10/08/09

iClicker leads to technological iNsecurity

The lighter side of William Shakespeare

3A

The

Club Sport Spotlight: Hockey

5A

7A

Michigan Tech Lode

October 8, 2009

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

State considers education cuts,

students pushed to action F

or the second time in the last three years, Michigan legislators failed to reach an acceptable budget for the upcoming fiscal year. After settling on a continuation budget last week that will run through the end of October, lawmakers have less than four weeks to close the current $2.8 billion revenue-spending gap. This is no easy task, given that Michigan’s economy is one of the worst in the country. The auto industry meltdown has forced legislators to consider completely restructuring an economy that is largely geared toward and dependant on manufacturing. The problem is widespread and no solution is painless. Particularly as government enters an election cycle, debate is raging along party lines.

Tax increases and budget cuts are the primary options, but with a Democratic Governor and House and a Republican Senate, solutions are hard to come by.

One of the most heated debates surrounds funding for education. The ironically named Michigan Promise Scholarship, which promises to provide students with up to $4,000 of state support, is at risk of being cut. Should this cut go through, 96,000 current college students would be directly impacted, not to mention the countless high school students who would utilize the scholarship in the future.

Because state government has extended their budget deadline, concerned students still have an opportunity to voice their opin-

ion about keeping Michigan’s money then our tax revenue will promise to students. Michigan decrease. If the future generaTech’s Vice President for Student tion lacks the smarts to manage Affairs Les Cook sent out two everything, where is the hope in University-wide e-mails that di- that?” rectly address the problem. For The educational funding more inproblem formation, is comincluding pounded how you by the fact can conthat many tact your universilegislators, ties, incheck out cluding the e-mails Michigan and visit Tech dehttp:// termine d w w w . their budmichigangets in promisJuly. Those escholarbudgets ship.com. included “It is considerreally imation that portant for Michigan students w o u l d to be ackeep its tive in this promise.

- Dale Tahtinen, Vice President for decision,” ConseGovernmental Relations said Michq u e n t l y, igan Tech many uniPresident versities G l e n n cannot Mroz. “The Promise still has a step into fill the void that could chance to come through, but stu- be left by government. Michidents need to contact their legis- gan Tech is one of the few public lators. It’s a fact: legislators listen universities in Michigan that has to students.” at least guaranteed support for “Education should be an ex- students through the fall semestremely high priority in Michi- ter regardless of what the state gan’s budget,” said David Michael does. The spring semester could Smeenge, a third-year biomedi- be another story, unless students cal engineering major. “I’d be speak up. hard pressed to find that educaFortunately for Michigan Tech, tion doesn’t directly correlate to the regular state appropriations the common success. Educated for universities are remaining children are the new generation. steady. They have to in order for Educated jobs are the future. the state to continue receiving If that generation isn’t making federal stimulus funding, which

“

I am cautiously optimistic [about M ichigan’s economy].

We have contingency plans pretty well in place in case the worst does happen.

“

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor

they have relied on this year, but will see less of next year. While Michigan Tech is a financially conservative university in good financial standing (third in the state in terms of debt per student from the university’s perspective), according to CFO Dan Greenlee, the level of state appropriations has not been high enough to avoid tuition increases. Mroz said that adjusting for inflation, “We are now educating about 40 percent more students with the same amount of state support that we had 40 years ago.” Aside from research revenue, income from auxiliary services and fundraising, tuition and state appropriations are essentially what the university has to run on.

“Michigan Tech seems to be doing a pretty good job of handling its own budget in this economic time,” said Travis Waineo, a third-year electrical engineering student. “All programs that aren’t absolutely necessary need to be cut. The last resort should be to raise tuition.”

Michigan Tech Vice President for Governmental Relations Dale Tahtinen said, “I am cautiously optimistic [about Michigan’s

economy]. We have contingency plans pretty well in place in case the worst does happen.” Greenlee echoed Tahtinen’s sentiments by saying, “There is a lot of uncertainty about what’s going to happen, but I believe we are fundamentally coming out [of the recession].” Greenlee pointed to the stock market increase as proof. Generally the markets recover first, with unemployment recovering last.

While Michigan Tech seems somewhat shielded from the turmoil at the state capitol, students are still at risk of losing substantial amounts of aid. With $8 billion in additional spending over the last five years despite a shrinking economy, Michigan will almost surely have to cut somewhere. Students can play a major role in making sure that cuts do not take place to education by contacting legislators, insisting that Michigan keeps its promise to students.

Stay tuned to the Michigan Tech Lode, both in print and online at www.mtulode.com for continued updates on Michigan’s economy and its effect on Michigan Tech and its students.

Michigan Promise Scholarship Fast Facts Provides up to $4,000 per student per year Approximately 96,000 students using program Cutting program could save state up to $384 million per year

Homecoming Week sees changes, Husky spirit remains the same DANNY MESSINGER News Editor This year, Michigan Tech students participating in the annual Homecoming Week events will notice some changes. However, Homecoming veterans will also see a return of many campus traditions.

This past Monday, students were able to take advantage of a free root beer giveaway between classes. Members of IRHC staffed a table by the main entrance of the MUB and the north entrance of Fisher Hall from 11am to 1pm and handed out 2,500 mugs of root beer to Husky students. Ten kegs of root beer were served.

One of the goals when planning the Homecoming Week events this year was to allow more students to participate in the activities. One of the biggest changes students will see this year is a rerouting of the Homecoming parade. Instead of starting at the west end of downtown Houghton and heading toward campus, the parade will start at the west end of campus in Lot 27, travel up Hubbell Road and then turn on to main campus. The parade will end at the Rozsa Center. Also this year, the Homecoming challenges will be located at Prince’s Point instead of the Walker Lawn as they were last year.

Students will notice a change in theme of Homecoming Week this year. The “hobo” theme that

has been a cornerstone of Homecoming Week during previous years has now been eliminated in an effort to be more politically correct. According to the Michigan Tech Homecoming Week Web site, students “can still dress in Hobo clothes or destroy vehicles for the parade if they so choose. We are encouraging students to support [Michigan] Tech Athletics since there are [three Michigan] Tech hockey games and a football game during Homecoming week this year.”

