June 3, 2009

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

www.msureporter.com

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Commendable counseling

MSU grad earns Minnesota Potential Counselor of the Year award JOHN FRITZ

staff writer As Minnesota State graduate student Marcy Koch gazed around the banquet hall packed with statewide members of the Minnesota School Counselors Association, she was glad to see many familiar faces — instructors, advisers and fellow classmates who helped her through her years at MSU. Koch was honored by the MSCA as Minnesota’s 2009 Potential School Counselor of the Year at the awards ceremony May 4 in Brainerd, Minn.

“It was a huge honor, and very humbling,” reflected Koch, who graduated from MSU’s Professional School Counseling Program in May. “I’ve been around so many great counseling students throughout my time at MSU.” Those who know Koch professionally aren’t surprised at her deferential attitude, but say her wale agboola• msu reporter accolades are well deserved.

Hoover Elementary first-grade teacher Marcy Koch appears alongside former students (left to “She’s unassuming. She doesn’t right), second-graders Errin Brudwick, 8, and Kira Pepperell, 7.

seek the limelight,” said Rick Auger, a School Counseling faculty member who advised and taught Koch.

“Yet she’s very talented, smart and sensitive to other people. Marcy has strong counseling skills and is very committed to children, education and counseling. She’s such a great representative of our school and our program.”

That program has churned out four winners of the Potential School Counselor of the Year award in the last six years. It’s no accident, said Koch.

“They are some of the most personable, competent and knowledgeable people I could have asked for,” Koch said of her instructors at MSU. “I can’t find the words to describe how much I think of them.”

Throughout her life, Koch, 49, has been involved in teaching and counseling. Her siblings were her first pupils.

Counseling / page 3

MSU ends Chinese program Program dropped despite student, faculty support DANNIE HIGGINBOTHAM

news editor

index

After a two-year experiment, the Chinese program at Minnesota State is no more.

Department of Modern Languages Chair Jim Grabowska said the Chinese program began two years ago when the department received funds to support a teaching assistant through academic affairs.

Modern languages monitored class enrollment and feedback and found students overall were enthusiastic about the program.

“It was successful because we had a good T.A. and plenty of student support,” Grabowska said.

Former graduate student Leping Yu taught Chinese 101 and 102, but couldn’t teach higher-level courses because she wasn’t a faculty member.

The university’s current budget situation won’t allow for full-time Chinese faculty members, though the department has requested them.

Sports......................................4 Variety......................................6 Classifieds...............................8 .................................................

“We asked the teaching assistant for her syllabus and will try to add regular course offerings,” Grabowska said. “We will continue to ask for full-time members.”

Although Chinese is currently not an option, students have Spanish, French, German and Scandinavian studies to choose from. Still, some feel the loss of the program means a loss to the students.

“I hope it will be back soon and expanded as soon as possible,” said Greg Husak, marketing coordinator for the Centennial Student Union.

Husak took the class the first year it was offered. “Even one year of Mandarin was of benefit to me, both from an academic and business perspective.”

Husak thinks Mandarin wasn’t marketed as effectively as it could have been.

“I went to have my credits certified for graduation and the registrar’s office didn’t know the program existed,” Husak said.

“They were arguing with me, saying ‘we don’t have Chinese at this university.”

Despite this, Husak said his class had 33 students and a very high percentage wanted to continue on with Chinese. He said the class was one of the best he had taken.

“Never had I taken a class more gratifying, fulfilling or that gave me a greater sense of achievement,” Husak said.

“It literally opened up a whole other world for me, as I’m sure it would for anyone taking the class.”

The modern languages department has received support from students and the university for the Chinese program.

“We’ve had requests to bring languages like Portuguese, Russian and Arabic but Chinese has had the most support,” Grabowska said.

Still, the budget crisis and lack of funds present a problem.

