3/25/2010

USG Elections Info

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Majora Carter Review

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Michigan Tech Lode

March 25, 2010

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge 2010 TARA SOTIRIN Lode Writer

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he Keweenaw Research Center (KRC) revved up for the Society of Automotives Engineers (SAE) Clean Snowmobile Challenge last week. Teams of students from 19 participating schools reengineered stock snowmobiles to clean up their act by emitting less emissions and noise while boosting or maintaining performance. Michigan Tech and the Keweenaw Research Center have hosted the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge for since 2003.

Teams re-engineered snowmobiles to be entered in two categories: Internal Combustion and Zero-Emissions. The theme for the internal combustion division, where the Michigan Tech Snowmobile entered in 2009, is Fuel Economy using E2X fuel—which is a gasoline-ethanol blend. The sleds in this division will be put through rigorous testing to explore each team’s ingenuity in designing a snowmobile that doesn’t just run on E2X, but excels with it.

The judges announced the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW-Madison) as winners of both categories (Internal Combustion and Zero Emissions) for the 2010 Society of Automotives Engineers (SAE) Clean Snowmobile Challenge last Saturday. This is the second year that UW-Madison has taken place at the top of both competitions.

Michigan Tech took second place in the internal combustion category for the second year in a row, and was also awarded the Land and Sea Award for Best Performance and the Altair Engineering Award for Design Simulation.

Clarkson University’s was

Silver Naber: Michigan Tech took second place in the internal combustion category for the second year in a row during the 2010 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge.

Photo courtesy of: flickr.com

awarded second place in the zero emissions category. They were also awarded the CH2M HILL Polar Service Range Event Award and the Keweenaw Research Center Draw Bar Pull Award.Placing third in the internal combustion category was the University of Idaho.

They also earned the International Engineering and Manufacturing (Woody’s) Award for Best Acceleration, the Polaris Industries Award for Best Handling, and the DENSO Corporation Award for Best Ride.

Fourth place winner of the internal combustion category was the State University of New York at Buffalo. Their dieselpowered snowmobile took the PCB Group Award for Quiet-

est Snowmobile, the Caterpillar Corporation Award for Innovation, and the Aristo Catalysts Inc. Award for Most Improved Snowmobile.

Kettering University finished fifth in the internal combustion category. McGill University finished third within the zero emissions category.

The University of MinnesotaDuluth received the Hawk Technology Safety Award.

The A&E Inc. Tools and Ken Cook Publications Award for Serviceability was given to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

This year’s competition had a newcomer—North Dakota State University.

They received the Rookie of

the Challenge Award. The University of Wisconsin-Platteville team members were honored with the Bill Paddleford Founder’s Award for Most Sportsmanlike Conduct for the help they provided to North Dakota State’s team during its first year at the Challenge.

Local community members jumped in on the annual event that celebrates engineering progression in one of Upper Peninsula’s most popular pastimes.

Notably Coca-Cola of Hancock approached the Coke Foundation and secured a $10,000 donation for the 2010 challenge.

The warm weather affected March 16 run, but none of the events during the challenge were cancelled. The endurance

run that was originally destined for Copper Harbor to test fuel consumption was relocated to the KRC test course. March 17 in-door event tested the emissions, and on March 19 he quietest running snowmobile with the Noise Event occurred.

All of the statistics in this article are from Tech Today article Madison Sweeps Clean Snowmobile Challenge, Tech Nabs a Silver. The SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge is held by the Keweenaw Research Center, the Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics.

To see the results and pictures from this years challenge go to http://www.mtu.edu/snowmobile/.

Huskies’ championship run cut short by Emporia State in Elite Eight STEPHEN ANDERSON Lode Writer The perfect script was written long before the Huskies ever stepped foot in Missouri for the 2010 NCAA Division II Elite Eight. After reaching the Elite Eight last year, this year’s women’s basketball team featured six seniors who led a Husky squad that started the year No. 1 in the polls. After putting together a school record 31 wins and taking the GLIAC and NCAA Midwest Regional Championships, the Huskies looked primed to end the year No. 1 as well.

Unfortunately, life does not always pan out as Hollywood would script it, and the Emporia State Lady Hornets put on an offensive clinic in a 91-85 victory over the Huskies, ending Michigan Tech’s chance at its first

championship in any sport in 35 years.

“Obviously we’re disappointed,” said head coach John Barnes. “Coming into the year, our goal was to win it all, but I’m still really proud of this team.”

The team has plenty to be proud of. Aside from the accomplishments mentioned above, the Huskies boast four players with more than 1,200 career points, and the Huskies have a 100-27 record over the past four years.

The Huskies jumped out to a 14-7 lead, with nine of those points coming from Danae Danen, who scored a career-high 30 points in the Regional Championship. The Hornets came back strong, though with a 12-3 run to take a slim two-point lead.

