Dec. 2, 2009

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med school dean | candidate withdraws name, 3A | basketball Men’s team defeats Chicago State 78-40 Tuesday in Rose, 9A

Reaching out| Local program donates clothes to 875 families, 4A

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009

Central Michigan Life

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

[cm-life.com]

Brooks, stimulus money on tap for Trustees Student Liaison meeting today; online SOS forms being discussed By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services David Burdette will request authorization Thursday to fund two additional deferred maintenance projects at the Board of Trustees meeting. The meeting takes place at 9 a.m.

Thursday in the president’s conference room in the Bovee University Center. The total amount being requested is $1.5 million, where $1.42 million will go toward additional renovations in Brooks Hall and $80,000 will go toward classrooms and safety rules. “We’ve had temperature control problems in that building, so this money will address those issues,” said Steve Smith, director of public relations. “The university has been moving quickly to try and resolve the issues, but we’re still investigating as to why these errors were made.” The deferred maintenance fund

maintains the buildings and facilities on campus. Renovations to Brooks Hall, built in 1964, began in August 2008 with new underground water piping and installation of air supply duct work for the air conditioning. Piping, duct work and the installation of 120 heat pumps were among some of the additions this past summer. Facilities management has performed most of the additions and fixtures. The Board also authorized $750,000 at its September meeting for renovations. There have been noise level prob-

lems since the new heating ventilation and air conditioning system has been added, Smith said. “We need to do some upgrades,” he said. Burdette also will request approval of the capital outlay budget for 201011 consisting of a biotechnology building, with a proposed cost of $75 million. Other agenda items Interim Provost Gary Shapiro will propose applying for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a funding program intended to help

Tat’s the spirit Students express personalities with their body ink

stabilize budgets in order to minimize and avoid reductions in education. CMU has the opportunity to apply for funding up to $2,342,100. Any grant exceeding $500,000 in one year requires prior formal Board action before the university accepts the grant. “When state government approved its state appropriations for CMU, they took into account the federal stimulus dollars that were designed to keep our appropriations at a continued level from last year,” Smith said.

A board of trustees | 7A

Tattoos still not overlooked in job searching Perception of body art changed little over the years

By Joe Borlik | Senior Reporter

By Joe Borlik Senior Reporter

Many people have a sweet tooth. Kathryn Daugherty has a sweet leg. The Northville junior’s left leg is a picturesque canvas of all things sweet. Her leg includes tattooed images of a cupcake, Ring-Pop, an ice cream sundae and a piece of cake. “You have to find the sweet things in life,” Daugherty said. “That’s literally something I have said my whole life. I’ve always loved cupcakes.”

photos by jake may/staff photographer

Midland senior Tom Bullock smiles while getting a portion of his back piece tattoo filled in with color Saturday at Heritage Tattoo. “It’s been my new tattoo for a year now,” he said. “So it kind of loses that whole, ‘Hey, I’ve got a new tattoo feel.’ But when it is done, it’s going to look pretty amazing.”

to find out — Daugherty plans on getting a full sleeve of ink to cover her right arm.

Daugherty added a lollipop to her leg Tuesday at Heritage Tattoo, 1222 S. Mission St. She also plans on adding a candy cane, a pie and a candy necklace. Tattoos have become a form of expression for Daugherty and others. She has been getting tattoos since she was 18 years old and currently has 10. This includes a full chest piece of blue morning glory flowers. Daugherty has hidden her tattoos from her parents ever since her first one, when she was 18. Even amid scorching summer heat, she must be fully dressed at all times when she visits her parents, so they will not catch a glimpse of her ink. But they will eventually have

Life in ink Tattoos are a way for Daugherty to show her personality. Midland senior Tom Bullock feels the same way. For Bollock, tattoos are a way to express his love of the outdoors. Bollock has the scene of a woman camping in the woods covering his entire back. “It’s like you’re looking through the brush and seeing her camp scene,” Bollock said. The scene has a tent, river, fire A life in ink | 2a

Tattoos in the workplace have become more acceptable over the years. But they still might cause concern for employers. Bob Berry, a business information systems temporary faculty, sees more tattoos today than 25 years ago, but still does not think they will necessarily help someone’s career. “It probably shouldn’t effect the way employers look at you but, at the same time, in reality, it does,” Berry said. He said the acceptablility of tattoos depends on the job. Berry said if one is pursuing a career in professional wrestling, tattoos should not be a problem. But a company such as a bank could be a different story. “If you represent a company or bank and want people to feel (you are) trustworthy, you have to fit into society’s standards,” Berry said. Business information systems instructor Christine Shull said the perception of tattoos has not changed much with this generation. She said when today’s college generation holds management positions in the future, tattoos will be more acceptable. Shull said if she were hiring somebody, she would look more at their credentials than their tattoos. “Tattoos could potentially hinder your possibilities of getting a job,” Shull said. “Banks have policies and dress codes and tattoos and piercing have to be covered up.” She said newer companies may not have as strict policies.

Who likes ink? Shull said the market also plays a big role in determining how tattoos will affect someone’s career. “If someone was in a position where they Bullock, right, stands with his arms crossed while tattoo artist Eric Ochsenkehl prepares multiple lines of colored inks to fill in the already black-and-white back piece he started about one year ago.

A work ink | 2a

[inside] last edition w Friday is our last regular print production of CM Life. Be sure to check cm-life.com throughout break for coverage of all things CMU!

NEXT WEEK w A final exam tab is coming Monday, along with a football bowl tab Dec. 9. Check your newsstands.

CAMPUS VIBE w Check out the last decade in CMU’s history, 3B

weather w Rain showers High 46/ Low 31

a plan overseas

Obama: 35,000 troops heading to Afghanistan President says full troop withdrawal by July 2011 By Carisa Seltz Staff Reporter

An additional 35,000 U.S. troops will be deployed to Afghanistan in early 2010. President Barack Obama declared his decision Tuesday at the U.S. Military

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Academy in West Point, N.Y. The troop increase is intended to strengthen a counteri n s u r g e n c y Barack Obama strategy to eliminate al Qaeda influence, fight the Taliban and establish diplomacy and economic stability in Afghanistan. “Gen. (Stanley) McChrys-

tal said the security situation is more serious than he anticipated. In short, the status quo is not sustainable,” Obama said, defending his decision to deploy more troops. “The situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated.” Obama said not increasing troops would prove more costly and prolong the nation’s stay in Afghanistan. That is because the U.S. would be unable to properly train Afghan security forces

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and give them the space to take over. When NATO forces convene at their Brussels, Belgium, headquarters Dec. 7, the issue of supplementing additional U.S. troops is expected to be brought up. “Taken together these added American and international troops will allow us to accelerate handing over responsibility to Afghan forces and will allow us to begin the transfer of our forces out of Afghanistan

in the July of 2011,” Obama said. The only way Lt. Col. Aaron Kalloch, military science department chairman, said a troop increase is the only feasible option at this time because of the security situation. “The men and women of the military will do everything they can to accomplish whatever strategic objective

A president obama | 4a

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2A || Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

EVENTS CALENDAR Today w Hypnotist Tom DeLuca will perform from 8 to 9:30 p.m. in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. w A Date Auction will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. in Powers Hall Room 136. w A Public Debate will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. in Moore Hall Room 206. w Domestic Cyclone Exhibition is on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the University Art Gallery West Gallery.

Thursday w An Honors Recital will take place from 11 a.m. to noon in the Music Building’s Staples Family Concert Hall. w Sigma Alpha Epsilon Pancake Breakfast will take place from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. at the Wesley Foundation. w A public debate will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. in Moore Hall Room 206.

www.cm-life.com

[News]

IN THE NEWS

GM CEO steps down DETROIT (MCT) — General Motors Co. has launched an immediate search for a new chief executive in the wake of CEO Fritz Henderson’s resignation Tuesday. Ed Whitacre, GM chairman, briefly addressed the news media after the board accepted Henderson’s resignation. Whitacre did not answer

work ink| continued from 1A

were speaking to an older generation, I would question it but, for college-age students, it would be okay,� Shull said. Midland senior Tom Bullock has large portions of his body covered in tattoos. His entire back is a giant tattoo of a woman’s camp site. Bullock plans on becoming a woodshop teacher and said he does not see his tattoos as a major problem. He said he knew a few teachers in high school that had tattoos. But Bullock keeps his tattoos in places that can be concealed such as his back, chest and calf. He said he would never get tattoos in visible places such as his hands or neck. “They’re mine and they’re not on display for everyone,� he said.

questions and said little. “GM’s daily business operations will continue as normal. ... I remain more convinced than ever that our company is on the right path and that we will continue to be a leader in offering the worldwide buying public the highest quality, highest value cars and trucks,� Whitacre said. Widespread trend Bullock said these days, almost everyone has a tattoo. “You’re almost part of a minority if you don’t have one,� Bullock said. “People you’d never expect to have one, have some.� Chelsea Melvin, a 2007 alumna, has two full-length sleeves covering both her arms. One of her arms has a guitar and piano keys that wrap around her arm. The other is a big tree. Melvin works as a beverage director at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., where she supervises about 30 people. She wears a suit to work and said when people see her outside the job, they cannott believe she has so many tattoos. “People just don’t suspect a five-foot-five blonde chick would have all those tattoos,� Melvin said. studentlife@cm-life.com

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life in body ink| continued from 1A

and leaves. His back tattoo is still a work in progress, and he said it will take 60 to 80 hours total to complete. He had some color added to the brush Saturday at Heritage Tattoo. Even Bullock’s grandfather and mother have gotten tattoos from Heritage. Bollock’s mom made cookies for Eric Ochsenkehl, a tattoo artist at Heritage. He said 70 percent of Heritage’s business comes from women. Women get tattoos much different from and in different areas than men, he said. “Full-grown men have broken down crying because of how happy they are because of how their tattoos have turned out,�

Ochsenkehl said. Daugherty said people can be judgmental toward tattoos, but that does not

studentlife@cm-life.com

Orchesis Dance Theatre

-FALL DANCE CONCERTPLACHTA AUDITORIUM Saturday, December 5th at 7:30pm Sunday, December 6th at 2:00pm

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w Drawing in Florence art exhibit will be displayed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Room 125.

bother her. “It’s my body,� she said. “I love the way tattoos look and feel. When you look at regular skin, it’s boring.�

Students & Senior Citizens Adults

Corrections 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.

