November 19, 2009

Thursday, November 19, 2009

www.msureporter.com

Keeping it off

Minnesota State University, Mankato

Nutrition expert talks about losing and maintaining weight ELENA SHUFELT

staff writer

Students and community members “learned from losers” in a presentation about weight management Tuesday.

Anne Fletcher, a nutrition expert and dietician with a master’s in nutrition science, presented “Learning From Losers: Healthy Weight Management for a Lifetime.”

For nearly 20 years, she has studied people who have lost weight and kept it off, and now the author and presenter shares the success stories

she found to inspire people around the nation.

“Ultimately you have to believe that it can be done, and one of the best ways to do it is to turn to successful role models,” said Fletcher.

Fletcher said students can have issues with weight because they are away from home and might not know how to prepare their own food, the cost could be a problem, or they could have a meal plan that allows them to eat bigger portions

Keeping it off / page 8

kyle janda• msu reporter

Fletcher is a nutrionist who has written several books about healthy eating and maintaining weight.

Saying thanks by giving back

Campus Kitchen’s annual Turkeypalooza to provide Thanksgiving dinners to Mankato-area families in need ALESHA SULLIVAN

Volunteers are needed to: • Donate $50 to help sponsor a special turkey dinner •Help cook and package: 5 p.m. Monday in the Intercultural Student Center •Deliver food from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday

index

For more information contact Campus Kitchen

Editorial...................................6 Voices......................................7 Sports....................................11 Variety....................................15 Classifieds.............................19

staff writer

For most Americans, it might be hard to imagine not having a warm, safe place to sleep at night or worrying about when and where their next meal might be.

However, these are real-life concerns for many families and individuals across the country.

About three million people are homeless in the United States each year, and roughly 9,000 individuals experience homelessness each night in Minnesota alone. In addition, 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from

LGBT Center to hold Transgender workshop Page 3

food insecurity or hunger, and in Minnesota, almost 10 percent of people are unable to provide sufficient food for their household.

Poverty is essentially linked to homelessness and hunger. Two main factors that contribute to increasing poverty in the United States are decreased employment opportunities for a high percentage of the workforce and an economic recession that has radically taken its toll on many social services for the population.

In Mankato, 19 percent of citizens are homeless or in need

of food assistance. Luckily, programs and charities throughout the country are putting in extra efforts to help stop the rise of homelessness and hunger.

“Campus Kitchen has involved over 7,000 students at MSU in packaging and delivering over 375 meals per week to area homeless and families in need of food assistance,” said Campus Kitchen Coordinator Samantha Eckerson.

Campus Kitchen is one of the many hunger relief organizations powered by college students in an

Giving / page 4

One writer harvests crops, gets horrible farming addiction Page 7

Page 2 • Reporter

News

Thursday, November 19, 2009T

Thursday, November 19, 2009

News

Raising drug awareness

Accepting differences

Concerned about drugged drinks downtown, former MSU students spread the word NICOLE SMITH

editor in chief

After hearing too many horror stories from colleagues and friends who believe their drinks were drugged downtown recently, Trinity Sol decided to take action.

On Friday night, Sol and a group of former MSU students will be stationed outside various Mankato bars in the downtown area to educate people about drug-facilitated crime.

Sol said the volunteer group will hand out educational brochures and will engage individuals about how to recognize and prevent drug facilitated sexual assault.

The group will also focus on physical assault and robbery and will target their awareness toward both men and women.

“We are volunteering to do this because we are concerned first and foremost for the well-

Reporter • Page 3

being of students,” said Sol. Sol said several of her friends spoke of questionable situations where they felt like they weren’t acting right after only a few drinks.

A married couple got really sick after only two drinks, one of her friends blacked out with loss of motor function after consuming alcohol within her limits.

“It was Halloween night and she said her experience was horrendious,” Sol said. “She lost her bladder control and everything … her friends were going to go to the emergency room but they didn’t know what to do so they took her home,” she said. “I heard more stories from that night downtown, and that was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me.”

According to the Sexual Violence Education

Awareness / page 8

Transgender workshop aims to educate, stop hate crimes against individuals ADAM PULCHINSKI

staff writer

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Center of Minnesota State is hosting a workshop dealing with gender and transgender issues Friday. The workshop will be presented by transgendered activist Anne Hodson. Hodson works with the Minnesota GLBTA Campus Alliance providing training across the state.

The workshop is part of National Transgender Day of Remembrance. According to the gender.org, the Day of Remembrance was established to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice and began by honoring Rita Hester.

Hester, a transgendered woman, was murdered in 1998 and her death spawned the “Remembering Our Dead” project. Since then the event has grown nationwide.

The Minnesota GLBTA

web photo

Angie Zapata was murdered in Colorado in July 2008 in an anti-transgender crime.

She is one of many who will be remembered during National Transgender Day.

Campus Alliance has been operating since March 2006 in association with many organizations and individuals around the state.

According to their Web site, the “Transgender 101” workshop is one of several training programs offered by the Alliance and is done so in partnership with the

University of Minnesota Transgender Commission.

The workshop will be in the Centennial Student Union Room 284, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. It is open to students, staff, and faculty. To reserve a seat, contact Julia Keleher by e-mail at julia.keleher@mnsu. edu or by phone at 507-3895131.

OFFICIAL PIZZA PROVIDER TO MSU ATHLETICS

Page 4 • Reporter

News

GIVING More than 7,000 students have volunteered for Campus Kitchen

continued from 1 endeavor to fight hunger in Mankato as part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Month. United with Mankato community partners, including the ECHO food shelf and the Salvation Army, Campus Kitchen provides more than 300 meals per week to families and adults in need.

When asked why volunteers at Minnesota State, senior Brian McMahan, assistant coordinator of Campus Kitchen, replied, “I just felt a connection with this program. It’s very inspiring to make a difference in the community. The difference is observable when we deliver meals...seeing people’s smiles on their faces and the twinkle in their eyes…you know you’ve made their day that much better.”

The Campus Kitchen student volunteers will join the millions in the U.S. who are planning community service projects and special events to inspire positive change in their communities.

Mankato area businesses are also contributing to awareness this month.

Through Saturday, Toppers Pizza will donate $5 to Campus Kitchen with the purchase of a large 1-topping pizza; monetary donations at Panera Bread will be matched to help Campus Kitchen feed

the hungry; and Carmike Cinema will provide prizes and special discounts at the midnight showing of “New Moon” with the donation of a canned food item.

In honor of America’s day to give thanks, on November 23 and 24 Campus Kitchen will conduct “Turkeypalooza” in order to give a turkey dinner to many people in the local community through already-prepared meals or groceries.

“Turkeypalooza is a fantastic way to bring people and families closer together.

We supply meals to those who may not have otherwise been able to afford it. We help make their Thanksgiving spectacular. I encourage everyone to participate,” McMahan said.

Through these organizations and charities a sense of community is established, so that neighbors and friends are truly there for each other, both during the holidays and throughout the year.

“Each year, Campus Kitchen needs to raise over $70,000 to continue the program. We need your help to continue our efforts in the community and raise awareness about local hunger and homelessness,” Eckerson said.

The Reporter is hiring writers for next semester!

Those interested in applying should stop by CSU 293 to pick up an application.

LIVE MUSIC FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH

PARALLAX 10 P.M. NO COVER 521 S. Front St. • 625-5090

Thursday, November 19, 2009T

Exploring modern nomads Geography professor explores the Kazakh disapora in Mongolia ERIN RORHER

staff writer

Twenty years ago, the Iron Curtain fell and the Mongolian Kazakhs were free to migrate once again. Since Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991, as many as 60,000 Kazakhs have migrated from Mongolia to Kazakhstan.

In celebration of Minnesota State’s International EducationDiversity Week, human migration expert Dr. Holly Barcus will give this year’s keynote speech. Barcus will discuss “Modern Nomads: Transnational Migration and the Kazakh Diaspora of Western Mongolia” on Friday. Barcus, an assistant geography professor at Macalester College, spent time in both Mongolia and Kazakhstan for

her research.

“The department of geography is essentially about people, places, the environment and the globe, and as our contribution to this week’s events we are thrilled to have invited Barcus to speak,” said Don Friend, geography professor and chair. “Barcus’ speech is about culture, religion, people, choice of where to live, post-soviet break up and the end of the iron curtain. All of those big picture things are the background story of these nomadic people that live and move across the border between Kazakhstan and Mongolia.”

Barcus’ talk will take place from 3 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. in the Armstrong Hall basement, AH 4. It is free and open to students, faculty, staff and the public. The

lecture is co-sponsored by the MSU Department of Geography, Kearney International Center and the Division of Institutional Diversity.

