September 15, 2009

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

PRIDE

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STANDING TALL WITH

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Debate over health care continues Obama discusses plan in Minneapolis JOHN FRITZ

staff writer

ELENA SHUFELT

staff writer

Booths, music, food and high spirits flooded the grounds of Sibley Park Saturday when proud lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and allies celebrated the eighth annual Mankato Pridefest. Smiling faces and bright colors created a welcoming atmosphere. Booths sold homemade jewelry and accessories and many private organizations had booths focused on bettering the LGBT community.

The Rural AIDS Action Network provided free HIV testing. They also had free safer-sex options available, including condom lollipops and the difficult-to-come-by female condom.

Rainbow Health Initiative (RHI) offered smokers who want to quit smoking help, and raised awareness of the health dangers related to tobacco. Their overall mission is

to improve the health of LGBT people in Minnesota. RHI has been at the Mankato Pridefest for two years now, but this is the first year they have sponsored it.

Different groups came out to show their support for the LGBT community. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) worked to help others show the kind of support they do. Members of various faiths and churches, including Unitarian, Episcopal, Lutheran and Atheist, showed their support by giving out free items such as water and candy.

Mayor John Brady spoke at the event, then gave the floor to Jessica Flatequal, Director of the LGBT Center at MSU. “When I see all the amazing faces of LGBT people and our allies come out to celebrates our lives, it warms my heart so much I can’t hold back tears,” Flatequal said in another speech later in the afternoon.

This festival was dedicated to Jean Tretter,

President Barack Obama made Minneapolis the first stop on his campaign-like stumping trail to promote health-care reform plan. His speech Saturday in front of a packed Target Center mirrored many of the points he made during an address he gave Wednesday to a joint session of Congress.

Since the spring, he has seemingly been in danger of losing control of the health care debate, which he has made the centerpiece of his presidency.

Approval of Obama’s handling of health care and his presidential performance has dropped sharply since April. A Pew Research poll released Sept. 3 showed his cezara talmaci• msu reporter approval rating dropped ten points — to 52 percent — from April to a collector of Mankato LGBT memorabilia who displayed his collections at six Mankato August.

During Congress’ August Pridefests. Flatequal said Tretter could not recess, constituents on both participate this year due to illness. sides of the debate made their She thanked all the volunteers for Pridefest voices heard, sometimes loudly, and offered support for LGBT people. at a series of town hall meetings “Remember that this is really about so centered on health-care reform. much more than just one of us, it’s about Throughout it all it became a community that is out there that can’t be clear that many, including the here,” Flatequal said. “I want to give a shout fiscally conservative Blue Dog out to all of the people who are in the closet Democrats, were wary of reform who are afraid to come out today.” efforts.

The best parts of the festival were the In his speech Saturday, Obama weather and the turnout, said Greg Wilkins, a dismissed the dissension as part Pridefest volunteer and associate director for of “the same partisan spectacle student activities at MSU. He said he hoped that has left so many of you for even more participants in the future. disappointed in Washington for “You don’t have to be LGBT to come out so long.” and celebrate. You can also be an ally to be

Debate / page 7

Pride / page 7

MSU aims to protect students from

Student Health Services offers tips on how to prevent the virus ASHLEY WALL

staff writer

index

With up to 90,000 deaths expected in the U.S. this fall from influenza, Minnesota State is taking crucial measures to keep Editorial...................................4 Voices......................................5 Sports......................................9 Variety....................................12 Classifieds.............................15

students healthy this upcoming flu season.

In April, H1N1, also known as “swine flu,” spread throughout many countries, including the U.S. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, H1N1 influenza is a viral respiratory

illness. In June, the World Health Organization declared the first global influenza pandemic in over 40 years.

A small number of H1N1 cases have been confirmed at MSU. The confirmation of the H1N1 virus from the Department

of Public Health takes up to two weeks. Therefore, the official number of cases on the MSU campus is unknown.

“There is no way to really know what those numbers are because of how the reporting and confirmations are occurring,” said

Reporter Sports Editor shares dating tips on what not to do

MSU volleyball preview

Simple steps students should take to prevent theft

Voices, page 5

Sports, page 9

News, page 2

Christine Connolly, Director of Student Health Services.

Even though the MSU campus has yet to see a serious outbreak, the university is still educating students on how to

H1N1 / page 2 Theatre season begins Variety, page 12

Page 2 • Reporter

News

H1N1 Vaccine availible to prevent H1N1 flu virus continued from 1 remain healthy. Students were sent e-mails from Student Health Services informing them of symptoms, what to do if they have these symptoms and prevention methods. A letter was also sent to parents through the First-Year Experience program, encouraging them to create flu kits for their son or daughter.

It is not just students who are getting informed. MSU faculty received a letter explaining the need for student support and encouraging exceptions in the classroom.

“We don’t want to give up the academic rigor that’s so important here, but yet at the same CSU time we don’t want to penalize people because they are ill, so I hope we as a campus community can find creative ways to do that as a partnership,” Connolly said.

The university has an emergency plan if things get worse. All the departments throughout campus have constructed an emergency plan and will enforce it when necessary. Student Health Services is monitoring other campuses, but is also

communicating with the government on the local and state level to ensure the H1N1 virus remains under control on campus.