Tickets are available at the Central Box OfďŹ ce in the Bovee University Center

(989) 774-3000

Š Central Michigan Life 2009 Volume 91, Number 42

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009

One Med School dean finalist withdraws name Other two will speak in open forums on exam week By Lonnie Allen Staff Reporter

Russell Joffe, one of the three candidates for CMU’s Medical School dean position, removed his name from consideration Tuesday. Steve Smith, director of Public Relations, said the former dean of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey withdrew for personal reasons. The two remaining candidate forums for the position will take place next week, he said. The other finalists are Cam Enarson, current interim dean of Central Michi-

gan University’s medical school, and Bonita Stanton, pediatrician-in-chief at Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Stanton’s forum is Monday and Enarson’s is Tuesday. Both are from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. in Health Professions Building Room 2255. “At this point, we’re going to interview the two other finalist candidates,” said Chris Ingersoll, dean of the College of Health Professions and chairman of the search committee. “If we decide we want to look at another candidate, we’ll do that. If we find an acceptable candidate within those two candidates, then that’s what we’ll vote for.” Enarson came to CMU in July as interim dean of the School of Medicine. His prior administrative experience

includes serving as dean of the School of Medicine at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., from 2003 to 2008. His education includes a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Alberta Medical School, a Bachelor in Medical Science degree from the University of Alberta and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. Stanton has authored 47 publications. She has been pediatrician-inchief at Children’s Hospital of Michigan since 2002. She also served as director for the Center for Minority Health Research at the University of Maryland from 1992 to 1999. Her edu-

cation includes a Doctor of Medicine degree from Yale University School of Medicine, a graduate certificate in Pediatric Global Health from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College. “The finalists all had substantive experience in medical education,” Ingersoll said. ‘Well-qualified’ Enarson said the forum next week is supposed to be the venue in which his interest in the position is discussed. He declined to comment further on his application for the position. Stanton was unavailable for comment. A dean | 4a

Man gets 10 to 20 years for Warriner break-ins By Jake Bolitho Senior Reporter

A theft | 4a

photos by paige calamari/staff photographer

Wolverine Lake sophomore Kathryn Stack pets Emma during Dog Tales Tuesday night in the lobby of Campbell Hall. Dog Tales is a therapy program that brings trained therapy dogs into schools, hospitals and nursing homes.

The Academic Senate wants to limit class size for the writing-intensive courses, but Interim Provost Gary Shapiro said it cannot make that call. Shapiro stated his opposition to the Academic Senate at its Tuesday meeting. “When the Senate was working on the proposal for (general education), it proposed the capacity of class sizes as one way of attempting to assure the academic quality of the program,” said A-Senate Chairman Phil Squattrito.

The CMU ticket office has received an extra 1,000 tickets for Friday’s Mid-American Conference Championship game after the initial supply of 6,000 had nearly sold out. Tickets are $10 for end zone seats and $20 for sideline seats. The office, in the Rose Center, will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Thursday to sell tickets for the game. The game against Ohio will take place at 8 p.m. Friday at Ford Field in Detroit.

Space Invaders exhibit

A collaboration of artwork from students in the art department’s topics course: Space Invaders class is on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in the Charles V. Park Library Extended Hours Study Room. A joint reception with Amy Reckley, resident artist and guest faculty member, is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the University Art Gallery. The event is free. For more information, contact Megan Moreno at 774-2165.

Fur de-stressers Dog Tales makes way around residence halls By Alethia Kasben | Staff Reporter

A

Find out what is happening in the world of retention from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the Education and Human Services Building Room 315. The hourlong Retention Matters event seminar focuses on university retention data, initiatives and the next steps the university departments can take to help increase the rate of student success at Central Michigan University. This event is facilitated by Shawn Wilson and Amy McGinnis. For more information, contact Nate Holmes at 774-6447.

brought in at the beginning of the year to help freshmen. We decided that doing it at the end of the semester around finals would be a more appropriate time,” she said. Meet dogs, people Roscommon sophomore Megan Hutek said she loves dogs. “I have a dog at home I don’t A dog tales | 4a

A-Senate voted the writingintensive courses will not have more than 30 enrolled students per class, since at least 70 percent of the total course grade must come from written work. Robert Lee, chairman of the Gen. Ed. subcommittee, and Guy Newland, secretary of the Gen. Ed. subcommittee, presented the implementation plan to A-Senate. The courses include the competency requirement for quantitative reasoning, the elimination of subgroup IV-A, the end of the written English competency requirement, called Writing Across the UP,

and its replacement by a writing requirement. Shapiro said it contravenes an agreement between the university and the Faculty Association. It also would violate the Shared Governance document produced in the 1990s, which states which groups on campus have input or one eligible to make decisions on such issues. “It is clear from that Shared Governance, that the Senate does not determine the size of classes,” Shapiro said. Former provost Julia Wallace also had sent a memo to former chairman of A-Senate Ray Francis April 1, 2008,

Drawing in Florence

Retention Matters

bout a dozen dogs wagged their tails Tuesday night in Campbell Hall. Some were golden retrievers, others pomeranians. They were all excited to play. “I just love dogs, and it definitely cheers you up every time you see their faces,” said Livonia sophomore Erin Donahue. The dogs were brought to the residence hall by Dog Tales as a way to relieve stress for students as exam week approaches. Dog Tales is a literary group allowing students to read to dogs, which helps them overcome shyness with reading aloud. Dog Tales Founder and Coordinator Betty Lewis said the group has come to campus for seven years. She said Campbell and Larzelere Halls were the first to bring the dogs. “One of our members read an article about dogs being

Students from Central Michigan University’s COM 267: Introduction to Debate are having multiple debates from 7 to 10 p.m. today and 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday in Moore Hall Room 206. The debates today begin with whether standardized testing should be a factor in college admittance, whether public schools should stop teaching cursive and whether the U.S. should lower the drinking age to 18. Thursday’s debates will include three topics — whether the United States should outlaw the use of mobile telephones while driving, whether the U.S. should legalize the use and availability of marijuana on whether the U.S. should lower the drinking age to 18. The hour-long debates are free. For more information, contact Jeff Drury at 774-3950.

The Drawing in Florence art exhibit is on display from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in the Bovee University Center in the Multicultural Education Center. The exhibit will showcase student art from the summer art program in Florence, Italy. Admission is free. For more information, contact Ulana Klymyshyn at 774-7318.

Christmas concert

Saginaw senior Sarah Cavenaugh pets Baxter during Dog Tales on Tuesday night in the Campbell Hall lobby. Dog Tales has brought therapy dogs to residential halls over the past six years in order to help relieve students’ stress.

Provost: A-Senate violated agreement by trying to limit class size By Amelia Eramya Senior Reporter

More tickets for MAC

Public Debate

Burdick: Morrison involved in crime for 30 years

Mount Pleasant resident Donald Morrison was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison Monday for a series of burglaries in Warriner Hall that occurred over the summer. Morrison was sentenced under the criminal enterprise charge brought against him after various amounts of cash and other items were reported stolen at Central Michigan University’s administrative building in July, said Lance Dexter, Isabella County Trial Court administrator. Morrison, 52, also is receiving another 10 to 15 years for second-degree criminal sexual conduct against an 11-yearold girl. The sexual conduct occurred around the same time period as the burglaries. About $200 was stolen from more than 15 offices in Warriner Hall over the summer during the break ins. It was later discovered Morrison had stolen keys to the offices while they were open. Mary Bellinger, a CMU custodian, testified in court that she saw him alone in a vacant office twice. Investigations by CMU Police followed later after numerous thefts were reported from several other CMU employees. The sentencing was brought about after a plea agreement was reached in Trial Court Judge Mark Duthie’s court. “Morrison has been involved in criminal activity in our community for 30 years,” said Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick. “Due to that background, we felt it necessary to charge him not just with several counts of breaking and entering, but the more serious charge of conducting a criminal enterprise.”

[Life in brief]

regarding Shapiro’s memo, which stated her agreeance with Shapiro’s objection. “It’s clearly the Senate’s responsibility to try to assure the academic quality of our programs,” Squattrito said. Raising concerns Shapiro hopes A-Senate will discuss actions with the administration. The first step to approaching this issue is to have discussions about what the rights and responsibilities are of ASenate, CMU’s Administration and the FA, Squattrito said. Laura Frey, associate professor of counseling and spe-

cm-life.com Check the Web site for the full story on Tuesday’s meeting. cial education, was caught off guard when Shapiro announced his opposition. Frey said she believes that Shapiro gave the perception that there was no room for discussion on the issue. “I felt like the meeting had been hijacked by Provost Shapiro, and that a gauntlet was laid down,” Frey said. university@cm-life.com

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

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship is hosting a benefit Christmas concert from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Central Assembly of God, on Lincoln Street between High and Pickard streets. The concert is free and will accept donations to benefit a student volunteer trip to Jamaica over spring break. The Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship is performing Christmas favorites. The event will have free cookies, hot chocolate and coffee. For more information, contact Madison Kloss at (231) 838-6911.

Pancake breakfast

Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity is hosting its semester pancake breakfast from 10:30 p.m. Thursday to 2:30 a.m. Friday at the Wesley Foundation, 1400 S. Washington St. Tickets are $5 from a fraternity member at $6 at the door. All proceeds will go to Children’s Miracle Network.

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

4A || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

president obama speech| continued from 1A

jake may/staff photographer

Mount Pleasant resident Esther Lounsbury, 73, sorts through hundreds of boots, placing them by gender into empty shopping carts Tuesday in Finch Fieldhouse for Christmas Outreach. Lounsbury said she is known as the “crazy boot lady,” as she has been the volunteer in charge of boots and shoes for more than 10 years.

Christmas Outreach donates clothing to 875 families Mount Pleasant resident sorting for more than 10 years By Maryellen Tighe Staff Reporter

One local church is using Finch Fieldhouse Room 110 for something other than a pick-up game of basketball. Christmas Outreach started as a service by the parishioners of Immanuel Lutheran Church, 320 S. Bradley St., nearly 30 years ago and is now a county-wide effort helping 875 families this year. “It’s all part of helping those that are beautiful people and have had a hard hand in life,” said Mount Pleasant resident Esther Lounsbury, 73. She has volunteered with the program for more than 10 years and has always been part of cleaning and taking care of boots. Some of the boots are donations from local residents and others have been purchased throughout the year by Christmas Outreach organizers.

dog tales| continued from 3A

get to see very often, so it was nice to be able to pet these dogs,” Hutek said. “It definitely helped me de-stress and it’s a nice way to meet people too.” Lewis runs a dog training class to evaluate and certify therapy dogs. This is how she meets many of the Dog Tales volunteers. Nancy Jerry volunteers with her golden retriever, Charlie.

dean| continued from 3A

Ingersoll said he was pleased with the finalists chosen by the search committee. He said each candidate demonstrated abilities in leadership and administration in medical education programs. “These are ... extremely well-qualified candidates,” he said.

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[News]

The program is more timeintensive than a month of sorting donations or three days of helping clients pick their clothes. Mount Pleasant resident Laura Richards has been helping almost from the onset of the project — for about 24 years. “I started because I wanted to help my church,” Richards said. The first few years, the program only reached out to about 200 people. This year, the program is looking to reach more than 3,000. Changing lives Working with Richards for about half of that time is fellow Mount Pleasant resident Donna Hackett. She is a retired Rosebush school teacher who has seen the impact volunteering has on her students. Hackett heard an advertisement for the program one day on the way to school and got involved, even having her classes collect items for the program. Some of those students have come back to help now that they are attending Central Michigan University.