MSU celebrates International Education-Diversity Week one week before Thanksgiving each year. International week began in 2005 when it combined with a preexisting diversity week.

Other events for the remainder of the week include a transgender workshop, “Modern Nomads”, and a diversity dinner on Friday as well as Study Abroad predeparture orientation and Korean night on Saturday.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

News

Reporter • Page 5

Taking a visit to 123 Sesame Street

Beloved children’s TV show celebrates 40 years on the air LYNN ZASKE

staff writer

As Sesame Street celebrates its 40th anniversary as a long running children’s educational program with bits of adult humor and silly puppets that all age groups can appreciate, it is apparent that the show has changed from the show our generation knew and loved.

Waking up and moving from your bed to the couch, flipping on PBS to find Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and the rest of the gang; Ahh, simpler times. No guilt weighing on you while thinking about the other 100 things you should be getting done instead of watching TV, just simple, educational fun.

Count would give us a number of the day to consider, while Gordon showed one of the kids how to use the letter of the day in multiple words.

Unlike our current educational environment full of cumulative finals and term papers, we were given a spoonful of clean fun to wash down our learning.

Although today’s version of the show is still very similar to what we in the ’90s grew up with, there have been some changes on the “Street.”

When the show was first started in November of 1969 by creators Jim Henson and Joan Ganz Cooney, “Sesame Street” was meant to be an educational program for inner city kids living in New York City. The original show didn’t stress ABCs and 123s, but had lessons from puppets about being good people and helpful members of the community, according to the show’s Web site.

Children’s shows today seem to be much more occupied with fears of damaging children than they were in our day. Although many of the same characters are still featured on the show’s Web site, some have been altered slightly. For example, on Cookie Monster’s bio it lists, “Likes: Eating crunchy fruits, vegetables, and, of course, cookies!”

Huh? When did Cookie Monster develop an appetite for anything besides cookies? I seem to recall an episode or two where he ate random objects like pencils, crayons and telephones while he verbally obsessed over wanting cookies. But vegetables?

Must have missed that one.

In an effort to be more responsible about child obesity in America, the producers of Sesame Street have made an

web photo “Sesame Street” has undergone few changes in the past 40 years, staying fairly true to people’s memories.

effort to curb Cookie Monster’s appetite and encourage kids to have a healthy balanced diet, as stated by a recent New York Times article.

In fact, early episodes of “Sesame Street” now available on DVD include warnings that these episodes are more suited for adults and “may not suit the needs of today’s preschool child.”

What were we when we were toddlers? More durable? Were we more capable of watching a blue puppet chow down on a cookie than today’s kids? Do you recall ever attacking a package of Chips Ahoy right after viewing Cookie Monster do his ever popular, “um um um.”

As for Oscar the Grouch, he has been accused by some parents of being too depressing and mean. Apparently some people only want sunshine and rainbows for their children’s educational programs. This is why today’s “Sesame Street“ focuses more heavily on the perpetually happy character of Elmo.

Whether you view the changes of Sesame Street as for better or worse, one thing is certain about “Sesame Street”: it is embedded into our culture.

In a recent episode, first lady Michelle Obama stopped by the “Street” to help Elmo and friends plant a garden.

In celebration of the show’s

40th anniversary New York City honored the show with “Sesame Street Day” and a temporary change in the name of a street near Lincoln Center to 123 Sesame Street. Google changed their logo to include several characters from Big Bird to Bert and Ernie.

It would seem with the mass attention these characters have received for turning 40, with coverage from the New York Times to Stephen Colbert, these puppets will most likely be a part of our culture for years to come, entertaining our kids and possibly even our grandkids.

Midwest Auto Pro's

Complete Automotive Diagnostics Alignments • Suspensions • Brakes Engines • Transmissions

Complete Line of Frame & Auto Body Repair All Models Including Foreign 1129 Cross Street North Mankato, MN

(507) 388-6895

Ernie Zinke, Owner, CEO midwestautopros@hotmail.com

Fajitas, Burritos, Chimichangas... ur On the day of yo birthday, choose ANY ENTRÈE on our giant menu for FREE*! *ID required.

1630 Madison Ave Mankato, MN 56001 507-387-4455

Editorial reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

Thursday, November 19, 2009

‘Tis the season to give back Students should make time to donate, volunteer this season This is the time of year when we say thanks and get in to the cheer holiday mood, baking cookies and shopping for presents. For those of us fortunate enough to be around family, we spend our time with them but most likely take for granted how much we have to be thankful for.

Yet, in a time of year when we’re supposed to be the most grateful for the things we have, we often don’t show our gratitude with anything other than a hug and thank you to whomever bought us our new favorite presents.

One of the best ways to give back and show appreciation for human kind is by volunteering. We don’t have to spend time on big, Habitat for Humanity types of projects or invest long, vigorous hours at a shelter to really make a difference. Rather, the simple, small exchanges of help and giving such as volunteering at an event or lending a little time to keeping senior citizens company in a nursing home, really make a difference.

One excuse that many of us have for not volunteering is that we simply don’t have the time, but if we look at how many hours per week we waste watching TV or mindlessly perusing Facebook, it’s likely we could find an hour or two to give back to others.

If giving time isn’t for you, many churches participate in charity drives around this time of year, such as Operation Christmas Child, where people put together a shoebox of toys and non-perishable candy to send to an impoverished child who likely wouldn’t get a Christmas present without a donation. Or participate in one of the many drives taking place around campus, including the ambitious projects spearheaded by Campus Kitchen each year.

So this holiday season, instead of just stuffing yourself with turkey and grandma’s famous mashed potatoes, put some energy into giving something back to those who could really use the help.

Letter to the Editor Speaking in favor of a Latino Center

Minnesota State University, Mankato

As MSU students, we need to take an approach to promoting education and diversity on campus. What better way to do it than with a Latino Center. As a Latino student, I truly feel that a Latino Center is needed not only for me or other students but for future generations.

The main reason I feel that we need the Latino Center is to promote education. The Latino Center would house the Plaza Comunitaria. By promoting the continuation of education on an adult level, it would also promote the continuation of education on a student level. By getting more educated on the U.S. and higher education, parents would have an easier time understanding why education is the key to success. Latino Affairs at MSU is a key example of Latino programming in the state. Together with the Chicano Latin-American Student Association, Latino Affairs at MSU does a lot despite being a small percentage of the population. The center is not being asked by an RSO, it is being asked by the Latino community. The reason C.L.A.S.A put its name out there is because we were

being misrepresented when people said we didn’t want a center.

It has come down to not “If” but “where” the center would be. The first claim is on the segregation that the Latino Center would bring to the “all-inclusive” CSU. If people want to bring forth that argument, there is already “segregation” in the CSU. Most of the cultural offices I visit are on the second floor of the CSU, tucked away from the “integrated college” community. People may even claim that Latinos are trying to “segregate” themselves from other multicultural offices but the truth is we have mostly integrated with one another. The “integration” that is not happening is with the rest of the college community. Claim number two, making it an extension of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and its “segregated” middle of nowhere corner it is in. The Plaza Comunitaria can’t be a part of Multicultural Affairs because it is dealing with different things. I feel a visible space is needed for Latino Affairs since it is a key example of Latino programming in the state.

EDITORS

SUPERVISORS

AD SALES

Editor in Chief: Nicole Smith (507) 389-5454

Business Manager: Jane Tastad (507) 389-1926

AD REPRESENTATIVE: Whitney Olson (507) 389-5453

NEWS EDITOR: Dannie Higginbotham (507) 389-5450

ADVERTISING DESIGN/ TECHNOLOGY SUPERVISOR: Dana Clark (507) 389-2793

AD REPRESENTATIVE: Katie Schmiel (507) 389-5451

sports editor: Kyle Ratke (507) 389-5227 Variety Editor: Nate Brennan (507) 389-5157 photo editor: Wale Agboola

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER ANNIE SCHUELKE (507) 389-1079

AD REPRESENTATIVE: Jared Hensch (507) 389-5097 SPECIAL SECTION SALES: (507) 389-6765

MSU needs to send the message that we embrace what we have and we can “give-up” some space in order to better the lives of people, maybe even a community as a whole. It was never about me thinking about myself when I supported a Latino Center. Never about me losing some lounge space or gaining some space. It was thinking about the future and the good a center like this would bring.

I never thought the Latino Center would be such a “controversial” issue.

It promotes education and diversity at the same time, something I feel this university has been working hard on. So I will keep promoting a Latino Center on the first level of the CSU and not give in to another location on the second floor.

When the whole world is against you, it’s the universe that is on your side. I feel it is time for some change to the first floor of the CSU and I feel it is time to actually make the CSU an “all-inclusive” one.

