ISSUE 38

Cross-town clash results in brawl, A6

LANTHORN

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Grand Valley Lanthorn

Grand Valley State University

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Monday, February 1, 2010

Kent to spend $250,000 on farmland preservation

By Samantha Butcher GVL Staff Writer

Kent County will spend $250,000 in 2010 to maintain the county’s “rural character” as part of its new farmland preservation program.

The program aims to limit how much of Kent County’s agricultural land can be used for developmental purposes. Farmers would be paid the difference between the agricultural and developmental value of their land in return for putting it into a trust so that it cannot be developed.

The county has already received applications from 34 farms with almost 3,000 total acres of land and plans to review the first six farms in a meeting on Feb. 11.

The farmland preservation program is a result of community concerns that land development was detracting from the county’s charm. Not only is agriculture the base of Kent County’s economy, but it also provides a scenic backdrop that draws in residents and workers, according to the Kent County Farmland Development Rights Ordinance.

The Ordinance also explains that farmers have greater incentives to sell their land to developers than to keep it for agricultural use.

“Generally, farmland has a greater market value for future residential development than the market for farming,” the Ordinance

Senate asks GV to reconsider listing majors on diplomas GVL / Eric Coulter

Local farms contribute to the “rural charm” Kent County wants to preserve.

stated. “The features of good farmland, such as perkable soils and open space views, are also the features desired for residential home sites.”

Last summer, a special subcommittee recommended the county budget $1 million during the next three years to fund the project.

Members of the Kent County board of commissioners estimated the investment could lead to $3

million to $4 million in grants and donations.

Commissioners recently accepted a $10,000 grant from the Kent County Farm Bureau and another $7,500 from the Frey Foundation for the preservation project.

They also plan to apply for a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will hear the verdict

See Farmland, A2

State debates regulation of medical marijuana industry Grand Rapids City Commission rejects proposed use of commercial dispensaries to distribute medical marijuana

By Dan Michniewicz GVL Web Managing Editor

The Grand Rapids City Commission decided Tuesday that commercial dispensaries would not play a role in the distribution of medicinal marijuana within the state’s second largest city.

The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of 2008, which allows registered individuals with qualifying medical conditions to use the drug for certain medicinal purpose with no criminal penalties, does not include provisions to govern marijuana dispensaries.

As a result, the state’s communities and lawmakers are scrambling to find ways to regulate its medicinal marijuana industry.

Some public officials worry about the safety of the patients and caregivers under the current system, in which marijuana is grown and sold out of the home.

“There is nobody looking out for the patients,” said Suzanne Schulz, Grand Rapids’ planning director.

The City Commission is reviewing propositions that would treat the businesses similar to home-based music teachers.

Schulz said Grand Rapids law enforcement can monitor and safeguard home-based medicinal marijuana businesses better than storefront dispensaries.

“What we are trying to do is provide management so (the police) know where these homes are going to be,” Schulz said.

“If these people are legal and they have their card, then we can leave them alone.”

Some communities, such as Hazel Park, have considered allowing pot shops or “compassion clubs,” arguing they are a

GVL Photo Illustration / Brian B. Sevald

Under the current policy, caregivers grow and distribute marijuana in their homes with a medical permit.

unique opportunity to boost a city’s economy.

But the act does not include provisions to govern commercial dispensaries, so cities cannot tax them.

“The economic advantage people talk about — it’s not there for the city,” Schulz said.

Senator Wayne Kuipers, R-Holland, and other Senate Republicans have introduced bills that would drastically alter the way the state regulates medicinal marijuana. The legislation would administer only 10 growers permits per year and require medicinal

See Marijuana, A2

Michigan Medical Marihuana Program statistics from April 6, 2009 to Jan. 22, 2010

The Department of Community Health has ... received 14,560 applications total received 75 applications per day issued 7,831 patient registrations issued 3,288 caregiver registrations (licensed growers) denied 2,485 applications (most due to incomplete application)

This year GVSU Students for Life participated in the 37th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Each year hundreds of thousands of people travel from across the country to protest the 1973 court case Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in the U.S., and unite for a change. The theme for this year’s march was, “Stand Up Now and Unite for the Life Principles!”

INDEX News..................A3 Opinion...............A4 Laker Life.............A5 Sports.................A6 A & E.....................A8 Marketplace.......A9 Courtesy Photo / Melissa Ostrowski

Members of GVSU Students for Life traveled to Washington D.C. this year to participate in the 37th annual March for Life.

By Jenny Whalen GVL Editor in Chief

As the university approaches its 50th anniversary, the Student Senate is strengtheninh its efforts to ensure a commemorative stamp is not the only addition made to the 2010-11 diplomas.

For the fourth time in university history, Student Senate members are asking the adminis tration to revisit the issue of listing major names on Blue diplomas. “ C h r i s (Adams) worked on the project this year, I worked on it last year and previous senators have worked on it,” said William Selesky, vice president of the Educational Affairs Committee. “The reason I’ve been frustrated is I feel we’re just hitting the same non-moving argument from the administration ... we’re frustrated because it’s rare we handle a project that would have this much student input.”

Selesky, whose committee is spearheading the resolution, said listing majors on diplomas is one of the few issues over which he has heard students consistently express concern year to year.

A Facebook group aptly named “Put My Major on My DiplomaGVSU” currently boasts more than 500 members.

The Student Senate previously passed a resolution on the issue in 2003. However, according to university policy, if after five years no action is taken, the resolution must be renewed or left to die.

“We had identified that our resolution on this was expiring over the summer, so we knew we would be working on this over the course of the year,” Selesky said.

Adams, a member of the EAC, was assigned the task of drafting the document at the start of the fall semester. The resolution, passed unanimously by the Student Senate on Jan. 21, recommends the Grand Valley State University administration “include all major names to be listed on all diplomas, for all majors.”

Currently, diplomas issued from GVSU list only the type of degree earned.

Lynn Blue, vice provost and dean of Academic Services, is one of several administrators presently at work on the issue.

“We answered the request (to consider this issue) before,” Blue said. “It is not as though this issue hasn’t been raised and answered before. Some didn’t like the answer, so we’re asking it again. This issue is important, and I promise we’re working on it.”

However, Blue said the process of altering the formal award is far more complex than most students realize.

“Is an extra line in a diploma the same as another faculty member?”

Blue said. “We have a limited amount of money and we either are going to fund it or we are not going to fund it. We can measure the size of the work, so what do we take off the plate to put this in its place?”

Selesky cited the role of tuition in response to Blue’s budget concerns.

“This isn’t some massive new initiative in spending the university would have to undertake,” Selesky said. “At this point, Grand Valley is funded more by tuition dollars than by any other source. If students who are paying tuition want this change ... the students are providing the funds for things that happen at GV.” In addition to financial concerns, Blue cited the importance of

See Diplomas, A2

maintaining a clear distinction between diplomas and transcripts, as only a transcript bearing the

A2

NEWS

Monday, February 1, 2010

Marijuana continued from page A1

marijuana patients receive a prescription for the drug from a physician.

“To get the marijuana into the hands of those who need it, we thought it made sense to have it dispensed like other pharmaceutical drugs,” Kuipers said.

The senators’ plan would also reschedule marijuana as a schedule II drug, something no state has ever done before.

Schedule II drugs are

defined as having some legitimate medical use.

However, marijuana would remain a schedule I, or medically illegitimate, drug in the eyes of the federal government. This poses a serious obstacle to the senators’ legislation.

“Requiring physicians and pharmacies to prescribe and dispense marijuana would put their licenses at risk,” said James McCurtis, spokesman for Michigan’s Department of Community Health.

Agreeing with Schulz, Kuipers said he is concerned with the safety of the patients under the current system. He said moving growing operations out of people’s homes and into large-scale

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greenhouses would provide a safer alternative.

“If a criminal finds out you are growing, you can find your property vandalized (or) yourself robbed,” he said “... There is a lot of possibility for some real trouble unless we come up with some solutions.”

Kuipers recently announced his intentions to run for the Michigan’s 2nd Congressional District seat Pete Hoekstra will abandon when the latter runs for governor.

Some of the bills’ critics said Kuipers’ focus on medicinal marijuana is in an appeal to the district’s conservative Republican base.

Ben Zito, an active member of Grand Valley State University’s chapter of Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, said Kuipers and his colleagues are playing the system and trying to make medicinal marijuana less accessible to patients.

“These bills are a clever way to circumvent the people’s decisions made in November 2008,” Zito said.

Kuipers said it is not his intent to circumvent the will of Michigan’s voters. “(The Michigan Medical Marihuana Act) was a citizen initiative,” Kuipers said. “Sixty-three percent of voters decided this was the direction they wanted to take.” webman@lanthorn.com

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor in Chief JENNY WHALEN Managing Editor LAUREN FITCH News Editor CHELSEA LANE Assistant News Editor ANYA ZENTMEYER Sports Editor EMANUEL JOHNSON Arts and Entertainment Editor HALEY OTMAN Photography Editor BRIAN SEVALD Photo Project Manager LUKE HOTWAGNER

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Diplomas continued from page A1

maintaining a clear distinction between diplomas and transcripts, as only a transcript bearing the official seal of the university proves an individual has earned a specific degree. “(The diploma) is a commemorative document of the university,” Blue said. “It is an award. This isn’t one by design. It has this signature and that one and it is what it is. To set up a system where a student decides what they do or don’t want on it makes it sound like it’s a free form.”

Selesky, who does not dispute the diploma as a commemorative document, maintains his belief that the addition of majors to diplomas is a feasible change and one greatly supported by students.