Item distribution w Clothing will be distributed Dec. 14 to 16 at Finch Fieldhouse. Some people have done mandated community service and logged a lot of hours with the program. Hackett said one who stands out in her mind was an illegal alien from Mexico who worked with them for much of the preparation time. “By the end of the program, you could tell it had just changed his life,” she said. The program is still accepting donations and volunteers. Students interested in volunteering can contact Immanuel Lutheran Church at 773-4204. Donations can be dropped off at Finch Fieldhouse. “We would love a sweatshirt and jeans from every college kid on campus,” Richards said. Jeans and sweatshirts are the two items in highest demand, Hackett said. Christmas Outreach also is looking for coats, mittens, hats, boots, books, linens and gently used toys. metro@cm-life.com

She met Lewis through the Therapy Dogs International class when she got Charlie certified. “There are just so many statistics about dogs and stress relief. I’m a teacher and I bring Charlie into my class and, on those days, the students who usually misbehave get excited and behave better because they know he’ll be coming in,” Jerry said. Lewis said petting a dog can lower your blood pressure by 50 percent. “It stands to reason that this has to help. Most people have had or

want pets. This is a good distraction for students from all the exams coming up, or a good way to unwind after an exam,” she said. Lisa Klager, resident adviser for Campbell and a West Bloomfield junior, organized the event. “Our community at Campbell Hall is very animal-friendly and we thought it would be beneficial to bring (the dogs) here so our residents could take an hour out of their day to de-stress,” she said.

Ingersoll said the visits also will include interviews. The forums will give interested CMU faculty, staff and students a chance to hear from the candidates, he said. “This is an opportunity for candidates to share with the CMU community their vision of the new medical school and answer questions from the audience,” he said.

theft|

university@cm-life.com

metro@cm-life.com

university@cm-life.com

continued from 3A

During that 30-year time period, Morrison received 16 other convictions. Burdick said the criminal enterprise charge, in addition to his criminal background and the separate sexual assault charge, has earned Morrison a longer prison sentence.

the president and his team puts forth,” he said. “If you raise the number of troops to a certain level ... we can accomplish the security situation.” War critics argue a counterinsurgency plan will be ineffective because of corruption in the Afghanistan government. Cost may be another concern. Moataz Fattah, political science associate professor, said Afghanistan lacks a strong government. “Sending more troops there would mean ... spending more money during a time when the U.S. economy and public debt is soaring (but), if we withdrawal now or not send more troops, we’re practically losing the war on terror and Osama bin Laden and his associates can declare victory,” he said. Fattah said the best strategy is securing the country’s capital, Kabul, and the other major cities. He said this would create a model of stability for other areas. Fattah said the alternative, securing all of Afghanistan’s 30 million people, would be a “recipe for failure.” “It’s a top priority to

“In the middle of this recession, I don’t think you’re going to be able, successfully or fairly, to add a tax burden to middle-income people.” Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich.

create a stable part of Afghanistan that would be good enough for Afghans to live peacefully and to prosper. Otherwise, we’re going to end up fighting everywhere without a clear aim of what to achieve,” Fattah said. The next step It is up to Congress to appropriate the necessary funds for Obama’s strategy. McChrystal is expected to testify Tuesday to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees in support of Obama’s initiative.

Democrats in the House propose paying for the troop increase by imposing higher income taxes on all Americans, excluding military families. U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, DMich., the Senate Armed Services chairman, proposed to only tax wealthy Americans. “In the middle of this recession, I don’t think you’re going to be able, successfully or fairly, to add a tax burden to middle-income people,” he said Sunday on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” metro@cm-life.com

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[News]

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || 5A

Community members unite for Mount Pleasant in holiday groove Annual festival ‘A Christmas Carol’ production taking place Play taking place next two weekends By Calyn Sharp Staff Reporter

Tiny Tim, Scrooge, and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-to-Come are all coming to life this weekend at the Broadway Theatre. The Broadway Players and Broadway Playhouse Kids will perform a joint production of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” “This is a classic play, but we are performing the 1994 adaptation by John Mortimer,” said Director and Mount Pleasant resident Mike Meakin. “This particular re-creation was originally made for the Royal Shakespeare Company in England.” The production will take place at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday, as well as 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday the following weekend. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online at friendsofthe-

broadway.org or at the theater box office, 216 E. Broadway St. The show tells a story of man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taken on a journey of selfredemption in an attempt to save his future and to become a happier man himself. Upon the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by three spirits who show him his own Christmas past, present and future. The journey shows him the importance of caring for others and being kind. “The show is a great way to bring the entire family together,” said Beaverton freshman James Campbell. “It’s a great way to set the mood for the Christmas season, and we have two or three entire families in the show, so it makes the holidays interesting for people both watching and participating in the show.” The play is a community theater production, so having full rehearsals can be a logistics nightmare because the cast includes so many people, Meakin said. Production on

If you go... w What: A Christmas Carol w When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12. w Where: Broadway Theatre, 216 E. Broadway St. w Cost: $8 per person. Tickets can be bought online at friendsofthebroadway.org or at the box office. the show began in early September for Meakin. With show time looming, Campbell said he is feeling the nerves of a big production. “It’s different because it’s not like the normal play,” he said. “We are incorporating a lot of music, and its different for me because I have never done a show where everyone else is speaking in accents, acting like they are from another time for the entire show. So it makes it harder for our job and a lot harder to portray a convincing character.” metro@cm-life.com

planning commission

Phi Mu sorority seeks to build new house on Main Street Cardiovascular center also to be discussed Thursday By Hilary Farrell Senior Reporter

The Rho Delta chapter of Phi Mu at Central Michigan University wants to build a new sorority house. The location in question for the new house, 802 S. Main St., is owned by Olivieri Management, said Mount Pleasant Planning Commission Vice Chairman Jeff Smith. “(Olivieri Management) has plans to demolish it and build a new home,” Smith said. The construction is on the agenda for Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 320 W. Broadway St. A public hearing regarding the housing unit is scheduled, and a site plan of the unit will follow. The house is a current student rental with 11 units, Smith said, and would change to a 12-unit house. Olivieri Management contacted sororities last spring regarding the new house and Phi Mu had an interest, said President and Rockford senior Stephanie Eidson. The sorority plans to have a private room for each resident, a large double kitchen and a finished bathroom with laundry facilities. “This is a very big change for us,” Eidson said. “We’re really excited.” The current sorority house at 702 S. Main St. has five bedrooms and houses 10 residents. Although there is a public hearing set for this proposal, Smith said he does not expect any negative feedback. Olivieri wishes to rebuild an older house, he said, and will only

add one new resident to it. “I don’t see this as a big issue,” Smith said. CMCH cardiovascular center Central Michigan Community Hospital, 1221 S. Drive, is moving forward with its plans to create a cardiovascular lab. The hospital applied for a special use permit in order to build a 3,200-square-foot addition to the existing hospital to house the lab. “They are using an existing outdoor area and enclosing it,” Smith said. According to HealthQuest, the hospital’s quarterly publication, the lab will run lowrisk cardiac catheterization

and minimally invasive peripheral vascular procedures. The hospital also is recruiting a board-certified endovascular surgeon to join the current staff. A site plan and a public hearing for this proposal are scheduled for Thursday’s meeting. Also at Thursday’s meeting, city staff will report to the Planning Commission regarding anticipated agenda items for January and an update on the city’s plans for the “Downtown to Campus Connection.” The plan is meant to increase walkability and bike-ability throughout the city. metro@cm-life.com

Friday downtown

By Jaimie Cremeans Staff Reporter

The Grinch, Ebenezer Scrooge and Santa Claus will roam downtown Mount Pleasant on Friday as a part of the Dickens Christmas Festival. The celebration is from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday with horsedrawn carriage rides for $5 and free trolley rides. Central Michigan University’s a capella group On the Rox will perform from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in front of Downtown Drugs, 121 E. Broadway St. “We love doing anything for the community and we all love the holidays,” said On the Rox President and Big Rapids senior Nicole Bouman. The group also will walk up and down the street, caroling traditional Christmas songs and taking requests. “We would like to get everyone singing with us,” Bouman said. Saturday’s events will begin at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast for $6 a person or free for children younger than 4 years old. “The pancake breakfast

is all you can eat, so people love it,” said Mount Pleasant Downtown Development Director Michelle Sponseller. The festivities will continue Saturday until 9 p.m. “There will be everything from carolers in the street to baking cookies,” Sponseller said. Four “Santa’s Workshop” stations will be set up for children in the afternoon. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., they can decorate cookies at Max and Emily’s Bakery Cafe, 125 E. Broadway St., or make crafts at the Art Reach Center, 319 S. University Ave. From noon to 4:30 p.m., they can get their faces painted at Murphy’s Beauty College, 201 W. Broadway St., or par-

ticipate in free classes all afternoon at the Vision Studio of Performing Arts, 131 E. Broadway St. At night, downtown will come to life with the Lighted Christmas Parade at 6 p.m. “The Lighted Christmas Parade is very big,” Sponseller said. “Everything is lit up and it’s wonderful.” Every year, they pick a group to feature as the grand marshal of the parade. This year, it is Toys for Tots. Free hay rides will be offered Saturday night, along with more horse-drawn carriage rides. There will be free hot chocolate stations set up throughout the area. metro@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

6A Wednesday, Dec. 2, 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 | Diplomacy will win the war in Afghanistan, not 30,000 more troops

A new strategy

P

resident Barack Obama said Tuesday more than 30,000 additional troops will be sent to Afghanistan in order to fight Taliban and Al Qaeda forces. The deployment is a response to Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the commander in Afghanistan, who requested more troops for the war. By April, there will be 100,000 troops in Afghanistan. With so much insurgency and instability in Afghanistan, it’s hard to define what would constitute a victory, if it’s even possible. The way to change Afghanistan is not through extra troops, but diplomacy involving the support of other countries. It’s a surprise that Obama is sending more troops to Afghanistan, especially after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. He seems more like a warmonger sending more troops

to a war that only America is a part of rather than a leader trying to establish world peace. The justification for the war stems from the lingering memory of 9/11 and the feeling that terrorism needs to stop. But even with 9/11 in the back of their minds, most Americans don’t support this war. To fight a war that costs billions during an economic recession doesn’t seem to make much sense, especially when

the enemy isn’t clearly defined or easy to locate. The problem with Afghanistan is that there is no clear definition for what would constitute a victory. Saddam Hussein and the Taliban were seen as the enemy in Iraq. But even after overturning the government, the U.S. found itself in a quagmire that stretched on longer than its involvement in WWII. Afghanistan is far worse off than Iraq and lacks a centralized government. The U.S. is finding itself fighting against separate tribes that have a long history of war. It would take years and thousands of troops to establish a centralized government in Afghanistan, if it’s even possible at all. Changing governments is not as easy as sending more troops and holding elections. The last elections in Afghanistan were met with accusations of dishonesty. If Iraq is any indication, democracies don’t happen overnight. The U.S. has occupied the country since 2003 and there’s still no sign of enough stability for the U.S. to pull out.

