01/21/10

Looking for off-campus housing? Classifieds

2A

An all Michigan movie details on...

Advice from the snazzy “Ask Sassy”

4A

4A

Michigan Tech Lode Celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Michigan Tech The

January 21, 2010

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

CRYSTAL HIGGINBOTHAM News Editor

Photo Courtesy of Flickr

M

onday, Jan. 18, 2010 at noon, Michigan Tech, the Black Student Association, and Multicultural Affairs kicked off the annual celebration honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event started with the delivery of Dr. King’s famous speech, “I Have a Dream” on the steps of the Memorial Union Building. The speech was delivered by second year Mechanical Engineering Student, Gregory D. Hardy; following the speech was a candlelight vigil and peach march, routed from the Memorial Union Building to the Rozsa Center Atrium, accompanied by the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing, We Shall Over Come, and Amazing Grace.

At the Rozsa Center Atrium, the Black Student Association hosted the Dr.. Martin Luther King, Jr. Reception. Students from Finlandia and L’Anse High School came out to join in the celebration. The reception featured presentations continued on 2A MLK at Tech

“I Have a Dream”: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his famous “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963.

Rhythm skateshop hosts second annual Jibba Jabba Rail Jam

U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak speaking at St. Al’s on Pro-Life Issues CRYSTAL HIGGINBOTHAM News Editor

T

That was close! Jibba Jabba Rail Jam competitor almost hits his head on the rail as he completes the course.

Lode photo by Alex Cotton

TARA SOTRIN Lode Writer

O

n Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 the streets were filled with glorious snow, for the second annual Jibba Jabba Rail Jam hosted by Rhythm skateshop in downtown Houghton.

The event was held on Huron Street, snow piled high from the plows blocking off the section of street next to the skateshop.

Hot dogs from local vendors and chilli, soup, hot cocoa, and Monster energy drinks provided by the Library Bar and Grill

warmed the crowd and rejuvenated the competitors.

Over one hundred competitors took their turn on the hill, more than doubling the turnout from the last year. Competitors came from around the U.P. including members of the snowboarding community from Marquette who put on a show, with Rob Michel of Northern Michigan University winning first-place in the advanced category.

The warm, sunny weather may have helped the community gathering. T-shirts and bandanas went to all participants, part of the $10 entrance fee, while cash prizes and merchandise

went to the top three winners in each category: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Skiing.

The competition was an impressive collaboration between the youthful culture of snowboarding, the city of Houghton, and local business. With events like these, the progression of the snowboarding culture in Houghton and Keweenaw counties continues to advance. Last winter, the mild temperatures and sizable snow pack attracted notice from nationally renowned Forum snowboarding team. Look for familiar scenes such as behind Shopko and area’s just off of Sheldon Avenue in the Continued on 2A Jibba Jabba

Online exclusives PDF Archives of all issues this year

his Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 U.S. Congressman, Bart Stupak will speak on Pro-Life issues for the Friday Night Fireside Fellowship at St. Albert the Great University Parish starting at 7:00 p.m. Congressman Stupak has been a Democratic member of the United States House of Representatives since 1993, representing Michigan’s First Congressional District.

Congressman Stupak says, “By working with my Pro-Life colleagues and with Speaker Pelosi, I was able to secure an up or down vote on my amendment with regards to federal funding of abortion. My amendment does one very simple thing: It applies current law (the Hyde Amendment), which bars federal funding for abortion except in the case of rape, incest or life of the mother, to the health care reform bill.

The Hyde Amendment has been the law of the land on federal funding of abortion since 1977 and applies to all other federally-funded health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, the VA and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP).

My amendment is not new federal abortion policy but continues current law.

My amendment has no impact on those individuals with private insurance who do not receive affordability credits

and in no way prohibits any individual from purchasing a supplemental abortion coverage policy. Health insurance companies can still offer policies that cover abortion; insurance companies just can’t sell those policies to individuals using affordability credits to pay for the policy. My amendment was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 240 to 194 on November 7, 2009 and was included in H.R. 3962. Without the votes of 41 Democratic ProLife supporters of my amendment, health care reform never would have passed the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Go to http://www.house.gov/ stupak/issues_healthcare_update.shtml for more details about Congressman Stupak views.

Congressman Stupak‘s amendment is not being accepted by all. Planned Parenthood, creators of the world’s largest abortion and women’s health clinic states, “ the amendment violates the underlying principle of health care reform.” There argument is that the amendment “prohibits any coverage of abortion in the public option and prohibits anyone receiving a federal subsidy from purchasing a health insurance plan that includes abortion. It also prohibits private health insurance plans from offering through the exchange a plan that includes abortion coverage to both subsidized and unsubsidized individuals.” For more information about Planned Parenthood perspective go to http://www. plannedparenthoodaction.

Check it all out at: www.mtulode.com Sports

Husky Hodgepodge

Live blogs during games Game recaps

Check out the thoughts of one international student in the “Culture Shock Report #15.”

2A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 21, 2010

News

Highlights from the 2010 Student Involvment Fair Michigan Tech hosted its annual Student Involvement Fair with illuminating pride Tuesday night. A galvanizing number of students were in attendance at the fair to get a glimpse of the organizations active on campus.

The purpose of the event is to seek encouragement for student involvement on campus and gives organizations a chance to display their mission and purpose.

As many as 85 student organizations were in attendance at the fair this year as compared to the 80 that were in attendance last year. Organizations ranged from community service involvement such as Circle K International to extracurricular activities like Chess Club to adventurous organizations such as the Outdoor Adventure Program. Also in attendance were Engineers Without Borders (EWB), USG, Kappa Sigma Accounting Club, SEEN, and the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. Story continued at www. mtulode.com/news Find a shoe that best fits you! The 2010 theme for the student Involvment Fair held January 19, 2010 in the Memorial Union Ball

contd.