-Wilfrido Sandoval CLASA Activities Coordinator

(507) 389-5454

compiled by Nate Brennan

How do you stay healthy?

Bryce Wilkerson• Sr • Sports Mgmt “Work out and eat a lot of fruit.”

Danny Clark • Sr • Social Studies Ed. “I eat a lot of sandwiches.”

Beau Larson • Sr •Mathematics “Lift weights and run everyday.”

Ruby Tolbert • Jr • Social work “I work out and I step [dance] three times a week.”

OUR POLICIES & OTHER INFORMATION • If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, call Editor in Chief Nicole Smith at (507) 389-5454. 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, which can be contacted at (507) 389-2611.

• 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.

Centennial Student Union Room 293, Mankato, MN 56001 • (507) 389-1776

Minnesota Newspaper Association

Voices reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

Thursday, November 19, 2009

(507) 389-5454

Farming it all away

One writer examines what it’s like to be down on the Facebook farm Facebook has found yet another way to keep users logging during every free moment, and this time you’re virtual livelihood depends on it. I’m talking about FarmVille. Even if you aren’t yet sucked into the world of FarmVille, you’ve probably heard about it. If you know anyone who plays this game you’re probably already sick of them talking about their farms like they actually jump on their tractor after class and go milk each of their cows by hand.

The game is simple — you start out with nothing and work your way up. Plant a few crops, buy a few animals, no big deal. But you’re wrong because it’s a very big deal. Those crops need to be harvested. If you don’t harvest them in twice the time it takes them to grow, then they will wither and you will be out tons of coins.

That time you spent plowing and planting is totally wasted. The result is that you never want crops to wither again because it pisses you off so much that a little part of your soul dies. So you casually start planning good times throughout your day to harvest and plant, maybe work on a neighbor’s farm or two and you might try to earn a few ribbons if you have time.

But deep down you’ve got the drive to do whatever it takes to become a level 70 World Fair Champ.

Then you realize you made a very big mistake by joining the FarmVille community.

You find yourself calling your friends and asking them to Elena harvest your crops because you went out of town for the weekend and it slipped your mind that your soybeans only take one day to grow. Maybe you wake up early every day to harvest the pumpkins you planted right before bed because they conveniently only take eight hours to grow.

Not that waking up early is a bad thing, but the fact that you’ll do it for a virtual farming game and not for class probably isn’t a good sign.

You’re addicted to FarmVille, and to me, a FarmVille addiction is even worse than a Facebook one because you have to go on Facebook to get to it, which means double the distraction. Screw you, Zynga Games.

My roommates and I have become diehard FarmVillers. We regularly sit and discuss different aspects of the game. Who needs what animal or tree, what the new gifts are, what kind of gifts we’ve received and, mostly, what gifts should we be giving each other because we can save so many more coins that way.

One of my roommates actually considered setting up another Facebook account and starting another farm just so she could give herself gifts. In the end she decided not to because to be able to give the really awesome gifts you have to be at a high level, and

she couldn’t possibly maintain two large farms while working and attending class.

I reflect on this behavior and think, why does this game appeal to anyone, let alone college students who are busy enough already? When I go to bed why do I think about ways to earn more experience points to unlock things like tomatoes, pigs and expansion packages, when I have a paper due tomorrow that determines the fate of my college career? I’m young — why am I wasting my life on this game? But these are questions that can’t be answered when you have a true, life-altering FarmVille addiction.

Now this last little bit refers to Facebook in general, but since FarmVille forces users to go on Facebook, I think it’s relevant. Plus it’s fun stuff. Dr. Kimberly Young is the director of the Center for Internet Addiction Recovery (which has a website and Dr. Young has a blog with links to her Twitter — which is all so totally ironic that I don’t even have to be saying this) and she says there is study that shows a direct correlation between the time people spend on Facebook and the jealously they feel toward their partner.

Now think about how many times a day you look at your boyfriend/girlfriend’s page. Even if it’s just someone you like, I bet you add them and check their page more often than others’.

Creepy, huh? This is also fun — Young has a list of questions on her blog, and if you answer “yes” to even ONE of them, you could be a borderline Facebook addict.

1. Are personal relationships taking a backseat to Facebook?

Shufelt 2. Do you think about Facebook even when you’re offline?

3. Do you use Facebook to escape problems or homework?

4. Do you stay on Facebook longer than intended? Have you ever concealed Facebook use?

It’s sad to say, but I am willing to guess with some degree of certainty that basically everyone with Facebook can answer “yes” to at least one of these questions.

I think about FarmVille all the time, and what can I say, I’m a good farmer. I care about my crops and animals. By thinking about FarmVille, I’m inadvertently thinking about Facebook, and that places me in the “addicted” to Facebook category according to Dr. Young’s standards. It’s not fair, but I know it’s true. It doesn’t help that FarmVille forces you to add neighbors (which of course are your Facebook friends) to unlock amazing items at the market.

The sad part is that for as much as I play FarmVille I don’t really have many neighbors, and therefore I can no longer expand my farm, which absolutely kills me.

So with this shameless plug and lame reference to Mr. Rogers — won’t you be my neighbor?

November is Pancreatic Cancer Month Taking a break from breast cancer awareness to talk about Pancan

Hardly a month goes by that awareness isn’t raised about some cause or States. Next year just over 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic another. It seems so common to the point of being ludicrous, really. I’m still cancer and around 35,000 of those people will die. Not only that, but 76 percent patiently awaiting “Wombats with Erectile Dysfunction Awareness Month”. I say of people diagnosed will die within a year of that diagnosis. that in jest, but the way it’s going I’m sure someone out there The facts are pretty grim and one wonders why we don’t is organizing it. hear more about it. Perhaps it has something to do with I have nothing against bringing people’s attention to the depressing nature of this particular cancer. Whereas good causes. Heck, I’m a sucker for charity at every turn. I breast cancer victims have a form of detection and treatment, think the problem for me is jealousy. Why isn’t one cause pancreatic cancer has no early detection tools (by the time it is as recognized as another? Is it that some organizations just detected, the cancer has spread to other organs in 52 percent of aren’t as organized? Perhaps they merely aren’t as vocal patients) and by the looks of the stats, treatment doesn’t have too about whatever or whoever it is they are representing. good a success rate.

One cause that has a fantastic public relations department No form of cancer is a pleasant experience or news that is breast cancer, or at least the Susan G. Komen Foundation. anyone wants to hear about them or a loved one. All I’m saying October just wrapped up and I didn’t see a single store that is spread the wealth a little. Visit www.pancan.org and find out didn’t have at least one product with special pink packaging more for yourself. Itíd be easy to show support at MSU. The or a special edition pink product. Some of these products color of the pancreatic cancer cause is purple: think about it. never seem to leave the shelves anyway. The breast cancer Cancer in any form will surely be around no matter what Adam Pulchinski cause is year-round depending on where you go. we do as a society but hopefully treatment for all forms will I say it makes me jealous because the month of November ease the suffering of the diagnosed. I’ll help the breast cancer is also an awareness month for a type of cancer, but not one that has been highly movement keep on truckin’, and I’ll continue to spread the word about pancreatic publicized until recently thanks to the dirty dancer himself, Patrick Swayze. cancer and any other form of the disease. I kind of look forward to a day when According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Pancan for short), we’ll be able to put any cancer awareness month to bed and start helping those pancreatic cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in the United wombats who can’t get it up.

Page 8 • Reporter

News

Korean night to be held Sat. REPORTER STAFF

Minnesota State will pay tribute to the Korean culture Saturday night.

Korean night, put on by the Korean Student Association, will feature modern and traditional dance performances, taekwondo, and traditional and modern music — including “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” by Oasis.

There will also be a menu of traditional Korean food, including marinated beef, called Bulgogi, steamed rice,

spicy pickled cabbage called Kimchi, noodles and veggie pancakes.

The event costs $6 presale for students and $8 general.

All tickets will cost $8 at the door, with free admission for children under 6. Food will be served from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. and entertainment will begin at 7:30.

43 Korean students are currently enrolled at MSU. A free Korean language class is also offered on campus. Those interested can email na-young. heo@mnsu.edu.

AWARENESS “We know that

alcohol is the number-one drug used to facilitate sexual assault.” continued from 3 Program at the MSU Women’s Center, there are many effects that vary based on the drug used, but victims who have been drugged could experience a variety of symptoms ranging from loss of motor functions, slurred speech, distorted sight and sound, excessive sweating, nausea and vomiting.

The most commonly used drugs come in pill and liquid form and are often odorless, tasteless and have no color.

Embalming fluid, Ketamine, Rophynol, Ecstasy and alcohol are frequently used as drugs to facilitate assault.

