September 1, 2011

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Minnesota State University, Mankato

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FRIDAY

H 75 • L 54

SATURDAY

H 76 • L 55

2011 MSU Football Preview

• photo by wale agboola

CORDELL BELL AND THE MAVERICKS ARE READY TO TURN HEADS IN THE NSIC - PAGE 7

A student’s perspective MEGAN KADLEC

news editor

With 31 colleges and universities and more than 400,000 students, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system oversees all decisions regarding state controlled higher education institutions.

Much like a major business enterprise, the system is controlled by a chancellor who deals with many of the handson, day-to-day responsibilities and a 15 member board of trustees who are in charge of evaluating and resolving issues relating to the system’s governance, tuition and payments, as well as project approval and fiscal planning.

Governor Mark Dayton appointed the newest board member on July 1 for a two year term. The new member is Minnesota State University, Mankato’s own Brett Anderson.

inside: Voices.............................................4 Sports.............................................7 Arts & Entertainment...................9 Classifieds...................................11

During the 2010-2011 academic year, Anderson served as the Minnesota State Student Association Vice President under President Tom Williams.

During MSSA elections in April, Anderson was dedicated to completing his application for the board.

“There is an application process, so you apply with the governor’s office and the secretary of the state and send them your resume with a cover letter. And then, you wait. A long time,” Anderson said. “I applied in the middle of April, which was a crazy time. I was trying to run elections and trying to apply the day of elections because of the way the timing worked out.”

After sending the governor’s office an updated resume in May, Anderson waited weeks before he heard anything about the position. He didn’t get news of the job offer until days before

the Minnesota government was scheduled to be shutdown due to a budget disagreement.

“The day before the government shutdown, I answered the phone, and [Dayton] was like, ‘Hello Brett, this is Governor Mark Dayton,’ and in the back of my head I was going, ‘Don’t you have a budget to solve? We are 14 hours from a shutdown and you’re calling me’,” Anderson said.

Upon graduation in May, Anderson didn’t exactly know what he wanted to do. He knew he wanted to get his master’s degree, but he figured he would do so one class at a time or take a semester off.

His appointment to the board, however, made him rethink that option.

As a student board member, Anderson was forced to go to graduate school for public administration while living in the

cities, attending weekly board meetings, and commuting to Mankato for not only his graduate classes, but the introductory nursing class he is currently teaching at MSU. “I would have never thought would be on the board, or heck, even teaching,” Anderson said.

Out of the 15 member board of trustees, three of those members are currently enrolled at a Minnesota state college, university or technical school.

These three trustees offer a different perspective for the board to consider. Since the majority of board members are professionals working in fields such as medicine and law, they are disconnected from the student population.

“The student perspective is really good because, if you consider the business model, the students are the ones out at the

Christian Hagan reviews Beirut’s new album - PAGE 9

Anderson / page 3

• photo from MSSA website

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

ANDERSON “I’ve just learned in the past year that whatever you’ve planned can totally blow up and something new can happen.”

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MSSA strives for culture Senate plans to unite campus, build tradition

ALLISON MATTHEWS

staff writer

continued from 1 store front getting the services and having the perspective of knowing what’s really going on.”

In his time as a board member, Anderson said that he would like to see the system as a whole become more stable as the chancellor and board members find new ways to innovate the system in a way that allows the system to do more with less money. This year, the MNSCU system was given the same amount of money they received in 1999. The only difference is that now there are upwards of 50,000 more students enrolled in schools throughout the system.

“What I’m looking forward to during my two year appointment on the board is seeing how, with a new visionary chancellor, a great board, despite the lack of money, how we can move forward and innovate,” Anderson said. “Even after taking a big cut like that, how we can still turn out quality graduates.”

As for Anderson’s personal goals and expectations for his future after his term ends and he graduates with his master’s degree, he claims he doesn’t have any concrete plans.

“I’ve just learned in the past year that whatever you’ve planned can totally blow up and something new can happen,” Anderson said. “I hope to be finishing a graduate degree and maybe continue teaching.

It seems cool, but I guess I’ve only done it a week. I don’t know, we’ll see how I take it.”

Despite Anderson’s powerful

position in the MNSCU system, he still loves being connected to his fellow students at MSU. “It’s fun to be on campus, even if it’s only a few times a week, especially from a board perspective. You know, this is where the magic happens, not in the board conference room.

It’s easy to get disconnected and lose the excitement of being down here. It’s fun to bring that excitement to the board.”