Another change that students will notice this year is the disappearance of the traditional Homecoming banners. This activity has been replaced with window paintings located in the Rozsa Center lobby. Various student groups, residence halls, and Greek organizations completed the paintings last Sunday.

The paintings will be on display throughout Homecoming Week.

Students were able to vote for their favorite painting on the Homecoming Week website. Results of the window painting contest as well as the viewer’s choice vote will be announced during half time of the Homecoming football game on October 10.

One of the most exciting and unique Homecoming Week events, the cardboard boat races, will still be held this year. Students will be able to watch their fellow Huskies brave the frigid water in Portage Lake at Hancock Beach on Friday night at 5:30pm.

For directions to Hancock Beach, visit www.homecoming.mtu.edu Michigan Tech students will also be able to cheer on the hockey team Friday night as they take on rival Northern Michigan University. The game is scheduled for 7:07pm at the John MacInnes Student Ice Arena.

The Homecoming football game will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm at Sherman Field. Michigan Tech will be playing the Findlay Ohio Oilers.

The 2009 Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned and winners from the week’s events will be announced at halftime.

For a full list of Homecoming Week activites, see the list on page A2 or visit homecoming. mtu.edu for more information.

Husky Spirit: Students participate in Take on a Husky as part of Homecoming Week.

Online exclusives PDF Archives of all issues this year

Photos by Alex Cotton

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

Husky Hodgepodge

Live blogs during games Game recaps

She said/he said response videos

2A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 8, 2009

News

Bicycles on campus Public Safety reminds riders to be safe and considerate PRESS RELEASE Public Safety Getting around on campus by bicycle is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a great way to get some exercise, save on gas money, help the environment and travel to your location quickly.

However, the increasing vehicle traffic has brought with it a few problems. The problems can be easily remedied by observing a few rules that come with bicycling.

The sidewalks throughout campus are intended for pedestrian traffic. Bicycles are currently permitted on these sidewalks, but their use on the sidewalks is governed by the State of Michigan Vehicle Code. The Michigan Vehicle Code states that an individual operating a bicycle on a sidewalk must “yield the right-ofway to pedestrians and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian”.

Keep in mind that bicycles are silent and pedestrians may be listening to music. The sudden appearance of a bicycle passing them at a high rate of speed can be very startling. When operating a bicycle on the sidewalk system, ride at a safe (slow) speed and do not ride close to pedestri-

ans when going past them. Accidents in which a bicyclist collides with a pedestrian can result in very serious injury to both parties.

Another issue that is causing some concern is the chaining of bicycles to the railings of handicap ramps. Federal law requires that these access ways remain free of obstructions.

A disabled individual may need the assistance which the ramp and railing provide in order to access the building.

One critical area is the handicap ramp on the southeast entrance to Dillman Hall. Bicycles have been routinely chained to the railing, sometimes they are even parked on the ramp itself. A sign is posted at this location advising bicyclists not to chain bikes to the ramp and that chained bikes will be cut and bicycles removed.

An extra bicycle rack has been installed at this location, which removes the need to secure the bicycle to another structure.

Public Safety and Police Services will continue to monitor this situation, and assess the necessity of removing bicycles.

Please be considerate. Operate and park your bicycle in a safe manner and only in approved locations.

If you own a bicycle, stop by the Department of Public Safety and Police Services, fill out a short form with your bicycle information and you will be issued a sticker to be applied to the bike frame. If an abandoned bicycle which has been registered is found, it will be easy to re-unite the owner with the bike. There is a nominal $1 fee to register.

As an incentive to get as many bicycles as possible registered, Public Safety and Police Services will be raffling off four new high-quality bicycle locks. To enter, just stop by the DPS&PS office and register your bicycle. On Oct. 14, we will randomly draw four numbers from all of those who have registered. Each of the four will receive a new bike lock.

Homecoming 2009 Events Calendar

Thursday, October 8 4:00 p.m. - Online window decorating voting ends 5:00 p.m. - Tug of War & Sand Castle Building

at Prince’s Point

7:00 p.m. - Relay race at Prince’s Point 9:00 pm - Homecoming bonfire at Prince’s Point

Friday, October 9 4:00 p.m. - Homecoming parade through campus

with pep rally following

5:30 p.m. - Cardboard boat races at Hancock Beach 7:07 p.m. - Hockey game versus NMU

Saturday, October 10 1:00 p.m. - Homecoming football game

Homecoming court announced at halftime

5:00 p.m. - Broomball Invitational at Ice Arena

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 8, 2009

Pulse

3A

The Lighter Side of William Shakespeare NICHOLAS BLECHA Lode Writer Question: How do you fit every single one of William Shakespeare’s plays into a single performance?

Answer: compress each of them into just a few minutes.

Such was the premise of the Reduced Shakespeare’s October 3 performance of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged). The play took a bit of time to parody each of Shakespeare’s plays, even if it was no more than a few seconds. For example, the time devoted to parodying Julius Caesar was no more than one minute. On the other hand, Hamlet got more time than any other, with the entire second act devoted to poking fun at the various parts of the play. The most extreme example, though, is the entirety of Shakespeare’s comedies, which due to the great degree of sameness between them were all compressed into a single parody, titled “Four Weddings and a Transvestite.” The play also involved a heavy degree of audience participation: at one point one of the cast members picks out people in the audience as “celebrities” such as Colonel Mustard (from the board game Clue) or Santa Claus. At another point, the entire audience was made to shout out different phrase in an attempt at a Freudian psychoanalysis of one of Shakespeare’s

Reducing Shakespere one step further: The cast of Reduced Shakespeare poses after their performance this past weekend. Advertised as a lighter side of Shakespeare, actors were relaxed and entertaining. Photo By: Nicholas Blecha

characters.

While the show seems to be improvisational to a degree, in actuality “99 percent of it is scripted,” according to performer Mick Orfe, although “Sometimes a mistake happens, and it works, and we keep it.” The few unscripted parts are all audience interaction.