Neither team led by more than four points for the remainder of the first half, and Michigan Tech entered the intermission with a

Online exclusives Check it all out at: www.mtulode.com PDF Archives of all issues this year

slim 37-35 lead.

Even though the Huskies had a lead at the half, several statistics were alarming. Emporia State shot 57 percent in the opening frame, and outscored Michigan Tech 22-10 in the paint. The Hornets’ bench also outscored Tech’s bench 20-1.

The second half was more of the same for Emporia State, as they shot 57 percent again, outscored Tech in the paint 22-18, and dominated with a 32-2 advantage in bench points.

The Huskies tied the game for the seventh time at 37 just over a minute in, and held their last lead with 15:56 remaining after Danen hit a jumper. Emporia State built the lead to five points by the 12:45 mark and 10 points with 8:36 left. Michigan Tech battled back, but could only get within five points, as the Hornets kept answering, bucket for

bucket, completing the win with 11 free throws in the final five minutes.

All five Husky starters scored double-digit points, led by Katie Wysocky’s 22. Danen and Sarah Stream each scored 19, while Katie Zimmerman had 12 and Tara Ferris had 10. However, the bench only contributed three points, which made the difference. The Huskies shot a respectable 46 percent overall, 50 percent on 22 three-point field goal attempts, and 76 percent of 21 free throw attempts.

Emporia State was led by Alli Volkens’ 28 points, 22 of which came in the second half – she made 10 of 11 shots. Sophia Lenard, who joined Volkens in coming off the bench, scored 22 points, 10 of the points coming at the free throw line. Cassondra Boston scored 19 points, while five other players contributed to

the 91-point output. Overall, the Lady Hornets knocked down the same 29 shots as Michigan Tech, but in 12 fewer attempts, and despite a lackluster 36 percent from beyond the arc, they made 28 of 38 free throws.

When all was said and done, no words could express the emotions felt by the Huskies’ six seniors. No words needed to be said. Wysocky, Danen and Zimmerman struggled to hold back tears throughout the 10-minute post-game press conference, and the emotion had clearly run in the locker room minutes before facing the media. While the Huskies’ impressively large fan base may not have faced the flood of emotions to the same extent as the players, the somber mood was clearly evident in the previously boisterous bunch.

continued at mtulode.com

Sports

Husky Hodgepodge

All game recaps posted at mtulode.com/sports

Check out the thoughts of one international student in the “Culture Shock Report #17.”

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, March 25, 2010

News

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Undergraduate Student Government Elections ZACHARY PAGE Lode Writer The Under Graduate Student Government began setting up for the April elections last week with only a few sign ups. The USG Elections Chair, Paul Valencia, has decided to move the closing of the nominations by a week. Nominations for the upcoming year’s E-board members will close next week Wednesday, March 24, at 5:00 p.m.

“Because of the few sign-ups, I think it would be best to move the entire elections schedule by week,” says Paul Valencia. “This should give us time to receive

more applicants and more time to organize.”

Student voting will begin on April 1 at 9:00 a.m. and will close on April 5 at 11:59 p.m. On April 7, the election results will be presented during the USG meeting that day which will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Positions are divided up into two different branches; executive and legislative. Open positions in the executive administration for next year include president, vice president, secretary, and treasury. In the legislative organization, students may run as an executive officer or as a representative. Four of the nominees

will be chosen by electors for the position of executive officer and six students from each class as representatives; senior, junior, sophomore, and freshman.

Requirements and roles for each position will vary. The president presides over all USG meetings and serves as the lead speaker of all meetings. The vice president assists the president in carrying out assignments and other responsibilities. These assignments include the management of committees and the taking up of the president’s roles should they be absent. The treasurer manages and organizes the budget for the organization.

They also give suggestions about spending procedures during meetings. The secretary records minutes, schedules and informs members of meetings, and sends out important notices.

Representatives and officers have the responsibility of attending the general meetings which are held every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. They must also sit on at least two committees as put out by the committee chairs.

Lastly, members must attend two office hours per week for the organization.

Candidates must hold a minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average in order to be con-

sidered for nomination. A typed biography will also be required of each candidate by Mar. 25 at 5:00 p.m. There will be four brief questions that each candidate will be required to answer within their bio that will display their interests and goals within USG. Candidates are required to attend a meeting where they will submit their papers to the current USG officers.The meeting will highlight the rules and guidelines for the elections.

Officers will speak about campaigning and ballot requirements amongst other things.

Pictures of all canidates will be taken at the gathering.

Michigan Tech Represented at LGBT Conference MICHAEL FRIESEN Lode Writer

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riday, February 18, 2010 two vans parked and waited in the valet circle of the Hilton Hotel in Madison, WI only a few blocks away from the State Capital Building. The occupants of the vans anxiously waited until a few members emerged from the hotel lobby and waved them in. It was then that students from Michigan Tech flooded into the hotel for what was to be Midwestern Bisexual, Lesbian, Gay, Transgendered, and Allied College Conference (MBLGTACC) 2010.