Chinese / page 3

MSU grad Jimmy Dale looks to continue his baseball career in Texas See page 4

wale agboola• msu reporter

Ostrander overhaul

Construction workers are working on the Centennial Student Union Ostrander Auditorium renovations, due to by finished by Oct. 1, said Scott Hagebak, CSU operations director.

Interior renovations and a small addition that will include a handicapped accessible ramp for the back entrance of the stage, a storage room and a dressing room is in the process. and built onto the exterior of the CSU.

New horror flick

‘Drag Me to Hell’ gets stellar rating See page 6

Page 2 • Reporter

News

Discount destinations

A student guide to cheap summer travel with advice from TV travel host Leon Logothetis NICOLE SMITH

editor in chief

Summer time provides a much-needed extended break for college students to relax, earn money, and travel. But with the meek economic conditions and shallow budgets of minimalearning students, traveling cheap might be the only option for those looking to venture out during the next few months.

TV travel host and selfproclaimed budget travel expert, Leon Logothetis is a pro at traveling for a pinched price — he has traveled from Times Square, New York to the Los Angeles’ Hollywood sign on an astounding $5 a day during his on-camera excursion. Logothetis hosts Fox Reality’s “Amazing Adventures of a Nobody,” which also airs in 100 countries via the National Geographic Channel.

Apart from his on-air travels, the 31-year-old Briton has spent time traveling to destinations such as Mongolia, Ecuador and

Nepal, all of which he said were eye-opening journeys.

Although the chance of the typical camera-free 20-something-year-old successfully crossing countries and continents on such short funds is assumedly far-fetched, Logothetis lends his expertise to provide valuable tips on traveling to destinations across the globe for a reasonable price.

“Travel is fuel for the soul,” Logothetis said.

College students are on the cusp of adding major responsibilities post-graduation, but until then, this summer is the perfect opportunity to seize the chance to explore.

“There are so many places to go for cheap with the economy the way it is today,” Logothetis said. He advises to pick a location or region of the world, and begin searching valuable Web sites and other resources, like Lonely Planet’s line of travel guides.

“The Big Trip” is an

informative Lonely Planet guide to oversea adventures that breaks down the basics of destinations across the globe — from financial preparations and health and safety tips to fun places to stop, “It’s all about planning,” he said. Even if travelers are looking to experience a wealthy location like Beverly Hills, Calif. planning to commute there from a surrounding city with cheaper lodging can still provide the experience of the ritzier location for a portion of the cost, Logothetis said.

“Couch surfing” and sharing rides are some of his recommendations for a minimal expense journey.

Networking Web sites provide the opportunity to connect with people across the world, to conveniently coordinate car pools and swap couch time with strangers.

It is also important for travelers to research and get familiar with the city (or

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Helpful information about the destination, such as taxi rates and the distance between the airport and local hot spots, could contribute to financial savings.

“For example, in England, if you take a taxi from the center, it’s going to cost you more than $100, but if you take a train, it’s going to cost you $15,” he said.

Another way for students on vacation to get cheap food and accommodations is to volunteer some time at local farms or organizations. There are a variety of networking Web sites available for people to sign up volunteer hours and see what options are in the area of their chosen destination, Logothetis said.

Budget Travel magazine also recommends saving money on food by opting to skip restaurants and purchase groceries for a picnic in a local

Discount / page 3

Wednesday, June 3, 2009W

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Wednesday, June 3, 2009

News

Reporter • Page 3

COUNSELING “I see education from a more holistic perspective, and how kids’ lives outside the classroom affect their reading and writing and learning,” Koch said. continued from 1 “As the oldest of seven children, from an early age I was a teacher and helper to my brothers and sisters,” explained Koch. “Also, I always loved school.”

The Illinois native graduated from Illinois State University in 1982 with a degree in elementary education. She and her husband Tom moved to Mankato in 1991.

In 1995, she fulfilled a promise she made to her first-grade teacher that she would follow in her footsteps, beginning her career as a first-grade teacher at Hoover Elementary School in Mankato.

