Fresh faces Get to know CMU’S diverse student body, 1B
Central Michigan Life
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010
Mount Pleasant, Mich.
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MAC-favorite Temple next for CMU By Aaron McMann Sports Editor
file Ashley Miller/Staff Photographer
Senior running back Carl Volny rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries in the home opener against Hampton Thursday. Running backs Volny and Paris Cotton are expected to get much playing time Thursday against Temple in Philadelphia, Pa.
Time to forget about last week, lace up the shoes and put on the pads for real this time. It may still be early, but the Central Michigan football team will play one of its most important games of the 2010 season Thursday in Philadelphia. Coming off a 33-0 romping of Football Championship Subdivision opponent Hampton, CMU will get its first legitimate test when it travels to Lincoln Financial Field to play MidAmerican Conference favorite
Snyder to speak in Park Library today GOP candidate to discuss economy, keeping students in Michigan By Emily Pfund Senior Reporter
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder is set to be on campus today to speak and answer students’ questions regarding Michigan’s future economic outlook. The selfproclaimed “tough nerd” will hold a town hallstyle meeting in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium Rick Snyder from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A representative for Snyder’s campaign said the main focus of the event will be the economy and creating jobs, but Snyder will also discuss
More drug-related issues were reported at CMU in the 2009-10 academic year than in the last decade. The year saw 65 incidents within residence halls which resulted in a fine — a 132 percent increase from 200708. However, alcohol violations have decreased annually with 409 reported last year, which is down from 517 in 2006-07, said Director of Student Life Tony Voisin. He said about 50 alcohol violation referrals have been reported since the first two weeks of the present school year, which normally hovers around 30 referrals. “It’s been a pretty busy couple of weeks for us,” Voi-
season, leads a running game that ranked second in 2009. “He’s a great running back,” Bellore said. “They’ve got a number of backs that can really run the ball. We just have to first and foremost stop the run, which is going to be tough because that’s what they do.” Junior quarterback Chester Stewart returns for his third year of eligibility, while the offensive line is made up of three seniors and two juniors, including firstteam All-MAC selection Colin Madison. Meanwhile, the defense is just as- if not more- impressive
CMU vs. Temple w w w
Kickoff: 7 p.m. Thursday TV/Radio: ESPNU, 95.3 WCFX-FM Line: Temple - 7.5
than the offense. Defensive end Adrian Robinson, named MAC Defensive Player of the Year, anchors a defensive line that also includes first-team All-MAC selection Muhammad Wilkerson. Firstteam All-MAC linebacker Elijah Joseph highlights a linebacking
A football | 2A
COMMUNITY RECREATION
his plans to keep students in Michigan after graduation. Battle Creek senior Travis Faber, first vice chairman of College Republicans, said about 30 students from the group plan to attend the event. “I want to hear more about Rick’s plan for Michigan — how he’s going to create jobs and get Michigan back to work,” Faber said. “Most of us are going to college to get a job, so that’s something that interests students.” Snyder has sent campaign representatives to several of their campus events over the last year to talk about the election, Faber said. “The Snyder campaign has been really supportive of the College Republicans annd we’ve volunteered for his campaign in the past ... he’s really supportive of college students in general,” he said. “We’re helping him out with his campaign in any way we can, helping to spread his good ideas and get his mespaige calamari/staff photographer
A Snyder | 2A
Drug violations up in residence halls but alcohol down By Carisa Seltz Senior Reporter
Temple in front of a national television audience on ESPNU. “Every MAC game is a ‘mustwin,’ but this is a showdown of two good teams,” senior linebacker Nick Bellore said Monday after practice. “We’ve been looking at this game since the offseason.” The Owls were picked to win the conference over the summer and boast talent and experience on both sides of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, reigning MAC Freshman of the Year running back Bernard Pierce, who rushed for 1,361 yards and 16 touchdowns last
sin said, noting it will take at least a month to process the pending alcohol referrals. Most of the university code of ethics violations pertaining to controlled substances and alcohol stem from the residence halls, he said. Voisin said the statistics do not include instances where a student was found in violation of the policy, but was not reported to university officials by their residence hall director. Bill O’Dell, residence hall director for Cobb and Troutman halls, said resident assistants are required to stop behavior violating the university policy once drawn to the situation. The instance is then documented and sent to the hall’s RHD. A drugs | 2A
Winn resident Carla Glowacki, left, and Mount Pleasant resident Polly Ellsworth, second from left, wait as their teammates play a round of shuffleboard Thursday morning at Island Park in Mount Pleasant.
Shuffle island Mount Pleasant group attracts all kinds of players
By Rachel Dybicki | Staff Reporter
N
ear the southern edge of Island Park, a dozen triangles at the end of six narrow lanes beckon shuffleboard enthusiasts. Twice each week the Mount Pleasant shuffleboard group welcomes sport veterans, amateurs and everyone in between to practice their skills. The six shuffleboard lanes slightly resemble bowling alley lanes in the park at 331 N. Main St. To some, the concept of the game might seem simple, whereas some disagree. “It’s more complicated than it looks,” said Jennett Klumpp, a member of the Mount Pleasant shuffleboard group. On the end of each lane there are two large pyramids on opposite sides, the tips pointing towards each other. Inside of the pyramids, there are seven sections designated with certain points.
Mount Pleasant resident Jennett Klumpp kisses her husband Herb as Polly Ellsworth walks past the couple Thursday morning at Island Park in Mount Pleasant. The Klumpps began playing shuffleboard together approximately 15 to 20 years ago.