The H1N1 symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu. Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue are all symptoms

and sneeze, and throw that tissue away. If you do not have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.

Wash hands with soap and water, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and stay healthy by eating right, getting rest and exercising.

The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine are two separate vaccines. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect people from the H1N1 flu, nor will the H1N1 flu vaccine protect people from the seasonal flu. Student Health Services is recommending students to receive both.

Student Health Services will be offering the seasonal flu vaccine for table in main hallway $20, cash or check, starting Thursday from 2-5 p.m. in the main hallway of the to be aware of. A number of CSU. people with the H1N1 virus also According to the Minnesota reported diarrhea and vomiting. If Department of Health, the first these symptoms are evident, call supplies of the H1N1 vaccine Student Health Services or your may be limited, therefore certain health care provider to find out if people who are at greater risk you need to be evaluated and stay of severe illness or of spreading home and rest until 24 hours after illness to vulnerable people the fever breaks. should get their H1N1 shots first.

In order to stay H1N1-free, The H1N1 vaccine is expected to cover your nose and mouth with arrive later fall semester. a tissue every time you cough

Flu shot times: Thursday, Sept. 17 2- 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 9 a.m.- 12 p.m.

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009T

DEBATE Those without insurance numbered to be 30 million continued from 1

His new round of speeches is aimed at setting the record straight on his goals and reiterating his desires for what the final health care bill will look like.

“I may not be the first president to take up the cause of health care reform,” he said, “but I am determined to be the last.” … And insurance for all His first expressed goal for health-care reform is to “provide more security and stability to those who have health insurance” and “provide insurance to those who don’t.”

To accomplish this, his plan will make it illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage to those with pre-existing conditions, drop from their plans those who get sick, or charge extra for routine check-ups or preventive care.

For those without insurance, who Obama numbered at more than 30 million, access to affordable coverage will be provided by “creating a new insurance exchange — a marketplace where individuals and small businesses will be able to shop for health insurance at competitive prices … As one big group, these customers will have

greater leverage to bargain with the insurance companies for better prices and quality coverage.”

Obama said the government would need four years to make sure they get exchange program right, during which time it will provide low-cost insurance to those who need it. In addition, his plan would provide tax breaks to those still unable to afford insurance on their own.

He acknowledged that some — “particularly the young and healthy” — won’t sign up for insurance, no matter the cost.

“That’s why under my plan,” he said, “individuals will be required to carry basic health insurance – just as most states require you to carry auto insurance.”

The public option Perhaps the most contentious point of health-care legislation is the proposed government-run public option. Obama said that he has “no interest in putting insurance companies out of business,” but rather, “to hold them accountable.”

He said insurance companies are inefficient because they are out to make a profit, and that a public option in his planned

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

News

Preventing theft

Reporter • Page 3

Giving the gift of life

Simple measures students Red Cross blood drive to be held in CSU can take to keep their stuff HEATHER MOELLER

staff writer

Fourteen property crimes have occurred on the Minnesota State campus since students returned in late August.

According to Carol Jensen, Assistant Director of MSU Security, there are three kinds of property crimes: theft, burglary and robbery.

All three crimes involve the taking of property, but each has a different circumstance.

Theft occurs in an open, public area, like MSU’s Centennial Student Union. Robbery involves directly stealing from a person. Burglary occurs when an unauthorized person takes property from a private room, like dorm rooms. Burglaries are further classified as forcedand no forced-entry.

Since students returned to campus, five burglaries and nine thefts have been reported. Each burglary was classified as no forced entry.

Jensen said there are steps

students and faculty can take to reduce property crimes.

These include locking dorm rooms and leaving nothing unattended in open areas, even when just going down the hall briefly. Jensen also said to keep vehicles locked and valuables at least out of sight.

“I would love to see [property crimes] stop 100 percent, but it’s not going to happen,” Jensen said.

According to Jensen, electronics are the most commonly stolen items, especially laptop computers and MP3 players. CDs are the most common item stolen from vehicles. Jensen said bikes are also stolen.

“We have a better success rate recovering bikes than electronics,” Jensen said.

It is normal to see property crimes increase with the return of students, since the larger population on campus means more property and more opportunity for property to be

DANIEL BOETTCHER

staff writer

Most people never consider the possibility they might someday need a life-saving blood transfusion. Sadly, many realize the need for blood only after suffering a major trauma or surgery.According to the American Red Cross, 38 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood, though only a fraction actually do.

Donated blood is always in demand and Upward Bound will sponsor a Red Cross blood drive 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesday in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom at Minnesota State.

“It’s a perpetual shortage.

Our region is better than many others, but we’re still always tight,” said George Corey,

director of Upward Bound.

Organizers of the event are looking to tap into the younger generation of students who traditionally have donated less than the older demographic.

“There’s a big need for younger people to start getting in the habit of donating because most of the regular donors are older,” Corey said.

Minnesota allows for people as young as 16 to donate whole blood with a signed parental/guardian consent form.

The Red Cross is also looking for double red-cell donors. Red cells are the most critical component of blood a patient needs after excessive loss. Although the process takes around 20 minutes longer than normal donation it requires fewer trips to donate resulting in time saved overall.

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Editorial reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Health care is a right, not a privilege Obama traveled to Minnesota Saturday to dispel myths surrounding health care reform plan In the political realm, reform is not something to take lightly.