Jibba Jabba

Forum film released earlier this winter, “Forever”. Houghton, and the U.P. in general, has long been praised by the lucky few who

have traveled here looking for outdoor adventures. See story on www.mtulode.com/news

contd.

MLK at Tech

and entertainment from several members of the Black Student Organizations, including Darius Watt, Kari L. Brown, and Al Jordan.

Monday night continued with the Black Student Association hosting a showing of HBO’s “When the Levees Broke, Part 1 & 2” in Walker 134.

On Wednesday, Jan. 20, Student Activities, Health Options for a Wellness Lifestyle (HOWL), and the Black Student Association hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. blood drive service project.

A. William Kennedy, the director of the Center for Teaching, Learning and Faculty Development, was the guest speaker at the DiversiTEA, “Class and Privilege Among Students,” event also held on Wednesday.

The student chapters of the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers will host a panel discussion, “The Lives of Dr. Martin Luther King and Cesar Estrada Chavez” today at noon in the Memorial Union

Peninsula Room, Tonight at 6:00 p.m., Chet DeFonso, a faculty member from Northern Michigan University, will present “Civil Rights, Then and Now,” in Fisher 325. DeFonso’s visit is brought to you by the sponsorship of the Keweenaw Pride organization.

On Saturday, Jan. 23, MLK week will continue the spirit of service with Student Activities invitation to volunteers to bake bread for the elderly from 9:00 a.m. to noon in the Wadsworth Hall dining area. For more information, e-mail www.communityservice@mtu.edu .

On Saturday night MLK week will conclude with the annual MLK Banquet, at 6:00 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom.

The guest speaker will be Joe Rogers, former lieutenant governor of Colorado, and founder of The Dream Alive Program. Rogers is an inspirational speaker who focuses on leaders within the civil rights movement. Tickets are $20 and are available thru Multicultural Affairs by calling (906) 487-2920.

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.

Bookkeeper, onsite, part time. Excellent Bookkeeping/GL, Quickbooks and organizational skills required. Email resume om@ sigmacapital.net.

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, Jan. 29, 2010.

Large 3 bedroom apartment overlooking canal $550.

Four Bedroom house with large rooms and laundry hookups in basement $650. Both have plenty of parking , stove and refrigerator. No pets.

Available 6/1/2010 for 12 month lease.

Call: (906) 482-1437 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.

MackinacParks.com, call (231) 436-4100

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 21, 2010

Pulse

3A

The Tonight Show battle LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor

S

ince the 1995 appearance of Hugh Grant on “The Tonight Show, with Jay Leno,” NBC has consistently won the battle of late show ratings. The appearance by Grant, addressing his arrest by the L.A. Vice Squad for lewd behavior, catapulted then-host Jay Leno’s Tonight Show past CBS’ “The Late Show with David Letterman.”

Unfortunately for NBC, the honeymoon may soon be over, as many of their decisions regarding their evening and late night programming have come back to haunt them. Among the decisions which could be considered questionable include nominating Conan O’Brien, the previous host of “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” as a successor five years in advance, as well as dropping their use of drama series’ during the 10 p.m. hour in order to accomadate a variety show hosted by none other than Jay Leno, outgoing hose of “The Tonight Show.”

In reality, all of these decisions have clearly had an effect on the ratings disaster that has been prevalent on NBC for the past few months. The effect has been

no more obvious than with local news broadcasts for NBC’s many affiliates, who have complained that their ratings have fallen due to Jay Leno’s poor peformance in his capacity as host of “The Jay Leno Show.”

NBC, for their part, suggested a return for Jay Leno to the 11:35 p.m. time slot that he had previously held on “The Tonight Show,” which would have caused the start of the current “The Tonight Show” to be moved to 12:05 a.m. On paper, this seemed like a good solution for NBC, however, Conan O’Brien patently refused to do so, causing a major rift for the Peacock that will be hard to mend.

For their part, Letterman and Jimmy Kimmel, host of ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” have been making lots of hay over the controversy. Letterman featured the opening to a mock version of a Law and Order show, titled “Law and Order, Leno Victims Unit.” On the Jan. 12 edition of “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Kimmel imitated Jay Leno for the entirety of the show, even going as far as dressing up like him and having his bandleader imitate Kevin Eubanks, Leno’s long-time bandleader. Kimmel also appeared on The Jay Leno Show on Thursday night, completely grilling Leno

during the “10 at 10” segment.

Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien has enjoyed enhanced popularity from his falling out on NBC, especially on the internet due to the development of a supposed “Team CoCo,” a group of fans incensed with NBC’s push to remove O’Brien from his spot on NBC. Top executives at NBC is largely blaming Conan for the fallout, citing low ratings and an unwillingness to change.

“I like Conan enormously personally,” said NBC Executive Dick Ebersol, speaking with the New York Times last week. “He was just stubborn about not being willing to broaden the appeal of his show.”

Ebersol also added that O’Brien, as well as Letterman, were being unfair to Leno in regards to his role within the affair.

“They’re just striking out at Jay,” Ebersol said. “It seems like professional jealousy.”

Where NBC will go from here is anyone’s guess. While they will get what they want with returning the 10 p.m. hour back to drama programming and having Leno host “The Tonight Show,” time will only tell whether the damage inflicted by this whole affair will affect NBC’s ratings in a negative way.

Embattled TV host Conan O’Brien Photo taken by John J. Kruzel

Hypontist Dale K. to perform Friday LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor

O

n Friday Jan. 22, the Rozsa Center will be hosting hypontist-comedian Dale K. The show is being presented by the Wadsworth Hall Student Association, and promised to be a night of hilarious comedy.