Anderson fully believes in his predecessor’s ability to run the senate, and he is looking forward to seeing what President Matt Lexcen and Vice President Moriah Miles bring to the table.

“The great thing about the MSSA, or any student leadership position at the university, is that it changes every year.

They are totally different than Tom and I were, and it’s cool to see how you can get a fresh perspective every year, but there’s always this continuity which is really cool.”

From the full time students at MSU to the individuals taking one class at their local technical college, the board of trustees is dedicated to making a difference in higher education across the state.

“We have to make sure that the students are coming first in every decision we make. But luckily, the good thing is that with the board that we have and the system staff, people are focused that way,” Anderson said.

“Everyone at the system level loves the work they do, and that makes it a lot easier. They love the students.”

THURSDAY, SEPT. 1ST

WELCOME BACK STUDENT EVENT Featuring:

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The Minnesota State Student Association is the “voice for students.”

At Wednesday’s meeting, MSSA spoke about its rebranding techniques for the 2011-2012 academic year that include connecting with students and helping students land internships.

As a part of its rebranding, MSSA wants to bring together students through a new campus culture committee that is still in the works.

President Matt Lexcen spoke about the division in student attendance at sporting and other events.

Lexcen said the committee

would act as a bridge for organizations, residential halls, activities and services to participate in campus culture and increase attendance at events.

Vice President Moriah Miles said other campuses across the nation have celebratory first week of school traditions like walking through certain hallways or avoiding specific areas before exams.

The committee would like to create similar, yet distinct traditions on campus so students can remember Minnesota State University, Mankato had traditions that made their college experience unique and memorable.

MSSA also seeks to

become a new internship hub on campus. It plans to increase the amount of internships that count for credit and assist students in finding internships that fit with their major or future career.

Miles said the goal is to build business relationships in the Mankato community to provide even more internship opportunities.

Lexcen spoke in high spirits about the school year.

He encouraged the Senate to engage with deans of colleges and students to further campus growth.

“We’re sitting in a good boat. Your voice is heard.

Student opinion is highly regarded,” Lexcen said.

Focus on education

MEGAN KADLEC

news editor

Last December, while traveling to Sierra Leone to visit his mother, Sheka Mansaray noticed the extreme lack of educational opportunities of the nation’s children.

“I found out that a lot of students weren’t being given proper education,” Mansaray said.

After this discovery, Mansaray decided to personally fund a year of

schooling for six students.

Mansaray spent a total of $600 for their education including tuition, school uniforms, backpacks and school supplies.

Upon his return to the United States, Mansaray decided to start a nonprofit organization to help Sierra Leone’s students. His foundation, 50 Strong 50 Wise, is dedicated to sponsor 50 students in Sierra Leone, helping their families with education costs as well as buying basic items like food.

“Why not start a foundation

that will bring these kids a better education?” Mansaray said. “We’ll pay for everything and they can focus on their schoolwork.”

The organization’s ultimate goal is to build a school in Sierra Leone and offer free education to the country’s sixth-12th graders. On Friday the group will be tabling in the CSU from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. Mansaray is looking for students to donate whatever they have: whether it be money, pencils, notebooks, school supplies.

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Children and cell phones;

Constructive or Consuming?

KRISTINA MORITZ

staff writer

It is an inevitable truth that we will forever live in a world full of technology. Although most multimedia forms appeal to adults who have a better understanding of sophisticated new innovations, it is no surprise that children have their own curiosities.

The most debated and controversial topic related to children’s use of technology is if they should be allowed to use a cell phone. Are cell phones for children a good idea? What are the pros and cons, and is there a right age?

According to a study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, “about 75 percent of 12 to 17 year olds in the United States own a mobile phone, up from 45 percent in 2004.” (NyTimes.com) This fact is not surprising to me, as I continually see children scampering around with their eyes glued to the mobile device in their hands. Not only does the media promote and encourage cell

phone use for children, but parents allow their children to have mobile devices for various reasons. Some may use it for safety measures and convenience, as others simply feel the desire to frequently connect with their children for an overall peace of mind.

While cell phones may be a suitable way to keep taps on children, I believe parents need to carefully consider the risks. Does the comfort level outweigh the cons?

From what I have seen, children become dependent on their cell phones, especially when it comes to texting. Many phones have added features such as games and the internet, which also add to the dependence and addiction.

Likewise, as children hide behind their screens, they limit their social skills. I believe this leads to dishonesty or reduced tact as one can say things through texting they wouldn’t normally say in person. Ultimately, the art of communicating face to face is slowly vanishing.