It refers to the restructure of an established institution, such as health care. It signals reinvention and despite the tiring overuse of the word, it has everything to do with “change.”

There is no doubt that health care reform is the hot-button topic in U.S. politics today — appropriately so — but it should be more about people than politics.

After all, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that roughly 40 million Americans are without health insurance.

According to President Obama, each day 14,000 Americans lose their coverage and with the current economic instability, many who have coverage struggle to afford the premiums.

The Obama administration has made health care a priority and, after years of watching politicians side-step the issue of reinventing a flawed U.S. health care system that has let millions

slip through its cracks without access to affordable care, it cannot wait.

President Obama visited Minneapolis, Minn. Saturday — the first stop of many to rally for his health care plan.

The controversy surrounding such progression is inevitable, so Obama is traveling across country in an effort to clear up misconceptions and dispel myths. Obama faces the danger of losing control over the issue, so his recent efforts are a step in the right direction.

Thousands gathered at the Target Center Saturday to listen to the president’s speech about health care in an event that was met with both rallying supporters and protesting opponents. Much of his speech reiterated his Sept. 9 address to Congress, but he also urged Minnesotans to contact local community members through grassroots efforts.

“If you want a health care system where insurance

companies can’t drop your coverage or deny you care, I need you to know on a few doors and talk to your neighbors,” President Obama said.

Obama also mentioned the Minnesota Mayo Clinic as a good example of a medical system that is paving the way by offering “high-quality care at costs below average,” he said.

Although it is uncertain what the finished product will look like, the president has made clear that he is determined to establish a plan that will make health care affordable and accessible to those who do not have it. This will be executed through a combination of new health insurance exchanges, tax credits and a public insurance option.

The last leg of this, the public option, has been the brunt of most criticism surrounding the plan.

Obama said the option is just one of many in the

insurance exchange, saying it will “provide more choice and competition,” similar to the way public colleges and universities provide choice to students without hindering the success of private colleges. Keeping in mind that Minnesota State, like other public universities, depends on state aid for a percentage of tuition and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system is currently in a budget crisis, this is not an appealing comparison.

But regardless of the potential for financial burden or the plan’s blurry dynamics, we need to reform health care immediately and we need Obama’s plan to do that.

The pulse of a nation depends on the health and vitality of its people. Obama said it best when he referred to the words of the late Ted Kennedy: “... Health care is not a privilege, it’s a fundamental right for every American.”

(507) 389-5454

compiled by Nate Brennan

What do you think of President Obama’s health care plan?

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a h h Janessa Ide • Sr • Dental Hygiene “I have mixed feelings about it.”

Benigno Cruz-Cano • Jr • Pol. Sci. This is a good plan — it provides the option of receiving better care at a more affordable price.”

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Bola Agboola • Fr • Pol. Sci.

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“It will help us sooner or later but if I we don’t figure it out now, then the c next generations of Americans ... will t be in jeopardy.”

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Dave Brouwer• Jr • Law Enforcement p

Minnesota State University, Mankato

“The idea is decent, but I don’t like being forced into the government d y controlling my health care.”

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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How to LOSE a girl in 10 minutes

Sports Editor Kyle Ratke gives guys the heads up about women ... like he has any idea

So here’s the scenario guys: There is a girl across the room from you at a party that catches your eye. She’s just your type and you have seen her a few times, but you never have been able to man up and go talk to her.

It could be that you have finally had enough looking or the party atmosphere made you feel good about things. But more than likely, it’s the liquid courage you gained from a beer ... or 14. Either way, you have decided to make a move.

Your mind is blank. Half of you guys are saying, “Kyle, what’s next?

I have gone this far, but I don’t know the next step.” The other half of you turned the page after you saw my mug shot (no offense taken, I do look a little like a creeper). But for those interested, I am here to guide you through this tough time and maybe, possibly, even land you a date with a pretty lady. I can’t tell you what to do exactly, but after much trial and error (by my friends), I can tell you what not to do.

The Tickler Let’s say you go over to this girl and things are going smoothly, but you disconnect from each other and go back to the party. You both know each other now, so that’s at least a start. But when you see her next you think it might be funny or flirty to maybe give her a poke or two in the waist or maybe even tickle her. This tactic might have worked back in fourth grade when I used to punch girls that I had a crush on.

One assault case and two bloody noses later, here I am still single. Regardless of my past, this is an awful idea. If you are tickling your girlfriend, that’s one thing, but a girl that you barely know is totally different.

I received a text from my friend Liv a few weekends ago that describes this all very well and goes something like this: “New article idea: Guys that tickle. What are you, 12 years old and don’t know how to start a conversation? What if I don’t like being tickled? What if it hurts? This guy was trying to tickle me and I was literally in the fetal position in the corner.”

Well, here’s your warning guys. I have never been much of a tickler, mostly because I feel like if a girl was insulted she would hit me and I quite frankly don’t like my chances in any kind of fight with another human being. So next time you are about to tickle a girl, envision that she is a bear. Would you tickle a bear?

The Dancer Remember that guy at the party last weekend that was dancing all by himself doing provocative dance moves pointing to random girls?

Yeah, sorry about that. It was a late night.