Dale K., a native of New Lenox, Ill., performs for colleges all across the country, as well as performing at corporate events. He became aware of his hypnotic capabilities at a young age, using family and friends as his test subjects.

Since this time, his work as a hypnotist-comedian has allowed him the opportunity to perform a yearly tour of over 200 cities worldwide, according to his website.

Tickets are currently on sale at the Rozsa Center and SDC box offices. Tickets cost $10. Major funding for the event was provided by Wadsworth Hall Student Association, Douglass Houghton Hall Council, McNair Student Association, and the Inter-Residence Hall Council.

McArdle Theater to Host Annual Jazz Club Cabaret RAEANNE MADISON Lode Writer

Absolutely mind blowing: Hypnotist Dale K’s intimidating promotion poster helps to build anticipation for his upcoming shows. Dale K is scheduled to perform on Friday.

Photo courtesy of www.dalek.com

Dan Cummins preforms in the MUB Saturday night in front of a full house. Cummins preformed as part of Student Activities Comedy Series (SACS). SACS was created in 2007 as a late night alchohol free event for students and is funded by the student activity fee. Ronnie Jordan will be perfoming on Feb. 19th. For more info visit http:// www.sa.mtu.edu/stulife/sacs/ Photo by Caitlin Pionke

T

his Friday and Saturday, Jan. 22 and 23, the annual Jazz Club Cabaret will be held in McArdle Theater. The show, beginning at 7:30 pm, will feature some of Michigan Tech’s finest jazz musicians in various small combos. Also playing will be local favorites RealTime Jazz Band, and the Calumet High School Jazz Experience, directed by Scott Veenstra. In true Cabaret style, the concert will feature table seating and concessions by the campus music Fraternity Mu Beta Psi. Of course, no two nights of jazz are the same, so each night will be a treat for the whole family.

Tickets prices are as follows: General $10, children age 18 and under $5, MTU students with ID free. Please show your support for local area jazz musicians and join in on the fun!

For more information contact the Roza Center of Performing Arts Box Office at (906) 487-3200. Window and phone service hours are Mon. - Fri. 11:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. including two hours prior to every performance.

Our visit www.rozsa.

4A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 21, 2010

Feature

Independent filmer Ask Sassy makes movie magic in Michigan

Dear Sassy, It has only been a few weeks into the new year and I cannot seem to keep my resolution to exercise. I promised myself that I would work out at least three times a week and I have yet to go to the gym once. How can I motivate myself to make a new me?

Sincerely,

Renegade Resolutionist

“Oblivion”, a chilling drama, bases shooting and production in the Great Lakes State.

Dear Renegade , Not all resolutions are created equal. It’s possible you simply do not possess the self-control and discipline to accomplish your goal made undoubtedly in a champagne-induced moment of optimism on the stroke of midnight. This is why resolutions are best made on New Year’s Day, when you are able to comprehend that a new calendar does not necessarily represent a new you.

Because your will is not strong enough to take on the challenge of regular physical exercise, I will suggest a few stepping stones you might take which will help you get to the gym and “motivate yourself to make a new you” as you so eloquently put it.

Have a night in. Make some popcorn and watch a documentary on the heart disease epidemic in America. Then, before bed each night, hunker down with a hot cup of tea and a medical journal detailing the connection between obesity and diabetes. Hopefully this can help get you motivated. Happy New Year!

ELIJAH HAINES Opinion Editor

W

hen filming, actors, or film premieres are mentioned, they usually conjure an image of glamorous Hollywood. The world of film-making seems to be a world apart, filled with designer gowns, champagne, and million-dollar salaries. However, independent film-makers like Heather Robinson are making movie magic right here in Michigan and wouldn’t change a thing.

Robinson is the creator of the independent film company Eightyproof Sunshine Films, whose latest movie “Oblivion” (being premiered July 15) is being filmed entirely in the Great Lakes State using an entire cast of Michigan actors. Robinson is the director and writer for the film. “Being a Native of Michigan, I grew up like many dreaming of going to Hollywood and making it big,” recalls Robinson. “Independent and student film-making has been around in Michigan for a long time. It is only recently that people have begun to take notice.”

“Oblivion” is the gripping story of a serial killer whose amnesia prevents him from remembering his horrific deeds. All seems well as his family constructs a new life for him and he acquires a girlfriend and a successful business. But as his grisly past begins to surface, he teeters on the brink between normalcy and falling back into his dark ways. “…you have plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience guessing if he can control his urges or succumb to the darkness,” says Robinson.

Michigan may seem like an unlikely place to shoot and premiere such an involved and gripping tale as “Oblivion”, but Robinson was eager to demonstrate the talent of Michigan actors as well as illuminate the benefit of using Michigan as a place to shoot films. “I love the fact that we can showcase these wonderful actors and amazing crew that are right here in Michigan. Plus you get to see parts of Michigan that most people never get to,” explained Robinson.

The actors involved in “Oblivion” range from award-winning to first-time actors, but all are promised to deliver powerful performances. The lead character and serial killer, Gaige Tandum, is played by Neil Willoughby.

“He does a stellar job of playing the role as if he were Gaige. He can be scary when he needs to be

Dear Sassy I just purchased my first home. It’s a great house in a small, nice neighborhood. However, my neighbors have been more than unfriendly ever since I cut down a small tree in the backyard. During a lecture by my peeved neighbor I learned that it was a 100 year old apple tree that apparently blooms during the summer, which she loved. How can I mend relations with my angry neighbors?

Sincerely,

Hated Neighbor

Closer than you would expect: Upcoming horror film “Oblivion” based its filming in our own backyard. The film is scheduled to premier this summer, July 15, in Canton, MI. Photo courtesy of Heather Robinson Director/Writer of Oblivion.

and also a terrific leading man,” Robinson said of the leading man. “His love scenes are stellar.

