group understands it’s all about equality.”

Working toward equality is something the nation is capable of, Dotson said.

“I feel that we are in a time when true equality for every American is plausible, possible and passable in the U.S. Congress,” he said.

In order for this to happen, he said, members of the LGBT community, as well as straight allies and others, must come forward and speak up.

The passing of ENDA also is essential.

“Through ENDA comes everything else,” Dotson said.

Duane Breijak, a member of the Michigan Democratic Party’s LGBT and Straight Allies Caucus and the organizer for Michigan participation in Sunday’s march in Washington, D.C., said the march hopes to incorporate all 435 United States congressional districts.

Participants will march at noon Sunday and will rally until 5 p.m., Breijak said. studentlife@cm-life.com

Spin and Esquire magazines and is author of the books “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto.” and the upcoming “Eating The Dinosaur.”

“He’s an author, and I thought it was an interesting (lecture),” Burnstein said. “It’s a very opinionated thing, and it’s very interesting to hear people’s views on life and pop culture and things like that.” studentlife@cm-life.com

www.CentralReviewMagazine.org

We Want Your

Writing!

The Central Review is once again accepting fiction, art,creative non-fiction and poetry submissions for the Fall semester magazine.

WEATHER FORECAST Today

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

40 percent chance of precipitation

High 49/Low 32 Rain showers

rally | continued from 1A

“It’s kind of like a relay with food,” said Midland sophomore Erin McCann.

McCann, a food relay competition assistant and Homecoming Committee reception coordinator, said various organizations participated in the event.

“We have everything from Greek to student organizations like Program Board and On the Fly, and then we have (Residence) Halls,” she said.

The goal of the relay was for every team to make its way down each of the seven tables, finishing its food of choice, checking out with a Homecoming ambassador and then signaling the next teammate to start eating with a high-five.

Homecoming Committee co-chairwoman and St. Clair Shores senior Danielle Leone was thrilled with the turnout.

“There’s a lot of people here,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. Everyone who came is very enthusiastic.”

The results Barnes Hall won the event in the Maroon Cup category with a time of seven minutes and 45 seconds. Thorpe Hall took second place and Larzelere Hall placed third.

In the Golden Goblet category, the combination team of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and Beta Theta Pi fraternity tied for first with the Asian Cultural Organization for their time of seven minutes and 41 seconds. The Student Recreation Association took second place and Phi Mu sorority placed third.

EVYh

VIDEO Visit the Web site for video coverage on “Yell Like Hell.”

40 percent chance of precipitation

High 60/Low 47 Rain showers

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online media

30 percent chance of precipitation

High 57/Low 41 Rain showers

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However, there is more to Homecoming events than the scores. Plymouth freshman Adam Ketcherside and Grayling freshman Jake Myers said the competitions are not always about winning.

Fully decked out in maroon and gold, the pair spent their evening rotating between competing and cheering for Robinson Hall.

“There’s a lot of spirit — people cheering other groups on,” Ketcherside said.

Myers agreed.

“Everybody really just cheers

everybody else on,” he said.

“It’s not really much of a competition.”

Both students did admit they enjoyed the food.

“I love food,” Ketcherside said. “I’m eating the hot dog.”

Bay City Sophomore Amie Turner enjoyed her quick snack of cornbread and the chance to show off her CMU spirit.

“It tasted really good, but it was like sandpaper going down,” she said, brushing crumbs off her shirt. studentlife@cm-life.com

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The Central Review is a student literary magazine published once a semester and is open to all CMU graduate and undergraduate students.

THE WINNERS WILL EARN A

All Submissions

CASH

02):% DEADLINE:

will automatically be considered for our Student Writing Contest.

There will be a $100 prize for poetry & prose.

All Submissions All submissions must be electronically submitted by the date below, to the Central Review website. Website: www.centralreviewmagazine.org (Winner cannot be employed by Student Publications).

-ONDAY /CTOBER TH s 0Complete Instructions at www.centralreviewmagazine.org For More Information, Email the Editors at

toste1rb@cmich.edu

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

Park Library shifting emphasis to digital media Despite online move, spending continues to increase

7,493 made some kind of transaction within the library — approximately onethird.

There are 40,439 people affiliated with the university who are eligible for a library account.

By Darnell Gardner Staff Reporter

The Charles V. Park Library has altered its budgets to transition to digital media as more students look online for information.

“There’s a big reassignment of budgetary materials — I guess you could say this about all colleges and universities — to these electronic materials,” said Associate Dean of Libraries Richard Cochran.

“Increasingly, what students are looking for are articles instead of books, and what we do attempt to do is subscribe to online databases.”

Cochran said between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009, of the 21,131 students and faculty who activated their accounts,

Higher spending Even though much library use is moving online, Dean of Libraries Thomas Moore said the library’s spending is increasing.

“In general, we’re spending more money than we ever have,” Moore said. “This year, we’re going to spend about $4 million, and that’s about $11,000 every day of the year if you average it out.”

According to the 2009-10 Operating Budget, the library is expecting to spend $4,379,190 in supplies and equipment.

Of that, $199,706 is allocated for pre-approved books and $831,263 is for discretionary books, which are books brought to the library that are found throughout

the year, Cochran said. The library also spends $58,000 a year on shipping and handling.

Muskegon junior Kelly Lyons said she has not checked out a book for work or leisure at all since she has been at Central Michigan University.

“I just usually go on the articles on the library’s Web site — I never actually look at the books,” Lyons said. “I’m not one of those go-to-the-library-to-check-outa-book kind of people. My classes never required it.”

Library still useful Moore said while spending is rising, the number of academic journals the library subscribes to is decreasing because material costs have gone up 75 percent.

He said despite costs, students and faculty can still rely on the library when they need access to journals.

“On demand or request, we can usually get what our faculty and students want,”

Moore said. “For books or journals that are not used very heavily, often it’s more prudent and sensible not to buy them, but to get them from some other library or information provider.”

After last year’s checkouts being the lowest since 2005, the 2009 fiscal year checkouts increased by 9,255 ­— to 85,814 from 76,559.

New Baltimore freshmen Ryan Prystash thinks books are one of the major draws of the library.

“They’re an excellent source of information,” Prystash said. “Even if I don’t check them out, it’s good to know that they’re there if I need them. Google’s good for a quick fact but, if you want to get in depth, then it’s better to have books.”

The library projects its book purchases between fiscal years 2009 and 2010 will increase by 43 books — to 10,087 from 10,034. university@cm-life.com

Facebook translation makes some skeptical

By Theresa Clift Staff Reporter

A Facebook | 5A

photos by chris bacarella/staff photographer

Linwood sophomore Kristiana Boutell works on devouring eight yogurt containers in two minutes during a yogurt eating contest held by Zeta Tau Alpha sorority Tuesday afternoon in front of the Charles V. Park Library.

Yogurt for a cause Eating contest uses lids to donate to breast cancer foundation

By Sherri Keaton | Senior Reporter

T

hey only had two minutes.

Seven Central Michigan University students rapidly gulped, chewed and almost regurgitated several containers of yogurt.

This yogurt eating contest was all for a cause, however — to educate students on breast cancer through awareness and the donation of yogurt lids.

Tuesday afternoon in front of the Charles V. Park Library, the yogurt eating contest took place to increase knowledge about October’s designation as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The event was one of several activities Zeta Tau Alpha sorority is holding in October. Nebraska senior and Zeta Tau Alpha philanthropy chair Sarah Boyer said the contest went well.

By Joe Borlik Senior Reporter

For Kyle Bolen, sports is life.

For more than three years, Bolen, a physical education and sport instructor, has been the strength and conditioning coach for multiple sports at Central Michigan University.

Before coming to CMU, he served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Altoona Curve, the Double-A

Looking to spend an hour in someone else’s shoes and learn what life is like for someone else? “Culture Shock,“ from 7 to 8 p.m. today in the Bovee University Center Chippewa Room, will educate students on that topic.

The Multicultural Greek Council is hosting the event.

Zumba time

Do you like to dance? Do you like Latin music? If so, you can attend the free “Zumba Revisited” workout session at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Bovee University Center Rotunda Room.

For more information, contact mss@cmich.edu.

Active Minds

Active Minds’ next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Anspach Hall Room 167. The group discusses issues concerning mental health on the college campus. The meeting will organize the new direction for Active Minds at Central Michigan University. Students, staff and faculty are welcome. For more information, contact Morgan at monte1ma@cmich.edu or activemindscmu@gmail.com.

affiliate minor league baseball team of the Pittsburgh Pirates based out of Altoona, Pa. Strength and conditioning coaches bear many responsibilities, including assisting athletes with training and making sure they stay healthy, he said.

But Bolen said he needed the occasional day off.

He coached the team from December to August of the 2006 season and said from the end of February to August, he did not get a single day off.

“I miss traveling with the team,” he said. “But I don’t miss the 13-hour-days and eight-hour bus rides.”

Zeta Tau Alpha is collecting Yoplait pink top yogurt lids to support its philanthropy, the Susan G. Coleman Breast Cancer Foundation. Yoplait donates 10 cents to the foundation for every pink lid that is turned in.

“Our main focus is to get awareness (because), when people see the yogurt eating contest, they wonder what is going on and why,” she said.