To move the disc-like playing pieces of the game, which are called biscuits, one must use a stick called a tang. There is a lot that goes
into the thought process of the game and it may take a little longer to learn than you thought, Klumpp said.
A shuffleboard | 5A
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2A || Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 || Central Michigan Life
EVENTS CALENDAR Today w Club Baseball try-outs are at 4 p.m. on the Mount Pleasant High School Junior Varsity field, 1155 S. Elizabeth St. w Club Dodgeball will practice from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Student Activity Center, Multi-Activity Court gym two. w Orchesis tryouts are at 7 p.m. today through Friday. Sign up before in Moore Hall 133.
Thursday w “Modern Gentlemen” tryouts will be held at 7 p.m. in Wightman 142. w Women’s ultimate frisbee practice is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Intramural Fields. w The Mount Pleasant Farmers Market will run from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Island Park South Shelter, 331 N. Main St.
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 8
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football | continued from 1A
unit who rivals CMU’s Bellore and Berning. “We think it’s going to be a great environment, challenge and barometer for our team,” said CMU head coach Dan Enos. “We have to stay focused — it’s a business trip for us.” Golden: CMU is better than us right now Despite being picked to win the Mid-American Conference, head coach Al Golden is still of the belief that to be the best you have to beat the best and, right now, the best is CMU. During a conference call with the media on Monday, Golden said CMU is the only established team in the conference and Temple has a long way to reach the Chippewas’ status. “(Last year) was their fourth straight bowl game. They’ve
drugs |
gone to East Lansing and won,” Golden said. “Their seniorsthey’ve won 29 games. We’re a far cry from that in terms of our seniors.” Temple finished 9-4 in 2009, its first winning season since 1990, and lost to UCLA in the EagleBank Bowl. Notes Senior defensive end Kashawn Fraser returns in Thursday’s game after serving a one-game suspension for a violation of team policy. Enos said sophomores Joe Kinville and Caesar Rodriguez will start again, with Fraser rotating in as the game goes on. Despite a 1-for-4 performance last week against Hampton, freshman Paul Mudgett will continue as the team’s starting place kicker. sports@cm-life.com
continued from 1A
said, “and that’s why we try to stop behavior that’s violating policy and then refer that over.”
O’Dell said the RHD meets with each person documented in the report to ensure accuracy and get their point of view. Minor infractions like noise or trash violations are usually handled by Residence Life, O’Dell said, but more severe situations are referred to the Office of Student Life where a conduct proceedings officer determines the best course of action. “We try to maintain a level of civility and community in our residence halls,” O’Dell
Police involvement In cases where drugs are involved, Residence Life contacts CMU Police. Conversely, the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities handle alcohol violations. After a referral is reported, Voisin said the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities reviews the report, consults with the student or students involved in the incident, and takes further disciplinary action if required. The fine for a first-time offense is $150.
snyder | continued from 1A
sage out.” College Democrats president and Clinton Township senior Brad O’Donnell was critical of the upcoming visit. “I don’t know what he’ll be discussing, but I doubt he’ll talk about how he shipped 20,000 jobs to China,” O’Donnell said.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
“I would like to hear him talk about that, though.” The event is not sponsored by College Republicans or any other registered student organization. The university did not ask Snyder to speak but accepted his request to do so in the library, said Steve Smith, director of public relations. university@cm-life.com
Andrew Kuhn/staff photographer
Taiwan senior Yih Hon practices his yo-yo skills outside of Bovee University Center Tuesday afternoon. “One of the important things about yo-yoing is that you go out and exchange moves with other people so you can build up a repertoire of tricks,” Hon said.
Although the numbers are about evenly spread throughout the residence halls, Wheeler had the most reported alcohol and drug violations where police were involved with 10, while the other halls all had violations in single digits. Voisin said alcohol violations on campus aren’t always reported to the police because CMU’s policy is to route the student through the university’s disciplinary process. “We are not a court system,” he said. Because the university handles alcohol violations, Voisin said they educate students to make better choices. The number of students who violate alcohol policies on cam-
Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Jennifer Granholm have agreed on proposed outlines for the state’s 2011 budget, which includes cuts to most state departments. An agreement was reached late Tuesday, according to the Detroit Free
pus for a second time is very low, Voisin said. CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley said he’s comfortable with this arrangement. “I think Residence Life has a very good track record on campus of making the decision of contacting the police and when not to,” he said. According to year-to-date statistics from CMU Police, the department responded to 45 controlled substance cases and 33 alcohol cases at residence halls in 2010. Yeagley said the statistics are slightly higher than normal, but the increase is not substantial.