“We know that alcohol is the number-one used drug to facilitate sexual assault,” said Lauren Pilnick, sexual violence education coordinator at MSU. “When drugs, including alcohol, are used to facilitate a crime, it is usually sexual assault.”

It is difficult to test and prosecute for this crime, because some of the primary evidence — the presence of the drug in someone’s system and the cup that was drugged with remaining liquid — is relatively hard to hold onto. Most law enforcements and crime services facilities recommend getting tested for the drugs as early as possible, preferably within 72 hours.

The Mankato Police Department said there are no confirmed cases of drugfacilitated assault in Mankato, but Sol believes this is still a concern for the community.

“It’s obviously going on, it just might not be reported,” Sol said. “There are so many stories and a lot of suspicion that this is a real problem in Mankato.”

A Minnesota State graduate of the women’s studies program, Sol said she will advocate alongside other MSU alums.

“We are concerned community members,” she said. “Most of us are from the women’s studies department and I think this speaks a lot to the program because we’re all graduated and gone on, but were still investing time into this.”

Pilnick said the efforts of this group fall under the category of risk reduction.

“While using risk reduction techniques are smart and I recommend them, we ultimately do not have the control over whether or not we are going to be drugged or assaulted — only the potential perpetrator has that power,” Pilnick said.

Sol said this type of crime is pre-meditated and very intentional. Although she doesn’t know what feedback they will have until Friday night arrives, Sol remains hopeful for positive student responses.

“I’m feeling optimistic,” she said. “I think students will be responsive to it and even if it is just for the night, I hope we can plan some seeds so people will be more aware.”

The brochure to be handed out provides information about what people should do if they believe they were drugged, in addition to free and confidential resources in the area such as the Women’s Center, the primary on-campus resource for victims of sexual assault and related crimes.

Thursday, November 19, 2009T

KEEPING IT OFF Alcoholic beverages can stimulate appetite and hinder weight loss continued from 1 more often. Stress, lower amount of physical activity and lack of knowledge about healthy foods are other contributors to weight gain.

Fletcher said some new studies show a connection between sleep deprivation and weight gain. For many students, partying adds to both of those problems.

Fletcher researched people of all ages from every region of the country.

“I like that she had stories about people and pictures to go along so that it was more personal,” said Minnesota State student Hannah Hoffman.

The people Fletcher showed are what she calls “masters” of their weight problem. She used their stories to create and present her 12 common keys to success.

People have to find what works for them, so they have to lose the weight their way, she said. The NWCR found that 45 percent of people that kept weight off lost the weight all on their own while the other 55 percent did so with the help of some type of weight loss program. The majority of successful people she found lost weight using sensible weight loss methods, not by using fad diets or weight loss gimmicks.

Fletcher said many of the “masters” she found in her

research are still overweight, but they are happy with the weight they are at. Her suggestion was that people find a comfortable body weight where they feel good, don’t have to starve or over exercise and have no weightrelated medical problems.

Most people lost weight and kept it off by exercising. The recommended amount of exercise to lose weight or keep it off is about one hour per day, but it doesn’t have to be all at once. Ideally, she said strength training should be combined with aerobic activity.

She found most people who lost weight eat a little bit of something they crave instead of binging on it later. To help this, they kept tempting foods out of sight or not in the house at all.

Breakfast is important for weight management.

Fletcher said successful people generally eat three meals a day, ands 75 percent of them occasionally wrote down what they ate. Seeing it on paper makes people stop and think about the foods they are consuming.

According to the Center for Disease Control, portion sizes of snack bags and soft drinks, as well as restaurant portions have increased significantly over the last 20 years. People also eat more when more is

in front of them. Fletcher said 75 percent of weight losers quit drinking regular soda.

Alcoholic beverages have many calories and stimulate appetite, so when binged on, they can hinder weight loss dramatically.

Fletcher suggested that people train themselves to make eating habits a way of life instead of calling it dieting. Turning to successful role models will help make this change and boost confidence.

Her presentation was well received by students.

“She taught good strategies — especially for friends and family who have trouble losing weight,” said Erin Evertse, a dietetics major.

Fletcher’s books include the “Thin for Life” series, “Sober for Good” and “Weight Loss Confidential.” Fletcher has appeared on shows such as “Good Morning America,” “The View” and “Larry King Live.”

She is researching for her new book about people who are in or have recently left addiction rehabilitation centers. She urges people who have been to a rehabilitation center within the last five years to contact her at Annemfletcher@aol. com if they are interested in participating in her research.

UNIVERSITY SQUARE NOW LEA SING 2010 -2011 UNIVERSITY SQUARE

VILLAGE APARTMENTS

CLOSEST TO CAMPUS! Behind Maverick Bookstore

Across from Taylor Center

VILLAGE APARTMENTS 507-385-7977 • www.usquaremankato.com VILLAGE 1

VILLAGE 2

Sign by November 20, 2009 and receive $15/mo. per person off your rent!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Advertisement

FLAT SCREEN TV INCLUDED IN EACH 5 BEDROOM!

Reporter • Page 9

Page 10 • Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, November 19, 2009

On your way to

Pedestrian 101?

Use the crosswalks to get safely to the other side of the street!

Driving through campus?

Give Them a Brake!

Campus Pedestrians have the right of way!

Push the WALK button every time you're at the signal lights at the Taylor Center & Gage intersetions of Stadium Road.

Crossing the street outside a crosswalk is reckless... and illegal!!

reporter-sports@mnsu.edu

Sports Thursday, November 19, 2009

(507) 389-5227

2009-10 men’s and women’s basketball preview

Two roads: One destination

The women’s team is coming off a national championship, the men are coming off a disappointing year. The goals remain the same.

dan moen • msu reporter

Liz Trauger (left) and Tiffany Moe look to lead the MSU women’s basketball team.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL DEREK WEHRWEIN

staff writer

Tiffany Moe won’t forget last season anytime soon. She and the other members of the Minnesota State women’s basketball team capped off a 32-2 season by winning MSU’s first-ever Division II national championship in San Antonio.

But as a new season begins, Moe isn’t forgetting about where her team’s focus needs to be now. “[Winning a championship] was a great feeling, but our focus this year is this season,” said Moe, who averaged 8.8 points per game in 2008-09 and led the Mavericks in assists. “We’ve got new goals and a new team, so we can’t really focus on last year. We have to focus on this year.”

Focusing on this year means moving on without key players from last season’s squad, including the team’s three leading scorers in Heather Johnson, Joanne Noreen and Alex Andrews. It means moving on without a fourth starter, junior Andrea Walsh, who will miss the season after undergoing surgery last month to fix a bulging

disc in her back. It also means dealing with the increased scrutiny and expectations of being a defending champion.

No one knows that more than Moe or her second-year coach, Pam Gohl.

“We’re going to have a target on our back all year,” Gohl said.

“When you’re on top, like the [New York] Yankees or anybody else, everybody else is out to get you.”

The Mavericks enter the season ranked sixth in the USA Today ESPN Division II Poll and first in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Preseason Coaches Poll despite returning only two seniors. One is Moe, who put up 15 points and a team-high seven assists in MSU’s season-opening 85-30 drubbing of Dana College Tuesday. The other is 6-foot forward Liz Trauger, who averaged 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season.

Both Moe and Trauger say they’ve taken on more of a leadership role, especially since the team discovered Walsh would miss the season.

Women’s B-Ball / page 12

dan moen • msu reporter

Jesse Clark (left) and Travis Nelson hope to anchor down the team along with the conference this season.

MEN’S BASKETBALL KYLE RATKE

sports editor

Last season the Minnesota State men’s basketball team faltered down the stretch, not because of talent, but because of the apparent lack of ability to cooperate with each other on the court.

Sure, they finished 26-9 overall and 26 wins would be accepted by most programs, but MSU isn’t one of them.

The Mavericks will be bringing in new faces and they expect new results.

If there were a face for the Maverick basketball program, it would be a guy whose been around for a few years — or five.

Fifth year point guard Jesse Clark has been a part of winning streaks, losing streaks, conference championships and last year’s third place finish in the NSIC. “A lot of that is just that I have been here for long enough,” Clark said. “I think that I just know what coach (Matt Margenthaler) wants on the floor from all of us. I just try to be an extension of him on the court.”

Clark is likely the truest point guard a fan will see in all of Division II basketball. He led DII in assist-to-turnover ratio and was tied for No. 1 in the entire nation.

“I think that Jesse is the definition of a point guard,” said center Travis Nelson. “He leads the team in times of trouble.”

This season, the Mavericks have plenty of talent for Clark to pass it off to, but the question once again will be whether or not they can mesh together.