But seriously, name the last time a guy that danced really well with N’Sync dance moves landed the girl that he was interested in … Don’t worry, I’ll wait. I will quote Katt Williams and say, “Not never.”

It has never happened, so stop trying to be Michael Jackson (no disrespect intended) and be a normal person. The only excuse you have for dancing by yourself is if it is past 1 a.m., if you are truly a good dancer (doubtful) or if you live in my house.

For those of you that know a man nicknamed Milk on campus, ask him for a few pointers. I am sure he will be glad to help.

Another example is when you are casually hanging out with some friends, you decide to start dancing, not aware of your surroundings or who is walking from behind you. Right when you think it’s alright to do a spin move, led by your left arm, here comes a cute girl out of nowhere and you hit her directly in the chest.

Not only is this an awful first impression, it will probably be your last impression (sorry Em). I feel like I am still digging myself out of this hole.

The Text Machine You got her number! Good job kiddo! But you texted her at 1:14 a.m. and she didn’t respond, what do you do? Why not send her texts at 1:18, 1:47, 2:12 and 4:21 saying things like “hey you still up,” “I kinda like you,” “you’re hot,” and finally “goodnight”.

Well, that’s a foul my friend. She is probably sleeping or she doesn’t want to talk to you. What other reasons do you think she has?

“Maybe she left her phone at the party or left it in her purse, Kyle.”

That’s wishful thinking, my friend, and that will get us in trouble. Don’t over analyze the situation, normally things are exactly what they appear to be.

The Booze Hound Remember the girl that you gave free shots to and thought you were being a nice guy. Well, likely the girl won’t remember you for the free Karkov, but will instead remember you for being responsible for the puke on her jeans, brand new T-shirt and in her hair.

Way to go slugger.

The Shadow You are now on talking terms with this girl and you want to make more advances, but remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. There is no need to rush things further, give it time. You don’t have to be following her around the whole night making things awkward.

The next morning she was tagged in eight photos from the night before and the funny/creepy thing is you were behind her in every picture. She’ll either be real impressed by all of this dedication or she’ll never talk to you again. I’ll take the latter on this one.

Be patient young grasshopper. Play things cool and don’t do anything dumb. I understand it is hard to be yourself when first meeting somebody that you have an interest in, but if you’re not yourself, please don’t be Mr. Creep-nasty.

The Red Flags There are a few guys that girls just need to watch out for in general and I decided to give them a fair warning.

The guy that recognizes you from Facebook pictures or from your writing on someone’s wall is probably not a guy that you want to associate yourself with. Sure, it’s fine for someone to recognize someone from Facebook, you can’t control it. But my god, please don’t tell them that. That’s like telling your parents that you heard weird noises from their room last night.

Ugh, gross. You’re not normal if you didn’t just puke in your mouth a little there— I did.

Another is the guy with the extra-small shirt on who should be wearing a large. I have never understood this tactic, I mean sure I could fit into a medium, but I would like to go through my day without sweating profusely and having people see my ribs.

The guy that came by himself is obviously a red flag. I have never really never understood this either.

But then again, what do we as guys understand? I am going to tell you something, my friends, that may or may not fit in this article: mind battles are ones no man will ever win. Don’t over think things, go with the flow and don’t be a creep. That’s what you should have got out of this article.

Well, I am going to go practice dance moves with Milk. Hopefully this helped my fellow classmates.

— Kyle Ratke is the Reporter sports editor.

Page 6 • Reporter

News

Tuesday, September 15, 2009T

DEBATE Obama’s plan will cost government $900 billion

THEFT “It’s about opportunity”

continued from 2

continued from 3

insurance exchange would benefit consumers by increasing choice and competition. Since the government is able make the rules, opponents fear the introduction of a government competitor will eventually crowd out the private market, leading to a single-payer system like Canada’s.

“They’d be right,” Obama countered, “if taxpayer’s were subsidizing this public insurance option. But they won’t be. I have insisted that like any private insurance company, the public insurance option would have to be self-sufficient.”

In his speech to Congress, Obama cited a Congressional Budget Office estimate that only five percent of Americans would sign up for the public option.

&

Paying the price “I will not sign a plan that adds one dime to our deficits — either now or in the future,” the president said.

Still, many are skeptical of how it can be possible to subsidize insurance for millions, allow them choice in their care and doctors and not increase the government’s mounting red ink. In his speech, Obama countered that streamlining the current system will offset most of the cost.

“Because Medicare is such a big part of the health care system, making the program more efficient can help usher in changes in the way we deliver health care that can reduce the costs for everybody,” he said.

In addition to reducing subsidies for insurance companies “that do everything to pad their

profits and nothing to improve you care,” Obama said that medical malpractice reform, a principle tenet of Republican plans for reform, can help reduce unnecessary costs. To begin this process, the president has authorized action on a Bush-era plan to test malpractice reform in individual states.

In total, Obama said, his plan will cost the government around $900 billion in the next decade.

Health care reform, while perhaps further from fruition than it was just months ago, is still more tangible than it has been any time in the last decade.

“The time for games has passed,” said President Obama.

“Now is the time to deliver on health care.”

9pm - Close

Bitney said being able to talk to people passing by helps.

“It doesn’t feel like anything will be taken,” he said.

Melanie Davis, a junior political-science major, feels safe because her dorm building is “pretty secure.” She also said she brings all her things with her wherever she goes.