The 30,000 troops that Obama is sending to Afghanistan could even be sent to other parts of the world, where peace could be easier to attain. The genocides in Uganda, Sudan and Darfur could be stopped with the help of American troops. Stopping any of these genocides would be quicker than reforming Afghanistan and wouldn’t cost nearly as much. If Obama expects to win the war, he will have to exercise his diplomatic skills over flexing his military might. The support of surrounding countries such as Pakistan is much needed, since the Taliban uses the country to deflect U.S. forces. He will have to drum up support from other countries around the world, or the U.S. will find themselves in another Iraqi occupation. America cannot win the war in Afghanistan on its own. It will take time and the cooperation of multiple countries to change Afghanistan, not a military campaign that sacrifices thousands of U.S. troops. Obama should be making these moves and not sending more troops.

ROSS KITTREDGE [CARTOON]

Jason Gillman Jr. Columnist

Justices aren’t always right After my column published Nov. 11 concerning the misguided views some people have regarding the Constitution, I received an e-mail from one of my dear readers: “Jason: There are exactly nine people in this world who can tell you what the Constitution means. I’m not one of them, and neither are you.” It made me pause for a minute. My reply was short: “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. Look at Kelo.” In the case, the Supreme Court ruled that eminent domain could justify transferring land from a private owner to someone else if it produced economic development. In short, private ownership of land could be taken away if it benefited an entire community. Kelo v. City of New London (2005) is certainly one decision that people in all areas of the political spectrum thought got botched. With a decision such as Kelo, how is it even possible to say that the Supreme Court, collectively at a minimum, knows what the Constitution means? I’d argue that even individual justices have a hard time grasping what it means. A look at Justice Breyer’s views regarding the Constitution during D.C. v. Heller indicates that he merely sees the Constitution as a suggestion when he mentions his “interest-balancing inquiry.” With a court that thinks the transfer of property is legitimate use of eminent domain and judges on the bench that think constitutional protections only extend to the point they do not interfere with some governmental agenda, it shouldn’t be any surprise that I disagree with the statement that “there are exactly nine people” who can tell me what the Constitution means. I sometimes wonder if blindfolded monkeys throwing darts could make judicial decisions just as well as those who supposedly are the experts. After all, the concept seems to work well enough for the stock market.

[our readers’ voice]

CMU needs to spend tuition and tax money more wisely With Michigan’s public schools facing an economic crisis because of state funding issues, there are sure to be cuts that will be painful to our communities. Our tax dollars need to be carefully targeted, but that message is not connecting with Central Michigan University. The University’s Board of Trustees decided to approve the acquisition of WFUM-TV in Flint for $1 million of CMU’s reserve funds. My understanding is that university reserve funds are made up of appropriated state dollars, leftover tuition and university earnings. The purchase of this station represents poor judgment at a time when Michigan is fighting for its future. The Flint area is served by 4 public television stations — WDCQ, WFUM, WKAR and WTVS. According to the FCC and Consumer Electronics Association, approximately 85 percent of television viewers in the Flint area

get their television by cable and satellite providers such as Comcast, Charter, Direct TV, Echostar and AT&T. Comcast, the largest of these providers in the Flint area, carries three PBS stations: WDCQ, WKAR and WFUM. The remaining 15 percent of the population watches with home antennas, and can receive PBS programming from the stations mentioned. As the University of Michigan has learned, there is no community need for a redundant PBS station in Flint. The initial cost for CMU’s new station is high enough, but there are significant ongoing costs involved with broadcast transmission. Is this use of taxpayer money a wise investment? Consider that CMU has increased tuition by 21 percent in 2007, 6.6 percent in 2008, and 4.63 percent for 2009. Perhaps with better fiscal control of tuition costs, this university might have

seen a freshman enrollment increase this year, as it did for most of the higher education schools in our region. CMU has stated that one of its purposes for acquiring WFUM is to market CMU in Oakland County, where the university can get access to some of Oakland County’s dollars. Operating a television station is an expensive way to market a university when more traditional marketing tools such as advertising can be used with greater effectiveness and less money. How does running a redundant public television station in Flint meet the mission of CMU? It doesn’t. Nor is it the mission of Public Broadcasting to act as an advertising outlet for CMU. Keep in mind that the FCC licenses for Public Broadcasting are “noncommercial FCC licenses.” Tom Garnett Midland resident

C M Y o u | How do you feel tattoos are viewed in today’s society?

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

Will Axford Voices Editor

Goodbye, new millennia The next decade is bound to be better As the first decade of my adult life comes to a close, I have to speculate the impact the new millennium will have on history. The 2000s no doubt had a fair share of plights and failures. Time magazine recently declared this decade “The worst decade ever.” Is it, though? Without a doubt, 9/11 set the tone for the rest of the decade. It brought about a new war that wasn’t against a country, but an ideology. It instilled fear in Americans and brought distant problems to the forefront of our country. Suddenly, the wars in the Middle East were on our turf. Time will only tell if our responses were the right ones. From invading Iraq to bailing out Wall Street, the American taxpayer has had to pay for more mistakes than previous generations can remember. It’s still piling up, too, with more troops going to Afghanistan and American health care being reformed. With the current way of things, Time magazine may have been right in its declaration. But if there’s one thing we can learn from American history, it’s that things have an ironic habit of turning around. The first world war in the 1910s gave way to the roaring ’20s. The Great Depression of the ’30s was followed by a second world war in the ’40s, leading into great economic stability in the ’50s. Starting to see a pattern here? They say when you’re down, the only direction to go is up. America seems to fit the bill pretty well. For all the negativity that happened in this past decade, it’s easy to overlook the good things that have happened. The Internet has boomed, bringing instantaneous communication between long lost friends. 9/11 has caused us to be more aware of the world around us. How many people knew where Afghanistan was before 9/11? The decade ended with a bang, too — we elected our first black president in Barack Obama, something no one thought America would ever be capable of. The most exciting part of the next decade, though, is that the college students of today will become a dominate force in tomorrow’s workforce. The young people of today reflect the current times — always changing, thinking creatively and differently than previous generations. If the world is to become a better place, it will start with this generation choosing to improve things. I graduate in May with no clear direction of where to go. Sometimes, it’s exciting but, mostly, it’s absolutely frightening. The job market looks like it’s been in the ring with Mike Tyson — bruised, defeated, and allaround ugly. But every fighter has a comeback shot, and America’s has too be soon. So here’s to the next decade, whose fate will be in our hands. All I can hope for is that we’ve learn from this decade’s mistakes, and that we make the effort needed to improve America.

[letters to the editor]

“Definitely taboo in the workplace. It can be the thin line between employment and unemployment.” Shateka Casterman,

Grand Rapids senior

“It’s becoming more common for people to get them as years pass.” Mike Arney,

Howell senior

“It’s all about expressing yourself. Your body is a canvas. I love tattoos. There’s nothing wrong with them.”

“They aren’t very popular in the workplace. The boss definitely doesn’t want to see anything like that visible.”

Kelly Miller,

Jalin Thomas,

Highland freshman

Ohio junior

jake may/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]

THE GIFT OF GIVING | SGA reps make blankets for charity

One-credit course can complete required cultural competency LAR 397 offered next semester as capstone for students By Sherri Keaton Senior Reporter

victoria zegler/staff photographer

Pleasant Ridge senior Samantha Wunderlich, left, and Student Government Association house leader and Mount Pleasant sophomore Mark Favorite tie the ends of a fleece blanket while SGA vice president and Garden City senior Brittany Mouzourakis and Clinton Township junior Brad O’Donnell continue to cut strips during the SGA meeting Monday in Dow 171. All SGA representatives contributed to making 12 fleece blankets, which were given to local children in foster care for the holidays.

N o n - v i o l e n t o ffe n d e r s

Drug, alcohol court program can give convicts time off Isabella County sees 51 percent graduation rate

By Edward Schutter Staff Reporter

tant to her because dealing with kids is much different than adults. “Kids are far more challenged today,” she said. “You can’t compare adult drug court with the juvenile drug court.”

The Isabella County Drug Court reported as of the end of October a 51 percent graduation rate for its participants since it started in 2002. The drug court was created to allow Isabella County residents who have been convicted of drug or alcohol felonies to take time off of their sentences. There have been 200 participants, and 102 have graduated the program. The program keeps non-violent offenders out of prison, and they receive personal attention to their problems as well as having more frequent court appearances and drug testing. A juvenile drug court began in the county in 2006. Program Coordinator Kathleen Fields said it was impor-

Program success There have been 16 reoffenders and 59 terminated from the program in Isabella County. Fields said there are many ways to get let go from the course. “People can get terminated for a number of reasons, such as committing a new crime,” she said. Fields said the drug court has been great for providing for pregnant women who had previous drug and alcohol problems. “We have had 11 babies born; healthy, wonderful babies,” she said. Fields recently has attended other drug courts to see what they can learn or even teach to others. It is good to hear what other courts are doing to get ideas, she said. According to the Drug

board of trustees| continued from 1A

The Board also will discuss changing the name of the Department of Art to the Department of Art and Design, along with the election of Board of Trustees officers for 2010. Also on the agenda is discussion to authorize rights to market, sell, distribute and further develop the Authorizer Oversight Information System software. Corporate Computer, Inc. entered an agreement with the Center for Charter Schools on June 25, 2003. The National Science Foundation has provided a grant of $463,150 for the purchase of confocal micro-

scope to be used by faculty in development biology, cell biology and neuroscience. The Board will vote to authorize negotiations to form a contract to purchase a microscope not to exceed that amount. Student liasion meeting The Student Liaison Committee will meet with the Board at 4:30 p.m. today in the UC’s Terrace Room C. Student Government Association President and Mount Pleasant senior Jason Nichol will discuss several topics. One such topic is the request to make student opinion survey results available

Treatment Courts 2008 Annual Report, graduates of the adult circuit and district drug courts are unlikely to be charged with new offenses within 12 months of graduation. Graduates of the DWI courses are unlikely to commit any criminal offense within one year of graduation. Isabella County Commissioner Chairman David Ling said Fields is a valuable asset to the county. “It really is quite remarkable what this program has been able to do,” he said. County Prosecutor Larry Burdick said the program has been running well under Fields’ leadership. One of the thrills for Fields is to see graduates making a new life for themselves. “The majority of our people are working now,” she said. The next graduation is set to take place in December. There are six potential graduates expected to complete the course. metro@cm-life.com

to students online. As of now, students may obtain SOS results in Charles V. Park Library on a compact disc. “We, as students, think it’s beneficial because it’s a consistent measurement,” Nichol said. “All we’re hoping to do is move it from its current form on CD to the Internet, which is the medium our generation prefers to consume information.” Other issues SGA will discuss with the Board is the possibility of removing phones from residence halls. Nichol said an estimated $400,000 to $600,000 can be saved just from removing the phones from the residence halls since students do not even use them to begin with. university@cm-life.com

