08/26/2009

n o i t i d E k e e W O S pec ial

The

6 A O-Week photo coverage

Michigan Tech Lode batch of Huskies h s e r Af

August 26, 2009

Serving the Michigan Tech Community Since 1921

MATT WILSON Editor in Chief

Photos by Alex Cotton

Welcome back to another year at Michigan Tech! If this is your first year here, we hope you are enjoying Orientation, meeting new people and are looking forward to starting your journey at Michigan Tech.

Even though Houghton may be a small town and you might be wondering why you

came all the way up here for school (if you’re not now, you will when the snow flies), there are a surprising amount of activities to keep yourself busy with throughout the entire year. The newly-instituted Tech Experience Fee allows students to access things such as free rounds at the Portage Lake golf course, free access to hockey games and the Mont Ripley ski hill as well as free admission to certain events in the Rozsa Center. For activi-

ties off-campus, check out our article on 2A covering local restaurants, eateries and attractions.

If you are worrying about the upcoming stresses of classes and finding your place on campus, rest assured that Michigan Tech boasts a wealth of student organizations that can fit just about any interests you might have. Do not be afraid to try new things and pursue your passions while at Michigan Tech. And of course, everything you do here does not have to fit within your area of study; striking a good balance is a great idea. Take me for example - I’m a student in the School of Technology but have avoided working for the on-campus computer groups to work for the Lode for three years now simply because I had enjoyed working on my high school newspaper.

I hope you thoroughly enjoy your time here. Use it to your advantage, as there is much more to be involved in here than meets the eye.

On behalf of the Michigan Tech Lode, I welcome you to Michigan Tech and wish you the best with your first week of classes.

FRSTYR 1001 - Introduction to Houghton

What first-year students need to know about life in the Copper Country DANNY MESSINGER News Editor Moving somewhere new can be quite a daunting task for anyone - even moreso if you’ll be attending your first college class in a few days. However, any acclimated Michigan Tech student will tell you that life in the Copper Country is not as scary once you’ve acquainted yourself with the local hang-outs and essential stores. Make sure to take a peek at your friend’s lecture notes at right outlining what he learned in his Introduction to Houghton lecture.

As well as knowing the essential locations throughout town, it is important for new students to familiarize themselves with nearby recreational opportunities and attractions.

A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum is located on the 5th floor of the EERC building and offers visitors insight into the different minerals and geology of the area.

Chutes and Ladders playground is located along the Houghton lakefront and has been a gathering spot for Michigan Tech students for many years.

Mount Bohemia is a popular option for Michigan Tech winter sports enthusiasts - second only to Mont Ripley. Located near Lac La Belle, Mount Bohemia offers adventerous ski slopes comperable to that of mountains in New England or the Rockies.

Quincy Mine is located at the top of Quincy hill and offers tours of the Quincy mineshaft as well as a unqiue gift shop.

Visitors can even take a tram ride down the hill and walk into the old mine shaft.

The Porcupine Mountains are located south on M-26 towards Ontonagon. These mountains offer many opportunities for for hiking, biking and snowmobiling. Sites within the Porkies include Victoria Falls and the Paulding Mystery Light.

ing p p o h S n Houghto s Grocerie

ods Econo Fo hours Open 24 oods he mall Festival F s from t s ro c a d Locate ill A Quincy h Pat’s IG ncock on a H in d e Locat odmart campus Jim’s Fo store to ry e c o gr t Closes Op s enaw Coanic food The Kewe tural, org a n f o n io t Selec

s and Shop H d n o c e S Goodwill y ation Arm The Salv l nt De Pau St. Vince

Local Dining

Restaurants

Ambassador - Specalizes in thin crust pizza Applebee’s - Bar and Grill Armando’s - Specalizes in Ita lian Cuisine Downtowner - Best burgers in town Joey’s Seafood & Grill - Great selection The Library - Full menu and mic robrewery Pilgrim River Steakhouse - Loc ated south on 41 Quincy’s Restaurant - Located in Dollar Bay

Homestyle / Ethnic

Ming’s Asian Bistro - Chinese buffet Perkins - Open 24 hours on wee kends Soumi Café - Finnish cuisine, local favorite Victoria’s Kitchen - Middle-Eas tern cuisine