Boyer said breast cancer has hit home to every Zeta Tau Alpha girl because a few of the girls’ mothers were directly affected by breast cancer.

Lid donations Yoplait donated 10 cases of yogurt to the sorority, with each case containing 12 yogurts and, with every yogurt lid, 10 cents will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

A yogurt | 5a

College conditioning At CMU, Bolen oversees

Check the Web site for the complete story.

university@cm-life.com

Hunting Accident

A bow hunter fell from his tree stand Sunday near Millbrook and Crawford roads in Union Township. Cory Zielinski, a Saginaw resident, sustained several injuries to his back and head and was unable to walk. Zielinski, 40, was not wearing a safety harness at the time of the accident. He was transported to Central Michigan Community Hospital for treatment.

There is a trivia challenge from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Bovee University Center Auditorium.

The challenge tests participants’ knowledge of different topics that relate to Central Michigan University and the Homecoming theme of adventure. For more information, contact Casey Booyinga at booyi1cj@cmich.edu.

Poetry reading

Poet Marie Howe will give a poetry reading from 8 to 9 p.m. today in the Charles V. Park Library Baber Room. The event is open to the public and is sponsored by the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Department of English Language and Literature. For more information, contact Matthew Roberson at rober1m@cmich.edu or call 7742585.

Sweetest Day Dance

cm-life.com

strength and conditioning for multiple sports, including field hockey, gymnastics, baseball and softball.

Tracy Olrich, the physical education and sport chairwoman, said Bolen is an instructor students will love.

“I enjoy working with him,” Olrich said. “He has a tremendous knowledge base that comes through very strong, and that’s a tremendous benefit.”

The Michigan Story Festival will offer storytelling in Mount Pleasant for the seventh consecutive year. This year is a one-day festival, Oct. 24, and there will be events throughout the week on campus leading up to it. A performance by Herbert Woodward Martin will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium, along with an Art Reach auction at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in the Industrial Engineering and Technology Building. The other events throughout the week are connected to the storytelling, said Cathy Hill, director of Art Reach of Mid Michigan.

With the exception of the Art Reach auction ($45), there is no charge for the events and presentations, according to the Web site. For more information, please call 773-3689 for tickets or 774-1885 or visit michiganstoryfestival.org.

Trivia Challenge

Coach spent time in minor leagues Kyle Bolen former conditioning, strength coach for Double-A baseball

Culture Shock

Michigan Story Festival

Professors unsure of learning new language via networking site

Want to read your friend’s wall posts on Facebook in French? You now can with the click of a button.

The popular social networking Web site now offers a new multilingual feature called Translations for Facebook Connect.

Translations for Facebook Connect, created Sept. 24, allows Web site designers to implant a Facebook login box on their Web site. By logging into their account, users can translate any Web site into another language using the Facebook service.

Central Michigan University foreign language students are willing to try the new feature and see how it can be helpful.

“I usually don’t use online translators because of all the mistakes, but I feel like this is more reliable because you are getting help from real people,” said Ashley Moore, Shelby Township sophomore and SPN 202: Intermediate Spanish II student.

Users can then post their results on their walls so their friends can vote on which translation is the most accurate. The idea is to avoid all the mistakes other translation Web sites often have.

Ishpeming freshman and FRN 101: Elementary French I student Mollie Anderson believes Translations for Facebook Connect can be helpful, especially if she had a lot of friends who spoke French on Facebook.

Although optimistic, she has some doubts about the idea.

“Honestly, I think it might be viewed as a joke,” Anderson said.

[Life in brief]

There will be a Sweetest Day Dance from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday at the Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway St. Attendees can dance in a smokeand alcohol-free environment with live music and refreshments, and receive 45 minutes of dance instruction. Admission is $10 per person. For more information, contact the program coordinator, Kathryn Doran-Fisher, at nite-mtp@localnet.com, or 7731714 or visit the Web site at nitemtp.com. jeff smith/staff photographer

Ann Arbor sophomore Kevin Lyons looks up at instructor Kyle Bolen on Sept. 17 at the Student Activity Center weight room. Kyle Bolen was a trainer for the Altoona Curve baseball team, a Double-A minor league affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, from February 2005 until August 2006, when he was hired at CMU.

David Veselenak, Managing Editor | news@cm-life.com | 989.774.4343

If you have an interesting item for Life in Brief, let us know by e-mailing news@cm-life.com

voices

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

– The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Central Michigan Life

4A Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

[cm-life.com/category/voices]

Brian Manzullo, Editor

in

Chief | Will Axford, Voices Editor | Matthew Stephens, Presentation Editor | Lindsay Knake, Metro Editor | David Veselenak, Managing Editor

EDITORIAL | Oncampus parking not as big of a problem as students make it out to be

Using other routes

parking lots are filled and times when they are empty. Usually, the pattern follows class schedules.

Leave a couple minutes early before class in order to beat the crowd.

Central Michigan University is a unique campus specifically designed for pedestrians. It takes students no longer than 15 minutes to walk from one point on campus to anywhere else on campus. Students may have to park a little further away from their class than originally anticipated, but not to the extent that they should complain.

Isabella County Transportation Commission buses are constantly driving from local apartments to campus. Students can save themselves the hassle of fighting for a parking spot by catching a ride on the bus. Plus, the bus ride gives students a chance to meet new people and escape from the stresses of class, even if it is just for a few minutes. The best part is students don’t have to pay fare every time they get

P

arking on campus is not always an easy task.

Lots fill up and fighting for the perfect spot can be a daily battle.

That being said, there is enough parking on campus for everyone with parking passes. Despite these miniscule problems, students have no reason to complain about parking on campus.

Students need to be better prepared when it comes to parking on campus and not depend on their favorite spot every day.

In order to park on campus, students have to pay for a pass.

Students living on campus have to pay $150 and commuters have to pay $175. It is not cheap and it can be frustrating to find a spot.

However, just because parking

is available to students does not mean instant gratification should be expected. There are other solutions to the frustrations of parking on campus instead of complaining to the administration.

There are certain times when

on the bus.

Students also can car pool to campus, saving money on parking passes and gas. It also cuts down on emissions.

Compare the luxuries CMU students, especially freshmen and commuters, get in comparison to colleges such as Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Many students attending those universities can only dream of getting a parking spot near their classrooms.

We agree there are a lot of issues on campus that need to be addressed. The parking situation is not one of them. It is a minor detail that students should adjust to if they are not happy with scrambling for a parking spot.

Try coming to campus earlier.

Carpool. Take the bus. Park somewhere else and take a walk.

Parking is not as big of a problem as you might think.

ROSS KITTREDGE [CARTOON]

Michael L. Hoffman Columnist

Communication key to students The Oct. 1 deadline for applications for the job of Central Michigan University President has passed.

CMU administrators and Trustees say they are going to do their best to name Interim President Kathy Wilbur’s successor by Jan. 1, 2010.

Last week, the Presidential Screening Committee held an open forum for students to come and voice their opinions about what they wanted to see in CMU’s next president.

Several issues were addressed by the students, such as education requirements, diversity, whether the next university president will understand the economic situation in Michigan. and more The idea that got the most attention from the attendees was that the president should engage in the use of social media to keep the students up-to-date about what is going on within the administration.

One student suggested a Twitter or Facebook account, using those services not only keep to the students informed, but also to let them know about forums and meetings that.

Another student offered the idea of a President’s Blog on the CMU Website , keeping everybody updated on university activities on a regular basis.

But the student body should remember that communication must be reciprocated.

One committee member said that former President Michael Rao was discouraged when he held town hall style meetings and only a handful of students chose to attend.

If the next president is to have effective communication with us, the student body needs to show him or her that we are worth their time and effort by showing up to meetings.

We cannot expect the next president to put the time in if we are not willing to do the same.

CMU has a great collection of students and it is our job to pick up some of the slack, and help forge the bridge between the student body and the administration.

[our readers’ voice]

The decaying of student housing As a college student in Mount Pleasant, Mich., I rent housing from company contractors or private contractors. As a home renter with a private contractor, I must say that I am absolutely appalled by not only my landlord, but by the city itself for the seriously diminishing standards of what is considered “habitable housing.”

In a pamphlet titled “Living in Mt. Pleasant,” the city states that it is within the landlord responsibilities to “provide the tenant with a clean, healthful and safe dwelling.” Furthermore, the landlord is obligated to “maintain the dwelling and its area in a clean, safe and sanitary condition”.

Upon the beginning of my lease, I was living in a home that had raw sewage in the basement.

It contained no functioning fire alarms and had no screens on many of the windows. The house

also contained an abundant amount of garbage in and around the house.

If these conditions are what the city considers to be “clean, safe and sanitary,” I fear for the health and safety of students.

When I approached my landlord about the sewage on my basement floor, I was simply told, “I can not handle it tonight.”

Upon inspection from a private plumber that evening, I was told that the house contained health code violations. I was told my roommate and I were putting our personal health at risk by staying in the house.

While the problem was fixed, it has reoccurred. The house in which I reside had human waste on the floor for four days without attention from the landlord or plumber. As for the other numerous damages and disgusting aspects of the house, I am still awaiting reply from my landlord as to when they will be dealt with.

