1/14/2010

Spring Career Fair is just around the corner

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The

While you were gone, so were the Huskies

Advice from the snazzy “Ask Sassy”

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Michigan Tech Lode

January 14, 2010

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

No break for Husky sports STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor With 29 sporting events over Winter Break and with another six taking place before next week’s issue, the sports section is taking over!

The hockey Huskies have continued their struggles, but may have finally turned the corner with a tie against rival Northern Michigan on Tuesday.

The women’s basketball team lost its first game of the season against the Wildcats, but bounced back with two big wins heading into important home contests against the leaders of the GLIAC South Division, Hillsdale and Findlay. Tech is ranked No. 5 in the latest Division II basketball poll.

The men’s team has struggled to find consistency this season, but they broke through for 90 points against Tiffin this past

Saturday. Their two most experienced players and starting point guard are out with injuries, which only complicates the fact that it was an inexperienced team to begin with. The SDC Gym has not been particularly kind to them of late, but they will look to put together a winning streak as they host Hillsdale and Findlay at home tonight and Saturday.

The Nordic Skiing teams have had a tough time this year with inexperience, weather problems and waxing issues among other things. They will be heading to Minneapolis next week to push for a strong conclusion to the season.

All this and much more is covered in this week’s sports section, spread over the front page and inside on 6A. Do not forget to catch up on everything that happened over break and all the content we could not squeeze into print on mtulode.com/sports.

Upcoming Home Games Thursday Women’s Basketball vs.

Hillsdale, 5:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball vs.

Hillsdale, 7:30 p.m.

Friday Hockey vs. Alaska Anchorage, 7:07 p.m.

Saturday Women’s Basketball vs.

Findlay, Noon Men’s Basketball vs.

Findlay, 2 p.m.

Hockey vs. Alaska Anchorage, 5:07 p.m.

Katie Wysocky Photo by Ben Wittbrodt

Husky hoopsters set to host Hillsdale, Findlay Women look to pull away in GLIAC North

Photo by Ben Wittbrodt That close! Husky junior Jordan Baker just misses the net as Northern Michigan netminder Brian Stewart dives across the crease in desperation. The Huskies tied the Wildcats 1-1 on Tuesday, and tied three-game season series at 1-1-1.

Difficult season continues for hockey fans DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer The hockey Huskies entered the Michigan Tech winter break mired in a seven-game road losing streak. Things didn’t get much better as the Huskies

Hockey on 6A

Winter Break recap cont.’d

dropped a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to the Northern Michigan Wildcats to open the break.

They would go on to drop the next four games to extend to 12 games before finally earning a tie last night.

continued on page 6A

Tech alum named NHL coach

Hockey on mtulode.com Alaska Anchorage Preview

Men hoping to build on big road victory

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor

After losing their No. 1 ranking with a loss to Northern Michigan on Jan. 2, the Michigan Tech women’s basketball team rebounded with two tough road wins. Now they return home against the two top teams in the GLIAC South Division, Hillsdale and Findlay.

“Both teams score a lot of points and get up and down the floor, so we’re just going to have to play great Michigan Tech defense,” said head coach John Barnes.

With a 90-point effort against Tiffin that included 16 successful three-point shots, the Huskies have more talent than their 3-10 record indicates, which they hope to prove when Hillsdale and Findlay come to town on Thursday night.

“After last Thursday, the guys finally said enough is enough, and we’ll see if they bring that same fire and determination this week,” said head coach Kevin Luke.

continued on mtulode.com

continued on mtulode.com

Former Huskies in the pros

Not this year. The Huskies hosted the 45th-annual Great Lakes Invitational at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Dec. 29 and 30, but they were embarrassed by the Spartans before rallying with a valiant effort against Michigan. The two losses were part of a 12-game skid for Michigan Tech.

Ali Haidar Photo by Ben Wittbrodt

t

Spartans 10-1 Huskies

Wolverines 5-3 Huskies

Photos by Alex Cotton

Check it all out at: www.mtulode.com

Online exclusives PDF Archives of all issues this year

Sports

Husky Hodgepodge

Live blogs during games Game recaps

Check out the thoughts of one international student in the “Culture Shock Report #14.”

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 14, 2010

News

Career Services announces Spring schedule of events TARA SOTIRIN News Editor This week, Michigan Tech Career Services gets ready to present their Spring schedule of events. The line-up of resume reviewing, professional interviewing, and career-faircorporation-scheduling should present Michigan Tech students with plenty of opportunities to land that enticing, yet elusive job offer. Whether you’re looking for an internship, co-op, or the big one—a job, Career Services recommends looking into what employers see when they look at you. Director of Career Services, Jim Turnquist, gives his insight into the current job climate, Career Services opportunities that can improve your chances, and how people are finding jobs today.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008-2009 Report on National Employment shows that changes, if any, to the present climate are going to be slow.

Household Survey Data shows that the unemployment rate is 10 percent and the number of unemployed people surveyed, 15.3 million Americans, hasn’t

changed in December 2009 from December 2008 and is only a minor change from the number of unemployed Americans at the start of the recession in December 2007. What does this mean at Michigan Tech?

“I make an effort to watch several feeders [on the job climate] and I think the present job climate is improving, but doing so very slowly. Here at Michigan Tech we are very fortunate to be one of those institutes that people come to us to find employees and it’s a new phenomena for students to not have that as much as we have had in the past.”

Mr. Turnquist says, “But there are jobs out there for people, if students do put in the effort to do a job search, to work on a resume, practice interviewing, and contact companies, people find jobs.”

“One of the critical issues, I think, for Michigan Tech is developing personal skills. Recessions like these change what employers want from employees, companies start downsizing personnel and they want people who can do more than one type of job. For example, if you’re an Electrical Engineer, that’s great, but do you have the people skills?