Alcohol violations w w w w
2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10:
517 440 459 409
Drug-related violations w w w w
2006-07: 2007-08: 2008-09: 2009-10:
59 28 45 65
*Referrals reported to the Office of Student Rights
university@cm-life.com
Press. The agreement aims to prevent a projected $484-million deficit the state had been facing for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. The budget will also include debt refinancing and an early retirement plan for state employees, the
Free Press reports. Liz Boyd, spokeswoman for Granholm, was unavailable for comment at press time. Additional details were to be released today. -University Editor Jake Bolitho
inside life Central Michigan Life
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Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010
Brooks Hall flooding ruins data, research By Ryan Taljonick Senior Reporter
The water leak in Brooks Hall over the summer had much more of an impact than some moldy ceiling panels and soggy paperwork. Geology professor Kathleen Benison lost several salt samples obtained during an excursion to Australia. The samples, which were acquired through a grant to hire a drilling team to harvest the salt, would cost more than $100,000 to replace. “When we have grant proj-
ects, they’re almost like a contract,” Benison said. “Some of that work I just can’t do because of the loss. It was a lot of logistics, time and energy to get these samples. I lost some of them to the flood and they’re really irreplaceable.” She said the flood also greatly affects research time, an asset important during the summer months. “It’s our focus time,” she said. “We’ve really lost three summers of research time. There are biology faculty who have lost years of data. I think our building is outdated for what we do — for
doing science.” Effects on the department Biology Department Chairman Stephen Roberts said the flood affected a large volume of scientific research, data and samples. “It certainly delays the progress of those students in their degree program and it delays the overall goals and outcomes of these research projects,” he said. “This can have a significant impact, obviously, on student success, overall career success of the students and the advisers and
on the possibility of refunding from our major funding agencies when goals are not met.” Roberts said CMU is agreeable to some sort of compensation for those affected by the flood, but no details have been set in stone. Steve Smith, director of public relations, said most of the rehabilitative work in Brooks Hall is complete and total costs for repairs have not yet been determined. Plainwell senior Autumn Haagsma planned on spending A brooks | 5A
Leah sefton/staff photographer
Plainwell senior Autumn Haagsma looks into her microscope Friday morning in Brooks Hall. Haagsma is conducting research on the effects of acid in an Australian lake, but her project was delayed because of the flooding that occurred June 4.
a c a d e m i c s e n at e
Six affiliation hospitals signed for medical college Ross discusses six goals at first faculty meeting By Ariel Black Staff Reporter
libby march/staff photographer
Women worship after eating a meal together having fasted all day as part of Ramadan celebrations Friday night at the Islamic Center of Mount Pleasant. During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything, not even water, in the spirit of sacrificing to empathize with those less fortunate.
REVERING RAMADAN Mount Pleasant Muslim community worships during holy month By Mike Nichols Staff Reporter
The holiest month of the Islamic calendar will come to an end this week. According to the Muslim tradition, Ramadan is the month the prophet Muhammad began his revelations of the Quran. They’re traditions that even hit home for some in the CMU community. Muslims celebrate the month, which began Aug. 11 this year, with fasting and prayer. After an early breakfast before dawn, Muslims spend the rest of the day abstaining from food and drink until sundown. Ahmed El Gammal, a temporary professor of Arabic at CMU, serves as president of
the Islamic Center, 907 McVey St. He said the fast teaches not only personal discipline but also creates awareness to the experiences of those who live every day without food. “It gives us a sense of how people can be hungry and to feel the suffering of the needy,” El Gammal said. “You get thirsty by the end of the day, but after the first couple of days you get used to it.” THE MOSQUE The Islamic Center started in the 1970s as a house where a handful of students gathered. Today, the center serves as the only mosque in Mount Pleasant. “Technically any space that’s dedicated for Muslims to worship is a mosque,” said Hugh Halman, an assistant professor of philosophy and religion. “The word ‘mosque’ means a place where people prostrate.” The Mosque is predominantly Sunni, a branch of Islam.
El Gammal said most of the attendees are, like he once was, international students and graduate students. Counting families with children, attendance ranges from 50 to 70 people. “In Islam we like privacy between men and women,” said Adil Chowdhury, an engineer who came from Bangladesh 12 years ago. “To be shoulderto-shoulder and toe-to-toe, it symbolizes unity, that there is no gap ... Because of our desire to keep it formal, that would be a contradiction when you have men and women together.” Rachid Sadir serves as the volunteer Imam. While praying, he wears a Galabia — a long shirt as part of Islamic tradition. Sadir is originally from Morocco and came to study English. Ramadan is a much bigger celebration in his home country. “Everybody in Morocco celebrates the same thing,” Sadir
said. “People over there will pour out into the streets with foods and group dinners.” The celebration of Ramadan takes place during the last week on what is called “Laylat al-Qadr,” or the Night of Power. It is believed to be the first night that Muhammad began receiving his revelations. During this time, Muslims focus harder on praying and doing good, and have a large feast. A MINORITY Although Islam is recognized as the fastest growing religion in the world, Muslims are considered a minority group in Mount Pleasant. Halman said Muslims in Mount Pleasant are a community despite being relatively few in number. “Nobody interferes or bothers you unless they want to ask you a question in a friendly way,” Akram Almohalwas said. A Ramadan | 5A
Student sells, donates ‘Gnome bags’ By Ryan Taljonick Senior Reporter
Jeff Bruckwicki had no idea his broken backpack would eventually mend the lives of less-thanfortunate children. Tired of low-quality backpacks, the Walled Lake senior created Gnome Bags, a company that tailors hand-crafted, light-weight bags. Bruckwicki describes it as a 1-for-1 company: For every bag sold, a bag is donated to a child in need. “Gnomes are kind of little,” Bruckwicki said. “We want to show all these little people that all these little things, like buying a bag, can create a community
that is great.” When his backpack fell apart, Bruckwicki decided it’d be easier to make a replacement rather than “just be picky about it.” And so, Gnome Bags was born. After several inquiries about his newly-crafted bag, Bruckwicki decided to make and sell his bags for others to use. Nicholas Will helps Bruckwicki with the company’s design work. “Basically what I’ve been doing so far is designing T-shirts. I’ve designed a logo-type design for the bag, I’ve printed the logo on the web page and I’ve also been working on poster designs,” Will said. The Whitehall senior said he finds Bruckwicki’s goals
admirable. Brownstown senior Amanda Kuhn purchased a Gnome Bag because it’s useful for bike rides. “Just having ambition to start a company where you’re handmaking, designing and sewing these bags and selling them in the community is a big enough idea,” she said. “Rather than making a profit for himself, he’ll be helping other people and I think it’s just fantastic that he took it one step further.” Bruckwicki said the bags are made with 14-by-11 inches of water-resistant fabric and are offered in a variety of colors. Each bag costs about $7 to manufacture and 30 minutes to finish. So far, he said he has sold 20 bags.