The girls will really love him on screen.”

Gaige Tandum’s wife, Harmony, is played by the award-winning Sarah Benedict. The actress won the award for Best Supporting Actress at the Los Angeles Film Festival for her performance in the film “Solitude”. “She is a brilliant actress and I look forward to seeing the public’s reaction to her performance…in ‘Oblivion’.”

The director of photography for “Oblivion”, Michigan native Brett Meyer, also won several awards for his film “Holding Hands”.

Not all members of the cast are veterans of film however. The antagonist, Ripley, is played by the newcomer Michael Lazzara.

Robinson spoke highly of the new actor. “He can play creepy very well but to meet him he is the sweetest, most loving person. He can turn on the crazy quickly for his role though and is loving playing such a dark character.”

As well as highlighting the talent of Michigan actors, showing the beauty and intrigue of Michigan is something Robinson fervently hopes her new film can accomplish. “When a lot of people think of Michigan they think of Detroit, followed by ‘bad’. This

is so not the case. Michigan is beautiful, and so is Detroit.”

The list of films that have used Michigan as a backdrop is not long. “Anatomy of a Murder” and “8 Mile” are two prominent films that have embraced Michigan as a setting and portrayed a vivid, albeit stylized, portrait of the state.

In 2008, tax incentives were established as a way to make Michigan a destination for filmmakers. The hope is that more film-makers will choose Michigan in which to shoot and produce, thereby providing money and employment for the state.

For Michigan Tech students, Eightyproof Sunshine Films presents numerous opportunities for extras looking for their 15 minutes of fame. “We are always looking for extras,” said Robinson. Interested persons should send an email to epsfcasting@ gmail.com Although the Emagine Theater in Canton, Michigan may be hundreds of miles from Hollywood, Robinson plans a spectacular premier this summer. “It will be red carpet with limos and the whole nine yards. I am hoping a lot of people will come and see what we made.”

“Oblivion” aspires to be much more than another independent film. The storyline suggests a

Dear Hated, You need to move right away. Even if you managed to patch up relations after your butchering of a beautiful, ancient flowering tree, this incident is the first of a long string which will undoubtedly turn the whole neighborhood against you in time. If my prediction seems far-fetched or overly pessimistic, just give it time.

First you cut down the gorgeous tree that was planted eighty years before you were a plus sign on a pregnancy test.

Surely this was to make more room for your fantastic backyard barbecues or perhaps a tacky ready-made shed to hold your over-sized lawn mower, shiny, fully fueled, and ready to wake the neighbors early on a Saturday morning. Or maybe I am being too harsh. Perhaps you wanted to beautify the lawn by dedicated a space to your lawn gnome collection.

Your small army of garden gremlins will add that je ne sais quoi that will have the whole neighborhood talking.

If one or more of these ideas have passed, even fleetingly, through your mind, call a realtor and looking for a new home. Preferably one in a rural setting.

Dear Sassy, I really messed up this past weekend. I got a little drunk and sent my girlfriend a text I really regret. I told her she looked like Judge Judy and now she won’t talk to me. Help me make up for my dumb mistake!

Sincerely,

Tipsy Texter

Dear Tipsy, First of all, I don’t see how you could be in a relationship with anyone who even remotely resembles Judge Judy. That being said I think that there might just be to make amends for your thoughtless, though refreshingly honest, text.

The next weekend begin to text her again. This time, remain completely sober. Your texts however will all be about how drunk you are and how much fun you’re having. She will probably be expecting another offensive insult to appear in her inbox at any moment. This is precisely when you tell her she resembles Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, or any number of actresses regarded as beautiful by the general public.

Hopefully she won’t see through this thinly disguised attempt to win back her favor and all will be well.

chilling tale with actors fully capable to meet the demands of the complex emotions and drama presented in the plot. “Oblivion” is also a tribute to the Michigan film industry. Despite economic woes and difficult times for employment, Michigan actors,

producers, and directors are continuing to use their passion for film to create their art.

More information on “Oblivion” or Eightyproof Sunshine Films can be found at www. eightyproofsunshinefilms.homestead.com.

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 21, 2010

opinion

Parking, please!

DANNY MESSINGER Lode Writer

T

he Parking Task Force, an 11-member group of University members who were asked by President Glenn D. Mroz to review and evaluate current campus parking procedures, has been given a three-month extension for their deadline.

The Task Force was originally asked by President Mroz to evaluate the functionality and effectiveness of existing parking gates, current parking ticket violations and associated fines, the possibility of creating an appeals process for contested parking citations that will be efficient and effective and establishing collection procedures for persons delinquent in paying their parking citations. The Task Force was originally asked to have their set

of recommendations completed

by Jan. 1 but has been given until March 30 by request of Ellen Horsch, the chair of the Parking Task Force.

According to an e-mail sent by Horsch to President Mroz, “[t] he Parking Task Force has been meeting regularly to address our charge and committee tasks.”

To date, the Task Force has “[d]etermined that except for the visitor lot, we do not need gates for admittance in parking lots, [f ]ound the current decentralized structure should be centralized, [i]s developing electronic processes for yearly on-line registration” and “[r]ecognizes that the enforcement of current policies…must be applied consistently and updated to adhere to Michigan law.”

Judging by Horsch’s summation of the Task Force’s accomplishments, the group has not

been able to address many of the tasks that they were asked to evaluate. Out of the four points listed above, only one truly exhibits a definite change in parking policies. The other three merely state that the Task Force recognizes that there is a problem with current parking procedures.

The original charge put forth

by President Mroz asked the committee to address nine tasks.