Or if you’re a Humanities major with knowledge of technology, that’s going to make you more competitive” says Turnquist.

His advice: take more courses outside of your field of study, and then follow that up by developing a plan, which is what he and the staff of Career Services can help with. Their typical approach includes having students fill out a “My Plan” document that profiles personality, skills, interests, and values. Students’ specialized profiles will accrue a list of potential careers that a student can then develop as a goal and setout for your bachelor’s degree with a plan for attaining a job in a career that truly interests them.

“If you put a plan together your chances are a lot higher than just going to talk to a few companies at the job fair” says Turnquist.

The Michigan Tech undergraduate program in the 2008-2009 Career Services Annual Report experienced a job placement of 56.2 percent of graduates in their field of study, 25.8 percent going on to graduate school, 2.7 percent continued with additional undergraduate studies, .7percent are performing volunteer work and 2 percent entering the military. 12.5 percent reported they

were unemployed.

Placement percentages are based on people that provided information. All graduates were contacted either by email, de-

partmental personnel, web site or by telephone.

The MTU Career Fair is sponsored by Michigan Tech Career Services and Alpha Kappa Psi.

The Career Service Schedule of Events for Spring 2010 Resume Blitz (no appointment required)

Bring a copy of your resume to any of the following locations for a quick review by a representative of MTU Career Services.

•Jan. 19 in the DHH Ballroom and West McNair Lounge from 4-6 p.m.

•Jan. 20 in the Wadsworth Hall Annex from 4-6 p.m.

•Jan. 27—28 in the MUB Commons Area from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

•Feb. 2 – 3 in the MUBCommons Area from 10:00 a.m.-2 p.m.

Interview Skills Week (appointment required)

Practice interviewing and get vital feedback to strengthen your interview skills. Schedule your appointment online at career.mtu.edu •Feb. 8—11 in the Harold Meese Building from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Spring Career Fair

•Feb. 16 in the Student Development Complex from 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

Still Looking For That Job?

MTU welcomes a motivational speaker specializing in effective job searching strategies focusing on the power of social networking.

•Feb. 24 in the Memorial Union Building Ballroom A at 6 p.m.

CLASSIFIED: 4 Person Apartment for next school year.

(Available June 1, 2010) Blanche Apartments, 2 minute walk to campus. Go to houghton4rent.com Location: Across from Michigan Tech Library Call: (906) 482-7744 House for rent in Houghton for 2010-2011 school year. Eight large bedrooms with two and a half baths. Zoned multi-residential.

Licensed for up to ten students. House completely renovated. Enjoy the indoor hot tub and warm up after a cold day in Houghton.

Contact: Brad Davison (517) 202-6886.

AUDITIONS for Rumpelstiltskin: Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Wednesday, Jan. 20, 5:00 pm, McArdle Theatre.

Looking for lively, enthusiastic actors who love children and who wish to be part of a tight acting ensemble. No preparation necessary. Wear clothes appropriate for rolling on the floor, and sneakers or dance shoes.

Be ready to sing a song with no accompaniment, and dance with abandon. For more info: helsel@mtu.edu The Michigan Tech Internal Audit Department is accepting applications for the position of Student Auditor. For the full position description and application call 487-1962 or email jodih@mtu.edu. Application deadline is 4:00 PM, Friday, January 29, 2010.

Textbooks bought and sold new & used, online buybacks. Buy, sell, rent at cheapbooks.com (260) 399-6111, espanol (212) 380-1763, urdu/hindi/punjabi (713) 429-4981, see site for other support Mackinac Island or Mackinaw CityMackinac State Historic Parks has fun full-time summer seasonal positions for: Historic Iterpreters at Fort Mackinac, Fort CM and the Lighthouse; Naturalist, Adventure Tour Guides and Historic Interpreters at Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park, Grounds/Maintenance, Guest Services, Archaeology and more! Housing $96 a month, $7.73 hour, 40 hours/week, start early May or June through Labor day (or later). Visit our web page www.

Ma ck in a c Par k s . com, call 231-4364100, E-mail fegank@michigan . gov. EOE

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 14, 2010

Pulse

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The Top Five Movies of 2009 A Serious Man, Avatar, Inglourious Basterds Top The List LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor

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he year 2009 provided many highlights from the silver screen. These include the awe-inspiring debut of Avatar and the death of Adolf Hitler in Inglourious Basterds, among other moments. Also included in this are hidden gems, such as A Serious Man and The Hurt Locker, and innovative cartoon epics Up and Fantastic Mr. Fox. Overall, this has been one of the best years in recent memory for Hollywood. Here are my picks for the top movies of 2009.

1. A Serious Man Possibly the most overlooked film of this past year, which is also a personal ode to the Coen’s Jewish upbringing in 1960s Minneapolis. Michael Stuhlbarg plays Larry Gopnik, a Jewish physics professor who watches his life spiral out of control. He seemingly lives a life reminiscent of Job (from the Old Testament), as bad things continually happen. Events include his wife requesting a divorce, his appointment for tenure being up in the air, his brothers legal problems, amongst many other things. The film leaves more questions than answers at the end, as the Coen’s leave the ending up

for intepereation. With that having been said, it’s a unique film in that Hollywood doesn’t always tackle issues involving religion.

2. Avatar After watching Avatar, I’m convinced that James Cameron’s 12 year absence from film was well worth it. The film is literally great on experience alone, however, I was extremely impressed with the plot and the character development, which normally are ignored in blockbuster films. Scottish actor Sam Worthington plays Jake Sully, a former marine who is brought to Pandora. He undergoes a transformation in the movie to become part of the Navi, eventually taking on the humans who brought him to Pandora for their colonization of the planet.

