October 29, 2013

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 @msureporter

facebook.com/msureporter

Minnesota State University, Mankato

www.msureporter.com

TUESDAY

H 45 H 86 L 66 L 40

H 86 H 52 L 66 L 44

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

H 86 H 46 L 66 L 35

Fraternity ends ties with Newman Center Decision means the fraternity will face some tough decisions to come.

RYAN BERNDT Staff Writer Collaboration between the Catholic Newman Center and the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity ended early last week. Phi Kappa Theta, a Catholic-oriented Fraternity, achieved colony status and has since been working with the Newman Center to establish themselves as a fullfledged chapter.

Phi Kappa Theta was established on April 29th, 1959, as a merger of two established Fraternities, Phi Kappa and Theta Kappa Phi. Members of both

Fraternities had experienced discrimination in their respective Greek systems because of their religion. After convening, the two combined at Ohio State University and are considered the only Fraternity that is a true “merger” formed of two separate Greek organizations.

Talks to bring a chapter to MNSU started years ago, after an alumnus from Iowa visited campus and encouraged community members of the Newman Center to explore the idea of bringing a chapter to MNSU. After visiting a Chaplain from a campus where a Phi Kappa

Theta chapter was already established, it was decided that the Fraternity would be a perfect fit for MNSU. Initially, students attempted to start Phi Kappa Theta on their own, and it failed the first time.”

Father Tim Biren, Director at the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, explained. “I wanted them to be successful, so this last time, I took on more of a leadership role in the Fraternity.”

With the help of Father Biren, Phi Kappa Theta laid out a strong foundation and began to grow. On the official website for

Greek organizations on campus, Phi Kappa Theta is listed as having 15 current members, with more and more people joining as time goes by.

However, with the recent end of their collaboration with the Newman Center, Phi Kappa Theta faces some tough decisions for the future. One of the most challenging perhaps will be finding a house. Many were under the assumption that the Newman Center would be helping them on that end, and now that partnership as ended many are wondering what will happen.

“The biggest hurdle would be to petition the city and neighborhood to change the zoning and usage of the current facility.”

Biren said. “We will continue to have this conversation.”

“As they are well on their way and approaching the first anniversary of their beginning, I can cut the apron and allow them to flourish.” Biren concluded.

With much of the leadership falling on the shoulders of Current President Brett Spartz, and his supporting leaders, the Fraternity will be under close examination on how they’ll handle the new few months ahead.

Purple Stays Golden MSU stays atop the NSIC after a win on the gridiron matched a win and tie on the pitch to keep the football and soccer teams in first place.

Dave Bassey • MSU Reporter Quarterback Jon Wolf (left) passed for 238 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 90 yards and a score as MSU thwarted Winona State 44-10 Saturday afternoon at Blakeslee Stadium.

Meanwhile, Forward Rebecca Pederson (right) assisted on two goals in MSU’s win over Sioux Falls Saturday at the Pitch by Gage Towers.

INSIDE:

FOOTBALL & SOCCER - PG. 9 FALL CAR CARE -RECAPS PAGES 5-8

ED/OP

4

SPORTS A&E SPORTS A&E

9

12

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

MSU professor spotlight: Mark Robbins

LISA STEVENS Staff Writer Mark Robbins, seen as one of the more candid, relatable professors with one of the most colorful histories at Minnesota State University, Mankato, provides an interesting example into how the experiences and knowledge you attain over the course of a lifetime can both help yourself and the young professionals you lead in a classroom .

As an Assistant Professor of Law Enforcement and Public Administration, Robbins has years of experience in the army and police force.

It was recommended by Ryan Jensen, a Senior majoring in law enforcement, that Robbins be spotlighted.

“He is almost retiring and deserves recognition,” Jensen said.

When entering Robbins’ office, one can easily get a feel for his personality. With the door open and music playing, amenities around the room show what Robbins is all about.

Pictures of his grandchildren are placed all around the room.

The walls are decorated with awards, one of them being “Outstanding Advisor of the Year” in 2002 for the College of So-

cial and Behavioral Sciences. A large calendar featuring small dogs lies on his desk, along with several police mugs.

A Chicago White Sox license plate is placed on a shelf above his desk. About 20 CDs featuring artists such as Steely Dan and Alan Jackson are stacked against his wall, and about 10 police information books are shelved above a Beavis and Butthead figurine.

Halfway through my interview with him, one of Robbins’ advisees unexpectedly stopped by his office. Without hesitation, Robbins put the interview on hold and immediately tended to the student’s needs, showing his caring personality.

During the interview, Robbins talked about his early career. He was a police officer for Naperville, Ill. from 1973 to 1983. He said he was a “slave to the radio” during this time and responded to calls.

He said his favorite job was being a police sergeant from 1983 to 1986. During this time, he was his own boss and was able to choose the cases he wanted to work on.

From 1986 to 1998, he was a police lieutenant. He said he spent most of this time doing administrative work in an office.

In the early 1970s, it was rare for police officers to have a higher education, but it was just starting to be encouraged, Robbins said.

He said the law enforcement agency he worked for and veteran’s benefits from serving in the army paid for his entire schooling career.

He got his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Aurora University in Illinois in 1979.

He got his Master of Science in Management of Public Services in 1982 from DePaul University in Illinois. After he got his master’s, Robbins started teaching part-time.

In 1999, he got his Doctorate from Northern Illinois University.

While he was finishing his doctorate in 1998, he decided it was time to become a professor.

He said that many universities offer criminal justice programs instead of law enforcement, but he wanted to teach law enforcement because it’s more practical and applied. His decision led him to a career at MSU. He currently teaches four classes: Police and the Community, a discussion-oriented class; Criminal Investigations, a mixture of lecture, videos and demonstrations; Blood Pattern Anal-

ysis, a small, entirely hands-on class; and Police Administration, a class in which students must construct and present a police policy manual.

Robbins said the main reason he wanted to teach was to give his experience and knowledge to future generations.

“Police work is more a craft than a career,” he said. “It’s a constant learning process.”

His experience in the field allows him to teach students more than just theoretical knowledge.

He said he believes in being honest with his students and telling them about mistakes he’s made in his career. He admits he has lost his temper during his 25 years working in the police force.

When he’s not teaching, Robbins said he is actively involved with Freemasons, the world’s oldest fraternal organization.

Its stated purpose is to “make good men better.” Robbins was the Past Master at the Masonic Lodge in Mankato. He said the organization focuses on self-improvement and making the community better.

He said a difficulty he faces as a professor is that class sizes are too big, and it’s too easy for some students to not participate.

He also said students’ writing abilities are generally poor.

Robbins credits his entire career with his growth as a professional.

“Everything does. Especially police work because we see a side of town that people don’t even know exists,” Robbins said.

Robbins said Naperville was considered a nice town, but from domestic disturbances to crib deaths, he saw the town’s bad side.

“We provide service to people who don’t want it and didn’t ask for it,” Robbins said.

He said he doesn’t consider himself a strict professor, but old coworkers say otherwise. His reputation at the police agency he worked at was that he was extremely strict but fair.

Robbins’ main enjoyment from his job stems from a past experience. He mentioned that he is still in touch with a woman he helped as a police officer when she was a troubled teenager.

“Every once in a while you get a reward where you actually did some good,” Robbins said.

Robbins is in phased retirement. He will be at MSU next year but hasn’t decided if he will stay after that. Robbins said he’s “kind of looking forward to retirement.”

Come To The Unveiling!

