September 29, 2010

Fashion | Find out what styles are ‘in’ this fall, 1B

Jake Ekkens commemorative Poster, 8A

Mount Pleasant, Mich.

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

[cm-life.com]

State cuts $2.3 million from CMU funding Higher education spending bill OK’d by lawmakers

By Carisa Seltz Senior Reporter

Higher education funding will be cut 2.8 percent following a compromise approved Tuesday by a joint

state Senate and House conference committee.

State Rep. Bill Caul, RMount Pleasant, said CMU was allocated $80,132,000 for the 2010-11 school year — a loss of $2,304,000 from 2009-10.

Caul said the legislature had a target to hit in order to balance the budget, but did not want to cut any more scholarship dollars.

“We were able to still meet the target which allowed us to pass the budget (in committee),” he said.

The original proposed reduction for higher education funding was 3.1 percent, but was dropped to 2.8 percent after some negotiations, he said.

The bill was passed by both the Senate and House separately only a few hours

after committee approval. It now must be signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said the legislature chose to protect tuition grants for students attending private colleges instead of cutting them to balance the budget.

Granholm proposed a budget that did not cut university operations, but elim-

inated the tuition grants instead.

“They obviously have a different position on the issue and we will simply be reviewing the budget when it comes to the governor’s desk,” she said. “The governor obviously would have preferred the legislature adopted her proposal.”

CMU was prepared for at least a 3 percent cut in allo-

cated state funding for this year.

Carol Haas, director of Financial Planning and Budgets, said CMU has been planning for budget cuts since last year, when Granholm proposed a budget reduction that brought the university down to the $80 million level.

A state | 2A

Piracy tracked on campus networks University warned 1,372 students last year

By Mike Nichols Staff Reporter

photos by andrew kuhn/staff photographer

Fremont junior Allie Kooistra struggles to reach a frisbee from her wheelchair Tuesday afternoon outside of Finch Hall. Allie and classmates were required to spend six hours in a wheelchair for their RPL 210: Recreation for Diverse Populations class. The students were required to incorporate one hour of a recreational activity into their time in the chair. “I have a whole new respect for people in these,” Kooistra said.

Six Hours seated

Students in RPL course stay in wheelchairs for class

By Amelia Eramya Staff Reporter

Allie Kooistra traded legs for wheels one day last week.

For six consecutive hours on Sept. 22, the Fremont junior was required to use a wheelchair for transportation. She is just one of several students required to do so this semester in RPL 210: Recreation for Diverse Populations.

The assignment was not quite what she expected.

“It was a good experience,”

Kooistra said. “It was definitely something that opened my eyes to being in a wheelchair and how different life is walking.”

Battle Creek sophomore Elise Trupiano did the assignment alongside Kooistra.

“I did not think it was going to be as hard as it was,” she said. “It takes longer than you expect to move around.”

Mary Lou Schilling, assistant professor of recreation parks and leisure services, said the assignment is a great learning experience

for students.

Students are not allowed to use their legs at all during the six hours, Schilling said.

Students are required to spend one of those hours doing a recreational activity.

Trupiano and Kooistra played Frisbee.

“It was stressful, just a lot more work,” Kooistra said.

“After a few days, my shoulders are still sore.”

Schilling said students feel uncoordinated while taking

RPL 210: Recreation for Diverse Populations students Elise Trupiano, Battle Creek sophomore, right, and Newaygo senior Kasey Stevens meet Tuesday in Finch Hall afternoon while spending six hours in a wheelchair for class.

A RPL | 2A

Anyone who thinks illegal downloading is a cheap entertainment alternative for a student on a budget should talk to Hannah Lankford.

During her freshman year, the Ohio senior was fined $4,000 by the Recording Industry Association of America for illegal downloads conducted through her LimeWire peer-to-peer client.

“I had no idea that it was illegal,” Lankford said. “I’ve never downloaded a song since.”

Kole Taylor, technical writer for Information Technology, said colleges are watched more closely than other Internet service providers.

Last year, CMU issued 1,372 of these warnings. However, no one was fined.

“We provide Internet to anybody who’s on campus, meaning we are more targeted by watchdog groups,” Taylor said. “Students need to be aware that they’re more likely to be caught.”

Taylor said statistics show illegal music and movie downloads make up the majority of online piracy. Usually a cease and desist order is e-mailed to any users caught using the CMU network to such ends.

Lankford had used LimeWire, a program used to share files between its network of users, only for music. She said she had downloaded 200 songs at the most.

When her friend was fined $1,250 for downloads, she removed all of the pirated materials, but later received an email informing her she had been fined for $3,000.

“I thought it was a joke at first, so I deleted it,” Lankford said. “Then I got another one and they had raised the price.”

The price was increased because she failed to reply to the RIAA e-mail. Her fine was made harsher because of the large amount downloaded, she said.

“They showed that I’d downloaded hundreds of movies,” she said. “So they think someone must have stolen my IP address and used it and that’s how they caught me.”

A Piracy | 2A

Double rainbow spans Mount Pleasant Students recall viral YouTube video

By Ryan Taljonick Senior Reporter

Meghan Dondzila was enjoying a slice of meatloaf with her roommates when it happened.

Suddenly, she said, a beautiful arrangement of light was visible through a window near the dinner table. It was a double rainbow.

She and her roommates quickly realized they were witnessing the phenomenon recently made popular by a viral YouTube video in which a man recorded his emphatic reaction to the sighting of such a rainbow.

The Walled Lake junior said Monday night’s double rainbow was intense.

“We were saying things like, ‘Oh, a double a rainbow, oh my god,’ using the over-excitement of the guy from the video,” Dondzila said. “We were all like, ‘What does this mean!?’ I feel

like everybody who saw the video probably did that.”

She could hear people from the neighboring Deerfield Village apartments talking about the double rainbow from her apartment in Lexington Ridge.

When it comes to the experience on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being absolutely life changing, Dondzila said her first double rainbow sighting was a seven or eight.

The double rainbow stretched all the way across the sky, even visible from Nick Alsup’s Copper Beech apartment.

“It was majestic,” the Clio sophomore said. “It made me think that there would be two pots of gold on the other side.”

While Alsup did not experience any sort of overwhelming emotional reaction to the rainbow, he said the rainbow itself was awesome.

A lot of people at Copper Beech were talking and singing about the show in the sky, he said.

“My neighbors were freaking out pretty bad,” he said. “From A rainbow | 2A

Jeff Smith/Staff Photographer

Mid Michigan Community College sophomore David Burkholder, a Mount Pleasant resident, takes a break from riding his bike to look at a double rainbow that formed Monday evening near Fabiano Hall.

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2A || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/news

[NEWS]

Snyder leading Bernero in polls for governor

EVENTS CALENDAR Today

Women less enthusiastic this voting season, reports say

w Deaf Games, as a part of Deaf Awareness Week, will occur from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Indoor Athletic Complex. w A Taste of Latin Culture, Flavor, and Salsa will be from 5 to 7 p.m.

By Maria Amante Staff Reporter

w APSSC Psychology Research group will host a BBQ at 5:45 p.m. in Sloan hall

Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder is maintaining his lead over Democrat Virg Bernero.

Snyder, an Ann Arbor businessman, is leading with 51 percent of the vote according to last week’s Rassmussen poll.

Lansing Mayor Bernero has 38 percent.

Women nationally are unenthusiastic this election season, according to a poll from the New York Times/CBS News.

This could be harmful for Democrats, the Times states, because women traditionally vote for Democratic candidates and outnumber men at polls.

If women do not cast as many votes this election cycle, it could prove to be another disadvantage for Democrats.

“It’s a hard race for Democrats in the state of Michigan, the same reason it’s a hard race for Democrats across the midterms,” said J. Cherie Strachan, assistant political science professor. “People are tired of the economy being bad ... It’s really easy saying this isn’t working, let’s try something different.”

The New York Times reported women are favoring Democrats

Thursday w Word Hammer presents “A Night Of Slam Poetry” at 8 p.m. in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium. w Iron Man 2 will show at 7:30 p.m. in the Wesley Center south west corner of Washington and Preston streets. w American Sign Language Rocks will be from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Bovee University Center Auditorium.

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. © Central Michigan Life 2010 Volume 91, Number 17

Rainbow | continued from 1A

my front door, I could see about 50 people.”

Not uncommon Despite the reaction to the double rainbow from Alsup and Dondzila’s neighbors, Marty Baxter, assistant professor of meteorology, said it’s not unheard of to see the simultaneous appearance of

Piracy | continued from 1A

Online piracy is monitored by watchdog groups hired by companies which protect intellectual property copyrights. These groups check outgoing traffic from the network and notify CMU of any illegal downloads detected.

“A lot of my friends have gotten those e-mails,” said White Lake sophomore Lauren Zaloga.

RPL | continued from 1A

part in a recreational activity.

“They don’t have enough strength, and they can’t move as quickly,” she said. “I like to see the recreational activity challenge the disability they’re portraying.”

On-campus discoveries Both Trupiano and Kooistra made a discovery about CMU’s campus­— it isn’t entirely handicap-accessible or friendly.

“The north campus sidewalks are really bad,” Trupiano said.

Trupiano and Kooistra discovered Bovee University Center also doesn’t have a main entrance that is easily traversable.

two rainbows.