Despite bringing in three very talented, but new, transfers aboard in Jefferson Mason (Northern Colorado), Jermain Davis (Iowa) and Cam Hodges (Minneapolis Community and Technical College), Clark thinks that they will be just fine.

“It’s really gone well so far,” Clark said.

“It’s a work in progress. Everyone is still getting used to playing with each other, but we’ll only get better with time.”

While averaging nearly nine points per game, Clark has been named captain for two consecutive seasons for a reason.

A lot of Clark’s success last year had to do with the inside play of Nelson — who was also named captain for this season.

After transferring from the University of Wyoming last season, Nelson has turned heads in the NSIC after averaging 14 points and nearly six assists, which was good enough for him to be tabbed a PreseasonAll-American. Nelson was also picked as Preseason NSIC Player of the Year.

All of this in just his second year is a Maverick is impressive and Nelson has become the staple of the Maverick’s offensive game.

“It’s always nice offensively knowing that if you’re struggling to score I have

Men’s B-Ball / page 12

NCAA TOURNAMENT ALERT

FIRST ROUND: (5) MAVERICKS VS. (4) WAYNE STATE AT 5 P.M. IN ST. PAUL

REPORTER STAFF WRITER PAT DELANEY AND PHOTOGRAPHER DAN MOEN WILL BE COVERING IT

Page 12 • Reporter

On the agenda this weekend REPORTER STAFF

Men’s basketball At home on Friday and Saturday against Maryville and NebraskaKearny respectively. Both games are at 8 p.m.

Women’s basketball At home on Friday and Saturday against Grand View and Waldorf respecively. Both games at at 6 p.m.

Men’s hockey On the road taking on Alaska-Anchorage on Friday and Saturday night. Both games will be at 7:07 p.m.

Women’s hockey On the road taking on MinnesotaDuluth. Games will be at 6:07 p.m. and 3:07 on Friday and Saturday respectively.

Wrestling On the road in the UNO Open in Omaha, Nebraska. It is an al day event that will be held on Saturday.

WOMEN’S B-BALL continued from 11 “It’s a huge loss,” Trauger said. “[Walsh] was a great player for us last year and … it was a downer, but we just have to take it in stride.

Someone else is going to have to step up.”

That someone will have to come from the team’s large slate of underclassmen. Some, like sophomore Jennie Noreen, received limited playing time last season. Others, such as freshmen Kirstin Nelson, Ali Wilkinson and Sarah Wiens, made their debuts as Mavericks against Dana Tuesday.

Also making its debut was a more traditional three-guard, two-post lineup in place of last season’s four-guard offense.

Moe says at least one element hasn’t changed, however.

“We’re still looking,” she said, “to play the same kind of basketball we played last year.”

Trauger agreed.

“Overall we’re still trying to push the ball and run,” she said. “I don’t think there’s going to be a huge change in the style of play.”

And while the Mavericks are focused firmly on this season, Trauger — like Moe — will treasure what the team did last season.

“That’s something any athlete strives for,” she said of winning a championship.

“To say ‘we’ve done it, we’ve been there,’ that’s a huge accomplishment.”

Sports

Thursday, November 19, 2009T

MEN’S B-BALL Clark and Nelson hope to bring the Mavericks together this year. continued from 11 someone to throw the ball to and he can just score,” Clark said. “He opens up things for everyone else.”

Fans will likely see Clark drive the lane and dish it off to Nelson multiple times this season and if the Maverick’s first game was any indication of the rest of the year, there will be a lot of passes from Clark this season.

Junior point guard Marcus Hill is more of a scoring point guard, who averaged nearly nine points last season playing just 18 minutes per game.

Davis will likely start at the guard spot beside Clark.

Davis, along with Hodges and Mason, might give the Mavericks the most talented recruiting class this season as far as transfers go, but the Mavericks know talent always isn’t the ingredient for victory.

Davis shows veteran leadership and though he’s new to the team, he has fit in accordingly.

Mason is arguably the most athletic member on the team and although he lacks a consistent jump shot, he makes up for it by playing

above the rim. In his first game as a Maverick, Mason put up a team-high 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The third member of the trifecta is Hodges. Hodges is not afraid to get dirty in the paint as a guard, and will likely have a few charge calls against him with his aggressiveness inside.

MSU will likely trade that if it means Hodges finishes inside a few times.

If the new players can work together, along with Clark, Nelson and other Mavericks such as Curt Greeley,

Joe Drapcho, Stephen Kirschbaum, Taylor Morrow, Mike Bisenius and Landon Benson (all players that look for consistent playing time), this could be a good year for the purple and gold.

Nelson is optimistic.

“I think the transition is going very well,” Nelson said of the incoming players. “We have some talented guys with great heads on their shoulders.

We all have one goal — to win.”

The Mavericks play in the Pepsi Tip Off at home against Maryville at 8 p.m.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Sports

Reporter • Page 13

MEN’S BASKETBALL POSITION BREAKDOWN

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL POSITION BREAKDOWN

KYLE RATKE - SPORTS EDITOR

DEREK WEHRWEIN - STAFF WRITER

GUARDS

GUARDS Aside from Clark, the Mavericks have plenty of skilled guards. Expect backup point guard Marcus Hill to play essential minutes and will also score if he’s on. The guy is as quick as they come. Junior Joe Drapcho returns after playing steady minutes last year which should increase this year.

HILL

FORWARDS

GREELEY

Transfer Jefferson Mason is listed as a guard, but will likely see a lot of time at the three. He put up 17 points in the Mavericks seasonopener. Senior Curt Greeley has played in every game over the last two years and is a team captain this year. His numbers won’t be pretty, but he does the dirty work.

BENSON

Nelson will obvioulsy get most of the playing time, but expect Mike Bisenius to pick up more minutes this year. He played in MSU’s final six games last season, which was likely a sign of what was to come this year. Senior Landon Benson isn’t the most athletic guy, but can shoot the deep ball.

CENTERS

BARBER

HODGES

NOREEN

FORWARDS DRAPCHO TRAUGER

MSU will rely heavily on 6-foot senior Liz Trauger, who saw action in 29 games last season and averaged 8.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Joining Trauger at forward are four freshmen, including Ali Wilkinson, and sophomore Tess Milczark.

Wilkinson posted double-digit points last Tuesday.

WILKINSON

CENTERS MASON

Sophomore Laura Weber averaged 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds per game last season, but her role should increase. Weber logged 19 minutes at the post position against Dana College Tuesday, finishing with eight points, two blocks and four rebounds. Gretta Layman will see time off the bench.

WEBER

NEWCOMERS

THIESFELD

BISENIUS

NEWCOMERS Coming out of Iowa, Jermain Davis knows what playing competitive is all about. He averaged 4.5 points last season as a Hawkeye.

Junior guard Cam Hodges is a strong driver and will make defenders think twice about getting in his way. He averaged 13 points and six rebounds at MCTC.

Senior Tiffany Moe will anchor MSU’s backcourt. The 5-foot, 9-inch point guard started all 34 games for the Mavericks last season and has led the team in assists for two straight seasons. Sophomores Jennie Noreen and Lauren Barber join her in the backcourt. Noreen started in the season opener.

The Mavericks feature many new faces this season, including redshirt Wiens and Wilkinson, who scored a combined 25 points against Dana College. In all, seven of MSU’s 16 players are freshmen: guards Wiens, Casey Christian and Kirstin Nelson, and forwards Wilkinson, Stephanie Haight, Brittany Thiesfeld and Alyssa Van Klei.

OUTLOOK: The Mavericks are as deep as they come and certainly have enough talent to take care of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. The one question will be, can all of this talent play on one court? There are two Division I transfers and plenty of guys that can score. The Mavericks had problems last season playing together. If these team can set aside it’s egos and play together, the conference and nation better watch out. PREDICTION: NSIC Champions

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE & DONATIONS WELCOMED! Selling clean, gently used, affordable furnishings and decor for every room of the house!

Couches, chairs, kitchen and bedroom furniture, lamps, silk arrangements, pictures, bookshelves and hardcover books, home and kitchen accessories, bedding, linens, towels, small appliances, many inexpensive household treasures!

NOW OPEN!

OPEN: Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday Noon-5pm

77 STAR STREET, MANKATO (Former Slumberland Clearance Center)

www.vinestore.org

(507) 387-2699

NELSON

OUTLOOK: The Mavericks obviously won’t be as talented last year. It’s nearly impossible to recover from losing Joanne Noreen, Alex Andrews and Heather Johnson, but the Mavericks have a good youth movement that should still compete for a NSIC title. If the players can learn the system and buy into it, they should be fine. PREDICTION: Second in NSIC

Join us Weekly!