“My friends think I’m weird because I always have all my stuff,” she said.

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stolen.

“It’s about opportunity,” Jensen said, “If we can reduce the number of opportunities out there, we can reduce the number of thefts occurring.”

Even with the number of property crimes occurring on campus, not all students are worried about being burglarized.

Freshmen roomates Jordan Meincke and Shaun Bitney aren’t concerned with their things being stolen because they lock their door when they leave.

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News

Reporter • Page 7

LIFE Walk-ins welcome

PRIDE LGBT people and allies participated

continued from 3

continued from 1

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involved in what we do,” Wilkins said.

The day wrapped up with a Pride Dance Party downtown at the Morson-Ario VFW. Pridefest festivities started off Friday evening with “Queeraoke” at Pub 500. Saturday began with the Pride 5K Fun Run and 1-mile walk around Sibley Park, which featured a rainbow balloon

arch at the finish line and proud volunteers cheering the athletes on along the way.

The celebration continued with the Pride Parade on Riverfront Drive, where marchers waved their rainbow flags high while pumping up the crowd with their high-energy attitudes and cheers. Participating organizations included church,

health and women’s groups, as well as MSU’s own Women’s Center and IMPACT team.

Pridefest concluded with the Pride Pub Breakfast Sunday morning at Pub 500.

Next year, Pridefest will take place in the new Riverfront Park, which opens Wednesday.

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Page 8 • Reporter

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reporter-sports@mnsu.edu

Sports Tuesday, September 15, 2009

(507) 389-5227

2009 Volleyball season preview

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

The Mavericks’ upperclassmen will be guiding along younger players, all while making noise on the national scale PAT DELANEY

staff writer

Excitement is in the air around Taylor Center. And no, it’s not because the Timberwolves will be filling the arena next month. The excitement surrounds the Minnesota State women’s volleyball team, who open conference play Tuesday.

After a successful preseason where the Mavericks finished 10-2, the team will now turn their attention to arguably the toughest volleyball conference in Division II. There will never be an easy match when playing an NSIC opponent.

The conference has four teams ranked in the top-25 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association. The Mavericks are one of them, ranked No. 15 by the AVCA going into conference play.

Head coach Dennis Amundson has continued a strong tradition of Maverick volleyball since he came here in 2005. Two different years (2006, 2007), Amundson led MSU to NCAA tournament appearances.

The Mavericks thought they would return last season as well, after finishing the season winning their final seven matches. However, a slow start to the season proved to be too much to overcome for MSU. “It was something that was out of our control at the end,” Amundson said. “It shows how important it is to have a strong preseason.”

This year, Mavericks did just that. In four tournaments, MSU was able to go 10-2. The strong showings were enough to propel the Mavericks up in the rankings. It will be crucial to stay there if the Mavericks are to return to the NCAA tournament.

The Mavericks have shown terrific leadership all through the preseason. Seniors Ally Kwikkel and Kelly Sandstrom would like nothing more then to finish their last season with a nice postseason run.

“We’re focusing on taking one game at a time but it would be so perfect to get to the

NCAA tournament in my last season,” Kwikkel said.

“I have had a lot of great memories but I want my best ones to come this year,” Sandstrom said. “I wish I could describe the feeling I have about the team and how we are going to do nothing but compete to get to where we want to be.”

Kwikkel and Sandstrom have both had fantastic careers, but it will be a new test this season. Their leadership abilities will have to extend to seven freshmen who have yet to experience a full season of college volleyball.

Coach Amundson has not expressed any concern over his team’s chemistry, noting that this team has clicked more then any team he has had in the past.

If this team can continue to learn to play together and get strong leadership the Mavericks should have a very successful season.

“I have seen leadership from all levels and our seniors have done a great job,” Amundson said.

Aside from the seniors, the Mavericks will return six other players who can bring a lot of experience, including one of the best players in the conference, junior Amanda Beekman.

Beekman was a 2008 NSIC conference honorable-mention award winner.

Junior Amanda Thompson will also be counted on for strong contributions after coming off a solid 2008 campaign where she had multiple career highs. Brittany Stamer also will look to make a big impact. The sophomore setter has already received an NSIC Setter of the Week award.

The pieces seem to be in place and now it will be up to the Mavericks to sustain their strong start. The intensity will pick up in conference play, but MSU seems ready to answer the call.

The Mavericks will have their conference opener Tuesday, taking on Augustana at 7 p.m. The game will take place at Taylor Center.

who needs experience?

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wale agboola• msu reporter Juniors Kimber Kuhl (left) and Amanda Beekman (right), are two of five upperclassmen on a very inexperienced, but talented Mavericks team.