“It’s less common than seeing an individual rainbow, but it’s not uncommon,” he said.

“These have always been out there, but now people are noticing them because of the YouTube thing.”

Baxter said rainbows require bright sunlight and water droplets to form. The light hits the water and is reflected inside the drops, which act like a prism. The light is bent at a particular angle, causing the rainbow to have it’s common

43 percent to Republicans 36 percent and men are supporting Republicans 45 percent to Democrats 42 percent.

Strachan said an enthusiasm gap for women would trend worse for Democrats, as voters are already favoring Snyder and blaming incumbents.

In order to drive support from the Democratic base, Bernero has been highlighting his positions on traditional women’s issues.

“Bernero might be pointing out that he’s pro-choice and Snyder’s pro-life ... to play on women‘s sympathy toward the Democratic party,” Strachan said.

Strachan said the obvious theme for this election is the economy, but the campaign is ‘narrow-casting’ to target specific issues to the specific audience of the democratic base. “(Narrowcasting is) when you have other targeted audiences, you find ways to speak to them about specific topics they’re interested in and have a more sort of layered campaign message,” she said. “You find ways to speak to them about specific topics they’re interested in and have a more sort of layered, campaign message, but they’ll also be exposed to a broader message. At the same time, they’re getting more targeted messages about hot-button issues. Ideally, all of these messages work together.” metro@cm-life.com

Perry fish/Staff Photographer

Grand Rapids senior Chris Powell, left, and Pentwater junior Caitlin McColl examine a tree branch Tuesday afternoon during their BIO 557: Dendrology class, next to Bovee University Center.

cm-life.com Head to the website for a gallery of the past week in photos. You can also follow our photo blog, with updates on behind the scenes of shooting photos at Ryan Field at Northwestern University, and staff photographer Paige Calamari’s experience shooting photos for the ROTC retreat.

State |

“We are prudently trying to accommodate for any budget cuts come January,” she said. arc shape. continued from 1A The university has reducIn order to witness a double rainbow, Baxter said, dark “We’ve been in flux over tion plans in place to fall clouds generally have to be in the budget so far, so we back on and the higherenrollment the sky, providing a darkCENTRAL back- MICHIGAN went with what the gov- than-expected CH036518B UNIV CM LIFE (CMU) drop that contrasts the fainter ernor’s proposed amount numbers for this year will 5.42 future x 10.5 resecond rainbow. was last year and thisMAADAMS year,” help buffer any ductions in state appropri“What’s happening is the Haas said. rv 1 ations, Haas said. light is being reflected not once Haas said the university Kathy Wilbur, vice presiinside the drops, but twice,” he continues to plan for budsaid. “The double rainbow is goget cuts because it’s an elec- dent of Government Relaing to be fainter and the colors tion year and newly elected tions and Public Affairs, are actually reversed if you look officials could modify the said the legislature will have a more difficult time closely.” budget in 2011.

next year balancing the budget.

She said next year’s state budget is predicted to be at least a $1.6 billion shortfall, which could mean a 20 percent reduction in state 9/29/2010 appropriations for CMU. “I think the legislature CMU A was very careful and cauALDI000015 tious this year about cuts,” Wilbur said. “I think next year will be a different story.” university@cm-life.com

studentlife@cm-life.com

“They basically said that ‘you were downloading something illegal and this is a warning, so don’t do it again.’”

The CMU Help Desk offers data wipes to clear the material from personal laptops for $100.

If the downloaded amount is severe, a prelitigation is sent and the user will be sued.

That is what happened to Lankford.

“If I was warned, I wouldn’t have downloaded,” she said.

“Use the legal sites where you have to pay because it’s not

worth it.”

The Help Desk has FAQ pages as well as other information available for students about illegal downloading, how to avoid it and how to handle it if it does happen.

“The best way we can go about stopping piracy is to educate people about it,” Taylor said. “Basically if you think you’re doing something wrong, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.”

If someone in a wheelchair needs to enter the UC, they have to go all the way around the back and go up the ramps, Kooistra said.

“I feel like CMU should try to improve some of the campus,” Trupiano said. “After a while, it’s rough getting up the ramps.”

Trupiano and Kooistra also take PSY 250: Abnormal Psychology together in Moore 105, a lecture hall.

Since both students were in a wheelchair, it was more difficult to find a place to sit.

“We were on the stage,” Kooistra said, laughing. “It was a little awkward.”

On top of not being able to sit anywhere in class, the pair usually had to wait for classrooms to clear out before they could leave. They discovered when

moving around in a wheelchair, no other activities can be accomplished; such as talking on a phone, texting or quickly going over notes for their next classes.

“I have a great respect for people that do it daily,” Kooistra said. “I find myself walking around and noticing things that aren’t accessible, and you definitely notice a lot more once you spend a day in a wheelchair.”

Trupiano realized a difference in character from students on campus. When Trupiano needed help opening a door, she said someone was usually there to hold it open or offer to do so.

“There was a lot more pleasant conversation that day,” she said. “People were more than willing to help out.”

studentlife@cm-life.com

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inside life Central Michigan Life

3A

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

Funding for BAYANET position fully restored by county Money moved from Sheriff’s drug forfeiture fund

By Ryan Czachorski Senior Reporter

Complete funding for the drug enforcement deputy on an area drug enforcement team was restored at Tuesday’s special Isabella County Board of Commissioners budget hearing.

Money will be drawn from an Isabella County Sheriff’s Department drug forfei-

Transition team report deadline extended

ture fund to make the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team position full time. The $25,750 was not in the county’s general fund budget.

The plan going into the night’s hearing was for the position to be cut to part time, but it was restored when the 2011 fiscal year budget was approved. Sheriff Leo Mioduszewski proposed usage of the drug forfeiture fund during the public comment portion. The fund is used for drug education, drug prevention and drug enforcement, which applies to BAYANET. “It’s not a fund we see a

lot of activity in,” Mioduszewski said.

The fund contained a little more than $63,000 and while it could have made the position full-time for two years, the board elected to take it on a year-to-year basis.

Both Mioduszewski and BAYANET Section Commander Melvin Matthews argued to restore the position’s full-time status. Matthews said the team has been busy in the county lately, making marijuana stings and arrests for LSD. Board members said BAYANET had the funds to

pay for the difference, but Matthews said it was not their policy.

“We do not pay for officers’ salaries,” Matthews said.

The other two-thirds of the position is funded by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe’s 2 percent allocations.

Other business The Isabella County Transportation Commission had its budget cut by $200,486, when its millage was cut from 0.9929 mills to 0.862 mills.

A debate arose between ICTC General Manager Rick

Atkin and Commissioner George Green about the fund balance ICTC was holding in reserve. The balance was too high to warrant such a high millage, Green said.

“I know it seems to be detrimental,” Green said.

“It can go up next year if it needs to.”

Green said the fund balance has remained similar year after year, even as ICTC purchased its headquarters and bought buses.

The loss of funds projects to keep ICTC’s general fund balance at nearly $900,000, which falls in line with a 20 percent surplus.

Atkin said ICTC will lose money in federal and state funding when legislators see the cuts made by the county and follow suit.

“We are heavily subsidized,” Atkin said. “If you want a bus system, you’ve got to support it locally.”

The county’s Medical Care Facility also lost $153,160 in millage funding when its millage was cut by 0.1 mills.

The millage for the Commission on Aging stayed the same.

The approved budget will go into effect on Friday. metro@cm-life.com

‘I can’t express my disappointment with our leaders right now’

Members have until Nov. 15 for completion

By Carisa Seltz Senior Reporter

The presidential transition team has seven more weeks to complete a progress report for University President George Ross.

A new Nov. 15 deadline was set by Ross for the transition team’s six subcommittees during Thursday’s board of trustees meeting to complete more surveys.

Kathy Wilbur, co-chairwoman of the team and vice president of Government Relations and Public Affairs, said the six subcommittee chairs wanted to conduct more questionnaires to generate a more comprehensive report, but weren’t sure how to move forward in the time frame allotted.

“We decided to ask the president if he would be comfortable if we pushed back the submission date for the next report a bit,” she said. “We’re still planning on having the final report (for Feb. 1, 2011), but we did ask for a bit more time for this (progress) report.”

Ross created the transition team to gauge the opinion of faculty, students, alumni, staff and community members to determine goals for CMU. The team also set out to assess the university’s strengths and weaknesses and to recommend solutions.

Phil Squattrito, co-chairman of the transition team and chemistry professor, said the extended deadline will give the team more time to organize their surA team | 5a

Sara winkler/staff photographer

Students surround Owosso junior Sarah Winchester, political co-chairwoman of CMU’s Spectrum student organization, as a rally begins to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” military policy. “Love, not hate, don’t discriminate” and “Fight, fight, equal rights” were chanted by the crowd in support of the repeal.

Students protest ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ U.S. Senate vote met with positive, negative reception

By Brian Barton and Heather Lawrence Staff Reporters

C

MU students gathered Monday to protest the U.S. military’s upholding of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” a week after its repeal was rejected.

About 100 opponents of the policy gathered outside Charles V. Park Library to let their voices be heard on the issue.

On Sept. 21, efforts to repeal the military’s 17year-old ban on gays serving openly in uniform fell short of earning the 60 votes needed with the Senate voting 56-43 to keep it.