3. Inglourious Basterds One of the most creative efforts of the year is this film. Quentin Tarantino mixes in a lot of tonguein-cheek humor along with his usual blood, guts, and gore, and in the process pulls off what many thought was impossible: a film contemplating the Nazi upper echelon being overthrown. Christoph Waltz, in particular, stands out as a nihilistic SD officer who literally “kills” people with his kindness. Also worthy of mention is Brad Pitt as 1st Lt. Aldo Raine, a Tennessee born soldier with an

extreme liking for killing Nazi soldiers.

4. Fantastic Mr. Fox The second film of Fall 2009 to adapt a children’s book (the other being Where the Wild Things Are), Fantastic Mr. Fox stands out as one of the best examples of a film that can delight both adult and kids audiences alike. George Clooney provides the voice for the title character, with other voice performances from Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and others. Particular attention should be paid to the animation, as director Wes Anderson employed the use of stop-motion in making this film, while mixing in other types of animation as well, 5.The Hurt Locker This film should be familiar to some Michigan Tech students, as the Michigan Tech Filmboard screened this film during fall semester. Jeremy Renner gives an amazing performance as a cocky Staff Seargent assigned with the seemingly innocuous task of leading a team that dismantles IEDs in war torn, post-invasion Iraq. Also headlining the somewhat nondescript cast are Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, and Guy Pearce, with cameo appearances from Ralph Fiennes and David Morse.

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow.

Distributed by Focus Features

Lovely Bones Debuts Friday LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor

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fter an intial limited theater release, The Lovely Bones will debut nationwide on Friday Jan. 15. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz as the parents of a murdered child. Also featured in the film is Saoirse Ronan as their deceased child, as well as Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, and Michael Imperioli.

The film is about a girl, Susie Salmon (Ronan) who is murdered by her neighboy George Harvey (Tucci). Upon Susie’s death, from on high, she observes the shattering of what remains of her family, namely her parents Jack and Abigail (Wahlberg and Weisz, respectively), who gradually drift apart of the murder of their daughter. She also observes her killer preparing to strike again.

This marks director Peter Jackson’s first film as a director since 2005 blockbuster “King Kong.”

Although this film isn’t as grand in scale as The Lord of The Rings trilogy, adapting the screenplay from Alice Sebold’s novel presented challenges in it’s own way.

“One of the challenges that we’re discovering now is that, when you’re adapting, you know you’ve got to realize that you’re

only going to get half the book into the movie,” said Jackson in a conference call with student media organizations, including the Lode. “You’ve got to start making decisions about what the most important aspects of the book are.”

Jackson also commented on the intended audience of the film, and the importance of leaving it open for a broad group of people. Specifically mentioned was his intent to keep the film from receiving an “R” rating, and how he wished to make the film in a way so that his own daughter could watch it.

“We wanted it to be a PG13. We didn’t want to make an R-rated movie,” said Jackson.

“We’ve got a daughter who was 12 years old when we made the movie, she’s 13 now. And we wanted her to see this film.”

On particular actors that he really enjoyed working with during the project, Jackson turned his attention to Michael Imperioli, a former castmember of The Sopranos, who plays a detective in the film.

“Interestingly enough, I worked with Mike Imperioli as well, and we cast him, because he did an audition for us, and we thought he was terrific,” said Jackson. “He was a great actor, too, a really nice guy.

On the set with Oscar® winner Peter Jackson (right), director/producer/co-screenwriter and Oscar® nominee Saoirse Ronan of DreamWorks Pictures’ “The Lovely Bones”, a Paramount Pictures release.

Picture by Matt Mueller

The Lovely Bones will debut nationwide, including in Houghton and Hancock theaters, on Jan. 15.

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 14, 2009

Feature

Ask Sassy Dear Sassy, My friends and I like to play cards in a common area in the dorm. Sometimes we get a little rowdy and people shush us all the time. But it’s not an area specified for studying and we have the right to be there and have fun. How to we confront the shushers?

Sincerely,

Having Fun

Dear Having, So you’re one of those groups. The group that everyone secretly glares at when they’re trying to read or study. The group that is annoying enough for people to disrupt their studies or conversation to physically confront. The group that everyone talks about in their Facebook statuses (“OMG I hate the people sitting near me! I want them to die”, “wishes the obnoxious group over there would be mauled by a bear”, “wants to tell the people over there how much he hates them”).

Please do society a favor and be polite or go gather somewhere else and be “rowdy”, which seems to be your code word for incredibly obnoxious. To the shushers you may say, “Forgive me for being ignorant of the disturbance my friends and I were causing. Let me relocate our noise.”

Then, leave the building.

Dear Sassy, I have no idea what to get my boyfriend for Christmas. I have such a hard time buying for guys. Should I just go with the latest action movie or something for his car? Help!

Sincerely,

Stupefied Shopper

Dear Stupefied, Guys are easy to buy for. Since every male is the same, shopping is a breeze. An action movie would be great, all guys love that genre. An item for his car is also a fantastic idea. Every guy on the planet is obsessed with cars and motors; he’ll go bonkers for such a gift. Just get something that screams testosterone and masculinity. As long as the gift conforms to out-dated gender stereotypes, you’re in the right ballpark (which reminds me, a sports related gift would be great too).

Or, if you choose to not be ignorant, buy your boyfriend something he is actually interested in. Try getting to know him. Once you do, you should be able to identify his favorite type of music, film genre, and literature. These will help decide what gift is right for him.

Judging by your stereotypical view of him, it’s possible he values the same historic gender roles. Expect lots of cheap, smelly lotions and chick flicks for Christmas.

Dear Sassy, My housemate has always been a great person to live with.

Lately, however, they have been slipping. I came home the other day to find dirty dishes in the sink and sweat rings on the counter from drinks. A glance in his room also enlightened me to the existence of a huge pile of dirty laundry.

How do I get my housemate back on track?