It seems to be the case that landlords who rent to college stu-

dents are simply taking advantage of them. Yes, college students often have no other choice than to rent out these clearly uninhabitable homes.

We as students are forced to pay astronomical rent prices for homes that are subpar and often filthy.

It is a disgrace that the city inspects every house yearly to ensure student safety, yet homes such as mine remain standing.

It is time for students to take a stand; we must demand higher standards from our landlords and our city. Landlords such as mine are using these low standards to do bare-minimum upkeep on the homes and essentially rob students of their money.

It is time for a change, and it is time for the students to exercise their renter’s rights and ensure that future students are not obligated to rent housing from these criminal landlords.

Alexandra Kopack Livonia Senior

C M Y o u |What homecoming event are you most looking forward to?

Central Michigan Life Editorial Brian Manzullo, Editor in Chief David Veselenak, Managing Editor Matthew Stephens, Presentation Editor Eric Dresden, Student Life Editor Lindsay Knake, Metro Editor Sarah Schuch, University Editor Andrew Stover, Sports Editor Tim Ottusch, Assistant Sports Editor Ashley Miller, Photo Editor Will Axford, Voices Editor Caitlin Wixted, Lead Designer Advertising Lindsey Reed, Katie Sidell Advertising Managers Carly Schafer, Shawn Wright Multi-Media Marketing Coordinators Professional staff Rox Ann Petoskey, Production Leader Kathy Simon, Assistant Director of Student Media Neil C. Hopp, Adviser to Central Michigan Life

Hilary Farrell Senior Reporter

An unequal union Love and marriage is not defined by gender nor religion My secret ambition has always been to become famous so I can throw a national headline fight about why “marriage” is just between a man and a woman.

I do this in everyday life, but I am not nearly famous enough to make an impact.

I believe anyone who falls in love and wants to make a lifetime commitment should be given the same societal rights and privileges that many of us (see: straight) take for granted.

The Defense of Marriage Act, the current federal go-to rule for same-sex marriage, gives individual states the right to decide what happens when people fall in love. Four states currently allow people to commit their lives to another.

Michigan is not one of them.

This is not equality.

The argument for civil unions is not equal. Civil unions are only allowed in a handful of states. The limited rights and protections do not extend past state lines.

Domestic partnerships are not equality. Recognizing a relationship, but not endorsing it socially or allowing it to have legal rights and privileges, is not equality. Every time I yell and scream about this and send out massive alerts on Facebook, I eventually hit the same wall.

Marriage is between a man and woman because religion said so.

The religious argument is old and wrong, and I am sick of hearing about it. It is inappropriate and embarrassing that we as a people consistently argue faith but forget humanity.

People are gay. People are lesbian or bisexual. People identify with a sex they were not born with, just as some people enjoy playing vinyl records and others download music digitally.

If I love someone, I expect to be allowed into their hospital room if they are dying. If I love someone, I expect to have children. I expect to use their healthcare plan and I expect my employer to allow my partner on mine.

These are basic rights and expectations we in the straight community take for granted.

Nobody is going to walk into my wedding and tell me it is not recognized.

Nobody is going to tell me I cannot visit my dying spouse.

Nobody is going to tell me the way I feel is wrong. Nobody discourages my first kiss, just as nobody discourages my first love or the first time I had sex.

Our society simultaneously encourages and discourages love.

Love is not built on such strict restraints, just as music is about a feeling and not about which format you found it through.

[letters to the editor]

“Tailgating.

I like hanging with my friends before the game.”

Jennifer Gallaher,

Mount Pleasant senior

“I’m looking forward to the game because I haven’t been to one yet. I’ve heard they’re a lot of fun.”

“Meeting the alumni (who are) coming back for my sorority. It’s an honor.”

“The game.

Central’s off to a great season.

Hopefully they keep it up.”

Morgan Gerich,

Tom Muenzer-White,

Novi freshman

Lansing senior

Jerry Loyselle,

Breckenridge freshman Kaitlin Thorne/staff photographer

Central Michigan Life is the independent voice of Central Michigan University and is edited and published by students of Central Michigan University every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and every Wednesday during the summer.

The online edition (www.cm-life.com) contains all of the material published in print.

Central Michigan Life is is under the jurisdiction of the independent Student Media Board of Directors. Articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect the position or opinions

of CMU or its employees.

Central Michigan Life is a member of the Michigan Press Association, the Michigan Collegiate Press Association, the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Newspaper Business & Advertising Managers Association.

Central Michigan Life’s operations are totally funded from revenues through advertising sales. Editions are distributed free throughout the community and individuals are entitled

to one copy. Each copy has an implied value of 75 cents.

Non-university subscriptions are $1 per mailed edition. Copies of photographs published in Central Michigan Life or its online edition (www.cm-life.com) are available for purchase at http://reprints.cm-life.com Central Michigan Life’s editorial and business offices are located at 436 Moore Hall, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, telephone 774-3493.

E-mail | voices@cm-life.com Mail | 436 Moore Hall Mount Pleasant, MI 48859 Fax | 989.774.7805 Central Michigan Life welcomes letters to the editor and commentary submissions. Only correspondence that includes a signature (e-mail excluded), address and phone number will be considered. Do not include attached documents via email. Letters should be no longer than 300 words and commentary should not exceed 500 words. All submissions are subject to editing and may be published in print or on www.cm-life.com in the order they are received.

www.cm-life.com

[News]

tailgate| continued from 1A

Nichol said the committee is looking at other possible amendments to the policies, but its primary focus at this time involves the ban on external sound systems.

“The students stood up,” said Nichol, a Mount Pleasant senior. “We hope (this change) will draw the majority of the fraternities and sororities back.

It will also draw more people away from Main Street. One of the unique parts about CMU is that tailgating culture, (and Athletics) has been really receptive to the student input.”

SGA Vice President Brittany Mouzourakis, a Garden City senior, said such a committee is formed whenever there is a pressing issue on campus — in

chris bacarella/staff photographer

Barnes Hall residents perform a cheer during the Homecoming Week event “Yell Like Hell.” Residence Halls and other registered student organizations performed a cheer about their hall to earn points toward the Maroon Cup.

Barnes Hall earns points for ‘Yelling Like Hell’

By Maryellen Tighe Staff Reporter

“Watch as our adventure unfolds, we want hearts of maroon and gold.”

That was how Team New Towers tied together its theme of Mario with CMU spirit and the Homecoming theme of ‘The Adventure Continues’ in Tuesday’s Yell Like Hell competition.

Yell Like Hell is a spirit competition that parallels cheerleading. Teams compete with self-made cheers to see who has the most energy, creativity and spirit.

The winner of the Maroon Cup groups was Barnes Hall.

Dansville freshman Amber Cummings joined the team because she loves cheerleading.

“And because Barnes Hall is amazing,” she said.

The winning teams earned points toward the Maroon Cup or the Golden Goblet.

“I just love the enthusiasm and energy that CMU has,” said Milford junior Jennifer Slack.

Taking second was Larzelere Hall with a ‘Where the Wild Things Are’-themed cheer, while the Calkins/ Trout team came in third.

Team pride Beta Theta Pi choose to participate in Homecoming as part of the Chapter of Excellence Competition to not only show Homecoming spirit, but compete for the Chapter of Excellence Award given out annually by the Office of Student life.

“We could have volunteered for an event, but we choose to compete,” said Dowagiac senior John Klapchuk.

The joint team of Beta Theta Pi and Delta Phi Epsilon won the competition for Golden Goblet points. Beta Theta Pi won the Golden Goblet a few years ago, Klapchuk said.

Other winners for Golden Goblet were the Student Recreation Association in second and the Asian Cultural Organization in third.

“We always participate in

homecoming events we look forward to them,” said Warren senior Mai Thao, from the Asian Cultural Organization.

Many other students came to show pride for their residence halls.

“What we wanted to do was show Thorpe pride and

CMU pride,” said Lansing senior Jarrod Becht.

Each team had its own theme, from Team New Towers’ Mario theme to Robinson Hall’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles theme. studentlife@cm-life.com

yogurt| continued from 3A

Ric’s Food Center, 903 E. High St., also donated 10 individual yogurts, with members of Zeta Tau Alpha donating four yogurts each. A total of 350 yogurt lids were donated, Boyer said.

Commerce junior and Assistant to Recruitment chair Danielle Burke said the contestant winners will receive shirts, bags and gift certificates from Yoplait.

“We’re trying to get yogurt out there, too, because people eating yogurt is not always something you see in this type of contest,” Burke said.

The two winners of the

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 || 5A this case, tailgating.

To register a vehicle with an external sound system, individuals can pre-purchase a parking pass for Lot 63 and will be required to set up sound systems three-and-a-half hours before the start of the game.

A limited number of these parking passes will be available for sale at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Athletic Ticket Office for $6.

“We don’t have an exact number set on that,” Heeke said.

“We’re kind of being flexible to determine what works and what doesn’t. What we’ve done is expand the amount of time for tailgate to those with external sound systems, though.”

Individuals with sound system passes will receive early entry to Lot 63 — they are able to park at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

They will be moved to the front of the line to park. Heeke said either entrance to the lot can

be used; there is no preference.