Of these nine tasks, only two have been addressed according to Horsch’s e-mail to President Mroz. However, in the two-anda-half months that elapsed since the Task Force’s creation and Horsch’s update, it is surprising that so little concrete progress has been made. Perhaps the Task Force has been analyzing each task very closely, but Horsch’s email leaves me feeling less than optimistic.

So far, the Task Force’s meet-

Being grounded

5A

Is Michigan Tech doing its best to provide adequate student parking?

ings have not been open to the public. Students were told to email either Dan Bennett, director of Public Safety and Police Services, or one of the students on the Task Force in order to provide their input.

Last semester, the Undergraduate Student Government hosted a two-hour meeting during a school day in which students could talk with the Task Force about their questions, concerns and suggestions on the parking situation.

In Horsch’s e-mail to President Mroz, she states that “[w]e have made significant progress and have asked for input from various groups on campus.” However, if the only channels through which students could voice their concerns were poorly publicized e-mail addresses and a meeting in the middle of a school day, can the Task Force legitimately claim

that they have had sufficient student input?

The Task Force has doubled the amount of time they have to analyze the University’s parking policies, however the student body’s input seems to have taken the back seat. Although the Task Force claims to be available for student input, students have not been given ample opportunity to voice their opinions – especially for a topic that has as many repercussions as parking on campus.

With a two-fold increase in the time until their deadline, I would expect a two-fold increase in the amount of public forums for students to express their concerns and ideas. However, given that the Task Force’s meetings have been behind closed doors since its creation, I doubt that the group plans to become any more accessible before their deadline.

Michigan Tech Lode

Not just a punishment by peeved parents, but instead a way to refresh and reconnect LENA WILSON Opinion Writer

L

et’s think of an individual, we’ll call him Jeff. Jeff has a part- time job and is going to school. In fact, he’s a normal guy doing everyday normal things. Jeff wakes up in an insulated house and scoots about. Before he heads out the door he puts on soled shoes and most probably trots to his car and rides to another building, say work or school. He then proceeds into the structure for a period of time. He has some free time after school to go skiing for which he puts on some thick gloves and ski boots. Before leaving a for his house, he most likely puts on some shoes. At the end of the day when he finally gets to shed his footwear, he is back home.

When in Jeff ’s day is he in direct contact to the earth with his skin? This certainly makes a day barefoot at the beach sound enormously pleasing.

An average person, like Jeff, spends a majority of their time encapsulated in an artificial environment. It always feels nice to get outside and breathe a bit of fresh air but I don’t see people jumping for joy at the chance to throw off the sneakers and gallivant about bare foot.

I suppose the urgent necessity for concrete created the need for shoes. I can’t believe that any shoe can save our joints and bones from the stress of walking

on such a hard surface. Instead of being the norm of a city, grass and little gardens become accents to the much adored concrete.

Like the human approach to many aspects of life, alienation and separation from the earth becomes the selected solution.

What kind of effect does the lack of connection to the earth have on humans? How about on pets? How about house plants?

Here are some common complaints that have been linked to the lack of connection and consciousness: lack of energy, being stressed out, feeling listless or lost, lack of focus, getting wound up and so on. Even common problems like inflammation, poor teeth and hyperacidity (linked to numerous disorders) result from not being connected.

Why is it important to be in contact with the earth and why does it affect an individual’s health? What I am speaking about is being electrically connected to the earth. In other words, being grounded. It has been known for a long time that the earth is completely covered by electrons, which prevent oxidation. These free anti-oxidant electrons enter our bodies every time our skin comes into contact with the earth. The atmosphere is positively charged. Most of the diseases we know of today have an overwhelming connection with having an excess of positive charge in the human body.

We are constantly insulating

ourselves from the electrons the earth is wanting to give us. The process of grounding lets our body know where on earth it is, normalizes pH, changes respiration rate, and detoxifies the body.

A person is instantly grounded when one submerges in a body of water or stands on the conducting soils of earth. You’re dumb if you don’t get yourself out on a nice, warm day and at least stand on the dirt for five minutes.

There are various ‘grounding’ technologies to combat against our concrete, shoe and housing technologies that can be plugged into the ground on a outlet.

Technology to solve problems caused by technology: this seems to be a common theme.

I suggest you do a bit of research on this. You know, touch the ground a bit. Try running outside and rolling in the snow after the sauna. Hell, it’s a bit painful but with friends it’s a guaranteed blast. The next time you feel touchy, ornery, upset or have a headache just take a breather and try grounding.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to be mentally grounded as well. Maintaining calm can be done through paying attention to how your body feels and why it might feel that way. It’s a great step in the right direction to look up topics related to the human body such as pH (acidity) and electric charge. It’s an interesting field of research regardless of how one feels about the implications.

106 Memorial Union Building, Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 487-2404 • www.mtulode.com

Editor in Chief .................................Kayla Herrera Visuals Manager ....................................... Alex Cotton Business Manager................................Richard Goodell Online Editor..................................Jeremiah Baumann News Editor...............................Crystal Higginbotham Opinion Editor..........................................Elijah Haines Sports Editor ..................................Stephen Anderson Pulse Editor................................................Luke Gublo Winter Carnival Pictorial Editor ........................... TBD Advisor ........................................................Kara Sokol

Staff Writers - Sara Goodell, Jasween Jagjit, Daver Karnosky, Danny Messinger, Chris Morgan, Sally Sanderson, Anna Stasek, Lena Wilson, Lauren Wiza Circulation - Elliot Heinrich Visuals Staff - Becky Boeve, David

Faber, Kal Johnson, Antti Knutas, Lukas Lund, Eben Mannes, Jake Mohan, Caitlin Pionke, Phil Pomber, Erica Stanley, Ben Wittbrodt

Copy Editors - Craig Kalinowski, Amanda Gardiner

Unless otherwise noted, unsigned editorials represent the consensus of opinion of the senior editorial staff of the Michigan Tech Lode.