The show was generally well-

received. MTU student Katrina Deane called it “Hilarious,” explaining “I’ve seen a lot of it before, but it’s still funny.” Another student, Aaron Gadbois, said, “It’s amazing… I love how they involve the audience… making fun of Shakespeare while staying true to it.”

And that’s good, because the

show was apparently not easy to learn. The final scene, in which the performers go through the abridged version of Hamlet backwards, was apparently particularly tricky to learn, with Orfe describing it as “7” on a scale of 1 to 10, and fellow cast member Michael Faulkner joking that, “I still haven’t learned it.”

The Complete Workd of William Shakespeare (abridged) is the Reduced Shakespeare company’s oldest show, with Matt Rippy, the third cast member, having worked on it for fifteen years. They are currently working on a new show, Wide World of Sports (abridged).

TV Production Club Making Their Mark Student Org Has Place on MTU Cable, Soon to Release “Bohemia Breakup” KYLE THORNTON Guest Writer

M

ichigan Tech’s Television Production has only been around for 3 years, but in that time they have built a library of material that they wish to promote to campus as a whole as well as areas outside this campus, including perspective students. The material is not intended to be a commercial for Tech, but rather fiction taking place in this Houghton setting.

The first production that TV Prod. brought about was ‘Colledge’, a sitcom following Rob and Scott as they had relationship issues, encountered weird hall mates, and dealt with classes. The series was shot in 20072008, comprising four half-hour episodes. Currently the show is running Tuesday-Friday on Ch. 14 on campus at 3PM and 7PM.

Classifieds For Rent!

VERY NICE 3 BEDROOM home at 17541Coles Creek/ Houghton Canal, about 2 mi. W. of Hardees. NO PETS. Nice deck in rear overlooking Coles Creek, large yard.

Plenty of parking. $550 mo.

Call (906) 482-1437

Greek Life Alpha Gamma Delta would like to congratulate their new Gamma Delta pledge class: Anne Dancy, Cassandra Radka, Emily Baker and Fran Madsen!

Alph Gam Cards are in! $5 per card and the money goes toward diabetes research and education.

Stop by the Alpha Gamma Delta house or call 906-482-4114 to get your discount card today!

Alpha Gamma Delta would like to congratulate Delta Upsilon’s new pledge class and thank them for letting us celebrate with them.

The show can also be viewed on the group’s Youtube channel: tvprodmtu.

TV Prod. has expanded its ventures into making sketches, due to a large portion of the ‘Colledge’ cast graduating. While shooting a sketch in the SDC Fitness Center last Fall, the group was approached by Lonie Glieberman, owner and operator of Mt. Bohemia. Mr. Glieberman propositioned them to conceive a movie that could take place at his mountain. Before the end of year, a script was turned in for ‘Bohemia Bust-Up’, a story about a Tech student, Alex, going to Mt. Bohemia to stop the girl of his dreams, Bridget, from getting engaged to her graduate student/ teacher boyfriend.

Mr. Gliberman took great issue with the subplot that revolved around Alex’s stooge friends trying to foil a terrorist

from blowing up the chairlift.

This continued even as shooting commenced in the Spring semester. After the president of TV Prod. met with a representative of Mt. Bohemia’s insurance carrier, convincing him that no actual terrorist could in a serious way draw inspiration from what was mainly a raunchy romantic comedy; the subplot was allowed to remain. Certain small changes had to be made such as the ‘Terrorist’ was referred to ‘Villain’ … in the script.

The trailer for ‘Bohemia BustUp’ can also be viewed on the Youtube channel, and the movie will premiere on campus in November. TV Prod. is continuing to make sketches and is currently working with the Pavlis Institute on video pod casts related to ‘Going Green’. Weekly meetings are Thursdays at 6 in Walker 143.

No large projects on the scale of

FAST FACTS Name: Television Production Website: colledgesitcom.com Email: sitcom@mtu.edu Meetings: Thursdays, 6 p.m.-7p.m.

Where: Walker 143 ‘Colledge’ or ‘Bohemia Bust-Up’ are officially on the schedule, but there are currently ideas being kicked around the writer’s room,

and no, even though Lonie asked for a sequel, it is not on the horizon.

4A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 8, 2009

Feature

Ask Sassy

Dear Sassy, My roommate started sleeping with my ex-boyfriend.

This makes me feel uncomfortable, especially since he is around the room several times a week. I would prefer that they hang out somewhere other than our dorm room.

Should I approach her about the issue? Help!

Sincerely, Uncomfortable Roommate

Dear Uncomfortable, Because you dated this guy first, it obviously gives you the right to manage his current relationship. Not only do you have the right to approach your roommate about the issue, but you have the right to tell them where they should hang out and when. Suggest an abandoned corner of the library or a back-alley, somewhere where they will be sure to not disturb you. If you feel like this approach is too harsh, there is another option; let your roommate and her boyfriend enjoy their relationship and make their lives easier by being an accommodating and pleasant person to be around.

Dear Sassy, I recently got fired from a restaurant I worked at for several months. The reason I was fired was because I did something “unethical and disgusting” at work, as my exboss says. But I still love eating there. Is it okay if I go there and eat sometimes or should I steer clear?

Sincerely,

Unsure Ex-Employee

Dear Unsure, I won’t ask what you did to get fired; the words “unethical and disgusting” already have me imagining revolting scenarios which are no doubt less horrific than the offense you committed. That said, I would continue to eat at the restaurant. Having previous experience in the restaurant business, I know that working at one can be dull at times.

Your presence in the restaurant would without a doubt give your former co-workers and employer something to laugh at and make fun of. The jokes would have them giggling all night. Not only would they re-hash your unmentionable offense, but they would be flabbergasted at your willingness to show your face within a one hundred-mile radius of the restaurant. Not only should you eat at the restaurant again, you have a moral obligation to make all of those people laugh at your expense. Think of the happiness you’ll be spreading and the boredom you’ll be relieving.