Koch said it’s been “a joy and a unique experience to teach children, especially at that age level when they’re just learning to read. I’ve seen that spark in kids when they’ve

continued from 1

literally said ‘Aha! I know how to read!’”

She has continued to teach at Hoover, where she’s gained a unique perspective on how students learn.

“I see education from a more holistic perspective, and how kids’ lives outside the classroom affect their reading and writing and learning. And I’ve viewed the importance of a school counselor in helping kids with those problems,” Koch said.

Still, she waited until her own four children, now grown, were out of high school before embarking on her graduate counseling coursework.

She began taking classes toward her graduate degree five years ago. Continuing to teach full-time, it took her five years of part-time study to complete what is usually a two-year

DISCOUNT Nepal, Florence and London “must-sees” for students continued from 2 park.

Although he has been nearly everywhere on the globe, Logothetis has a few stand out location recommendations.

“Buenos Aires, Argentina is a fantastic place and also very cheap and pretty east to get to from the states,” he said. Nepal, Florence, Italy and London are also on Logothetis’ list of mustsee places for college students.

“If you want to visit Europe, the farther east you get, the cheaper things become,” he said.

When traveling internationally, there are certain special precautions and preparations that are important to make. Logothetis advises using calling cards or rental phones instead of personal cell phones to avoid unnecessarily high rates. He also said it is important for those traveling to use traveler’s checks, keep passports in a safe spot and carry a photocopy of it just in case. It may also be a good idea to bring along a list of emergency telephone numbers and a good book to read during down-time.

But for those who aren’t looking to leave the country, Logothetis strongly recommends taking a trip to Miami or Santa

Read the Reporter

CHINESE Budget crisis cited as main problem

Fe, N.M. Route 66 is a nostalgic crosscountry option that takes drivers from Chicago to Santa Fe and beyond, with many quirky stops and cities along the way.

Logothetis is currently working on season four of his show and contributes to various publications including the San Francisco Chronicle, Psychology Today and Outside Magazine.

program.

Her experiences raising her own children through high school, as well as hosting foreign exchange students and foster children at her home, proved valuable during her graduate internship. She spent 500 of her 800 internship hours at Mankato West High School, where the students she counseled were older than those she had been around at Hoover.

She was struck by how closely the issues older students dealt with resembled those of younger students. Motivation, personal social problems, and parental issues were prevalent in both groups. The difference between older and younger students, Koch said, is that the younger students haven’t always recognized their problems and developed their own ways of

dealing with them.

Now graduated, Koch plans to return to Hoover in the fall and “wait patiently for a counseling position to open up in this district,” she said.

Matt Ringhofer, an elementary school counselor at Hoover and Monroe schools, said he has already seen the qualities of a great counselor in Koch.

“She goes above and beyond,” Ringhofer said, “staying late, working with families who are diverse culturally socioeconomically -- families of all backgrounds.

Her creativity and ability to work with all age levels, and her adaptability and guidance are all part of why she would be an excellent counselor.”

“Up until spring we had theoretically lost all our T.A.s,” Grabowska said, saying about 12 assistants for Spanish, German, French and English for Speakers of Other Languages would have been cut. “While Chinese was popular, we’re not looking at cutting classes for a lot of students. When cutting five to seven sections of Spanish, you’re losing about 200 students.”

“We’re just fortunate our T.A.s were reinstated and we can maintain what we had last year,” he said.

Grabowska said his goal is to create modern language speakers proficient enough in a language to communicate.

“I want them to be able to expand their abilities to function in a multicultural society,” he said.

reporter-sports@mnsu.edu

Sports Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Welcome to the bigs kid ... well, maybe not quite yet

MSU graduate Jimmy Dale will look to continue his baseball career in the Independent League KYLE RATKE

sports editor

Most young boys grow up throwing the ball around in their backyard, pretending to be Greg Maddux or Johan Santana. Most of these kids will never have the chance to play out their dream, but for MSU graduate Jimmy Dale, his dream is becoming a reality.