Sincerely,

Concerned for cleanliness

Dear Concerned, You’re already off to a good start. In order to keep up your standards, a thorough examination of your house and your housemate’s private space will be necessary several times a day. Be sure to use latex gloves and a respirator to avoid unwanted contamination. Take notes on your housemate’s uncleanly habits. Exactly how many crumbs are on the counter? Which fork is lying dirty in the sink? When was the last time he washed his towel? (If it’s more than three days, he’ll need a stern reminder.)

Your housemate is almost at the point of no return. Before you know it, his coat will be on the chair instead of in the closet and his toothbrush will be occasionally left out on the counter. This is unacceptable behavior. Do not let his cleanliness level sink to that of a normal human being.

Blizzard Days GEORGE HOLMSTROM Guest Writer

I don’t know how I got embroiled into the strange world of mascoting. I can’t say it was part of my college bound ambitions when coming to Michigan Tech.

But during the orientation trawl when it was briefly mentioned, I became intrigued. I’d always noticed mascots at fleeting moments at sports events growing up, but being a mascot had never been much of a debate.

Still, when I thought about becoming a mascot, it came down to the fated question that precedes most absurd quests: “Why not?”

And so I joined the ranks on the Blizzard T. Husky Mascot Team, or, as our working title goes, Michigan Tech Animal Control.

So began a three and a half year adventure.

The first thing to remember in being a mascot, is that paradoxically everyone and no one can see you. Everyone can see you because, well, think about it, you are an over six foot tall husky walking around doling out high-fives.

No one can see you because you are, first and foremost, Blizzard T. Husky to anyone you meet. It’s like being a spy, sneaking about in plain sight, completely innocuous.

Only a rare person will inquire to the identity behind the identity of Blizzard. I find the question amusing, actually, because if I told them, would it really matter?

Knowing who is behind the suit kinda breaks some of the magic of the mascot. The identity is, as magicians would call it, the pres-

Holmstrom reflects on his days as Blizzard T. Husky

tige, that slight dash of mystery Pep Band, and walking in a half that causes Blizzard, or any mas- dozen parades. My best expericot, to have that universal school ences doing the mascot were inspirit allure. If you knew who teracting with people when I sat was playing Blizzard all the time, next to them at hockey games, where would be the fun in that? and I always had a special place in That being said, being Blizzard my heart for playing Blizalso brings out a zard on Family Weeknew side of the end (you may have seen wearer. Blizzard that picture of Blizzard can get away at the front of the Kewith a lot of stuff weenaw Star. That was that a normal me.) I can honestly person would say as Blizzard I have just look silly dogiven out thousands ing: ruffling hair, of high-fives and fistpoking, blowing bumps, and at least kisses, licking hundreds of spontahand, high neous hugs along fives and, the way. There’s my persomething oddly sonal fafun about mimvorite, the ing out a converfist bump sation with paws (or the paw and something unbump, if you deniably cool about Photo by: Antti Knutas must be technishooting off a t-shirt gun cal). When I played Blizzard, I at an event. Every time I put on was a bit of ham, but I think that the suit I experienced conflicting comes with the mascot personal- emotions. First thought: “Why ity. A proper mascot remembers the heck am I doing this?! This they can do practically anything suit is hot and sweaty, I can’t see (within university polices) and properly, and that jerky middle plays with that for every cent its schooler won’t stop pulling my worth. It would suffice to say, if tail...” The second: “Dangit, this is you were flirted with by Blizzard absurdly fun.” in the last few years at a hockey In total, the “absurdly fun” is game, it might have been me. the reason I kept on doing it dur(Keyword: “might.” You just nev- ing my time at Michigan Tech. er know when it comes to Bliz- For that I have to thank everyone zard.) at Michigan Tech, because the Now, my time playing the Blizz only reason that being Blizzard is over. Looking back, I have lots was fun was the reactions of evof fun memories and experienc- eryone he met, the way peoples’ es. Going down with the hockey face lit up when they saw his team to GLI, meeting Sparty of fuzzy mug. It was the energy at Michigan State in the kilt, cheer- every football, basketball, hockey, ing on the woman’s basketball parade, and Michigan Tech event team last spring in Kentucky that made being Blizzard so cool. with the random fellows in the Just don’t pull the tail.

The evolution of

Dashboard Confessional

Latest album presents changing music ELIJAH HAINES Opinion Editor Chris Carrabba, the lead singer and heart of Dashboard Confessional, has been evolving. Diehard fans often shy away from Carrabba’s evolution from the intimate, acoustic artist presented in Dashboard Confessional’s first album, The Swiss Army Romance, to the more heavily produced big-band musician he appears to be in his more recent albums such as Dusk and Summer and the newest, Alter the Ending. Although his sound has been changing over the years, for better or for worse, his thoughtful lyrics consistently remain the heart and soul of his albums.

Alter the Ending (released Nov. 10th) brings a more refined bigband sound than was presented in Dusk and Summer. A few tracks such as “Until Morning” and “The Motions” seem a bit overdone instrumentally, however. The raw, emotional nature of Carrabba’s voice is unable at times to match the heavy sound of the band behind him. Other tracks such as “Belle of the Boulevard” and “I Know About You” are written appropriately for Carrabba’s vocals; the heavier instrumentation highlights rather than

overshadows the heartfelt lyrics.

Despite some success with these big-band songs, the best tracks are the more personal, acoustic numbers of “Even Now” and “Hell on the Throat”. For fans of the older Dashboard Confessional albums these songs may very well sell Alter the Ending. They are reminiscent of the deeply thoughtful and passionate acoustic songs such as “The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most” and “Screaming Infidelities”. “Even Now” paints a portrait of sweet, fragile romance.