“I realized because of how low the cost was, there was some real room to do something with that extra money,” he said. “I don’t need loads and loads of money or anything like that, but there are people that do need things: Bags, clothes, whatever.” Bruckwicki is looking into different charities to find an organization his company can work with long-term. Bruckwicki said he eventually wants to host donation events in which kids can receive and customize their own Gnome Bags. “We want to empower them to be creative in that way,” he said. “That’s important.” studentlife@cm-life.com
Eric Dresden, Managing Editor | news@cm-life.com | 989.774.4343
Several affiliation hospitals were outlined for the College of Medicine Tuesday at the fall semester’s first Academic Senate meeting. Six hospitals have been signed, and 14 or 15 others are in progress, said University President George Ross. Dr. Ernest Yoder, dean of the College of Medicine, told Senate members and guests of new approaches to the curriculum accommodating students of all learning styles who are in the program. “The key areas we are looking at while designing the program are integration, individualism, insistence upon excellence and identity formation,” Yoder said. He said students will take the first two steps of their board exam at the end of their third year, ensuring each student does not move on until they have completed mastery of the subjects. “During the summer (the presidential transition team’s) six subteams wrote their first transition report about the College of Medicine, which I encourage everyone to take a look at online,” Ross said. “We need to get our arms around who we are as an institution before we can determine a vision for
the future.” In addition to the medical college, Ross also spoke about the six goals centering around student success. He hopes to use this year as a baseline so “we can plan, act and move forward,” he said. “It is going to be a positive year at CMU,” Ross said. “We have increased enrollment with numbers that we did not expect. These numbers are not across the board with other schools, so that shows we’re doing something right.” The rising enrollment numbers are because of a few factors — the first being a 3.5 percent increase in students returning after their freshman year. This number is typically limited to around 1 percent, but showed a drastic change this year. Other factors causing an increase in students were a rise in transfers and an increase in minority students, Ross said.
Other Business Senate Chairman Phil Squattrito said the open position of General Education Director is near completion and will be posted within a week or two. It is a 12-month, full-time position, with first preference given to regular faculty. The general education director serves as a chief coordinator for CMU’s university program and competency curriculum. university@cm-life.com
“We need to get our arms around who we are as an institution before we can determine a vision for the future.” George Ross, university president
Walled Lake senior Jeff Bruckwicki sells Gnome Bags, as well as T-shirts and posters to support children in need on Friday night during a benefit concert at Kaya Coffee and Tea Company. The benefit helped to spread the word about the “Onefor-One” program which allows for each Gnome Bag sold another one is donated. “We are still looking for the right charity, someone we can work with in a more personal way.” Bruckwicki said. Victoria Zegler/ staff photographer
voices Central Michigan Life
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Wednesday, Sept. 8, 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
Jason Gillman Columnist
Michael L. Hoffman Columnist
Life the Google way
Knowledge before arguments People should educate themselves before arguing government and politics — for their own sakes In a recent column, Maria Amante begged for CMU students to care about politics. I guess I can’t really knock that position, as I wrote a piece myself back in September of last year that essentially argued the same thing. However, I would like to ask for something in addition: If you’re going to start getting involved, do some research and educate yourself. I’m not just saying know who the candidates are, but actually be able to analyze the various other things involved as well. As an example, I had an email exchange with a reader last semester arguing Virg Bernero had a good record as Lansing’s mayor by citing that jobs were saved “through city projects like the Accident Fund and Lansing City Market”. This was after he misinterpreted something I said in the column I had printed on April 7. In it, I claimed that the ignorance (which itself is not stupidity) of the populace on different subjects, such as finance, is what allows for people like Bernero to take advantage of them. Clearly, you can’t make a good decision if you don’t have the information or can’t analyze it. This reader, however, thought that I was calling him politically ignorant, and that he had a right to be offended, due to the fact he was a history and social studies double major. Well, if that’s the case, then wouldn’t he know that Accident Fund is a workers comp insurance company that was originally run by the state? Wouldn’t he know it was later sold to Blue Cross circa 1993-1994 and was never a city project, much less one that was overseen by Bernero? Needless to say, homeboy’s lack of research deep-sixed one of his arguments, as well as proved he is indeed ignorant on some things. The example above should be evidence of what happens when you aren’t able to research or analyze what’s going on and then proceed to shoot your mouth. The problem is, things get even worse if you don’t do your research and then shoot off votes, because at that point, you’re doing harm for everyone else, not just yourself. Get educated before you practice politics.
Joe tobianski/staff photographer
Lot 63 during the tailgating before the September 2 game against Hampton. CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley said an estimated 800 to 1,000 people attended.