On Friday, Dale is scheduled to sign with the Texarkana Gunslingers. The Gunslingers are located in Texas and are members of the Independent League.

Dale transferred to MSU from Fingers Lake Community College, and it has paid off.

“Coming here during the fall of my junior year was really an experience,” Dale said. “I had my first real pitching coach.

(Head coach) Matt Magers has helped me out in every way possible and this is why I have that chance now.”

Dale doesn’t know what kind of chance he’ll have yet.

Chances are that he will come out in the bullpen and work his way up. He’s alright with it either way. As he said, “He’ll roll with anything.”

Sounds like a pretty laid back guy, huh? Not exactly. When it comes to the field, Dale is a very intense player and that sometimes got in the way during his junior season.

“He plays with so much emotion,” Magers said. “After he was able to get that under control he stayed in games longer.”

Dale has all of the tools to be

a succesful pitcher as he stands in at 6’2” and 210 pounds.

He put his natural ability into full effect last season with the Mavericks as he posted a 4-0 record and a 3.81 ERA which led all starters. The righty also had just two wild pitches in over 50 innings, which tells coaches and scouts that control will not be a problem for this prospect.

He gives most of his credit back to Magers.

“He’s the kind of guy that will keep you focused mentally and physically,” Dale said.

“He brings so many elements to the game along with the experience.”

The travel shouldn’t be very difficult for Dale as he is originally from New York.

Being in a new place doesn’t seem to bother him.

The newly acquired Dale wants to get activated as soon as he can and would like to play in the upcoming series.

The one thing that may be a little bit intimidating will be his new manager. If Dale thought Magers was intimidating, he better think again.

The Gunslingers’ manager is Steve Trout. If that last name sounds familiar it’s because his father was former MLB pitcher Dizzy Trout. The same Dizzy Trout who was a two-time allstar and has 170 career wins.

It’s probably safe to say that his son knows a thing or two about pitching.

That in itself may be an honor. Enough so that he decided to call Dale up and give him a chance.

photo courtesy of MSU Sports Information Jimmy Dale went undefeated as a starter, finishing 4-0.

The Nunda, New York, native has a three-pitch arsenal that includes an above-average curve ball along with a fastball and change-up.

“He can throw all three pitches for strikes,” Magers said. “He has a fantastic work ethic. But a lot of professional baseball is business. In college ball it’s all about helping the team win. In professional ball it’s more like what’s in it for me? What can I do for myself?”

That may be the one downfall for the red-headed player who only knows how to play for the team. One can

barely blame him for that.

“My goal is to go down there and play ball and work hard.

Just to do anything I can do to help the team win,” Dale said.

“I want to work my way up and go as far as I can.”

The newly acquired Dale wants to get activitated as soon as he can and would like to play in the upcoming series this weekend. Sounds like a competitor. There are many baseball players that play because they are good or because they were given that talent. That’s not the case for

Dale / page 5

‘Kahn’ he do it? Things aren’t looking good for the Wolves OPINION

KYLE RATKE

sports editor

The Minnesota Timberwolves made one smart move in their history: drafting Kevin Garnett.

Since then they have made a series of harmful mistakes such as trading Brandon Roy for Randy Foye, drafting busts such as Corey Brewer and Rashad McCants.

But the most painful mistake that they have continued to repeat is hiring and retaining Kevin McHale to do random

W

things for the team. None of MSU alumnus Glen Taylor. which he has been succesful at.

Taylor is very well respected There is one man who around the league, but his supposedly will get to decide lack of being able to acquire McHale’s fate, and talented members that is newly hired behind the scenes now President of Basketball has Timberwolves fans Operations David wondering where the Kahn. Kahn has a lot of talented players are. experience in the NBA Well, keep looking. and has worked with They’re not here. Taylor great basketball minds has been known to be such as Donnie Walsh. very good friends with Taylor The one thing that McHale and that might could hold Kahn back be the problem entirely. from making the decisions he But as a fan, it’s hard to would like to make is owner and figure out who to blame.