When I was a child, I remember having to pick up the phone and dial the number to my friend’s house, asking their parent if I could speak to their child. The act of corresponding was out in the open and undisclosed.

Sometimes, interacting with an acquaintance would consist of me walking to their house and ringing their doorbell - talk about some hard work.

Besides the hindrance on social skill development and leading an inactive, technology- filled lifestyle, parents need to consider the hidden dangers of cell phones. News reports continually discuss concerns such as dating abuse, bullying and cheating on tests that relate to mobile device use by children.

The last major concern with cell phones is the hidden costs.

Often children have access not only to texting, but special ringtones, picture and video messaging, and downloadable games. These capabilities add to the expense of the bill.

Although most phones have these features build in, there is a mobile device on the market designed specifically for kids. I highly recommended “Firefly Mobile,” which has no contracts or commitments. It also comes with built in parental controls.

With “Firefly Mobile,” children are limited to only calling a few certain people - usually parents. It is also easy to purchase because it can be found at Target, Best Buy and many other electronic carriers.

Overall, I believe the child’s

need for a mobile device and their maturity level need to be considered before the gadget is handed over.

What are the child’s motives?

Is it because they just received their driving license or is it to communicate with peers in private?

As a whole, it appears to me that the use of cell phones by children is being abused in negative ways. The cell phone is more of a status symbol for children than a necessity.

Children should be active, communicative and direct with their peers as opposed to communicating indirectly with a screen and a few buttons.

There was once a time when parents kept track of their children without cell phone use and the world didn’t end. Furthermore, there is no reason why the former means of communication cannot be utilized until a child is older.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We want crosswords and we want them now!

Dear Editor, I have been avidly picking up my copy of the Reporter every Tuesday and Thursday this semester, just like I have for every semester preceding this one. To my dismay, however, there is no crossword present in the recent issues. I’m afraid I will have to discontinue reading this wonderful publication if I don’t see a crossword soon.

Thank you for your consideration,

EDITORS Editor in Chief: Kyle Ratke (507) 389-5454 NEWS EDITOR: Megan Kadlec (507) 389-5450 sports editor: Lee Handel (507) 389-5227 Variety Co-EditorS: Brian Rosemeyer (507) 389-5157 photo editor: Wale Agboola

Stephanie Kasel To Whom it May Concern: I am writing this letter to express my opinion about the crosswords you used to have in the paper. Every Tuesday and Thursday my friend and I very much enjoyed doing the crosswords together. It was a great way to take a study break, stimulate our brains and broaden our vocabulary. When we picked

up our first copy of the Reporter this year and flipped through it, it was much to our dismay that there was no crossword.

At first we assumed that it was missing because it was the first newspaper of the new academic school year, but we found that disappointment was still upon us when we got this Tuesday’s edition of the paper with no crossword. I am unsure if you will be adding the crosswords in later editions or if you have completely omitted them from

the paper. The paper is always well written and intriguing to read, but the crosswords add something to it. Since I have expressed my concerns, I would like to make a request/suggestion. To make the point short and sweet, it would be greatly appreciated if you could bring back the crosswords. Thank you for your time and I hope the Reporter staff has a wonderful day.

Rachel Helmbrecht

Editor’s note: We are glad to see that our readers are missing the crossword. Lately, space has not permitted us to run crosswords, but we can assure you that we have not forgotten about them.

We realize the crosswords have become a fan-favorite and we intend on having them making an appearance again sooner rather than later.

Thanks for your patience and enjoy your weekend!

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Business Manager: Jane Tastad (507) 389-1926

AD REPRESENTATIVES: Kelsi Magers (507) 389-5451 Erik Langsjoen (507) 389-5097 Paul Vanden Heuvel (507)389-5453

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Kyle Ratke at (507) 389-5454. The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspellednamesinthisspace.Formalgrievancesagainst the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board, which can be contacted at (507) 389-2611.

ADVERTISING DESIGN/ TECHNOLOGY SUPERVISOR: Dana Clark (507) 389-2793 ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER: Shelly Christ (507) 389-1079

SUPPLEMENTAL AD SALES: Megan Wahl (507) 389-1063 Natasha Jones (507) 389-6765 Parker Riesgraf (507) 389-5609

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a student-run newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at (507) 389-1776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $35.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

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Reporter • Page 5

An IMPACT affair Hard-pressed for cash?