EDITORIAL | Tailgating at CMU may be lost forever
Failgate: Year two
R
The fact remains for the second year in a row: tailgating in lot 63 before the CMU football team’s home opener was an unmitigated failure. At this point, a complete reversal of all the policies and restrictions placed on tailgating would probably not be enough to salvage the pastime at CMU. Police Chief Bill Yeagley’s estimates of 800 to 1,000 people in attendance
are far more than kind. Previous to the 2009 policies put in place — a limit on how much alcohol one person can bring to the lot — the tailgate at CMU was regarded as one of the best in the state, often mentioned in the same breath as Michigan State University. It was a part of the university’s culture and now that is lost, perhaps, forever. It did bring more par-
KIM PATISHNOCK [CENTRAL SQUARE]
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
tiers, and things were raucous, but it also brought more people to the football games and into the community, meaning more patronage for local businesses. Although it takes place on CMU property, tailgating has never been a university event. A tailgate is simply a gathering of people with the common interest of drinking, eating food and celebrating before a football game. There is a certain sense of independence and, perhaps, a sense of roguishness as well. It is not the specifics of the policies that have deterred people from congregating in lot 63; most
epresentatives of CMU’s administration, athletic department and police department can blame it on the weather, the weak competition or the hand of God.
tailgaters would probably not consume more than six beers or one pint of liquor anyway. The fact that there are rules and regulations is what has squashed the tailgate culture. Tailgate was something that many fans and students felt belonged to them and these rules have made it clear that it does not belong to them any more. If the restrictions on tailgating are ever repealed, it will not be because the fans or students took it back from the university, but because the university gave it back to them. Because of this, we will likely never again see the tailgate at CMU as the epicenter of mid-Michigan youth culture it once was. But at least there is no broken glass in the parking lot.
[ Letters]
Morbidity in social networking Editor’s note: To send a letter to the editor, please e-mail voices@cm-life. com You have one new friend request! You have been tagged in 3 new photos! You have received one new death notice! With the advent of Facebook, we admittedly know just a little too much of other’s information. With status updates like “Just got done with class, now shower then
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drinks with my favorites!” and “Ugggh, SO hungover today!” or “Going to the game tonight, call me! (Insert phone number here)” It’s no surprise that we know exactly what’s going on with our friends and our “friends.” However, what happens when you find out about the latest town tragedy from Facebook? When I received the news about a couple recent tragedies of the young lives from my hometown, it wasn’t by a phone call or from a
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-
visitor, but rather status updates that relayed such news as “R.I.P, man… Ur gonna be missed dude!!! Good times!” and “rip bud, u were always such a good guy!” Hold the phone — errr… keyboard? When is being informal too inappropriate? When is access in excess? Is there a line being crossed? I am asking because I honestly don’t know what the tactful way to handle this situation would be.
ciation, 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 campus and community.
Granted this hasn’t yet been an all too enveloping issue given that the majority of the population of Facebook users isn’t at their natural death age. However, the issue is delicate in this situation. Just as humans leave their imprint on the Earth in the formation of timeless headstones, social network users will eventually have a virtual tombstone of their own. Jennifer Wilke Menominee senior
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Google feels like it has been around forever, but it really wasn’t too long ago that we all lived sans Google. My sister and I were discussing it yesterday morning and were talking about what life was like without the Internet searching powerhouse and she said something quite interesting. She said “I didn’t need Google until it was there.” Google provided what everyone needed, but never knew they needed. It offered a fast and simple way to get the information one needed. Its search engine was much better than its early competitors such as Ask Jeeves or early Yahoo. I remember when I first discovered the glory that was Google. It was felt like discovering a new planet or species of dinosaur. I feel as if everything I do on the Web is Google-related. If I am having trouble locating something on a website my next step it to search Google for what I need. My email is Gmail, my browser is Google Chrome. Everything I do on the Web goes through Google. But the wild thing is I can barely remember the Internet without it. What was there before Google? One of my friends talked about using Ask Jeeves and playing Oregon Trail. Those were the days. The days where if we had a question about something, we’d ask for help or open a book. That was another thing my friend said when I asked her what life was like before Google; “I used encyclopedias.” Encyclopedias! She probably used the dictionary as well. On my desk sits three large reference books: A dictionary, thesaurus and a New York Public Library Desk Reference. They look awesomely fancy, but have about three years of dust accumulation. I have probably checked my Facebook more in the past week than I have opened those books since I’ve been in college. Now, I am not saying it is Google’s fault. What I am saying is that Google gave us an easier way to do things. If I am having trouble figuring out what a word means, Googled! If I can’t spell something, Googled! Google has replaced our dictionaries, thesauruses, etc. In this case, Goliath beat David. I don’t necessarily think that we are worse off with the existence of Google; I think it is an amazing tool. But it has drastically changed the way people do everything. Google’s mission statement from their corporate information page is as follows: “To organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” I often hear people joke about how Google is trying to take over the world. I don’t think they’re trying, they are doing it. Not that it’s a bad thing. I’d rather have Google in charge than, say, Facebook.
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Sexual assault trial delayed for third time, to November By Ryan Czachorski Senior Reporter
-This story was first published at cm-life.com Tuesday. The trial for 27-year-old Weidman charged in a January sexual assault has been delayed for the third time in four months. Daniel Danny Leonard is now set to stand trial in November. The trial, which was set to begin Tuesday, has been rescheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 29 after Leonard hired a new attorney Friday. Leonard faces 10 felony counts stemming from the alleged sexual assault just south of Mount Pleasant. The original trial date was moved from May to June when he hired another new attorney, according to previous reports. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Risa Scully said the prosecutor’s office was prepared to start the trial today before the last-minute switch.