“This is a cosmetic change,” he said. “You are not going to go to a job interview or apply to grad school with a copy of your diploma, but I think people are just proud of their degree from Grand Valley and it doesn’t make a lot of sense for someone who worked really hard on their biology degree to have the exact same degree as someone who worked really hard on their political science degree.”

Farmland continued from page A1

on a $300,000 grant from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation on Feb. 8.

Acquisition of the first six farms considered could cost the county as much as $1.1 million, so supporters of the program, including Commissioner Denny Heffron, believe the grants are necessary for the program to make an impact.

However, the money coming in from outside sources makes some critics wary.

Commissioner Harold Voorhees, R-Wyoming, has voiced concerns that accepting some of the

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history?

GVL Graphic / Staff

The Student Senate recently passed a resolution asking the university administration to revisit listing majors on diplomas.

While Adams agreed the diploma should not hold the same weight as official transcripts, he said the purpose of the resolution was more symbolic than functional.

“The resolution is so students can take pride in their field of study and have recognition from their school,” he said. “The student voice on this has been neglected, and I feel the administration has not taken steps to appropriately include the student voice on this project specifically.”

Student Senate President Autumn Trombka will present the resolution to the Board of

Trustees Friday.

“I think this is sort of a change students will support and it will be a lasting change,” Selesky said. “We’re not just trying to throw random stuff on a diploma. We’re looking for this really important part of your college career to be put on there and for that to be the extent of our project.”

Students who wish to sign the petition circulating in support of this issue can do so in the Student Senate office located in the Student Organization Center in the Kirkhof Center. editorial@lanthorn.com

grants could obligate future commissions to spend money on the program. Marcia Rapp, vice president of programs at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, said the foundation’s grant could be contingent on the county committing the full $1 million to the program.

Another concern raised

by Commissioner Dick VanderMolen, R-Kentwood, is private donations could result in the preservation of substandard farms.

The grant from the Frey Foundation requires the money be used to preserve farmland in Sparta and Ada townships, and the Wege Foundation has provided

funds to preserve Lowell farms since 2004.

Despite criticism, supporters believe the program will not only maintain Kent County’s rural integrity, but could also save taxpayers’ money.

Farmers could also participate in a pilot program that would apply bio-solids from Wyoming’s wastewater treatment facility to their farmlands.

Previously, bio-solids were burned to create methane gas, which generated electricity.

Kim Hackbardt, project manager for the Grand Valley Regional Bio-Solids Authority, said taxpayers could see an impact within five years.

Currently, Wyoming spends $1 million each year to send the sludge to other farms. Farmers would need the approval of both the Grand Valley Regional BioSolids Authority and the Kent County Agricultural Board before participating. sbutcher@lanthorn.com

BUSINESS STAFF

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The Grand Valley Lanthorn is published under the authorization of the GVSU Newspaper Advisory Board.

Corrections

In the Jan. 28 issue of the Lanthorn it was mistakenly reported that Matt Morang transferred to Davenport University. Morang is finishing his degree at GVSU, but taking classes at Davenport as well.

Chelsea Lane, News Editor news@lanthorn.com

GVL DIGEST News in Brief

NEWS

A3 Michigan holds nation’s record for highest unemployment

By Christopher S. Rugaber AP Economics Writer

Annual Health and Career Day set

Grand Valley State University will sponsor CareerFest and Health Career Day on Feb. 9, from 2 p.m. To 6 p.m. at the DeVos Place Convention Center on 303 Monroe Ave. The fair is supported by nine other area colleges and universities: Aquinas College, Baker College, Calvin College, Grand Rapids Community College, Hope College, Kendall College of Art and Design, Muskegon Community College, Cornerstone University and Davenport University.

Employers will represent various fields including nonprofit, government, health care and private business.

Preregistration is not required, and express check-in for job seekers is available by providing a current resume on site.

For more information about the career fair, contact Latoria ThomasLee at (616) 331-3311 or via e-mail at thomaslat@ gvsu.edu.

Information is available online at: http://www. gvsu.edu/careerfairs

Oxfam’s American Hunger Banquet

In a joint effort by the GVSU Women’s Center, Students for Fair Trade, Muslin Student Association and Hunger & Homelessness student organizations, the GVSU campus and community are invited to attend Oxfam’s American Hunger Banquet.

The banquet is designed to educate attendees on the reality of hunger throughout the world and allows participants to experience world hunger by examining the issue from a global perspective.

The hunger banquet will take place today from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center’s Grand River Room.

Registration is required and available online at h t t p : / / w w w. g v s u . e d u / women_cen.

Graduate Club first meeting

On Feb. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the offices of Graduate Studies, Dean of Students and Graduate and Professional Student Associating have reserved space for graduate students and faculty to relax, meet and socialize.

Other opportunities include employer visits targeted toward job opportunities, hiring issues for graduate students and shorter programs designed for academic success and professional development.

The Graduate Club will be held at the DeVos Center room 107C. For more information, contact Steven Lipnicki at gvgrad@gvsu.edu.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama said in his State of the Union Wednesday that “one in 10 Americans still cannot find work.” But in nine states the figure is much worse — closer to one in five, according to Labor Department data released Friday.

The figures are a stark illustration of how tough it is to find a full-time job, even as the economy has grown for two straight quarters. The official unemployment rate of 10 percent doesn’t

include people who are working parttime but would prefer full-time work, or the unemployed who have given up looking for work.

When those groups are included, the devastation in many parts of the country is clear: Michigan’s so-called “underemployment” rate was 21.5 percent in 2009, the highest in the nation.

California’s was 21.1 percent, while Oregon’s was 20.7 percent.

Many companies and state governments have cut back on workers’ hours during the recession. And in

Courtesy Graphic / Bureau of Labor Statistics

Michigan’s 21.5 percent unemployment rate for 2009 was the highest in the nation.

the past six months, nearly 2 million unemployed workers have given up on their job hunts. Nationwide, the underemployment rate was 17.3 percent in December, just below the 17.4 percent reached in October, the highest on records dating from 1994.

In another three states — South Carolina, Nevada, and Rhode Island — the underemployment rate is above 19 percent. And in three more — Arizona, Florida and Tennessee — it’s above 18 percent.

The figures also illustrate how much higher the official unemployment rate could go in these states. Many of the discouraged workers are likely to start looking again as the economy improves.

That would have the effect of raising the unemployment rate.

But in many states, people are still dropping out of the labor force, which might keep a lid on official unemployment but still adds to the underemployed population.

South Carolina, for example, saw more than 6,700 people leave its labor force in December, as its unemployment rate rose to 12.6 percent.

That is a “very disturbing trend,” said Don Schunk, an economist at Coastal Carolina University. “We haven’t even reached the point yet ... when people get encouraged and come back in. That suggests ... we still have quite a ways to go with rising unemployment.”

Schunk estimates South Carolina’s official rate will peak at 13 percent to 14 percent by late spring.

Michigan’s economy is still struggling from the downturn in its battered automotive sector. The state lost 15,700 jobs in December, according to government data released last week, but the unemployment rate dropped slightly to 14.6 percent from 14.7 percent.

That’s because 31,000 people left the labor force. Michigan has the nation’s highest unemployment rate.

Tim Bartik, senior economist at the Upjohn Institute for Employment Research in Kalamazoo, Mich., said the state is seeking to diversify its manufacturing base beyond autos and is exploring new sectors, such as biotech.

But the job loss from the auto industry’s decline is too steep.

“If the auto sector would just stay stable for the next five years ... then Michigan might be able to start growing employment again,” he said.

California, meanwhile, was hit hard by the housing slump and its ports have suffered from last year’s downturn in international trade. Its unemployment rate is 12.4 percent.

Jerry Nickelsburg, senior economist at the UCLA Anderson Forecast, said the state probably won’t add enough jobs to drive down unemployment until late this year. He estimates the official jobless rate won’t fall below 10 percent until 2012.

Nursing students collect donations for Ghana

By Nadira Kharmai GVL Staff Writer

Two Grand Valley State University students took initiative into providing educational resources for others in Africa. Nursing student Amanda Mujais, with the help of Jackie Lohman, has set up donation boxes around the Allendale and Pew campuses to collect medical equipment and used textbooks for the students of the University of Cape Cod in Ghana.

“The students want to learn but all of their supplies are limited,” Mujais said.

Last summer, Mujais and another GVSU nursing student, Lohman, studied abroad at UCC. While they learned and volunteered in the university’s hospital, they noticed a lack of resources.

“The students took turns making photocopies out of an outdated textbook,” Lohman said.

When Mujais and Lohman returned home after their eyeopening experience, they wanted to find a way to give back and help the UCC students.

It did not take long for Mujais to come up with the idea of a donation box. With the help of her classmate Lohman,

the two set out to spread the word to their classmates about the project.

“Our goal is to get as many textbooks and used medical supplies (as possible) to send over to Ghana,” Mujais said.

Part of GVSU’s nursing program requires every student to have medical equipment such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuffs. At UCC, each student takes turns, sharing and waiting patiently to use the scarce medical supplies.

“They ( U C C students) c o u l d accomplish and learn so much more Mujais if they each had their own supplies,” Mujais said.

Nursing professor and academic advisor Sylivia Mupepi praised Mujais and Lohman for their effort.

“The collections we receive will go into great use,” Mupepi said.

Mupepi described the UCC students’ academic discipline as dedicated.

“They are so grateful and eager to learn,” she said. “The

Courtesy Photo / Amanda Mujais

Hospitals in Ghana lack resources and supplies and medical students must share limited equipment.

books and supplies we hope to give them will be cherished,” Mupepi also described how the students take care and pride in their learning so the books could possibly go through at least 10 years of use.

Mujais hung posters titled “Medical Supplies and Textbooks for Ghana” throughout both campuses with

details on where and how to give. There will be two locations to donate in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences building on the Pew Campus in Grand Rapids, one in the Kirkhof Center and a fourth location still to be determined.