Opinions expressed in the Lode are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty, staff or administration of Michigan Technological University or the Michigan Tech Lode.

The Michigan Tech Lode is designed, written and edited

by Michigan Tech students.

The paper is printed every Thursday during fall and spring semesters.

The Lode is available free of charge at drop-off sites around campus and in the surrounding community.

To the best of its ability, the Michigan Tech Lode subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, the text of which is available at http://spj.org/ethics_code.asp.

The Lode is funded in part by the Michigan Tech Student Activity Fee.

1. lodecomment@mtu.edu for submitting comments to the Lode. Messages posted to this address are received by the editor in chief and faculty advisor and are forwarded to others on the staff as appropriate.

2. lodeads@mtu.edu for submitting classified ads to the Lode. Messages posted to this address are received by the business manager and secretary.

3. lodesubmit@mtu.edu for submitting articles and letters to the editor. Messages posted to this address are received by the editors and the faculty advisor.

Please submit all work as a Microsoft Word or plain text attachment.

Work submitted to the Lode should be submitted with the understanding that it may be printed by the Lode and/ or posted to the Online Lode, www.mtulode.com.

The Lode reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity and potentially libelous material. Submissions should not exceed 500 words.

6A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 21, 2009

Sports

#

Women prove caliber against top teams from GLIAC South; return By to road to face SVSU, LSSU the STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor The 1,590 people in the SDC gym rose to their feet several times in Saturday’s 82-70 victory over GLIAC South leader Findlay.

It was an impressive team performance in almost all facets of the game, but admittedly, several individual performances may have overshadowed even the game’s outcome.

Katie Zimmerman has been a constant three-point shooting threat during her career at Michigan Tech, so it was only fitting that

she would break her 1,000-careerpoint barrier with her third threepoint shot of the day. That was not the end for her. She nailed four more in the game to eclipse the school record, which she was previously tied with at six. Danae Danen also broke the career shot blocking record in the contest.

With two more wins under the belt, the Huskies (14-1, 9-1 GLIAC) head back on the road to take on Saginaw Valley State (4-11, 2-8 GLIAC) on Thursday and Lake Superior State (9-5, 6-4 GLIAC) on Saturday. Check out mtulode. com/sports/basketball for a complete preview.

Individual career records held by 2009-10 Women’s Basketball players: Most rebounds (1,020) - Katie Wysocky Most 10-or-more rebound games (53) -Katie Wysocky

For three! (above): Katie Zimmerman hit seven threepoint shots to break the school record against Findlay on Saturday. With her third three of the game, she eclipsed the 1,000-point mark of her career as well.

Three-point field goals attempted (551), made (251) and highest percentage (.456) - Katie Zimmerman

Nice try! (right): Danae Danen has been a shot blocking machine this year. She tallied seven blocks last week and has 18 this season. She also broke the school record (148) previously held by Carrie Pejka.

Most blocked shots - Danae Danen

Men look to build off home split, face Saginaw Valley and LSSU necessary to win games. Matt Gaedke has emerged lately to lead the team in scoring for three straight games. Ali Haidar After securing their first win has continued to show flashes of since Jan. 10, 2009, and their first brilliance in the post, and once winning streak of the season, the he and Mike Hojnacki can conMichigan Tech men’s basketball sistently score, the guards have looked like they were coming to- shown their ability to hit big gether heading into the second shots. Michigan Tech is second half of the season. in the GLIAC in three-point W h i l e shooting perthat may centage. be the case, The Husthe defendkies (4-11, Despite our bad start ing national 3-7 GLIAC) to the season, we have champion return to learned that we can Findlay Oilthe road this contend with anyone ers certainly week to take in the league. When s h o w e d on Saginaw Michigan Valley State we are playing our best, Tech that and Lake Suit is tough to beat us. they have a perior State, We need to work on long way to who have playing our best more go. The Husboth earned consistently. kies hung 7-3 records - MATT GAEDKE with the Oilin the conferers for the ence. first 14 minThe uputes of the c o m i n g game, as both teams exchanged stretch could be a make-or-break baskets nearly every position. point of the season as Michigan Findlay then turned on the jets, Tech will face four of the five wrapping up the first half with teams ahead of them in the GLIa 16-0 run. The visitors won by AC North Division standings, all 22 points, 77-55, and it was back of them on the road. Check out to the drawing board for Kevin mtulode.com/sports/basketball Luke’s young team. for a full preview of this weekMichigan Tech has the pieces end.

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor

r e b m nu

4

1,000-point scorers currently on Tech’s women’s basketball team: Katie Wysocky (1,588), Sarah Stream (1,246), Danae Danen (1,092) and Katie Zimmerman (1,014).

7

three-point shots made by Katie Zimmerman in Saturday’s victory over Findlay, breaking a school record. She had made six in a game several times.

12

goals scored by Brett Olson this season for the hockey Huskies, 25 percent of the entire team’s goal output. Michigan Tech has given up 106 goals, 48 on opponent’s power plays.

15

consecutive games without a win for the Michigan Tech hockey team. They have this weekend off before hosting Minnesota State Mankato the following Friday and Saturday.

369

days between home wins for the Michigan Tech men’s basketball team (Jan. 10,2009 - Jan. 14, 2010). Thursday’s 68-60 win over Hillsdale snapped the streak.