MBLGTACC is an annual gathering of college students in the Midwest who are LGBT or supportive. The program started in 1993 with its first conference at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. The conference was originally titled the “Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay College Conference,” but was amended to add Transgender and Allies in 1998 and 2001, respectively. In the

past, conferences have had overarcing missions to them; this year, the mission was “Get Real: Confronting Privilege, Provoking Dialogues, and Building New Foundations.” According to the MBLGTACC web site, this mission “means real discussion on racism in the queer community, instead of ignoring it. Get Real means real inclusion of transpeople, not just adding them to the back of our acronym. Get Real means voices will be heard, privilege will be challenged, and lives will be changed.”

The conference was host to over 80 different workshops spread over six different time slots, five of which were scheduled for Saturday. The workshops were all presented by volunteering students and speakers who were themselves attending the conference. The workshops were organized into several different tracks, including Allyship, Faith and Spirituality, Health and Wellness, Politics, Organizing, and Activism, QPOC (Queer people of Color) Issues, Dating and Relationships, Transgender

Issues, and University Life. The workshops included lessons, discussions, and activities, including Jumping In Head First: How YOU Can Start an Activist Group, The Idiot’s Guide to Asexuality, Media’s Marginality:

TV’s Effects on LGBT Student Self-Perception, L@s Jot@s y Las Artes (Queers in the Arts), Beyond Binaries: Identity and the Sexuality Spectrum, and Fighting Bible with Bible: Christianity’s Queer Traditions.

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Pulse

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Iranian celebrate Nowruz ‘89 RAEANNE MADISON Lode Writer

March 21 marked the first day of spring and first calendar day of the Iranian New Year. Deeply rooted in tradition, Nowruz is the festival celebrated when the sun crosses the celestial equator, equalizing night and day. Iranian families all around the world observe this special holiday with fun festivities. Nowruz trans-

lates to “now day,” and the word “now” may have influenced the English word “new.” The holiday was originally a Zoroastrian celebration-some believe it was invented by Zoroaster himself.

It remained an important holiday even when Islam became a major Persian religion, and is observed today by both Muslims and Zoroastrians.

The 13 day long festival begins with an extensive “spring cleaning,” where families clean the en-

tire house and buy new clothes for the year. They also buy and grow flowers to celebrate the rebirth of nature that accompanies spring. The next 12 days consist of visiting family members and friends, beginning with the elderly members of the family, and so on. These house visits are usually reciprocated. Gifts are exchanged, and family members sit around a special table called Haft Sin. This table represents the seven elements of life: Fire,

Fall 2010 Registration Priority Schedule Registration opens at 10:00 p.m.

NOTE: Due to the large number of sophomores and juniors, there will be two start times on Wednesday, March 24 and Friday, March 26 at 10PM and 11PM.

Date

Earned Credits

Thursday, March 18

Graduate students

Sunday, March 21 117 or more

30 or more (students in 2 yr.

degree programs)

Monday, March 22

90 – 116.5

Tuesday, March 23

80 – 89.5

Wednesday, March 24 (10PM)

71 – 79.5

Wednesday, March 24 (11PM)

60 – 70.5

Thursday, March 25

51 – 59.5

Friday, March 26 (10PM)

43.5 – 50.5

Friday, March 26 (11PM)

30 – 43

Monday, March 29

18 – 29.5

Tuesday, March 30

15 – 17.5

Wednesday, March 31

0 – 14.5

Thursday through Sunday, April 1-4 – Open to all groups • Priority is based on the number of credits earned at the time of registration.

• Students may register anytime on or after their scheduled day.

• Registration closes at midnight Sunday, April 4th and reopens at 10:00p.m.

Sunday, April 18th.

• The web will be unavailable for registration from 2:00am until 2:30am each day.

• Students with questions or problems should contact the Registrar’s Office at 487-2319 or e-mail schedule@mtu.edu

Earth, Water, Air, Plants, Animals, and Human. Each table holds items that represent important qualities of the New Year, namely rebirth, affluence, love, medicine, health, sunrise, and patience.

On the twelfth day, all families leave their house and picnic outside.

The festival of fire is also celebrated at this time. It is celebrated by building bonfires, and jumping over them while

singing. It is believed that by jumping over the fire you are giving it your fear, in return for the fire’s warmth. The very last day of the festival is spent purging the household of bad luck.

Families will serve fruits, nuts and pastries to their community to celebrate kindness. Many Iranians believe that if you are kind and gracious to your friends and family on Nowruz, you will be greeted with kindness and good luck throughout the year.