Mupepi will travel to Ghana for spring break this year with the donations.

The donated textbooks do not necessarily need to be sciencerelated but can be from all academic backgrounds, Mujais said. The three women behind the fundraiser hope to collect a few more times throughout the remainder of the year as well as receive sponsorship or donations from local hospitals. nkharmai@lanthorn.com

Student orgs budget takes $100,000 cut

By Jenny Whalen GVL Editor in Chief

GVSU hosts its first high school debate

Members of the COM 380 class will run the campus’ first high school debate tournament.

From Thursday through Saturday 50 students from across the state will debate whether the federal government should increase the social services offered to those in poverty.

Two-person teams will compete in the event held at 12:30 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center on Thursday and at 9:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Debates are open to the public.

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, February 1, 2010

Courtesy / Student Senate

The proposed student organization budget totals at $100,000 less than last year’s budget.

Each year, the Student Senate’s finance committee works to develop an annual budget for division among Grand Valley State University’s student organizations and programs.

Based on the number of credit hours taken by enrolled students, the university designates a certain amount to be used for student programming each year.

The finance committee created this year’s budget based on the receipt of $1 million. The budget for 2009-10 was based on $1,100,000.

As 2010-11 looks to be more financially demanding, the finance committee has prepared the budget to withstand a $100,000 loss.

However, should the budget receive more than $1 million, the money will be deposited in the reserve fund and distributed as needed.

Jarrett Martus, Student Senate vice president of finance, said he does not anticipate receiving less than $1 million.

A final adjustment of the budget is applied in February of each school year and the finance committee plans for an increase or decrease in funds accordingly.

The Student Senate is set to vote on the 2010-11 base budget at its Thursday meeting.

“I feel the new process is working exceptionally well,” Martus said.

“We won’t have as much rollover because the dollars are getting spent and not sitting in a group’s budget being unused. That was a big part of putting the new finance process

in place and we are all very pleased with the results.”

Why the increase or decrease in funds for individual councils?

“The gains and losses are based on what has been used by the council to this date,” Martus said. “If a council still was sitting on a lot of unused funds and not many requests (were) coming through we made appropriate adjustments for that council.”

Martus added those councils which will see an increase in funding tended to be those that pushed a number of requests to appropriations for additional funding or had a lump sum requested and moved into the council for additional funding already this year.

Individual council budgets were based on the spending trends of this year.

What do the asterisks next to Presidents’ Ball and the Academic Conference Fund denote? * Presidents’ Ball: Pending the actual amount that rolls over into next year, the Presidents’ Ball committee could ask for more money from the finance committee. The committee would vote and discuss the request and any additional funds will be taken from the reserve fund. ** ACF: This amount is pending a match on the additional $5,000. If this amount is not matched by the provost, it will reset to the $20,000 given this year and that will be matched. editorial@lanthorn.com

A4

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, February 1, 2010

OPINION

editorial@lanthorn.com

EDITORIAL CARTOON

EDITORIAL

Millennial independence To obtain and maintain a controlling interest in their future, it is imperative members of the Millennial generation learn the art of independence.

As Millennials prepare to enter what is jokingly referred to as the “real world,” it is crucial they do so independently of their Baby Boomer and Generation X parents.

In all realms of the animal kingdom, it is natural instinct for parents to protect their young. However, as the child grows, these degrees of protection must change as well.

At the college level, it is unacceptable for parents to contact professors on their student’s behalf. When a bad mark facilitates an enraged call from mom or a tough hour of practice prompts dad to contact the coach, concern has become overprotection.

Most parents will fight this charge and attribute their actions to parental duty. While there may be some relevance to this claim during the K-12 years, by college, students must cut the last strands of the proverbial apron strings or risk alienating teachers, friends and future employers.

When a student earns the right to vote, so too, do they earn the right to make decisions for their personal welfare, independent of parental input. At this point, parents become consultants, rather than administrators in the course of their child’s life.

The title of overprotective parent does not refer to every American mom and dad, but for those who are deserving of such distinction, action must be taken immediately.

Few parents will readily embrace their child’s transition to adulthood, so it falls to the children, i.e. Millennials, to assert their independence.

Such action is further challenged by the lethargy associated with the age of technology.

It is a common misconception for the children of Google, cell phones, fast tap credit cards and other means of instant gratification that they deserve everything.

When Google and T9 can take the effort out of having to finish one’s own thoughts and online worlds can offer the selfgratification of success, what more can a generation want?

Thanks to the hard work and determination of their parents, Millennials have been given opportunities of which previous generations did not even dream.

According to the Pew Research Center, Millennials are the first generation in human history who regard behaviors such as tweeting and texting as well as Web sites such as Facebook and Wikipedia as everyday parts of life, rather than brilliant digital inventions.

Yet, the children who inherited this awesome existence have a tendency to take these opportunities for granted. Morbid as it is, soon the Baby Boomers and Generation Xers will no longer have the means to supply their Millennials with success.

The Millennial generation will have to rely solely on its members’ abilities and ingenuity with the aid of, rather than dependence on, technology. Until Millennials assert their independence, control of their future will continue to escape their grasp.

The student-run newspaper of Grand Valley State University

Editorial Page Board Jenny Whalen Eric Lee Lauren Fitch Chelsea Lane

Editor in Chief Business Manager Managing Editor News Editor

Valley Vote Will the Michigan ban on gay marriage be reversed?

Yes: 50% This week’s question: Should U.S. students learn Spanish as a second language?

No: 50% Vote online at Lanthorn.com

YOUR INSIGHTS

Should GVSU list majors on its diplomas?

“I think they should because whatever job they are applying for that’s their specialty.

I think it gives the impression that they’re more qualified for that job. That could also prevent someone from getting a job that they’re not well-suited in.”

“No. I think Grand Valley itself is prestigious and you don’t need the added prestige of what you specifically studied.

We’re all liberal arts students so we all have similar backgrounds.”

“I think it should display what your major was and not just your degree, so if you ever have it on display people can see it. It is an important thing to know.”

“I would say yes because it gives you credit for what you did. I would have expected that they would have already done that but I guess not.”

“They should list the majors on the diplomas. I would want everybody to know what I majored in here instead of just the broad degree.”

Andrew Stromski Freshman Education West Bloomfield, Mich.

Olley Kerr Senior French Grand Rapids, Mich.

Justin Wicker Junior Information Systems Birmingham, Mich.

Nicole Johnson Freshman Spanish and International Relations East Lansing, Mich.

Courtney Husen Sophomore Health Professions Vicksburg, Mich.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thing 1 and Thing 2 As I entered Mackinac Hall today, my eye was distracted momentarily by a girl wearing a cloak and a ski mask. I assumed she was in the Renaissance Club on campus and wore the cloak because it was bitterly cold this morning.

I continued around a corner and overheard a girl talking to her friend. The words struck me almost like a slap across the face, “See that thing in the cape?”

Thing? I voiced my question but was instantly told that it was none of my business. As I walked away, I heard “Yeah, so it walked in front of my car today, and I wanted to hit it.”

The two girls left my life as I exited the building to the sound of their giggles. My mind tried to process what my ears had heard.

Thing? It? What gives one human a right to call another human a “thing”?

People spent centuries using slaves. Explorers wronged the Native Americans whose land they trespassed on. The Nazis killed the Jews because of their beliefs. The list goes on and on of people bringing down others,

issue. The limit for letter length is one page, single spaced.

The editor reserves the right to edit and condense letters and columns for length restrictions and clarity.

All letters must be typed.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn will not be held responsible for errors that appear in print as a result of transcribing handwritten letters or e-mail typographic errors.

The name of the author may be withheld for compelling reasons.

The content, information and views expressed are not approved by nor necessarily represent those of the university, its Board of Trustees, officers, faculty and staff.

claiming they are nothing more than animals and savages.

Are we headed back down that road? You, with your blonde hair and orange, fake-baked skin, you in your Ugg boots that cost more than my entire outfit, what gives you the right to decide what is normal? Why do you get to degrade other people because you have a push up bra and skinny jeans? You don’t. You don’t have a right to sit there and call someone else a “thing.”

Doing that, you are simply making yourself look more shallow and disrespectful. This is a lesson I’ve been getting taught since childhood: treat others how you wish to be treated.

Our country is full of incredible people, each one of them is different. People are finally becoming comfortable with who they are and they are able to express it.

Adam Lambert is kissing men on stage. Ellen Degeneres is a famous lesbian woman who happens to be a Covergirl model.

Life isn’t as cookie-cutter as it used to be. There are games and activities and clubs that accept

people who have a passion for the Renaissance and love to dress this way.

Besides, can you imagine the confidence level someone has if they are willing to walk around a college campus with a cloak on? Your opinion of that person clearly doesn’t matter to her. Why is it that people feel the need to ostracize certain people because they have different interests?

Why is it that to feel good about themselves some people have to make others feel terrible?

Maybe I disagree with your expensive boots and dark tan in the middle of winter. Maybe people will tell me I’m doing the same thing to you as you are to the girl in the cloak. But never once in this article did I call you a thing. I wouldn’t wear what you are wearing, but more importantly I wouldn’t treat people the way you are treating them. Just be accepting of others. Try to just get along peacefully for once.

And P.S. It’s a cloak, NOT a cape. If you were a Rennie, you’d know that.

GVSU student

GVL STUDENT OPINION

Alcohol - truth serum or lie juice?

Zee Fossett GVL Columnist

GVL OPINION POLICY The ultimate goal of the Grand Valley Lanthorn opinion page is to stimulate discussion and action on topics of interest to the Grand Valley Community.