College Staples

Pizza

Domino’s Jim’s Pizza Little Caesars

Pizza Hut

The Studio Calumet Pizza Works

Fast Food Arby’s

Cousin’s Subs Hardee’s

Kentucky Fried Chicken Long John Silver’s

McDonald’s Subway Taco Bell

Quizno’s

Hang-Out Spots Movie Theatres

a 5 Copper Country Cinem near Wal-Mart ll Located in the ma The Lode Theatre downtown Houghton Right in the heart of

Coffee Houses

The Library Café Cyberia Café om Four Seasons Tea Ro

Unique Spots

The Edge lor Piercing and tattoo par The Backroom /adult novelty shop Three story bookstore Downwind Sports ur bike or snowboard Get a tune-up on yo

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

ORIENTATION

First year experience Advice from a former first year on how to avoid common blunders, mistakes and freshmen faux-pas Lode Writer You’ve been welcomed.

You’ve been taught how to study, get involved and travel overseas. But when you wake up the morning of your first class you may suddenly be overcome with uneasiness and a strong desire to vomit. The familiar first-day-of-school jitters might take over your mind and body reducing you to a mumbling mass of anxiety. You’ll curse every out of place hair and your parents for not taking you shoe shopping before you left home.

You’ll suddenly forget where every building on campus is and wander aimlessly, missing your class. This is, of course, a worst-case scenario. However likely, it can be avoided by following a few simple steps which will allow you to be prepared and blend in with those sixthyears who stroll to class with such ease and grace.

Preparation can make or break a college debut. Take the time given in Orientation to find your classes before they begin. Don’t be that first-year running through an empty campus bawling and yelling for help because they can’t find their biology class.

Being familiar with your schedule will also bring familiarity to Michigan Tech’s end-

“

was so Orientation Week). You will find at Michigan Tech that friends and potential dates will not judge you on your clothes or hair but your skill at broomball, carving snow statues and your spirit at hockey games.

Use your ner vous energy to sharpen your focus and take adv antage of this new beginning.

W a l k confidently through campus. Enter the classrooms fearlessly. This is your chance to change into the person you have always wanted to be. Leave behind long-founded beliefs and ideals and explore new ones. As former UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson stated, “He who rejects change is the architect of decay.” So rather than being the architects of decay, become the engineers of progress.

First-years: abandon your perfectly fitting jeans and bright polos. Don your sweatpants and hoodies. Leave behind brushes and combs. Arm yourselves with calculators and notebooks.

Join the ranks of so many Michigan Tech students in the battle for academic success.

First-years: abandon your perfectly fitting jeans and bright polos. Don your sweatpants and hoodies.

“

ELIJAH HAINES

less acronyms. The phrase: “I love living in Douglas Houghton Hall” will draw strange looks and be followed by an awkward silence. If, however, you state confidently, “DHH rocks,” you will be met with nods and murm u r e d agreements.

The statem e n t , “That concert in the Memorial Union Building was rad,” will label you as a social outcast. Simple rephrasing, “That MUB concert was sick,” will convince everyone you’ve been there and done that.

Some good news to first years: college kids often put their personal appearance in the backseat (or trunk) on most class days. Gone are the days of matching outfits or new styles.

These are the days of sweatpants, sweatshirts and a plethora of Michigan Tech apparel. It should be noted that although overall appearance may be less important, personal hygiene is not. First-years should shower everyday and apply antiperspirant to avoid social suicide.

Also, first-years should discontinue wearing give-away lanyards around their necks (that

Michigan Tech Lode

Michigan Tech abbreviations DHH Douglass Houghton Hall

EERC Electrical Energy Resources Center

M&M

Minerals and Materials Engineering Building

MEEM

Mechanical Engineering - Engineering Mechanics

MUB Memorial Union Building

SDC

Student Development Complex

Wads

Wadsworth Hall Photos courtesy of Michigan Tech

Michigan Tech Lode

ORIENTATION

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

The Lode Wants YOU

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The Michigan Tech Lode is looking for motivated and qualified individuals for its staff. Contact us today for more information.

Multimedia Positions Designers Live Reporting Photographers Videographers Video Interviews

Do you have experience with: -Adobe InDesign-AP style-Photography-Reporting-Web design-WordPress-Working on a newspaper-

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Contact Us (906) 487-2404 E-mail us at: mawilson@mtu.edu

Dorm life: remember it’s not a palace

Keep these tips on smart buys in mind while you make yourself at home LENA WILSON Lode Writer There are many products designed to be cheap and supposedly useful just for dorm rooms and entering freshmen.