Dear Sassy,

I have a very big exam coming up. The entire class grade is based off of only three exams so I want to do really well. But my professor doesn’t like me, seriously. I am constantly trying to share my thoughts with the class but the professor rarely calls on me when he/she asks a question, and when he/she does, my idea is always shot down.

Sometimes he/she is just plain rude to me. I subsequently stopped going to his/her class. How do I mend the gap?

Sincerely, Wanting to Pass

Dear Wanting, I want to congratulate you on your sincere effort to mend the strained relations between you and your professor; it is very admirable. Skipping their class was a great step. This will certainly show your professor that you care greatly about their subject and the time they are putting in to teach you. I’m sorry to hear that they are rude to you.

This will surely be fixed by skipping class and being rude back; you’re well on your way to a healthy student-professor relationship. As far as not calling on you in class, don’t worry. Perhaps your professor is so impressed with your constant stream of brilliant ideas that they want you to be in a more advanced course. You’ve probably wowed everyone with your fantastic insight to the extent of being on a higher intellectual level. Your professor’s seemingly stand-offish actions are just their way of telling you this.

“”

FML: Could it get any worse?

“

“

Today, my girlfriend dumped me proclaiming she wanted someone more like her “Edward.” I asked her who Edward was. She held up a copy of her “Twilight” book. She was talking about a fictional vampire. FML

”

Today, I went to a concert. They had this feature where you could send a picture of something from your cell phone and they’d put it on the big screens, so I sent a picture of myself in. When the picture came up on the screens, the entire crowd of about 4,000 people went, “Ewwww!” FML

”“ “ ” ”“ “ ” ”“ “ ” ” Today, I went up to a secluded mountain my boyfriend took me to for our first date.

As I saw another couple hooking up in the bushes, I phoned my boyfriend to tell him someone found our secret spot. His Bob Marley ringtone started playing from the bush. FML

Today, I turned down an invite to a huge private party that is rarely given to freshmen in college, because I felt bad that I hadn’t had a chance to talk to my girlfriend in a couple of days. I called her a couple of hours later.

She answered with, “Hey, I’m at a party. I will call you tomorrow?” FML

Today, was my graduation from a prestigious university. In two days I start working at a hot dog stand. FML

Today, I finally got the guts to walk out of class 30 min. early only to find that the back door was locked. As I stood there like an idiot trying to get it open, all 200 people in my class turned to laugh. My professor stared at me. I then walked back to my seat, sat down and unpacked. FML

I found out that I’m pregnant. My husband and I have been trying to have a baby for a while, and I was very excited to tell him the news. When I opened his office planning to surprise him with the news, I saw him making out with a man.

FML

Today, I got dumped by my girlfriend of 4 years because I didn’t know the exact amount of days that we’d been together. FML

Got an FML story of your own? Submit it to krherrer@ mtu.edu! It

is anonymous!

Health Care... In a bottle

Comic by Anna Stasek

906-482-4550

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 8, 2009

5A

opinion

iClicker leads to technological iNsecurity JACK AMMERMAN Opinion Writer

A

s a stereotypical poor college student, it really hit me hard to get my stack of books this fall and watch the numbers on the register climb higher and higher. I was even more astonished when my mother threw in a little white remote with six buttons which added another 30 dollars to my total. Protesting profusely, I attempted to remove the extra item (of which I had no need) from my collection. However, my mother and the lady working the register refused and I relented to their cries of “you will need one sooner or later”. At that point I was curious and I showed my ignorance by asking what it was. My little

brother then piped up from behind me “it is an iClicker!”

I was shocked. How did my 14 year-old brother know what an iClicker was before me? He then began to tell me all about the device and how he had used one during his 8th grade year.

For those of you who have not heard of iClickers, they are little remotes with six buttons: an on/off button, and the letters A through E. The teacher will post a multiple-choice question and students can answer using their personal iClicker which is registered to their name. Some teachers even use iClickers to take attendance in a swift and orderly fashion.

The iClickers use radio frequencies to interact with the home base. The device enables hundreds of students to answer a

posted question within seconds.

By using the system, a teacher can select the right answer and it will instantly distribute the right grade to the students.

My brother went on to describe the iClickers he had used in school. Apparently they had small screens on them, transforming them almost into mini laptops. The question appeared on the screen in front of him and he used the device to answer. He said one of his teachers even had the students do an entire set of homework problems using the devices. This new information again took me by surprise. Not only had my brother used iClickers before me, but the one he had used in middle school was more advanced and much fancier than the one I am going to use in college. Yet instead of feeling dis-

gruntled, I came to the realization that it would probably always be like this. The younger generation gets a head start at the technology that is being developed. My little brother will always be one up on me when it comes to electronics because he was able to use more advanced equipment at a younger age, giving him the foundation to use technology in the future more readily than I. Look back at history for a prime example of this. How many of our grandparents can install a program into a computer quickly with no problems? Can they download a torrent or fix a virus with the competency that we can? Except in rare case, I am sure the answer will be no across the board. They were introduced to computers later in life, therefore they cannot use them as

easily as those who grew up with them can. In the future I expect it will be the exact same with our generation. Our grandchildren will get the hang of the newest technology easily, whereas we might be the ones calling them to ask for help!

While I am amazed at how much I love using the iClicker in class, I still have that thread of jealousy directed towards my brother who had a cooler one. I wonder as we grow older, will we be content with our simple six button version and let the younger generations play with the latest and greatest? Or will we endeavor to stay on top, leading the charge in technological development?

I do not know about you, but I never want to make a call asking a grandchild to help me change the radio station in my hover chair.

Baring it all for change: a unique bicycling event starts a movement LENA WILSON Opinion Writer

U

pon perusal, I found an entertaining movement dubbed as “Critical Mass”. In such a seemingly unorganized event, a cluster of bike riders gather and ride an almost random bike route through a city to clog traffic and “reclaim” the road. I suppose this might result when riding a bike to work or school becomes too mundane, but perhaps the action of bicycle commuting is not speaking loud enough to the single loaded motor vehicles with capacities of five to seven people. So, more drastic and entertaining measures are taken.

A variant of this movement, so charmingly named “Critical Ass”, is carried through in a similar manner, but with only underwear on each biker’s body.