Majora Carter Speaks at Rozsa NICK BLECHA Lode Writer

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his Saturday, March 27, environmental advocate Majora Carter came to the Rozsa Center.

Carter, who founded the non-profit organization Sustainable South Bronx and is president of the forprofit consulting company, The Majora Carter Group, LLC, spoke about environmental justice and its effects on people.

Carter began by telling about her childhood growing up in the South Bronx.

At the time, her neighborhood was considered a terrible place to live, due to practices such as “redlining” (where bankers would refuse to lend money to an entire region, causing everything in that region to fall into disrepair) and the “dumping” of much of the city’s waste processing there.

Years later, when she returned after having living elsewhere for some time, she noticed the extent of the neighborhood’s poor conditions. After a walk with her dog, during which the dog “pulled” her past an illegal waste dump and to the Bronx river, she was inspired to seek a grant to renovate the area. Over five years, she and other community groups managed to develop that dump into a clean, safe waterfront park.

Carter then went on to ex-

plain many of the benefits of the work she and her groups do. Much of her work has a direct environmental benefit: for example, the “green roofs” that they promote reduce runoff and reduce heat emissions of buildings.

Many of the benefits of their projects, however, are social in nature, hence the term “environmental justice.” For example, by taking in former convicts, training them, and putting them to work on environmental projects, Sustainable South Bronx keeps people out of jails and trains them to be productive members of society, Carter explained.

The projects have other benefits, too: Carter cited a study comparing people living near trees to people living in similar conditions with no green space. The study showed the people living near trees scoring significantly higher on several social instances, such as crime rates, teen pregnancy, and student test scores.

Carter finished by showing some of the other projects her company works on, such as installing green roofs and creating greenhouses for communities to grow their own food. Following the end of her lecture, Carter invited the audience to ask questions.

Majora Carter was the last part in the Rozsa Center’s lecture series for the 20092010 year.

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, March 25th 2010

Feature

Ask Sassy Dear Sassy My literature class is really getting me down lately. My professor assigns us the most difficult and boring examples of classic literature to read.

What’s more, when I have 60 pages to read a night, I can’t keep up with everything else. Do you have any advice on how to manage such intensive and tiring reading?

Sincerely, Stupefied Student Dear Stupefied, I assume, judging by your lack of ability to read quality writing, that you are most comfortable reading cereal boxes or Easy Mac instructions. Maybe I’m not giving you enough credit. I’m sure you’re well-versed in the works of Danielle Steele and quite familiar with the omnibus that is Dear John.

Regardless of what you do enjoy reading, nothing in the world could make you enjoy a work of classic literature if you haven’t discovered the value of the written word by now.

So, in order to avoid the effort it would take to enjoy some of the greatest works of the English language, amuse yourself in class through other means. Do a crossword-no, that would require you to have a grasp of common knowledge. Maybe you should just play brick on your cell phone or have a go at Tetris. Then, to scrape by in the class (all you can hope to achieve at this point) look up summaries of the books on any number of cheat-sheet websites.

Dear Sassy, A recent presentation about environmental justice got me thinking. I really want to start greening my lifestyle, but I am not sure where to start. How can I make my everyday life have a lower impact on the environment?

Sincerely, Eager Environmentalist Dear Eager, I congratulate you on your desire to decrease your environmental impact. The majority of people are far too unwilling to abandon their oversized cars or throw an old soup can in the recycling bin. Perhaps the leather, bucket seats are too luxurious and the musical clang of the metallic trashcan too enticing to hastily abandon environmentally harmful practices.

Like any addiction, when it comes to environmental injustice, admitting you have a problem is the first step.

I sense you are willing to go farther than the average person in your pursuit of a green lifestyle. It’s much easier than you think. Head to the nearest forest and, armed with a jackknife and a roll of duct tape, construct a shelter out of branches and leaves. Enjoy the bounties of the forest. Squirrel, rabbit, and chipmunk all provide organic, free-range protein (avoid animals who display signs of rabies).

If you survive the winter, you’re well on your way to an eco-friendly existence.

Glenn Beck or...

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Hate Social Justice LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor

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he exact moment I heard about it, I can’t remember for sure. I was in San Diego over Spring Break, so politics were further from my mind than they normally are. Nonetheless, I was presented a quote by a famous right-wing talk show host, one which shook me to the core. While the stereotype amongst Christians is that the right-wing and (subsequently) the Republican Party tends to be friendlier to Christian interests than the Democratic Party is, this wildly popular host said what I consider the most abominable, anti-Christian statement I can remember in recent memory.

The host, I speak of course, is none other than Glenn Beck, host of radio’s “The Glenn Beck Program,” and his self-titled show on FOX News. Not known for shying away from controversy and egregious self promotion, this is the same man that locked himself in a Fear Chamber outside of FOX’s New York studios, all in the name of ratings. He’s also on record as relishing the fact that he’s a “modern day Howard Beale,” even though anyone who has actually seen the movie “Network” knows that this fact is nothing to be proud of.