No other tailgate procedures are changing, nor are they expected to change, Heeke said.

Other rules implemented by CMU include a six-beer or one pint of liquor limit per person, the creation of pedestrian checkpoints and an emergency lane.

“All of them are reasonable and sit within the mantra of providing a safe environment for students who attend,” Heeke said. “(This change) is something students are supportive of and will increase participation in the student lot.

“Quite frankly, students have the choice to tailgate, like any of our fans, wherever they want. But, the more students that come out, the better the atmosphere and overall experience becomes.”

contest were Linwood sophomore Kristiana Boutell and Kalamazoo senior Chad Murphy.

Murphy said he was glad to win.

“It was fun to do,” he said.

During the contest, Farmington Hills junior AnnMarie

Kramp looked on with curiosity and slight disgust, as thick yogurt dripped down the contestants’ chins and fingers.

“I’m pretty sure I’m not going to eat yogurt for a while,” Kramp said.

university@cm-life.com

university@cm-life.com

6A || Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

P l u m b i n g Up d a t e

Bathroom renovations cost $625,000 in Anspach, Foust halls Work replaces original piping

By Seth Nietering Staff Reporter

chris bacarella/staff photographer

Attorney Todd Levitt answers phone calls Tuesday afternoon at his 600 E. Broadway St. office. Levitt is an attorney who specializes in dealing with Central Michigan University students who have a variety cases that may be as minimal as traffic violations or as large as drug offenses.

Attorney enjoys college atmosphere Todd Levitt finds it easy to relate to students he represents

By Jake Bolitho Senior Reporter

Local attorney Todd Levitt only takes a certain kind of client.

Levitt represents CMU students almost exclusively at his practice at 600 E. Broadway St. “I enjoy being in a college town,” he said. “The students bring a lot of energy to this town, and it’s great being in that atmosphere.”

He originally worked in the Detroit area but, as a Central Michigan University graduate, the decision to return to Mount Pleasant made perfect sense.

Levitt said he can often relate to the students he represents and enjoys hearing about the aspirations they have. It was his own dream to be an attorney since the age of 16, and when it comes to his clients, he does not want them to think their own future is over after one offense.

“These students are working toward dreams and goals, places where I’ve already been,” he

facebook| continued from 3A

Used for teaching?

CMU foreign language professors have mixed emotions about the new feature.

“It could help to spread understanding and knowledge, but I’m very skeptical about it being used as a language tool for learning,” said assistant professor of foreign languages Amy Ransom, who teaches French. “I also have academic honesty concerns if it were used for help with an assignment for a class.”

However, Spanish instructor Cindy Espinosa said it is an excellent idea.

“Single-word translations are reliable from a dictionary or Web site but, when it comes to stringing the words together, it gets very complicated,” Espinosa said. “That’s where people can really help.”

Ransom and Espinosa feel unable to pass technical judg-

www.cm-life.com

[News]

said. “My representation has an impact on their future.”

Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith attended CMU with Levitt, and although the two were in rival fraternities — Sigma Phi Epsilon for Levitt and Sigma Pi for Smith — they remained friends afterward.

The fact that Levitt represents so many students fits his personality perfectly, Smith said.

“I’m sad that he’s not practicing law around here anymore, because he certainly livens up the practice of law whenever he’s around,” he said. “The last time that I saw him, he was still a kid at heart.”

Student specialty Larry Burdick, Isabella County prosecutor, also said Levitt’s representation of students seems to be working well for him.

“Certain attorneys have certain specialties,” he said.

“That’s where he gets a lot of his business from.”

In addition to being a successful attorney, Levitt also has proven himself to be quite enthusiastic when it comes to his other non-legal work, Smith said.

Levitt also has done broadcasting and publishing, in adment, however, because neither has tried the program yet.

“Who knows? It could turn

dition to working as a lawyer.

He was formerly the host of a radio show and cable television show in Detroit, is the founder of a legal newspaper, acted in an independent movie and even came close to being a contestant on “Survivor.”

Levitt said the majority of his cases involve alcohol-related offenses. He also represents students when it comes to traffic violations and the occasional drug offense. He is heading into a part of the year where there is a good chance he will see a lot of people in his office.

“A lot of the drinking takes place during the football season,” he said. “With pre-tailgating, tailgating and the parties afterwards, there’s a lot of arrests that take place as a result of those.”

He said one of his most bizarre cases involved a woman who was pulled over by a police officer on the road for a routine traffic stop. The woman proceeded to tell the officer she had a large amount of marijuana in her apartment, which resulted in her arrest.

“People laugh at that every time I tell the story,” Levitt said. metro@cm-life.com

out to be a great tool,” Ransom said. university@cm-life.com

A $625,000 plumbing renovation keeps the pipes flowing in two halls on campus.

The bathrooms in Anspach and Foust halls received renovations for repairs throughout the summer. Both halls received new water-conserving bathroom fixtures and dual flush toilets in the renovation.

Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Steve Lawrence said the domestic water replacement project was necessary.

The plumbing in Anspach prior to the recent renovations was installed in 1966, when the building opened.

“The pipes and plumbing were all original to the building. There were a lot of problems with the water flow,” Lawrence said.

Foust Hall, which opened in 1973, had one bathroom on the first and second floor remodeled to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act. Anspach received an instantaneous steam water heater to replace the old hot water storage tank.

Cathy Willermet, assistant professor of anthropology in Anspach Hall, approved of the remodeling.

“It’s nice to have working bathrooms,” Willermet said. “The dual flush saves water, which is very important.”

It was time The installation of water-efficient bathroom fixtures was not the prime motivator in remodeling the bathrooms.

Rick Kurtz, interim associate dean of the College of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, said it was time for the upgrade.

“The bathroom remodeling at Anspach Hall was

“Remodeling the bathrooms as part of the larger plumbing upgrade was efficient and caused the fewest disruptions to building occupants.”

Rick Kurtz, interim associate dean of the College

of Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences part of a larger plumbing upgrade occurring throughout the building. Over a period of more than 40 years, the plumbing in Anspach had become severely corroded,” Kurtz said. “The situation became so bad that insufficient water was reaching third-floor bathrooms.”

Anspach and Foust halls suffered from similar issues and received the same remedy. The domestic water lines in each building were conveniently replaced in the summer.

“Remodeling the bath-

Breakdown of costs w Anspach Hall: $350,000 w Foust Hall: $275,000

rooms as part of the larger plumbing upgrade was efficient and caused the fewest disruptions to building occupants,” Kurtz said. “We now have the good fortune of enjoying a reliable plumbing system and pleasant, environmentally friendly bathrooms.” university@cm-life.com

sports Central Michigan Life

7A

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

war torn nation

Riak Mabil left his homeland of Sudan and moved from Kenya to Michigan nine years ago. Now he’s one of the CMU cross counry team’s premiere runners...

Tim Ottusch Sports Editor

MAC stacking up Northern Illinois shaping to be toughest matchup

T

ashley miller/Photo editor

Senior Riak Mabil was born in Sudan, but was displaced to Kenya and eventually came to the United States as a refugee in 2000. He considers the role of his teammate, also from Southern Sudan, an influence in his decision to run Cross Country and Track for Central Michigan.

Running for

REFUGE

By Aaron McMann | Staff Reporter

R

iak Mabil will never forget the night of Dec. 19, 2000.

At the age of 13, Mabil, along with three of his siblings, arrived to the United States as refugees from northern Kenya.

“I remember it being very cold outside when I got here,” said the cross country and track and field athlete.

Mabil was born on Jan. 1, 1987, in the Duk village of the Jonglei state in southern Sudan, a nation torn ever since the early 1980s.

When Mabil was four years old, he was displaced following a clash between the northern and southern Sudanese governments.

“I don’t know how I made it out alive; I remember seeing someone get shot,” he said.

The government, in opposition of a coup attempt by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, led a massacre of Bor, the Jonglei state capital. The fighting left tens of thousands of civilians dead and thousands more the victims of famine.

“We only ate like once a day over the course of a couple months,” Mabil said.

A Riak | 8A

File photo

Senior Riak Mabil was a second-team All-MAC selection last season.

“Where I’m from is a place where little boys become men at a young age. I saw a lot of things a little child should have never seen.”

Riak Mabil, senior distance runner

OUTSIDE THE LINES | Meet freshman quarterback A.J. Westendorp

By Andrew Stover Sports Editor

Sports Editor Andrew Stover took a few minutes to talk to redshirt freshman quarterback A.J. Westendorp.

Andrew Stover: If you weren’t playing college football right now, what would you be doing and where would you be?

A.J. Westendorp: I’d probably be at some other college just going to school and trying to find something to do with my life, because football is a pretty big part of it right now.

AS: If there is an afterfootball, what do you want that to be? What are you majoring in and what do you plan on doing?

AW: I’m majoring in biomedical sciences and I know I want to be somewhere in the health field, not exactly sure where. International

health, possibly. There’s a lot of different branches of that.

AS: If I’m not mistaken, you were a 4.0 student in high school?

AW: Maybe true.

AS: How are the grades coming in college and how is the adjustment?

AW: It’s been good.