Ah, the shock factor to attract

attention only makes the uproar better and more effective. You can read more about these happenings at www.criticalmass. wikia.com There is some possibility that events of this nature may turn people off to bike riders and cause anger, but this is exactly why these sort of “protests” occur. The point is to attract attention to problems that we can fix by taking individual action. Deciding to take time to commute on a bicycle means better planned commutes. Or perhaps not taking our privilege of motor vehicles for granted we would ride with friends instead of having five passenger cars with one individual transported in each.

In a more general sense, extreme movements by mostly younger adults may disgust and appall others in their community and country. But, more activity will spark the change so desired

by the so called protestors.

Without uproar, there is no change.

Trouble comes in when trying to decide is the change for the better. What is good? How do we define and decide good? Well, having common ethic, principles and values to reflect off of would bring more consensus. Now, being in a state of constant change is more than unhealthy.

We cannot try to uproot what makes us human. I am under the impression that such gatherings exhibiting a common idea is attempting to bond those individuals involved and return others to a realization. As we become more transfixed in our technology, we forget we have legs and arms. As Christianity becomes more huddled in a corner so do the ethics we were once founded upon. We cannot blindly shoo away ethic without replacing it.

Actions such as the Critical

Career Services

Mass event speak louder than words. They suggest that we are an ever-changing species. Changes often happen without thought of the repercussions. The gatherings are attempting to gather those o f common ethic and strong opinion.

These movements create a trend, a feeling of bonding.

More of us should be willing to act individually and combine efforts with those like-minded for the common good.

Here we loop back to the question, “What is common good?”

This is the point where we should all consider this question very seriously and enlighten ourselves in myths, values, religions, history and self inspection, especially if our education ignores these things as the American education system often does.

And what can we, as college students, teachers, and workers do for the common good? Can

Art By: Lena Wilson

we set aside the idea that we are only in a school system to get a degree and make money? There is excellent opportunity in any university or college setting to put forth efforts to enlighten ourselves and others. We have opportunity to try and make the world a better place, one person, one community at a time.

Michigan Tech Lode

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.......................................Danny Messinger Opinion Editor..........................................Elijah Haines Sports Editor ..................................Stephen Anderson Pulse Editor................................................Luke Gublo Winter Carnival Pictorial Editor ........................... TBD Advisor ........................................................Kara Sokol

Staff Writers - Daver Karnosky, Chris Morgan, Sally Sanderson, Lena Wilson, Lauren Wiza, Jasween Jagjit, Sara Goodell 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

dining

Unless otherwise noted, unsigned edi- 1. lodecomment@mtu.edu for submitting torials represent the consensus of opinion comments to the Lode. Messages posted of the senior editorial staff of the Michigan to this address are received by the editor in Tech Lode.

chief and faculty advisor and are forwarded

Opinions expressed in the Lode are not to others on the staff as appropriate. necessarily those of the student body, faculty, 2. lodeads@mtu.edu for submitting classistaff or administration of Michigan Tech- fied ads to the Lode. Messages posted to nological University or the Michigan Tech this address are received by the business Lode.

TICKET SALES DATES:

Sept. 28–29 and Oct. 5–6 Fisher Hall (Near the Aftermath Cafe) 12pm–2pm Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 MUB Commons 11am–1pm

manager and secretary.

The Michigan Tech Lode is designed, 3. lodesubmit@mtu.edu for submitting written and edited by Michigan Tech stu- articles and letters to the editor. Messages dents. The paper is printed every Wednes- posted to this address are received by the editors and the faculty advisor. day during fall and spring semesters.

The Lode is available free of charge at

drop-off sites around campus and in the

Word or plain text attachment.

Please submit all work as a Microsoft

surrounding community.

Work submitted to the Lode should be

To the best of its ability, the Michigan submitted with the understanding that it Tech Lode subscribes to the Code of Eth- may be printed by the Lode and/or posted ics of the Society of Professional Journalists, to the Online Lode, www.mtulode.com. the text of which is available at http://spj.org/ The Lode reserves the right to edit subethics_code.asp.

missions for length, clarity and potentially

The Lode is funded in part by the Michi- libelous material. Submissions should not exceed 500 words. gan Tech Student Activity Fee.

4A

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sports

Hockey Huskies prep for Superior Showcase Visit mtulode.com for Ryerson game recap and live blogs of Friday and Sunday’s games

Brick wall (Left): Sophomore goaltender Josh Robinson stuffs Rams No. 3 Cory Konecny on a breakaway.

Strong Finish (Below): Freshman Evan Witt puts a backhand past Ryerson goaltender Louie George in third period action last Saturday.

Celebration (Lower Left): The Huskies celebrate a goal in their 3-1 win over the Rams.

Photos by Alex Cotton

By # the er nu m b

2

conference wins by last year’s hockey team, out of 28 conference games.

13

of 15 singles matches won by sophomores Ploy Suthijindawong and Victoria Zhilkina.

15.2

DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer With the exhibition win over the Ryerson Rams last weekend, the hockey Huskies are looking forward to officially opening the season this weekend by playing host, along with Minnesota-Duluth, to the Lake Superior Showcase. The Huskies will bring in CCHA neighbors Northern Michigan and Lake Superior State on Friday and Sunday to the MacInnes Student Ice Arena as part of the tournament.

“We love our building,” said Huskies’ head coach Jamie Russell. “The atmosphere is fantastic.

The student body plays a huge role in making our place a tough place to play in.”

The Wildcats come into the season having drubbed the Rams 11-2 on Friday night. Freshman winger Kory Kaunisto (3-0=3) and sophomore forward Tyler Gron (2-3=5) both had big nights for head coach Walt Kyle’s bunch. Sophomore winger Andrew Cherniwchan (2-1=3) also played well in the game.

Senior netminder Brian Stewart (14-13-3 overall, 2.32 goals against average, 92.5% save percentage last season) only played in the opening period for the Wildcats, seeing just three shots.

He’ll likely be the Wildcats’ starter on Friday at the MacInnes.