KELSEY WISEMAN

staff writer You may think that after all of the events in August to celebrate the new school year, the campus would start to quiet down and get a little dull. Well, you are in for a surprise. IMPACT, the student programming board, has a plethora of programs planned for the upcoming month.

Starting the month with a bang, on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m., IMPACT will be hosting speed dating. Now, before you roll your eyes, this is not just an event for students looking to hook-up or meet their soulmate; IMPACT hopes to foster personal connections of all kinds. Who knows? You might find your new movie-buddy or best friend. Go ahead and bring your significant other or your floor-mates and meet some new people. Immediately following speed dating, you and your newfound friends can enjoy an outdoor concert featuring More Than Lights. Both events will be hosted by the koi pond with a rain location of CSU 253 – 255 for speed dating and the MSU Mall for the concert.

Continuing IMPACT’s focus on comedy, the second Monday of every month features a different comedy act. On Sept. 12 at 9 p.m., IMPACT will be hosting the second performance in their Ridiculously Funny Comedy Series, Zach Coulter, in Ostrander auditorium. If you’re looking for a break from studying, or just a way to ease the pain that is Monday, join IMPACT for a night of laughter and revelry.

On Sept. 16, IMPACT is excited to host Cirko Cabaret.

A Cirque du Soleil style performance, Cirko Cabaret features a mix of aerial artistry and floor stunts in an exotic performance that is sure to

inspire. The novelty of this performance is already generating some buzz about campus and should draw quite a crowd. If you want to start your weekend with a little flair, head over to Bresnan Arena at 8 p.m.

After you’ve picked yourself up of the floor and recovered from the Cirko Cabaret, head over to the CSU lower level on Sept. 17 for a little Mavericks After Dark fun. The theme of this month’s MAD event is family block party and there will be all manner of games and activities for you to enjoy. This event falls during family weekend, so feel free to bring your kid sister or parents and enjoy an evening of prizes and entertainment instead of sitting in a stuffy hotel room.

If none of these events tickles your fancy, or you are perhaps more of a movie-watcher, come join IMPACT for their outdoor film, “Horrible Bosses”, on the Sept 21. Hosted near McElroy at 9 p.m., getting out and enjoying a film with friends is the perfect way to survive the tedium of a Wednesday.

Lastly, as if this month didn’t have enough events, Homecoming encompasses the entire last week of September.

Come out and enjoy more events than we have time to enumerate now from the 26 to the 1. From kick-off cake and a bonfire, to dodge ball and canned-goods sculpture building, homecoming promises to be a boisterous time on campus.

With all of the events happening right here on campus, you are almost certain to have a most jam-packed social life this month. And remember, all of these events are free and funded through your student activity fees, so get out and enjoy your money at work.

The MSU History Dept. invites you to join us for a roundtable discussion:

"Reflecting on the Ten Year Anniversary of 9/11: ‘The Known Knowns… and Known Unknowns’” Speakers: Dr. Abdalla Battah Dr. Jeff Bumgarner Dr. Matt Loayza Moderator: Dr. Lori Lahlum

Date, Time, and Location: Thursday, September 8 4:00 p.m.

CSU 253/4/5

We hope that you will join us for this event!

Co-Sponsors: Department of History, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Department of Government Please contact Dr. Loayza with any questions.

New Facebook application lets students trade essentials

JENNA WENDINGER

staff writer A new Facebook application, CollegeSwap, was launched in February with the ultimate goal of making a college student’s life a little bit easier. Using CollegeSwap, students who are short on cash can swap essentials such as textbooks, futons, roommates, tutoring services and even rides home during break.

WhoWish, a new tech firm based in Bangkok, Thailand, has released four Facebook applications this year alone including CollegeSwap, SwapSquare, 2Meet4 and Squeks.

This up-and-coming tech firm remembers all too well what it was like to have a college student’s budget. The founders of WhoWish are recent graduates who attended college less than five years ago. Now they are using their college degrees to give back to students by making Facebook applications they wished they could have utilized.

CollegeSwap may seem similar to other e-commerce sites currently available, but the team at WhoWish recognized one key aspect other sites where lacking: security.

According to the Minnesota IC3 2010 internet crime report, the top complaint among internet users is non-delivery of merchandise or payment.

CollegeSwap gives its users the freedom to determine who sees their postings: friends only,

friends of friends or even the public.

Instead of narrowing down the search through zip codes like Craigslist and other sites, CollegeSwap sorts its postings by college campus. Not only can users have peace-of-mind knowing that postings are local but they can also associate a post with the user’s name, face, friends and common interests through a link to their Facebook profile.