“We’re frustrated and disappointed we haven’t had a trial on this already,� Scully said. “It’s so frustrating for the victims and Daniel Danny the witnesses.� Leonard Leonard has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, first-degree home invasion, criminal sexual conduct with intent to commit sexual penetration, assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted firstdegree criminal sexual conduct and carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent. He allegedly entered multiple unlocked apartments on Deerfield Road in Union Township during the early morning hours of Jan. 8. The assault’s victim is a 24-year-old woman. Leonard’s defense had been provided by public defenders before hiring his new attorney, Rodney Williams.
ramadan | continued from 3A
Almohalwas came to America from Jerusalem seven years ago. He just received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from CMU and is leaving to teach statistics at UCLA next week. One thing Almohalwas does not appreciate is how he feels American media por-
Brooks| continued from 3A
her summer doing geology lab work and research for her senior thesis which was about the affects of acid in an Australian lake. However, faulty piping in Brooks Hall flooded the building with more than 40,000 gallons of water on June 4 and ruined her plans.
Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 || 5A
[News]
trays Muslims. “Sometimes it feels like the media can turn people against Muslims because a lot of the news seems like propaganda,� he said. “But some reporters really listen to you and they just want to write to what you are saying.� Although he agreed media could sometimes paint a one-sided picture of Islam, El Gammal remembered with “The geology department seems to have bad luck during the summer,� she said in an e-mailed statement. “This was the second summer when my research was delayed. Last summer it was construction and this summer it was the flood.� Haagsma received a summer scholarship from CMU’s Summer Scholar program. The scholarship is a $3,000 stipend that can be used to cover any expenses under the requirement the recipi-
“It was set for today, then late Friday afternoon, the defendant’s family retained a private attorney for him,� Scully said. The jury selection was set for Tuesday, but was adjourned when Williams asked for more time to prepare for the case. Leonard’s June trial date was delayed and set to begin Tuesday after a mistrial was declared. In that instance, the jury pool was deemed too small. Leonard has also filed multiple claims to have the trial moved out of Isabella County because of an alleged tainted jury pool. “His new attorney said they may file additional motions for a venue change,� Scully said. She also said the venue change will be hard for Leonard’s camp to attain, as trials normally occur in the county where the alleged crime happened. The burden falls on Leonard to prove why the trial should be moved. metro@cm-life.com
gratitude how people had reacted to his faith after Sept. 11, 2001. Different Mount Pleasant churches rallied to make sure that the Muslim community was supported and defended. Ramadan ends Sept. 9, but the Islamic faith in Mount Pleasant is here to stay. “There’s some cultural differences, but that’s the beauty of the United States: The diversity,� Zalt said metro@cm-life.com
ent spend at least 20 hours a week doing research. She said she has to work twice as much to get her research done in time since she couldn’t do much during the summer. “I am concerned that the setback will influence the quality of my work,� she said. “I am also concerned that I will not have a sufficient amount of data to defend my thesis well.�
shuffle board | continued from 1A
Phil Taylor said, in the context of the game, the kitchen isn’t a place where you eat. “Be careful not to get it in the kitchen!� said Taylor, another group member. As new players quickly learn, the kitchen is the worst box to shoot in as it costs the player 10 points, he said. Many learn that lesson the hard way as their chances of winning shrink with every visit to the kitchen. Fast friends The group includes a few different types of people — the serious, the relaxed and the friends. Pauline Ellsworth has been playing shuffleboard for four years and continues to be an active participant. Shuffleboard is a way to bring friends together every week and a great way to stay up to date with the community, she said — anyone can be involved. “My favorite thing about shuffleboarding is the fact that it can be very serious at points, but it is always fun and relaxing,� Ellsworth said. The Mount Pleasant group participated in their first state tournament this year. Shuffleboard players travelled hours across the state and even from Germany to
paige calamari/staff photographer
Mount Pleasant resident Jennett Klumpp dries the shuffleboard court after a rainy morning Thursday at Island Park in Mount Pleasant. Klumpp, who began playing shuffleboard with her husband, said she would have started playing much sooner had she known what she had been missing.
“My favorite thing about shuffleboarding is the fact that it can be very serious at points, but it is always fun and relaxing.� Pauline Ellsworth, Mount Pleasant resident play with others who shared their passion for the game. Taylor never thought he would get so involved with shuffleboard. “I thought it would be something fun to try, after my first game my friends and I ordered sticks,� Taylor said. Most participants are se-
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nior citizens, but it is not limited to just one specific group, Ellsworth said The group meets at 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through September and October at the park shuffleboard court. metro@cm-life.com
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studentlife@cm-life.com
First Speak Up Speak Out forum will discuss oil spill Series schedule set for fall term By Annie Harrison Staff Reporter
The BP oil spill will be on the tip of the tongues of a facultyand student-panel next week amid this year’s first Speak Up, Speak Out forum. The political discussion series is entering its eleventh year and will feature three different forums during the fall semester. At 7 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Bovee University Center auditorium, the panel will discuss the spill from business and environmental perspectives. “We try to pick something that’s big enough in the news that students recognize it’s important,� said Merlyn Mowrey, chairwoman of the organizing committee and associate professor of philosophy and religion. She said what started as a project to get students interested in culture and politics has grown to a successful series at CMU. Mowrey said an average of 150 people attend each SUSO forum and the topics chosen for this semester’s forums should attract more students. Panelists for the event are Jeff Drury, a communications and dramatic arts assistant professor; Heather Kendrick, a philosophy and religion assistant professor; John Porter, College Republicans vice chairman; Coleman sophomore Tom Rohrer, an environmental studies assistant professor; and geology adjunct instructor Martin Steinbis. “We make sure we have people that represent different points of view,� Mowrey said. Ed Hinck, communications and dramatic arts professor, will facilitate the discussion. He said the panel will explain the details of the oil spill in simple terms so everyone can understand what happened. “It’s a wonderful way to get a lot of information in a short amount of time,� he said.