Page 10 • Reporter

Sports

Tuesday, September 15, 2009T

Not rebuilding, just reloading Mavericks offense shows no sign of worry against Mary MAVERICKS Mary

STANDINGS FOOTBALL NSIC North School Bemidji State Minnesota Duluth Mary Minnesota Crookston MSU-Moorhead Northern State St. Cloud State

Div. OVR 0-0 2-1 0-0 2-1 0-0 1-2 0-0 1-2 0-0 1-2 0-0 0-3 0-0 0-3

NSIC South School Augustana MAVERICKS Wayne State SW Minnesota State Upper Iowa Winona State Concordia-SP

Div. OVR 0-0 3-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 3-0 0-0 2-1 0-0 2-1 0-0 2-1 0-0 1-2

VOLLEYBALL NSIC School Conf. OVR Concordia-SP 0-0 11-0 Wayne State 0-0 11-2 MAVERICKS 0-0 10-2 SW Minnesota State 0-0 10-2 MSU-Moorhead 0-0 10-3 Minnesota Duluth 0-0 7-3 Upper Iowa 0-0 9-5 Northern State 0-0 5-3 Mary 0-0 6-5 Augustana 0-0 5-7 St. Cloud State 0-0 4-8 Bemidji State 0-0 3-7 Minnesota Crookston 0-0 3-9 Winona State 0-0 2-9

SOCCER NSIC School Conf. OVR MAVERICKS 0-0 4-0 Bemidji State 0-0 4-1 MSU-Moorhead 0-0 3-1-1 Minnesota Duluth 0-0 2-1-1 Augustana 0-0 3-3-1 Concordia-SP 0-0 3-3-1 Mary 0-0 2-2-1 Winona State 0-0 3-3 Minnesota Crookston 0-0 2-3-1 Northern State 0-0 2-3-1 Upper Iowa 0-0 2-3-1 Winona State 0-0 2-4 Wayne State 0-0 2-4 SW Minnesota State 0-0 0-3

35 14

with receiver Chris Nowlin for a 41-yard touchdown.

That looked like it was really KYLE RATKE all the Mavericks needed as they sports editor went on to score 21 unanswered By looking at the stat line points in the second half — 14 from Saturday’s game against of them coming from passes Mary, one would think that the from Pachan.

Mavericks were at full strength Pachan also ran a touchdown — 297 yards early in the third passing, three quarter.

THE receiving This was touchdowns RUNDOWN Pachan’s second and one 18 First Downs 15 appearence under player with 141 Rushing Yards 66 center for the 150 receiving 322 Passing Yards 201 Mavericks, after 463 Total Yards 267 yards.

14-24-0 Comp.-Att.-Int. 23-45-1 Fick was injured No one in the Bemidji 1 Turnovers 2 would guess game.

4-64/16 Punt Returns/Avg. 1-7/7 that the Mav“We started 3-39/0 Kickoff Returns/Avg. 6-103/17.2 ericks were 4-15 4-15 Third-Down Conv. off really slow as playing with2-4 0-0 Fourth-Down Conv. a team,” Nowout starting 100% Red Zone Efficiency 100% lin said. “Steve quarterback 2-14 2-23 Sacks-Yards might have been Ryan Fick and 0-1 0-0 Field Goals all-conference 31:21 Time of Possession 28:39 a little nervous at first, but when he wide receiver settled down, he Vinny Flury, played really well.” but that was the case in the Nowlin didn’t play too bad Mavericks 35-14 victory against himself —catching six ball for Mary.

150 yard and two touchdowns.

“We have guys that are very Both of those touchdowns were capable that might not have the more than 40 yards. opportunities to be starters,” said The other scores in the game head coach Todd Hoffner. “The came from running back Jake preparation that you put these Aberg, who caught a 57-yard guys through, we are pretty solid pass from Pachan, and an Ernest throughout the program.”

Walker 12-yard touchdown This was all very evident run, which was Walker’s fourth in last weekend’s action. The touchdown in two games.

Mavericks started out very slow, Defensively, MSU was led by trailing 7-0 with eight seconds Dan Fehlber who finished with left in the half, before quartereight tackles. Kelvin Rodgers, back Steve Pachan hooked up

wale agboola• msu reporter One week after allowing 227 rushing yards against Bemidji State, the Mavericks defense buckled down and allowed just 84 rushing yards against Mary.

Andrew Paik and Jesse Hamilton, all finished the game with six tackles Hamilton also contributed with an interception.

The Mavericks defense

improved rapidly, especially against the run. In the Bemidji State game, the Mavericks allowed more than 200 yards while the Beavers ran with ease.

Football / page 10

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Sports

Reporter • Page 11

FOOTBALL Mavericks have first 3-0 start since 1993 Mary ran for a measly 66 yards against a stingy Mavericks defense.

“I think that is a big thing,” Hoffner said. “It’s real tough against the spread to stop people from doing everything. In the game we didn’t give up big plays. I thought our guys did a

pretty good job.”

The Mavericks have done well facing adversity this season, and likely there will be more to come as the Mavericks will play an undefeated Wayne State team this Saturday.

The Mavericks are also undefeated (3-0) and this is the first

time since 1993 that the they have started out undefeated after three games.

It definitely shouldn’t be difficult for the Mavericks to get excited for this weekend’s action.

Hoffner will be the first to admit that it’s extra motivation

continued from 10

for the Mavericks.

“We have a tougher time getting motivated for teams that we are supposed to beat,” Hoffner said. “Anything can happen when you’re a ranked team.”

The seventh-ranked team in the nation hopes that this winning streak won’t end on

T he T uesday

Fun

& F

are

Saturday.

“It’s really exciting,” Nowlin said. “Every since my freshman year in high school, I haven’t been winning, besides last season. We have worked our tails off over the offseason.

Hopefully we can turn it into something.”