Maybe, Kevin is doing a great job and we are all just speculating. But if Kahn really does get the chance to make all the decisions, it will be interesting to see whether McHale sticks around through it all.

The Wolves have three first round draft picks this year, which is promising. But this is also one of the weakest drafts in the last decade, which sounds about right if you’re a Minnesota sports fan.

Taylor said at a recent press

Kahn / page 5

(507) 389-5227

Brett Favre: the saga continues OPINION

PAT DELANEY

staff writer

Since Brad Childress took over as the Minnesota Vikings head coach in 2006 there has been one looming problem: the quarterback position. While the Vikings have brought in top offensive weapons such as Bernard Berrian, Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson, the offense has still continued to stall without a legitimate man under center.

The Tarvaris Jackson experiment has been highlighted by inconsistent play. In his three years in Minnesota, we have seen flashes of real potential.

Those have been overlooked by the countless errors, however.

This being capped off by a playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in which Jackson struggled to read blitzes and find receivers.

Sage Rosenfels was brought in to compete with Jackson this year but it’s hard to believe that a 31 year old that is playing for his fourth NFL team has a real shot of being a good starting quarterback. What most people probably remember about Rosenfels is his 4th quarter collapse last season against the Indianapolis Colts, where he turned the ball over three times during his last three possessions to lose the game.

This year’s Vikings team is loaded with weapons on both sides of the ball. It is a team that is primed to win right now and in the NFL your window of opportunity doesn’t stay open long. This is where Brett Favre comes into play.

Favre stated he wanted to play for the Vikings last season but the Packers traded him to the New York Jets and put a clause in the trade that would punish the Jets severely if they turned around and traded Favre to Minnesota. This year Favre is free to sign with anyone he chooses and Minnesota is the only place anyone predicts Favre coming out of retirement for.

It makes sense. Who wouldn’t want the chance to hand the ball off to the best running back in the NFL in Adrian Peterson, or have reliable receivers in Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe to throw to? Not to mention first round draft pick Percy Harvin, who many considered the most

Favre / page 5

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Sports

FAVRE “Favre is right for the job.” continued from 4

explosive player in the draft. All mind for a minute that their team this while being behind a solid went out and got longtime rival offensive line and knowing that Babe Ruth from the Boston Red on the other side of the ball your sox. lead is being protected.

At the end of the day it comes Last season Favre was down to winning. With Brett brilliant in Favre the leading the Vikings go Jets to an 8-3 from being start before playoff injuring his hopeful to arm and a legitimate faltering Super Bowl down the contender. stretch. The Vikings have What’s a better all next? around team That’s then the Jets, been the and the west question for coast system the last few Minnesota months. runs on There offense is tons is Favre’s of Favre specialty. speculation If Favre’s photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated and it injured bicep Brett Favre could be wearing a seems like can heal there Minnesota Vikings jersey soon. it all aims is no question towards Favre he is right for the job. It shocks becoming a Minnesota Viking. me that some so-called Vikings If this were to happen, we fans have stated they would not could likely be seeing the best watch the team if Favre played Viking team that we’ve seen in here. quite some time. And no, it won’t This is a state that is starving solve the quarterback problem for a championship. It comes longterm. But who needs down to getting anyone you can longterm when we can win now? that can help the team win. I’m sure the Yankees fans didn’t

Reporter • Page 5

Sports Shorts

KAHN New leader will need time

REPORTER STAFF

continued from 4 conference that he believes Kahn has the tools to take the team to the next level. But what exactly does that mean?

Win 30 games? It’s difficult to see this team going anywhere with virtually only one star on the team — forward Al Jefferson. This upcoming draft could be a great chance for the Wolves to build for the future, but at the same time, it could also be another chance for them to fail miserably.