“Even now I can feel your hand/ gently over mine/with almost no weight at all.” Songs such as “Even Now” win the hearts of prospective Dashboard Confessional fans while satisfying the cravings of long-time fans.

Carrabba’s ability to capture a single moment in time or a particular emotion using sophisticated lyrics are what repeatedly set his music apart from the overwhelming stream of cookiecutter emo bands that followed Dashboard Confessional’s debut.

Carrabba laments foolish decisions, “When all the follies of your weekend/hang like smoke onto your clothes”, and celebrates perseverance, “And that’s the sign of a solemn man/I’ll make the best of the best I can/and I’ll

be better for it if I ever get my chance” in Alter the Ending.

Dashboard Confessional has definitely changed over the years. Chris Carrabba was in his mid twenties when Dashboard Confessional released their first album. Carrabba was not far from the self-taught guitarist and skateboarding fanatic that he had been in his teens. Alter the Ending, however, presents the older Carrabba, now in his thirties.

Change in age, environment, and experiences will undoubtedly be reflected in Dashboard Confessional’s music. It is selfish of fans to encourage Carrabba to remain the same person and musician that produced The Swiss Army Romance in 2001. He has proven himself a talented songwriter and performer and deserves to explore and grow with his years.

A first listen of Alter the Ending may produce disappointment in faithful Dashboard Confessional fans. However, listening to the lyrics and paying particular attention to the songs “Even Now”,” Belle of the Boulevard” and “Hell on the Throat” will remind the listener why Dashboard Confessional has captivated audiophiles for years and will illuminate the magic of an entire audience singing word-for-word the entire repertoire of a live performance.

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 14, 2009

opinion

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Undergraduate dilemma

Michigan Tech professor returns teaching awards in hopes of sparking change DANNY MESSINGER Lode Writer

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ecently, Dr. Madhukar Vable, associate professor in the Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Mechanics department, decided he had had enough with both the way the State of Michigan funds public universities and how Michigan Tech values research more than the education of its undergraduate students. Vable, in a bold effort to spark change and discussion among Michigan’s lawmakers and Michigan Tech administrators, returned both his Michigan Association Governing Board of State University award and his Michigan Technological University Distinguished Teaching Award. He also resigned from the Michigan Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence.

Following the return of his two awards, Vable wrote letters to Michigan Tech President Dr. Glenn D. Mroz, members of the Board of Control, Governor Jennifer Granholm and members of the Michigan Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence. These letters have been made available to the Michigan Tech student body online.

In his letters, Vable explains the system that is used within his department to assign the number of courses each professor must teach. According to Vable, each professor is expected to teach six

courses per year. This number was reduced by one course for each graduate research assistant advised. The system which is used to calculate salary increases – a merit points system – rewards a professor with 19 points for each graduate student advised but only three points for teaching an undergraduate three-credit course with up to 500 students. “…in other words, 600% more merit points for teaching each graduate student over teaching a class of undergraduate students,” Vable says in his letter to President Mroz. “These changes… have made mockery of undergraduate education, unfunded scholarship and represents a massive transfer of resources from undergraduate education to finance funded research.”

Vable, in his letter to Michigan legislators, asks that the State reevaluate the way in which it funds university research. “Universities have an established accounting system in which each research project of a faculty member is tracked and budgeted. Demand that the same accounting model be used to cost each course the faculty member teaches and use this information to obtain the average cost of each degree awarded by the University.” Vable goes on to suggest that this information be made available to the consumers of education: the students. By publishing the difference between the cost the University incurs per course

valued more highly than the impact they make upon students.

Students surely can benefit from having a professor who actively engages in research. The added knowledge a professor can bring to the classroom as a result of research is invaluable. The funding brought into the University by research, however, should not trump the importance of a quality education. By reevaluating the funding process and increasing the transparency of each school’s expenditures, undergraduate students would, once again, become the focus of an educational institution.

“Transparency and information are very powerful mechanisms for change,” Vable added.

In an effort to make more students aware of the proposed changes, a Facebook group was recently created. The group, titled “Plight of the Michigan Tech Undergrad,” had over 600 members earlier this week. On the group, students are urged to express their concerns about Michigan Tech’s current funding systems to members of the Undergraduate Student Government who can, in turn, convey the message to the Board of Control at their meetings. “…I love teaching and cannot remain silent and do nothing about the damage to the undergraduate teaching that is taking place at [Michigan Tech] and in our nation,” Vable said. “I hope you, too, will speak.”

Transparency and information are very powerful mechanisms for change.

-Dr. Madhukar Vable taught versus the tuition received for taking the course, students will be able to evaluate the actual cost of obtaining their degree.

In the more than 25 years Vable has been teaching, he says that there have been countless reports published about the deteriorating environment for undergraduate students in our nation. The cause, according to Vable, is “the way we fund research and education, however no individual or an institution can use this as an excuse for what happens in their university.”

“The…proposal will accomplish several things,” Vable states.

“First, it will put public pressure on universities to reduce the difference between the list price and the actual cost of a degree and thus moderate the increases in tuition.”

The proposed requirement for universities to publish this information would help keep tuition

Don’t wait for change

increases in-check. By making this type of information available, students would be able to more effectively evaluate the brand value of each public university in the state and would force universities to think twice before further increasing the financial burden placed upon undergraduate students.

Vable hopes that his proposal will also help place the emphasis back on the education of the undergraduate student within the educational system instead of on the amount of money that can be brought in for research.

He argues that “[t]he worst part of the evolving culture at [Michigan Tech] is the inversion of our fundamental values. The primary mission of teaching is less respected and rewarded than the secondary mission of research.”