The audience will also be presented with an opportunity to ask questions and comment after the panel has spoken. “It’s a discussion with the students, not a presentation for them,� Mowrey said. Other forums The second SUSO forum “Elections 2010: What Do the Experts Say?� will be held Oct. 19. Political Science Associate Professor David Jesuit will moderate the debate. Panelists will include Griffin Endowed Chair Maxine Berman and CMU students from College Democrats
and College Republicans. Jesuit said students are more interested in current events during election years and expects a good turnout. “The highlight will be the gubernatorial election,� he said. Mowrey said she is working with political science assistant professor J. Cherie Strachan on the third forum, “Have Political Parties Become Toxic for America?� The discussion will take place Nov. 17. In addition to the forums, SUSO is holding an essay contest for students. university@cm-life,com
Recruiting McNair Scholars! INFORMATION MEETING
Tuesday, September 14 Lake Huron Room - 5:00 pm University Center See current scholars present at the McNair Fall Research Symposium from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. October 1 in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium! The McNair Scholars Program is a federally funded program that helps prepare low-income and first generation college students and underrepresented students for successful entry into Ph.D. programs.
www.mcnair.cmich.edu
B
Central Michigan Life
campus Vibe [cm-life.com/category/vibe]
Fresh Faces PHOTOS BY CENTRAL MICHIGAN LIFE PHOTO STAFF
Our campus is a strange place. In a few square miles more than 20,000 young people of totally dissimilar interests gather in one place to learn, grow, party, plan, play and love. Where other than a college can you stumble into a biologist barista serving coffee to accountants, philosophers and artists? Anyone invested in the university experience would do him or herself a disservice to not stop and enjoy the company of these myriad strangers. With that goal in mind, consider the
cm-life.com Check the site for a video of students explaining what makes them unique.
Inside w Want to see who’s who? Check the list of names, 2B profiles presented herein as a starting point in discovering not just CMU’s campus but also your fellow travellers on it. These features will be seen regularly in CM Life throughout the year.
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010
2B || Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 || Central Michigan Life
cm-life.com/category/vibe
[VIBE]
Onward with opera By Rachel Mater Staff Reporter
“Doing the opera was the first opportunity my dad heard me singing classically, it was a big moment.”
Adam Ignacio didn’t think he was going to fall in love with singing when he entered his freshman year. “If I would have told my friends three years ago that I was going to be a vocal major they would have laughed at me,” the Florida senior said. Ignacio, a voice performance major, said he was originally a music education major but switched to a vocal performance major when he was a sophomore. He said he felt the spark for singing when he had to enroll in a vocal performance course to complete his major. Ignacio said his family was surprised at his major switch. “They didn’t see it coming, but they were supportive of the change,” he said. Ignacio was in the opera “Don Giovanni” at CMU last spring. He said it was his
Adam Ignacio, Florida senior achieving his goals,” said Tucker. “He’s full of energy, passionate about singing, goal-orientated and a hard worker.” Tucker said he thinks if Ignacio sticks to the path he’s on he’s going to be successful. Ignacio said his other interests include guitar, ultimate Frisbee and riding his bicycle when the weather warrants it. He is also active as a lead worshipper at the First United Methodist Church, 400 S. Main St. After graduation, Ignacio plans to continue to graduate school, get a masters degree in Voice Performance and live his love singing in operas or musicals. Tucker said he has high
first experience singing in a lead role and it was a lot of fun despite the hard work. The opera was an important point for him and his father, he said. “Doing the opera was the first opportunity my dad heard me singing classically, it was a big moment,” Ignacio said. Eric Tucker, an associate professor of music, has really helped him throughout college, he said. “He’s been my best friend and mentor and he’s the reason that I’ve been able to accomplish what I’ve accomplished as a singer,” he said. Tucker said Adam’s best quality is his persistence. “He’s quite persistent at
Ashley Miller/Staff Photographer
Florida senior Adam Ignacio gestures skyward in the Music Building. Ignacio is majoring in voice performance and hopes to become an opera singer. He said his new career choice is one his friends would have laughed at three years ago.
hopes for Ignacio. “He’s very personable. I think the world is pretty much his oyster,” he said. studentlife@cm-life.com
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He wears the Star of David, the star and crescent and a cross pendant hanging united together around his neck. Meet Caleb Ross. A Harbor Springs junior, Ross transferred from North Central Michigan College to CMU in 2009. He came to study religion but had no intention of getting a degree to make money. He just wants to learn. “People take religion classes for two reasons,” Ross said. “Either they are trying to fulfill a university requirement or they are trying to further their knowledge in religion. I am the latter.” To Ross, religion is more than just a belief — it’s an attitude. He feels it’s something people should be more aware of with the majority of the world’s population being religious. “People’s personal convictions or lack thereof is behind everything,” Ross said. “For a lot of people, it’s a way of defining your life and that affects things like businesses, money, politics and even sociological classes.” Ross is a Rastafarian, which he came to understand through the music of artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. He believes God’s diversity accepts all religions as just different formats for worship.