The teams unsuccessful history explains why other

candidates rejected the job.

While Taylor said that no one was denied the job, it wouldn’t be far fetched to understand why they would. This team needs a leader. The one it has had for the last decade has not stepped up to the plate ... or in this case, the rim.

If the new man in charge is going to turn this team around, he will need some time and maybe some luck. Who knows ... maybe we will be on the other side of a bone-headed trade for once.

DALE “He has a fantastic work ethic” continued from 4

Dale. He has worked his tail off looking for this opportunity.

Well, it looks like it’s paid off.

“He has that desire and passion for the game,” Magers said.

“That will give him success by itself.”

Not only will Dale’s ability bring him a long way, but his attitude will also be a big factor.

Athletes with a good head on their shoulders are often overlooked in today’s sports.

Making adjustments will definitely be necessary for Dale as he begins his professional career. It’s something that all good

pitchers do. Dale was supposed to be the third-best pitcher in the rotation this season, but turned out to have the best numbers out of the group.

Dale will have many people checking the boxscores around the nation, whether it’s in Texas, New York or Minnesota.

“I was just hoping for a chance,” Dale said. “I just want to play baseball. It means something. Hopefully this is a chance I can take advantage of.”

Women’s Track and Field Senior Katelin Rains added her fourth career national title, as she won her first outdoor title with a vault of 13’7”.

Rains was four inches higher than runner-up Dianna Noonan from Grand Valley State. She also broke the meet’s record which was set in 2005.

Junior sprinter Brittany Henderson earned All-American honors as she took fifth-place in the 100-meter dash with a time of 11:48. Henderson took third in the same event last year.

Three named to Academic All-District Team Three MSU athletes were named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District team.

Senior swimmer Ashley Baer leaves MSU as a 13-time AllAmerican and earned a 3.60 GPA as an elementary education major.

Senior men’s hockey player Ryan Galliardi earned a 3.90 GPA in sports management while being one of five players to see action in all 38 games last season.

Senoir golfer Jon Herzon was named golfer of the week earlier this year and recorded a 3.81 GPA whlie majoring in construction.

Summer Parking Park Free In:

Lot 1, Lot 3, Lot 13, Lot 15, Purple & Orange Permit Areas & Free Lot 23 Summer Gold Permits:

On sale for $46 in the following lots: Lot 7(by Blakeslee Stadium), Maywood Curbside Gold, Rugby Gold, McElroy Curbside Gold. Approval needed, e-mail: david.cowan@mnsu.edu.

On sale through 8/21/09.

Gold Permit Stalls Enforced When Classes Are In Session Gold permit holders are not restricted and can park in any Gold Permit lot with more than 80 stalls, including: Lot 7, Lot 11 & 11a & Gold Lot 5.

Enforced Stalls: Gold permit areas, handicap stalls, meters, facilities management, vendor stalls & delivery stalls.

reporter-arts@mnsu.edu

Variety Wednesday, June 3, 2009

W

(507) 389-5157

photos courtesy of movieweb.com

RAIMI DRAGS US TO HELL NATE BRENNAN

variety editor

Subtlety and genre are factors to film-making the Wayans brothers have failed to take into account with any of their spoof films.

Mel Brooks knew well that “Blazing Saddles” had to be a western if it was to be a successful spoof of the genre. The same with sci-fi and “Spaceballs.”

This makes it all the more unfortunate that movie-goers only think of the “Scary Movie” franchise when they hear the term “horror spoof.”

With one decisive trip to the theatre this weekend, however, minds will be blown and perceptions will be changed.

Generation Y, meet Sam Raimi’s horror spoof masterpiece “Drag Me to Hell.”

With the enormous box-office success of Raimi’s “Spider-Man” trilogy, the writer/director’s newest horror film is finally getting the attention his masterful and hilarious “Evil Dead” trilogy (1981-1992) wasn’t as fortunate to receive.