The Huskies will have to be on their best behavior as the Wildcats notched five of their 11 goals on the power play. “[Playing Northern Michigan]

is a special game for the students,” said Russell.

The Lakers also started the season on a high note with a 7-1 pasting of Nipissing, a first-year Canadian collegiate program.

Senior defenseman Simon Gysbers (2-1=3) had a big night for head coach Jim Roque’s squad, as he netted the first two goals of the game and assisted on the last goal.

Senior forward Zac MacVoy (1-3=4) and junior forward (13=4) both had big nights for the Lakers netting four points each.

Junior goalie Brian MahoneyWilson (7-10-6 overall, 2.66 goals against average, 91.5% save percentage last season) will likely be between the pipes against the Huskies.

Game time on Friday will be

7:07 p.m. On Sunday, the game will be at 5:07 p.m.

Huskies Take Bite out of Rams Captain Malcolm Gwilliam got the Huskies on the board first, and freshman forwards Aaron Pietila and Evan Witt each notched a goal and an assist in the 3-1 win for the Huskies over the Rams.

The Huskies jumped out to a 2-0 lead less than a minute into the game after Gwilliam scored at 19 seconds and Pietila netted his goal just 28 seconds later.

Huskies’ netminder Josh Robinson had his shutout hopes dashed 2:31 into the second period, but held the Rams off the board from that moment forward.

For a full recap of the game, check out our website: www.mtulode.com.

Cross Country teams set for U.P. Championships Lids Impact Sports/ MARC SANKO Lode Writer The Michigan Tech cross country teams head to Marquette tomorrow to run in the UP Championships where they will compete against a familiar line up of runners. The UP Championships will feature all four UP Universities; Tech, Northern, Lake Superior, and Finlandia, similar to the UP Open (hosted here in Houghton) and the Laker Invite (hosted by Lake Superior State).

The Tech men will rely on the continued success of Brian Stetter in order to capture the UP Championship which could easily be obtainable. The Husky runners have come in first in both the UP Open and Laker Invite, making them the team favorite for the meet tomorrow.

Help should come from senior Ken Gilkerson, junior Zach Carlson, and junior Colin Singleton.

Junior Jill Smith should have a big run tomorrow as she has had a great season running against the rival UP schools, finishing first amongst the collegiate runners in both the UP Open and Laker Invite. The tough meets of the past few weeks have prepared this team for a good meet against fellow GLIAC members.

In the past few weeks, a handful of Tech women have shown up on the big stage and the team will need them to reappear in Marquette in order to pick up a team victory.

Both teams will take a week off before heading down to University Center, Mich., where Saginaw Valley will host the GLIAC Championships on Saturday Oct. 24.

Nike becomes exclusive apparel provider for Michigan Tech

Brian Stetter

Jill Smith

The Michigan Tech Athletic Department recently signed an exclusive 10-year contract with Lids Impact Sports, a leading NIKE team dealer. This will make the company the exclusive partner for Michigan Tech athletic apparel and gear beginning this fall.

Michigan Tech is one of a select few NCAA Division II schools that has landed a contract with such a big-name, reputable company like NIKE.

digs per set for the volleyball Huskies, which ranks second in the GLIAC.

94

percent on extra points for Tech kicker Tyler Cattelino. He converted just 73 percent last year.

357

days since Michigan Tech had four varsity sports earn victories on the same day prior to this past Saturday.

Schedules/Results Football (1-4, 1-4 GLIAC) MTU 38-6 Ferris State Saturday vs. Findlay, 1 p.m.

Volleyball (7-10, 5-4 GLIAC) Ashland 3-0 MTU MTU 3-0 Tiffin Friday @ Northwood, 7 p.m.

Saturday @ Wayne St., 2 p.m.

W. Tennis (4-2, 4-2 GLIAC)

MTU 9-0 Tiffin MTU 6-3 Ashland Friday @ Findlay, 3 p.m.

Saturday @ Wayne St., 10 a.m.

Cross Country No race last week Friday @ Wildcat Open, 3 p.m.

Visit www.gliac.org for full standings

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: New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins, LSU Tigers vs. Florida Gators, Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals

LUKE GUBLO Pulse Editor 1-2 Last Week, 7-5 Overall

JEREMIAH BAUMANN Online Editor 1-2 Last Week, 6-6 Overall

STEPHEN ANDERSON Sports Editor 0-3 Last Week, 5-7 Overall

RICHARD GOODELL Business Manager 0-3 Last Week, 5-7 Overall

The Twins will have to recover from a long matchup with a Tigers and an even longer flight from Minneapolis to New York, but unfortunately, the Yankees will be too much for them. Florida could possibly be without Tim Tebow during Saturday’s game, but since they are playing in The Swamp, they’ll beat LSU. The Red Wings have gotten off to a slow start to the season, but they should match up well against Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals.

Yankees 3-1 Gators 34-21 Red Wings 3-2

Being a Minnesotan, the Vikings win and now the Twins? They are on fire and will go all the way to the last game with the Yankees and take the win. LSU and Florida are about the same in stats, but Florida’s offense has been a real force to reckon with. The Red Wings have been struggling lately so I have to go with the Capitals.

Twins 3-2

Even though the Bronx Bombers have the talent advantage, they have been known to underachieve recently in the playoffs. The Tigers have had to play meaningful baseball for weeks now, and despite a near collapse, they got the job done, and some outstanding clutch pitching and timely hitting will shock the baseball world. Tebow’s condition is uncertain, so I’ll take LSU to take full advantage at home. Finally, I think the Wings will right the ship in a highscoring affair against the Ovechkin-led Caps.

Yankees 3-1

What the heck happened last week? I better stay away from Vegas, for sure. Well, let’s give it another go. This week should be a little easier. The Yankees will breeze through their first round matchup with (insert crappy play-in team name here). The Gators win a shootout in Gainesville. The Wings continue the lowly start to this campaign and fall to the Caps.