The saying “back to school” seems to rev parents right up.

Of course, relatives are happy to travel to the local Wal-Mart to buy some small appliances, plastic shelving, hand towels and things of the like. Many students are often gifted with “food”. Ramen noodles and candy are automatically associated with the term “college food”.

A dorm room is quite a small space, as we are very aware.

It is also a very impermanent space. It only seems logical to buy things with this impermanence in mind. Why buy a bunch of sub-par and/or very specialized furniture, appliances , and accessories when money could be invested in a few nice things? Why did anyone ever need locker shelves in high school? I mean, unless they were found in the garbage, thrift store or were free.

I am also guilty of this and am realizing the fault of this mindset. While going through my things I have some plastic shelves and some storage items I really have no use for.

It seems that someone else who was now in the situation, a dorm or incredibly small place, could use these things.

There are many people, however, who will not go to yard

sales, thrift stores or bark board looking for these items because they aren’t yet introduced to the Houghton area and the Michigan Tech student community.

I was selling textbooks online and just recently sold a textbook to someone living in DHH. Coincidentally, I had also listed this book on Barkboard for a little cheaper.

In a University setting, it would be ideal to think locally for items that are common to students like textbooks, dorm furniture, and so on.

It is great to donate items to Goodwill but I’m beginning to believe that many times we throw our abused or half broken items at thrift stores.

There is disrespect for household items throughout college housing. Some housing is appalling. It is great to have fun, party and gather, but treating houses with disrespect is an inexcusable waste.

Housing is a responsibility no matter who we sign on with, as is ownership of belongings. It may not be possible to have perfect passing of houses, apartments, and items between each other, but having good communication between students locally would decrease waste of popular items.

It would be great for incoming students to be aware of Barkboard or other avenues through which to get a hold of students. Great communication locally can only lead to great things.

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ORIENTATION

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Michigan Tech Lode

Huskies have high hopes for ‘09-’10 Football

The Huskies enter 2009 with a grudge, falling just shy of the playoffs, despite an 8-3 record last year. The team only lost seven seniors last year, and with an extra Kearly year of experience for several players at key positions, the team enters the season with high expectations. Head coach Tom Kearly’s crew will begin their season on Sept. 5 against Hillsdale, the first of two road games to begin the season. The Huskies will then player rival Northern Michigan before taking on No.1 Grand Valley under the lights at Sherman Field.

Volleyball

Head Coach Orlando Gonzalez steps in to fill the shoes of Krista Mikesch who stepped down for the Huskies over the summer. Michigan Tech had a Gonzalez promising regular season led by a senior-filled roster, but ended the year in disappointing fashion with an opening round loss to Saginaw Valley State in the NCAA tournament. After losing several key players to graduation, and with a new coach, the Huskies enter this season with a lot of questions, but equally as much optimism.

Women’s Tennis Cross Country

With senior leadership leaving the tennis team, head coach Mike Axford will have to rely on the elevated efforts of several underclassmen, including last year’s Axford GLIAC freshman of the year Victoria Zhilkina, who hails from Russia. Junior Nathalia Rondelli, of Brazil, will be relied on for leadership as she leads the Huskies, who will open with the same two games as 2008, home matches against Saginaw Valley State and Northwood, who Michigan Tech beat 5-4 and lost to 2-7 respectively.

The men’s and women’s cross country teams look to advance to nationals after concluding last season with sixth and tenth place GLIAC Haggenmiller finishes respectively. Head coach Joe Haggenmiller has new recruits, who add raw talent to an already strong team. The teams will host their only home race of the season this weekend, the UP Collegiate Cross Country Season Opener. Haggenmiller enters his seventh season at MTU looking to qualify runners for nationals and to bolster his team’s overall success.