Even though the application is still in its infancy, Minnesota State University, Mankato student feedback sounds promising.

“I will definitely give it a try to get rid of some of my old textbooks,” said Kristi Prosser.

It seems like every student on campus has something they’d like to remove from their overstuffed closets.

“I would love to swap half my clothes that Plato’s Closet won’t take,” said Ginna Hanks.

Not only is this application beneficial to students, but it will help MSU land get on the social networking map. With the majority of college students plugging into social media on a daily bases, it is becoming even more important for businesses to have a presence on the internet.

“I would definitely use it.

It would give MSU students a way to connect with each other.

As a mass media student, I understand how important it is to network. You never know when

you need to find an old college connection,” said Jessy Stanton.

This application may sound intriguing, but it’s of little use if a student plans to graduate this year. Luckily, WhoWish offers three other Facebook applications dedicated to making life easier.

SwapSquare is an application similar to CollegeSwap but designed for use by the general public. 2Meet4 is an online scheduler and meeting wizard that lets you quickly and easily schedule events, meetings, and get-togethers with your Facebook connections. Squeks is a love/ hate polling application where you can get and give feedback on important topics.

Because the application was introduced this year, there is not enough feedback to make any judgment on the success of the project. Only time will tell whether or not students will actually use this application.

The Kid's Take PODCAST

THIS WEEK: Brittany Stamer, Senior MSU Volleyball Player facebook.com/thekidstake

Welcome Back Students Come check out our new look!

Happy Hour 2-5pm & 9pm-close 1/2 price apps & discounted drinks

APPLEBEE'S NEIGHBORHOOD GRILL & BAR 1900 Adams St., Mankato, MN 507-386-1010

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HEAD TO THEMSUREPORTER.COM AND CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S KID’S CAST WITH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KYLE RATKE. RATKE WILL BE CHATTING WITH SENIOR BRITTANY STAMER ABOUT THE MSU VOLLEYBALL TEAM AND HOW THEY ARE LOOKING HEADING INTO NSIC PLAY.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

WOMEN’S SOCCER VS. AUGUSTANA, 4 P.M., THE PITCH BEHIND GAGE

www.msureporter.com/sports

TODAY IN MAVERICK SPORTS:

Lifting the Mavericks to New Heights Senior left tackle Cordell Bell has had his fair share of ups and downs during his college career, both on and off the field. However, as the roster around him has drastically changed year after year at MSU, one thing remains the same: Bell’s love for being a Maverick.

Casual football fans have always used statistics as a way to measure a player’s value.

As a result, many people who really don’t know that much about football believe that a team is only as good as it’s quarterback, running back, wide receiving core and other positions that are easy to measure on paper.

In reality, a football team’s most important players are almost always looked over or ignored because most fans don’t pay close enough attention to truly understand what an impact they have on the game. Following in the footsteps of Super Bowl Champion Adrian Battles, senior left tackle Cordell Bell is the latest Maverick to hypnotize NFL scouts, and you’ve probably never heard of him.

“Everybody looks over the offensive linemen, but the only people who really look over the offensive line are people who really don’t understand the game. I feel like we really

control the game,” said Bell, who was named to the Second Team All-NSIC South Division in 2010. “If your offensive line is bad you’re going to have a bad season. But if your offensive line is good, you’re going to have a good season.”

After graduating from Melvindale High School in Detroit, Mich., Bell committed to play for the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill., where he blocked for eventual MSU starting quarterback Jon Daniels. But his time at DuPage was tough, and at one point, Bell actually considered quitting football altogether.

“I got down there and it was a whole different change for me being away from home. I got homesick all of the time and everything was pretty big and spread out so it wasn’t really what I was expecting coming out of high school.

And one night I just started thinking about not playing football anymore,” Bell said.

“There was just a lot going

TIGE HUTCHESON | staff writer

on in my head. I was just a young guy out there and I was just confused about all of my options.”

After meeting with his coaches at DuPage, Bell decided to stick with it and credits his teammates for helping him stay positive.

“The team really started looking out for me and helped me get my mind focused and helped keep everything positive,” said Bell.

Flash forward to his decision to transfer to Minnesota State, Mankato, prior to the 2009 season. After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer restrictions, Bell was immediately plugged in as a cornerstone of the Mavericks’ offensive line, with a cast of familiar guys depending on him to protect them.

A lot of those names have changed in 2011, and many of the guys he’s being counted on to protect now were strangers only three weeks ago. Regardless, Bell is excited about his

role, admitting that the roster changes don’t matter much to him.