So, taking all of this under consideration, perhaps it isn’t surprising that Beck launched into an impromptu tirade over the connotations of social justice within various walks of Christian faiths.

Nonetheless, on his FOX News show two weeks ago, he did just that. In the process, he has created a controversy that has exposed the schism between modern conservatism and the goals of the church.

“I’m begging you, your right to religion and freedom to exercise religion and read all of the passages of the Bible as you want to read them and as your church wants to preach them . . . are going to come under the ropes in the next year,” said Beck, a professed Mormon.

“If it lasts that long it will be the next year. I beg you, look for the words ‘social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can.

Social justice and economic justice, they are code words.

Now, am I advising people to leave their church? Yes!” For the longest time, I’ve had issues reconciling my political beliefs with the teachings of my church (I’m a Catholic), as I’ve trended more liberal in my political views. However, with one simple utterance on his television show, Glenn Beck has exposed the gap that the modern day conservative movement has with the

historical views of the Christian faith, and in the process, cured any such apprehension that I had previously.

Anyone with a knowledge of the Bible knows that, above anything else, Jesus stood as a steward to those less fortunate; those caught in the doldrums of a futile existence, those who couldn’t see, those who couldn’t eat, and those who had lost hope.

Glenn Beck has asked us to ignore this segment of Christian faith, to abandon it altogether, all in the name of rejecting legislation that he doesn’t like. Some will say that the statement was taken out of context, but not really.

Referencing Father Charles Coughlin’s anti-Semitism during the Nazi-era should be proof enough that there was an overall point Beck was making in this statement.

Nonetheless, he’s been called to debate by theologians who dispute his hamhanded polemics, such as Rev. Jim Wallis, but naturally, the usual right-wing ad-hominem attacks are left to suffice at dealing with “experts.” In this way, Glenn Beck has assumed the role of de-facto Joseph McCarthy for our generation.

Like Senator Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin, the father of blacklisting, he thrives on slinging accusations at others without regard for the consequences.

Continued at mtulode.com

Dear Sassy, This summer, I am going on a trip abroad. While doing research on travelling, I’ve seen a lot of warnings about avoiding local water or food. There also seems to be a lot of risk of getting sick while travelling. That would ruin my summer! How can I have a healthy, happy trip?

Sincerely, Adventurous voyager Dear Adventurous , World travelling can indeed present some health hazards. Being prepared and aware are key in warding off sickness while abroad.

Use hand sanitizer, lots of it. After you touch a door handle, handle money, or touch anything at all, drench your hands in several ounces of hand sanitizer and let the stinging, alcoholic water wash away your fears of illness.

Never eat local food or drink local water, ever. Drink only Coca-Cola and eat packaged, sealed foods. If you see a McDonald’s, go to it. McDonald’s is an oasis of deliciously processed, sanitized food in a desert of disease-infested local cuisine. Local food will make you sick…and then you’ll die.

Better yet, just stay home. I have a feeling world travel will upset your extensively sheltered constitution.

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Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, March 25th 2010

opinion

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Compassion for the Closeted ELIJAH HAINES Opinion Writer When Roy Ashburn, the Republican Congressman from California, was outed by receiving a DUI while leaving a gay nightclub, it was oddly...not surprising at all. Ashburn, whose anti-gay voting record continues even after the incident, merely joins a long line of conservative, homophobic politicians who have been outed in a homosexual scandal of some sort. Whether meeting up with their favorite hustler or enjoying leather night at the local gay bar, the far right never ceases to amuse, enrage and shock the general public with secretive homosexual antics. Why is it that the most actively homophobic leaders are the ones exposed in these scandals? If those making the principle arguments against homosexuality are any indicator of the integrity of anti-gay rationale, I’d say the future is bright for the gay and lesbian community.

I would like to take this opportunity to address those who are disappointed and angered by Ashburn’s recently revealed sexual orientation.

Perhaps you should be more

concerned that he was roaring drunk on a weekday, rather than the fact that he’s gay. Of all the opinions offered on this scandal, nearly no one has addressed the Congressman’s apparent drinking problem.

However, when the sensationalism of the event wears off, how are we to view these hypocritical, doublelife leading politicians? Many, both left and right, condemn them for lying to constituents.

Some take pity on them and denounce the homophobia that has forced these people, mainly men, to lead a double life.

Either way, Ashburn’s dilemma presents a fascinating ethical dilemma. How exactly should the gay, lesbian and straight ally community receive the news of Ashburn’s scandal?

Should they reach out to their new, however homophobic, community member? He is, after all, the recipient of the same discrimination which unites them all. Or should they denounce him as a hateful, twisted politician who persecutes the very group he identifies with?