November 4, 2013 11:00am-11:30am The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is honoring these outstanding advisors for their extraordinary, distinguished and commendable services:

Karla Lassonde - Psychology Gretta Handke - History Ihsuan Li - Economics Robin Wingo - Social Work Web Photo

Stop by the Advising “U” office (AH 114) to recognize, honor and support these special advisors.

Refreshments will be provided!

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

MSU Reporter • 3

News

Lassonde named Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year Associate professor will now integrate the research she has done in the classroom.

MIKELL MELIUS Staff Writer Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Undergraduate Research Center has recognized Dr. Karla Lassonde, an Associate Professor from the Department of Psychology, as the 2013 Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor of the year.

Dr. Lassonde has played a major role in undergraduate scholarly activity at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The impact she has made is evident in her accomplishments. Since 2010, Dr. Lassonde’s research team has been awarded six Undergraduate Research Center grants, 10 students have presented at the Minnesota Undergraduate Scholars Conference, 19 students at Minnesota State Mankato’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, and four students at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

The Undergraduate Research Center, located in 265 Morris Hall, provides many services to MSU-M students, including advice for finding a mentor on campus, financial support for student research and opportunities for students to present their work at regional and national conferences. The URC encourages students to engage in research, scholarship activities and creative activities, as well as allowing you to build strong faculty collaborations and engage with other students.

The URC also provides internships for undergraduates within different departments on campus. These internships provide students with the experience they need to prepare for graduate school, professional school and their careers.

Although there are specific departments within MSU that provide internships, the URC encourages students to branch out to different departments and explore other options.

Earlier this spring there were seven students on Dr. Lassonde’s research team.

An undergraduate student on this team, Maria K. Almoite, nominated Dr. Lassonde for the award. To nominate a mentor a student must submit a one-page nomination letter including the name of the nominee, their specific department and how the nominee supports and promotes undergraduate research, scholarship and creative works at MSU-M The next step for Dr. Lassonde is to integrate research into the classroom. In the spring of 2014, Dr. Lassonde will be included in a pilot program which will increase the amount of research opportunities included in undergraduate courses, otherwise known as the Graduate Research Consultant Program. She believes that this is effective for students to provide a way to support the next generation of students.

The URC is open from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Friday.

Web Photo

4 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSU Reporter or Like Us on Facebook.com/ msureporter

Email the Editor in Chief: reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

Chinese labor violations spotlight a rotten Apple SAM WILMES News Editor While factory slave wages and extreme working hours may seem to be a thing of the past or the workings of a distant land, our connection to these regrettable aspects of the human race unfortunately forms a closer connection, literally on the palm of many people’s hands.

According to an excerpt taken from the New York Times, conditions the Apple corporation subjects their workers in China to are some of the worst in the world.

According to the article, in some cases the workers are asked to work seven days a week. Some of the workers contend that they were forced to stand so long that their legs swelled to the point of not being able to walk.

The Times Article continued with an expose on some of Apple’s suppliers’ disregard for worker safety. According to the article, two years ago 137 workers at an Apple supplier located in Eastern China were injured after being ordered to use a poisonous chemical to clean iPhone screens.

Within a year after this, two explosions at Apple supply factories killed four and injured 77.

According to the article, before the blast Apple had been alerted of the hazardous conditions.

While some may argue that worker’s lives would not have been better even if Apple didn’t employ them, that is not an acceptable excuse for Apple’s ap-

parent apathy.

Apple’s horrendous treatment of workers in China has led to the unthinkable: workers at the Apple supply company Foxconn have been forced to sign pledges promising not to commit suicide.

Signing of the pledge was forced after 14 workers had killed themselves in the last 16 months, believed to be due to the working conditions they were subjected to.

Apple distribution centers have been suspected of many human rights violations in their working conditions.

According to research conducted by the Centre for Research on Multinational Companies and Scholars against Corporate Misbehavior, mistreatment of Apple workers in China included: •Excessive overtime- despite a legal limit of 36 hours a month of overtime, a payslip showed one worker with a record of 98 overtime hours in a single month.

•Badly performing workers were humiliated in front of their co-workers.

•Workers were banned from talking. Workers were also forced to stand up for their whole 12-hour shift.

•Some workers at the plant say that they are allowed to visit home only once a year.

•The investigation also found employee claims of not being allowed to speak with each other.

Another investigation revealed similar abuse in Apple supply factories. According to a report done on the Pegatron facilities:

•Underage workers and pregnant women were being forced to work 11-hour shifts six days a week.

•The facility was found to pay the equivalent of $1.50 an hour.

•12 Workers were found living in a single dorm room, and only a handful of showers were in use for the hundreds of workers in the factories.

•The workers at the company make $268 a month before overtime, less than a third of the average wage of Shanghai residents, despite their extremely long hours.

The report, conducted by the China Labor Watch, found that workers were being forced

Minnesota State University, Mankato

STAFF FALL 2013

to sign falsified overtime sheets saying they had worked in the vicinity of 40 hours a week, instead of the actual 63-69 hours they actually worked.

I own an iPod. This information makes me realize that I literally have the blood of others on my hands, and I hope it makes you feel the same way.

I hope that together we can make a change. I hope that we, the consumer, can make Apple realize that we won’t support this, that we can pay more to ensure that workers in a foreign land are given a piece of the same pie we enjoy, the same pie we have been given, the pie of humanity.

NEWS EDITOR: Sam Wilmes..............389-5450 SPORTS EDITOR: Joey Denton.............. 389-5227 VARIETY EDITOR: James Houtsma.......... 389-5157 ADVERTISING SALES: Natasha Jones........... 389-1063 Mac Boehmer............389-5097 Parker Riesgraf.......... 389-1079 Brandon Poliszuk.......389-5453 BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad............... 389-1926 ADV. DESIGN MANAGER: Dana Clark............... 389-2793

POLICIES & INFORMATION • If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Reece Hemmesch at (507) 3895454. The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun 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) 3891776. Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

Web Photo Safety nets prevent Apple factory workers in China from committing suicide.

“Do you own an Apple product?”

JOSH BRANDT, SENIOR LAW ENFORCEMENT “Mac book pro and iPod.”

EDITOR IN CHIEF: Reece Hemmesch.......389-5454

JESSICA TIETZ, FRESHMAN PSYCHOLOGY

TETO KORHA, SENIOR BIO-CHEMISTRY, MATH

“Yes, an iPod.”

“Yes, iPhone 5.”

BABIE YANG, SOPHOMORE NURSING “I do own an apple product, but the track pad is messed up.”

• 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.

Compiled by Yohanes Ashenafi

AUDREY MARTIN, SENIOR ACCOUNTING “I don’t, but my husband does He has the iPhone 5.”

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

News

MSU Reporter • 5

6 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Barking dogs may have sparked Arizona family shooting After months of complaining about barking from neighborhood dogs, an Arizona man gunned down four members of a family.

PHOENIX (AP) — For months, Michael Guzzo complained to neighbors about incessant dog barking, even putting up fliers on doors throughout his Phoenix townhome complex advising people of pet ordinances and fines.

This weekend, police say, Guzzo went on a rampage, methodically killing four members of a family and their two dogs that lived next door before killing himself with the same shotgun.

While his motive died along with him, neighbors and family members of the victims say he was becoming increasingly unhinged over dog noise.

Neighbors in the complex of two-story townhomes where a central courtyard looks like a tree-laden park said Guzzo made no secret that the barking dogs were irritating him.

He often left printouts of the city’s dog barking ordinance on doors throughout the community, said Joni Flood, 21, who lives a few doors down from the victims.