Under Michigan Tech’s current policies, the impact a professor makes upon his colleagues is

Michigan Tech Lode

Anytime is right for a resolution JACK AMMERMAN Opinion Writer

T

his morning I wrote a letter to a friend about driving up to Michigan Tech. I described the long drive (for me at least, my passengers slept the whole way) and beautiful scenery. As is my habit with letters after I signed my name I dated the letter. Without thinking about it though, I wrote the year as 2009. Upon realizing this, I had to scribble out the date and rewrite it fresh as 2010. Every year I go through the same trouble adjusting from one date change to the next. It is one little thing that I have difficulty with every time January 1 rolls around. One thing that irritates me more though, are New Year’s resolutions.

The new year is a time to forget all the troubles of the past, a time to start anew, or a time for “rebirth”. While on the road during break I saw a church sign valiantly declare the passing of the last decade as a chance to “Be Born Again”. New Year’s causes everyone to get excited; everyone is ready for their fresh start at life. But once the clock flips over to January 1 and the parties die down, once everyone finally gets to sleep, the troubles haven’t disappeared. The world is still the same.

So why is everyone always in a frenzy year after countless year about resolutions? Why is such a simple act of flipping the page on a calendar prompt people to get into the “need to change” mindset? Now do not get me wrong, I am all for change. Personal, mental, physical, whatever positive change you need, I have nothing wrong with that. Everyone should be trying to lead a better, healthier, kinder lifestyle.

But what I do not understand is why the changing of the year force people to enact (or at least attempt) this change?

The switch from December 31 to January 1 is not the only time a person can change their life. If you realize that there is something about your life that you need to change for the better, do it immediately! By the time you realize a change is necessary you have already waited long enough.

Do not wait for the new year to force you to make a resolution, this only prolongs it! The only person who can completely create a positive change in you is yourself and this can happen at any time. One special night of celebration should not be the kick start to your positive resolution. All that is needed is for you to want this change and an inner strength to make it happen.

Now I realize you might be reading this and thinking to yourself that I have said this all

too late, the night of resolution making has come and gone. You have probably made your resolution to lose weight, get fit, or to quit doing a certain harmful habit. And as I said before, positive change is good and it is great that you have a desire to lead a better lifestyle. But a simple declaration to lose weight in 2010 is not good enough. You need to make your resolution more precise. Create a weekly goal that is realistic and attainable. So instead of saying “I want to lose weight”, say “I want to lose two pounds every week until I reach my desired weight” (and be sure to write down your goal too as this can help you meet it).

Creating a detailed plan lets you visualize your goal and makes it easier to attain it by working on it a bit at a time. Changes, just like mountain climbing, cannot happen all at once. You have to take it one step at a time.

So look back at those resolutions you made on January 1, 2010. Write them down, revise them, break them into smaller pieces, and work at a positive change in a smarter fashion. If the resolution you had made is not exactly what you want and you feel you need to work on something else, work on it now!

Do not wait until 2011 to prompt you. Design your goal and get working on it. Life is too short to live a whole year waiting for change.

popular NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

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6A Sports Husky basketball Broomball fan bus available season kicks off for LSSU games

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 14, 2009

Hockey

from 1A

Look for our special “Reader Interaction” section at www.mtulode.com/sports

The hockey Huskies entered the Michigan Tech winter break mired in a seven-game road losing streak. Things didn’t get much better as the Huskies dropped a heart-breaking 2-1 loss to the Northern Michigan Wildcats to open the break.

They would go on to drop the next four games to extend to 12 games before finally earning a tie last night.

There are some positives to look at over the course of the break. Senior Drew Dobson notched a goal and two assists in the six games. Junior forward Bennett Royer notched two goals and an assist in four games, including goals in back-to-back games. Assistant captain Jordan Baker also picked up two goals and an assist over the six-game stretch.

Royer returned to action at the Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) against the Wolverines after missing several games with a lower-body injury. His play along with the return of junior center Eric Kattelus helped head coach Jamie Russell rebuild his offensive unit, which hasn’t been whole in two months. The difference has been noticeable as the team’s faceoff winning percentage has spiked in a positive direction.

Unfortunately, that’s about where the positives end. Goaltenders Kevin Genoe, a freshman, and Josh Robinson, a sophomore, played a bit of musical goalie, replacing each other twice. The penalty kill, while better, still surrendered three goals to the Michigan Wolverines and five in the weekend to St. Cloud State.

On Dec. 18, the Huskies earned the early lead against the Wildcats on a second-period goal from senior defenseman John Kivisto.

The Wildcats evened the game late in the period before stealing the game with just over a minute left in regulation. Genoe stopped 18 shots in the loss.

Disaster struck in the opening game of the GLI as the Huskies tied the game at 1-1 before surrendering nine straight goals to the Michigan State Spartans in a 10-1 loss.

Dobson tied the game with an even strength goal in the first period. Genoe was pulled after the

Vote online in this week’s polls:

Former Husky Davis Payne new coach of Blues

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor

The broomball rinks are now in a new, more centralized location, and several games have already taken place among the six conferences and 22 divisions.

The Lode is just gearing up for the spring semester, but as part of our expanded coverage, we will do our best to bring you comprehensive coverage, particularly as the top teams begin to emerge from the pack.

Please closely follow broomball at mtulode.com/sports/broomball. Also note that we are seeking additional writers to be able to do justice to the hundreds of teams and players. Happy Broomball!

Michigan Tech’s Cager Club is providing Husky basketball fans with the opportunity to cheer on the Huskies at an away basketball game against Lake Superior State on the far eastern edge of the Upper Peninsula.

The bus will leave on Jan. 23 at 7 a.m. from the SDC and will pick fans up in Marquette. The bus holds 49 people and spots are going quickly.

Anyone interested in paying the minimal $35 fee needs to contact organizer Bob Gilreath at bobg@ mtu.edu or by phone at 487-3697.

Registration is due by Jan. 16, just two days away.

Photo by Caitlin Pionke

Want to make money watching

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The Lode is seeking a writer to provide comprehensive coverage next semester.