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

Central Michigan University students can enroll in a capstone course next semester to complete a program that focuses on cultures in and outside the United States. LAR 397 is a one-credit course to fulfill the last requirement for a cultural competency program. The main purpose is to give students interested in learning about different cultures another opportunity beyond the required credit, said Multicultural Program Director Ulana Klymyshyn. “It would be a notation on their transcripts that says they have taken a range of courses on different cultures and identifying them as being culturally competent,” Klymyshyn said. The definition of a culturally competent person is one who is aware of cultures, has information about a range of cultures, and has the skills to interact and work with people of cultural backgrounds different than their own, Klymyshyn said. “This is awareness, knowledge and skills,” she said. Students also should have knowledge about the kind of power relationships that underlie interactions and treatment of people of different backgrounds in the United States and other countries, Klymyshyn said. The competency There are four requirements students must fulfill for the cultural competency program, and some of the required classes can count as double courses. Students can take ANT 101 or SOC 101: Social Justice in a Global Society. The

“It would be a notation on their transcripts that says they have taken a range of courses on different cultures and identifying them as being culturally competent.” Ulana Klymyshyn, Multicultural Program Director courses are three credits. Klymyshyn said they are foundation courses as a way to introduce students to a particular topic. “They’re cross-listed courses, and students can’t get credit for both,” she said. The second requirement is nine credit hours on cultures within the United States. The third requirement is a study of global cultures outside the United States, which can be up to seven credit hours. This includes taking classes in religion, a foreign language and other applicable fields. The fourth requirement is the one-credit-hour capstone course, which requires students to hand in a portfolio of reflection papers on 12 different event or activities, as well as take a di-

versity self-assessment. Klymyshyn said students cannot attend that many activities all at once, so the papers should be from over a period of time at CMU. Students need permission from Klymyshyn before registering for the course. Denise Green, associate vice president for Institutional Diversity, said the Cultural Competency program is an asset to CMU and the students. The course provides students with an extra boost in the job market, making students more culturally open to their future employers, she said. Green also said the skill of knowing about diverse cultures is very relevant, especially as a CMU graduate. university@cm-life.com

8A || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

www.cm-life.com

[News]

O n e n i g ht w i th c h u c k

sean proctor/staff photographer

Author and journalist Chuck Klosterman speaks Monday in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium. Klosterman is best known for his bestselling book “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto,” a collection of comedic essays about pop culture.

A pop culture manifesto Author Chuck Klosterman speaks to 125 in Plachta By Joe Martinez Staff Reporter

Chuck Klosterman said he thinks there is a blurry line between the real and unreal. Klosterman, author and pop culture guru, read an excerpt from his new book, “Eating the Dinosaur,” Monday night in Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium that focused on how people are becoming very reliant on technology. “We really can’t differentiate between the real and unreal images — we can describe the difference, but we can’t manage it,” he said. Klosterman said until the advent of film, all images people thought of were actual experiences — now, that is not the case. “We do not have the freedom to think whatever we want, we don’t,” he said. “And until we accept that, it’s useless to think about anything else.”

Culture shock About 125 students attended the event. The Unabomber, society’s reliance on technology and comparing the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts rivalry to “Twilight” were some of the topics touched on by the author, who took questions from the audience and read an excerpt from his new book, “Eating the Dinosaur,” which was released Oct. 20. Klosterman compared Tom Brady and the Patriots to “Twilight” character Edward Cullen, saying they are good-looking and a little arrogant. He also compared Peyton Manning and the Colts to the saga’s werewolf, Jacob Black. “Peyton Manning kind of looks like a werewolf,” Klosterman said. Klosterman graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1994 with a degree in journalism and worked as a pop culture critic for the Akron Beacon Journal in Akron, Ohio. He has written about music and pop culture for several magazines, including SPIN, Esquire and The New York Times Magazine Klosterman has authored six books, the most popular of

which is “Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto,” which, like “Eating the Dinosaur,” is a collection of essays on topics ranging from music to pop culture to sports and politics. Klosterman, in response to a question about how he tries to find originality in his writing, said it is a must for writers to develop their own style rather than emulate the style of others. “It is natural to adopt other people’s styles,” he said. Farmington Hills junior Nikki Burnstein, Program Board lecture chairwoman, said she was pleased with how the event turned out. “I thought it went really well — everyone seemed to enjoy it,” Burnstein said. “(The attendance) was what I expected for a lecture.” Sault Ste. Marie sophomore Landon Winowiecki came to the event because he said he is a Klosterman fan. “I enjoy his books, I agree with a lot of his views and I just think its interesting to see somebody who sings the same song as me.” studentlife@cm-life.com

One-on-one with Chuck Klosterman By Joe Martinez Staff Reporter

Editor’s note: Staff Reporter Joe Martinez spoke with Chuck Klosterman Monday night about pop culture, journalism and his writing. Joe Martinez: As a pop culture “guru,” what do you define pop culture as in 2009? Chuck Klosterman: To be honest, right now, it seems like pop culture is the only culture anyone cares about. I don’t see a lot of interest in things that would be considered high culture, even sort of by academics. It seems like even the “New Yorker” basically covers popular culture. It seems to be more central to the way people living than any other tier of arts and entertainment. JM: What role has the Internet played in driving the whole pop culture craze? CK: When I say this, it will sound bad, and I don’t know if it’s good or bad. What the Internet has proven that people are more interested in gossip than news. I do think pop culture in America is taken more seriously than it was even 10 years ago. The fact that it’s now totally acceptable to write about Twilight seriously, or Britney Spears seriously ... has prompted a lot more people who would have felt uncomfortable focusing their career on that. So now, there’s smarter people writing about technically dumber things. JM: Where do you see the journalism field heading? Do you think people will have to be generalized like yourself and dabble in everything? CK: Probably the opposite. One thing I feel lucky about is I might be the last of the generalists, who writes about music and then writes about sports and writes about film and writes about politics. Now the expectation is that if you want to be in journalism, you have to be an expert in a very thin slice of culture. In music coverage, for example, the big rock writers

would write about all genres of music that were important. They would write about rock, they would write about hip hop, if disco was happening, they’d write about disco; if metal was big, they’d write about metal. Now the expectation is you will be somebody who is the person who really knows about dance hall music. and you will write about exclusively about dance hall. I feel very lucky that just by chance I started my career just before the Internet really happened;

cm-life.com Check the Web site for the full Q and A with Chuck Klosterman. it existed ... just before blogging really took off. Because of that, I was able to position myself as someone who writes about things in kind of an abstract, big way. I don’t have to be a specialist. I think specialization is probably more the future than a multi-purpose writer. studentlife@cm-life.com

BLOG Check out CM Life’s men’s basketball blog at cmlife-basketball.blogspot.com.

Q&A Staff reporter Joe Martinez interviews author Chuck Klosterman.

sports Central Michigan Life

9A

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009

[cm-life.com/category/sports]

Back with a vengeance Kellermann, men’s basketball erase streak of poor play in win

Tim Ottusch Assistant Sports Editor

By Tim Ottusch Assistant Sports Editor

T

he CMU men’s basketball team ended a three-game span of frustration with a 78-40 win against Chicago State on Tuesday in Rose Arena. CMU’s three previous losses came on the road. “I’m really proud of the fact that we came out and played with the level of confidence throughout our lineup,” said coach Ernie Zeigler. “We did a lot of positive things on both ends of the floor.” Leading the way for the Chippewas was senior forward Chris Kellermann, who had 16 points and eight rebounds. Kellermann had struggled throughout the season coming into the game. Perennially a good 3-point shooter, he entered just 3-for-16 on the season. In the win against Chicago State, Kellermann was 2-for-6 from long range and played a more physical role in the paint. “It definitely gave me a big boost of confidence in my game, as well as our team,” he said. Five players for CMU scored in double figures. Junior forward Jalin Thomas finished with 13 points, junior forward MarChris Kellermann co Spica finished with 10 and, like Kellermann, found his game after struggling for most of the season early on. “It was good to see that balance, and that is the balance we have to have, because I think it makes it difficult for people to key in on one or two guys,” Zeigler said. The Chippewas held the Cougars to 34.1 percent shooting from the field and outrebounded them 35-23. “I think we had a great deal focus on our game plan,” Zeigler said. Quick Start Central started the game playing arguably its best of the season. After a slow 2-2 start, the Chippewas took over the game. Two 9-0 runs during the first half separated the two teams, with CMU leading by as many as 23 points. Kellermann had eight points — including his two 3-pointers — in the team’s firsthalf run that led to the 23-point lead. CMU led the Cougars 36-16 at the half. Chicago State committed 16 turnovers, leading to an 18-0 edge for CMU in points off turnovers. Spica also finished the half with eight points. In the second half, CMU started where it left off. After a quick two point basket by Chicago State, the Chippewas went on a 12-0 run, giving them a 31-point lead. Senior guard Jordan Bitzer, who did not score in the first half, sparked the run with eight points. CMU led by as many as 42 points in the half.

Left: Senior guard Robbie Harman finished Tuesday’s game against Chicago State with 11 points and a team-leading six assists and four steals. Below: Junior forward Marco Spica finished with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists. The men’s basketball team defeated the Cougars 78-40 Tuesday at Rose Arena, ending a threegame losing streak. Photos by Matthew stephens/ Presentation Editor

Junior guard Amir Rashid, who played his first game of the season against Purdue last Saturday after missing five games to injury, got his first career start. Rashid finished with five points. Center Marquis Young led Chicago State with 12 points and six rebounds. CMU (3-4) plays at 8 p.m. Sat-

urday at Illinois State (6-0). CMU lost to the Redbirds 72-69 last season in Rose Arena. The team plays its next six games on the road. The Chippewas’ next home game is a conference game on Jan. 13 against Ball State. Notes Sophomore guard Antonio Wea-

ry, out with a wrist injury, got his cast off Monday, and Zeigler said he is about a week away from returning. Also, freshman guard Joey Estrada has left the program for personal reasons. Freshman Sean Day also left earlier this season. sports@cm-life.com

Winless Central hosts Big East power Louisville By John Evans Staff Reporter

Starting the season 0-5 is not exactly what the CMU women’s basketball team had in mind. Hosting the runner-up to last year’s NCAA Championship does not make things easier. CMU will take on Louisville at 7 p.m. today at Rose Arena. Coach Sue Guevara said the team chemistry on defense needs to be better, but she still believes things will work out. “We have very inexperienced depth and we are play-

Five schools projected to play postseason games

F

or the first time since 2004, the Mid-American Conference is projected to send more than three teams to bowl games. In 2004, the MAC sent Toledo, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Miami (Ohio) and Marshall (in its last season in the MAC) to bowl games, the most in conference history. But if all current projections pan out, the MAC will equal that this year. Currently, ESPN’s Mark Schlabach and Bruce Feldman have five MAC teams playing in bowl games this season. Both experts have Central Michigan (10-2) playing in the GMAC Bowl, Temple (9-3) in the International Bowl, Northern Illinois (7-5) in the Humanitarian Bowl, Ohio (9-3) in the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl and Bowling Green (7-5) in the EagleBank Bowl. The site has Temple playing Rutgers, NIU playing Idaho, Ohio playing Middle Tennessee State and Bowling Green playing former MAC school Marshall. CBSSports.com has CMU in the GMAC, Ohio in the International, BGSU in the Humanitarian, NIU in the EagleBank and Temple in the Little Caesar’s Pizza.