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reporter-arts@mnsu.edu

Variety Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Throw the Fight won’t back down

CHRISTIAN HAGEN

staff writer

Throw the Fight has seen its share of changes and challenges.

Since receiving mention in Alternative Press Magazine in 2006, the Minneapolisbased post-hardcore group has replaced its lead singer twice, changed its musical direction and been signed to Cordless Recordings, a hardcore label owned by Warner Music Group.

But suddenly, as they were touring in June 2009 in support of their first full-length album, “In Pursuit of Tomorrow,” singer James Clark was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“It was a shock to all of us,” said guitarist Ryan Baustert.

“The only thing you can do is

staff writer

Quarantined plague victims, class distinctions, transcendence of sexual boundaries. These themes encompass the play “One Flea Spare,” being put on by the Minnesota State University Department of Theatre and Dance.

“The play is this pretty little violent and beautiful thing,” said play director and department faculty member Heather E. Hamilton.

The play is set in 1665

The recording of the band’s new album differed from previous sessions in more ways than just its length. The band replaced previous lead singer Paul Kreuger in favor of Clark after all the instrumental tracks had been completed, forcing them to write and record completely new vocal lines.

Still, the band believes the change and the effort was all for the better.

“We’re much happier with the direction of our current lineup,” Baustert said. “The response online and at shows has been much more positive.”

Indeed, Throw the Fight is very appreciative of their fan base, which they say has grown

Fight / page 13

(507) 389-5157

MSU theatre season begins Wednesday ASHLEY JOHANSEN

stay positive and take it one day at a time.”

Thankfully, after surgery and a round of chemotherapy, it appears that Clark is healthy and ready to get back on stage, as they did Friday, September 11 at the What’s Up Lounge in Mankato. It seems the band couldn’t be happier to return to Mankato, a city in which they’ve performed many times before.

“We always have a great time at the What’s Up Lounge,” Baustert said.

What better place then to celebrate the night after they performed a benefit concert for their singer at The Rock in Maplewood, Minn.?

But Throw the Fight is focusing less on its internal struggles and more on its music and fans.

T

London during the time of the black plague. An upper class couple, the Senelgraves, are quarantined in their own home.

Trapped in their home, they receive two unexpected and unwelcome visitors looking for shelter, Bunce and Morse. These two visitors unequivocally wreak havoc, causing all characters to reevaluate their thoughts on class, society and sexuality.

“One Flea Spare” is a relatively new play, written

Theatre / page 14

photo courtesy of the MSU Department of Theatre and Dance Jessica Dougherty (Morse, left), Alex Letsche (Kabe, sitting) and Craig Stastny (Bunce, standing) are among the cast of MSU theatre veterans.

Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson duet on ‘Break Up’ CHRISTIAN HAGEN

staff writer

Historically, when a popular young actress like Scarlett Johansson decides to break into the bright, shiny world of music, the results usually fit somewhere between forgettable and disastrous. Thankfully for Johansson, her first release, a Tom Waits tribute album, was mostly on the forgettable end of the spectrum.

Thus, when word came out that indie singer Pete Yorn had hooked up with the starlet to record a duets album (supposedly based on a dream Yorn had), ripples of

trepidation and malaise were sent throughout the music community.

One of the most pursuant criticisms of Johansson’s musical debut was her voice. She’s been called “flat” by some nicer critics, “tone-deaf” by some less nice ones.

For me, I found her voice pleasant enough, if lacking in significant depth or range. But I can’t help noticing that, in all of her films of late, her speaking voice resembles Tom Waits more than her singing voice ever could.

Thus the buildup for “Break Up” was similar to the

ScarJo / page 14

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Variety

Reporter • Page 13

The Burton-produced ‘9’ a visual masterpiece, but fails to employ a strong narrative

movieweb.com

‘9’ fails to capture the same haunting dystopia from its short predecessor.

JACOB BOHROD

staff writer

Back in 2005, Shane Acker created an 11-minute short called “9.” Four years later, Acker is back and he brought some Hollywood friends along this time.

Produced by Tim Burton, “9” takes an otherwise mundane story about a fore-coming apocalypse produced by machine v. man warfare and dresses it up in CGI clothing.

Instead of following a band of remaining humans, the film

poses a literally rag-tag group of dolls at the center of the narrative. Unfortunately “9” follows a repetitive formula the whole way through: 1) a machine threat is produced 2) our heroes confront the threat 3) they talk about humanity. Rinse and repeat.

The charm of the silent original has faded away, leaving behind a husk of its former self, stuffed to its ears in production values unable to stand on their own.

Many of the film’s artistic choices are entirely too reminiscent of other films. The machines look as if they were cut directly from “The Matrix.”

Some shots are shockingly resemblant of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, especially one particular crane shot that features two main characters in the forefront and a set of ominous towers in deep focus.

The anti-technology sentiments may well have been ripped right out of “The Terminator” or “I, Robot” — “Technology is bad, especially in the hands of bad people.” Audiences have been spoon-fed this message since the term “Sci-fi’ was first coined.

Those complaints aside, aesthetically, “9” is attractive and

pleasing. Acker’s designs are superb; the self-made monsters that the machines build leave the viewer curious as to what will come next.

Overall, “9” felt confused about what kind of movie it wanted to be: intense, sci-fi horror, or family-friendly cartoon.