Admittedly, my first reaction upon hearing about Ashburn’s DUI-outing incident was pure, unbridled amusement. There is

supreme satisfaction when such a fervent anti-gay politician reveals the hypocrisy that underlies so much of the homophobic rhetoric; his personal website declares him a “champion of openness [and] accountability”.

Years of personally promoting a homophobic agenda lost all of its legitimacy the night he was arrested. Now, by his own admittance, he is merely a vehicle for the majority of his constituents, despite having personally experienced the repercussions of his legislation.

I’m guessing then, if the majority wished to legalize sacrificial cat killing, Ashburn would actively promote it. Who cares about the cat owners: minorities don’t need to be fairly represented, right? Ashburn, along with Mark Foley, Bruce Barclay and Troy King, create a sometimes sad, sometimes humorous collage of undercover gay Republicans.

Like an absurd, dark comic strip, conservative men-in-power relieve us from their predictable politics with the scandalous color of secretive homosexuality.

It is a classic scenario, the politician fallen from grace, that so deliciously entertains us.

After I had a good laugh (and forwarded the news to all my friends) I began to consider

the incident more closely.

When I thought of the deep confliction Ashburn must have been experiencing all the years leading up to being outed in such a public, humiliating fashion, I did pity him.

The hypocrisy that now surrounds Ashburn is a testament to the complex and dangerous monster of homophobia.

Although Ashburn’s justifications for his politics may never be fully understood, it is all too easy to make the connection between his anti-gay efforts and the persona he assumed to hide his sexual orientation.

It’s also encouraging (or perhaps disturbing) to consider how many other vehement anti-gay activists may be facing similar struggles with their sexual orientation.

However, it has been shown time and time again that no amount of anti-gay activism can truly change a person’s psyche; it only makes their struggle more painful and ultimately more damaging. The closet is not a

place of healing; it offers nothing but comfortless solitude.

When we see Roy Ashburn’s political role reduced to a puppet of a destructive majority, his family forever transformed, and his credibility beyond recovery, it requires us to respond with compassion. It isn’t precisely known what extreme societal or familial pressure Ashburn faced throughout his life caused him to repress his sexuality. The amount of guilt and fear he felt cannot be measured. To label Ashburn as a hypocrite or bigot is to oversimplify the complexity of human emotion.

And yes, politics are emotion.

Values are emotion. To separate emotion from any human activity is to absolve that very activity of its humanity. Roy Ashburn could not make this separation and the fact that he professes to be able to legislate without the foundation of emotional and moral commitment is pitiful.

All of this caused by a bizarre, unnatural aversion to gay people.

The closet has never looked darker.

Michigan Tech Lode

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

Want a guaranteed job? don’t expect money, let alone a job, to fall in the laps of graduates LENA WILSON Opinion Editor

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ncluded on the front page of Michigan Tech’s website is an info-article pertaining to the starting salaries of bachelor’s engineering degree graduates. I don’t particularly like the wording used.

Among other misleading statements, “…a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering can expect to make…” is written in the article. No other details or requirements besides the graduate being able to talk and write well are included. So, with this logic, one can skimp out on classes and get a C average easily and still get a job and a student who hasn’t done an internship or co-op or related activity will have a guaranteed easy time finding a job.

I know the article is in no way guaranteeing this, but it is certainly an advertising ploy to engineering students. Of course it’s im-

plied that you actually have to know what you’re doing!

I suppose the article can be used to boost moral, especially for those seniors still without job promises yet and those graduates from the past couple years working at golf courses and grocery stores. Loose terminology like ‘very strong’ to describe job prospects gets nowhere close to an explanation. Most news I hear about the economy is of a more negative ilk. NACE can go ahead and report that engineering jobs take 8 of the top ten paying jobs nationwide but whose gonna get those jobs?

Let me relate an anecdote.

One of my older relatives is an employee in a workplace with engineers. Upon talking with an older engineer who has to work with new, upcoming engineers, he learns some disheartening news.

The old engineer says these new kids don’t know how to do anything, especially with their hands. They lack common sense and real

life problem solving.

Now, this doesn’t really surprise me. The Engineering Fundamentals class I took was a complete joke and many applied math courses deal with hypothetical, set-up problems.

If a student doesn’t take it upon themselves to get some real, hands on experience it can be quite easy to never apply the information learned in lectures onto real problems, the kind that pop up.

My friends have reported that many employers who look at a resume without any sort of hands on experience, which to them is a co-op or internship sort of thing, they really don’t want to talk you on. You don’t know anything, you don’t have experience(which is why you want the job, besides money). So, sure, engineers get paid a lot. But if you want to score the job and make the bucks you better be either very charismatic or studious and willing to work hard beyond the classroom.

CLASSIFIED Part time market researcher.