The film opens on seer Shaun San Dena’s failure to save a child from the curse of the Lamia, a mythical beast that comes to drag souls to Hell.

Many years pass until the viewer is introduced to Christine Brown (Alison Lohman), a sweet farm girl with a bright future as a loan officer.

Raimi shows the perils of ambition as Christine is forced to start making the “tough decisions” in order to gain a promotion over her

cutthroat competition (Reggie Lee).

To show her devotion to the job, Christine denies a third loan extension to sick, elderly gypsy Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver).

Ganush falls to her knees, begging and grabbing at Christine’s feet. In a panic, Christine calls for security and shoves her away, shaming her. She is praised by her boss for her actions and says the promotion is essentially hers.

Christine happily ends her day and walks to her car in her building’s parking garage.

Ganush’s car is there in the parking garage and she hears the gypsy’s pitiful coughing.

Christine hurriedly keys her way into her car and looks in her rear-view mirror to find Ganush’s cold, deadly stare.

Christine screams, Ganush lunges and a truly

Mrs. Ganush (Lorna Raver) wants revenge in “Drag Me to Hell.”

amazing fight ensues, ending in Ganush leaving the curse of the Lamia upon Christine.

In three days, the Lamia will come to drag Christine’s soul to hell unless she can get rid of her curse.

Raimi’s true genius in “Drag Me To Hell” is his ability to mesh the frightening and the ridiculous into a horror spoof that manages to never take itself too serious or be overtly silly.

Raimi and cinematographer Peter Deming (“Mulholland Dr.”) employ very unique shot sequences that play hauntingly in sync with the chilling sound editing and score coordination.

Unlike his “Evil Dead” trilogy, which used effects that were cheesy in the best way possible, Raimi manages to become one of very few directors to instill CGI without making it look cheesy in the worst way possible.

Furthermore, he trades in the buckets of fake blood and green guts he used in the ’80s for a more censor-happy approach (the film has a PG13 rating). In doing so, he accomplishes another feat by attracting more viewers without sacrificing the effectiveness the blood and guts had.

Throughout the film I was either terrified, enraptured in hysterical laughter or left with my jaw dropped like a Neanderthal given a Sudoku.

But when the film ended as abruptly as it began, I was sure that it was the best time I’ve ever had at a film screening.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Variety

Reporter • Page 7

Virtual Wii-ality The quick fix EA Sports challenges gamers’ fitness ALI RAMSEY

“Primary Colours”

staff writer

The introduction of Nintendo Wii in 2001 proved that not every video game can be played by a coach potato. In 2008 Wii released “Wii Fit,” the first interactive exercise video game.

The makers of the game were on to something. They had the right idea, but the game wasn’t an overall effective workout tool.

“EA Active,” released in May, takes that idea and steps it up.

While working one-on-one with an electronic instructor, players can choose from a variety of exercises including boxing, running and basketball to build a workout routine.

If you don’t want to build your own routine, “EA Active” also offers the 30-Day Chal-

photo courtesy of EA Sports

lenge. Its routines focus on several different areas of the body and are designed to help find the best workout for each individual.

The game has its flaws, including the overly happy fitness instructors offering over the top motivational quips every five seconds and plain scenic backgrounds fixed for each workout.

But overall, “EA Active” gets you out of your seat, sweating and feeling like you’ve actually completed a real workout.

New and better additions of workout games are sure to hit the market in the next couple of years, but for now, “EA Active” is the best of its kind.

MSU art displayed at Coffee Hag wale agboola • msu reporter

The work of MSU student Chelsey Davis will be featured at The Coffee Hag in Mankato through June 30.

Davis will have her opening reception from 6-9 p.m.

Thursday.

FOR RENT

HUNTINGTON HILLS

Currently available 2 bed units for $746/mo.