I think Holland Christian was a great high school and prepared me really well. Playing high school every season really helped me be ready for the time management that’s necessary here. It’s been fun, I like the little bit looser schedule in college and being able to be a little late for class sometimes (laughs).

AS: How do you fit those

classes into your schedule?

AW: Well, everything’s got to be scheduled before 1:00 p.m., so you’re kind of limited with the classes you can choose. You’re pretty regimented playing football and that’s one of the sacrifices you have to make, but it’s worth it being on this team.

AS: So right now, you’re riding the pine a bit. How is the gameday atmosphere?

This isn’t high school anymore ...

AW: It’s wild. My first game I traveled to was Michigan State and it was just electric there. Obviously, it was a really hyped game and really exciting, but just being on the sideline, it was like, ‘Wow.’ I’m going from playing in front of 5,000 people on a good day to just seeing 75,000 people there watching the game. It was incredible. Electric is the best way I can describe it.

AS: Going to Holland Christian, how does it compare to a rowdy drunken student section you have (here)?

AW: I don’t know. I never got the chance to sit on the sideline and really observe the crowd that much, even when I’m here. I’m pretty focused on writing all the plays down, which is all we’re supposed to do. It definitely provides a lot of energy for the guys on the field, and for the guys off the field too.

Things definitely die down a little after halftime (laughs).

I think wherever you go, the student section really decides the atmosphere.

AS: Best part, worst part ... your experiences at CMU? AW: Best part would be just the change of atmosphere from Holland Christian to here. Worst part ... that’s a tough one, because there’s not too much that’s bad about life.

AS: Teachers?

AW: Teachers are good.

The worst day was when I woke up for non-travel, it starts at 6 a.m. I woke up and it was 6:50 a.m. That moment was probably the worst moment thus far being here.

AS: And what were the consequences for that if you can elaborate?

AW: I had to do, like, 50 get-ups, which is like holding a 45-pound plate. You couldn’t use your arms, and you got to get up, put it over your head, and then sit back down with it. It’s not fun.

Then I had to do, like, 5-by20 squats, 5-by-20 bench, 5-by-20 shrugs, really rapid fire.

AS: Using my judgement, you’ve never been late again?

AW: Uh, no. Not yet. So I’m going to ride that wave. sports@cm-life.com

Andrew Stover, Sports Editor | sports@cm-life.com | 989.774.3169

he football team’s 20-13 win Saturday in Buffalo was, in essence, the typical Mid-American Conference game.

CMU was favored going into the game, but the intangibles of the weather, delays and playing on the road kept it close. Buffalo was a good team, don’t get me wrong, but the game was close because of things that had nothing to do with skill.

And really, that is what to expect from the MAC this year. Regardless of the records of the teams, most games will be very close.

Coach Butch Jones always says the MAC is the most competitive conference in college football. In some ways, he might be right.

A perfect example of this is last Saturday’s game between Toledo and Ball State. Ball State came into the game 0-4, looking nothing like last year’s dominant team. Toledo, meanwhile, upset Colorado earlier in the season.

But it was the Cardinals leading heading into the fourth quarter and kept it until the final minute before Toledo scored on a 51-yard pass to win 37-30.

There is always a possibility the underdog team can rise to another level for even just one game (just ask CMU about Eastern the past few years).

Huskies Emerging As the MAC season continues to shape up, Northern Illinois has made its case for the best team in the conference.

Last Saturday, the Huskies destroyed Western Michigan (2-3, 1-1 MAC) 38-3 at home. Broncos quarterback Tim Hiller was held to less than 200 yards passing and NIU had 13 minutes more of possession time.

The Huskies (3-2, 1-0 MAC) also only lost to undefeated Wisconsin by eight in Madison, Wisc., to start the season and beat Purdue in West Lafeyette two weeks later.

CMU and NIU have prospered on each side of the ball. NIU is second in scoring offense (31.6 per game) while CMU is third (30.2).

CMU has the best scoring defense (16.0) while NIU is second (18.6).

If CMU and NIU stay undefeated in MAC play, the game between the two the day after Thanksgiving could possibly decide who goes to Detroit the following week.

Down the stretch But before a showdown with the Huskies can materialize, CMU still has to get there. And its path to that game is going to be difficult.

This Saturday, the team hosts Eastern Michigan (0-4, 0-1 MAC), who has had CMU’s number the last couple years. The Chippewas then travel to Kalamazoo the following week for a big rivalry game against the Broncos. Although WMU has not played as well as everyone expected, this game will be one of the toughest

A Ottusch | 8A

8A || Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

Injuries cause lack of depth in backfield Cotton embraces role as teammates remain sidelined

By Dave Jones Senior Reporter

When the football season began more than five weeks ago, sophomore Bryan Schroeder was listed at the top of the running back depth chart.

But in the week leading up to the Chippewasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home-opener against Alcorn State, Schroeder went down during practice with an injury and missed the following two games.

And to make matters worse for CMU ­â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which likes to platoon its running backs â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fresh-

Riak | continued from 7A

The escape In November 1993, Mabilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Aquila, took Riakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Nyadeng, and five of his eight siblings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Aduk, Monyok, Yom, Mathiang and Aleer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to Lakes, a neighboring state west of Jonglei, to escape the bloodshed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dad was a Sudan Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liberation Army official based in Warrap (state) and he came and took us after we survived the massacre,â&#x20AC;?

Mabil said.

Mabil left in early 2000 for the Kukuma Refugee Camp in northern Kenya, where he met up with sister Aduk. At the camp, he met older brothers Jacob and Mawut, and sister Nyaring, for the first time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My older brothers were part of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Lost Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; who left home in 1987, so I never got to meet them until I came to Kakuma,â&#x20AC;? Mabil said.

The Lost Boys of Sudan was the name given to the 27,000-plus orphaned boys during the civil war from 1983 to 2005, when the fighting came to an end.

Mabilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents remain in southern Sudan today.

He has not seen them since leaving northern Kenya in 2000, but talks to them on the phone on occasion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re happy that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to school here â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the main thing,â&#x20AC;? Mabil said.

A new life Change came quickly for Riak as the Lutheran Social Services of Michigan placed him and his three siblings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 17-year-old brother Jacob, 15-year-old sister Aduk and 12-year-old sister Nyariing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with a foster care family in Charlotte, Mich. There, he enrolled for the eighth grade spring semester and began his high school career at Charlotte High School. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was different (the atmosphere), but we all got along,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first couple days of school were difficult; not knowing where to go, but a lot of kids were willing to help.â&#x20AC;?

Tom Sneckenberg, Charlotte High School football coach and Mabilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cross

Ottusch | continued from 7A

of the season. CMU won a very dramatic midweek game in the cold two years ago by three points to clinch the MAC West title in Waldo Stadium.

The team also travels to Bowling Green on Oct. 24

man Tim Phillips limped off the field against Alcorn State. The void at the position has given sophomore Paris Cotton an opportunity to show his abilities as an every-down back. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(I have been) stepping up in plays that we needed somebody to step up in,â&#x20AC;? Cotton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been working toward it so, as time came, I stepped up to it.â&#x20AC;?

In the games since CMU played Alcorn State on Sept.

19, Phillips has not dressed and Schroeder has seen limited action â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one carry for four yards and two catches for 18 yards in the second quarter against Buffalo last week. Cotton said he has embraced his role. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Last few weeks, I just feel like weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been winning, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m part of us winning,â&#x20AC;? he said.

CMU is ranked second in the

country/track and field coach during the 2002 and 2003 seasons, said Mabilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to work and prove himself made him stand out. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was one of my best runners, even as a freshman,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His work ethic was such; the kids never doubted his ability â&#x20AC;Ś and he proved that time in and time out.â&#x20AC;?

Mabil lived down a dirt road in the country and would run in or ride his bike miles to school most of the time, Sneckenberg said.

Finding success Social services moved Mabil halfway through his sophomore year to Grand Ledge, where he attended Grand Ledge High School.

Things did not click right away, though. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He was extremely shy at the beginning, but he became more outgoing as he continued on in sports,â&#x20AC;? Lutheran Social Services caseworker Sally Campbell said.

Grand Ledge cross country coach Kim Spalsbury runs a team-based program, something Mabil clashed with in the beginning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He excelled from day one with us, but it took a little while before we could get on the same page trainingwise,â&#x20AC;? he said.

It did not take very long before Mabil experienced success, however. He went on to become a three time all-state performer and currently holds the school record in cross country (15 minutes, 48 seconds), Spalsbury said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;By the time he reached his senior year, he was accepted and well known at Grand Ledge,â&#x20AC;? Spalsbury said.

His success brought on looks from several different schools in Michigan, as well as Minnesota and Indiana, including a scholarship offer from Eastern Michigan, Mabil said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m incredibly proud of him,â&#x20AC;? Campbell said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel so blessed to be able to watch and participate in his life. I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned more from him than he has from me.â&#x20AC;?

Coming to CMU Mabilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to come to

Mid-American Conference in rushing offense.

Even though senior quar terback Dan LeFevour is the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading rusher, Paris Cotton coach Butch Jones said Cotton brings a different element to his running. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a lot of energy. Our offensive line loves blocking for him because of the energy he brings to the game,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The play that he made in the Michigan State game, the catch ... I think heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an individual thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worked extremely hard to improve his ball skills.â&#x20AC;?