College Democrats treasurer and Midland senior Adam Federspiel took the microphone and described his frustration with the decision by senators and the situation in the military.

“We’re here to bring awareness of the failure by senators to repeal the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy,” he said, with his statement echoed by boos from the crowd.

The gay and straight alliance group SPECTRUM was behind the decision to organize a rally after hearing the results of the recent vote.

“I’m really happy to be doing this. There are a lot of excited people here,” said Owosso junior Sarah Winchester. “I can’t express my disappointment with our leaders right now.”

As Winchester took the microphone, she said many Americans serve for years

hiding their relationships. It is a case of little support by leaders for a large majority of people.

“I’m here to make a statement that our leaders have wronged us,” she said.

The crowd of repeal supporters chanted, “Love, not hate, don’t discriminate,” throughout the rally.

“I think the rally went very well,” said Bloomfield Hills junior Alex Meyers. “I would have liked to see more participation from non-SPECTRUM members, but overall it was a success.”

A portion of the rally was also devoted to expressing support for the passing of the DREAM Act.

The proposed bill would grant conditional citizenship to undocumented immigrants who arrive in the country under age 16. The individuals must complete two years of service in the military or two years at a four-year college or university.

“I think the DREAM Act is a great idea,” Meyers said.

“America is meant to be the land of the free and if these immigrants are putting time and effort into attending a university, then we as a country should grant them citizenship at least.” university@cm-life.com

New fitness director loves her CMU job Layne Davis instructs URec cycling courses

By Kristina LeFevre Staff Reporter

It’s hard for Layne Davis to figure out the best part of her job because she hardly even considers her job to be one.

Davis, assistant director of fitness and wellness for University Recreation, began working at CMU this semester. She oversees the Fitness and Weight Training Center, personal training, facilities and staff, while thinking of ashley miller/staff photographer new ways to get students out Layne Davis, assistant director of fitness and wellness, started the new position in July. She of their rooms and into the gym. instructs cycling at 7 a.m. on Tuesdays.

“I don’t even feel like this is really my job,” she said. “I love coming to work every day.”

Davis received her undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University in human movement science and her master’s from the University of Toledo in public health.

She heard about the position at CMU through a conference held by the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association in Anaheim, Calif.

This year, University Recreation has a full schedule of more than 40 group fitness classes offered weekly.

Classes offered include turbo kick, Zumba, yoga, Piyo, cycling, strength training and more. Davis teaches a cycling class from 7 to 8 a.m. on Tues-

Eric Dresden, Managing Editor | news@cm-life.com | 989.774.4343

days. Even at such an early time slot, the 15 bikes available in the center court cycling room are usually full before the class starts, she said.

“My main goal this year is to provide the best fitness/ wellness programs and opportunities possible to CMU Students,” Davis said. “I hope to get as many students involved in our University Recreation programs as possible and promote healthy lifestyles on all levels.”

Bark River graduate assistant Brooke Derouin, who is pursuing her master’s in sports administration, said she is impressed by Davis’s dedication to her new position.

“Layne has an optimistic approach to life. Her passion for fitness and making an im-

pact on others is apparent,” she said. “Finding someone that is as committed and determined in improving the experience CMU students, faculty and staff and community members have when they use our fitness programs is really something special.”

Davis said she developed the desire to help students achieve healthy bodies and minds.

“What attracted me to this position was the opportunity to work with students on fitness and wellness programs,” she said. “I believe that this is a great opportunity for them to build healthy habits that they can continue throughout a lifetime.” university@cm-life.com

voices Central Michigan Life

4A

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

“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

[cm-life.com/category/opinion]

Editorial Board: Jackie Smith Editor

in

Chief | Brad Canze, Voices Editor | Eric Dresden, Managing Editor |

Jake Bolitho University Editor | Maryellen Tighe, Metro Editor | Aaron McMann, Sports Editor

EDITORIAL | ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ leaves gay, lesbian service members without rights

A real repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” should be removed and replaced with a system giving the same benefits to everyone in the line of duty for U.S. armed services.

On Sept. 17, legislation to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was voted down in the U.S. Senate.

There are countless financial reasons service members should be able to acknowledge their spouse no matter their gender.

Military members and their spouses are eligible for many benefits, including health insurance and survivor benefits. If their spouse is injured or killed in the line of duty,

their gay or lesbian partner does not qualify for any financial or emotional assistance.

But one of the largest casualties of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” may be friendships with fellow service members. Gay and lesbian couples cannot bring their partner to military functions, even if they have been in a long-term committed relationship, nor talk about their partners without the fear of losing

their jobs.

In 1993, President Bill Clinton first acknowledged the presence of gay and lesbian service men and women. One of his campaign platforms, to over-rule the Department of Defense ban on gay service members in the U.S. Armed Forces, took the form of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

This legislation took a large step in the right direction by acknowledging that gay and lesbian citizens serve, and die, for our country. It was supposed to prevent intensive questioning of applicants and any further discrimination based on sexual orientation.

In spite of this protection, more than 3,000 U.S. Service members have been discharged because of their sexual orientation under

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and gays and lesbians are still only allowed to serve if they conceal a large portion of their identity.

The only research attempted to gauge the feelings of service men and women, those affected by the repeal, was a survey distributed by the Pentagon. According to ‘Stars and Stripes,’ a military publication, less than 29 percent of the 400,000 surveys had been returned by the Aug. 15 deadline — hardly a enough to make any factual conclusions.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” should be repealed.

It places the gay and lesbian men and women who want to serve our country in the position of fighting to defend freedoms they do not yet have.

KIM PATISHNOCK [CENTRAL SQUARE]

Jason Gillman Columnist

Into the gray Walk like a leftist? Talk like a leftist? Vote like a leftist? Call yourself “moderate”? Have an R after your name?

Well son, you just might have the backing of the GOP establishment!

The concept that the GOP should run and support Republicans In Name Only at election time is ridiculous.

This of course is why those in support of the practice usually get the literary equivalent of a full-broadside from an Iowa Class battleship from real conservatives.

The “establishment” types like to defend the position by citing the Buckley Rule, which is essentially, “Always support the most conservative candidate who is electable.”

It basically states that someone who votes conservatively some ridiculously low percentage of the time is better than a “hardcore liberal.” This is so that “at least some of the liberal bills can be defeated.”

It has also been stated by our very own Nathan Inks that certain areas of the country require these “moderates” to be nominated in order to win one for the big ol’ R. Certainly no candidate is going to hold 100 percentage of our views, but to support someone who is batting just over .500 is pathetic. Even more so when said candidate is horrendously wrong on issues that should be core to the philosophy of the party.

Mike Castle, RINO-of-choice in the Delaware senate Republican primary, voted for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections Act, and the American Clean Energy and Security Act. This is who the GOP establishment wanted to win a United States Senate race?

Even if a legitimately conservative candidate gets nominated and ends up losing a race because a district might be “moderate,” it shouldn’t be considered a loss.

What would real Republicans rather have: An actual Democrat winning, only to screw things up and make their party look bad? Or would they prefer a Democrat-in-Republican-clothing like Castle to win and make the party smell like the Arlen Specter’s decomposing political career by doing the exact same thing?

If the point of a political party is to have members possessing roughly the same political principals, why would anyone think it’s a good idea to sacrifice those principals in order to get some perverted sense of a short term gain?

It’s time to pour the Democrat-lite down the drain.

Central Michigan Life is the independent voice of Central Michigan University and is edited and published by students of CMU every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the fall and spring semesters, and on Wednesday during the summer term. The online edition (www.cmlife.com) contains all of the material published in print.

[ Letters]

Leave info tech to the private sector Editor’s note: To send a letter to the editor, please e-mail voices@cm-life.com Dear editor, Jack Distel wisely said, “I think it’s a cool idea, but I bet someone is going to find something that’s wrong with it.”

Well, I guess I’m that guy. Think of the vast improvements that have taken place in the last 20 years, or even the last 10 years, in information technology. The innovation of the private sector, driven by the desire to make a profit, is behind these innovations— iPhones, Blackberries, Twitter,

Facebook and the list goes on.

But if the government uses tax dollars (or more debt, i.e. future tax dollars) to provide “free” WiFi, it will certainly crowd out many of the private sector innovators (who can compete with “free” after all?) currently driving this fast-moving sector.

Should the government get into the WiFi business, I have a simple prediction. In 2020 our “free” WiFi system will be basically the same as it is today, only less reliable and with weaker signals.

If, on the other hand, we leave information technology to the private sector, what will the next 10 years will bring? We cannot even

guess what methods or technologies we will use in 2020, but we can be sure that they will wow us and that we will laugh at the arcane thing we called “WiFi” back in 2010.

Some kid in her garage is probably working out the next big thing in how we will access the internet without physically plugging in.

Do not let the government stifle her innovation.

Sincerely, Jason E. Taylor Professor of Economics

[Feedback] Timbankful said: 11:42 a.m. Sept. 27 Mr. Ross was the President of a predominately African American college in Missippi with a student population of under 4,000. Central’s freshman class is bigger . He is clearly in over his head and embarassingly he is reacting like a man would who does not know what he is doing Dumbdumbdumb said: 3:13 a.m. Sept. 28 The people discussing race here are truly the ones most in over their heads…my god, the people getting their news from fox or any other cable source should stop pretending that by spouting political jargon like ‘liberals’ and ‘socialists’ they’re really winning the argument.