“He hated them. But everyone here has dogs,” Flood said.

Killed in the Saturday shooting were Bruce Moore, 66; his daughter, Renee Moore, 36; her husband, Michael Moore, 42, who used his wife’s last name; and Renee’s son, Shannon Moore, 17.

Family members of the victim were in shock Monday as they walked into the crime scene for the first time since the

killing, standing amid pools of drying blood on the home’s back patio where the two men were apparently killed first.

“It’s angering beyond belief,” said Patrick Riley, 41, Michael Moore’s brother. He found his brother’s silver necklace amid the blood. “It just angers me looking at all this because I just feel for my brother.

The helplessness.”

The patio wall was chipped with pockmarks from the shotgun’s blast. Police haven’t given specific details of the attack, but Riley said he thinks Guzzo shot his brother over a 6-foot cinderblock fence while he worked on a car engine.

“He had no idea what was coming,” Riley said.

He said police told him Guzzo, 56, killed the two men first, then walked through the family’s unlocked front door and shot Renee, her son, Shannon, and the dogs.

Phoenix Sgt. Steve Martos said authorities can only speculate on a motive for the killings.

“If he had left a note, maybe, but nothing like that occurred in this case,” Martos said Monday.

Michael Moore’s mother Jacque Alderman, 70, said Renee “told me all the time the man was crazy. He just couldn’t stand the dogs.”

Libni Deleon, 26, said that just a few months ago he returned home from work to find Guzzo standing by his back

gate where his two dogs were on the patio barking.

“He said, ‘Your dogs are barking. I’m here to live in peace,’” Deleon recalled.

Deleon says Guzzo tried to kill him on Saturday, too.

Moments after the shooting, Guzzo walked across the courtyard and began kicking

on their front door.

Libni Deleon’s wife, Vanessa, had just gotten out of the shower, grabbed their two children and ran upstairs to hide in the bathtub.

Libni went toward the door as Guzzo blasted two holes through it, sending about 20 shotgun pellets into the walls

at the back of their home.

He ran upstairs to get his own gun, opened the window and began to yell at Guzzo, who opened fire again before walking back to his home to turn the gun on himself.

“I feel pretty darn lucky,” Libni Deleon said.

Web Photo Staff: Campus Pastor Wong, Reverend Roger Knepprath, Mark Probst, Vicar Allen Kirschbaum, RA Kody Green

With Land to Air Express and its connecting partner Jefferson Lines, you can get where you need to go, stress free! Land to Air provides connections to cities throughout Minnesota, in addition to the airport. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.

No bothering family and friends, no parking issues, no fighting traffic, no trouble with the weather! Save time, money and aggravation.

1506 WARREN STREET • MANKATO • MN (Look for our electronic sign!)

507-345-4511

WWW.BEACONWELS.ORG

Afternoon schedules. Pickup by the Waves sculpture on MNSU campus by reservation.

MNSU Discount - Promo Code: MSUINT Group Discounts Free WiFi Now Available on All Buses NEW!! $35 Saturday Mall of America Trips MOA Promo Code: MOASAT

Mondays • Wednesdays.........Bible Study Wednesdays........................ Vespers 9 pm Thursdays.................. $1 Supper 5:30 pm

Bible Study 4:45 pm

FOR ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS

We offer a quiet place to study, a computer lab, a kitchen to prepare meals, TVs, free washer & dryer, Bible studies, counseling, and great friendships!

CENTER HOURS: 8am-10pm OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Wednesday, 12-5pm; Thursday 9am-9pm

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The perspective of a first-year Minnesotan PRATAKSHYA BHANDARI Staff Writer

The pumpkins are out. Horror is in. The slight chill in the air is slowly turning into a full blown winter season. It is time once again, for Halloween. Having lived in many states before moving to Minnesota, I have had the opportunity to live through many cultures and witness all sorts of ways to celebrate a festival.

It is one thing that I love about this country; you will find so many variations of the same language, the same festival. People somehow find a way to connect to a national tradition and make it their own.

My first year in the United States, as clueless as I was, I still couldn’t stop myself from feeling the spirit that was taking over the entire campus in October. I walked out one day to find the hallways of my dorm room darkened and skulls hanging through the ceiling.

I found out soon that we were in the midst of a dorm room decoration competition.

We eventually lost, far below the winners who had a unique Halloween dorm story to tell. That was the beginning of my love for all things American. It is after all, the spirit of this country that takes over all of us-American or not, and makes us look forward oto everything from 4th of July

fireworks to Thanksgiving turkey dinner.

Sure enough, I am looking forward to my first holiday season in this land of 10,000 lakes.

What better way to celebrate Halloween than to have the heart of campus, the CSU, transformed into a haunted house? As someone who spends most of my waking hours on campus, it will be a convenient change of routine for me, and the best possible way to get started with the Halloween celebration.

This is the third year that IMPACT is organizing the haunted takeover at CSU. Everything in the building is closed and transformed into a haunted house at 7 p.m. IMPACT Social Event Chair Loghin Welch says that they were inspired to this event again this year after almost 2200 people attended the haunted house last year.

The house this year has themes in different rooms throughout the building;. The arrival of Halloween is already evident in and around campus with decorations popping up everywhere.

If you have run into the Hearse on campus, it is IMPACT’s way of reminding you that CSU is turning into a haunted house.

It will be interesting to see how Halloween transforms the dreariness that has spread into the student union as the semester races to a finish.

2013-20 1 4

SEASON PASSES ON SALE NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31ST!

MSU Reporter • 7

News

Mount Kato Ski Area 20461 State Hwy. 66 Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 625-3363 MountKato.com

SKIING • SNOWBOARDING • SNOW TUBING

CSU haunted house planned for tomorrow SAM WILMES News Editor The spookiness of Halloween will unfold in all of its glory tomorrow at the Centennial Student Union, as IMPACT will be hosting the third annual “CSU Haunted Takeover from 9p.m. to 1 a.m.

IMPACT will be joined in the festivities with nine student organizations. The event will be held at several rooms encompassing all three floors of the CSU. Every organization will

be decorating it’s own room, offering visitors different experiences as they move throughout the building. Over the three-year period of the event, rooms have featured clowns, zombie attacks, Jason X and an insane asylum.

Both the campus community and the general public are invited to attend. Guests must be 18 years old, and must wear closed-toed shoes.

The haunted house is free to students with their MavCARD and $5 for general admission. Guests are expected to wear costumes.

Due to the event, the CSU will be closing tomorrow at 7 p.m. In addition to the Haunted Takeover, residence halls will be participating in the many festivities the Halloween season brings.

Crawford Residence Hall will be hosting its own haunted house from 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow in the Carkoski Commons Basement.

People who attend both the CSU Haunted Takeover and the Crawford Haunted House will be entered to win a gift basket.

8 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Sebelius to face tough questions on health care law Following a troubled launch of the Affordable Health Care Act’s website, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius faces intense scrutiny.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans said Sunday they intend to press Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on the Obama administration’s troubled launch of healthcare.gov, the online portal to buy insurance — even as the website suffered yet another setback.

A component of the online system that has been working relatively well experienced an outage Sunday. The federal data services hub, a conduit for verifying the personal information of people applying for benefits under the law, went down in a failure that was blamed on an outside contractor, Terremark.

“Today, Terremark had a network failure that is impacting a number of their clients, including healthcare.gov,” HHS spokeswoman Joanne Peters said. “Secretary Sebelius spoke with the CEO of Verizon this afternoon to discuss the situation and they committed to fixing the problem as soon as possible.”