Schedules/Results Hockey (3-20-1, 2-16-0 WCHA)

“

Alaska Anchorage 6-2 MTU Alaska Anchorage 5-4 MTU No games this weekend Visit uscho.com for full standings

W. Basketball (14-1, 9-1 GLIAC) MTU 78-74 Hillsdale MTU 82-70 Findlay Thurs. @ Saginaw Valley St., 6 p.m.

Sat. @ Lake Superior State, 1 p.m.

“

M. Basketball (4-11, 3-7 GLIAC) MTU 68-60 Hillsdale Findlay 77-55 MTU Thurs. @ Saginaw Valley St., 8 p.m.

Sat. @ Lake Superior State, 3 p.m.

Visit gliac.org for full standings

Nordic Skiing Sat. @ Central Super Tour Driving the lane (above): Matt Gaedke puts home two of his teamhigh 13 points against Findlay. He notched 18 and 25 in wins against Hillsdale and Tiffin respectively. With the recent efforts, he becomes one of six Huskies averaging more than six points per game.

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: Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints, New York Jets at Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Red Wings at Minnesota Wild

LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor 2-1 Last Week, 26-16 Overall

RICHARD GOODELL Business Manager 2-1 Last Week, 22-20 Overall

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor 2-1 Last Week, 22-20 Overall

JEREMIAH BAUMANN Online Editor 1-2 Last Week, 21-21 Overall

The magic in Favre’s arm can only last so long, and the Saints are going to march in with a renewed fervor. It’s a tale of two strong defenses in each of the Conference matchups. The J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS are my pick to roll to the AFC slot in the SuperBowl on the back of their high-octane defense. As for these darn Dead Wings, I will continue picking against them until it fails me.

Saints 37-33

This year’s NFL playoffs has been fascinating, and I’m thankful that we haven’t picked every match-up, because I’m well below .500 in the postseason. Even after Favre threw four touchdowns last week, the Saints are a whole different beast than New Orleans. Even Reggie Bush got in on the action last week, and Brees will explode against the Viking D. I think Rex Ryan’s defense will pose problems for Manning, but Sanchez and crew will not be able to put up enough offense to defeat Indy. The Wings will finally come through for me in a “wild” 2-1 win.

Saints 34-24

I have to pick the Vikings because they have only gone to 4 Super Bowls in the history of the team. I’m use to them choking and would love to see them pull this off. I think the Colts will destroy New York to go through to the big game. And obviously being from Minnesota I have to choose my Wild. The Wings haven’t been playing well and Minnesota seems to finally be getting organized.

Vikings 31-21

Jets 28-18 Wild 5-2

Colts 23-17 Red Wings 2-1

Colts 34-21 Wild 3-2

7A Huskies still looking for answers after sweep by ninth-place Seawolves Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, January 21, 2009

Sports

Olson notches three weekend goals while Baker nets two DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer

Goal, goal, goal! Brett Olson scored not once, not twice, but three times this past weekend for Michigan Tech against Alaska Anchorage. The assistant captain leads the team with 12 goals and 22 points this season. The Huskies will get a much-needed break this weekend before hosting Mankato on Jan. 29 and 30 and Minnesota Duluth for Winter Carnival.

The Alaska-Anchorage Seawolves are the latest squad to gain at the Huskies’ expense, earning the all-important WCHA road sweep with a 5-4 win Saturday evening at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

Needing a better effort than Friday night’s performance, the Huskies came out hard and were rewarded for their efforts as they found a hole Seawolves’ goaltender Jon Olthuis’ armor.

Olson got the Huskies on the board with a shot at 7:54 that eluded Olthuis. Olson’s twelfth

After playing five games, four against WCHA opponents in nine days, the hockey Huskies have a rare January weekend off this coming week. The break probably couldn’t come at a better time as the Huskies have played a lot of hockey in a short amount of time.

“The guys need to get a break here and recharge both physically and mentally,” said Huskies’

MARC SANKO Lode Writer This weekend the Michigan Tech Nordic Ski teams will head to the Twin Cities for the Central Super Tour Races on Saturday and Sunday. Tech skiers look to rebound after having difficulties in Anchorage, Alaska when they ran into not only a tough field of skiers but also had a day of equipment problems (waxing issues).

The good news to take from Alaska is that Tech skiers fared well against Central Region Skiers.

The Women will be led by Riikonen-Purtsi who finished the weekend in Alaska tied for second overall in the Central Region. Senior Elizabeth Quinley will be counted on if the team has a chance of doing well. Quinley finished with 75 points in Alaska finishing 13th overall. On the Men’s side, the team will lean on two guys who had big weeks in Alaska. Senior Jesse Lang finished 4th in the Central Region and 9th overall. Colin Singleton finished 15th overall with 61 points, but the numbers have to be taken with a grain of salt on both sides with the waxing issues that slowed down the times and cost the team points in Anchorage.

With the bad waxing, which hopefully will be avoided this weekend, taken into account it seems as though Tech Skiers should have a good weekend in Minneapolis as they face off against Central Region competition. The next leg of the Central Super Tour will take place next weekend in Cable, Wisconsin.

Nordic skiing fundraiser successful On January 16-17, the Huskies hosted the inaugural Keweenaw Nordic Ski Festival Sponsored by The Library Restaurant and Brew Pub, which served as a fundraiser for the nordic ski teams.

Races for all ages took place between two and ten kilometers in length.

Visit http://www.keweenawtrails.com/KeweenawNordic/ index.htm for more information on the event, including details for next year.

continued at mtulode.com

Huskies have week to regroup before hosting MSU Mankato DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer

Nordic skiers eager to face regional competition at Central Super Tour

of the season was set up by Gwilliam and junior forward Bennett Royer.

Olson nearly extended the Huskies’ lead to two, but his shot sailed just over the net and ended up heading back the other way into the Huskies’ net.

The Seawolves netted the next four consecutive goals.