They believe corporate fascism is better than government for the

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

Central Michigan Life 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 Asso-

people. These are the kinds of people who defend America with the word ‘freedom’ while simultaneously supporting the removal of all civil liberties in the name of security. They hate the government, but only when it comes to social programs for ‘lazy minorities’.

When it comes to corporate welfare, their corporate fear mongering newscaster conveniently omits the fact that corporations receive the most government handouts…but in the name of the free market, so it’s good!

Birds said: 11:13 a.m. Sept. 27 Great reporting Brad, especially the research into how easily other presidents can be contacted. I have always felt through four years of school here that the upper administration views me as a source of cash and little else.

Maybe it’s the English major infe-

riority complex, but I doubt that very much. Ross, much like Rao before him, has been invisible.

Disgruntled Taxpayer said: 7:41 a.m. Sept. 27 I agree with you that he has kept an unusually low profile on campus.

But Mike Rao was also MIA too except for press conferences, award ceremonies and donor events. Personally, I thought that Mr. Ross wasn’t qualified for the position and he was only hired because the university wanted another minority to be president — it makes good public relations for their politically correct, liberal agenda. In all honesty, Kathy Wilbur, the interim president, should have been offered the presidency of CMU on a permanent basis. She was the best president the school has had and was a refreshing change after Rao’s tenure.

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submissions are subject to editing and may be published in print or on www.cm-life.com in the order they are received.

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Lonnie Allen Columnist

Living the Ramen life

My friend posted on Facebook that he was eating ramen noodles, and the thought of ever eating pork, chicken or beef flavored ramen again made me nauseous.

To understand why I feel like nestling up to the porcelain throne for comfort and relief at the thought of ramen requires a brief explanation at where I was in this point of my life.

It was my early 20s, a period of time in my life that I now call the Ramen Noodle Years.

I was 20 when ramen became a diet staple and I was living in California. I lived in the beach town of Carlsbad located on the coast of southern California. I had this townhouse a block from the beach and I believed my life was totally awesome.

But this life came with a cost.

My roommates and I could barely afford food after our rent and bills were paid. It was expensive renting a block from the beach, but to leave this part of town would be unthinkable. It was the tourist part of the town, we worked in the hospitality business and we partied as if it was 1999.

So we suffered elsewhere.

We lived on ramen noodles because we could buy a lot for a dollar. It was a cheap choice and by the time I would decide to eat, cheap was the only option left.

I think it was about two months after eating Ramen for dinner that I began to come up with creative ways to force it down my throat.

I remember using Spam in my first concoction of Ramen. After that I began to try almost anything with the noodle dish. It was ramen chili to noodle stir-fry.

And before it is asked, Yes, even mayonnaise, with a little onion, made a tasty Ramen noodle salad.

It was a culinary treat and delicacy our drooling mouths could only swallow for so long.

Finally the night of the dehydrated noodle brick’s revenge came. The roomies and I had been partying for two days. We were trashed and starving so we added some salsa and sour cream to our beef ramen. We devoured it, like Garfield devours lasagna.

That night our bodies made projectiles and noises which would be a crime to describe today.

Shortly after that night from ramen hell, we began to lighten up a little on our bill for “extracurricular activities” to have a little more money for food.

I lived on ramen for almost four years. I don’t know if I would throw up now from ramen noodles, but I threw up a little bit in my mouth after writing this.

The only thing I could tell my friend, or anyone currently at CMU and surviving off the very dish that has cursed me is this brief advice: If this life you’re living is the best thing you have ever done up to now, then live it and live it loud.

I believe, as it was for me, the time will come to put the ramen noodles behind and move on.

Central Michigan Life

Editorial Jackie Smith, Editor in Chief Eric Dresden, Managing Editor Connor Sheridan, Student Life Editor Maryellen Tighe, Metro Editor Jake Bolitho, University Editor Chelsea Kleven, Lead Designer Aaron McMann, Sports Editor Jake May, Photo Editor Sean Proctor, Assistant Photo Editor Adam Kaminski, Video Editor Advertising Shawn Wright, Paige Winans, Carly Schafer Advertising Managers Professional staff Rox Ann Petoskey, Production Leader Kathy Simon, Assistant Director of Student Media Neil C. Hopp, Adviser to Central Michigan Life

Central Michigan Life’s editorial and business offices are located at 436 Moore Hall, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, telephone 774-3493.

cm-life.com/category/news

[News]

GONE FISHING | Activity quite a ‘catch’ for biology students

c o m m u t e r pa r k i n g

Lot 33 to see increased traffic enforcement in one-way zone Some students confused by new design

By Tony Wittkowski Staff Reporter

Sara winkler/staff photographer

Rapid River senior Martin Raspor, left, and Holton graduate student Doug Larson, right, use a large net called a seine to catch groups of fish at Rose Ponds. They later mark and measure them as part of a course study for their fisheries biology course. “Fishermen are awesome” Larson said. “It’s better than sitting at a desk, that’s the honest truth.”

State bill would pave way for city to acquire 320 acres Property includes former Indian Industrial School

By Jordan Spence Staff Reporter

The city of Mount Pleasant could find it easier to buy 320 acres of land after a bill was approved Thursday by the state House.

The state property encompasses 26 buildings and includes the former Mount Pleasant Center and Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial School.

“If the bill passes the city could purchase the land and then develop it for public use,” said Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant. “I haven’t spoken to the city directly about what they would do with the land if the bill passes and they decide to purchase it.”

The bill was introduced to the House by Caul and Sen. Alan Cropsey, R-DeWitt. Caul said it will go to the Senate sometime this week.

City Manager Kathie Grinzinger said there’s been “no determination whatsoever” over the potential purchase.

“We would be getting way ahead of ourselves regarding what we would do with the property if we did indeed purchase it,” she said.

Until the economy has im-

team | continued from 3a

vey so the campus won’t be inundated with multiple questionnaires.

“We want to collect our information sufficiently,” he said.

The team sought help from Mary Senter, director of the Center for Applied Research and Rural Studies and professor of sociology, to assist in designing the questionnaire, fielding the survey and analyzing data.

proved, Caul said he doesn’t think any decision will be made about developing the land.

Grinzinger said the bill was introduced to remove as many impediments as possible for the purchase. The law requires a process like this anytime a piece of land has been owned by the state.

As part of the legislation, the land must be open to another governing body and Mount Pleasant has been listed as that particular body, Grinzinger said.

mature to say what the tribe would do with the land because of the sensitive nature of the school. The Tribal Council will vote to gauge how members would feel about owning the land.

The Mount Pleasant Indian Industrial School was built during a time when Native American children were taken from their homes and communities to be placed in classes there. The school was open from 1893 to 1933. While in school the children were for-

“If the bill passes the city could purchase the land and then develop it for public use.”

Rep. Bill Caul, R-Mount Pleasant

It will also be important for the property to be put on the tax roll, she said.

Caul said it took longer to go into legislation because both the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and city had questions about the bill.

“If the city buys the land they would offer a deed that would include two parcels of land to the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, the school and cemetery,” said Frank Cloutier, director of public relations for the tribe.

Cloutier said it would be pre-

bidden to speak their native languages, take part in their cultural traditions and were often abused.

“Some members don’t want anything to do with it, while others think we should have it as a reminder of our past,” Cloutier said. “We will do what’s good for the many.”

If the bill is approved by the Senate, the tribe will have 180 days to discuss and vote about what to do with the land.

Senter met with the subcommittee chairs for the first time Monday afternoon.

“The plan is to send an invitation to complete a Web survey to students, faculty and staff in mid-October,” she said.

Wilbur said the progress report will include recommendations on initiatives that should be launched at CMU and what types of events the president should attend both on and off campus.

“I think President Ross sees these transition reports as leading into some of the

conversation and discussion about the mission and goals for the university, which then will also lead to establishing the strategic plan for the future of the university,” Wilbur said.

Squattrito said the task force in charge of developing the strategic plan will begin in the spring. “(The progress report) is sort of a lead out to that in terms of collecting information that will be of benefit to the people doing the strategic planning,” he said.

metro@cm-life.com

university@cm-life.com

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || 5A

Police plan to step up enforcement in lot 33 as some students continue to adapt to renovations more than a month after their completion.

Other commuters have expressed support for the new regulations and signs.

CMU has not received any complaints so far this semester, said Police Chief Bill Yeagley.

But in response to some drivers not using the oneway exits correctly, Yeagley said officers plan to enforce the zone.

“We haven’t heard of any problems yet,” Yeagley said. “We will make the stops and take the appropriate actions. We will help drivers get used to it.”

Steve Lawrence, associate vice president of Facilities Management, said he has not received any complaints about the lot this year either.

Along with the “do not enter” signs, which were installed weeks before classes started, the new lot contains three entrances and exits. The lot branching off of East Campus Drive is also equipped with a new entrance toward the middle of it.

Traverse City sophomore Eric Albin sees the lot as an improvement from the previous version, which he said was difficult to enter and exit during peak traffic times.

“I like it,” Albin said. “It’s less clogged and people do not have to wait as long.”

Mount Pleasant senior Lisa Zyonse said she has already seen several instances of misuse.

“I have seen fewer acci-

dents,” Zyonse said. “On the first day it was pretty funny, people were going the wrong way and came across some buses a lot.”