Must have excellent computer skills (Word, Publisher, Frontpage), strong research and organizational skills in a demanding, fast-paced office environment. Email resume to om@ sigmacapital.net.

Bookkeeper, onsite, part time.

Excellent bookkeeping/GL, Quickbooks and organizational skills required in a fast-paced environment.

Email resume: om@sigmacapital.net.

Editor in Chief .................................Kayla Herrera Visuals Manager ....................................... Alex Cotton Business Manager.............................Jacob Vehring 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 - Bryan Magnuson Visuals Staff - Becky Boeve, Ahsan Iqbal, David Faber, Kal Johnson, Antti Knutas, Lukas Lund, Eben Mannes, Jake Mohan, Caitlin Pionke, Phil Pomber, Erica Stanley, Ben Wittbrodt

Copy Editors Amanda Gardiner

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

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6A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, March 25, 2010

Sports

Men’s tennis travels to Wayne State and Northwood DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer

T

his weekend, the men’s tennis Huskies continue the GLIAC portion of their spring schedule by traveling downstate to face the Wayne State Warriors on Friday and the perennial GLIAC power, the Northwood Timberwolves, on Saturday.

The Huskies (6-5 overall, 0-2 GLIAC) will face a relatively untested Warriors (7-3 overall) squad on Friday. The Warriors boast an experienced lineup with three seniors and a couple of juniors.

Sophomore Bertrand Moulin is back as the top returning singles player after posting an 11-8

record last season. Junior Eric Szydlowski is the next strongest returning singles’ player, having posted an 8-15 record last season, splitting time between numbers three and four singles.

Senior Kevin Turnbull wasn’t overly impressive last season, going 2-9 in the number three slot.

Classmate Roberto Gomez will likely move into the fourth position after posting a 7-7 record in the number five slot.

Senior Michael Savalle, juniors Marlon Leone and Peter Spina, and sophomore Will Nolan will all compete for the final two singles’ positions week in and week out, giving head coach Bryan Morrow plenty of depth to work with.

The Timberwolves (3-3 overall, 1-0 GLIAC) are off to a relatively slow start for themselves, but of

Photo courtesy of Gowtham

those three lost matches, all three came against teams ranked No. 13 or better in the national rank-

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ings. They opened their GLIAC slate last Saturday with a 9-0 win over Tiffin.

Junior Peter Kazianschuetz (14 overall) is off to a tough start at number one singles. Senior Frederic Schoelzel (3-1 overall) has fared better at number two singles. Freshman Marcus Oliveira (1-4 overall) is still looking for his first win at the number three position.

Senior Max Dutois (3-2 overall) has posted a 2-2 record in the number four slot this season.

Freshman Julian Freese and senior Michael Haas, along with Dutois have posted a combined 6-0 record at number five singles.

Haas is 2-1 when playing at number six singles.

The Huskies are paced by sophomore transfer Luka Stupar (8-6

Eli Vlaisavljevich earns WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the year award STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor The hockey Huskies have had a disappointing season by anyone’s standard, but from an individual standpoint, one Husky has indeed set a standard. Senior defenseman Eli Vlaisavljevich has earned countless academic honors, perhaps none more impressive than the WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year award.

Last Thursday’s announcement made Vlaisavljevich just the second Husky in history to achieve this award, joining Geoff Sarjeant from 1992.

Vlaisavljevich’s 4.0 GPA in biomedical engineering has already earned him All-WCHA Academic team honors three times. He is one of ten finalists for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award, one of the highest achievements in college hockey. He has also been named a recipient of the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship.

The criteria for the WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete

Registration for the Summer Semester is open until May 21 Find out more online: online.uwc.edu/landing/us

overall), who is 6-5 thus far in dual matches at number one singles.

Sophomore Anders Sandholm (65 overall) continues to develop into a strong player for head coach Mike Axford, posting a 6-4 record at number two singles. Junior transfer David Heuer (5-3 overall) continues to play well in the third singles’ slot.

Sophomore Douglas Yossida (6-6 overall) has struggled a bit to figure out his game, going 3-4 in the fourth singles position. Junior Chris Verhulst (6-5 overall) has played well in fourth (3-0), but has struggled a bit at number five singles (3-4). Senior Tim Viola (6-4 overall) has been a pleasant surprise at number six singles, as he has a 4-2 record there along with a 2-1 record at number five singles.

Photo courtesy of MTU

award, which is voted on by member institutions, includes that the player 1) must be a senior studentathlete, i.e. one who is finishing his competition as an eligible player in the WCHA; 2) consistently displays outstanding sportsmanship on and off the ice; 3) is a good student making satisfactory progress toward a degree; and 4) is a good hockey player who has performed consistently as a regular member of the team.