Jeffrey Nelson, a spokesman for Verizon Enterprise Solutions, of which Terremark is a part, said: “Our engineers have been working with HHS and other technology companies to identify and address the root cause of the issue. It will fixed as quickly as possible.”

The Obama administration will face intense pressure this week to be more forthcoming about how many people have actually succeeded in enrolling for coverage in the new insurance markets. Medicare chief Marilyn Tavenner is to testify during a House hearing Tuesday, followed Wednesday by Sebelius before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The officials will also be grilled on how such crippling technical problems could have gone undetected prior to the website’s Oct. 1 launch.

“The incompetence in building this website is staggering,” said Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., the second ranking Republican on the panel and an opponent of the law.

Democrats said the new system needed time to get up and running, and it could be fixed to provide millions of people with affordable insurance.

Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, a Democrat, said the system was “working in Kentucky,” a

state that has dealt with “some of the worst health statistics in the country. ... The only way we’re going to get ourselves out of the ditch is some transformational tool,” like the new health insurance system.

Blackburn said she wanted to know much has been spent on the website, how much more it will cost to fix the problems, when everything will be ready and what people should expect to see on the site. Blackburn and Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., raised questions of whether the website could guard the privacy of applicants.

“The way the system is designed it is not secure,” said Rogers, who is chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.

The administration sought to reassure applicants about their personal information. HHS’ Peters said when consumers fill out their applications, “they can trust that the information they’re providing is protected by stringent security standards and that the technology underlying the application process has been tested and is secure.”

The botched rollout has led to calls on Capitol Hill for a delay of penalties for those remaining uninsured. The Obama administration has said it’s willing to extend the grace period until Mar. 31, the end of open enrollment. That’s an extra six weeks. The insurance industry says going beyond that risks undermining the new system by giving younger, healthier people a pass.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., who is seeking a yearlong delay to the penalty for noncompliance, said his approach would “still induce people to get involved, but it will also give us the time to transition in. And I think we need that transition period to work out the things.”

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who has urged the Obama administration to postpone the March 31 deadline, said she was concerned applicants would not have a full six months to enroll.

The administration was under no legal requirement to launch the website Oct. 1. Sebelius, who designated her department’s Medicare agency to implement the health care law, had the discretion to set open enrollment dates. Officials could have postponed open enrollment by a month, or they could have phased in access to

Web Photo

the website.

But all through last summer and into early fall, the administration insisted it was ready to go live in all 50 states on Oct. 1.

The online insurance markets are supposed to be the portal to coverage for people who do not have access to a health plan through their jobs. The health care law offers middleclass people a choice of private insurance plans, made more affordable through new tax credits. Low-income people will be steered to Medicaid in states that agree to expand that safety net program.

An HHS memo prepared for Sebelius in September estimated that nearly 500,000 people would enroll for coverage in the marketplaces during October, their first month of operation. The actual number is likely to be only a fraction of that. The administration has said 700,000 people have completed applications.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., said the president had been poorly served by Sebelius “in the implementation of his own signature legislature. So if somebody doesn’t leave and if there isn’t a real restructuring, not just a 60-day somebody come in and try to fix it, then he’s missing the point of management 101, which is these people are to serve him well, and they haven’t.”

Blackburn spoke on “Fox News Sunday,” Beshear appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Rogers was on to CNN’s “State of the Union,” Manchin was interviewed on ABC’s “This Week,” and Shaheen and Issa made their comments on CBS “Face the Nation.”

Only 1 Mile Away From Campus!

115 Parkway Ave., Mankato, MN 56001

Call 507-387-1217 Today!

Visit our website: www.mfdc.com/glenwood

Beautiful Outdoor Pool

• 1 Bedrooms @ $630 • 2 Bedrooms @ $780 • FREE Parking on Campus • Air-Conditioned Units

Spacious Apartments

• Outdoor Grills • On-Site Laundry • Heat & Water Included • Now Accepting Small Dogs!

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Evenings and Weekends by Appointment

MSU Reporter • 9

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSU Reporter or Like Us on Facebook facebook.com/msureporter

Email the Sports Editor: reporter-sports@mnsu.edu

507-389-5227

Women’s soccer keeps on rolling with postseason on horizon Some streaks stayed alive after this weekend, but the Mustangs halted one in a tie on Sunday.

LUCAS RYAN Staff Writer

David Bassey • MSU Reporter Junior midfielder Sydney Temple posted an assist in the Mavericks’ 7-0 win over University of Sioux Falls on Saturday.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato women’s soccer team remains unbeaten in the NSIC, but their 11-game winning streak came to an end after a scoreless tie Sunday against Southwest Minnesota State.

The Mavericks are leading the NSIC with a 14-1-1 overall record and a 12-0-1 record in the NSIC. With the wins the Mavericks extend their unbeaten-home streak to 33 games and remain unbeaten in the NSIC in their last 33 games.

MSU can clinch a first-round home game in the NSIC postseason with a win or a tie in one of the final two games. That doesn’t seem like much to ask of the No. 2 ranked Mavericks, but the final two games will be against top teams in the NSIC and could cause MSU some problems.

The Mavericks defense is quietly having a great year. MSU has only allowed a total of 14 goals this season, including games without a goal allowed. Maverick’s defense held two NSIC top-five scoring teams(Southwest Minnesota and Minnesota Duluth) scoreless over the last two weekends and seem to be hitting their stride defensively with the post season just on the horizon.

The Mavericks opened the weekend’s home stand with a 7-0 win over the University of Sioux Falls Saturday. MSU’s senior goalkeeper Brittany Cygan stopped all three shots she faced to earn her second career shutout in her first start of the year. The Mavericks owned a 34-4 shot advantage in the match but started the game slow and did not play their style, according to head coach Brian Bahl. The Mavericks responded in the second half playing more aggressive and

scoring five goals.

“Our style should be exciting, it should be fun for the players to play in because we are wide open and we like to go after it and play a really fast style of play and keep our opponent under pressure,” Bahl said. “Whether we are defending or if we have the ball we take it at them with a really aggressive approach.”

Senior forward Courtney Vallarelli, freshman midfielder Kiana Nickel, senior midfielder Tori Meinhardt, freshman forward Maddy Smith and freshman forward Karissa Prpich each scored one goal for the Mavericks, while sophomore forward Korey Kronforst netted two MSU goals.

Kronforst has been the Mavericks best offensive player this year. She has more than twice as many goals as the next best MSU player and is leading the team

SOCCER • Page 11

Mavericks stomp on Warriors The Minnesota State football team continues to cruise through the NSIC-South division with their fourth South win of their 2013 campaign.

JOEY DENTON Sports Editor According to Minnesota State University, Mankato football team’s interim head coach Aaron Keen, the squad played, “the best football game as a team this year.” To blow out a team on a five-game winning streak and possesses last week’s NSIC Offensive Player of the Week 44-10, he’s probably right.

Coming in to the game, Winona State’s quarterback Jack Nelson was the recipient for offensive player of the week award for throwing 347 passing yards and five touchdowns in Warrior’s 45-41 win over Wayne State.

Let’s just say he didn’t win in two weeks in a row. Not only did

the Mavericks allow 216 passing yards with an interception, Winona didn’t have a rushing yard.

Take that back, they had -31 rushing yards.

“I thought our defense played out of this world,” coach Keen said. “Just stopping a team’s running attack like that puts that much pressure on the quarterback, making you so much more comfortable on the offensive side.”