Email Sports Editor Stephen Anderson at steander@mtu.edu if interested.

This week on www.mtulode.com:

Today (Jan. 14): Hockey preview of Alaska Anchorage, Current Huskies in the Pros, Nordic Skiing update, Basketball recap of Winter Break, Broomball preview, Basketball game recaps Saturday: Hockey live blogs, Hockey game recaps, Basketball game recaps Sunday: Blog posts Monday: Broomball week preview Tuesday: In-depth feature on balancing academics and athletics for Michigan Tech’s student athletes Wednesday: Basketball previews, Broomball coverage Every week on www.mtulode.com:

• • • • • •

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How many games did you attend over Winter Break?

How many games will the hockey team win this year?

Will you be participating in any of the athletic Winter Carnival activities?

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DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer What does the new NHL’s worst home record buy you these days? If you are Andy Murray, it buys you more free time than you bargained for, as he was removed as head coach of the St. Louis Blues on January 2. Replacing him is former Huskies’ forward Davis Payne as the interim head coach with the possibility of earning the job full-time.

Spartans regained the one-goal lead and Robinson surrendered the next eight Spartans’ tallies.

In the Consolation Game, the Huskies spotted the Wolverines a pair of goals before assistant captain Brett Olson cut into the lead in the second period.

Kattelus and Baker both scored third-period goals, but the Wolverines were able to hold on the win, 5-3.

Robinson made 39 stops in the loss.

Returning to WCHA action did little to help the Huskies off the slide on Friday, Jan. 8. Spotting St. Cloud three goals before finally finding the back of the net wasn’t any good, either.

Captain Malcolm Gwilliam and Baker both scored third-period goals, but St. Cloud was able to hold on for a 4-2 win.

Genoe replaced Robinson after the third St. Cloud goal and would make 11 stops over the second half of the game.

On Saturday night, Royer got the Huskies on the board first, but that was all they could muster, as St. Cloud notched five straight to win 5-1.

Genoe made 19 stops in the loss.

Last night, the Huskies again took a 1-0 lead after a goal from Royer, but they couldn’t hold the lead for more than a minute or so, ending the game in a 1-1 tie with the Wildcats.

Genoe made 33 stops in the tie.

This weekend, the Huskies will face the Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves. The Seawolves have nine points in WCHA while sporting a 4-11-1 record, good for ninth.

They are fresh off a one-point weekend in Denver.

Senior Kevin Clark (8-6=14) and junior Tommy Grant (410=14) lead the way for head coach Dave Shyiak’s squad. Clark leads the team in goals and power-play goals (3).

Sophomore Curtis Leinweber (3-4=7) leads a relatively young defensive corps. Freshman Lee Baldwin (1-6=7) gets stronger every weekend.

Senior Jon Olthuis (3-7-1 overall, 3.23 goals against average, .881 save percentage) and junior Bryce Christianson (3-6-0 overall, 3.75 goals against average, .867 save percentage) continue to split time between the pipes.

Payne played four years at Michigan Tech from 1988 to 1992, amassing 71 points in 130 games. His best season was his junior season when he notched 35 points in 41 games.

Originally drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 1989, Payne never dressed for his first team, but instead played parts of two seasons with the Boston Bruins from 1995-1997, notching one assist in 22 games.

By # the er nu m b

4

GLIAC player of the week honors for Katie Wysocky out of five opportunities.

She leads the league in rebounding and shooting percentage.

9

game home losing streak for the Michigan Tech men’s basketball team dating back to Jan. 10, 2009. They play twice at home this week.

12

game losing streak for the hockey Huskies was snapped with Tuesday’s tie over Northern Michigan. The NMU game was the first OT game and first tie of the year for Tech.

16

three-point shots made by the men’s basketball team in Saturday’s 90-73 victory over Tiffin. Matt Gaedke made seven from behind the arc and Tyler Molesworth made six .

21

points away from 1,000 career points for Katie Zimmerman. Katie Wysocky, Sarah Stream and Danae Danen have already reached that mark for the Huskies.

Schedules/Results Hockey (3-18-1, 2-14-0 WCHA) St. Cloud State 4-2 MTU St. Cloud State 5-1 MTU MTU 1-1 Northern Michigan Fri. vs. Alaska-Anch., 7:07 p.m.

Sat. vs. Alaska-Anch., 5:07 p.m.

Visit uscho.com for full standings

W. Basketball (12-1, 7-1 GLIAC) MTU 88-65 Ashland MTU 89-63 Tiffin Thurs. vs. Hillsdale, 5:30 p.m.

Sat. vs. Findlay, Noon

M. Basketball (3-10, 2-6 GLIAC) Ashland 73-62 MTU MTU 90-73 Tiffin Thurs. vs. Hillsdale, 7:30 p.m.

Sat. vs. Findlay, 2 p.m.

Visit gliac.org for full standings

Nordic Skiing No race until Jan. 23, 24

continued on mtulode.com

Editor’s Shootout

The Editor’s Shootout is a competition of knowledge, luck and wits between sports editor Stephen Anderson, business manager Richard Goodell, pulse editor Luke Gublo and online editor Jeremiah Baumann. Stephen won two years ago with former opinion editor Rob Devaun winning last year. This will be a weekly feature where each editor picks his winners of the three biggest games/series of the week and backs up his decisions with a short rant. THIS WEEK: Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Blackhaws at Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Mavericks at Boston Celtics

LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor 1-2 Last Week, 24-15 Overall

RICHARD GOODELL Business Manager 2-1 on Dec. 10, 20-19 Overall

JEREMIAH BAUMANN Online Editor 2-1 on Dec. 10, 20-19 Overall

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor 2-1 on Dec. 10, 20-19 Overall

The Cowboys are currently the hottest team in football, and will be playing on the road against the ageless one, Brett Favre. Unless he retires before 1:00 pm on Sunday, I’d expect a Minnesota win. The Blackhawks visit the Red Wings on Sunday. The Wings have struggled all season with injuries. Don’t expect it to get much better against the NHL-point leading Chicago Blackhawks. The Celtics have home court against the Dallas Mavericks, so expect a Boston win.