“No, [the changes behind me] don’t matter at all as long as the person back there still bleeds purple and yellow,” he said. “That’s all that matters to me.”

And that’s the beauty of the offensive line. Head coach Todd Hoffner has been rallying the team with the new goal of going “11 for 11” this year, and for the most part, five of those 11 guys on offense will never appear in the box score or postgame recaps.

To guys in Bell’s position, the only way he can evaluate his game is by looking at the performance of the teammates around him.

“My personal goal is to have no regrets at the end of the season. I want my running backs to rush for a million yards and my quarterback to throw for a million yards.

That’s basically it.”

For Bell, his coaches and

wale agboola • msu reporter

teammates at MSU deserve a lot of credit for supporting and protecting him, much the same way he does for them, both on and off the football field.

“I ended up loving it here.

The coaches are amazing, my teammates are my family away from home and since I’m 13 hours away from home, that means a lot to me.”

Despite so many young faces on the line with him and so many newcomers all around him, Bell believes this year’s team has learned from the disappointing 6-5 season in 2010, and says the Mavericks are ready to make some noise.

“Last season we didn’t do the greatest and I’m sure a lot of teams are looking down on us right now, but I love being the underdog and I feel like we have a lot to prove,” he said.

“We’re definitely going in with a chip on our shoulder and we’re looking to make a statement this year.”

INSIDE: A BREAKDOWN OF THE 2011 MAVERICKS AND A Q&A WITH NEW WIDE RECEIVER LAMARK BROWN

Page 8 • Reporter

Sports

Breaking Down The Mavericks TIGE HUTCHESON | staff writer

THIELEN

Brown

DANIELS

HALL-OLIVER

Q: After deciding to transfer from Kansas State, what was attractive about MSU? A: I was attracted to MSU because they were a team that was coming off of back-to-back playoff berths. I was looking for a place that would be in contention for a national championship.

Q: What did you do to prepare this summer for your senior season?

A: After sitting out an entire year, I got back to the basics of what made me the player that I am. I focused on mastering my craft as a wide receiver and becoming a better leader for our team.

KEMNITZ

LUEPKE

Q: Was this summer different than others leading up to your previous seasons?

A: This summer was different because I’ve been so used to going through every workout in extreme heat. To me it wasn’t hot enough at times.

Q: How have you adapted to the Mankato area?

A: Mankato is actually bigger than Manhattan, Kan. (Home of Kansas State University). The populations become the same when the students come back to school there so there are a lot of similarities between the two, so it has been a very smooth transition since I arrived.

Q: What are your favorite artists that are always on your iPod? A: I have a very random iPod. I go from rap to R&B to rock with the occasional country song. Particular artists include Trey Songz, J. Holiday, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross and Tyga.

SPECIAL TEAMS The loss of First-Team All NSIC punter Gerard DeWet will be no easy fix for MSU’s special teams unit and all eyes will be on his replacement, freshman Sully Luepke. On the other hand, MSU has serious depth at the kicker position with Oregon transfer Dan Padilla narrowly edging 2010 starter Sam Brockshus as the opening day starter.

The receiving core of Thielen, Carter, and Brown will also take on the duties of kick and punt returners and should

LaMark Brown, a St. Louis, Mo. native, is embarking on his first season at Minnesota State, Mankato. Brown, a 6’3” 220-pound senior wide receiver, is coming to the Mavericks after playing his first three seasons at Kansas State University. At K-State, he had eight career touchdowns. His most productive year for the Wildcats came in 2008 where he tallied 24 receptions for 178 yards, along with 118 rushes for 412 yards.

Q & A with senior wide receiver LaMark Brown Q: What were the highs and lows of your time at Kansas State?

A: During my time at K-State, the highs included playing in front of large crowds and knowing that they really cared about our team. As a player I tend to feed off of the energy they give me and it motivated me to play my best. The low points were always coming up a game short of being bowl eligible (A team must be .500 to be considered for a postseason bowl game). It felt like we let down our fan base, which is basically the entire state of Kansas.

DEFENSE The Mavericks also reloaded on defense after losing five of its six leading tacklers from last season. UNO transfer Marcus Hall-Oliver and NDSU transfer Isaac Kolstad will replace Matt McQuiston and Dan Fehlberg at linebacker and will be expected to step in and make an impact right away. Senior defensive tackle Brad Kemnitz and left end Chris Schaudt will return and hold down MSU’s defensive line, and UNO transfers Jordan Hale and Nathan Hancock will do their best to replace Jesse Hamilton and Simon Cholometes in MSU’s secondary, with help from cornerbacks Tory Garrett and Robert Gunderson.