Nelson came in to the game as a quarterback but afterwards must of just felt like one of the tackling dummies the Mavericks use in practice. By the time the final horn went off, he was sacked nine times, which is tied

FOOTBALL • Page 10

David Bassey • MSU Reporter The Maverick offense had 22 first downs in their 520 total yards of offense. Sophomore running back Connor Thomas led the Mavericks in the running department with 122 rushing yards.

10 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Web Photo In his one year stint with the Mavericks, Tyler Pitlcik scored 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points. The squad finished 16-20-3 that season.

DEREK LAMBERT Staff Writer

Tyler Pitlick

successful season in Medicine Hat, he moved on.

Pitlick spent what would have been his junior season at MSU as a rookie in the AHL for Oklahoma City. Playing in 62 games, he recorded 23 points and then had an impressive playoff campaign with seven points in 13 games.

Battling an injury early last season, Pitlick was limited to just 44 games, recording ten points.

This season he had played seven games for the Barons, tallying a goal and two assists before the Oilers called him up to play his first NHL game.

In his NHL debut, Pitlick recorded two shots on goal and three hits in 11:58 of ice time for Edmonton. On the road at Montreal, the Oilers came back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Canadiens 4-3 for their second straight win. The former Maverick also played in Thursday night’s 4-1

loss against the Washington Capitals and on Saturday in a 5-4 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes. He tallied his first NHL goal against the Coyotes in what was the first goal of the game. However, after being hip checked by Phoenix’s David Schlemko, Pitlick left the game injured and did not play in Sunday’s game at Los Angeles.

Pitlick isn’t the first Maverick to play in the NHL, however.

Calgary Flames forward Tim Jackman played for the Mavericks from 2000-2002, and was the first MSU hockey player to play in the NHL. Other Mavs who have made it to the big stage include former All-American Grant Stevenson, Steve Wagner, John Kalinski, and Travis Morin.

The most notable NHL players to come out of MSU are Ryan Carter, who won a Stanley Cup Championship with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, and David Backes, who is the captain of the St. Louis Blues and also played in the 2010 Winter Olympics for Team USA. Backes will also play for the US in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Maverick fans hope to see more go on to play in the NHL, and they might not have to wait long. Four current Mavericks are drafted to NHL teams in Teddy Blueger to Pittsburgh, Max Gaede to San Jose, Zach Stepan to Nashville, and Stephon Williams to the New York Islanders.

Aside from these players, 2013 graduate Eriah Hayes is playing for San Jose’s top minor league affiliate the Worcester Sharks of the AHL. We hope to see more of Pitlick this season with the Oilers and wish him the best of luck in his journey to being a full time NHL forward.

for the school record.

Sophomore Josh Gordon led the way with three sacks and teammate at the other end senior Chris Schaudt tied for the second-most with 1.5, along with sophomore linebacker Tyler Henderson.

According to ncaa.com, the Mavericks rank eighth in the country in yards given up per game with 285 and only give up 69 rushing yards per game, which is third in the country. To be the offense that practices against that every day is definitely frustrating but can really pay off to see one of the fastest defenses on a daily basis.

“If you truly have the belief that ability is going to help you to win championships, then you find a way to get competitive offensively and work to move the football and I think that makes us better as a program,” Keen said.

That philosophy showed on Saturday as the offense was clicking in both the run game and through the air.

Sophomore running back Connor Thomas’s 122 rushing yards carried the load of the Mavericks 276, including a 52yard run in their first series of the second half.

Senior quarterback Jon Wolf and junior receiver Austin Rieder saw eye-to-eye for a 52-yard touchdown pass to give the Mavericks their first score of the game. Wolf would continue to have success as a passer, throwing for 238 yards and three touchdowns. 125 of those yards and two touchdowns went to senior receiver Dennis Carter.

Wolf would also use his legs for 83 rushing yards and scored one touchdown and junior running back Andy Pfeiffer put up 48 yards and a touchdown of his own.

The Mavericks will have their fair share of rushing yards, that’s what they do. But when the passing game also clicks, it’s a great to see, especially with bigger games coming up down the road.

“We know we are going to have to be equally good at both down the stretch to win big games,” Keen said. “As good as we are at running the football, sooner or later you are going to find a team that’s going to stop you, and you better be able to confidently throw the ball.”

The Warrior’s yards per punt average of 37.2 yards was one of the few categories the Warriors won, but even that came to backfire on them when Carter took one of the eight punts 68 yards for the Mavericks’ third touchdown of the day. Even with a lot of Warriors breaking free from the Mavericks’ punt return unit, they were no match for Carter.

“It was the most miraculous punt return in the history of football cause we didn’t block a soul,” Keen said.

Along with the punt return, Dennis caught nine passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Yards are produced when this man has the ball.

“As many times you can get the ball in Dennis Carter’s hands, to me it’s a pretty good thing,” Keen said.

The first NCAA Super Region Three Poll of the 2013 season came out on Monday and the Mavericks found themselves second on the chart behind Northwest Missouri State. Their journey to climb up to the first spot starts this Saturday with Wayne State visiting Blakeslee Stadium.

With a 5-3 overall record, the Warriors are second in the NSICSouth division and look to share the first-place spot with the Mavericks. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.

STREET

TO AU

Last Tuesday, former Maverick hockey player Tyler Pitlick made his National Hockey League debut for the Edmonton Oilers when they played the Montreal Canadiens on the road.

Pitlick has played in preseason games for the Oilers the past two seasons but has otherwise played for their top minor league affiliate, the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League.

Pitlick came to Minnesota State as a true freshman from Centennial High School, where he was teammates with current Maverick defenseman Brett Stern. Today in college hockey, it is a rarity to see players come in and play as true freshman.

Rather, young players play junior hockey against players typically between the ages of 16 to 21, which is the limit, as when players turn 21 years of age they are no longer eligible for juniors. It’s similar to redshirting freshman in college football to give them some practice to get up to the speed of the college game, but Pitlick was a particularly interesting true freshman as he was 17 when he came to Mankato.

In his lone season in a Maverick sweater, the Centerville, Minn. native and former Minnesota Mr. Hockey candidate looked poised to have a solid career here in Mankato. Pitlick collected 11 goals and eight assists in 38 games as a rookie, but then the NHL came knocking on his door. Projected to be a late firstround pick, Pitlick was eventually drafted as the first pick of the second round, 31st overall by the Edmonton Oilers.

Once drafted, Pitlick de-

cided to forego his final years of NCAA eligibility and headed north to play for the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League, a Canadian major junior league where the age restriction is the same as American junior leagues, but players are compensated. After spending a

FOOTBALL continued from 9

ROCK

Former Maverick brings Maverick hockey to the NHL

15% OFF with Student ID

117 E. ROCK STREET MANKATO

507-720-6211

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

MSU Reporter • 11

Sports

Maverick volleyball competes hard during North Dakota trip Lexi Platz finished with a .414 hitting percentage and 15 kills in the Mavericks win over the University of Mary.

In a three-game slew of conference action this last week, the Minnesota State volleyball team finally got back into the win column after a tough losing streak that stretched six games. After losing last Tuesday evening to No. 1 Concordia-St. Paul, the Mavericks were able to grind out a victory against the University of Mary in one of two weekend games up in North Dakota.

Tuesday evening at the Taylor Center, MSU put up a valiant effort but was outgunned much of the night against the Concordia-St. Paul Golden Bears. The two teams were even at nine points apiece in the opening set before the Golden Bears went on a 16-6 run to take the first set 25-15.