Student opinions do not reflect those of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

The Grand Valley Lanthorn welcomes reader viewpoints and offers three vehicles of expression for reader opinions: letters to the editor, guest columns and phone responses.

Letters must include the author’s name and be accompanied by current picture identification if dropped off in person.

Letters will be checked by an employee of the Grand Valley Lanthorn.

Letters appear as space permits each

GVL / Jacob Bowen

Having friends who like to drink leaves you more prone to deal with random, latenight text messages, “drunk dialing” and the morning-after apologies that often follow.

Are the actions and words of our friends simply crazy because they’re drunk or are our comrades actually speaking sober truths disguised by a definite increase in blood alcohol content level?

Is alcohol a truth serum?

Common knowledge suggests “yes” conclusively. I think the answer is both yes and no.

The body’s central nervous system responds to alcoholic beverages via depression, and

our judgment and cognitive functions (in higher levels) suffer as a result. Alcohol diffuses our knowledge of inhibitions and decreases our container of self-awareness — hence why women tend to let loose after a couple of martinis.

Similarly, if you’ve gotten drunk and revealed a secret you weren’t supposed to, it was simply because the alcohol increased your desire to and did not prompt you to think of possible consequences.

Inebriation does not transform you into a new person. Instead, it loosens up all the screws in the you that already exist.

So while alcohol can work as truth serum, intoxicated individuals can also tell beautiful lies and successfully manipulate certain situations, just as when sober.

So how many people

take advantage of their own drunkenness and use it as an excuse to express themselves bluntly? Lots! And when it comes down to an explanation, your friends will either show themselves to be honest drunks or sweet liars.

Smoking, dancing, fighting, kissing strangers, attempting to sing fast or complex songs, eating gross foods, talking inappropriately or engaging in over-the-top actions of affection make up the growing list of expectations one should have of drunken friends.

To all drunkards — keep blaming it on the goose, and before long your circle of friends will slowly disappear. zfossett@lanthorn.com

See more: Visit

Lanthorn.com for Nicole Avery’s column

LAKER LIFE

lakerlife@lanthorn.com

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, February 1, 2010

A5

GVSU students form muggle quidditch team

By Brittany Mestdagh GVL Staff Writer

Several students formed a new organization to prove Quidditch is no longer a game just for wizards at Hogwarts.

Grand Valley State University’s Muggle Quidditch team, a sports and recreational organization formed in the fall 2009 semester, enables players to stay grounded while participating in this fast-paced game.

President Adam Dreisbach started the team last summer as an incoming freshman. When he visited campus, he felt inspired by the Harry Potter Club, now Nerdfighters GVSU, to start a collegiate Quidditch team.

Dreisbach made it his goal to recruit at least 14 interested students to have enough players to scrimmage. There are seven players on a team.

Chasers use a deflated volleyball, called a quaffle, to score. These players can only use one hand to hold onto the quaffle as they try to throw it through the opposing team’s rings to score 10 points.

Beaters hit other players with a bludger, usually a dodgeball. The player hit by the bludger goes into knockout effect and must circle around the goal zone before resuming play.

A keeper is similar to a goalie. This player defends the team’s rings from chasers.

Freshman Zach Smith, the group’s financial

officer, is a seeker. A seeker’s job is to snatch the snitch.

Unlike the snitch in J.K. Rowling’s fictional world, Muggle Quidditch’s snitch is a sock sticking out of the helmet of freshman Brittany Visser. Dressed all in yellow, Visser’s position requires her to run and hide from seekers such as Smith.

“The first semester she was running around the Turf Building jumping over rails,” Smith said. “It was hard to follow her, let alone catch her.”

Visser has the advantage of being able to run without a broom. All other players must use one hand to hold onto a broom positioned between their legs while in play.

“We started out using what we had,” Smith said. “Some people brought Swifers.”

Dreisbach said he hopes to get funding next year for equipment and uniforms. He said his goal is to schedule a game with another Quidditch team such as Michigan State University’s team.

Until then, he holds practices to condition current members in strategies, drills and plays.

“I try to find other games that will be useful to the positions,” Dreisbach said. “Beaters play dodgeball. Chasers play catch. Seekers and the Snitch play tag.”

It is similar to three separate games going on at the same time, he said.

“My part is like a weird game of tag, but it is

Courtesy Photo / The Chi Town Project

Muggle quidditch is quickly gaining popularity among college students. GV started its team in 2009.

definitely a sport,” Visser said. “There is so much going on that you have to keep your head in the game.”

Quidditch is a physically demanding sport depending on the position. There are no restrictions on how hard a player can hit, Dreisbach said.

Nonetheless, he wrote an additional nondiscriminatory clause in the club constitution based on athletic ability.

“I would rather have members with little sports experience, who come out to have fun, put their

hearts into and respect each other,” he said.

His Quidditch team is equally balanced by gender and physical ability. Regardless of their interest in the Harry Potter books or movies, all the team members just want to have a good time.

“It is funny,” Dreisbach said. “I feel like I am tricking people into exercising.”

Any student interested in getting involved with the team should e-mail Dreisbach at dreisbaa@ mail.gvsu.edu. bmestdagh@lanthorn.com

University plans performances, events to commemorate Black History Month Campus departments to sponsor celebration of black history during February

By Susie Skowronek GVL Staff Writer

GVL Photo Illustration / Brian B. Sevald The Student Veterans Organization will sponsor a Women’s Sexual Health Seminar hosted by Pure Romance consultants on Thursday.

Pure Romance talks sex, answers questions

By Maya Soter GVL Staff Writer

For the first time on Grand Valley State University’s campus, the consultants of Pure Romance will lead the women on campus in a conversation on sexual health.

Sponsored by the Student Veterans Organization, the Women’s Sexual Health Seminar is scheduled for Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Kirkhof Center rooms 2259 and 2263.

The seminar will focus on healthy ways to enjoy intimacy with your partner as well as educate females on ways to treat their bodies for optimum sexual satisfaction.

Pure Romance is an organization founded by Patty Brisben in 1993 and aimed at highlighting the importance of sexual education and sexual health. The organization is more commonly known for its in-house parties, which offer guests an exclusive line of heighteners, lubricants and bedroom accessories for relationship enhancement.

“Pure Romance events aim to educate women not only on safe sex but on fun sex,” said consultant and student Sarah Johnson.

Johnson will be among the consultants running the seminar.

Consultants at the event will answer any questions women may have pertaining to sexuality, sexual impairment, sexually transmitted diseases and testing facilities, where women can obtain free/ inexpensive condoms, exploring sexuality and other topics.

Pure Romance also sets up confidential ordering rooms, where women can discreetly order products.

“People may think we are just here to make money off our products, but I can assure you that I only want to help

See more: Visit Lanthorn.com for Notes from Abroad.

women explore their sexuality in a safe environment that they may not have been exposed to previously,” Clark said.

Pure Romance parties are usually brought into the home of a hostess who sets up the party through a consultant.

“The main reason why our parties take place in the hostess’ house is to help women relax and ... feel more comfortable exploring these areas,” said consultant and student Valerie Clark. “It’s a company made for women, to help them experience their sexuality in a safe and open environment.”

Pure Romance parties have always been strictly ladies-only in all 50 states, and the event on GVSU’s campus will follow suit. The event is also legally bound for participants to be 18 years of age or older.

“Women are hypersexualized,” Johnson said.

“If they do engage in sex they are often called a slut or a whore.”

Male members of the Student Veterans Organization will remain outside of the event, checking IDs and working the sign-in table.

“Approximately 14 percent of active U.S. military forces and approximately 15 percent of reserve forces are women, and some of our members are also female,” said Gabriel Wise, Student Veterans Organizaion president. “It was mutually beneficial for us to sponsor the event.”

Johnson added the military is very ill-prepared when it comes to resources available for women’s sexual health.

“The Student Veteran Organization and all of its members are proud to sponsor and be a part of the Women’s Sexual Health Seminar,” Wise said.

The first 200 women to enter the event, on a firstcome, first-served basis, will receive a small, free gift. The seminar will also pass out donations from health centers of free contraceptives. msoter@lanthorn.com

Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History and publisher of The Journal of Negro History, designated a week in February as Negro History and Literature Week in 1926, which ultimately grew to become Black History Month.

Woodson wrote he hoped Negro History Week would create and popularize black history, and he chose February to encompass the birthdays of two prominent figures in black American history: Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 and Frederick Douglass on Feb. 14.

He wanted the week to shine spotlight not only on famous historical figures, but on all black men and women – such as members of the Union Army – who advanced American civilization.

Following Woodson’s example, Grand Valley State University honors the tradition of Black History Month, highlighting black culture, education, religion and music through lectures, panel discussions and performances.

Bobby Springer, associate director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, said the university celebrates Black History Month to recognize the accomplishments of black history and culture and to educate the community.

“It’s history that belongs to all of us, not just to blacks,” Springer said. “It’s an opportunity to talk about things people need to be educated on.”

He said the Office of Multicultural Affairs selects meaningful activities on various topics – health, the black church, culture and entertainment – that impact the

campus community.

In past years, events have filled to capacity with standing room only, Springer said. Step Africa drew a crowd, teaching a combination of step-dance and African dance. Students also enjoyed a play highlighting the cooperation between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. On a campus without limited diversity, Black History Month becomes especially helpful as a window for teaching.

“Some individuals who come to GVSU haven’t had a lot of contact with African Americans,” Springer added.

“Not everyone knows about significant things that have happened.”

Indeed, not everyone knows the reason for celebrating Black History Month in February.

“The important results of the celebration may be summarized as ... increasing

conviction among the whites that racial bias undermines all truth and growing the spirit of cooperation to the end of further extending the researches into Negro History that it may be popularized throughout the world,” Woodson wrote in an article, “The Celebration of Negro History Week, 1927.”