The reason for the changes was to make the parking lot safer for pedestrians, Yeagley said.

Another difference is the road traveling along the Music building and Moore Hall, which is one-way and for service vehicles only. However, there are still students who have not become accustomed to such changes.

“I do not usually follow the road signs,” said Jackson junior Michael Zaski. “It’s just easier that way, I’m only skipping a small section.” university@cm-life.com

6A || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

cm-life.com/category/sports

[SPORTS]

Athletes, teams honored Zombo starts in Monday night debut at ‘Best of ’ awards event Football

By Jim Polzin The Wisconsin State Journal MCT News Service

CHICAGO — When the Green Bay Packers opened training camp on July 31, Frank Zombo was a long shot to make the team’s 53-man roster.

By Monday night, he was in the starting lineup for a pivotal early season game against an NFC North rival.

Zombo started at outside linebacker in place of injured Brad Jones during the Packers’ 20-17 loss to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

Jones injured his knee early in last week’s 34-7 victory over the Buffalo Bills but returned to action. He was listed as questionable for the game after suffering a setback during the week.

The coaching staff decided to go with Zombo over veteran Brady Poppinga, who has also been battling a knee injury. The rookie got off to a fast start against the Bears, sacking quarterback Jay Cutler on the third play of the game.

Zombo was flagged for a personal foul in the fourth quarter after a helmet-tohelmet hit on Cutler. The penalty negated an interception by Green Bay linebacker Nick Barnett.

Still, Zombo said he was pleased with his first start.

“I was confident,” Zombo said. “I thought I did pretty well.”

Zombo, who played defensive end at Central Michigan, was one of the biggest surprises in training camp. He led the team in both tackles (18) and sacks (two) in the preseason and joined cornerback Sam Shields and offensive lineman Nick McDonald as undrafted free agents to make the 53-man roster.

Rookie defensive end Mike Neal, who has an abdomen injury, was inactive for the third straight game.

Green Bay’s other inactives were McDonald; cornerback Pat Lee; running back Dimitri Nance; safety Charlie Peprah and offensive linemen T.J. Lang and Marshall Newhouse.

For the Bears, starting defensive tackle Tommie Harris was inactive. Harris wasn’t listed on the injury report during the week.

Bears coach Lovie Smith said it was a coach’s decision not to play Harris.

Offensive line intact There was much concern leading up to the game whether Green Bay left offensive tackle Chad Clifton and left guard Daryn Colledge would play.

By Matthew Firsht and Kristopher Lodes Staff Reporters

File PHOTO BY ASHLEY MILLEr

Former CMU defensive end Frank Zombo started at outside linebacker for the Green Bay Packers on Monday. Zombo recorded two tackles, including a sack on Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

But Clifton and Colledge, each bothered by knee injuries, started for the Packers.

Clifton was pulled out of last week’s game during the second quarter after the coaches felt his sore knees were hindering his performance.

Colledge hurt his knee during practice Thursday.

Colledge hasn’t missed a game in his five NFL seasons.

Clifton and Colledge appeared to be holding up adequately during the first half until Clifton went down during a pass play and came up limping with 2 minutes, 7 seconds left in the second quarter. Rookie Bryan Bulaga replaced Clifton.

Clifton returned for the next series, just before halftime.

Clifton was called for a false start penalty in the first quarter and Colledge was flagged for a holding penalty in the second quarter. Clifton was lined up off the line of scrimmage on the Packers’ first play from scrimmage in the second half, resulting in an illegal formation penalty.

Clifton also had a false

start penalty early in the fourth quarter.

“There were just too many mistakes by the offense,” Colledge said.

Safety dance Free safety Nick Collins had to leave the game briefly in the first quarter with an injury, but the loss of one of their top playmakers on defense didn’t hurt the Packers.

Reserve Derrick Martin replaced Collins at the start of Chicago’s second series and ended what had been a promising drive for the Bears by intercepting Cutler in the end zone.

The pass was intended for tight end Greg Olsen, who was well-covered by linebacker A.J. Hawk. Cutler overthrew Olsen, and Martin was there waiting for the ball in the end zone. It was Martin’s first interception since the Packers acquired him in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens prior to the start of the 2009 season.

Collins suffered a knee strain on the opening series of the game. He returned on the second play of the Bears’ third series and nearly picked off a Cutler pass.

CMU-Va. Tech game picked up for TV, kickoff time changed Men’s basketball to play two more games on ESPNU

By Aaron McMann Sports Editor

The Central Michigan football team will make its third national television appearance sooner than expected.

On Monday, ESPNU picked up CMU’s Oct. 9 game against Virginia Tech at Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, Va. With the change, kickoff time has been moved up from 3:30 p.m. to noon.

The appearance will be the Chippewas’ second consecutive TV appearance, following last week’s 30-25 loss against

Northwestern on the Big Ten Network.

Virginia Tech is 2-2 after beating Boston College 19-0 on Saturday. The Hokies travel to North Carolina State this weekend.

CMU’s game against Ball State on Saturday at Kelly/Shorts Stadium will not be televised.

The Chippewas will make a third appearance on ESPNU on Nov. 5 against Western Michigan.

BASKETBALL The CMU men’s basketball team continues to reap the benefits of its highly touted recruiting class.

ESPNU has picked up the Chippewas’ Mid-American Conference games at Akron and Kent State on Jan. 30 and Feb. 5,

respectively.

Four games are currently scheduled to air on the ESPN family of networks, including the team’s 4 a.m. game Nov. 16 against Hawaii in the Rainbow Classic in Honolulu, Hawaii, on ESPN. sports@cm-life.com

Student athletes are used to competing in front of crowds under bright lights.

On Sunday, they all congregated under the lights of Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium for the first-ever CHIPYs awards show, put on by the Student-Athletes Advisory Committee. The event was created to showcase the best moments of the 2009-10 athletics season and raise money for the Jimmy V Foundation.

The night started with a presentation of the late Jimmy Valvano’s famous ESPYs speech in which Valvano inspired athletes to keep pushing through hard times and not give up, creating a subtle reminder of the real reason for the awards show.

The most anticipated award of the night, Team of the Year, was a toss up, with five teams winning Mid-American Conference championships during the 2009-10 season. Tom Borrelli’s wrestling team, however, got the nod after finishing 12th in the nation.

The MAC title was CMU’s ninth consecutive tournament win.

“To us, winning the conference championship isn’t our ultimate goal,” Borrelli said. “We’d like to win a national championship and bring home national trophies.”

On the men’s side, former CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour won two awards: Best Record-Breaking Perfomance and Male Athlete of the Year. While the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback could not be in attendance, former teammates gave him a surprise call on stage to let him know of the awards.

“Oh man, I’m so pumped,” LeFevour said on speakerphone.

Senior all-around gymnast Katie Simon capped off her record career at CMU by winning Female Athlete of the Year. Simon was named MAC Gymnast of the Year in 2010 after winning three events at the MAC Championships, increasing her career conference titles to seven.

Simon was not in attendance but sent in an acceptance video, thanking everyone for her success.

Head baseball coach Steve Jaksa was named Coach of the Year after leading the team to a 36-22 overall record and regular season MAC title.

“It’s a great honor, I’m not going to lie,” Jaksa said.

“It’s the first one of these that we’ve done, but at the same time, I think that any one of the coaches in there could’ve won it. I just hope we’re all sitting up here again.”

Andrew Aguila’s on side kick and 42-yard gamewinning field goal against Michigan State earned Play of the Year honors and soccer’s 2-0 upset win against Purdue in the opening round of the NCAA tourna-

Winners Breakthrough Performer: Chelsi Abbott, soccer Best Game: Football vs. Michigan State (Sept. 12, 2009) Best Championship Performance: Raeanne Lohner, track and field

Best Upset: Soccer vs. No. 24 Purdue (Nov. 13, 2009) Best Record-Breaking Performance: Dan LeFevour, football

Coach of the Year: Steve Jaksa, baseball Play of the Year: Andrew Aguila on side kick/gamewinning field goal at Michigan State

Comeback of the Year: Jesse Hernandez, baseball Freshman of the Year: Ben Bennett, wrestling Female Athlete of the Year: Katie Simon, gymnastics Male Athlete of the Year: Dan LeFevour, football Team of the Year: Wrestling ment was named Best Upset.

A parody of LeBron James’ “decision” was played following the Best Championship Award performance, featuring CMU men’s basketball recruit Trey Zeigler in a TV-like setting where he would make his choice to play for Central Michigan.

‘Maroon carpet’ It was a sight to see Sunday night as players, coaches, administration and fans were out on the maroon carpet for the first-ever CHIPY awards event at Plachta Auditorium.

Everyone, from the athletes to athletic Director Dave Heeke, was out for the show.

The first person to show up and walk the carpet was CMU head football coach Dan Enos.

Enos said he was impressed with the setup and stressed the organization and interaction among the athletics department.

“I’ve only been here a short time and that is something I’ve been very impressed with,” Enos said. “The family-like unity with the entire athletic department, sport-to-sport and student athlete-to-student athlete.”

Men’s basketball head coach Ernie Zeigler, wearing a powder blue suit, also made an appearance to support the event.