The Mavericks kept pace with the visiting team late into the second set until Concordia-St. Paul went on a 5-0 rout to take the set 25-17 and a two to nothing set lead. The Golden Bears continued their success through the third set, taking the last tilt in the match, again by a score of 25-17.

Freshman middle-blocker Lexi Platz led the offense with seven kills and a .235 hitting percentage on the night.

It was a different story for the rejuvenated Mavericks when they visited the University of Mary Marauders Friday night in Bismarck, N.D. MSU trailed early in an extended opening set, but fought for a 23-23 draw before taking the set, 29-27. It was all Mavericks in the second set when they hit for .333 and took a 25-14 set win and a 2-0 set lead.

The Marauders would answer back in the third set with a 25-20 set win of their own, bringing the match to a 2-1 set lead for MSU. In the fourth and final set of the night, the Mavericks opened up an 11-6 lead early and stymied some late pressure from the Marauders to take the match three sets to one with a 25-19 set win.

Platz led the Mavericks with a .414 hitting percentage and career-high 15 kills in the match. All outside-hitters, freshman Sydney Geisness tallied 15 kills while freshman Tiana Runck and sophomore Chandra Honebrink each contributed 10 kills.

The energy from Friday night seemed to carry over to Saturday afternoon when MSU traveled to Minot and opened up a 15-10 opening-set lead against the Minot State Beavers. But the Beavers clawed their way back into the game and went on a 7-2 run to take the first set 25-20.

The Mavericks held a 13-9 lead in the middle of the second set before the Mavericks’ lead once again slipped through their fingers and the Beavers stormed back to another 25-20 set win.

The decisive third set saw the Mavericks take a lead all the way to within two points of a set win before Beavers rallied again, outscoring MSU 7-1 late in the set, and took the match sweep over the Mavericks.

Honebrink was the only Maverick to reach double-digits in kills on the night, with 10 of them. Freshman defensive-specialist Haley Fogarty tallied 20 digs for the Maverick defense, while sophomore setter Ellie Van De Steeg contributed 25 assists to the losing effort.

After last week, the Mavericks dropped to 5-9 in conference play and 9-12 overall. The Mavericks have another early weekday home game tonight at the Taylor Center against the University of Upper Iowa Peacocks. First serve is at 7 pm.

In regards to the remainder of the regular season, head volleyball coach Dennis Amundson is remaining upbeat and objective.

“When you reach a point in the season like this, it’s about getting better every day and moving the system forward,” Amundson said. “We’re gaining those positive reps to make us more efficient, keep our mindset correct and figure out how to win games.”

LUKE CARLSON Staff Writer

MSU SOCCER “The Mavericks are leading the NSIC with a 14-1-1 overall record and a 12-0-1 record in the NSIC.” continued from 9 with 81 shots. Kronforst is the leading scorer in the NSIC with 14 goals and she has the seventh most goals in all of Division II women’s soccer.

No. 25 Southwest Minnesota State came to Mankato Sunday for a matchup featuring the two top teams in the NSIC. The game ended in a scoreless draw giving MSU a 14-1-1 record overall and 12-0-1 in the NSIC. Even though the Mavericks out-shot the Mustangs 25-13 and owned a 12-7 shots on goal advantage, they were unable to score on their opportunities, which led to their first tie of the season.

“We fought hard (Sunday) and we had our opportunities. So definitely finishing is a big thing we can take away from (Sunday). We had opportunities that we missed out on…but the shutout again was huge today, so taking that forward as well, just keeping that defensive effort strong,” junior midfielder Sydney Temple said.

Kronforst had several scoring chances and finished with a match-high eight shots, including four shots on net. Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Hoeppner recorded her first career shutout to help earn the 0-0 tie.

“Our high pressure is always our key to every game and I thought we did pretty well at that today and our defense played really, really well, and Lauren (Hoeppner) did awesome in goal so that was huge for us too,” Temple said.

The Mavericks have two games remaining in the regular season before the postseason will begin. MSU has clinched a spot but still could finish as low as fifth in the NSIC. However, MSU controls their own destiny. With wins in the final two games, the Mavericks will lock up first place in the NSIC. The final portion of the season consisting of matchups with the top teams in the NSIC continues this upcoming weekend when the Mavericks play teams with the third and fourth best records in the NSIC. The Mavericks start out the final weekend of the regular season with the final regular season home game on Friday against Upper Iowa (13-2, 11-2 in NSIC).

Upper Iowa has the second most goals in the NSIC (MSU has the most) and will be a good test for the MSU back line that has been playing very well as of late.

The Mavericks will finish the regular season Sunday when they travel to Winona for a matchup with the Warriors of Winona State(12-2-2, 11-2 in the NSIC).

The Warriors are a more defensive minded squad and lead the conference with only eight goals allowed this season, giving up for an average of one goal every two games.

“As long as we keep doing the things we do on a regular basis, playing our style of play, I feel confident in our opportunity to get the result,” Bahl said.

Open to all upper class majors!

Trip is May 10-19, 2014.

Informational meeting is either Wednesday, Oct 30th or Nov. 6, 2013, at 6 p.m. in Trafton South #247 See Biology MNStateMankato Facebook page for more details.

Limit of 1 Per Person Code: MSU5 Expires: 11/28/13

12 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 Follow the Reporter on Twitter @MSU Reporter or Like Us on Facebook facebook.com/msureporter

Email the A&E Editor: reporter-arts@mnsu.edu

507-389-5157

Second 20/20 Experience is a wild and worthwhile double take ERIK SHINKER Staff Writer Riding on the success of 2012’s The 20/20 Experience, Justin Timberlake gives us more of what we didn’t know we wanted with The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2. This album features thumping percussion, party jams and influences from across the musical spectrum. Continuing the motif of longer and explicit songs, this record is not for the musically weak of stomach or the innocent.

Saturated in sex appeal, “Gimme What I Don’t Know (I Want)” kicks off the album with its enticing beginning lyrical harmony. Compounded by elephant and tiger sound effects, the track is deliciously repetitious with its funk and boogie elements.

Just in time for Halloween, “True Blood”’s pulsing synthesizers and percussion creep their way into your psyche. The thumping and grooving song features syncopated laughs during the chorus that will get stuck in

your head for hours after listening. Howls and spooky laughs that begin around seven minutes and thirty seconds into the song add to the haunting effect.

Reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s 1979 album Off The Wall, “Take Back the Night” is a funky tune that will be a staple on any party playlist. The first released single off of the album, “Take Back the Night” remains fresh despite massive radio play. It is an all-around good time jam with understated funk guitar and some wonderful horn lines that punctuate the chorus.

“Drink You Away” showcases blues guitar jabs that are doubled by both electric and acoustic guitars. The catchy hooks during the chorus and verses will have you singing along in no time and putting this song on repeat. Listen for the soulful organ part; it is too tasty to miss. This is a definite favorite on the album.

Beginning with a strong guitar riff, “Only When I Walk Away” drops into a half-time feel. The guitar riff pops back in

and doubles the vocal line on the chorus for a wonderfully catchy effect.

The final track, “Not A Bad Thing”, ties things together nicely with more acoustic guitar and a happier, upbeat feel.

Harmonies and stacked vocals are present here, as they have been throughout the album. For those with patience, at around 5:27, “Not A Bad Thing” gives way to the hidden track, “Pair of Wings”. With fingerpicked guitar and a softer vocal approach, this song swoons in a way that is both different from the rest of the album, but also welcome. Stripped down and with a warmer sound, this dynamic change quietly builds into a satisfying addition of strings that complement the song’s tone.