Because of his prevailing impact on the current February celebration, Woodson is also known as “the Father of Black History.”

After Woodson’s death in 1950, progressives of the ‘60s shifted focus to black rather than Negro history and lengthened the celebration to month rather than a week.

GVSU has adopted the February celebration with the Woodson’s mission: to grow the spirit of cooperation among all people. sskowronek@lanthorn.com

Black History Month Events Our Voice: A Celebration of Black Women in Music

7 p.m. today in Cook DeWitt Center Listeners will tour black history through the voices of the Soprano Sisters, a musical group that performs opera, musical theater, jazz and Gospel.

“Black females have made major contributions,” Springer said. “To watch them perform and listen to their selections will be a good thing for people to hear.”

Nicole Pryor, Alana Simone, Nadine Roden, Angela Clark, Danielle White and Joel Rene will perform songs such as slave song “Hoe, Emma, Hoe” and contemporary gospel artist Yolanda Adams’ “Never Give Up.”

Light Skin vs. Dark Skin

7 p.m. Feb. 9 in room 2204 of the Kirkhof Center Under the guidance of Demarra Gardner, students will discuss whether light-skinned people of color have more privilege than dark-skinned people of color.

“The lighter you are, the closer you get to the dominant culture – and the more opportunities you get,” Springer said.

Gardner works in youth multicultural education as president of Change Agent Consulting in Kalamazoo, and she has visited GVSU for diversity lectures in the past.

Participants will delve into how this inequality affects the black community.

Afro/American Jazz Funk: a Marriage Between the Blues, Rock and Roll

7 p.m. Feb. 19 in Loosemore Auditorium A live jazz performance will follow a discussion on the history of the 1-4-5 chord progression, the most common and simplistic chord progression in music. The 1-4-5 represents the major chords in a scale, which are easily transposed into any key.

“During slavery and other difficult times, families’ singing was special – it brought the family together,” Springer said.

“The words had a lot of meaning regarding struggle.”

John Hair – trombonist, conductor, composer and band leader – will give the presentation.

One Better World

3 p.m. Feb. 24 in the Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center A representative from the American College Personnel Association, a leading student affairs association that strives to advance student affairs and engage students in lifelong learning, will present on privilege, identity and social justice.

Director of Educational Programs and Publications Vernon Wall will teach participants how to effect change on campus and in the world.

“It’s about how all of us can use our knowledge to be agents of change,” Springer added. “If we do the things we are supposed to do, we can create a better world.”

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SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, February 1, 2010

Emanuel Johnson Sports Editor sports@lanthorn.com

Fight overshadows weekend split for Laker icers Brojek and Laker forward Jeff Anonick got into a mix-up at center ice.

Facing a bitter rival and a former As Anonick and Brojek separated, teammate, the Grand Valley State Morang skated from outside the play University men’s hockey team knew and went after Anonick. The referees both games this weekend promised intervened after a few punches top-tier action and the possibility connected, but Morang continued of players dropping the gloves. The to throw right hooks at the Laker games delivered on both counts. forward, promptly earning Morang Matched up against Davenport a game misconduct. Anonick was University and former teammate thrown out soon thereafter.

Matt Morang, GVSU beat the “If you look at the fight, Jeff was Panthers for the first time since 2007 trying to pull back, and Matt was on Friday night by a score of 5-2. just swinging between the refs,” said On Saturday, however, things were junior defenseman not so pretty for the Jake Vaughan. “I’m “If you’re going to Lakers as they were dumbfounded that shutout 5-0 in a game hop someone while Jeff got kicked out overshadowed by and that he got more a brawl in the third they’re helpless on the penalized than Matt. ice, that’s not being period and 102 total If you’re just going to penalty minutes. a tough guy, that’s hop someone while In regards to they’re helpless being classless.”

Friday’s contest, on the ice, that’s GVSU head coach JAKE VAUGHAN not being a tough Mike Forbes said his GVSU JUNIOR guy, that’s being team played almost classless.” perfectly in beating the secondThe scene did not end there, ranked Panthers. however, as Brojek then took “I thought we played a complete Anonick’s stick during the melee and game and were very disciplined,” rode off with it, twirling his hands in he said. “We had great energy and the air as the home crowd cheered. supported the puck very well in all The bizarre sight was one Vaughan three zones. I don’t know if I could said he would like to forget. ask for more as a coach from our “We were looking from our bench team and the effort we got from in shock,” he said. “If anybody on everybody on Friday night, and I’m our team did that, we’d beat them obviously very pleased with that down and not let them back in the outcome.” locker room. It’s not something we The following day was when condone at Grand Valley. If there’s the rivalry between Morang and his a scrum, it happens, just get up and former team boiled over. Holding a shake it off. Both teams should convincing 5-0 lead with 13 minutes respect each other.” to play, Davenport forward Kevin After the game, Anonick, who was

By Greg Monahan GVL Staff Writer

GLIAC Standings Men’s Basketball Conf. Ovr. North Division Grand Valley St. 11-3 Ferris St. 10-4 Saginaw Valley 9-5 Lake Superior St. 9-5 Northern Mich.

5-9 Michigan Tech 3-11

South Division Findlay Wayne St. Hillsdale Ashland Northwood Tiffin

15-4 12-7 12-7 11-18 8-10 4-15

12-2 16-3 8-6 10-8 7-7 7-11 5-9 9-10 5-9 8-10 0-14 1-18

Women’s Basketball Conf. Ovr. North Division Michigan Tech Grand Valley St. Northern Mich.

Lake Superior St. Ferris St. Saginaw Valley

South Division Findlay Hillsdale Ashland Northwood Tiffin Wayne St.

13-1 11-3 11-3 6-8 4-10 2-12

18-1 14-5 14-5 9-9 5-14 4-15

10-4 15-4 9-5 9-9 7-7 11-8 6-8 10-8 3-11 6-13 2-12 4-15

Courtesy www.gliac.org

NUMBER CRUNCHER

11

By Emanuel Johnson GVL Sports Editor

1st 102 total penalty minutes that occurred in a brawl in Saturday’s hockey game with Davenport University.

GVL / Brian B. Sevald

Ryan Lancaster grapples with a Miami University opponent during a past meet.

Wrestlers lose first ever dualmatch, regroup for fifth place

By Grant Wieman GVL Staff Writer

Check out “The Lakers Sideline Report” on Lanthorn.com where Justin Hoff takes you on and off the field with your favorite GVSU athletes.

slapped with two game misconducts, one each for his altercations with Brojak and Morang, said the game was nothing out of the ordinary for the Panthers.

“That’s just Davenport hockey,” he said. “That’s what they do every weekend. They try and get under everyone’s skin, they chirp a lot, and that’s how they carry themselves.

They’re classless.”

GVSU will match-up against Michigan State University this weekend as the two teams prepare for a home-and-home series. The Lakers travel to East Lansing for a 9 p.m. puck drop on Friday before returning home for a face off at the same time on Saturday. gmonahan@lanthorn.com

UP opponents overpower women’s basketball team

game winning streak for the men’s basketball team snapped this past weekend against Northern Michigan University.

time in history the GVSU Wrestling club has lost a dual match to a NCWA opponent.

Courtesy Photo / Facebook Davenport Hockey

Davenport forward Kevin Brojek rides one of the Laker’s hockey sticks around the ice during Saturday’s game. This game resulted in 102 penalty minutes.

As the three-time defending champions at the event, the Grand Valley State University wrestlers were the team to beat at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association national duals championship in Shelbyville, Tenn. In the Lakers’ first matchup,WestChester(Pennsylvania) University answered the call.

“We’ve always had a target on our back based on what we’ve done in the NCWA,” said senior John Aikens.

“The pressure is always on us. Every match we’ve got to go out there and perform.”

The loss to West Chester on Saturday was the first dual-match GVSU has ever dropped to an NCWA team, and it kept the Lakers from qualifying for the championship bracket. The best they could finish at the tournament was fifth place.

They regrouped and did just that.

“We learned a lot about ourselves today,” said head coach Rick Bolhuis.

“When we lost, the guys were pretty down and understandably so. Dealing with (the adversity) makes them a better man in the long run. I believe we became better men today.”

The No. 1 ranked Lakers ended the day by defeating Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (New York), instate rival Oakland University and the University of Maryland–Baltimore County in succession.

Despite their ranking, the Lakers were seeded third in the tournament, which Marion Military Institute eventually claimed.

The early loss would have caused an emotionally weaker team to collapse. Instead, GVSU rallied, said junior Adam Bastow.

“It’s not that bad when we know we wrestled to the best of our abilities,” he said. “We know that we’ve worked

and trained hard enough that we should be able to bounce back from something like that.”

Bastow, wrestling at 133 pounds, was undefeated at the event, as were Aikens (197 pounds), junior Corey Melinn (Heavyweight) and sophomore Carl Worthy (235 pounds).

The fifth-place finish did not sit well with the team, but some members conceded it could benefit them in the long run.

“It might take a little bit of that pressure off of us, actually,” Aikens said. “We realized that we’ve got to help each other out, and we bounced right back. I feel like at the end of the day it’s going to help us perform better in March. We’re going to be the underdogs now.”

GVSU won the meet last year and finished second at nationals. Last year’s fifth-place dual finisher, the Apprentice School, won the National Championship.

“When you’re the best, you want to stay the best, and you use that as motivation to want to be the best,” Worthy said. “It’ll probably take some pressure off because we weren’t first, but we’re still Grand Valley. I still think we’re the team to beat.”

One of the motivating factors at the event was a rematch against Oakland, whom the Lakers defeated on Jan. 10.