In his three games as the main back, Cotton has rushed

Quick Facts:

32 times for 121 yards; his highest total coming in the MAC opener against Akron on Sept. 26.

He is now second on the team in rushing yards with 152 on 39 carries, second to LeFevour (65 carries for 317 yards).

Injury Update Philips will not dress again this week and will miss his third consecutive game, Jones said.

But Jones said Schroederâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role will be expanded this week.

Cotton said getting Schroeder back will make the run game even more dangerous. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a two-back system,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re both a threat in our offense and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to use both of us to win.â&#x20AC;? sports@cm-life.com

Sudan

w Located in northeast Africa w Largest country in Africa by area; 10th largest country in world w Bordered by Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, Libya and the Red Sea. w Coastline of 853 kilometers along Red Sea w Bisected by the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s longest river, the Nile, from north to south. w First civil war: 1955-1972 w Second civil war: 1983-2005 w Official languages: Arabic and English w President: Omar al-Bashir w Largest city: Omdurman (population: 2,395,159; 2008) w Independence from Britain in 1956 w Total population: 25,000,000 (1993) CMU was made after attending the Mid-American Conference Indoor Track Championship the school hosted and won in February 2005. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was electric in the building and I wanted to be a part of that,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have the MAC Indoor Championships this February so, hopefully, I can do something to help the team and make it feel like February 2005 all over again.â&#x20AC;?

Mabil also attributes friend Abraham Mach, who ran for the team from 2006-08, as another variable that attracted him to Mount Pleasant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from the same part of southern Sudan as I am and our story is basically the same,â&#x20AC;? Mabil said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He went to East Lansing High School and our schools were rivals so, when he was here, it made me want to come here, too. He was really good and I wondered what it would be like to be on the same team.â&#x20AC;?

Since coming to CMU in 2006, Mabil has competed in cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field consistently since the 2007 season. He was named secondteam all-conference for cross country last season and MAC Indoor Track and Field Champion in the 5000m last spring.

Director of cross country/ track and field Willie Randolph said Mabilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life experience has allowed him to grow as a person. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity for other athletes to really understand what hard work, dedication and focus really means,â&#x20AC;?

Randolph said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coming from the environment he came

from and the experiences heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had, you really canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say anything about it unless youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve experienced it yourself.â&#x20AC;?

Looking back, Mabil said his youth as a refugee made him a stronger person. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m from is a place where little boys become grown men at a young age,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw a lot of things a little child should have never seen.â&#x20AC;? sports@cm-life.com

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and plays a non conference game in Boston College on Halloween.

The three-game road stretch against Western, Bowling Green and BC will most likely be a defining stretch. CMU will need to beat WMU and BGSU to stay ahead in the MAC West race and, if the team winâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out, the game against BC could be the one that gets

them into the Top 25 for the first time in school history.

The final lead-up game to the potential showdown against NIU is against Toledo on Wed. Nov. 11 under the lights in Kelly/Shorts.

CMUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4-1 start has set it up for a potentially great season. Now all it needs to do is survive it. sports@cm-life.com

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LET ME SEE YOUR ‘HALO’ | Staff Reporter Connor Sheridan reviews fourth installment of Xbox game series, 4B

B

Campus VIBE Central Michigan Life

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009

[cm-life.com/category/vibe]

q uota b le

“High people are always fun. This guy called up, and he couldn’t remember where he lived. He couldn’t tell me his address, so he was giving me directions off of landmarks” Mark Blandford, The Cabin employee

Brad Canze Senior Reporter

Pizza guys get all the numbers P

izza delivery drivers deserve the utmost respect and appreciation.

But of course I would say that.

I used to be one.

Although Braden Thompson said most of his deliveries are relatively tame, there were quite a few interesting experiences during my tenure as a delivery driver last summer at Silvio’s Organic Pizza in Ann Arbor.

Because Ann Arbor is weird.

From customers having to put down their weed bowls to pay me to sorority girls answering the door soaking wet wearing only a towel, I have seen my share of shenanigans.

Mostly it was entertaining, but there were times when it bordered on scary.

There was the time that a customer — who ad nauseum stressed that he was a VERY important chef at a VERY prestigious restaurant — took me into his apartment in order to yell at me that there was not enough mozzarella on his pizza. He then had me call up my boss just so this guy could express his disappointment.

To my knowledge, the dude still orders from Silvio’s.

Like The Cabin, Silvio’s did not have enough deliveries to warrant somebody solely delivering pizzas, so I would spend a lot of time back in the kitchen, cutting vegetables, washing dishes and being shouted at by surly Italian men.

The owner and head cook, Silvio Medoro, had words of wisdom aplenty: When telemarketers called the restaurant, the proper response was to tell them to “F” off, according to Silvio.

The end-all, be-all of weird pizza stories for me, though, was my last day of work, when I was making deliveries without the GPS unit we usually had. Instead, I had to print out a Google Map to get to this woman’s house, but the map was slightly wrong.

I called her to ask her how, exactly, to get to her house from the nearest major road, but my phone died. I had to go to a gas station and look at a road map to see where my navigational error was, and finally make it to this delivery.

When I got there, the girl was very nice, very friendly and tipped really well, but I didn’t think much of the encounter.

When I got my phone charged, I realized she had called me back and left two voicemails, concerned that I had died and thus would be unable to bring her pizza.

I text-messaged her to tell her I found the voicemails amusing, and then she continued to call and text me after that.

For about a month.

I miss delivering pizzas.

studentlife@cm-life.com

photos by ashley miller/photo editor

Mount Pleasant resident Braden Thompson, 24, has been a cook and delivery driver for The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield St,, for two years.

Mount Pleasant’s

pizza stories

By Brad Canze | Senior Reporter

P

izza delivery in Mount Pleasant is big business.

Braden Thompson, a cook and delivery driver for The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield St., likes to also keep it local.

“This is one of the few hometown joints in Mount Pleasant,” said Thompson, a Mount Pleasant native. “There’s us, and there’s the Grotto, and I think everywhere else is a chain.”

Being primarily a bar and restaurant, The Cabin’s delivery operation is small enough that the cooks also make deliveries instead of hiring drivers — mainly because there are not enough deliveries to have specific drivers.

Thompson, who will return to CMU in the spring, said because cooking is his primary responsibility, he does not get paid less while driving. Also, he said drivers get all tips given to them, half the $2 delivery fee and a percentage of their driven mileage.

“There’s some nights where you actually lose money to be a delivery driver,” he said.

Road adventures Although most deliveries are uneventful, Thompson said occasionally the unexpected will happen, although it has never been dangerous.

“We’re a college town, so I’ve delivered to house parties where they’ve been drinking,” Thompson said. “We’ve never really had any problems. We’ve had guys that were so drunk, they couldn’t read the tab. But we’ve never had any problems.”

Thompson said although nobody at The Cabin has ever been robbed, he is occasionally cautious when he ends up carrying a large amount of money while delivering.

However, he said his least favorite delivery was due to a large amount of money, when a customer paid a $15 bill

with a large bag of change.

“It was mostly nickels, dimes and pennies, and I wasn’t going to drive back to The Cabin and get short-changed, so I went into a parking lot and counted it all out,” Thompson said. “It sucked.”

Thompson was put in another potentially compromising situation while delivering to the Soaring Eagle Hotel. The hotel requires all delivery people to be escorted to the room they are headed to.

“I had a woman that I thought was trying to seduce me,” he said. “She opens the door and she’s only wearing a bathrobe, and it’s pretty open, then she sees the young lady that escorted me, and she pulls the robe shut and asked me how much she owed me.”

“I had a woman that I thought was trying to seduce me. She opens the door and she’s only wearing a bathrobe, and it’s pretty open, then she sees the young lady that escorted me, and she pulls the robe shut and asked me how much she owed me.”

Braden Thompson, The Cabin employee

A PIZZA | 4B

[inside]

Scavenger Hunt sends students all over campus

STUDENTS LEARN FROM NASCAR w Group deals with practical promotional ideas as well as relation ideas using NASCAR, 3B

Thorpe, SRA win Quest for Central Spirit

halo 3: ODST video game review w Staff reporter Connor Sheridan reviews newest addition to Halo family, 4B

By Blake Showers Staff Reporter

CM-LIFE.com no Nonsense minute video

w Watch Student Life Editor Eric Dresden discuss why he think he should be Homecoming Ambassador at cm-life.com.

Mount Pleasant resident Braden Thompson, 24, puts tomato sauce and cheese on dough before passing the pizza down to his coworkers Tuesday night at The Cabin, 930 W. Broomfield St.

libby march/staff photographer

Milford freshman Corey Barnes, center left, and Ohio freshman Allie Hendricks think under pressure during a word game Monday night at Education and Human Services building.

Students came back to Finch Fieldhouse tired, out of breath, sweaty and surprised at how far they had to run Monday night.

“It was funny when I was tired and everyone was running; we were all still working together to get something done,” said Flushing freshman Alex Lockhart.

Participants in the Quest for Central Spirit Scavenger Hunt on Monday night

got a workout while searching for clues throughout campus.

The hunt was part of the Maroon Cup and Golden Goblet competition during Homecoming week.