women’s basketball

Team looks to stop losing streak vs. NCAA runner-up

MAC goes bowling

ing some good basketball teams,” Guevara said. “I still have a lot of confidence in this team and believe in them.” Louisville, who earned a point in the Associated Press Poll, but missed the Top 25 by one team, found itself one win away from a national championship last year. Although it lost Angel McCoughtry, drafted first overall in the WNBA and won 2009 WNBA Rookie of the Year, the Cardinals provide scoring from multiple spots on the floor. In an effort to replace one of the best in all of women’s college basketball last season, sophomores Becky Burke and Monique Reid lead Louisville in scoring with 13.6 points per game apiece. “Burke is a tremendous

scorer with just a great scoring mentality, and Reid is just a nice player,” Guevara said. “This is the national runner-up coming here and I think it is great for our program playing them.” Struggles Despite being CMU’s second-leading scorer, preseason All-MAC forward Britni Houghton has struggled in games this season finding open shots. Houghton said the team knows it can play better and she is looking forward to starting anew. “Every game, I feel like I try to get going — people have bad games, and I’m just excited I get to play again and start out new,” she said. “We know that we can play better than

we have and we know we have a good basketball program. We still have high hopes for the season.” The Chip- Britni Houghton pewas have had problems rebounding on their defensive end throughout the season and foul trouble has played a large role in them. Junior forward Kaihla Szunko has gotten into early foul trouble in recent games, leaving the team rebounddeficient when she is taken out of games. “We all need to play smart as a team, if she (Szunko) gets beat, then we need to have help so she does not get a stu-

pid foul,” Houghton said. Inexperience Guevara said she does not think the more experienced Houghton is feeling pressure despite the lack of experienced depth to help. “We are putting Britni in a situation to succeed, I just want her to play. It is not on her shoulders,” she said. “Our mentality, defensively, is improving, but it has to get a lot better. We have a hunger, but we need to be starving.” Freshman point guard Jalisa Olive also will start, Guevara said. It is her third start this season. This is the Chippewas’ last home game until Dec. 19, when they host Howard. sports@cm-life.com

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

Golden opportunity The most intriguing matchup, however, is who CMU is projected to face — Notre Dame. Both of ESPN’s experts and cbssports.com have CMU playing the Fighting Irish this January. Although rumors have been made that Notre Dame might decline a bowl bid. Making this matchup even more interesting is the fact that Notre Dame recently fired its coach, Charlie Weis, with one of the leading candidates for the job being current Cincinnati and former CMU coach Brian Kelly. Kelly coached CMU from 2004 to 2006. In 2006, he led CMU to a 9-4 record, MAC Championship and its first bowl game since 1994. Kelly, however, left the program for Cincinnati before the Motor City Bowl, which CMU won 31-14 against Middle Tennessee State. This no doubt brings possible storylines if Notre Dame hires Kelly and has him leave the Bearcats early to coach against his former team in the projected GMAC Bowl matchup. Kelly would be coaching against senior quarterback Dan LeFevour, whose emergence fueled the success of the 2006 season and ultimately helped land Kelly’s job with the Bearcats. Kelly would be coaching against a former colleague, as Butch Jones was Kelly’s running backs coach in 2004. Jones went to West Virginia from 2005-06 to coach the wide receivers before taking the CMU job. Rumors But Kelly is not the only coach that has had rumors come about in terms of coaching openings. Jones has been mentioned as a possible candidate for numerous coaching jobs by ESPN and many other media outlets. ESPN mentioned Jones as a top 10 possibility for the Louisville head coaching position, along with fellow MAC coach, Buffalo’s Turner Gill. ESPN also mentioned Jones as a good fit in

A ottusch | 10A

10A || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

m a c f o o t b a l l c h a m p i o n s hi p

Ohio QB Scott questionable for game By Andrew Stover Sports Editor

The Ohio Bobcats saw their quarterback deliver last week against Temple when the season was on the line to earn the team a trip to the Mid-American Conference Championship. Senior Theo Scott played his best game all season statistically, but it might have come at an extreme cost. Ohio coach Frank Solich deemed Scott “questionable” for the game against CMU at 8 p.m. Friday at Ford Field in Detroit during the MAC Teleconference on Monday. Along with Scott, freshman wide receiver LaVon Brazil, second on the team in receiving yards (670) and receiving touchdowns (6), also is questionable for the championship. “I think the status is questionable at this point. Neither one was able to practice (Sunday),” Solich said. “And I won’t go into it much further than that. We’re hoping that both are going to be available and able to play, but it’s a little bit of a wait-and-see game.” Last week against Temple, Scott completed 17-of-21 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. He also led his team in rushing, carrying the

ball six times for 69 yards and adding two more touchdowns. Scott sprained his left ankle when getting sacked in the third quarter last Friday against Temple. He was seen using crutches on the sideline Friday and when speaking to the local media Saturday. Scott, who would be replaced by freshman Tyler Tettleton if he cannot go, told local reporters he will play. In limited action this season, Tettleton has com- Theo Scott pleted 9-of-20 passes for 128 yards and two interceptions. Brazil injured his knee in the first half, and senior strong safety Patrick Tafua injured his shoulder during the game. Tafua has shown his versatility; his 61 tackles are third on the team, and he also has 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two interceptions. CMU coach Butch Jones said he believes all three players will be active for Ohio. “There team, just like our team, has persevered all season,” he said. “And you have to have resiliency to get to this championship game. We expect those three individu-

cm-life.com/category/sports

[Sports]

als to play. We’ve prepared for them.” Injuries are not new to Ohio this year, however. The Bobcats lost senior quarterback Boo Jackson, who was in a timeshare with Scott, when he further damaged a torn labrum in his right throwing shoulder just two weeks into the season. “Even though we’ve had a number of injuries this year, we’ve been able to plug in players that have done a very good job and have enabled us to continue to win,” Solich said. CMU pipeline Former CMU offensive tackle Andrew Hartline was promoted from the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad Saturday. He replaced former Iowa outside linebacker/defensive end Matt Roth on the roster, who the Dolphins cut. Hartline, who played during CMU’s 2006 and 2007 MAC Championship runs and graduated last year, was signed to Miami’s practice squad Sept. 15, and he was called up because of a left ankle sprain to starting center Jake Grove. Hartline was signed by Green Bay as an undrafted free agent after the 2009 NFL Draft, but the team did not assign him to its active roster or practice squad. sports@cm-life.com

OUTSIDE THE LINES | Meet 133-pounder Scotti Sentes Staff Reporter Matt Valinski sat down with sophomore AllAmerican wrestler Scotti Sentes to find out about the person behind the success. Matt Valinski: If you could be an animal, what would you be? Scotti Sentes: I would be a porcupine, because no one can mess with a porcupine. It doesn’t have to do anything to protect itself, either.

best guys can’t really afford to go to all the national tournaments. Florida doesn’t have college wrestling and, a lot of the times, they are looked over and counted out. ... A lot of the guys I wrestled in Florida are tougher than the guys I wrestle now.

MV: Why don’t you think people respect Florida wrestling? SS: In Florida, a lot of the

MV: Do you have a nickname? SS: A lot of the guys call me

Ottusch | continued from 9A

Kansas as well. Doug Smock of the Charleston Gazette mentioned Jones as a candidate for the Marshall coaching job. However, Jones going to Marshall would be a lateral move — from the MAC to the Conference USA — and would make little sense. While CMU has had success the past four seasons, Marshall has struggled. Jones has stated he has not interviewed or talked with other schools. It would not make sense for Jones to talk to any schools until at least after the MAC Championship game. And if Jones were to

leave for another team, he would likely coach CMU in the bowl game before leaving,

bones on the team because I’m so skinny. MV: When you were younger, what did you want to grow up to become? SS: I wanted to become an astronaut to explore space.

MV: Outside of wrestling, what is your favorite thing to do? SS: I like to go out on the boat, go to the beach, wakeboard, kneeboard, stuff like that. sports@cm-life.com

unlike his predecessor. sports@cm-life.com

inside | Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant over the past decade, 3B

CAMPUS VIBE

B

Central Michigan Life

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009

[cm-life.com/category/vibe]

14 1. Nov. 7: Republican candidate Texas Gov. George W. Bush defeats Democratic Vice President Al Gore in the closest presidential election in history. The final outcome is not known for more than a month because of a close race in Florida.

2. Oct. 23: The iPod

2000

2001

is launched.

4. Sept. 4: Kelly Clarkson becomes the first winner of American Idol.

3. Sept. 11: Terrorists under the direction of Osama bin Laden crash airplanes into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon. Another plane, believed to be headed for the White House, crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.

1

3

The decade’s faces & places

2002

2003 5. Jan. 1: Michigan swears in Jennifer Granholm as the first female Governor of the state.

June 26: CMU center Chris Kaman goes sixth overall in the NBA draft to Los Angeles Clippers. (Not pictured)

Anticipation for a new millennium was growing as the clock struck midnight Jan. 1, 2000. It began with fears of the Y2K computer glitch. It continued with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that left the World Trade Center (and part of the Pentagon) in ruins. From the rise of technology, wi-fi and reality television to Hurricane Katrina, the Indian

13

7. Nov. 19: The in-

6. Feb. 4: Facebook is founded at Cambridge, Mass.

8. April 2: Pope John Paul II, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, dies. German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger is voted to take his place, changing his name to Benedict XVI.

10. Nov 17: The PlayStation 3 is released in North America. 11, 12. Nov. 19: The Wii is released in North America. Both systems compete with the Xbox 360, which was released in 2005.

14. July 21: Harry Potter

and the Deathly Hallows, the final book in the bestselling Harry Potter series, is released.

16. Nov. 4: United States

presidential election, 2008: Barack Obama is elected the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American President-elect.

2004

2005

2006

2007

famous ‘Palace Brawl’ takes place. The NBA’s Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons after (then) Pacer Ron Artest starts a fight with a fan. The brawl erupted between many players and fans and Artest was suspended for the year.

Ocean earthquake and swine flu; from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq to the election of America’s first black president, this decade has seen a fair share of historic moments. Central Michigan University and Mount Pleasant are no different, either. And the 2000s still have about a month to go. inside: the last 10 years

4

6

9. Aug. 28: Hurricane Katrina hammers the southeastern United States, especially New Orleans, Louisiana and coastal Mississippi.

7

16 13. Nov. 30: The CMU football team, led by freshman quarterback Dan LeFevour, wins its first MAC Championship game, beating Ohio 31-10.

17

15. Aug 7: Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants breaks the baseball great Hank Aaron’s record by hitting his 756th home run.