“They’re always gunning for us,” Aikens said. “They come out hard, firing at us. We know that, we know it’s a tough matchup, and we came out on top again.”

The Lakers, who won the national title from 2006-2008, will get their chance to regroup Sunday at the Laker Open in the Fieldhouse Arena.

The National Championship will be held in March. g.wieman@lanthorn.com

There are generally two ways for a team to respond after winding up with a loss in a game it feels it should have won. Said team can either focus on reducing minor miscues and destroy its next opponent or allow the loss to linger and affect its usual style of play.

Unfortunately, it was the latter of the two that transpired as the Grand Valley State University women’s basketball team dropped a 66-54 decision to Northern Michigan University on Saturday.

The Lakers (14-5, 11-3 GLIAC) were down by two points with 13:33 left in the game, but the Wildcats made five of their final seven attempts from range to push their lead up to as high as 14 points.

The Lakers were powerless to stop them.

“It was a lot of the relief effect today,” said GVSU head coach Janel Burgess. “Northern’s a good, solid team – they beat Michigan Tech at Tech – but do I think they’re better than we are? No. We didn’t fight today. We didn’t finish offensive or defensive possessions, and you saw a completely different team than what you saw on Thursday, which is very disappointing.”

The effort Burgess saw out of her team on Saturday was starkly diminished from the effort the team put up in its 75-71 double-overtime loss to Michigan Tech University on Thursday. It was this loss that lingered in the air during Saturday’s game.

“We have the talent and the chemistry to be able to win any game, but we just couldn’t come up with this one,” said sophomore guard Emma Veach. “(Michigan Tech) has got a lot of game experience, especially with all seniors starting, and are very well disciplined. They were just able to pull it out in the end.”

The Lakers went into a 10-point hole early in the contest before taking their first lead of the game to open the second half against the Huskies on Thursday.

Down by two with 3:18 left in regulation, junior forward Kara Crawford hit a layup to tie the game at 52 all, which would be the score heading into overtime.

GVSU went up by as many as five points in the first overtime period, but the Huskies hit a few 3-pointers to go up by one. Veach, who finished

with a team-high 19 points, made a backcourt steal and hit a 3-pointer of her own to push the Lakers up by two, but a last-second layup from Husky senior forward Katie Wysocky forced a second overtime.

Wysocky had eight of her team’s final 14 points as she helped her team overpower the Lakers for the win. The loss snapped a seven-game winning streak and pushed the team out of first place in the conference standings.

“This hurt’s, but it’s fine though,” said sophomore guard Jasmine Padin. “We get to see Michigan Tech again. We’re going to go up to the UP and give them another run for their money. But for this one, we battled and battled hard, and that’s all you can do.”

The Lakers go back to practice this week in the hope of returning to their blue-collar style of basketball against the University of Findlay on Thursday.

As far as which team will show up to take on the Oilers, Burgess said her team will need to work a lot harder if it wants to win.

“There is no question in my mind about this team,” she said. “They can beat Michigan Tech – they can beat any team that’s placed in front of them. The ball rolled the other way, but that’s OK. We’ve got them again and we’ll probably see them again after that, so we’re going right back to practice and we’re going to get pretty tough and dirty.” sports@lanthorn.com

GVL / Andrew Mills

GVSU junior Elizabeth Van Tiflin sets up a play during Thursday’s home game against Michigan Tech. The Lakers lost both weekend matchups.

SPORTS

Grand Valley Lanthorn

Monday, February 1, 2010

A7

Winning streak snapped as men’s basketball falls to Northern at home

By Jared Greenleaf GVL Senior Reporter

GVL / Andrew Mills

GVSU sophomore Alvin Storrs makes a layup during Thursday’s home game against Michigan Tech, which the Lakers won 59-42.

At some point in time, all streaks, no matter how great or how short, must come to an end.

Saturday became that time for the Grand Valley State University men’s basketball team as the Lakers lost a thriller 61-58 game against Northern Michigan University at the Fieldhouse Arena.

The Wildcat victory snapped GVSU’s 11-game winning streak. It was the team’s first loss since dropping a Dec. 12 decision to the University of Findlay.

Down by one with less than a minute left in the game, junior forward Justin Ringler made a potential lead-taking basket but was then negated, however, by a traveling violation.

The no-basket call infuriated GVSU head coach Ric Wesley.

“It was unbelievable,” Wesley said.

“Lot of contact— bump bump, bump, shot, bank shot goes in— I’m thinking it’s a 3-point play. Unfortunately, it was a tough call that went against us.”

Ringler, who finished with 11 points, said in any situation, the call was a difficult one to make.

“At that point in the game, they’re not really going to call a foul,” he said.

“You kind of hope if they don’t call a foul they might not call any extra slide of the foot, but he made the call and I’ll

have to live with it, I guess.” motivation to take on the Oilers.

The Lakers (15-4, 11-3 GLIAC) were “I feel that if we were going to take forced to foul on the Northern Michigan a loss, we needed it now,” he said. “We inbound pass, and Wildcat guard Marc had a lot of guys getting complacent Renelique sunk two free throws to give from our winning streak and how good his team a three-point lead. everything was going. Hopefully that With five seconds remaining, the was a little punch in the face, letting Lakers had one last opportunity to tie us know we have to bump it up a little the game, but junior forward Toreau more.”

Brown’s 3-point attempt rang off the Before the Lakers took on the iron as time expired.

Wildcats, they managed to defeat The Wildcat defense frustrated the Michigan Tech University 59-42 on Lakers throughout most of the contest Thursday. by holding them to 33.3 percent shooting The Lakers came out firing in the from the field. Ringler said the zone first half, connecting on 13-of-25 field defense the Wildcats goals to pull out to a 31“Hopefully that was 14 lead at halftime. In the ran against them was difficult to solve. a little punch in the first 20 minutes the Laker “Their zone worked defense forced the Huskies really well for them,” face, letting us know in 11 turnovers, which he said. “They had we have to bump it translated into 14 points guys in the right spots, off turnovers. The second up a little more.” and they were really half was no different as able to reach in and the Lakers continued to TOREAU BROWN swat at the ball. It was demoralize the Huskies, GVSU JUNIOR hard to get in there and extending their lead to still stop because they 47-26 on a dunk by junior had always had two arms coming at guard K’Len Morris. you. We just never got into the rhythm Sophomore guard Alvin Storrs we normally get into offensively.” provided a solid all-around game for The Lakers had hoped for a victory the Lakers by generating 11 points, four to set up a battle with the first place rebounds, four steals and three assists.

University of Findlay Oilers (16-3, 12-2 The Lakers will take on Findlay on GLIAC) on Thursday.

Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Brown, who tied his career high Arena. On Saturday, the Lakers will with 22 points for the Lakers, said with play host to Hillsdale College at 8 p.m. the loss there will still be plenty of jgreenleaf@lanthorn.com

See more: Visit

Lanthorn.com track and field coverage See more: Visit

Lanthorn.com for women’s swim and dive coverage GVL Archive

The No.2-ranked GVSU women’s swimming and diving team took a 162-70 victory over Northern Michigan Saturday at the GVSU pool.

GVL / Andrew Mills

Freshman Samantha Lockhart throws during The Laker Early Bird meet. The track and field team hosted the GVSU Open on the Allendale Campus this past weekend.

A8

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, February 1, 2010

A&E

Haley Otman, A&E Editor arts@lanthorn.com

‘Into the Woods’ weaves three-dimensional fairy tale Professionals help GV students become ‘most skillful cast’ on campus

By Haley Otman GVL A&E Editor

Courtesy Photo / unwrappedphotos.com

Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried star in the movie adaptation of author Nicholas Sparks’ bestseller “Dear John.” “Dear John” will arrive in theaters Friday.

‘Dear John’ avoids genre label as Tatum, Seyfried work to do same Rising stars pursue challenging roles to help diversify careers

By Coty Levandoski GVL Staff Writer

Actors Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried, co-stars in the upcoming film “Dear John,” based off the novel by Nicholas Sparks, are quickly becoming two of the most sought-after young talents in Hollywood.

Seyfried has starred in the schoolgirl favorite “Mean Girls” as well as the 2008 film adaptation of the West End musical “Mama Mia!” a critical and overwhelming box office success. Her career began with a recurring role on “As the World Turns” at age 15, which was a welcome change “You try every time for her and her family from her that you read a previous life as a script, you want fashion model. to push yourself, “There wasn’t much work to be you want to stretch had here modelingand do something wise,” Seyfried different.” said. “I guess I CHANNING TATUM learned a lot about ‘DEAR JOHN’ ACTOR the business of modeling, so I wasn’t really so surprised with everything. It prepared my mom more than it prepared me.”

More recently, she has appeared on the three-time Golden Globe-nominated HBO series “Big Love,” but currently has plans to move on.

“I was working on it for six years and I really just wanted to move back to New York,” Seyfried said.

“We only shot for about five months and I was only working once or twice a week, so just the plan is to keep working on films for a while. I really want to do period movies, I would love to do something that’s set in a time that I just don’t understand.”

Tatum first came into the public eye with his role in “Step Up,” a dance flick that spawned an entire bankable genre in the movie industry. This past summer, he played Capt. Duke Hauser in “G.I. Joe,” and was seen as Baby Face Nelson in Michael Mann’s “Public Enemies.” His upcoming projects include one based on his own life experiences concerning the career of a male stripper and a sequel to “G.I. Joe.” Tatum also earned rave reviews for his role in Dito Montiel’s “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” a role far different from a majority of his projects, maybe because he fears the pitfalls of being typecast due to his success in certain genres.