The 20/20 Experience - 2 of 2 may not have seemed necessary at first, but its explicit lyrics, full instrumentation, and lack of radio edits help it shine past its predecessor with its variety. This album is highly recommended for any music lover.

Web Photo J.T.’s latest features plenty of sex appeal and funky party beats.

Stallone and Schwarzenegger Escape back to the 80’s ANDREW SIMON Staff Writer The Expendables movies try so very hard to be these nostalgic throwbacks to the eighties when muscle men like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone were household names and brought millions of dollars in revenue to the studio but neither of them worked all that well.

They were boring, uninspiring, poorly written and suffered weak fight choreography – arguably the whole reason people go to see these movies.

Luckily, there’s Escape Plan, an action thriller with all the updated effects of 2013 while boasting the eighties vibe Stallone and co. have been trying so hard to achieve and it works exceptionally well.

Ray Breslin (Stallone) has a particular skill – he can escape from any man-made prison. He’s even made a career out of this,

exploiting the weaknesses in a structure’s security. Breslin is so good and so cocky of his skills that when the opportunity arises of someone claiming they’ve constructed the most secure, inescapable prison in existence, Breslin wants in, with very few questions asked or precautions made. Bagged and drug, Breslin wakes up in a heavily fortified and constantly surveyed prison where the guards are cloaked in black head to toe and the worlds ugliest and cruelest criminals, including Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger), are ready to take a bite of the new meat.

Escape Plan just needed to be fun and it fulfilled that need with flying colors. Better than that, both Schwarzenegger and Stallone are clearly enjoying themselves, and that kind of fun is just as infectious for the audience. Their primary nemesis comes in the form of the tightly wound and vocally soft warden, Willard Hobbs (Jim Cavizel,

Web Photo

Passion of the Christ), being so over-the-top with a surprisingly reserved performance (this makes sense in the context of the film -- it’s a performance that must be seen to be believed) that

he quickly has risen to one of the best, most entertaining villains of the year. He’s clearly crazy, everyone from the prisoners to his employees knows it, and that makes him remarkably intimi-

dating.

In the first two Expendables and The Last Stand, Schwarzenegger seemed to have lost

ESCAPE PLAN • Page 13

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

MSU Reporter • 13

A&E

Netflix addictions: Louie Stand-up artist’s FX show perfectly blends social commentary and humor

ESCAPE PLAN “Luckily, there’s Escape Plan, an action thriller with all the updated effects of 2013 while boasting the 80’s vibe Stallone and co. have been trying to achieve, and it works exceptionally well.” continued from 12

Web Photo

ANDREW SIMON Staff Writer

Give a creative genius a couple hundred thousand dollars and creative freedom, leaving that genius to their own whim and brilliance, and the final product is something a lot like Louie (FX), a half-hour dark o comedy created, starring, written, directed and edited by Louis C.K. Episodes are typically split into two vignettes, either connected thematically or not at all, with clips of Louis’ original stand-up pieces often tying the two stories together.

The series follows Louie in New York, a struggling comedian with two daughters, Lilly (Hadley Delany) and Jane (Ursula Parker), as he navigates, often unsuccessfully, with what life decides to throw at him.

Nearly no topic is off-limits as Louie tackles subjects like awkward first date, masculinity, divorce, sex and sexuality, the Iraqi war, Catholicism, existential crisis’, depression, and parenting, all with his own unique brand of wit and introspective musings. Not only is Louie unfailingly hilarious in most of his comedy but he’s surprisingly insightful, peeling back the layers of how this messed up society works, what people really mean when they say something and what people really want.

For thirty minutes, the series reaches the same level of amazing awkwardness as Steve Carrell’s Michael Scott (The Office) in Louie’s incompetence at seemingly everything, brings more funny material to the table than most of weekly network comedies combined, 3 and even forces the audience to

over what they just watched. If all someone gets from the show is the comedic genius of Louie, that’s perfectly alright but one of the amazing things about it is that the series is deeper and more meaningful than that. This is societal commentary – but with laughs.

Louie is about as near to perfect as a show can get. The first two seasons boast the most entertaining, addictive television in years, and thanks to the half-hour running time, a season can easily be ingested a day at a time. Shining examples of its brilliance include “Heckler/Cop Movie”, two unrelated stories in one episode. The first part takes place at an underground comedy club where a woman takes issue with Louie’s jokes and a verbally harsh back-and-forth transpires.

The second half shows Louie horribly miscast in a small role opposite Matthew Broderick, with the two minutes they share trying to accomplish a single shot is one of the funniest exchanges in a decade (hyperbolic statement, probably, but Louie deserves such accolades).

Another season one gem, “Bully”, where a first date gets interrupted by a teenage hockey player maliciously humiliating Louie, personifies what’s so special about Louie, as the episode is very real and does things that are unexpected or, at least, unconventional.

Season two’s award-nominated “Duckling”, where Louie and a handful of entertainers tour Afghanistan to boost troop morale, is deserving of an Emmy award on the docket, another example of Louie’s clever writing and real-world commentary with comedy.

Season three, the first season to have multiple coherent storylines, has the three-part “Late Night”, which doesn’t have the same look at the world as the majority others do, but it’s nevertheless a series highlight for being one of the most personal and strongest for Louie. Another series highlight is “Come On, God”, an episode where Louie goes on television to defend masturbation against a Christian anti-masturbation movement – it’s one of those plotlines that just aren’t ever shown on network TV, so to watch Louie delve deep in topics no one wants to talk about, is enormously engaging.

Louie is a comedian first and foremost but with all three seasons considered, his level of talent and genius is astounding.

This review could go on and on about the equally stellar supporting cast that weave in and out of stories, like potential love interest Pamela Adlon (also serving a producer credit) or Louie’s ridiculously intelligent daughters, the loads of guest stars each season (including, but not limited to, Amy Poehler, Chris Rock, Dane Cook, Joan Rivers, Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld), and the brilliance of its structure and writing style. But perhaps it’s best to simply say that Louie is absolutely one of the best shows to air in years, deserving a spot in the Hall of Fame with the likes of The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. It’s funny, it’s heartwarming, it’s deep, it’s unexpected and it’s highly entertaining.

Louie seasons 1-3 are available now on Netflix Streaming, with seasons 1-2 on DVD/BluRay.

that certain type of flair he had back in his prime, that ability to say one-liners convincingly and make them synonymous with the movie itself, like Terminator’s “I’ll be back” and Predator’s “get to the choppa!”.

With Escape Plan, Schwarzenegger has regained his swagger. The film doesn’t have any enormously notable one liners but his delivery of every line echoes that same powerful presence he had decades ago.

Stallone, unfortunately, is the opposite. His work in Rocky Balboa and Rambo was great, but Escape Plan presents a Stallone who seems to be weary of his own work again, ready to re-enter semi-retirement.

Together, though, they have amazing rapport.

From a scripting standpoint, all that could be expected from this type of vehicle was a competent script and decent action scenes. It’s not above and beyond that calling but the film is a little smarter than one would initially give it credit. The Tomb, as the inescapable facility is titled, is smartly revealed in a gradual pace and the de-

sign is intricate and terrifying to look at. Breslin’s ability to look at everything around him and see possible flaws in the infrastructure is one of the main film highlights, as is his using any available tools to calculate longitude and latitude and penetrate nailed doors. Best of all, Hobbs is a smart villain who is nearly always on the same track as Breslin, making him a more threatening opponent than would be expected. Having an intelligent bad guy is always preferable to a physically opposing force.