4 & 5 BR townhomes for $350-$400/room.

Students-Landlords have you upset already?

You know within the first 30 days of your lease if you intend to live in the same place next year.

Start planning ahead for next year.

Come down and check us out!

Pets welcomed. $200 Non-refundable.

VOLLEYBALL • GRILL AREA POOL • BASKETBALL COURT Email: huntington.hills@live.com Call or text Lisa at (507) 387-3771

744 James Ave. Mankato, MN 56001

The Horrors

On the band’s second LP, The Horrors manage to imitate The Cure, Joy Division and Interpol while creating a sound and ambience of its own.

Singles “Sea Within a Sea” and “Who Can Say” are steps forward in the band’s gothic pop-rock style. The latter single, laced with synth and scuzzy guitar, is arguably the best production the band has released to date.

Pixies

“Doolittle”

In 2007, St. Paul hip-hop band Heiruspecs sold out two 10th anniversary shows in the Twin Cities and was given its own day by the mayor of St. Paul. At May’s Soundset festival in Shakopee, the group tore up the stage. In 2008, they released this LP, a collection of out-of-print tunes and new tracks comparable to the Roots, but with an entirely unique Minneapolis hop-hop groove.

Patton Oswalt

“Werewolves and Lollipops”

This 1989 release from the Pixies defined the alternative rock sound of the ’90s. An array of bands from Nirvana to Radiohead all credit the band with influencing their work and the legendary Kurt Cobain even joked that “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was essentially a Pixies song.

Alternative stand-up comic Patton Oswalt tapes a rollicking 2007 performance in Austin, Texas. Topics include George W. Bush and Dick Cheney as the “Dukes of Hazzard,” “Cirque Du Soleil” and going back in time to kill George Lucas with a shovel before he can make the “Star Wars” prequels.

For Rent

Help Wanted

5 or 4 or 3 or 2 or 1 BEDROOM H O U S E S / A PA R T M E N T S available right now, some for next year. Many to choose from.

Check out our website www. ottoH.com owner/agent. 7/22 3 BEDROOM 975/MONTH 2 bedroom $650/month includes utilities. 5 bedroom $1,350/ month plus utilities. Pat 651-4510431 or Brian 651-851-7798. 7/8 3 BEDROOM TOWNHOME FOR Rent near campus. Call 952-2103270.

7/8 HOUSE FOR RENT FOR FALL 5 bedroom $1495.00 plus utilities.

2 blocks from campus. Jim 507345-2049. Barb 507-340-5699.

7/8 3 BR MOBILE HOME, POOL for summertime, no pets, off street, much updates, deck, shed, availability negotiable, referral required. 507-340-8441.

7/8

Vikings Training Camp Edition Coming Soon

PH (507) 387-3771 CELL (507) 993-3156

Heiruspecs

“Heiruspecs”

Contact our Advertising Sales Department at (507) 389-1079 to reserve your ad in this popular publication!

YAEGER BUS SERVICE IS NOW hiring Part-time school bus drivers for athletic/field trips and/ or am & pm routes. Excellent pay and performance bonuses.

Hours work well with college schedules, homemakers, or as a second job. All training is provided. Located about a mile from the MSU campus on Doc Jones Rd. 345-5470.

7/8 BARTENDERS WANTED! $250/ day potential. No experience necessary. Training available.

Age 18+ OK. (800)965-6520 Ext 170.

8/25 RESUME WRITING SERVICES Make a STRONG first impression with a professional resume that showcases your top achievements & markets YOU as the IDEAL candidate for the job! Prices starting at $39.99.

Call 507-625-1859 or visit www. professionalresumes.webs.com.

7/8

Sublease 5 BR HOUSE: One bedroom available until July. Nice 5-year old house close to campus, driveway, 3 car garage. $350/ month plus utilities. Contact Tyler at 320-223-9986.

UTN

Page 8 • Reporter

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Wednesday, June 3, 2009