“You try every time that you read a script, you want to push yourself, you want to stretch and do something different,” Tatum said. “If you do an action movie, anything that says ‘and he jumps or he punches or he kicks’ — that immediately comes your way. It’s a little disappointing because you want to be able to try different things, but I’ve been really blessed in my career to have that opportunity.”

Tatum, who plays the protagonist in many of his films, is also looking for a change of pace in this respect.

“Oh, man, I kind of want to play a villain,” he said. “I haven’t played a villain yet and I want to go down that dark road and see what happens with that.”

With careers evolving as both Tatum and Seyfried look to expand their resumes and reach, “Dear John” presents a challenge for both actors: a well-written script worth pursuing as an actor, at the cost of possibly creating just another romantic war drama.

“I think we could have taken John out of the military and made him anything else,” Tatum said.

“At its core, this is a love story between two kids in love for the very first time, and it’s that first love that it’s so hard for you get right. They’re just trying to learn, trying to figure out life.”

“Dear John” is in theaters Friday. clevandoski@lanthorn.com

See more: Visit Lanthorn.com

for Tuesday’s CD/DVD releases.

“This is by far the most skillful cast ... that I’ve ever seen on this campus.”

Those are big words coming from a professor at a university boasting some 24,000 students, but Dale Schriemer, the artistic director and producer of the upcoming production “Into the Woods,” said he believes all the people working on the musical deserve that recognition.

“I’m thrilled with what’s going on,” Schriemer said.

Schriemer based his contentment on the huge level of commitment and improvement he has seen by the Grand Valley State University students working on the GVSU Opera Theatre’s spring production.

Schriemer worked to bring back guest director and choreographer Karen Babcock for her fourth production at GVSU. Babcock, who also directed “Guys and Dolls,” “The Secret Garden” and “Ragtime,” brings an extensive Broadway and international resume of her own to the production.

“What I have appreciated about her work is her high standards,” Schriemer said.

He added Babcock brought the high expectations of a Broadway show to Allendale for GVSU students to absorb.

“It helps people bridge the gap between the academic world ... and the real world,” he added.

While Babcock admitted she does set high standards, she said the GVSU actors and singers she has met are more than capable of performing to them.

“We’re keeping the bar nice and high, and I find that if you keep it high, they come up to it,” she said.

Fellow theater professional Rhonda Lehan will join Babcock as stage manager for the pair’s third show together at GVSU. All aspects of this show and rehearsal have kept the actors on their toes, but the cast and crew are always finding ways to improve.

“This is a really complex show ... a show where everyone has to be focused,” Lehan said.

“Into the Woods” includes the use of many elaborate props and sets, most of which do not arrive on campus until less than a week before opening night, so the actors make use of faux props and pretend the strips of tape Lehan has applied to the floor are the real set pieces.

The characters portrayed in “Into the

GVL / James Brien

“Into the Woods” cast members practice hard for their first performance on Friday night. “Into the Woods” is the GVSU Opera Theatre’s spring production. With music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim, the production features a cast of familiar fairy tale characters.

Woods” are familiar fairy tale figures such as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood, to name a few. However, Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics bring about a whole new side of those characters.

“There’s a lot of really fun fairy tale characters who we’ve always known as two-dimensional characters who are thrust into three-dimensional situations,” Babcock said. “They’re not always equipped to handle these situations.”

The only new fairy tale characters introduced are the Baker, played by Matthew Kahl, and his wife, played by Kalli Siringas.

“We kind of serve as a link that ties all of the characters together,” Kahl said.

He said he learned a lot, especially from

Babcock, while preparing to play his fairy tale character in an offbeat way.

“You definitely have to do a lot of homework to feel like you’re doing any of the roles justice,” Kahl said, which he aspires to do because Sondheim is his favorite composer.

“Into the Woods” will play this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 12 and Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. All performances are in the Louis Armstrong Theatre on the Allendale Campus, and the $6 to $14 tickets can be purchased in person or through Star Tickets Plus by calling (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737, visiting a Star Tickets Plus outlet or online at http://www. starticketplus.com). arts@lanthorn.com

Eyes Wide Open, Greek organizations to host Rock against Rape concert Sullivan Skye, Alco to headline sixth annual Rock against Rape event on Feb. 20

By Elijah Brumback GVL Staff Writer

On college campuses around the nation, rape and sexual assaults on women remain a constant issue year after year.

Because colleges are stereotyped with partying, drinking and sex, the issue is often heightened. This mix of factors compounded with alcohol is essentially like pouring gasoline on a fire; when someone becomes a victim, the argument over who is responsible becomes a media discussion while simple efforts to make people more aware of their own personal responsibility could have prevented the crime in the first place.

That is why Sigma Epsilon Fraternity, Sigma Kappa Sorority and the Eyes Wide Open group will, for the sixth year, host the Rock against Rape concert on Feb. 20.

With the support of bands Sullivan Skye and Alco, RAR kicks out an alternative approach to addressing the issues of rape and assault against women.

“We’re trying to combine educational information and entertainment in a fun and meaningful way,” said Steve Kutyna, co-vice president of public relations for Sigma Epsilon. “It’s important we strongly convey the relationship between alcohol and sexual assaults.”

Kutyna said he thought Grand Valley State University

is one of the safest college campuses, but being proactive about awareness and prevention is always beneficial. He said using a concert setting to promote a message about such a heavy subject helps to maintain a positive educational experience.

“We always want to make sure that students care about the issue of sexual assault and that it’s easy to take a stance against it and show support,” said Mike Patterson, the fraternity’s vice president of education and member of Eyes Wide Open. “Were interested in supporting bands that carry our own message.”

The fraternity and sorority groups along with Eyes Wide Open started planning the event last April. The bands, both upand-coming alternative-rock groups from the surrounding Grand Rapids community, have done well to establish themselves and both have albums to prove it.

But as more than just a concert, Rock against Rape serves dually as a vehicle for discussion about issues facing women and college students.

The event will feature several educational booths and studentled conversations other students can take part in throughout the show. Students will also be able take part in interactive art pieces as well.

“We’re hoping to get a thousand people this year,” Kutyna said. “Admission is free; we have free food, pop and Monster, a raffle, T-shirts

and freebies and we’re offering VIP passes to meet the bands.”

Ryan Workman, vice president of event planning in his third year on the committee for the event, said the concert has proven to create a good atmosphere to spread the word.

“Having the event in a nontraditional way really helps to spread the word of awareness,” Workman said.

“Trying to raise funds becomes much easier as opposed to

having just a discussion board or panel.”

In addition to hosting the concert, the groups in charge will also donate all the proceeds from the promotions and raffle to the GVSU Women’s Center, the Center for Women in Transition in Grand Rapids and the YWCA of Grand Rapids.

The event is Feb. 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Arena. ebrumback@lanthorn.com

Courtesy Photo / Ryan Workman

Chip Christy plays an acoustic set for Rock Against Rape at last year’s event. This year’s concert will feature bands Sullivan Skye and Alco.

MARKETPLACE SERVICES

HOUSING

Getting married? I specialize in personal photoshoots at an extremely low cost to GVSU students. In addition, I also connect students with other inexpensive, All photos are completely professional, and taken on brand new Canon digital SLR camera equipment.

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OPPORTUNITIES Swim Suit Model Auditions No Experience Necessary Saturday Feb. 6th Miss Dee’s School of Dance Must be 18 www.mygroundpounder.com 616-894-7668 Audition form on website

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Age 18+ Okay. Call 1-800-965-6520. ext. 226.

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616 895 5875 randres@accesspmgroup.co m Copper Beech Townhomes...the most space for the best price! 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedroom units! Located in Allendale on 48th Street. Call 616-895-2900 or visit copprbeechtownhomes.com for more information.

Female roommate wanted for house in Jenison. 10 minute drive to Allendale. $350 per month including utilities.

Flexible leases. Move in ASAP. Boumas@ferris.edu Grand Rapids-1minute walk to GVSU Pew. Available Summer. Studio-$350, 1 bedroom-$425, 3 bedroom-$700, 4 bedroon-$750. Plus utilities. www.grLease.com 616-293-6606

Grand Valley Lanthorn Monday, February 1, 2010

A9

Large 6 bedroom 2 1/2 bath.

House for rent starting May 1, 2001. Each bedroom is oversized. Home has a huge fenced in backyard with volleyball court and fire pit.

Rent includes all utilities, trash, wireless Internet/cable TV, and full laundry. Also partially furnished conveniently located on Lake Michigan Dr. yet still secluded.

Please e-mail to dkfaul@sbcglobal.net or call Kelly at 616-453-0923 I need a subleaser for a 4bed/2bath/garage townhouse at Campus View. It would be for May, June, July, and beginning of August. I paid $330 per month, but am willing to lower price. You would be living with 2 GVSU senior girls (other one is not living there nor getting a subleaser). You would need to pay for gas, water, and electric. Internet and cable are free. If at all interested please contact me!!!

MISCELLANEOUS Hungry Howie’s in Allendale has AMAZING specials just for GVSU! Look inside the paper to find them! WE DELIVER! Call 616-895-6777 or order online @ hungryhowies.com

Poker Faces

by Joshua Kovach Across 1. Brutal 6. Train links 10. GVSU president 14. Floral swelling 15. Txting guffaw, with article 16. Shrek, for one 17. Procedures 18. Sound of disgust, as some may write it 19. Ent's charge?

20. Spiked lizard 22. Where is my mind?

24. King and queen of diamonds 26. Curiosity victim 28. Queen song “___ torriate” 29. MySpace celebrity Tequila 30. “...and carry ____ stick.”

32. Temporary fortification 37. Increase, as production 39. Corn holder 40. It bends with gravity 41. Tech support request 44. Nero's bird 45. Pacman's genus 46. Very long time 48. Superlative suffix 49. King's thrones?