Twenty teams of ten members each took part in the hunt. The hunt took place in two waves, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. Teams took about 45 minutes to an hour to complete the hunt.

The scavenger hunt began at Finch Fieldhouse and led teams from the Towers to Warriner Mall, several other buildings, making a final stop at the library before finishing at Finch.

A HUNT | 3B

video games 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;NBA 2K10,â&#x20AC;? X360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PS2, PC, DS 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;SAW,â&#x20AC;? X360, PS3 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Wars,â&#x20AC;? X360, PS3, Wii, PSP, PS2, PC, DS

TOP FIVES box office 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Zombielandâ&#x20AC;? $24.7 million 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballsâ&#x20AC;? $15.8 million 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Toy Storyâ&#x20AC;? (3D) $12.4 million 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Surrogatesâ&#x20AC;? $7.2 million 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Invention of Lyingâ&#x20AC;? $7 millionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

singles 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Gotta Feelingâ&#x20AC;?

Black Eyed Peas 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Downâ&#x20AC;?

Jay Sean ft. Lilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wayne 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Party in the U.S.A.â&#x20AC;?

Miley Cyrus 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Run This Townâ&#x20AC;?

Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatcha Sayâ&#x20AC;?

Jason DeRulo

albums 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Backspacerâ&#x20AC;?

Pearl Jam 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Blueprint 3â&#x20AC;? Jay-Z 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life Starts Notâ&#x20AC;?

Three Days Grace 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Look to Youâ&#x20AC;?

Whitney Houston 5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Time of Our Livesâ&#x20AC;?

Miley Cyrus

Chris rock: forever in a hard place (MCT) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chris Rock, one of the most successful comedians on the planet, is pretty much in constant pursuit of peace of mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I worry about every show. Every time thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a camera on, I worry about it,â&#x20AC;? he says.

Promoting his latest movie, the comedy documentary â&#x20AC;&#x153;Good Hair,â&#x20AC;? Rock got serious in an interview, addressing the perils of being funny. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take for granted that you are good. Not at this.â&#x20AC;?

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just being modest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I obsess. Yes, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll admit that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Somebody said the other day, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Larry King likes you.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Dude, are you saying Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not funny on the show? Forget â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;like.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? When it comes to his job â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to be funnyâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rock is looking for full-blown love.

He goes into every video appearance, whether an interview on â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Oprah Winfrey Showâ&#x20AC;? or an HBO special, thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can totally mess this up. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very

conscious of that,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153; Yo u â&#x20AC;&#x2122;r e never going to accomplish anything unless you Chris Rock know how bad it could be,â&#x20AC;? says Rock, pausing frequently before offering thoughtful answers to questions about his job.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something he thinks about a lot, though seldom talks about.

Does he agree with the conventional wisdom that comedians are troubled and crazy? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hit my rough patches,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Friend of mine, Rich Jeni, shot himself in the head ... If somebody asks me, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Was he depressed?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; He was a comedian!â&#x20AC;?

Over an outdoor lunch on a sunny weekday at a Chicago hotel, Rock elaborates. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A comedian is like half a psychic. Very aware.

It is very, very, very aware to be a comedian. You kind of

BEAT WRITER PICKS music

Video Game

Mark McGuire

BrĂźtal Legend (360, PS3)

Mark McGuire, a solo musician from Cleveland and member of Emeralds, creates swirling, meditative guitar compositions that transport the listener to the stratosphere and beyond. Building on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s-new age inspired psychedelia of Ducktails, Oneohtrix Point Never and his own band, Emeralds, McGuire brings out the heady qualities of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;hypnagogic popâ&#x20AC;? genre (coined

by English experimental music magazine, The Wire) with grace and ease, all the while implementing his own sense of melody and composition that gives the music a sense of weightlessness and beauty. Great music for a rainy, sleepless night!

-Ben Weissenborn

Many popular games such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rock Bandâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guitar Heroâ&#x20AC;? attempt to simulate the experience of playing in a rock band, but they never let the player experience the culture which surrounds the metal chords they thrash. â&#x20AC;&#x153;BrĂźtal Legend,â&#x20AC;? the newest game from industry darling Tim Schaferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Double Fine Productions, is like headbanging into a Led Zeppelin album jacket and falling through into a world of unrepentant rock.

Protagonist and former roadie Eddie Riggs, voiced by Jack Black, must liberate this world from its oppressors in an action/brawling/ driving/strategy mashup. â&#x20AC;&#x153;BrĂźtal Legendâ&#x20AC;? comes out Oct. 13.

-Connor Sheridan

RANT

Will Axford Voices Editor

Enjoy vibe for what it is Stop sending me letters complaining about the Campus VIBE section.

The section is lighthearted and supposed to be fun. It is a section not devoted to hard news, like the rest of the paper.

CM Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s audience is college students. The stories written in this paper are for college students. Therefore, some of the stories will be controversial.

So before you write an angry letter about Vibe, make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re actually a student at CMU on campus. If not, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read VIBE. The section may not be for you.

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gotta notice everything ...

Stuff doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get by you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You just notice too much,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Like a little computer and you can back it up with data. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a Google in your head.â&#x20AC;?

And the result of all that? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much easier to not know in life ... You just end up knowing too much about people.â&#x20AC;?

Despite a career of pitching his movies, television shows and specials to TV talk show hosts, Rock preps as though itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the first time.

Getting ready to go on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oprah,â&#x20AC;? heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trailed by an assistant whose job it is to tape every funny thing Rock has said for the past three weeks so that all successful jokes, comments, one-liners and observations are preserved for possible use.

PARTY STORE

CDs 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forget and Not Slow Downâ&#x20AC;? Relient K 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Live from Axis Mundiâ&#x20AC;?

Gogel Bordello 3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Lowdown Unauthorizedâ&#x20AC;? Sean Paul

Tweets of the week

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

NEW STUFF DVDs 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Year Oneâ&#x20AC;?

2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bones: 4th Seasonâ&#x20AC;?

3. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Snow White and the Seven Dwarfsâ&#x20AC;? (re-released)

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2B || Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/vibe

fa s h i o n

How to stay in style and not wear plaid Diverse prints are a great alternative to popular plaid

By Rachel Mater Staff Reporter

nathan kostegian/staff photographer

Sparta senior Austin Suttner listens to group ideas on how to market slot cars during a NASCAR meeting Sept. 23. NASCAR picked the student group to compete with six other schools in the country over weekly case studies.

Students team up with NASCAR Program allows five to work with marketing, public relations

By Taylor Hills Staff Reporter

Five Central Michigan University students are getting to know NASCAR a little bit better than the normal sports fan.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. selected Timothy Wagner, Elizabeth Gray, Austin Suttner, Alyssa Petiprin and Jillian Caverly to be a part of a hands-on learning experience called NASCAR Kinetics.

The program enables students to gain real-world marketing experience, and gives them the opportunity to be involved in the sport and franchise of NASCAR. Wagner, an Escanaba junior, thinks it is an exciting opportunity for all members of the team.

“Being a part of this team is such a good learning experience. I never realized how much goes on behind the scenes of NASCAR; it is so much more than racing around a track,” he

hunt | continued from 1B

“We probably ran two miles, easily,” said Flushing freshman Melanie Smith.

The challenges included a baseball bat relay race, a hulahoop race, an ice-block melting race, Sudoku and cryptography, a basketball challenge and a ‘buried treasure’ challenge, where one member had to eat through a whipped cream pie to find a token.

“Definitely eating the whipped cream pie — I was looking for a coin that I almost ate,” said Prudenville sophomore Andrew Kreiner.

Smith was right about the distance of the route, as her group followed a path that was about 2.8 miles. Smith was part of a

pizza | continued from 1B

Eventful trips Fellow Cabin employee Mark Blandford said often, the most entertaining deliveries are those involving intoxicated people.

“High people are always fun,” he said. “This guy called up, and he couldn’t remember where he lived. He couldn’t tell me his address, so he was giving me directions off of landmarks.”

Blandford and Thompson said it can be difficult when customers do not understand how to pay with a credit card.

“Drunk people will hand me a credit card, like I can run it right there, like I have a portable machine,” Blandford said.

Thompson said although deliveries are occasionally eventful, things stay tame more often than not.

“I wish I could say a girl didn’t have any money, so she offered her body or something, but it never happens,” Thompson said. “I want it to happen. Every time I step into the car, I want it to happen.

But it never happens.”

Compared to the bustle of The Cabin’s kitchen, Thompson said being able to go on delivery is a welcomed reprieve.

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 || 3B

[VIBE]

If you go... w What: NASCAR viewing party w When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday w Where: Bovee University Center Lake St. Clair Room said.

The team meets weekly and focuses on challenges that NASCAR and its sponsors face every day. It works on case studies, helping NASCAR to improve and accelerate as a company.

Suttner, a Sparta senior, said the case studies the group does are the most exciting part.

“Working on the case studies each week and knowing that we are helping the actual company of NASCAR with their problems is very exciting,” Suttner said.

Real world experience By using techniques and lessons they have learned, the team is able to apply its knowledge as professional marketers, public relations practitioners and business professionals.

Wagner said the overall objective is a great idea.