“It’s always fun when you come into an event like this to see the reaction from the awardees,” Zeigler said. sports@cm-life.com

cm-life.com/category/sports

[SPORTS]

Softball splits pair with FSU

SOCCER

Strong play at home continues

By Justin Hicks Staff Reporter

The Central Michigan softball team wrapped up its fall ball schedule Sunday by splitting a doubleheader against Ferris State, improving to 3-3-1.

With its offense finally coming to play, CMU won the first game 9-3 before dropping the finale 3-4 despite a strong comeback push late in the game.

In the opening game, both of CMU’s catchers, freshman Cory DeLamielleure and sophomore Brogan Darwin, hit home runs. “I was really impressed with our offense,� said head coach Margo Jonker. “It’s the first time this fall that I thought our offense was been right there. We have signs of power and we definitely have some speedsters on the team.�

Undefeated streak up to 19 after win against Ohio

By Josh Berenter Staff Reporter

The Central Michigan women’s soccer team continues to dominate at home.

The Chippewas’ 3-1 win against Ohio Sunday not only improved the team to 5-3-1 overall and 2-0 in the MidAmerican Conference, but also extended their home undefeated streak to 19 games.

The team has not suffered a loss at the CMU Soccer Complex since Oct. 19, 2008, when it fell to Toledo 1-0.

Head coach Tom Anagnost said he had been disappointed with his team’s aggressiveness lately and said he wants to see his team take advantage of their opportunities at home. “I was proud of how anyone who was in the box made it really rough for the goalkeepers,� he said. “We created some really good scoring opportunities, and did good when finishing.�

CMU improved to 4-0 at home this season. The two-game home stand over the weekend was its first home contests since opening the season with victories against Wright State and IPFW Aug. 20 and 22.

The 32-day home layoff was the team’s longest stint away from Mount Pleasant since the 2004 season, when it went 24 days between home games.

Senior goalkeeper Shay Mannino and sophomore Stefanie Turner split time in net for the seventh time this season, with Mannino earning the victory.

Sophomore forward Laura Twidle scored her first two goals of the season in the 29th minute off her own rebound, and just before halftime in the 42nd

Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || 7A

In the second game, CMU was down early, but seemed to spark late in the game.

Junior shortstop Molly Coldren homered in the sixth inning to cut the Ferris State lead to two runs. The team added another run in the seventh, but was unable to send the tying run home, despite loading the bases. “One of the biggest things we’ve found is we have a lot of depth on the team,� said senior second baseman Brittini Merchant. “If someone can’t get a job done, someone else can and will step up.�

Jonker was impressed with how the team faired in its two weeks of fall play, especially the pitching unit.

The group is lead by fifth-year senior Kari Seddon, who did not give up a single run in the seven fall games the team played in.

She finished the 2010 campaign with a 16-10 record and 2.56 ERA, a year after having Tommy John surgery.

“I think Kari’s back,� Jonker said. “We’re in good shape in the circle and have a staff that’s very different from each other.�

With nine freshman on the roster and six sophomores, the team may be young, but it has a strong group of upperclassmen leaders, including Merchant. “Brittini has certainly been showing (leadership skills) so far in the fall.� Jonker said. “She’s worked really hard in the mental game and can really be the heart of the team.�

The team will have five months of preparation time before the spring season gets underway. “I think we’ve seen a lot of great things,� Jonker said. “I also think we need to do an immense amount of work to get where we want to be, but I’m encouraged that with the right frame of mind we will get there.� sports@cm-life.com

OFF THE FIELD | Meet soccer’s Jennifer Gassman ASHLEY MILLER/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Senior midfielder Valerie Prause heads the ball Sunday in CMU’s 3-1 win against Ohio at the CMU Soccer Complex. Prause has recorded two goals and an assist this season.

minute on a header on a cross from sophomore defender Liesel Toth. Twidle’s second goal proved to be enough to tame the Bobcats.

Twidle said being at home made her more comfortable and made it easier for her to just go out and play. “It’s so nice to play at home again, you know the field you’re on,� she said. “You know everything better, and it’s just a familiar environment.�

CMU hits the road for four MAC games before returning home on Oct. 15 to play rival Western Michigan.

Notes Senior forward Valerie Prause moved her way up statistically on the offensive side of the ball in Friday’s win against Akron.

Prause’s goal against the Zips,

her second of the season and eighth of her career, moved her into second on the team in total points with five. She added four shots, two on goal, in Sunday’s win against Ohio.

Prause said she is excited to get off to a good start in the MAC. CMU has started 2-0 in the conference for the third consecutive season. “Getting two wins is always a good way to start,� she said. “Especially after our last two games where we were kind of struggling, so it’s nice to have two wins under our belt.�

Freshman Nicole Samuel continues the lead the team in scoring with three goals and six points. Laura Twidle’s two goals Sunday moved her into second on the team in scoring.

Freshman forward Jennifer Gassman sits down with staff reporter John Manzo for an interview off the field.

John Manzo: What would you say you’re main hobby is during your free time?

Jennifer Gassman: I like to just hang out with my friends.

JM: Where is your favorite vacation spot, and where would you like to go that you haven’t been to yet?

JG: My favorite vacation spot would be Virginia Beach because my family goes down there every summer.

But I’d like to go to Jamaica.

JM: You turned down Indiana to play soccer CMU, was it hard to do so since you’re from Indiana?

JG: Yeah it was hard, but CMU offered more of everything, including education.

JM: With long road trips

y a d n Su sports@cm-life.com

such as this past one (Indiana), what do you do to pass the time?

JG: We watch movies, but I bring my laptop with me too.

JM: What kind genre of music do you listen to?

JG: I listen to a little bit of everything.

JM: If you could have one super power, what would that be and why?

JG: I would like to fly. I think that’d be so cool to go wherever I wanted.

JM: Besides soccer, what sport(s) would you like to play instead?

JG: Volleyball, because I played throughout grade and high school.

JM: Do you have a favorite movie?

JG: Probably The Hangover.

JM: Is there somebody you idolize and why?

JG: My grandma. It’s hard to explain, but she’s just a saint.

She’s the perfect person.

JM: Do you have a celebrity crush?

JG: I’d have to say Bradley Cooper.

JM: If you could trade places with anybody for a day, who would that be and why?

JG: I would trade places with the president. I think it’d be so cool to run my own nation!

JM: What would you like to be when you grow up?

JG: I’d like to become a pediatrician because I like kids.

JM: If you had a $1 million, what would be the first thing you’d buy and why?

JG: This one is hard, but I’d buy a pair of shoes. I never buy shoes. They can be expensive. sports@cm-life.com

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Boys will be boys | Check out the popular trends in fashion for guys this season, 3B

campus vibe

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

[cm-life.com/category/vibe]

FALL FASHION FRENZY Military, lace, leather, layered styles big this season

By Rachel Mater Staff Reporter

Women on campus are forming an army with a flourishing fall fashion ­— sporting the military look.

The style, laden with buttons, flat colors and daringly sharp lines is an increasingly trendy choice.

“I like how people are starting to wear lipstick, military jackets and boots,” said Essexville junior Clare Tamez.

Tamez enjoys the look, but is a fan of

her own style.

She said she loves to play around with different themes and monochromatic colors.

“I like the gray and blacks and accessorizing for different outfits,” she said.

“I love my skinny nude boots.”

Human environmental studies temporary faculty member Carol Beard has also seen the looks increasing across campus.

She said she has taken note of military, outdoor-type styles, new spins

on bohemian, bright colors, polished looks, animal prints and hard or soft styles.

“I think military will be popular for fall,” Beard said, “and I saw tons of plaid and vintage floral jewelry, booties are still strong and fun, funky belts with a trench coat.”

Emma’s Boutique, 111 S. University Ave., is keeping busy vending these styles.

A FALL Fashion | 2B

Ashley Miller/Staff Photographer

Essexville junior Clare Tamez and Clarkston senior Spencer Stege model the military fashion trend for the upcoming fall season. Tamez also highlights the use of layers.

Essexville junior Clare Tamez models a lace tank under a gray leather jacket.

“I love playing around with different themes and designs,” she said.

“Lace with leather are total opposites, but finding the right color with the romantic ruffle on the jacket balances it out and makes it a softer finish.”

Ashley Miller/ Staff Photographer

“I think military will be popular for fall. And I saw tons of plaid and vintage floral jewelry, booties are still strong and fun, funky belts with a trench coat.”

Carol Beard, Human environmental studies

temporary faculty member

Paige Calamari/staff photographer

Illustrations by Ashley Miller | Staff Photographer

Clarkston senior Spencer Stege models a military-inspired color palette with navy and khaki on Summerton Road. According to www.fashionising.com, the military trend has been popular since 2008; however, men’s military style has shifted from the early 20th century to the mid-twentieth century, specifically the World War II era.

2B || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

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Fall Trends

Paige Calamari/staff photographer

Paige Calamari/Staff Photographer

Ashley Miller/Staff Photographer

Clarkston senior Spencer Stege incorporates pieces from Goodwill and Forever 21 into his wardrobe. Stege selects random items that he believes work well together.

Clarkston senior Spencer Stege, left, and Essexville junior Clare Tamez model this fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military-inspired fashions. If you prefer not to don a military jacket or cargo pants, try including khaki, navy, and olive colored pieces into your wardrobe for a more subtle version of the style.