54. A hummed note, perhaps 55. Shared a torrent 58. Power src.

59. Ammo count 61. Alfalfa's dearest 62. “That Thing You Do” city 63. CI times II 64. Bring to mind 65. Destroy a cell via enzyme 66. Head lines?

67. Train stop

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Down 1. Popular engine type 2. Sick as ____ 3. Tends to break down 4. Tarnish one's reputation 5. Doesn't possess 6. Beanie 7. 2007 Lily Allen single 8. Committees, as in Arthur's court 9. Cheap jerky 10. Ice planet snow beast 11. Decide mutually 12. Pinocchio's wish, to be ____ boy 13. FFVIII mercenaries 21. ____ lad (small boy) 23. Cries from Fido 25. Aspect of a poker face

60

61

26. New Great Lakes threat 27. Cane's nemesis 31. Promise 33. Baby's babble 34. Listen in 35. CBS Navy police show 36. Final 38. Sacred song 42. Uphold, as the law 43. Homer's interjections 47. Required 49. Teen's tendency 50. Egg maker 51. Bumble, et al.

52. Re-bury?

53. Plunder, old-style 56. Stop on the Pony Express 57. Night out, anagram 60. Bro kin

See Answers on Lanthorn.com

A10 Monday, February 1, 2010

A&E

Grand Valley Lanthorn

GVSU welcomes back Ryanhood Acoustic duo returns to campus with ‘rapidly precise guitar riffs, soulfully rich lyrics’

By Nicolle Martin GVL Staff Writer

Spotlight Productions has entered 2010 with a bang as they present indie band Ryanhood, an acoustic duo self-described as “when Simon & Garfunkel met U2 in a park and The Edge taught Garfunkel to shred on guitar, while Nickel Creek drank coffee and rocked the bluegrass.”

They will perform a free concert in the Grand River Room Wednesday night.

Their official Web site states Ryanhood, constructed by exrivals and now best friends, Ryan Green and Cameron Hood (self-proclaimed masters of the six-string guitar), have toured with and opened for

dozens of well-known artists, such as Jason Mraz, Kelly Clarkson and The Plain White T’s. For those unfamiliar with Ryanhood’s distinct sound and stage presence, their site states: “(Ryanhood’s) airtight vocal harmonies, along with Ryan’s rapidly precise guitar riffs and Cameron’s soulfully rich lead vocals, create the pleasantly distinguishable ‘Ryanhood’ sound.”

Hood revealed not only his own folk-related influences but also the band’s musical direction.

“Our tree has some deep roots; as far as influences go, we pull from the Beatles era where everything went from being a very good rock band to being something very experimental,”

Hood said. “There’s just so much color and so many ideas that haven’t been tried before – everything is so full of melody, it’s very inspiring.”

Having toured Grand Valley State University once before, they said they look forward to returning to the creative, welcoming atmosphere.

“A big part of who we are as a band is connecting with our audience,” Hood said. “College crowds tend to speak the same language. Our shows tend to be a very fun and connective experience, with the hopes that we’ll keep you thinking.”

Fans of indie music said Ryanhood’s music has the simplicity of coffee-house regulars, but their complex melodies bring their sound to a

much different level.

“Basically, I like music that makes me happy – Ryanhood does that for me,” said freshman Maggie Bailey. “The sweet sound of guitar in their songs, along with the gorgeous lyrics are just a great combination. ” Those unfamiliar with their work can download a free live album at http://www. freeryanhood.com.

“They are funny as well as amazing performers,” said Rommel Reyes, music chair of Spotlight Productions. “As the semester is starting to pick up, students need a break and relax a bit!”

The doors will open at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, and the show starts at 9 p.m. nmartin@lanthorn.com

Special FX duo shares skills with students

By Coty Levandowski GVL Staff Writer

They are the skilled few responsible for moviegoers walking out of theaters asking each other, “How did they do that?”

They help break down the wall between reality and make believe, creating an experience much more immersive and encapsulating.

Paul J. Mason and Chelsea Manifold combined have more than 20 years experience in the entertainment industry, dealing specifically with special effects, make-up and prosthetics application.

Their resume works range from “Across the Universe” to the fabrication and application of Victoria’s Secret models during commercial TV spots.

Friday afternoon, the New York-based pair held a “Creating Characters Workshop” at Grand Valley State University, where for four hours they instructed students majoring in film, video or theatre in the skill sets surrounding straight and special effects makeup.

“Straight make-up artists are simply just that, whereas special

effects make-up artists are a little more specialized,” Mason, who applied the antlers to the main character in Fall Out Boy’s breakout music video “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” said. “They are part research analysts, part lab techs, but at their core they are make-up artists as well,” During the workshop, Mason and Manifold each held short informative lectures concerning the current state of the special effects industry, the governing rules of film sets referred to as “setiquette” and their own career paths that led them to where they are today.

“When you’re doing an actor’s make-up, you’re helping them get into their role that much more, and they’ll love you for that,” Manifold said. “You have a certain responsibility to look out for them, whether they’re sitting in your make-up chair or not.”

After a short slideshow and instructional video on cast molding, the duo began the hands-on portion of the seminar, where students were split up into groups of three to four to work on basic make-up and prosthetic application techniques, which student Steve Carley said he

found a bit “weird.”

“You can just kind of feel it there,” Carley said of the Amish beard he gained during the process.

Mason emphasized the importance of being open to new experiences in the production industry.

“You’re going to want to wear as many hats as possible (to) ensure your work in this industry,” Mason said. “This field has made some very intense leaps in the past 15 years, so it’s very important to stay sharp and adapt your skill-sets.”

Groups applied everything from zombie gashes to Fu Manchu mustaches on individuals, but not before

making sure their skin could handle it.

“You have to be careful with this stuff,” Manifold said. “People are allergic to everything; from spirit gum to latex itself.”

Mason and Manifold constantly walked around the room and surveyed the students while they worked, providing insight and encouragement, as well as lending their own techniques to the mix.

“Above everything, you must take care of these people,” Mason said. “An actor’s livelihood is their face, and, as you will soon learn, their livelihood is your livelihood.” clevandoski@lanthorn.com

GVL / Coty Levandoski

Paul Mason instructs students on how to safely remove make-up prosthetics at the end of the Friday afternoon workshop.

Courtesy Photo / Spotlight Productions

Ryanhood will return to GVSU for a performance Wednesday night.

A&E Briefs Social comedy ‘Rhinoceros’ looking for nontraditional actors

Grand Valley State University is opening auditions for the social comedy “Rhinoceros” to any students with or without theater experience.

There are openings for 16 male and female actors who will play in multiple roles to equal a total of 23 characters in the play.

Jack Lane, box office manager for the production, said Roger Ellis will direct the play and diversity in students will be a huge part.

“It will be like a community theater,” Lane said. “We are looking for non-traditional actors.”

He said it will give students credit for participating at a maximum of three graded, academic credits.

Auditioners will not need to prepare any material, but if they wish, they can perform no more than 60 seconds of a monologue at the audition.

“Rhinoceros” scripts can be found at the e-reserve in the Zumberge Library under course number CTH 161, from which students will be asked to read parts at the audition.

Students uninterested in the acting but interested in the crew assignments are welcome also.

Auditions will be held Feb. 9 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be no rehearsals on spring break and the actual production dates will be on April 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11.

Jamaican-influenced artist to visit Grand Rapids for open lecture

Grand Valley State University’s Art and Design Department will bring black-culture artist Sonya Clark to the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts for a public lecture.

Clark learned her style of art from her Jamaican grandmother, a professional tailor, and later trained at the Chicago Art Institute and Michigan’s Cranbrook Academy of Art in textiles, crafts and sculptures.

Her art has also been influenced by traditional artists around the world from places such as the Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Ghana and India.

Clark’sartrepresentsheritageandtraditionwhileexperimenting in weaving and pattern through the uses of the comb. It reflects the importance of “hair, heritage and community” to Clark. “(Clark) is a mixed-media artist, whose worked is most directly related to and influenced by fiber traditions,” said professor Anna Campbell of GVSU’s art and design department.

“Students will learn specifically about how African-American culture has informed Clark’s intellectual and artistic path and how the ritual significance of everyday objects can infuse works of art with a more powerful and emotional charge than traditional fine art media.”

Clark has won many awards and has been exhibited in more than 200 museums and galleries throughout the world.

The lecture will be on Wednesday at both 7:25 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts on 41 Sheldon Blvd., Grand Rapids.

Online Art Work projects propel discussion on Grand Rapids’ economy and arts

The Division Avenue Arts Collective of Grand Rapids brings together the public and visiting artist Marc Fischer of Chicago to discuss issues of art and economics within the Art Work project.

The Art Work project consists of an online conversation in which a publication will be on display at the UICA and will be presented at the DAAC event “Art Work: Grand Rapids Discussion.”

The event will be led by Marc Fischer in discussing the changes in the current economy and the impacts of art, culture and communities on it.

The Artwork project is a national dialogue that can be found at http://www.artandwork.us, and those attending are advised to refer to it before the event.

Jenn Schaub, volunteer board member of DAAC, said Fischer was brought to Grand Rapids through GVSU’s art department, but the DAAC will offer a chance for the larger community to participate by hosting this event.

“The context of the conversation is going to be about Grand Rapids,” Schaub said. “It will offer students a greater perspective than just a university setting.”

Besides students, there will be city planners, community organizers, commissioners, artists and many more that will be invited to this conversation event.

“Conversation with Artist Marc Fischer” is on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the DAAC on 115 S. Division, Grand Rapids.

For more information, visit http://www.thedaac.org. * Compiled by Danielle Slabbekoorn