2008 record: 8-3 (7-3 GLIAC)

2008 record: 19-11 (12-4 GLIAC)

2008 record: 14-8 (5-4 GLIAC)

2008 GLIAC: M 6th, W 10th

First game: 9/5 @Hillsdale

First game: 8/28 @Wisc. Parkside

First match: 9/12 Saginaw Valley

First race: 8/28 in Houghton

Key Players: QB Steve Short, RB Phil Milbrath, WR Bobby Slowik, DE Drew Vanderlin

Key Players: OH Veronica Armstrong, Lib. Kaitlin Wiza, OH/L Kaari Nevanen

Key Players: Nathalia Rondelli, Victoria Zhilkina

Key Players: Brian Stetter, Ken Gilkerson, Ian Connick, Christina Mishica, Jenna Klein

Let’s go Huskies! The kids don’t Letting out your inner Michigan Tech Huskies fan is as easy as 1,2,3

1

Know the teams

2

stand a chance KAYLA HERRERA Lode Writer

Attend the games

3

Read the Lode

I certainly do not look like I am one month shy of twentyyears old. Anyone who knows me could tell you that. In my previous job, I had customers approach me warily, not sure I could handle alcohol merely because they thought I was not of age. Every day, youth are discriminated against in hundreds of different ways. I like to think I am an older soul, but because of my youthful appearance, I am not always taken seriously.

The discrimination, whether blunt or extremely subtle, has got to stop.

The FreeChild Project is working to help close the gaps between the two different ends of the age spectrum. Such organizations as LINC (Linking Intergenerational Networks in Communities) and Generations Inc. provide programs and activities which enable the youth and the elderly to work together, creating a cooperation and understanding between the two. The progress to a less divided future is steady, but grueling.

Recently, a group of friends and I ventured to Calumet to eat at the well-known Carmelita’s Mexican restaurant. I, being a Carmelita’s newbie, was not sure what to expect from a Mexican restaurant in the middle of the UP. With my Latina heritage, I was used to authentic dishes, but simultaneously was excited to find such a dining experience in the area.

With a scrumptious introduction of homemade chips and salsa, I was ready for whatever this restaurant had to throw at me. I was ready for about an hour and by then the melodious high of my anticipation was wearing off. Where the heck was our food? The restaurant was moderately busy, but not too bad. I kept my chin high. I knew how to handle myself. I had seen my mother, a prime expert at restaurant complaints, assertively and professionally handle herself in precisely the same situation. I leaned over to my friends and reassured them that if the food was cold, we would just tell them we just want it taken off our bill. First, the appetizers came along with my virgin margarita. Delicious.

So we eagerly awaited the meals.

When they did finally show up, we poked, prodded and sampled. The rice was cold.

The beans were cold. We

did not have the time to wait around for another whole meal.

A girl came over and told us she would reheat them. We were not paying ten dollars a meal for it to be zapped in the microwave. So I went and found the waitress and calmly explained to her that we would pay for the margarita and hot wings, but wanted to take the meals off of our bill. Unsure of whether or not that could be done, she said she would get the owner.

Without a thought, the owner angrily held up our ticket and said it went in at 7:37pm and the food came out forty minutes later. We were sitting there for a good hour. In my most mature tone, I explained that we just wanted the meals taken off because they were cold and would pay for the others. “This isn’t Burger King!” he growled.

I was utterly flabbergasted. He stomped away and we pondered our disgust. The waitress came back and told us the owner was going to charge us half price for our meals, despite not even eating them. Basically, we were paying for food we didn’t eat. “Well guys, I guess we aren’t coming back here,” I said. The waitress ran off and the owner came back again, his attitude completely morphed.

He apologized for the food and promised us our next Carmelita’s experience would be better.

Already disgusted enough at that point, all we could do was nod. He was still charging us half price. Without hesitating, we put down the money for the appetizers and margarita and left without ever looking back. I can honestly tell you I wouldn’t be back.

It is a wonder as to whether or not youth discrimination played a part in this experience.

Why was he angry when approaching the table of giggling girls? And why did he make a reference to a popular fast-food restaurant chain where a large number of Calumet teens go to hang out? It boggled me that I had never seen my mother treated in such a way, yet I made exactly the same complaint at a different restaurant and was treated as if I was a snotty teenager trying to get some free meals. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I had been treated in such a way. And it probably will not be the last.

All we can do, as a generation, is try to work together to mend the bridges between the aged and the young and hope for the better in the coming future; that one day we can stop the hatred that meanders so freely amongst our world.

ORIENTATION

Michigan Tech Lode

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

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O-M-G, O-Week!

O-M-G Wednesday, August 26, 2009

ORIENTATION

Michigan Tech Lode

Photos and layout by Alex Cotton