Yankees 3-1

Gators 31-28 Capitals 4-2

Tigers 40-28 Red Wings 7-5

Gators 38-28 Capitals 4-2

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sports

Netters look to continue winning streak

Lode SportS Talk Radio

DAVER KARNOSKY Lode Writer With three wins in their last three matches, the women’s tennis Huskies look towards this weekend as an opportunity to move into third in the GLIAC. The Huskies (4-2 overall, 4-2 GLIAC) travel this weekend to face the Findlay Oilers on Friday and the Wayne State Warriors on Saturday.

The Oilers (2-7 overall, 2-4 GLIAC) will be looking for their first win since September 20, having dropped five matches in a row. Head coach Tomas Menec’s squad is anchored by junior Gina Solis, who plays both number one singles and number one doubles. Classmate Haley Dudon is the number two singles player and Solis’ partner for doubles.

Junior Candace Pahl, freshman Natalie Diorio, sophomore Holly Vietske, and senior Kari Rudduck round out the top six for the Oilers.

Sitting just above the Huskies in the GLIAC standings, the Warriors (6-2 overall, 5-2 GLIAC) have performed well against GLIAC opponents. Head coach Sheila Snyder has a veteran squad with junior Sharon Gill leading the way. Sophmore Kristina Goranskaya competes well in the number two spot. Rounding out the top six are junior Milena Vuksanovic, senior McCall Monte, junior Debora Correa, and junior Jennifer Bradford.

Huskies Earn Sweep on Weekend The Huskies earned two important GLIAC victories over the weekend with a 9-0 win over the Tiffin Dragons and a 6-3 defeat over the Ashland Eagles. Sophomores Victoria Zhilkina and Ploy Suthijindawong both earned three points in helping the Huskies to the wins.

Against the Dragons, the Huskies earned wins at numbers one

5A

91.9 FM Sat. 10-Noon

www.mtulode.com

• All game recaps posted online the same day • Interactive reader/fan polls (see below) • Live blogs of upcoming home hockey games • Regular blog posts by sports staff • Exclusive feature content • Digital PDF archive of print editions

www.mtulode.com

Look for our special “Reader Interaction” section at www.mtulode.com/sports Vote online in this week’s polls:

Taking a swing: Victoria Zhilkina winds up for a hit in a match held at the Gates Tennis Center. The Huskies earned to important GLIAC victories over the weekend with a 9-0 win over Tiffin Dragons and a win over the Ashland Eagles.

and two doubles and earned the sweep with a default decision at number three doubles.

In singles, junior Nathalia Rondelli and freshman Kira Eck both earned straight set victories where they didn’t surrender a game.

The Huskies took an early 2-1 advantage against the Eagles into singles play. All four of the Hus-

What overall record will the Huskies football team finish with?

kies’ top four singles players won in straight sets.

Only junior Asel Otunchieva struggled to finish off her opponent at number four singles as she needed a tiebreaker in her first set to earn the win.

For a complete recap of the action, check out our web site: www.mtulode.com.

How many goals will Michigan Tech score against Northern Michigan this Friday?

Who will ultimately win the Major League Baseball World Series Championship?

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

Volleyball Huskies embark on trip to Northwood, Wayne State LAUREN WIZA Lode Writer Michigan Tech volleyball heads back out on the road for the Homecoming weekend, where they will take on head coach Orlando Gonzalez’s former team, the Timberwolves of Northwood University and the Wayne State Warriors.

Splitting their matches this past weekend, Michigan Tech is always looking for ways to improve their play in anticipation of upcoming play.

“We come out really strong, but then we don’t finish,” said junior Kaitlin Wiza. “We need to finish games when we’re up and focus on siding out right away.

We need to be more consistent in terms of not giving up sets of points. Maintaining an energy on the court and a sense of urgency to finish will assist with this.”

Northwood holds a 4-5 GLIAC record and a 6-11 overall record and will be coming off of a 3-2 victory over Lake Superior State University from this past weekend. The Timberwolves are led by Sladjana Matrovic’s 3.48

Club Sport Spotlight:

Hockey

This week, the Lode features yet another club sport team in our weekly look at club sports here at Michigan Tech. This segment is designed to expand the awareness to our great athletes and sports at all levels.

Club Hockey, or better known as the Wolf Pack, is our featured club this week.

The Wolf Pack opened up their conference play last weekend against St. Olaf. The two games were planned last minute, which caused the Tech team to take only 12 men, 10 skaters and 2 goaltenders. Yet, even with the short-handed team, the Wolf Pack had an incredible showing, playing very well against a good St. Olaf team. Friday night, the team would end up winning the game 8-3 and would follow it up with a closer game on Saturday, winning 7-5.

Two standout freshmen were among the 12 members who made the trip. Right Wing Ja-

kills per set average and Ashley Carr’s 27 percent hitting accuracy that leaves her third on the team in kills with 2.08 per set.

Lauren Chapman and Rachel Hamblin split setting duties with 9.19 and 6.32 assists per set. Samantha Matheson leads the team in digs with 3.71 per set, but the entire team seems to impact this aspect of their game play. Northwood holds a 2-1 home record.

Wayne State boasts a 6-3 GLIAC record, placing them just behind the Chargers of Hillsdale in the GLIAC South division. Fourteen and three overall, the War-

riors have seen success this season. After a four game winning streak, Wayne State dropped a 3-1 game to Saginaw Valley State University this weekend, and they will be looking for redemption.

Wayne State compiled the numbers but fell victim to a hard hitting Cardinal team that saw three sets of the match with a 39 percent or better hitting accuracy. Sarha Gosselin leads Wayne State with 3.25 kills per game, but teammates Candis Jenich and Lauren Mallast are not far below three kills per game them-

selves with 2.95 and 2.87 kills per set on average. Mallast also serves the Warrior defense with 1.48 blocks per set. Like Northwood, Wayne State splits setting duties between Cydney Biessel (9.48) and Katy Westenberg (6.5). Maureen McDonald leads in digs with 3.33 per set.

Michigan Tech will have to work hard to be consistent and keep up their intensity for when they open the weekend in Midland, Mich., starting at 7 p.m.

For more information on Husky volleyball, visit www.mtulode. com.

Feeling EMPTY?