While most scenes are suspenseful and compositionally disheartening, the ending is much less satisfying than the original.

What could have been an interesting and dark stand-out picture was torn in two between its box office desires and artistic integrity.

The only remaining qualities of its former rendition — a haunting soundtrack and unique character design — luckily saves “9” from the Dreamworks graveyard of CGI film.

FIGHT Band overcomes adversity, jumps into spotlight continued from 12 since they’ve gained national attention.

“We were lucky enough to open for Avenged Sevenfold and Papa Roach at the Alltell [Center] in February,” Buastert said.

“Ever since then, our crowds have gotten a lot bigger when we come back to the (Mankato) area.”

And these crowds have been a driving force in the success

of this young band. But with so many changes, both in vocalists and in overall musical direction, has that audience remained loyal?

“The support has been amazing,” Baustert said. “Everyone has been especially supportive of James’ condition.”

Such is the luck, or perhaps the power, of Throw the Fight.

Throughout the lineup changes,

touring dates, tough recordings and diseases, the group has continued towards success. How does Throw the Fight make this possible?

Baustert offered a bit of advice: “It’s all about staying grounded, sticking to your guns and realizing that nothing happens overnight.”

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Page 14 • Reporter

Variety

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

SCARJO Johansson and Yorn duet album at times a near ripoff of She and Him continued from 12 awkward tension that accompanies an alcoholic going to Las Vegas for the weekend. Deep down you want to stage an intervention before it happens, but it’s easier to pretend everything’s going to be alright.

Thank goodness, it seems that Johansson has returned home alive and well.

In the first track, the ultracatchy, dance-hall themed “Relator,” Johansson is singing right there next to you and the results are almost night-and-day compared to her previous musical work. Perhaps it’s the fact that these songs were written with

her in mind, perhaps it’s simply working with a veteran recording artist like Pete Yorn, but for whatever reason, Johansson buys a lifetime of musical goodwill in one song.

Well, that’s not entirely true.

It would be wonderful to say that every song on “Break Up” has the same quality as that initial surprise, but frankly there are still some rather glaring issues. The first major stumbling block comes in track three, “I Don’t Know What To Do.” From hearing this, it’s hard not to make comparisons to She & Him, the similar musician-

actress combination of M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel. Here, Johansson’s voice smacks of Deschanel’s cutesy quality, while the song’s structure, and even the production style basically mirrors that of She & Him. I’m not necessarily accusing them of ripping off another duo, but there’s a definite case to be made.

This is followed by two mostly enjoyable tracks, the initially flat but ultimately worthwhile “Search Your Heart” and “Blackie’s Dead” which features a warm chorus.

Yet the album doesn’t regain

THEATRE Minnesota State University’s theatre and dance department begin a new season with ‘One Flea Square’ continued from 12 just 14 years ago by Naomi Wallace. Wallace has written several plays, is a published poet and in 1999 received the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship Award.

The modernity of the play was the reason as to why Hamilton did not even make the slightest change to the scipt.

Hamilton explained that because the play is so new, it “needs to stay the way it is now.”

“I love it. I love Naomi Wallace’s work. She takes the darkest things from human beings and creates something profoundly beautiful,” Hamilton said.

With a play that deals with

issues that probably would make most uncomfortable, the cast for this play are some very accustomed to MSU Theatre.

Each person in the cast has been in a production previously — Lolly Foy (“Lysistrata”) as Darcy Snelgrave, Alex Letsche (“Lysistrata”) as Kabe, Jessica Dougherty (“Mame”) plays Morse, Craig Daniel Stastny (“Miss Saigon,” “Tobacco Road”) as Bunce and John W. Olive (“Deathtrap”) as the homeowner, William Snelgrave.

Hamilton did make the point that this film is not for children.

It deals with sexual themes and mature language.

“It is a rated R play. It’s

beautiful, hard and abstract and intellectual but it is not appropriate for children,” Hamilton said.

This play is the start of the studio season, running Wednesday Sept. 16 to Sunday Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in MSU’s Andreas Theater.

Tickets for “One Flea Square” are available now at the Theater & Dance box office in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $9 to the general public, $8 for senior citizens, children under 17 and groups of 15 or more and $7 for current MSU students.

the epiphany-inducing impact of its beginning until the final two tracks. First there’s the vaguely ’90s soul of “Clean,” which does a beautiful job of harmonizing two fairly nondescript vocals. And finally, there’s “Someday,” which, despite (or perhaps thanks to) Pete Yorn’s wavering voice, is a wonderfully soft, heartfelt ballad that avoids becoming overinflated.

Overall, there are more positives about Break Up than negatives. Unfortunately, that’s not saying a great deal, as the “album” features only 9 songs and clocks in at just over 25 minutes,

a pathetic length for an EP, let alone a full-length release.

Whether Johansson should make another album is debatable. I guess all we can hope is that she takes the criticism she’s gotten up to this point with dignity and respect and really weighs her strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s just hope she never makes another tribute album.

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Please Email mankatohockey@hotmail.com.

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(507) 389-1776

Notices

MANKATO ADULT HOCKEY LLC is forming the annual 18+ league now. Individuals and teams welcome. Play begins September 27, 2009. Please Email mankatohockey@hotmail. com.

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Page 16 • Reporter

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009