Meet the Mavericks Today’s Maverick LaMark Brown #7 • Football

OFFENSE

Although many of the names will be unfamiliar, the Mavericks enter 2011 with a completely reloaded offense centered around quarterbacks Jon Daniels and Jon Wolf. Daniels, a transfer from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, will replace Steve Pachan as the Mavericks opening day starter, but will have to compete with Wolf for snaps throughout the year.

MSU also welcomes back the majority of its receiving core by keeping Adam Thielen and Dennis Carter in the mix, and will look to Kansas State transfer LaMark Brown to fill the gap left by Omaar Balton.

The Mavericks may have also finally found an answer at tail back, with Akron transfer Dale Martin set to revamp the Mavericks running game. But can all of the new pieces fit together or will so many new faces lead to rocky chemistry?

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Q: What does your pregame routine consist of?

A: I like to find a quiet place and visualize the plays I want make about two to three hours before the game. It puts me in a calm state of mind and allows me to focus on the task at hand, which is to go out and perform at my best.

PADILLA

be an area of strength for the Mavericks.

OUTLOOK: After coming off of a disappointing 6-5 season in 2010, the Mavericks have gone through some pretty drastic roster changes in the offseason, choosing to reload rather than just rebuild. MSU has a lot of questions to answer and not much time to do it, but the talent is undeniable.

If all of the transfers and newcomers can emerge as leaders and find a way to build chemistry early, the Mavericks should have no problem proving 2010 was just a fluke.

PREDICTION: FIRST IN NSIC SOUTH, SECOND OVERALL.

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Q: What is on your mind as the National Anthem is playing right before kickoff?

A: As the National Anthem is playing, I think about how lucky I am to be able to go out and play the sport I love with all my heart. I also think about how much I appreciate the opportunities I have been given in this country.

Q: Who has been a motivational influence for you off of the football field?

A: My mother has been the biggest influence for me. She worked so hard to raise my sisters and I on her own. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have ever stepped on a football field or made it as far as I have. I owe her everything.

Q: What is your favorite motivational quote?

A: In life we find things to love so easily; but when it comes down to it, you have to find something that you are willing to die for.

-- Compiled by Cole Kukowski

A&E

Thursday, September 1, 2011 www.msureporter.com/arts-entertainment

Beirut Reaches

Inward, and Grows

CHRISTIAN HAGEN

staff writer

level of The Flying Club Cup, Zach Condon, Beirut’s wayfarThe Rip Tide is a much more ing lead singer and composer, has subtle, much more pleasing coordinated himself into a unique record than could be produced musical position; with a focus by many of Condon’s peers. on harmonious clashes between The aforementioned eastern-European brass bands and title track is one of a few American indie-folk’s exploratruly spectacular highlights tions of vocal layering to carry throughout the album. Closer songwriting, Condon has managed “Port of Call” earns its posito fit the niche of the accused tion, providing an exquisite hipster masses while remaining slice of beauty and hopefuloutside of time or place distincness as Condon navigates the tions, giving his songs a timesorrow and dangers of his life less quality at best and sounding (“You had hope for me now./I completely lost at worst. danced all around it somehow./ With his velveteen, mutedBe fair to me/I may drift a trumpet voice, the singer can while”). It grows gradually easily latch on to listeners’ and falls again into a knockout emotional centers, with tales of ending, a finish of such poisick children and drunken brutes gnancy it couldn’t possibly be and lovers separated by space followed. and emotional distance pouring But the most common feelfrom his lips as easily as the wine ing the album elicits is not the pours into his Bohemian cup. His grandeur of the band’s past, band’s masterful 2007 album, The but rather an intimacy belied Flying Club Cup, feels like a love by the general make-up of the letter to klezmer and the natural •web photo instruments at play. The clearinstrumentation of simpler times, est example of this is “GosZach Condon, frontman, of Beirut pushes his music and musicians to expand into beauty. with groaning horns and weeping hen,” a heartfelt piano lament strings, even a conch shell solo. to love lost that draws breaths Beirut’s greatest strength is in been chintzy and distracting. Thus, listeners as calmly as anything Condon this naturalistic vibrancy, even spontaneity, should be forgiven for being nervous when has ever written. “East Harlem,” maybe the that can evoke a thousand solos mourning or hearing these keyboard sounds opening the album’s most accessible track, punctuates its celebrating as one, like a city of drunken revel- album’s first three songs. ideas conservatively. Whereas Condon would lers coming together to cheer or bellow to the But, with the exception of “Santa Fe,” a usually make choirs of his voice to sing every cheap and fairly flat attempt at sunnier pop line as the piece grows to its climax, here he than the band usually shoots for, these songs uses this technique on key words, sparing it don’t fail in the ways that similar songs might from his occasional over-indulgence. have in the past. Condon has thankfully found This more straightforward approach has a way to incorporate these modern ideas into its drawbacks. The “anything-can-happen” the group’s classic aesthetic, and they no piquancy which makes their performances so longer stick out so blatantly, at times providdynamic is mostly sacrificed for clean timing ing pleasant backdrops to the otherwise stellar and tight control. It no longer feels like the instrumentation on display. song could, and will, go absolutely anywhere Keys even provide a surprisingly affecting depending on how one performer wants to take pulse in the album’s title track, forming a sort his cue. Nowhere is this more evident than on of beating heart behind the song’s sweeping “Payne’s Bay.” The song’s first half implies melody. In fact, though at only nine tracks this older idea of collaboration before dying it’s hard to call it an accomplishment on the away, returning as a very on-beat, repetitive belt of single-note ideas that kills the fun of the production before getting abruptly cut off.