DAVIS

LAYMAN

Sunday Worship at Crossroads

Great music, good preachin’, Sacred Meal of Bread and Wine.

You are welcome.

Crossroads is the ELCA Lutheran Campus Ministry At MNSU. We are inclusive – meaning - all are welcome.

5:00 pm Sundays • Dillon & Maywood MIDWEEK MEAL & DISCUSSION: Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.

Which would you rather arrive in?

• COURTEOUS, FRIENDLY DRIVERS

388-7433

• OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY! 722½ Riverfront Drive Mankato, MN 56001

Page 14 • Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, November 19, 2009

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20

ALSO ON SATURDAY NIGHT:

St. Cloud State vs. Waldorf - 1:00 PM (Women) Minnesota Duluth vs. Nebraska Kearney - 3:00 PM (Men) Minnesota State vs. Grand View - 6:00 PM (Women) Minnesota State vs. Maryville - 8:00 PM (Men)

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 St. Cloud State vs. Grand View - 1:00 PM (Women) Minnesota Duluth vs. Maryville - 3:00 PM (Men) Minnesota State vs. Waldorf - 6:00 PM (Women) Minnesota State vs. Nebraska-Kearney - 8:00 PM (Men)

Unveiling of the

TOPPERS WILL BE GIVING AWAY FREE PIZZA TO MSU STUDENTS BETWEEN THE MEN'S AND WOMEN'S GAMES ON BOTH NIGHTS!!

MSU Women’s Basketball National Championship banner

Available while supplies last.

Live on campus next year!

Online residence hall room selection All Current Students 8:00 a.m. Monday, November 16 - Midnight Friday, April 2 All students currently enrolled at Minnesota State Mankato may choose a room or semi-suite online now through Friday, April 2. Just go to mnsu.edu/reslife.

If you don't live on campus now and have questions, call us at 507-389-1011 to get your info to sign up online.

Department of Residential Life 111 Carkoski Commons, Mankato, MN 56001 Voice: 507-389-1011 or 800-722-0544 MRS/TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY) Fax: 507-389-2687 Email: residential-life@mnsu.edu

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the Department of Residential Life at the above numbers.

reporter-arts@mnsu.edu

Variety Thursday, November 19, 2009

(507) 389-5157

Legends of rock come AMC’s remake is captivating together for new supergroup, album

CHRISTIAN HAGEN

staff writer

Perhaps Dave Grohl has grown tired of his efforts with Foo Fighters. Perhaps he longs for the dirtier days of Nirvana, when headbanging was half his job, next to drumming. But for whatever reason, Grohl has taken part in several heavier projects in recent years, including the experi-metal Probot and a stint behind the kit with Queens of the Stone Age. Now, Grohl, along with Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme and, of all people, John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, has embarked on

his latest supergroup venture, and the results are arguably darker than anything he’s done since Kurt Cobain was still alive. And truly, “dark” describes Them Crooked Vultures, as each song seems spiraling in its own seedy pit of powerful guitars and grimy vocals.

Comparing this to Dave Grohl’s past work is a tad misleading, however. The songwriting here seems significantly more influenced

by Homme’s style, the smirking swagger of songs such as the opening “No One Loves Me & Neither Do I” and the almost fear-inducing grittiness of songs such as “Warsaw or The First Breath You Take After You Give Up.” Of course, it’s impossible to discount the presence of Grohl or Jones, who are arguably the lifeblood of an album that could have turned into a one-man show.

You can hear the sweat drip on some of these tracks.

The driving power of “New

Fang” rolls over the listener and explodes. There are several songs wherein, without warning, the band just takes off, as though they simply throw caution, and a tempo, to the wind and dive in head first into every song. It may be a controlled chaos, but it adds a layer of mystery and rebellion to the whole recording.

Moments like these do the job of holding interest throughout an album that, in truth, many could find a bit tedious and repetitive.

It’s not to say that the songs in question aren’t good. As hard rock albums go, this is one of the year’s strongest efforts. But it seems that Them Crooked Vultures are unable to reign themselves in when it might be necessary.

“Elephants” is a fantastic hard rock song; it thrusts and swings and, particularly in the chorus, is grandly captivating.

But even the best things in

Vultures / page 16

DEAN GORDEN

staff writer

Can the sum of a man’s life be boiled down to his most fundamental desires? Can he live withdrawn from his aggressive and sometimes evil nature? AMC’s remake of “The Prisoner” posits some answers to these questions in its six-part mini-series of a man misplaced

in a desert oasis of suburban ambition.

Living in subdued fantasies of peace and simplicity, the isolated community of the Village is a home of caged morality. Citizens have no name; they are mere numbers.

Everyone assumes their own roles within the community,

Prisoner / page 17

Alumni take part in reading series SAM CAMPBELL

staff writer

Finishing the fall semester up strong, the Good Thunder Reading Series will feature writers Edward Micus, Connie Colwell Miller and Christina Olson for a craft talk and reading Thursday. The craft talk will take place in the Ostrander Auditorium at 3 p.m. and the reading in the Centennial Student Union Room 253 at 7:30 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Micus has received the Emerging Voices Award from The Loft as well as a Loft Award in Poetry. His prose and poetry has been published in “The North American Review”, “Poetry”, “The Harvard Review”, “New York Quarterly” and “The New York Quarterly”.

He has published two books, a collection of prose in “Landing Zone” and a collection poetry in “The Infirmary”.

“The Infirmary”, which

photos courtesy of the Good Thunder Reading Series Edward Micus (left), Connie Miller (center) and Christina Olson will read as part of the Good Thunder Reading Series’ Alumni Reading Thursday.

won the 2008 Stan and Tom Wick Poetry Prize, is quoted

by Stephen Dunn as being, “Unlike many of the Vietnam poems written at the time of the war or shortly thereafter — poems of anger or protest — Edward Micus’s poems are composed, in every sense of that word … Many of them, like ‘Ambush Moon’ and ‘So We Shot,’ will take their places among the very best war poems ...”

Miller recently published a collection of her poetry in 2008 entitled “Bodywearers” and is an editor, college advisor and instructor of English. She lives in Mankato with her husband and two children.

In an online interview with Sol Books, Miller writes, “The human body is the vehicle by which all my poetry travels. In my writing, I rely heavily on my senses to capture as much

as I can of the stuff of life, and the body shows up often in my work — whether directly as in ‘Bodywearers’ or indirectly as in a poem that seeks to describe the beauty of nature.”

Olson has published works in “Brevity”, “The Best Creative Nonfiction Volume 3”, “Sou’wester” and “Black Warrior Review.” Her first book of poems, “Before I Came Home Naked”, is soon to be released from Spire

Press. She is currently a visiting assistant professor at Grand Valley University in Grand Rapids, Mich.

While talking to Spire Press about her upcoming book, Olson comments how she wants it to stick with the reader through its creative spontaneity. Often launching her poems with the introduction of a weird fact she carries this trait into her experimentation with form as well.

“Very rarely do I write with line breaks in mind, or say ‘This poem I’m going to sit down and write should have short couplets,’ but I have done it. It’s a good exercise for me.

It forces me to concentrate on the music and rhythm of the line as I craft it, and that in turn influences my word choice as I write. But if I do that too often it tends to hobble my voice.”

All three writers will be interviewed on KMSU 89.7 FM and air on Thursday at 11 p.m. and Friday at 11 a.m.

Page 16 • Reporter

Variety

Zombie gaming DIRK LAMMERS

Associated Press writer Last year's surprise hit "Left 4 Dead" taught us that surviving as one of four humans in a zombie-dominated world takes more than just a willingness to dish out the bloody carnage.

Teamwork again is key in "Left 4 Dead 2" (for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 $59.99), which improves on its predecessor in nearly every way — an expanded weapons arsenal, new virus-infected attackers and more engaging environments.

"Left 4 Dead 2" is set in the deep South, with the foursome's quest beginning in Savannah, Ga., and progressing to New Orleans. The new team consists of Coach, a defensive lineman turned health teacher; Ellis, a blue-collar, storytelling mechanic; Rochelle, a TV newswoman; and Nick, a drifter con artist.

Working together requires listening to the other characters' dialogue. Share first aid kits, pain pills and adrenaline shots with downed teammates, and protect friends who are busy reloading weapons or improving their vital signs. You'll expect the same from them, and going rogue will only ensure an untimely death.

Unlike in the original "Left 4 Dead," many of the sequel's scenes play out in daylight, which reveals two key points: the settings and graphics are spectacular, and the gore is taken to another level.

Five distinct campaigns involve such varied challenges as maneuvering through fire and

across window ledges to escape a burning building, and enduring violently shifting weather in the Hard Rain campaign. Plane wreckage in a swamp inhabited by mud men and a carnival complete with a roller coaster and evil clowns add to the fun.