This week on www.mtulode.com:

Today (March 25): Full Women’s Basketball coverage from Missouri Friday: Full Women’s Basketball coverage of the Division II National Championship, Men’s Tennis recap Saturday: Men’s Tennis recap Sunday: Track and Field recap Every week on www.mtulode.com:

• • • • • • 10413_5.75x10.5_MItheological.indd 1

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”

Editor’s Shootout 3/18/10 9:50:07 AM

The Editor’s Shootout is a competition of knowledge, luck and wits between sports editor Stephen Anderson, business manager Jacob Vehring, 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: Michigan State Spartans vs. Northern Iowa Panthers, Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks, Denver Nuggets at Dallas Mavericks

LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor 0-3 Last Week, 37-29 Overall

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor 2-1 Last Week, 37-29 Overall

JACOB VEHRING Business Manager 1-2 Last Week, 36-30 Overall

JEREMIAH BAUMANN Online Editor 1-2 Last Week, 31-34 Overall

Michigan State takes on the upstart Northern Iowa team that knocked off Kansas last weekend. I believe that Sparty will prevail. A big Western Conference matchup takes place in San Jose on Saturday, with the Canucks and Sharks battling. I expect San Jose to protect home ice and their razor thin lead for 1st place in the West. Denver takes on the Dallas in an NBA Western Conference matchup,. I expect Dallas to protect homecourt and win.

Spartans 66-64 Sharks 4-3 Mavericks 98-91

Tom Izzo’s crew would be the popular local pick, but Lucas’s injury combined with the outstanding play of Ali Farokhmanesh puts the Panthers into the Elite Eight with a convincing win. San Jose has been struggling of late, but there’s nothing better than a big home victory to cure that problem, and they’ll avenge last week’s 3-2 loss to Vancouver by an identical score. The Nuggets are great in the mile-high air, but Dallas will will be a different story as Dirk and the Mavs mow through Denver.

Panthers 70-60

After falling back from second to third again this week. I got the scoop of what picks Steve was going to make for this week, he said he was so confident in his picks that he was going to show me them before I made mine. We will see how that slight arrogance may come back to get you because I am taking all the other teams. Going local and picking Michigan State even with the scary loss of Lucas. Last time I picked Vancouver I got it correct so I will go that route again. Chauncey Billups will lead Denver past Dallas.

Spartans 68-63

Michigan State played a great game against Maryland even through injury. However, they won’t be able to keep the momentum without their star players. They will end up falling to Northern Iowa. San Jose is having a rough streak and are due to come back to challenge Vancouver and show why they deserve the Pacific title this year. Dallas and Denver are on each other’s heels but Dallas will push through the Nuggets for the win.

Panthers 89-73

Sharks 3-2 Mavericks 99-94

Canucks 4-3 Nuggets 107-102

Sharks 4-2 Mavericks 96-89

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, March 25, 2010

Sports

7A

8A Husky Hodgepodge Culture What is your t e P t s e g Big 4 1 # ? e t v r e o e P p e R

Shock

That’s what...

JUN (MILES) NI Lode Writer

Follow the thoughts of one international student as he discovers the ins and outs of life in America

she said

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday March 25th, 2010

Event reminders Rumpelstiltskin Where: Rozsa Center When: March 25, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

A delightful musical perfect for children of all ages.

Standathon Where: SDC When: March 26, 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM SACS Comedian Where: MUB ballroom When: March 26, 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Student poll

April Hintzman My biggest peeve is people chewing with their mouth open Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Second year

How did you experience the Women’s Basketball victory?

I didn’t get to experience 12 %

I listend it on radio 14 %

I watch it on TV 14% I was there! It was amazing 60 %

Brianne Schneider My biggest pet peeve is when people don’t pick up their feet when they walk!

Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Second Year

Kelsey Michael My biggest pet peeve is people who lie.

Materials Science and Engineering, First year

he said Chad Snow My biggest pet peeve is ignorance.

Forestry, First year

Student responses are based on our weekly online poll. Please vote on next week’s question: How many hours did you spend standing this weekend?

Vote at: www.mtulode.com

On this day

1775

Patrick Henry made his famous call for America’s independence from Britain.

1848 Hungary proclaimed its independence of Austria.

1942 The U.S. Army started moving Japanese-Americans to internment camps.

1956 Pakistan became an independent republic within the British Commonwealth

APRIL 1ST

APRIL FOOL’S DAY Courtesy of www.reference.com and www.statesymbolsusa.org

Weather Outlook

Charles Smith My biggest pet peeve is unfolded laundry Environmental Engineer, Second Year

Patrick Grodecki Watching Oprah Winfrey on weekdays

Civil Engineering Third year

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

Friday: Partly Cloudy

320F / 320F

Saturday: Chance of Snow 20% chance of precipitation

450F / 310F

Sunday: Chance of Snow 20% chance of precipitation

400F / 270F Weather Courtesy of www.wunderground.com