Vikings 31-23 Blackhawks 3-1 Celtics 99-94

The Vikings are, despite the hype surrounding Dallas, definitely the better team in this matchup. With Favre as not only the primary threat in the passing game, he is also a master of management, especially in his Vikings iteration. Romo and the ‘Boys can’t keep up with this high-powered offense, and the Vikes roll on to the Conference Championships. I refuse to pick the Red Wings, as they’ve bitten me too many times.

Vikings 42-27

Its a new semester and its time for some good hockey and football playoffs. Minnesota will be well rested after last week’s bye and ready to take on the Cowboys. The metro-dome is a hard place to play. Detroit will be able to take it to Chicago as they struggle after the Wild destroyed their ego on Saturday. Went with Boston to keep the home advantage pattern.

Vikings 31-28

Hopefully the spring semester is more kind to me. I hate Dallas and Minnesota both so much, so if this was the regular season, I’d probably go with a tie. All bitterness aside, something in me would like to see Favre go out on a high note, and they’re at home, and Dallas likes to choke; Vikings win. I can’t imagine the playoffs with Detroit in it, and I think they’ll steal one from Chicago. Dallas will sneak up on people this year; Dirk with 40 in a win.

Vikings 30-20

Blackhawks 4-2 Celtics 120-100

Red Wings 4-2 Celtics 104-98

Red Wings 4-3 Mavericks 105-99

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 14, 2009

Sports

Hockey Huskies finally return home

7A

8A Husky Hodgepodge

Culture

Shock #14 t r o Rep

s ’ t a h T what...

she said Carol Ostrowski

JUN (MILES) NI Lode Writer

Follow the thoughts of one international student as he discovers the ins and outs of life in America Welcome back to snow town Huskies! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I know break was a little bit short, but we have more exciting stuff to do this semester. Are you ready for Winter Carnival? I’m ready for summer already.

I’m so glad that I can stay at back page and keep my column. In 2010, I will still focus on the different culture elements between China and America. Somehow, I will also add some latest news which happens in China. 2010 is a big year for China.

Well, I would like to start my first article this year with Christmas. Will you believe it if I tell you that China celebrates Christmas also? In Western culture, Christmas is a holiday to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday. In China, however, Christmas is a big opportunity for all merchants. You can see huge pine trees in malls and Santa’s image everywhere. Although we don’t have days off during Christmas time, the mall is always crowded like a concert just finished. It is more commercial than religion-based.

This Christmas is my second one with American families. I went home with my American friends and stayed with them the whole break.

The morning of Christmas day is still my favorite part.

The whole family sits down around the Christmas tree and opens presents. We also spent one day helping to put Christmas lights out. Those colorful lights fit wonderfully in the snow and make the winter warmer.

After visiting American families, I found out each family has pets. Dogs and cats are pretty common. I also saw some of my friends have lizards and snakes at home.

Animal treatment in China is another huge shock for most Americans. We eat all kinds of meat. Friends keep telling that dogs are friends, not food, but for some reason, those little fuzzy animals always scare the hell out of me. In my opinion, dog is the same as pig or cow. They are all animals and edible. The only pet I had in my life was a tank of fish. They died the week after my mom gave them to me. She will never buy any pet for me after that.

I’m a fish killer.

During the break, I also went to Detroit to watch the hockey game. Thanks to the Lode, I got a free express pass and I have to write something about it. I didn’t know any winter sports before I came here. Last winter, I learned skiing and skating.

Michigan Tech played against Michigan State at the first day and against the University of Michigan the other day. I really enjoyed the games but felt pity that we lost both games.

Also, I had my first balldrop experience at Grand Rapids. It was not as big as New York’s Times Square, but it was still pretty exciting to count down 10 seconds and celebrate 2010 with another 31,000 people.

That’s all about my break.

My favorite thing to do with my girl friends is eat a lot of food.

Materials Science and Engineering Second year

Ashley Purry My favorite thing to do with my girl friends is watch movies and talk about boys.

Business Management First year

Keara Scott

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday January 14th, 2010

What is your favorite thing to do with your same-sex friends ?

he said

Alex Bomstad My favorite thing to do is to go play football, ultimate frisbee or go to the gym...

General Engineering First year

Calvin Demerath My favorite thing to do with the guys is play video games.

Computer Networking First year

Nick Gast

My favorite thing to do with my girl friends would be hang out, chat and watch movies.

Me and my friends like to dress up like our favorite Top Gun characters and then have a giant tickle fight.

Biomedical Engineering Fourth year

Materials Science and Engineering Fifth year

Visit www.mtulode.com for these and more student video responses

Event reminders SACS Comedian

Who: Dan Cummins Where: MUB Ballroom When: Jan. 15, 10 p.m.

Circo Comedia

Where: Rozsa Center When: Jan. 16, 3-5 p.m.

Involvement Fair

Where: MUB Ballroom When: Jan. 19, 7-9 p.m.

Blood Drive versus Northern Michigan

Where: J.R. Van Pelt Library When: Jan. 20, 12-6 p.m.

Student poll Did you enjoy your break?

No - 17% Yes - 83%

Student responses are based on our weekly online poll. Please vote on next week’s question:

Are you going to help build a Winter Carnival statue?

Vote at: www.mtulode.com

On this day

1784

The United States ratified a peace treaty with England which ended the Revolutionary War.

1952

NBC’s Today show premiered.

Courtesy of www.reference.com