(I hate evil clowns.)

Three new zombie types join Boomers, Hunters, Smokers and Tanks, and the monsters seem to work together to make things difficult. Chargers grab and carry survivors, and Jockeys jump backs to steer characters toward danger or away from the group. Spitters lob toxic green gobs of acid.

The horde is back, and it's more aggressive and varied than ever.

The cadre of fast-moving zombies can converge on the group at any time, especially if one of the foursome accidentally sets off a car alarm or gets splattered with Boomer bile.

All of the zombies are scary and gross, and their reactions to getting riddled with bullets and shells or slashed up with a ninja sword or ax are greatly enhanced from the previous title. Incendiary ammo and laser sights add to the weapons offerings.

"Left 4 Dead 2" is best played with other humans, either through split-screen or online, as computer-controlled teammates don't always take enough initiative.

But the game's campaigns and myriad multiplayer offerings will provide hours of zombieshooting fun.

STUDENT PACK AGE

Sign up between now and Dec. 7th for $120.

Package includes: membership through May 31st, 2010.

No other fees. Average monthly cost $20 or less.

(507) 345-8663

340 Stadium Road • Mankato, MN 56001 www.buildntone.com

Need to scrap your vehicle?

$$$ CALL US $$$ Free pick up Top Dollar Paid For Junked Vehicles

Used parts, cars, trucks & repairables!

Purchasing all grades of metal!

70' Scale On-Site!

507-524-3735 • 800-354-7881 Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-noon 12 miles So. of Mankato on Hwy. 22

Thursday, November 19, 2009T

VULTURES Foo Fighters’ Grohl, Queens of the Stone Age’s Homme and Led Zeppelin’s Jones form Them Crooked Vultures continued from 15 life can be overdone. At seven minutes, a few variations on the original motif would have been nice, but instead the listener has to sit through the same parts basically on repeat for the entire length. It’s definitely not for everyone, and certainly some listeners will grow impatient quickly.

The same problem exists pretty much throughout, with exceptions to those songs which seem a bit more radiofriendly, like the aforementioned “New Fang” and the punchy “Dead End Friends.” Many of the songs follow a particular

formula: Straightforward back beat, a chugging or screaming guitar riff, and droning vocals.

There’s some impressive soloing thrown in from time to time (as on “Mind Eraser (No Chaser)”) for variety, but an inattentive listener will probably wonder whether there were actually 13 different songs on this album.

In the end, however, there’s a lot to be praised here, and the album’s merits are brilliantly summarized by the closing track, “Spinning In Daffodils.” The song begins with a haunting piano solo, but the scratching of a guitar

web photo Josh Homme (left), John Paul Jones (center) and Dave Grohl rock as hard as ever on debut album from their Them Crooked Vultures.

builds quickly, and finally the band drives the beauty away in a way that isn’t cheesy or harsh, but rather provocative.

From there, the band throws in every trick it knows: Layered vocals, lightning quick drum fills, stops and starts, tempo changes, guitar solos, keyboard loops, and a slow fade-out to a jangling funeral march.

In one song, Them Crooked Vultures have managed to piece together a perfect collage of their band’s sounds. Them Crooked Vultures is a fairly typical hard rock band in many respects. But what makes them worthwhile are the unique personalities that make up their collective, a small band with a big sound and even bigger names. In this way, John Paul Jones is the perfect member to focus the band’s efforts; after all, if Led Zeppelin had made it through the grunge era, the result would have been very close to Them Crooked Vultures.

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Variety

Reporter • Page 17

PRISONER AMC’s take on the British cult classic shines because of Ian McKellen and lacks because of Jim Caviezel continued from 15 creating a sense of place and civic pride. Behaviors are predictable, vices are accessible, and the Village’s biggest threat lies within the dreams of its residents.

Conformity seems to be upheld in the highest standard.

Those who pose rebellious threat are disposed of. As their leader 2, played by the impish Ian McKellen, states, “The Village will always love you.” So why would anyone ever want to challenge this idealistic utopia of basic human essentials?

Stretching metaphors and profound social inquiries, “The Prisoner” seeks to unearth the lingering questions of mankind’s disposition. Village newcomer 6, played by a lessthan-convincing Jim Caviezel, embodies the looming undoing of this secluded society.

Discontent and rapidly firing off questions that undermine the very nature of the blissful cult-like commune, 6 refuses to submit to the simple pleasures of the town’s offerings. Having dreams of a past life in New York, 6 quickly questions how and why he has been brought to this desert town and finds that he is not alone in his quest for answers.

Challenging ideals and questioning the motives of the Village leader 2, 6 only becomes more frustrated as his indiscretions are met with empathetic forgiveness and level-headed understanding.

Ian McKellen as 2 thrives in his role with unruffled clarity as he dissects misconducts and emotional propensity as mere scientific observations.

Seeking understanding of the human predicament, McKellen preserves “The Prisoner,” even when it occasionally becomes incoherent and entangled in its own symbolism.

As 2 begins to sway some of his fellow citizens from the grasp of the Village’s etiquette, themes of self-preservation and the capacity for evil begin to present themselves in the story.

“We look for beauty in all the wrong places,” states a heedful 2. “We always must submit ourselves to the beast of man.”

“The Prisoner” interestingly poses many questions about why it is in man’s nature to corrupt or betray. Even when given all of the nuances of what is believed to be a happy existence, man continually finds himself discontent. The Village provides purpose for its residents. Jobs, family and even love can be fabricated and manufactured for its citizens.

But even when these ideas are realized, many find themselves desperate to escape. But escape from what?

“The Prisoner”’s deepseeded obsessions of insurmountable desire act as a social commentary. Placing emphasis in all of the wrong places, the Village illustrates the predictability of man’s

VOTED BEST BURGER IN SOUTHERN MN! Home of the "World Famous"

DUKE BURGER •2 lbs. of hamburger •5 slices of cheese • 1 lb. bun (white or wheat) • 8 pieces of bacon Unlimited lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, onions & pickles

wickedness. Its preservation lies in distracting man of his own moral limitations with the hope of love and social standing, but ultimately these attempts are thwarted by his own curiosity and defective behavior.

Though thought-provoking and beautifully shot, “The

Prisoner” moves at a sluggish pace that has a difficult time retaining its audience’s interest.

Jim Caviezel seems to feel miscast as his performance fails to inspire viewers to find attachment with his character.

But Ian McKellen as the placid 2 lends enough presence to

give stock to “The Prisoner”’s allegorical convictions of enough never actually being enough.

RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

LEBANESE DINNER Charley’s is hosting a five course Gourmet Mediterranean Meal November 24th!

Come in to try exotic new dishes!

Reserved seating is going fast Call today to make your reservation!

920 Madison Avenue • Mankato www.charleysrestaurantmankato.com

(507) 388-6845 FOR RENT

HUNTINGTON HILLS

Starting from $300 for 1 Bdrm. & $600 for 2 Bdrm. & $300 per room in townhomes Call for Rent Specials!

Affordable campus living on the edge of the woods!

We offer individual leases with $100 deposits!

On-site management!

POOL • VOLLEYBALL • GRILL AREA Text "Land to Air" to 39649 for specials!

Ask about our Frequent & Sprinter Pass!

Email: huntington.hills@live.com Call or text Lisa at (507) 993-3156 or call 387-3771

LAND TO AIR EXPRESS

434 Patterson Ave., Mankato 507-625-3977 www.landtoairexpress.com

744 James Ave. Mankato, MN 56001

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

Page 18 • Reporter

Variety

Thursday, November 19, 2009

The Satirist on...

The war on cigarette smokers — the newest reign of terror

NATE BRENNAN

variety editor

The persecution must come to an end.

The Holocaust, Japanese internment camps, Guantanamo Bay — we are all familiar with these institutions of extreme prejudice and wrongdoing. But there is an entirely new, less publicized reign of terror being unleashed on an unsuspecting group of innocents — the war on cigarette smokers.

On a recent cold, rainy and windy day, the kind of day your breath shows and rushes away from you like blowing smoke

into a fan out the window of your dorm so the Community Advisors don’t catch you, the Reporter copy editor and I were unjustly persecuted while taking a short break from a long day of bringing you the finest in campus news.

“You think that’s 15 ft.?” asked the pepper-haired woman, proposing we shoo ourselves away from the protection of the awning over our head and into the cold, beating rain.

“Really?” I said. “I really don’t think it matters as much as you’re making it out to be.”

“Well it does matter for the rest of us,” she said snidely while walking away.

And this is ostensibly the inevitable conclusion to all passionate non-smokers’ arguments, resorting to the defense that somehow I am consciously attempting to murder them by indulging in smoking my delicious, stressreducing 100-millimeter Parliament cigarette.