Vassar junior Lexi MacKay models fall fashion trends on Sunday. A layered lace top adds a feminine touch to black pants and military inspired boots. Oversized handbags are also a continuing trend this season.

Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dress shoes with a high gloss are a staple of the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoe trends. Whether worn during the day or out at night, dress shoes, especially with a high shine such as patent leather, can be a versatile staple of any manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closet.

Indiana graduate assistant Nathan Hodges pairs a collared cardigan with a tie. Whether designed with buttons, zippers, a shawl collar, or hooded, cardigans are a versatile staple of this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menswear.

FALL FASHION | continued from 1B

â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are buying a lot of dresses, like wool dresses and short military jackets,â&#x20AC;? said owner Kim Lovejoy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I keep seeing a boho-chic kind of look.â&#x20AC;?

Lovejoy has also noticed a few other items that are popular, including scarves,

hats, layered pieces and messenger bags.

Lexi MacKay, a Vassar junior, said she likes to differentiate her personal style from those of her friends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I usually layer stuff and I always have jewelry and accessories on,â&#x20AC;? MacKay said.

MacKay has had just about enough of a few prev-

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alent styles, however. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just think (leggings are) a stereotype of a college girl,â&#x20AC;? she said.

Tamez said she wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be sad to see turtlenecks, 1960s and 1970s mod makeup and Ugg boots disappear.

Beard said a whole new smattering of accessories are also in this season. Nail art, gemstones in jewelry, luscious scarves and unique belts are just a few of the ac-

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Vassar junior Lexi MacKay models fall accessories. The use of rings will be stressed this season, including the use of embellished, numerous or layered rings.

cessories in the magazines.

Although different styles have dominated the runway, Beard said she had her eye on one particular outfit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I saw this super dressy tuxedo jacket with skinny jeans and strappy booties,â&#x20AC;?

Boots are highlighted in this seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoe trends, including thigh high and fur boots. Other shoe trends include socks under heels and clogs.

she said.

Beard had a few final tips for those looking to distinguish themselves: an a-line skirt is a good alternative to a pencil skirt and a tweed military jacket is a good alternative to the regular mil-

itary jacket.

She said students on a budget should invest in quality, polished pieces with staying power, so they last throughout the seasons. studentlife@cm-life.com

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Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || 3B

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STUNTIN’ | MMCC student comes to CMU campus to ride

Menswear Mania New styles boast vintage wear, skinny jeans

By Maria Leone Staff Reporter

jeff smith/staff photographer

Mid Michigan Community College sophomore Gabe Reimer, a Mount Pleasant resident, does stunts on his bike Monday evening near Fabiano Hall. Reimer came to campus to ride “street” with his friend. “But I usually ride park,” Reimer said.

Thrift stores’ low prices, clothing preferred by some students Used vintage items can become great pieces, accessories

By Maria Leone Staff Reporter

Andrea Galvez said she buys everything from shoes to clothing at Goodwill.

For a homecoming dance in high school, the St. Clair Shores senior purchased a green-beaded dress for only $8.25.

“It was perfect for the dance and after it was over, I took the dress back and donated it again,” she said.

She said she purchases about 80 percent of her Tshirts at either Goodwill- or Salvation Army-type shops.

Jessica Wilson, Sterling Heights junior, said she found one of her favorite ac-

cessories, a painted gold belt made from welded metal, at a thrift store.

“It’s just one of those things that look really cool,” Wilson said.

When she was younger she bought old prom dresses and wedding dresses and would run around the house playing dress-up.

“My mom would have to cut the dresses because I was way too small for the dress to be worn properly,” Wilson said.

Elkton senior Lauren Jade Senter said she found one of her favorite hooded sweaters among discount store racks.

“It’s really nice to shop at thrift stores, especially because there is a 10 percent discount at Goodwill,” she said. “It makes life a little easier.”

Other amenities Whenever Galvez browses the aisles she keeps an eye out for video tapes to make use of her old television’s VHS tape deck.

“I enjoy it when I can find old Disney movies or even Backstreet Boys videos,” she said.

Her favorite purchase from the Salvation Army was a wooden orange padded chair, which she got for only $9.

It is a lot of fun shopping at the stores because you get a lot without having to pay a lot, she said.

Wilson said for Christmas every year, she likes to buy a really ugly vase for her mom, and shopping at the Salvation Army makes it easy for her to make the appropriate purchase. studentlife@cm-life.com

CMU Bookstore offers new clothing line to students Designers also work with Victoria’s Secret PINK line

By Heather Hillman Senior Reporter

Krista Huff has all the gear she needs to be a sharp dressed Chippewa fan — about $300$400 worth of it.

The Belleville freshman is one of many students who have gone on a shopping spree on campus. The CMU Bookstore is offering clothing from Jones & Mitchell Sportswear for the first time in four years.

Pam Bowron, sales and marketing director at Jones & Mitchell, said the company also works on the PINK line offered at Victoria Secret.

Bookstore Assistant Direc-

tor Deb Stack said PINK itself does not have a contract with CMU. “One of the reasons that PINK chose to work with us was because of our ability to take what’s currently ‘hot’ in retail and translate it successfully to the college market,” Bowron said. “We’re a fashion basic. Not too trendy, but just right for what styles are currently going on.”

Huff said she likes the style offered by the clothing line.

“They have every type of clothing you could want, from more laid back styles to more fitted clothes,” Huff said. “I shopped there probably two to three times a week within the first month of school.”

Stack said she went for the Jones & Mitchell look because it offers clothing that has a lot of different “foils and bling,” which students seem to be gravitating toward this year.

While Huff feels the clothing

is fairly priced, Stack said the line is a little more expensive.

“Their items are a little bit pricier, but you’re paying for the added feature,” Stack said.

Bowron said as long as the clothing sells well, the relationship with Jones & Mitchell will most likely continue.

While Stack said it is too early in the year to tell how the clothing will do, the line usually sells very well at college bookstores, Bowron said.

Huff’s only request was for even more selections in the line.

“There are a lot of clothes and options, but I wish there were dresses and skirts because I love wearing dresses,” Huff said. “Leggings that are CMU-based would also be good.”

-Senior reporter Randi Shaffer contributed to this article. studentlife@cm-life.com

Those who do not keep their historical clothes are doomed to repurchase them.

This fall and winter season, people can expect to see many ‘70’s inspired styles for men, said SeungEun Lee “Joy,” associate professor of human environmental studies.

“Even fashion is rebounding from the recession of our economy,” Lee said, “so bargaining prices can help to achieve a conservative, classic ‘70’s look.”

Clarkston senior Spencer Stege said his favorite style embraces a very vintage European feel. He said he likes skinny jeans, tight bell-bottoms and corduroys especially.

For pants, he likes the fit of women’s jeans more than men’s. They feel so much more comfortable, he said.

“I like putting together outfits and how people compliment them, saying how they like what I’ve done with my style,” Stege said.

Some of his favorite places to shop are Goodwill and Forever 21. Most guys are not aware that Forever 21 has a male clothing section, he said, but it has a good selection and prices.

Buying pants from Goodwill is great because they are so much cheaper and it is easy to find unique styles, he said.

“Don’t just follow the same trends as everyone else,” Stege said. “You can use current fashion to create your own style, while still sporting your favorite look.”

Grass Lake junior Christopher Alger said his fash-

ion ideas can be inspired from anything he sees and likes.

He typically likes to wear more plain clothing and accessorize to capture his style.

His favorite stores to assemble outfits from are Urban Outfitters, Express, Nieman Marcus, Tiffany & Co. and Saks Fifth Avenue.

He said he shops online and in stores equally because online retailers often have better deals.

“It’s important to dress well,” he said. “When you look good and are confident in your appearance, you really do feel better about anything.”

Other options Lee said more Mediterranean- and Europeaninspired looks will also be common this fashion sea-

son. She said leather jackets paired with skinny jeans will be very popular in the winter.

“The really bold colors in the fashion industry are getting to be ecstatic,” Lee said.

Mixing patterns like plaid prints and tweed will also be popular, with an accentuation of any style of boot, she said.

Some of the most popular styles will be ankle boots, knee boots and even lace boots.

“My best advice regarding fashion is to wear what you love,” Alger said. “I won’t say to be original; if you like keeping up with trends, go for it. But if you do have a personal style that isn’t right on cue with fashion, it doesn’t matter as long as you are happy with it.” studentlife@cm-life.com

4B || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

‘Legends of the Guardians’ a mesmerizing adventure

By Rachael Woods Staff Review

libby march/staff photographer

Becky Brannan walks through a doorway during “Vampire: The Requiem” live action role play game, interacting with other characters as her own vampire character, Siri, a Daeva vampire, Saturday night, Sept. 18 in Powers Hall. “Vampire” players meet every few weeks to role play as various characters.

Vampires swarm campus by night Live-action roleplaying RSO acts out undead lifestyle

By Rachael Woods Staff Reporter

Powers Hall is filled with history and leadership classes in the sunlight hours, but every other Saturday after dark, creatures of the night overtake its halls.

Mount Pleasant junior Sara McBryde had a simple reason for joining Mount Pleasant by Night, a registered student organization and active domain for the Camarilla, global fan club of publisher White Wolf’s World of Darkness game and book franchise.

“Who doesn’t like vampires?” she said.

The Camarilla is an organization that operates on a global level as a live-action roleplaying group.