5

19 18 8

2008 17. July 16: The Dark Knight is released, six months after the death of Heath Ledger, who played the Joker.

2009 18. June 25: Singer/ songwriter Michael Jackson dies from a prescription drug overdose.

2

12

19. June 29: First

11

classes are held in CMU’s Education and Human Services building.

15 10

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2B || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

RANT

NEW STUFF DVDs 1. “Night at the Museum 2” 2. “Terminator: Salvation" 3. “Paper Heart” CDs 1. “Untitled” R. Kelly 2. “Stir the Blood” The Bravery 3. “The Biz’s Greatest Hits” Biz Markie

Eric Dresden Student Life Editor

Snow like a man I’m tired of Mother Nature giving me snow and then taking it away from me. If it’s going to snow, then let it snow. None of this snow for 2 hours, but have it melt away in 5 minutes. I’m ready for the snow to fly in and give me a real storm.

video games 1. “Rogue Warrior” X360, PS3, Wii, DS, PC 2. “Avatar” PS3, X360, Wii, DS, PC 3. “MX vs ATV Reflex” X360, PS3, PSP, DS

TOP FIVES

www.cm-life.com

[campus collage]

Tweets of the week

BEAT WRITER PICKS music

video games

‘Crown on the Ground’ by Sleigh Bells

Lego Indiana Jones 2

“Set, set that crown on the ground,” instructs Alexis Krauss, one half of Brooklyn buzz-band Sleigh Bells, in its first single, “Crown on the Ground.” The song finds the duo taking Lil’ Wayne’s “A Milli” beat and pushing the levels into the red, fuzzing out both the low and high ends. Punchy guitar and fuzzy synth stabs further distort the song’s blown-out mix, adding just a hint of melody beneath Krauss’s voice. The simple guitar/beats/vocals arrangement is incredibly effective and the fuzzed out crunch makes the effect sublime. Give it a listen, but be prepared to be addicted! -Ben Weissenborn

Want to come along on Dr. Jones’ adventures in archaeology and pulpy battles against Nazi conspirators? The newest title in the “Lego” adventure series, “Lego Indiana Jones 2,” takes classic moments from all four films and translates them into slapstick, family-friendly scenes rendered in Lego bricks.But that’s not to say this game’s just for kids. A massive roster of unlockable characters and vehicles, a mission creator, and addictively simple multiplayer cooperative gameplay make this a good choice for Indy fans of any age. This game belongs in a museum. -Connor Sheridan

Follow @CMLIFE on Twitter.com

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

box office 1. “New Moon” $42.8 million 2. “The Blind Side” $40.1 million 3. “2012” $17.6 million 4. “Old Dogs” $16.8 million 5. “A Christmas Carol” $15.7 million

date of birth, filmography, awards and...tweets?

singles 1. “Empire State of Mind” Jay-Z and Alicia Keys 2. “Bad Romance” Lady Gaga 3. “Fireflies” Owl City 4. “Whatcha Say” Jason DeRulo 5. “Tik Tok” Ke$ha

(MCT) The statistics and information available for various celebrities on IMDb.com, the Internet Movie Database, now include updated Twitter postings. As if the “trivia” section for, say, Lindsay Lohan wasn’t trivial enough (“Is allergic to blueberries”),

you can read her latest tweet. Here’s one from Nov. 10: “xoxoxox.” It’s another example of the Internet effect: These days, celebrity info must be updated by the millisecond and broadcast around the globe, no matter what its inherent value.

albums 1. “Battle Studies” John Mayer 2. “My Christmas” Andrea Bocelli 3. “The Fall” Norah Jones 4. “Until the World Hears” Casting Crowns 5. “Before I Self-Destruct” 50 Cent

October 12, 2009 - December 4, 2009 www.giving.cmich.edu/campaign Give via CMU portal at portal.cmich.edu

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cm-life.com/category/vibe

[VIBE]

City adjustments include increase in downtown development

Expansion highlights major changes on campus EHS, HP Building among CMU’s big investments By Maryellen Tighe Staff Reporter

Central Michigan University has a different face now than it did 10 years ago, from the changing skyline to the ever-changing goals of faculty and staff. “In the past 10 years, the university has probably changed more than in the previous 20,” said chemistry professor Bob Howell, who has worked at CMU for 32 years. Howell said there has been a large influx, at least in the chemistry department, of young faculty and a university-wide increase in focus on research that was not seen 10 years ago. He said one instrumental person in these changes was former University President Michael Rao, who served from 2000 until June 2009, when he left for the presidency at Virginia Commonwealth University. “He was just very dynamic and very positive,” Howell said. In addition to the increased focus on research, there also is an expansion of graduate programs throughout the university, including programs in audiology, health professions, history, education and material science. Technology Another large change on

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || 3B

file photo

Former University President Michael Rao was instrumental in the building of the Health Professions Building, the Education and Human Services Building and other researchdriven programs at Central Michigan before bolting to Virginia Commonwealth University earlier last summer. He served as CMU’s president from 2000 to 2009.

“I used to know campus really well — now, I see an address and it’s in some building I’ve never been in.” Carol Riddle, English temporary faculty

who has been on staff for 20 years. campus has been the addition of technology and a technical support staff. “They’re giving us ideas of how to use technology in the classroom,” said health sciences professor Rich Parr, who has been teaching at CMU for 43 years. The technical support does not touch on the fact that 10 years ago, there was almost nothing in the way of computer labs for classes, said English temporary faculty Carol Riddle. There also was a physical expansion of the university into new buildings. Some more recent additions and renovations are the Education and Human Services Building, the Health Professions Building and the renovation of the Charles V. Park Library. “I used to know campus really well — now, I see an address and it’s in some building I’ve never been in,” said Riddle, who has been a faculty member for 20 years. Keeping up With these expansions into new buildings, there

also is a growing number of students. On-campus enrollment has increased to 20,444 in 2009 from 17,789 in 1999. That is a concern for some faculty who feel it may become difficult to keep up the level of their program with the growing class sizes. Professor David Gillingham of the School of Music said the completion of the Music Building has given the program more prominence — although it is able to be more selective with students, the classes are getting larger as well. “It’s amazing that we can do as much as we do with the faculty we have,” Gillingham said. Because of many of the changes buildings and the emphasis on research at CMU, Howell said he has noticed a shift in the image of the university. “If you look at what’s happening to the university — our image nationally is much better than it was,” Howell said. university@cm-life.com

Borden Building, park system see major changes

“We have a very low vacancy rate (downtown); one of the lowest across the state.”

By Hilary Farrell Senior Reporter

Michelle Sponseller, Director of Downtown Development

Changes over a decade in cities are natural. Mount Pleasant is no different. In the past 10 years, the city has seen massive changes to its parks system, the restoration of the historically-significant Borden Creamery and renovations to its downtown. Entering his fourth term on the City Commission, Jon Joslin has seen many of these changes firsthand. “The amount the community got behind (the Borden restoration) was fantastic,” he said. Cooperation by the city, Central Michigan University, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and school and health organizations have been essential to the success of the city, said former city Mayor and former CMU student body president Adam Miller.

city government.

Borden restoration Way before the Borden Creamery became City Hall, it was the Michigan Condensed Milk Factory, servicing Mount Pleasant and the surrounding areas. The city went through many options before restoration, Joslin said, and 64 percent of city voters came out for the decision in November 2005. The restoration was the city’s first historical rehabilitation, said Director of Downtown Development Michelle Sponseller. “We cleaned up a really blighted sight,” she said. “We were able to save a historical building and use it.” The Borden Building opened in October 2008 and became the new home of Mount Pleasant

Downtown development In the past decade, many businesses appeared downtown, Sponseller said, including The Brass Café and Saloon, 128 S. Main St.; Ace of Diamonds, 128 E. Broadway St.; and The Blue Gator Sports Pub and Grill, 106 N. Court St. The growth and success of other downtown businesses, including The Bird Bar and Grill, 223 S. Main St., and the Broadway Theatre, 216 E. Broadway St., also is significant, she said. “We’re lucky,” Sponseller said. “We have a very low vacancy rate (downtown); one of the lowest across the state.” Today, many events find their home downtown, Sponseller said, including “Ladies Night Out,” the Mardi Gras Parade, Art Reach’s Festival of Banners and last summer’s Le Tour de Mont Pleasant. City parks One of the biggest facets of the city, however, is the past

ten years of expansion in its parks system. The interconnected trails of today began with late Director of Parks and Public Spaces Greg Baderschneider’s infrastructure plans, said current Director of Parks and Public Spaces Chris Bundy. “Ten years ago, these didn’t exist,” he said. The city’s plan to improve on the parks system continues with the Access Recreation trail, set for next spring, Bundy said. When taking the position of director five years ago, Sponseller said she was most impacted by the city parks system. “I grew up here and then moved away,” Sponseller said. “When I moved back for this job, I couldn’t believe it.” Bundy said the city’s skate park, which opened in 2002, and the more recent soccer fields also improve the city. “The fields are packed on soccer weekends,” Bundy said. metro@cm-life.com

4B || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || Central Michigan Life

The 2000s’ top eight films By Brad Canze Senior Reporter

1. Oldboy (2003) A Korean everyman is kept in jail overnight for drunkenness and, upon release, is kidnapped and confined in a room for 15 years. Upon being mysteriously released to find his wife murdered and daughter missing, he embarks on a mission of revenge that brings to realization all the wrong he has done in his life. Director Park C h a n - Wo o k ’s film is an absolute masterpiece that will affect the viewer emotionally and physically. The plot-twist is mind-blowing, the action is visceral, and the overwhelming sense of confusion and anger builds to one of the best movie climaxes in recent memory. Anyone who has not seen “Oldboy” owes it to themselves. It is the best movie of the last 10 years. 2. Memento (2000) A man with no short-term memory attempts to track down his wife’s murderer, without ever being sure who he can trust, and having to figure it out again every day. The film’s structure is mind-bending and brilliant, and requires at least two viewings to figure out entirely, unless a loudmouthed friend spells it all out. The performances, particularly by Joe Pantoliano and Guy Pearce, are absolutely spoton. “ M e m e n t o” is a thinking man’s movie if there ever was one, and first cemented Christopher Nolan as a director to watch for years to come, a distinction he has continued to deserve. 3. The Wrestler (2008) Darren Aronofsky’s tale of a past-his-prime professional wrestler and the repercussions his lifestyle has had on himself and his loved ones is the most straightforward, plot-driven film the director has ever made. However, the bare-bones independent film is wrought with emotions, mainly due to a trio of world-class performances by Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei and Mickey Rourke. Rarely does performer and material mesh as perfectly as Rourke did with this script. The story of Randy “The Ram” and his quest for a comeback echoes Rourke’s own attempts for silver-screen redemption. The result is a film that captures genuine emotions in a way few can. “The Wrestler” is quite possibly one of the few films that a grown male can cry at, without having to explain himself to a taunting friend afterward.