MARC SANKO Lode Writer cob Gefroh finished the weekend with seven points and Goaltender Joe McSweeney played very well on Saturday, keeping the team in the game and helping them to the win.

These freshmen are a part of a club that looks very solid at this point in the season. Even with a handful of new players this year, the club feels as though they can play with anyone in their league and expect a good season.

The Wolf Pack will have their next scheduled game for the weekend of October 9th and 10th against St. Cloud State. Friday’s game will start at 6:45 in the Dee Stadium, downtown Houghton. Saturday’s puck drop has not yet been announced. So if you are a hockey geek and can’t get enough of hockey with just our varsity team, be sure to come check out the guys playing club hockey here at Michigan Tech.

Would you like your club team featured in this section? E-mail steander@mtu.edu

Fill the void.

Become an Editor.

Contact: krherrer@mtu.edu

8A Husky Hodgepodge

Submit your

caption

Michigan Tech Lode Thursday October 8th, 2009

Culture

Shock Repo

rt #5

You are invited to submit your most clever captions. The best response will be chosen by the Lode staff and printed next week. Please keep captions to a PG-13 rating or below.

Photo background: Blizzard T. Husky greeting families in the Registration Hall during Family Weekend.

Submit captions to: media@mtulode.com

JUN (MILES) NI Lode Writer

W

s ’ t a h T what...

How many pairs

she said Lindsey Licht I have 15 pairs of shoes. They are for any kind of situation, but mostly sandals.

Exercise Science First year

Leona Parent I brought probably 15 pairs of shoes up here in a giant bin. I have tennis shoes, slippers, flip flops, and boots.

Business (MIS) First Year

Kiri Kennedy I have sandals, tennis shoes, boots and some fancy shoes and I have 10 pairs in total.

Theatre and Entertainment Tech Second year

he said Cody Fackender When I came to Michigan Tech, I brought running shoes for the SDC, these shoes that I am wearing so I look cool. I brought mountain biking shoes, sandals, shower sandals, four wheeling shoes and snow boots.

Mechanical Engineering Technology First year

Levon Luther Up to Michigan Tech this year I brought one pair of driving shoes, one pair of tennis shoes, and one pair of flip flops.

Electrical Engineering Third year

Tyler Losinski I brought probably a dozen pairs of shoes; I have a lot of running shoes, but my favorite pair of shoes are definitely my slippers.

They are these poofy, down blue slippers that I love.

Mechanical Engineering Second year

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

Event reminders Homecoming When: All week LONG! Info: www.homecoming.mtu. edu/2009 Business and Dining Etiquette Where: Memorial Union Building Ballroom A mtu.edu to sign up When: Oct 14, 6 p.m. -8 p.m.

Tech Theatre Company, “The Bald Soprano” Where: McArdle Theatre When: Oct 15 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Student poll Are you enjoying the unseasonably warm weather? * Yes the lode staff realizes that this question now seems idiotic

No. Bring on the Snow 64% 36% Yes! It’s an extended summer Student responses are based on our weekly online poll. Please vote on next week’s question:

Did you enjoy your Homecoming without the hobos?

Vote at: www.mtulode.com

On this day

1871

The Great Chicago Fire started after a cow reportedly kicked over a lantern in the barn of Mrs. O’Leary. Damage was estimated at $200 million, 90,000 Chicagoans were made homeless, and at least 300 people died.

1912

The First Balkan War (against Turkey) began -- from which World War I arose.

1938

Norman Rockwell published his famous self-portrait in the “Saturday Evening Post.”

Courtesy of www.reference.com

elcome to another week! I didn’t expect such heavy rain in the morning of this Monday, which means the nice summer is over. Are you ready for another winter? This will be my second winter here. Although it was extremely cold, I still had a lot of fun: skiing, making snow statues and so on.

As I said before, the topic for this week is my awesome working experience. Oh, by the way, how’s your career Fair? Get an interview or even get a job offer? To me, a job is not only a way to make me stay alive, but also help me enjoy my life. Working is another type of studying, which you can never learn from classroom.

Because young kids below 18 years old are not allowed to be hired in China, I didn’t get a chance to work before I came here. Fortunately, it didn’t cost me too much time to find my first job in the Wads dining hall.

With a nervous heart, I began to work in the first month I arrived America. I still remembered how I got through my first working day. I was lead to a dish room student supervisor and asked to check the silverware in two tanks every 20 minutes then separate them by forks, spoons and knives.

Later on, I got a chance to experience all kinds work in the dish room such as loading machines and dumping food. Some of my Chinese friends decided to quit because they thought it was too boring to repeat the same step in two hours. I had a similar idea at the first semester. However, when I got familiar with my supervisors and co-workers, I begin to love this job. Supervisors push me to work and other workers teach me how to work. In the dishroom, I also make friends with a lot of Indian graduate students. We talk about culture differences and living experiences in this foreign county. In addition, most of them have mechanical engineering majors, so I can get valuable learning materials from them. Now, I’ve already worked in the dish room over one year. I can say everyone in the dish room is a supervisor.

We take care of each other and make sure work gets done. We are bros! “Come on man!” this is a pattern of the dish room: pushing ourselves to do the best.

After collecting some working experience, I begin to seek some other jobs. Michigan Tech catering is another challenge for me.

This time, I’m serving people instead of working at the back stage. Although it is also a part of dining service, it still took me a summer to get through all the progress. I can summarize my working experience there in a word: organized. At a wedding for example, we spend about two hours to set up all the tables two days before event, so does beverage. Right before the wedding, we make coffee and put the beverage on tables. Because it’s a buffet, all we need to do is take the empty dishes from tables. All of these steps are in a chain, which cannot allow having any problem in any of them. We also should be ready to answer customers’ questions at any time and never say no. In the end of the event, when we stand in the front of the room and receive people’s claps, I feel proud of being a part of caterers.

Both of these two jobs make me more responsible. They help develop my communication skills and help me realize how to show respect to other workers as well.

Teamwork is important everywhere. I’m pretty sure this experience will be useful in my future life. Do you think so?