Escape Plan offers a throwback to the golden age of muscle men icons engaging in outrageous action scenes under preposterous conditions, snarky one-liners and generally bad dialogue and, best of all, mindless fun. If any of that sounds appealing, Escape Plan is one of the better options circulating in the action field as of late and definitely worth a matinee screening or a video pickup.

7/10

14 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The candy capital of southern Minnesota

Web Photo The unmistakable sign outside Jim’s Apple Barn near Jordan.

MIRANDA BRAUNWARTH Staff Writer I’ve never been one for tricks or anything remotely scary when it comes to Halloween. However, I do know where to get a good treat and that’s Jim’s Apple Barn.

When it comes to candy, Jim’s Apple Barn has tons of it -- in fact they’re rolling in it -- so if you’re looking to satisfying your sweet tooth, this is the place to stop.

What may be the most charming aspect of the self proclaimed “Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store” is that it’s a step back in time to an easy day of a child at a candy shop. In fact, they stay true to their old school style by being absent of Facebook, Twitter,

and have no website or telephone number.

Even though we may sometimes think we will die without our social networking there is so much to look at it in this huge yellow barn! It’s an easy ride -- just hop on Highway 169 and it’s right outside of Jordan.

Just driving up there is an autumn treat. The barn stands in a beautiful harvest gold color and is adorned with bright pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and gourds galore.

But once you step inside, the magic begins. Crisp apples cover tables for your tasting pleasure complete with caramels. That mixes with the warm sent of hot apple pies, homemade nut treats

Selling clean, gently used, affordable furnishings for every room in the house.

77 Star Street, Mankato 15% OFF (507) 387-2699 with www.vinestore.org student ID

Hours: Monday - Friday 10am - 7pm Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 12 noon - 5pm

Call us @ (507)524-3735 B&R Auto and Truck Salvage, Inc. is the leading salvage yard in Southern Minnesota with 45 acres of used parts!

Hours: M-F: 8-5

Friendly, Reliable Service Online Parts Search Free Pick-up

www.bandrautotrucksalvage.com

and fudge, including a bacon flavor with real bacon bits!

When you get past all of that yummy goodness the real glory awaits and that’s the rows upon rows of candy heaven. Whatever you are craving you will find it.

I suggest you take as much time as you need due to there being so much to look at.

I have a particular sweet tooth for chocolate and Jim’s has many flavors from all your normal fruit chocolates, such as filled raspberry and orange to bizarre hot pepper chocolate and, one of my personal favorites, sea salt.

If you like your chocolate filled with bacon, make sure you mosey over to the complete bacon section where you can find choco-

late pigs on a stick, bacon chap stick, bacon band-aids and even bacon flavored bottled soda.

What makes the candy section truly unique, however, is in the generations of candy they have in stock from parents and grandparents favorites and some candies that are truly hard to find.

For those who are not chocolate lovers you may be one who can’t resist a good salt water taffy and, once again, the store delivers.

If you ever do make it to the back of the store, (which may take a couple of days), make sure you stock up on all of the delicious licorice. I’ve recently found a favorite in Dr. Pepper flavor and often crave it. If you’re up to trying

something new, they have many European licorice flavors.

On top of all the candy, they have many canned goods and cooking and baking goodies, bread mixes, homemade spaghetti sauce, noodles and jellies.

Besides the candy, these goodies alone make the trip worthwhile.

Once you’ve picked out all of your candy, make sure to add some delicious bottled soda -they have dozens of different flavors of root beer, as well some odd flavors that include ranch and buffalo flavored soda.

So what are you waiting for?

Grab your sweet tooth and jump in the car for a beautiful fall ride and look for the big yellow barn.

MSU Reporter • 15

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

507-389-1776

FOR RENT

HELP WANTED

MISCELLANEOUS

5 OR 4 OR 3 OR 2 OR 1 bedroom houses/apartments.

Available right now. Some for next year. Many to choose from.

Check out our website. www. ottoH.com owner/agent or call 507-625-1010. 6/19 1633LOFTS.COM LUXURY UNITS within walking distance to campus.

5/1 COLLEGETOWNMANK ATO. COM private bathroom in every bedroom. 5/1 COLLEGESTATIONMANKATO. COM Affordable housing on the bus route.

5/1 RE N T M S U.C O M 3 -10 BEDROOM student houses. 5/1 LARGE 5 BEDROOM, 2 BATHHome Available Nov. 1st. No pets, lease through July 2014. $1,250 per month plus utilities.

Must see! Call 952-894-3726.

11/5

BIG DOG SPORTS BAR NOW Hiring Cooks for weekend and evening hours. Apply at 1712 Commerce Dr. North Mankato.

11/5

HOPING TO ADOPT: We are Jason and Michelle! Loving couple living west of the Twin Cities, married 5 years. We are hoping to adopt an infant to two-year old child and build our family through adoption.

Please call or email us at 320290-5001 or jandmadopt@ gmail.com.

11/26

MISCELLANEOUS WE ARE A LOVING, FUN FILLED family of 3. Live in western Minneapolis suburbs.

We are home study approved.

Interested in an open adoption.

Open to multicutural adoption.

Learn more and contact us at: http://www.adoptingmn. com. 888-446-1143. Email: tomandmaryfrances@yahoo. com. 10/24

NOTICES FREE SHOTOKAN KARATE classes offered Monday 6-8pm.

Tuesday 7-9pm. Thursday 6-8pm. Room PH 102. Beginners are welcome. Need not to be a MSU student to join. For info call Brad @ 507-388-5301 or lostgonzo@gmail.com or search MSU Shotokan on facebook or yahoo groups.

5/1

Call or Text Jeremy to schedule an appointment!

Call Only

Call or Text

507.351.5192 952.994.5966

IS NOW HIRING KITCHEN STAFF & SERVERS

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Must be available to work mornings, nights & weekends.

Experience is preferred, but not necessary.

Please apply in person Monday-Wednesday.

414 S. Front St., Mankato 507-388-7767

RARE OPPORTUNITY

Fun & Exciting Job! Great Benefits!

Work Inside or Out! Flexible Hours & Competitive Wages • Lift Operators • Weekday Medical Staff • Food Service • Rental Shop • Ski & Board Instructors • Tech Shop

• Bartenders • Cooks • Ticket Window • Snowmakers • Night Janitor

Apply at Mount Kato Ski Area One mile south of Mankato on Hwy. 66 www.MountKato.com

The Reporter has a rare, immediate opening for an ambitious, sales-oriented student to become our next sales rep. Due to the nature of this opportunity, working directly with campus departments and area businesses on their marketing and advertising, the position will be filled rapidly. Interested students should apply immediately.

This is an exceptional real-world student job. The successful candidate will be paid base + commission, working with the graduating rep through the end of the semester and receiving specialized training from the advertising manager. There are several other benefits and perks we will discuss with finalists for the position.

The qualified candidate will be strongly interested in marketing and media, have exceptional communication skills, some experience with sales and public interaction, with the the desire to lay a solid professional foundation now for career and life success beyond graduation. A 20hour per week commitment is expected. Underclass candidates who could make a multi-year commitment to this opportunity are preferred, but exceptional upperclass or graduate students are also invited to apply.

Email cover letter, resume and references to Advertising General Manager Greg Husak at gregory.husak@mnsu.edu or drop off at the Reporter office, CSU 293.

Minnesota State University, Mankato

16 • MSU Reporter

Advertisement

Tuesday, October 29, 2013