“The main goal is to get insight from young and fresh college students as far as the marketing strategy and everyday problems the company faces,” group of third-floor Thorpe Hall students who decided to do the hunt last-minute.

“I like how we all came together at the end because, yesterdaym, we didn’t have a team,” said New Boston freshman Shawn Knight, who organized the Thorpe Hall group.

Some students joined the hunt because of its similarity to reality television.

“It’s kind of like the Amazing Race, where you do a challenge and get a clue, and we get tokens when we’re done,” said Ohio freshman Allie Hendricks.

Kreiner organized a group of ten from Barnes Hall, which consisted mostly of sophomores.

The teams that returned first got the most points, but all teams received participation points. studentlife@cm-life.com

“It’s a nice little break,” he said. “If we’re in the middle of a rush or something, you get a break, get to smoke a cigarette, relax. It’s nice.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Wagner said.

Last spring, many students filled out applications to join the team. They were selected based on the application and phone interview, as well as their GPA, on-campus involvement, and overall excitement and determination to join the team.

There were six universities chosen, including CMU; Winston-Salem State University, the University of Notre Dame, Coastal Carolina University, Howard University and Clark Atlanta University, based on individual marketing programs and eagerness to participate.

Because of that, the opportunity for other students to get involved with the program is available.

On Tuesday, four NASCAR executives will commute to CMU for a viewing party. Taking place at 6:30 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Lake St. Clair Room, this will be an opportunity for potential candidates to not only meet these executives, but learn more about NASCAR’s complexity.

“You will be able to learn about the program and what we do and learn some very cool information about NASCAR,” Wagner said. studentlife@cm-life.com

Plaid may be one of the biggest trends this fall, but there are plenty of other ways to stay in style and avoid looking like everyone else.

Although plaid might be popular, falling into the same clothes as the majority might kill the demand for some students.

“It’s not a bad fashion statement,” said Detroit freshman Shaniqua Sanders. “If I like a certain hair style and I see someone else with the same hair-do, I will find another hair-do.”

Some students will wear what they want no matter how many others like the style, too.

“It doesn’t bother me (if they’re wearing the same thing) unless they wear it wrong,” said Midland freshman Shannon Grant.

Prints are still a hot item for some, though.

“I like it and it’s a good way to get in a lot of color,” said Fort Gratiot junior Megan Fredenall, “(But) you don’t

libby march/staff photographer

Monroe freshman Koren Burns models a braided top, cardigan, skinny jeans, pumps and scarf Monday night in Powers Hall.

want to look like everyone else.”

Sanders thinks any kind of decorative prints can show sophistication.

How to avoid plaids There are many ways to include color in your outfits without wearing plaid.

Prints, such as checkered, animal, optical, tribal, hounds tooth, subtle brocade and artistic, are all colorful and still stylish. Most prints are even in the same places as plaid are. Target, Charlotte

Russe and Forever 21 are the most common places to find different prints.

If you also would rather keep the color but lose the prints, it’s easy to mix and match colors this fall. Pair some bright colored jeans with a different color belt. Or even a pale colored scarf with a bright coat.

“I’ll pair up a normal Tshirt with colorful chunky jewelry to make it look different,” Grant said. studentlife@cm-life.com

4B || Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

video game review

Halo 3: ODST doesn’t stray too far from familiar formula Popular shooter franchise puts gamers in control of a rookie

Author signing novel at comic shop Hall of Heroes hosting E.A. Stock

By Brad Canze Senior Reporter

Michigan author E.A. Stock will promote his first fulllength novel in Mount Pleasant this weekend.

Stock, a Brooklyn resident, will sign his book, “The Alancheose Saume Chronicles: Among Gods and Men,” from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Hall of Heroes, 315 N. Mission St. “I like to support the local artists,” said Michael TravisShuler, owner of the Hall of Heroes. “He came in, and he was just looking for a place to do the signing. He’s very earnest and very enthusias-

By Connor Sheridan Staff Reporter

It was the dawn of a new era for gaming when Halo: Combat Evolved was released for the Xbox in 2001.

Never had such an effective model for a fluid vehicle/first person shooter on consoles existed.

It has been 8 years, though, so it’s unfortunate that Halo 3: ODST didn’t significantly change the formula that was used so much by series protagonist Master Chief over the past three entries. But it’s still another great shooter game and a worthy entry in one of gaming’s flagship series.

ODST’s single-player mode places you in the dark armor of an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper deployed during the invasion of Earth seen in 2004’s Halo 2.

All does not go according to plan and the silent hero, only referred to as Rookie, is separated from his squad, only to awaken in his crashed drop pod six hours after deployment.

It is in the Rookie segments that “ODST” most clearly delineates itself from the exuberant adventures of the Master Chief. While he’s still a suspiciously capable and resilient combatant, he simply doesn’t have the firepower or equipment available to the shiny green champion.

This forces the player to more cautiously engage Covenant forces as the Rookie sweeps the occupied streets of New Mombasa for clues regarding the fates of his squad mates.

This nonlinear section of the game has a pronounced difference in tone from the

courtesy photo

The multiplayer experience is a compilation of the maps included with Halo 3, as well as the many map packs released for it.

‘halo 3: odst’

HHHHH w Sytem: Xbox 360 w Genre: Shooter Halo trilogy, as the constant roar of gunfire and swelling battle themes are replaced by silence punctuated by proximity-activated kiosks and advertisements. New Mombasa is a dark, lonely and threatening place to be for a stranded soldier.

Bits of a story of a civilian woman in the city when the Covenant began their siege are sprinkled throughout the map. They provide an enjoyable bit of background as well as tangible rewards for determined explorers.

When clues such as a damaged sensor array or crushed sniper rifle are discovered, the game transfers to a flashback from the perspective of one of the ODSTs who passed through and left it behind. These segments in general exude a more classical Halo vibe of epic battles through open fields and claustrophobic corridors.

As the game nears its con-

cm-life.com/category/vibe

[Vibe]

clusion, the action rises and game developer Bungie subjects the player to a common Halo nuisance: overused and drawn out environments.

At more than one point, the Rookie must progress through more than a half dozen nearly identical rooms filled with slightly different enemies to exterminate.

At times, Bungie seems to be more focused on plausible architecture than creating diverse and enjoyable battlefields.

The multiplayer experience is a compilation of the maps included with Halo 3 as well as the many map packs released for it. It also includes a 4-player cooperative mode called “Firefight,” where players work together to fight off increasingly tough waves of computer controlled enemies.

If you didn’t like Halo before, you won’t like it now.

Although evolving the Halo experience to better match the new setting was a missed opportunity, Halo 3: ODST is still a very fine game. studentlife@cm-life.com

tic about the book, and that’s nice to see.”

Stock, who published his book with the assistance of a silent partner, said he has arranged book signings once or twice a month since it was published earlier this year.

Stock said he has been writing for ten years, while also working as an architect. He has released a series of children’s stories, “Oliver’s Amazing Travels,” under his given name, Eric Stock. The “Oliver” stories also are available online for free.

“Times are hard for a lot of people, especially here in Michigan,” Stock said. “The cheapest I can get them is $9 for a soft cover (book), so they can go online at home or school and read the book.”

Stock said “Among Gods and Men” is the first in a planned series of three “Alancheose Saume” science fiction novels.

“The idea behind it is that humankind is its own god, that we are attached to one another,” Stock said. “It’s science fiction. It is fiction, I don’t want you to think I’m pressing some new religion, like Dianetics or anything. “ Mount Pleasant resident and Hall of Heroes employee Lewis Krec said Stock sent copies of “Among Gods and Men” to the store in advance, as well as a PDF transcript of the novel.

“It has stimulated a lot of conversation around the store,” Krec said. “It will be a memorable event.” studentlife@cm-life.com

Energy conference this weekend in Lansing Power Shift to examine green energy

By Ashley Hullinger Staff Reporter

The “Power Shift 2009” campaign is more motivated than ever with ‘green energy’ on the forefront for many.

Rochester Hills sophomore Morgan Hummon and Clare senior Jenna Hatch were elected to be CMU’s co-coordinators for Michigan’s Power Shift Summit.

“This is a monumental conference,” Hummon said. “We have the chance to stand up for a new culture, economy and country like never before. We are more organized, more educated, more resourceful and more driven than ever, and we have the opportunity to take this movement mainstream at a national level, to push for bold climate legislation, now.”

Michigan’s Power Shift is set for Friday through Sunday at the Lansing Center in Lansing.

The shift is part of the process of working toward more green jobs, sustainable living and an America

which has the ability to produce adequate living for all people, she said.

“Being a part of this conference means to be a part of history in the making,” Hummon said. “In 20 years when our children come home from school, in a land free from fossil fuel addiction and tell us that they read about us in their U.S. History textbook, we will know we have truly held up to our civic, and more importantly, our moral duty, to ourselves, our country and

our future generations.”

The cost of attending in D.C. is $45, while the event in Lansing is $20. Hatch said they are trying to get CMU to provide transportation; last year the transportation for the trip to D.C. was paid for.

Information on becoming a part of Power Shift 2009’s efforts can be found at Michigan.powershift09.org. or by contacting them directly at cmu.powershift@gmail.com. studentlife@cm-life.co