“What happens at this meeting with a character could have a ripple effect on the whole game, globally,” said Bloomfield Hills junior Xander Meyers, the domain storyteller.

The game’s actions are enacted by players rather than on a computer or game board and

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“What happens at this meeting with a character could have a ripple effect on the whole game, globally.”

Xander Meyers, Bloomfield Hills junior

A movie with a bunch of owls can really keep audiences entertained.

Newest to the growing number of 3D, computer graphicsenhanced films to enter theaters is Zach Snyder’s (“300,” “Watchmen”) creation, “Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole”, a colorful and tantalizing silver-screen rendition of the popular children’s book series by Kathryn Lasky.

The story follows Soren, a young owl captivated by his father’s bedtime stories about the titular legendary guardian owls, who is captured with his less excitable brother Kludd by a pair of thugs who serve the enemies of the benevolent guardians in the pursuit of owl kingdom domination.

Suddenly the brothers find themselves in the proverbial battle of good against evil.

chronicle, along with providing advice and discussion for players.

Beyond the fantasy-fiction aspect of the game, strong political and social themes lie beneath the surface and up the stakes of play. Each character belongs to a family, or clan, as well as a social covenant based on political and religious favor.

The large community of members and theatrical aspects to the game serve as draws for those interested in horror fiction and gaming.

“I like the social networking, knowing people all over the world who do the same thing,” McBryde said. “The LARP encourages acting, making it more theatre-like than ‘Dungeons and Dragons.’”

For Meyers, the benefits extend beyond just having fun.

“I’m a theatre major here,” Meyers said. “It’s a great opportunity to improve my acting skills.” studentlife@cm-life.com

‘Legends of the Guardians’

HHHHH w Rated PG

for the next two months or so.

Advertised as a children’s movie, “Legends” came as somewhat of a surprise with the amount of violence Snyder chose to use and the overall darkness the film communicates.

For young ones, it may be too scary (even though it’s about cute and fluffy owls), but for the more mature crowd looking to access their inner child without too much cheesiness, it has its place.

The film manages to convey a good mixture of humor, excitement and heroism for moviegoers willing to look past its kids’ movie trappings. studentlife@cm-life.com

“Halcyon Digest” keeps some noise, brings tighter pop

By Ben Weissenborn Staff Review

the violence and weaponry are replaced with magical abilities and other skills chosen by each player for his or her individual characters.

Some players attend the games in casual clothes while others go for the full out vampire look — fangs, blood and all.

The group hosts games featuring five interlinking species of supernatural characters, or ‘venues,’ which focus on vampires, werewolves ghosts and others.

It isn’t uncommon for a player to have a character for each of the venues; however, some choose to be involved in only one or two.

“It has aspects of ‘True Blood,’ ‘Labyrinth,’ ‘Underworld,’ ‘American Werewolf in London’ in it, just to give an idea,” said Becky Brannan, five-year member and Bloomfield Hills resident.

Each venue meeting is overseen by a storyteller, whose role is to guide local Camarilla games to fit the ongoing global

Soren manages to narrowly escape and journeys with his newfound band of eccentric pals to the land of the Guardians to get help.

Here he learns to fly and trains to fight in the epic battle that is to follow.

All of this sounds strikingly familiar, doesn’t it? Themes from “The Lion King” and “Avatar” are two that carried the most resemblance.

Though there isn’t much about “Legends” that holds as far as originality of plot goes, the classic storyline works well as a base to hold the incredible visual effects.

Breathtaking landscapes shot over wings of the owls soaring and diving through the air creates a thrilling simulation of flying that caused me to actually check that my glasses were still on, and the detail in animation is in one word: remarkable.

The burgeoning field of CGI has truly outdone itself, at least

Noisy indie rockers, Deerhunter, trade their knack for noise for brighter, tighter pop sensibilities on their most recent album, “Halcyon Digest.”

Recorded with Ben Allen, the mastermind behind the mixing board for Animal Collective’s now-classic “Merriweather Post Pavilion,” “Halcyon Digest” shares much of that album’s atmospheric, pop sheen, resulting in Deerhunter’s most accessible and enjoyable record to date.

When Deerhunter made their way into the public eye with 2007’s “Cryptograms,” they were a far more noisy, experimental band, their poppier material buried underneath fuzz, distortion and feedback. Part of the appeal of “Cryptograms” was deciphering all that murky noise to find the pop gems that were encrypted within.

“Halcyon Digest” does away with the noise, stripping the songs down and making them far easier to pick apart and interpret. That’s not to say they’ve done away completely with

their experimental side; there are still plenty of interesting sounds and textures here that are just as fresh as when Deerhunter first began.

The album opens with “Earthquake,” a dreamy, foggy number that drifts and lilts, driven forward by a reversed electronic drumbeat.

“Do you remember waking up on a dirty couch?” vocalist Bradford Cox asks as the scene unfolds, waves of delay-soaked guitars subtly peaking and falling, resulting in one of the album’s highlights.

Another one of the record’s high points comes in the form of “Revival,” a two and a quarter minute long song of perfectly executed pop. The song is driven by a bouncy bass line, an incredibly catchy mandolin riff and fuzzy synth bass.

Where the song really shines is in its middle portion, when the drums and bass drop out, leaving only Cox’s dreamy, wordless falsetto and the double tracked mandolin, resulting in one of those weightless pop moments many music fans live for.

“Desire Lines,” which finds

‘Halcyon Digest’

HHHHH

guitarist Lockett Pundt taking over vocal duties, is another one of the record’s shining moments. Beginning with a beating bass drum and a slinky bass line, which sound dangerously close to those that begin Arcade Fire’s anthemic “Rebellion (Lies),” the song finds Deerhunter doing what they do best: creating delightfully atmospheric indie rock that isn’t overly strange or offputting, nor is it overly safe or accessible.

With “Halcyon Digest,” Deerhunter has solidified themselves as one of the most interesting and creatively trustworthy contemporary rock bands, whilst also crafting one of the strongest and most enjoyable records released this year.

Fans of The Velvet Underground, Arcade Fire and No Age should not sleep on this one. studentlife@cm-life.com

6B || Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 || Central Michigan Life

NEW STUFF

TOP FIVES

Home theatre 1. “Get Him to the Greek” 2. “Family Guy: Partial Terms of Endearment” 3. “Legend of the Seeker: The Complete Second Season”

Box Office 1. “Wall Street: Money Never Sleep” $19 million 2. “Legend of the Guardians” $16.1 million 3. “The Town” $15.6 million 4. “Easy A” $10.6 million 5. “You Again” $8.4 million

CDs 1. “Clapton” Eric Clapton 2. “Le Noise” Neil Young 3. “Black Country Communion” Black Country Communion Video Games 1. “Wii Party” (Wii) 2. “FIFA Soccer 11” (PS2, PS3, PSP, NDS, Wii, X360) 3. “Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock” (PS3, Wii, X360)

Singles 1. “Just The Way You Are” Bruno Mars 2. “Love The Way You Lie” Eminem feat. Rihanna 3. “Only Girl (In The World)” Rihanna 4. “Teenage Dream” Katy Perry 5. “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” Usher feat. Pitbull Albums 1. “A Thousand Suns” Linkin Park 2. “Passion, Pain & Pleasure” Trey Songz 3. “Recovery” Eminem 4. “The Guitar Song” Jamey Johnson 5. “Band of Joy” Robert Plant

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RYAN’S RANT This week’s topic: Pointless Facebook pages

Ryan Taljonick Senior Reporter

I don’t mind letting the Facebook public know that I enjoy listening to Rise Against or that I find Daniel Tosh pretty darn funny.

But one thing that baffles me more than the homewrecker known as “FarmVille” is the tendency of the general public to “like” pages that have no meaning or

value.

You all know what I’m talking about ­— Jennifer likes “He was totally my bff before he was your bf ;)” or Rachel likes “I hate watching cute movies that make you want a boyfriend/girlfriend.”

Most of the time, the pages people “like” don’t even

represent actions or feelings those people have ever conveyed.

Why would you hit the “like” button for “yelling, ‘Run, Forrest, run,’ when people run by” if you never actually say that?

If you think you’re being cute by “liking” such pages, then I dislike you.

PICK OF THE WEEK ‘Dead Rising 2’ (PS3, X360) If you’re itching to slay some mindless undead, “Dead Rising 2” is your ticket to zombieslaying euphoria.

The sequel to the 2006 hit “Dead Rising” follows motocross champion Chuck Greene as he participates in a game show known as “Terror is Reality.” The program requires its contestants to decimate hordes of zombies and with hundreds of weapons and tools of destruction at your disposal, zombie genocide will never get boring.

Supporting up to four players in its multiplayer component, “Dead Rising 2” will surely offer hours of zombie-apocalypse entertainment for you and your friends.

-Ryan Taljonick, Senior Reporter

‘So Appalled’ by Kanye West feat. RZA, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz and Cyhi the Prynce The latest entry in Kanye’s weekly “Good Fridays” series, in which he releases a track online for free each week, is one of the strongest yet. An aggressive and foreboding beat sets the mood while the all-star line up of MCs take potshots at their respective haters. Already in its 7th week, the Good Fridays series finds Ye back on top of his game. If you’ve missed out so far, it’s time to get caught up.

-Ben Weissenborn, Staff Reporter