Somehow, whether through the D.A.R.E. program or the multitude of anti-smoking public service announcements and advertisements (in which it is illegal for smokers to respond),

somewhere along the line people started to believe they could get cancer from a single puff of smoke shot in or around their noses and mouths.

In lieu of this belief, many places around the nation have banned smoking in various public arenas. In Calabasas, Calif., even smoking outdoors where a nonsmoker could be within 20 ft. of the cigarette smoking is illegal. In an interview with ABCNews. com, the former mayor, Barry Groveman, said, “It’s about public safety.”

But is it really about public safety, or is it just the perpetuation of an exaggerated myth?

Environmental scientist Dr. Michael Siegel, in a guest column with HealthNewsDigest. com, concluded the following on the matter: “Unfortunately, the entire subject of secondhand smoke resides in an area of discourse heavily laced with activists, who, passionate about their mission of improving public health, far too readily exaggerate the dangers.”

As to the matter of

Helping Hands Across America Office Totals Student Financial Services..........42.91 Cashiers Office.......................... 11.32 Career Development Center..........1.52 Academic Affairs ....................... 8.43 Presidents Office.......................28.71 Campus Computer Store.............. 2.92 International Center.....................7.92 MSSA..................................... 40.30 The Reporter.......................... 101.96 COB............................................ 4.5

Admissions................................ 8.44 Alumni.......................................9.27 Sociology Office............................. 38 Educational Leadership................ 3.78 College of Education .................... 2.4 Printing Services ..................... 32.25 ROTC.........................................1.07 (Total in pounds)

someone being ‘allergic’ to ETS (Environmental Tobacco Smoke), based on the traditional definition of an allergen being an agent that promotes an immunological response, ETS fails that test, and so far, at least, can only be classified as an irritant. Properly, people are “sensitive” to ETS. But, playing on the well-known dangers of smoking, the doom-profiteers have worked many people into a frenzy, by conflating the bad habit of smoking with the much different matter of breathing in secondhand smoke.

So, how dangerous IS secondhand smoke? The most reliable data would indicate that it is nowhere near as serious a threat as elements of the media (and their supporters within academia) would have us believe. In fact, ETS is, at its most extreme, far less dangerous than numerous other indoor air pollutants such as carbon monoxide, toxic mold, and radon.

The biggest study on this topic, covering 39 years, and involving 118,094 adults, with particular focus on 35,561 who never smoked, and had a spouse in the study with known smoking

habits, came to this conclusion: ‘The results do not support a causal relation between environmental tobacco smoke and tobacco related mortality, although they do not rule out a small effect. The association between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and coronary heart disease and lung cancer may be considerably weaker than generally believed.’”

So the next time you see a fellow citizen minding their own business, enjoying a cigarette, one they legally paid for as part of a pack that was most likely far too expensive and taxed far too unfairly, don’t be like the pepper-haired woman.

No matter how much you think we cigarette smokers are trying to kill you, we aren’t doing anything of the sort.

And while we’re at it, don’t tell us we are killing ourselves either. It’s not like you figured out some secret about tobacco being dangerous to your health that we didn’t know about. As much as advertisements make it seem, we’re not actually slaves to tobacco corporations, we just enjoy their product.

Special Thanks to our Vendor Support Pepsi................................................................................................... 5,470 Farnerbocken ....................................................................................... 1,044 General Mills.............................................................................................64 Kellogg’s ................................................................................................ 115

TOTAL WITH WALK UP DONATIONS:

7,214.52 lbs & $133

Classifieds

www.msureporter.com

For Rent

THE TRAIN STOPS HERE! www.collegestationmankato. com. Free flat screen in every 5 bedroom.

12/03 WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? www. collegetownmankato.com A community of your own. 12/03 WE’RE NOT YOUR AVERAGE Slumlord. www. rentmsu.net College Houses Available For Rent.

12/03 3-5 BEDROOM APT DOWNTOWN Mankato. $875/ month includes utilities. 6 or 10 month lease call 952-4515793.

11/19 NOW RENTING - AVL. 6-3010, Dplx - Lg updated 4bdr, off-street parking, on-site laundry, 2.5 miles to MSU. $310 per person. Call Scott (507)951-1974.

11/19 GO TO THIS SITE... NOW! www.wiserentsmankato.com.

Quality, Affordable Housing.

Contact Jeremy at (507) 3515192.

12/3 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 web site www.ottoh. com owner/agent or call 507340-3465.

4/29 LARGE 4 BEDROOM APT. Available for 2nd semester $995 + utilities. New Carpet, central air. 507-345-2049.

12/3 FEMALE WANTED TO RENT room in N. Broad St. home.

TV, cable in room. Wireless internet, laundry, all utilities included. $350 or $400/ month. No smoking, no pets.

Available 12/1 304-2062. 12/3

NOW HIRING!

Part-time Permanent Positions As A Phone Fundraiser

Evening Shifts $9.50 per hour starting plus incentive opportunities.

Got Time After School?

WANTED: Professonal, experienced workers looking for great paying work between 5:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

We are available weekends Stop in and apply!

219 Maxfield, Mankato (off N. Riverfront Dr. behind the Holiday Station)

Call for information

388-5996

Equal Opportunity Employer

Thursday, November 19, 2009

For Rent

FOR 2ND SEMESTER TWO 3 bedrooms Apt. $645 + utilities $725 includes-heat,w,s,g/ OSP Jim 507-345-2049. 12/3 3 BR UPPER DUPLEX, QUIET neighborhood near Lincoln Community Center.

On-Site W/D $780/mo + utilities. 507-340-0332. 12/03

For Sale

FOR SALE: 1992 HONDA accord automatic, runs well, nice looking, one owner, asking $1800. 507-386-0054.

11/19 APARTMENT SIZE VENTLESS dryer. 110V $60. Please call Brenda 507-245-3957.

12/1

For Sale

Help Wanted

3.3 AC RURAL RETREAT WITH 4 bed/ 2 Bath home just 5.5 miles south of MSU, 2 garages for all the “toys”. Lots of trees & flowers, decorative pond, just off tar road. Listed at just $199,900. Call Robert Dutton, Herberg Auction & Realty, 507-380-8885, www. steveherberg.com.

12/1

LITTLE CAESARS choose your slice of pie! Pick A shift...

Any shift!!! Full Time, Part Time, Nights, Days, Weekends.

Flexible hours-Great Experience-Paid TrainingCareer Opportunities-Fun Place To Work. Pick up an employment request form at 1150 S. Riverfront Dr. in Mankato.

11/19

MSSA Senate Vacancies

The MSSA will be holding an election for the following positions:

Off-Campus (1) College of Graduate Studies (1) Undeclared (2) SET (1)

Elections will be held Wed., December 2 @ 4:00pm in CSU 238

Application Available Online: www.mnsu.edu/mssa

Help Wanted BARTENDERS WANTED! $250/day potential.

No experience necessary.

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

4/29 STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM PAID survey takers needed in Mankato. 100% FREE to join!

Click on surveys.

1/12

Notices FREE SHOTOKAN KARATE Classes offered M/T/TH. 6-8 pm. Dance room (HN 225) Beginners are welcome. Need not be a MSU student to join.

For info call Brad @ (507) 388-5301.

4/22

(507) 389-1776

Roommates Wanted

ROOMMATES WANTED 2 SHARE awesome apartment, almost all inclusive rent, 1801 Monks Ave 507-388-2543 www.summitstudenthousing. com.

12/03

Sublease

M/F NEEDED TO SUBLEASE 2 bedroom with F in upper North Mankato. Secure building. Rent $350 plus electric. Lease is Nov. 1July 31, 2010. Move in date negotiable. Call 612-790-5052 for inquiries.

12/3 LOOKING FOR F SUBLEASER at Devonshire Apartments for spring 2010 semester. Looking for a quiet and studious roommate. Rent $250 plus electric and cable.

Call 952-693-6766.

11/19

Looking for Something Flexible?

PT Direct Support Professional

LivingLinks is looking for a part-time Direct Support Professional to work with individuals with developmental disabilities in their homes, and in the community. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record; openings include mornings/afternoons/evenings and some overnights. Every other weekend and holiday is required. Hourly rate is $8.48-9.50 per hour based on education and experience. The position involves helping individuals with daily cares, programs, community activities, and household duties. Attention to detail and excellent writing skills are required.

Pick up an application at LivingLinks at 1230 N. River Drive (just off Hwy. 169) For more information about the position, please contact Stephanie at (507) 345-7458.

Or check out our website at www.livinglinks.org to download an application.

Page 20 • Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, November 19, 2009