4. The Departed (2006) Directing legend Martin Scorsese’s remake of 2002 Hong Kong thriller “Infernal Affairs” manages to improve on the original, which was already a must-see. The twisting tale of cat and mouse between a cop undercover in a gang and a gangster undercover in the police department is highlighted by a nofrills script by William Monohan. The film deftly deals with duality, right and wrong, and the nature of father figures and fatherhood. There is not an underwhelming performance in this film, but it is highlighted by Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon as the moles in each organization, Jack Nicholson as a mob boss, and Alec Baldwin and Mark Wahlberg as superiors in the police department, all of whom turn in career-making performances. Never once does this movie let off the tension or pull a single punch. It provides cinematic satisfaction of the highest degree. Keep the film at a high volume, so the sound is not drowned out by the thud of jaws hitting the floor at the climax. 5. Amelie (Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amelie Poulain) (2001) An isolated and awkward girl in Paris tries to spice up her own life by enhancing other people’s lives in strange and inventive ways. Through her antics, Amelie eventually finds the love she has lacked her entire life. Featuring a classically endearing performance by Audrey Tautou as the title character, “Amelie” is an uplifting and unmistakably French movie that shows just how much good one person can do in the lives of others. 6. The Dark Knight (2008) If every summer blockbuster was as cinematically significant as “The Dark Knight,” the heads of film reviewers and historians alike would explode. A deep moral movie that takes a film noir approach to fate and doom, and personifies it in Heath Ledger’s seminal portrayal of The Joker, Christopher Nolan’s second Batman movie is one of the best noir films in recent years. As far as crime films of the last decade go, it pales only to “The Departed.” As far as superhero movies are concerned, it doesn’t get better, and even Nolan may not be able to top himself in that regard. 7. WALL-E (2008) Many gripe the second half of this movie lags desperately, essentially once human characters are introduced into this tale of flirtation and romance between two robots on a desolated earth. However, it could be argued that anything would pale in comparison to the first half of “WALL-E,” 45 of the most wonderful minutes ever projected onto a movie screen. Director Andrew Stanton and his Pixar crew managed to do so much with so little, turning what is essentially a cube with eyes into one of the most endearing and lovable movie protagonists of recent memory. Whether the message of the film is regarded as heavy-handed or not, anyone who leaves a viewing of “WALL-E” without being emotionally affected would have the existence of their emotions questioned. 8. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) It may not be possible for one to watch this film without falling in love with it. The Coen Brothers’ adaptation of the Odyssey features a stellar cast headed up by George Clooney and a fantastic and memorable soundtrack. A true must-see for anybody who claims to be a movie-lover. studentlife@cm-life.com

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[VIBE] radio to web

Internet changed face of music Decade starts with “Bands that have been able to use pop-punk, ends the Internet in a unique way or in a with blog culture way that just pushes their message By Ben Weissenborn Staff Reporter

Music, like many other facets of pop culture, has seen a whirlwind of trends and stylistic changes over the past ten years. Early in the 2000s, airwaves were dominated by pop-punk bands such as Blink 182 and Sum 41, raprock hybrids such as Limb Bizkit and Korn and boy bands and teen popsters such as The Backstreet Boys, ‘N Sync and Britney Spears. While many of these trends seemed to disappear just as quickly as they came, elements of each managed to stick and are still apparent in popular music today. If it were not for Britney Spears, there is little doubt that acts such as Lady Gaga and Katy Perry would not nearly be as successful, if at all. However, one important factor came into play in the past 10 years, something that virtually revolutionized not only pop culture, but society as a whole: The Internet. “The Internet has played a huge role in the breaking down of genres,” said Jay Wigard, a 25-year old Mount Pleasant resident and musician who performs under the moniker Crash Sunday. “Music is becoming more of a postmodern thing. It’s like a potpourri blend ... a little bit of this and a little bit of that.” This breaking down of genre walls is something that is extremely visible in current pop music. Miley Cyrus’s latest chart-topper, “Party In The U.S.A.,” blends euro-dance synths, a straight-outta-Nashville

out there have been able to be successful and compete with more well-known artists for artistic credibility.” Domenic Fracassa, station manager of Modern Rock 91.5 guitar lick and a huge, hiphop club-banger beat into something easily digestible and undeniably infectious. This sort of stylistic blending simply would not be possible or marketable 10, or even five, years ago. The Internet and other technological advancements also have allowed bands to create music easily and distribute it online, without help from labels or public relations companies. “Bands that have been able to use the Internet in a unique way or in a way that just pushes their message out there have been able to be successful and compete with more well-known artists for artistic credibility,” said Carsonville senior Domenic Fracassa, station manager of Modern Rock 91.5.

The birth of blog culture has been the catalyst for much of the change in the music industry. If a band is fortunate enough to be featured on a handful of popular blogs and online music publications, they can become successful in a matter of months. “There’s a band from Michigan called Tally Hall who are signed to Atlantic Records and people still don’t know who the heck they are,” said 23-year old Corey Densmore, owner of Diamonds In The Rough Promotions. “But a little band like Neon Indian went from being nobody to selling out huge venues in 6 months. It’s just the power of the Internet now.” studentlife@cm-life.com

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[VIBE]

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009 || 5B

U.S. politics divisive; moving Baggy trends get skinny toward ‘hyper-partisanship’ in last 10 years of fashion Decade begins with Republican control, ends with Democrats in power

Subtle colors leak into hair, makeup By Rachel Mater Staff Reporter

By Carisa Seltz Staff Reporter

National politics in the U.S. today is characterized by strict partisan loyalties. Some argue this is to the detriment of the American citizenry. As illustrated by recent health care legislation debates in Congress, party loyalty prevails when it comes time to vote in both chambers and ‘working across the aisle’ is practiced less and less as the issues get more complex. “The country as a whole has become far more divisive and that certainly has affected politics tremendously,” said Maxine Berman, Griffin Endowed Chair and Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s director of special projects. Berman said the trend toward “hyper-partisanship,” as she described it, has gotten out of hand and hopes policymakers in Washington become more cooperative, though she does not see that happening anytime soon. “As long as people think they’re going to get something out of hyper-partisanship, then they’re going to just keep doing it,” she said. Assistant political science professor J. Cherie Strachan said politicians have become more ideologically consistent

courtesy photo/mct

Democratic President Barack Obama was part of a shift in the United States government in which the Executive and Legislative branches are now Democrat-controlled.

out of a necessity in order to win primary elections. “The people who vote and pick the candidates in the primaries are the left and the right wings of the parties,” Strachan said. “It’s easy for intense ideological candidates to attract supporters and raise money because, when people have those intense ideological orientations, they’re easier to mobilize.” Strachan said the problem with politicians catering to extremist viewpoints in order to win primary elections is that it facilities the ideological rift between the parties which leads to lack of cooperation. “They’re willing to demonize each other and see each other as the enemy as opposed to identifying themselves as Americans who have something in common and a problem in common that they are trying to solve even though

they may have different value priorities or different policy preferences,” Strachan said. U.S. Rep. John Dingell, DMich., spoke to Berman about party politics in Washington and she recounted the interaction, noting how much experience Dingell has had as a Congressmen. “Dingell said he’s never seen anything like this; it’s gotten so partisan,” she said. Strachan said change depends on the average American. “One of the things we could do is mobilize people and help them to understand that ... they’re going to continue to get candidates that reflect the ideological extreme unless moderate average Americans ... vote in the primary elections,” Strachan said. “We have to make room for pragmatism, but that won’t happen unless people demand it.” metro@cm-life.com

Video gaming characters evolve By Connor Sheridan Staff Reporter

The red-capped plumber of Nintendo lore — Mario — is still an international icon of gaming and good old-fashioned heroism. But where has Sonic the Hedgehog’s legacy gone? Some storied video game franchises have flourished over the past ten years, while some have floundered. “There are certain characters that are good for bouncing enemies instead of shooting them,” Royal Oak freshman Kyle Funk said. While Mario has picked up a spin attack here and a few fancier jumps there, his repertoire has stayed relatively consistent from “Super Mario Bros.” to “Super Mario Galaxy.” Except for a few forays into tennis, golf and go-karting, of course. “I love the Mario Golf and Tennis Games for N64,” Ubly freshman Alex Osentoski said as he reminisced about his favorite games of years ago. A rapid change But Sonic the Hedgehog saw a decade which matched parent company Sega’s financial troubles. The Sonic platformers for Sega Genesis are widely held as gaming classics, and “Sonic Adventure” for Sega Dreamcast was received as a successful three-dimensional translation of their signature

fast-paced gameplay. Newer games in the series such as “Shadow the Hedgehog” and “Sonic Unleashed” emphasized new mechanics and a darker world and were poorly received by many long-time fans, such as Alec Trupiano. “The biggest thing I miss is the old Sonic games. I hate the new Sonic games,” the Roseville sophomore said. Other franchises Many other franchises have continued from the ’90s into the present day with similarly mixed results. One of them is “Madden,” which transformed into the most recognizable sports video game franchise of all time. While Osentoski still enjoys the series, he said he felt like the games have lost something over the years. “They’re focusing too much on realism instead of giving the gamer a good time,” he said. One popular series that underwent a major reinvention in the last decade was “Resident Evil.” While the series popularized the “survival horror” genre in 1996 with fixed camera angles and a grave sense of desperation throughout each battle, 2004’s “Resident Evil 4” revolutionized the series’ controls and perspective. “It’s gone from survival horror to survival action,” said Berkley senior Timothy Wing. He said the fourth game is one of his favorites, but he said

he felt “Resident Evil 5” strayed too far from the original formula of slow paced terror and suffered for it. “I want to play Resident Evil with the lights off at two in the morning,” Wing said. studentlife@cm-life.com

Good and bad trends will come and go — but the good ones last longer. Saginaw junior Cameron McDonald said people adjust to different trends. “All trends eventually come back, some better than others, trends go out of style once everyone adapts to the trend,” McDonald said. Since 2000, styles have changed. While it used to be regular or baggy jeans, it is now skinny jeans or leggings. “In 2001, I bought a pair of jeans without trying them on and, when I got home, I realized they were skinny jeans, and I was like, ‘What are these?,’ but now I wear them all the time,” said Detroit senior Natalie Hicks. Hicks said another change in the last decade in fashion has been the change in how brands were in fashion. “People were all about name brands. There was no Forever 21,” Hicks said. “It was all about match-

ing and different colored jeans.” Even makeup and hair has changed. “I think it went from loud-colored makeup to more subtle colors,” said Arrionna Dryden, Detroit junior. Weave is more accepted, McDonald said — women are not ashamed to say they are wearing a wig or sew-in — weave is more of a style or trend. Having long hair one day and short the next is okay. Some changes may be small, but some changes in style are big and more noticed.

The entertainment industry also could be another reason for changes in style. “In some cases, fashion was extremely tacky, where women wearing more revealing clothing than (girls) before them, and men have lost the will to wear their jeans on their waist and not at the bottom of their butts,” Dryden said. Even though styles are constantly changing, some do not see it as a bad thing. “We are in a society where individualism is at its peak,” Dryden said. studentlife@cm-life.com

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