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Victoria Zegler/Staff Photographer
Harbor Springs junior Caleb Ross studies religion at CMU to further his understanding of people in the world and their interactions. “I believe that my life is a constant piece of artwork where both people and things that I encounter are like pieces of art that influence me and make that art colorful,” Ross said.
sister graduated from CMU. “I’m glad one of my brothers is keeping the family tradition alive,” Koves said. Four months ago, Ross became a father. He named his son Saul, after the biblical King. “The Israelites asked for a king and it just so happens that Saul means ‘asked for,’” Ross said. I always wanted to have a child. It just fits.” The responsibility has given Ross a constant anxiety for not
“The only mistake people make is when they say, ‘My way is right, yours is wrong,’” he said. “You can find some common ground about anything and I think that’s what God wants us to do: Accept each other.” One of his favorite pastimes is Capoeira, an African-Brazillian martial arts dance form. He currently lives with his sister Sarah Koves and works two jobs. Both his father and
only his child’s maturation, but also his own. Ross hopes to one day become a professor of religions. “I need to know myself, because if I don’t even know who I am how can I expect my son to know who he is and where he is coming from?” he said. “I can’t be on the fence about anything. I need to have answers for questions.” studentlife@cm-life.com
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Central Michigan Life || Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 || 3B
Horse of a different color Student serves as trainer for riders at area stable By Maria Leone Staff reporter
Chris Strobel may come from a set of quadruplets, but definitely has shown his individual talents and personality. When he’s not studying or working, the Wallace senior enjoys studying business, painting and riding horses. Strobel said he first learned to ride in sixth grade when his neighbors invited him to try it out. He enjoyed it, but had to be extremely careful because he found out he was allergic to horses. “After a day of grooming the horses,” Strobel said, “my eye started to swell up and that’s when I found out I had an allergic reaction.”
Now when he rides, he said Zyrtec becomes his best friend. He sees riding as a great way to relieve stress and likes to focus on all parts of the horse’s moving muscles. When he was younger, an American Saddlebred bit down on his arm. That didn’t stop him from moving on with riding. In spring 2010, Strobel began working at Enshallah Acres in Shepherd. He helped at the stables and also served as a trainer and assistant for students. Strobel helped to train Sisco, a horse that had not been ridden in a while and needed a bit of a tune-up, said Diane Oyster, co-owner of Enshallah Acres. “We were looking for somebody to help and Chris came at just the right time,” Oyster said. After two months of not riding, Strobel got back on a horse and spent his Labor Day week-
end on the saddle. Last year, he was a member of the equestrian team, but said he is not on it this semester because of a busy schedule. He hopes to rejoin the team soon. “It feels good to get back on,” Strobel said. Dennis Oyster, co-owner of Enshallah Acres, said he has seen great improvement with Strobel’s riding. “Chris is a very good rider and knows what to do in certain situations,” Oyster said. In addition to riding, Strobel also went to the Glen Beck Rally in Washington D.C., where he said he learned how to change himself for the better of the country. The rally took place on the same day and spot of the Martin Luther King Jr. speech. “It was really a great rally that helped people learn to be better for them,” he said. studentlife@cm-life.com
Victoria Zegler/Staff Photographer
Wallace senior Chris Strobel rides Surprise, a horse boarded at Enshallah Acres in Shepherd where he worked during the Spring semester of 2010 teaching lessons and training horses. Chris was in the sixth grade when his neighbors invited him over one day to go riding and his fascination with horses has carried on throughout college where Chris competes on the Equestrian Club team.
Hair dye lover finds self expression attitude. “She is not quick to give in,” the Houghton Lake resident said. “No matter what, she always stays positive.”
By Michael L. Hoffman Staff Reporter
Tarin Presler doesn’t want to get lost in the crowd. The Prudenville freshman said she would rather stick out and make a statement. One of the ways Presler makes that statement to the world is by changing up the color of her hair to include a prism of natural and unnatural colors. “I started dyeing it because I wanted to make a statement,” she said, “because people often judge others who look different.” Presler said it is important to be who you are. Though fellow high school students might have thought she was a bad student because of her appearance, she still graduated with honors, she said. “She’s not afraid to stand out, but more importantly, she’s always positive about what people think about her,” said her boyfriend Sal Bammarito, She believes self-expression is crucial to being happy — another reason she dyes her hair as often as she does. “It was kind of my way of being who I am, accept it or don’t,” Presler said. “It doesn’t really matter because I’m going to be me and do what I want to do.” Presler also has several tattoos — all designed by her mother. She spoke of one on her wrist which is the Irish word for “thought.” “My mom has the same (tattoo) on her wrist,” she said. “It’s what we got when I went to college and means that you are always in my thoughts.” Presler is also an avid photographer. Her pursuit grew from an interest in family vacation photography. Currently she is waiting to hear back from a contest she entered several photographs into. But aside from her constantly evolving hair color, snapshots and tattoos, Presler wants to make a difference in the world, if only one person at a time, which is why she is a psychology major.
studentlife@cm-life.com
Victoria Zegler/Staff Photographer
Tarin Presler has dyed her hair every color of the rainbow ever since she was 13-yearsold. Entering high school, Tarin’s individuality didn’t follow the norms which led her to step outside the lines and discover herself. “I’m not one to follow trends,” said the Houghton Lake freshman. “I don’t feel like ‘me’ unless my hair is dyed.”
“It was kind of my way of being who I am, accept it or don’t. It doesn’t really matter because I’m going to be me and do what I want to do.” Tarin Presler, Prudenville freshman And though she said she isn’t sure which direction to take yet, she knows she wants to help people. “I had a lot of personal issues when I was younger,”
she said. “And it made me want to help people, and help make themselves better.” Bommarito said Presler will succeed in anything she does because of her positive