Baker began the Huskies’ rally at 14:35 of the second period by lifting his own rebound shot past Olthuis. Senior Drew Dobson and junior defenseman Deron Cousens both picked up assists on the goal, Baker’s sixth of the season.

Photo by Caitlin Pionke

head coach Jamie Russell. “It’s a good time for a week off.”

It hasn’t been the kind of stretch Huskies’ fans and players have been hoping for, with the team going 0-4-1 over that time. In fact, the Huskies haven’t won a game since Friday, Nov. 13 when they defeated the Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs.

The Huskies will spend parts of this week and all of next week prepping for the Minnesota State Mavericks. continued at mtulode.com

Want to make money watching

?

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

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

Lode SportS Talk Radio

91.9 FM Sat. 10-Noon Check out the “Michigan Tech Lode” Facebook page on Friday night to see this weekend’s special guests!

This week on www.mtulode.com:

(Above): Senior Captain Oskar Lund navigates the Michigan Tech trails during the Michigan Tech Challenge earlier this year. He will be one of the skiers that Coach Joe Haggenmiller will look to for leadership as the team competes in Minneapolis.

(Below): Senior Captain Liz Quinley skies uphill on Tech Trails during competition earlier this year at the Tech trails. She will be looked to to lead the team this weekend.

Today (Jan. 21): Current Huskies in the Pros, Broomball preview, Basketball game recaps Saturday: 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:

• • • • • •

Article continuations All game recaps posted online the same day Interactive reader/fan polls (see below) Regular blog posts by sports staff Digital PDF archive of print editions Become a Facebook fan of the “Michigan Tech Lode”

Look for our special “Reader Interaction” section at www.mtulode.com/sports Vote online in this week’s polls: Who will lead the Michigan Tech men’s basketball team in scoring this season?

Will Katie Wysocky break the Tech career scoring record (1,856 -- she has 1,588 points)?

Will any Michigan Tech hockey netminder finish the season with a save percentage above .900?

We want to better serve you. Answer our short sports readership survey online now!

8A Husky Hodgepodge

Culture

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday January 21st, 2010

Event reminders

Shock

Dale K Hypnotist & Comedian Where: Rozsa Center When: Jan. 22, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

5 1 # t r Repo

The Latest Updates can be found online everyday!

Jazz Club Cabaret Where: McArdle Theater When:Jan 22, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

MLK Banquet Where: MUB ballroom Cost: 20$ per person When: Jan. 23, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Student poll Are you going to help build a snow statue for winter carnival?

JUN (MILES) NI Lode Writer

Yes! - 33%

Dear Huskies, Hi guys! How’s your first two weeks of class? Doing well? To tell you the truth, I have had a tough week this week. All the homework is due this week and I’m taking the most difficult classes in sophomore year. Also, I’m busy with finishing both of my enterprise and SAE-Aero projects. Meantime, my dear Mac’s keyboard and mouse pad are no longer functional… I was just told it needs 500 dollars to fix it. What a week!

Well, if you have time to complain about your life, why don’t you make it better? In the previous articles, I talked about lots of cultural difference between our two countries. However, I never spent any time to think about how I fit myself into this new culture and environment. I think today is the time.

Before I got on the plane to America, I didn’t know how to take care of myself. My parents got everything for me. As I said before, I was not allowed to go into the kitchen and laundry room. Even now, all I know how to do is to call my mom and ask her to send them to me. She spent 50 dollars in shipping fees to just send me some underwear. Sometimes when I wear those clothes my mom sent to me, my American friends would say: “Miles, you look like an Asian.” I am an Asian, always. Although I have been here almost two years, I still can’t get used to it. I may miss my parents and girlfriend back home and spend hours and hours talking with them on phone. I may have some weird behaviors and freak my friends out.

Food, weather, language and everything are only some aspects of culture differences. The culture I introduce to you may give you a shock. However, I’m also in shock of American culture. On some opinions, I can never, never agree with you guys. Sometimes when we talk about those sensitive topics, I just feel so offensive.

I’m in the engineering ethics class now and I think things I learned from that can explain something.

Different cultures and societies have their own ethics to judge whether things are right or wrong. Obviously, different cultures decide on ethics differently, and even conflict with each other. Generally, it might not cause big problems. But in some particular cases it does bring troubles to me. I’m not sure whether everyone has such experiences like me, but it’s very hard to deal with. Especially when the majority has the same ethics but I don’t.

Sorry guys, this week’s story may be too heavy and serious. I think the pressure from school and life has some effect on me. I believe I can handle all the stuff around me and bring you an interesting and funny story next week, I promise.

1 2

Nope, too cold - 66% Student responses are based on our weekly online poll. Please vote on next week’s question:

Do you think Hypnotism is real?

Vote at: www.mtulode.com

On this day

1813

Pineapple is introduced to Hawaii

1861

Georgia succedes from The Union.

1943 Visit us today! www.mtulode.com

Are you looking for a job?

Janis Joplin, American blues and pop singer is born.

1963

First ever disco was opened in Los Angeles. It was called the Whiskey-a-go-go

1979

Neptune becomes the closest planet as Pluto’s elliptical orbit takes it farther from the sun

January 21st: National Granola Bar Day Courtesy of www.reference.com and www.statesymbolsusa.org

Weather Outlook

Then we want you! Why work fast food when you could be a: Writer

Friday: Partly Cloudy

320F / 220F

Copy Editor Photographer Get paid to write, edit, photograph things that involve you and everyday campus life!

Contact us today at www.mtulode.com

Saturday: Chance of Snow 20% Chance of percipitation

340F / 180F

Sunday: Cloudy 50 % Chance of percipitation

330F / 300F Weather Courtesy of www.wunderground.com