Still, Condon knows how to hook listeners with emotional appeals that transcend simplistic songwriting. Even listeners who have stars on an electric summer’s night. a harder time picking through the unusual On The Rip Tide, Beirut’s first full-length sounds at play, or who think every song sounds release in four years, this city of souls has gotthe same and need to familiarize themselves ten smaller, really more of a village now, and with the genres Condon is using, will still be Condon occasionally flounders despite his best able to connect with his voice as it guides them intentions, but when the effect succeeds, it still through fields and across oceans, never resting has power unlike any other band in their field. for long before presenting another tender and Condon’s past experiments with electronic gallant surprise. instrumentation, noted most often by his attempts to use cheap keyboard effects, have

Page 10 • Reporter

A&E

Thursday, September 1, 2011

One Day Entertains, Does Not Wow Audiences Following a love story that spans years staff writer but only takes place on one day each year, July 15, is a pretty cool device used to tackle a tired genre that doesn’t often offer something new.

One Day is at least appealing in that regard.

Also appealing is Anne Hathaway, who co-stars as female love interest Emma to male love interest Dexter. Add those two appealing things, and one typically gets an enjoyable flick.

Weirdly enough, One Day ends up in the ‘generally good’ category, but it’s interesting premise and star power are not enough to elevate it into the potentially great film it could have been.

There is nothing wrong with Hathaway or co-star Jim Sturgess in their on-screen ability and believable chemistry. Hathaway delivers a competent enough British accent, and Sturgess is instantly likable.

ANDREW SIMON

The problem is the premise itself. In the novel the concept has room to flourish and expand, but in movie form, time just won’t allow the relationships to grow naturally, or with enough conviction to make it a successful endeavor.

The novel allows the characters to evolve organically and indulge in the emotion romantic dramas rely on, but here, everything feels like it’s happening far too fast and viewers are not yet deeply involved in Emma and Dexter’s lives.

For example, there is a death that greatly affects Dexter, but it happens in Offscreenville and the audience is given a glimpse of the character pre-death. Those few scenes with this person are fine enough, and the actors are excellent in those scenes, but because of running time the emotion just doesn’t resonate on the screen. It sucks that character died, and it does indeed impact Dexter, but it sorta harkens back to that helping phrase for creative writers, ‘show, don’t tell.’ Despite being a visual medi-

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um, a lot of One Day feels like a lot of ‘telling.’

There’s just not enough time to develop Emma and Dexter, and that’s the downfall. One example worth giving is Dexter’s alcohol addiction. It burdens him for years, and as time passes, other subplots get in the way of that one, and suddenly it’s not brought up again.

If Dexter achieved sobriety, a scene of some character acknowledging that accomplishment would have benefitted the screenplay. Small but important moments liked that are glossed over.

Despite the negativity, One Day is an honestly enjoyable film. It has an intriguing enough storyline to help the film move along while keeping the audience engaged. The novel may have key separating points, and is worth looking into as well. All said and done, One Day’s combination of fine directing, decent acting, good on-screen chemistry from both leads and unique screenplay make for a movie that has its high points.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

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4/26

Reporter • Page 11

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Page 12 • Reporter

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Thursday, September 1, 2011