December 3, 2009

Thursday, December 3, 2009

www.msureporter.com

Minnesota State University, Mankato

illustration by dan moen • msu reporter

MSSA supports alcohol awareness program MATT SAUER

staff writer

Taking a closer look at the millennial generation NICOLE SMITH

editor in chief

index

Plugged in or tuned in, the millennial generation — people born between 1979 and 2004 — is wired. This iPod-toting American demographic of roughly 80 million is the center of attention and debate.

From gadgets to gimmicks, Americans are inundated with advertising in a consumer-driven world that seems unescapable.

Millennials represent the youth of a culture where shopping is the No. 1 leisure activity and people are defined by the products they purchase.

“You almost can’t get out of it because everything about youth culture, everything that surrounds you is all a part of one big sales pitch,” said Minnesota State Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Scott Olson.

“So that’s not to say that youth weren’t able to create some of their own aesthetics or music, because of course you did, but to a large extent, it was being made someplace else and then sold to you and MTV, to me, is kind of the epitome of that.”

As an administrator in higher education for many years, Olson has a vested interest in who this student-age generation is. In Editorial...................................8 Voices......................................9 Sports....................................15 Variety....................................21 Classifieds............................ 27

addition, Olson publishes books on media studies and raises two teenage daughters of prime millennial age.

“Twilight,” “Hannah Montana” and the other current trends in the pop industry are all created in a kind of “youth culture factory,” in Olson’s words, across many platforms for youth’s consumption.

The majority of millennials have baby boomer parents.

Olson said the majority of characteristics and interests among baby boomers were original. Long past are the days when boomers roamed the nation with their bell bottoms, label-less clothing style and funky music — all aesthetics that were their creations, not trends from the minds of big wigs in New York City.

For the wired generation, technology is at the forefront — from iPods to cell phones and YouTube to Netflix. Products are constantly being launched to make it easier for instant, efficient graphic-induced gratification. For millennials who have grown up with computers, checking their Facebook profiles has become just as much of a daily routine as brushing their teeth.

“Some people believe

that we have lost our ability to communicate one-on-one but I don’t think that’s true,” said Minnesota State Student Assocation Vice President Bob Dooley. “I think we can do it better.”

The youth of America has no problem juggling 15 separate conversations via instant messaging, making Facebook status updates and tracking the latest celebrity gossip within a matter of minutes; they are wired to communicate this way.

“We’ve grown up doing this so we can manage our conversations and have the capacity to focus on more than one thing at a time,” Dooley said.

This generation also relies on gadgets to stay organized.

Like many students, Dooley uses his BlackBerry phone to coordinate everything from upcoming Facebook events to senate meetings and assignment due dates. Using just his phone, Dooley can also take photos, download music, create Microsoft Office documents and check the latest stock values — instantly.

“The whole culture gets shaped by everything on demand all the time,” Olson said. “I actually believe it changes your cognition, the way you guys

problem solve, the way you guys work, but not for the worse … I think you all are probably good multi-taskers and that’s a good skill. I’m not wired for that.”

As a late baby boomer, Olson said he has linear thinking as opposed to this generation’s nonlinear capacity to jump around from hyperlink to hyperlink.

But there are some who suggest this immediate, fastpaced attitude is too sporadic.

“One of those things with technology and text messaging, your quality of interaction is kind of strained — it’s very brief and you text each other back and forth, but its not a conversation, right?” said sociology professor Paul Prew. “You are inundated with information, but the quality isn’t there.”

Prew said social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter can be useful to engage in discussion and exchange articles, but wonders how many people really use it for these purposes. The Internet is a forum where anyone can be an expert on anything, and pointless, self-indulgent status updates, celebrity blogs and the like don’t necessarily

Wired / page 14

The Minnesota State Student Association met Wednesday for their final gathering of the semester, with discussion of an alcohol awareness and “students consulting on teaching” program taking point as new business. Short presentations regarding a possible renovation of the Centennial Student Union Ballroom and proposed room and board changes for the 2010-2011 academic year were also given.

Director of Residential Life Cindy Janney and RHA president Adam Bartz began the meeting with a short briefing that covered the results of a recent student ballot, which was undertaken to determine what services or facilities should be enhanced or reduced in the coming academic year.

Notable student decisions include extending dining hall hours at most of the cafeterias on campus, removing landline phone service from rooms to expand wireless internet coverage, adding guest passes to meal plans and increasing the amount of flex dollars given to students at the beginning of each semester.

“If you’re going to spend the money anyway, you’ll save 7 percent [with flex dollars],” said Janney. “That’s the little secret here, you’ll save seven cents on the dollar when you use flexdine versus cash. We’ve had a lot of cash in the CSU this year and that’s a little troubling to me because students are spending more than they need to.”

The MSSA further discussed their support for a new alcohol awareness program, namely their concern for a lack of information available to students on campus.

The senate passed a motion to give support for programs like Red Watch Band, which gives students information on how to assist people who overdose on alcohol, or any similar alcohol awareness and education program.

Top five MSU fall athletes

Rocky Horror Show premieres

Sports, page 15

Variety, page 21

Page 2 • Reporter

News

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

OFFICIAL PIZZA PROVIDER TO MSU ATHLETICS

Thursday, December 3, 2009

News

Reporter • Page 3

Students teaching the teachers

New program allows student consultants to evaluate professors STEVEN PIROSO

staff writer

The Minnesota State Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) is starting a new program that will give students and professors a chance to move toward a common goal: a more effective learning environment here at MSU. The new Students Consulting on Teaching (SCOT) program will provide insight to professors from the perspective of the college student, and will identify which teaching methods students feel are most conducive — and most detrimental to their education.

Student consultants establish a fiduciary relationship with the participating faculty member, ensuring that professors can utilize all the resources of the SCOT program with relative ease. The student consultants are carefully selected and trained MSU students who are interested in teaching and the learning process.

Professors may request that student consultants look for particular issues in the class, or gain insight on specific questions.

The focal point of the student consultant is to provide the participating faculty with the tools necessary to complete their objective of becoming a better teachers.

The SCOT program offers a variety of options for faculty members to choose from. Depending on the option selected,

student consultants may be asked to simply record what went on during a class time and deliver their reports to the professor.

Faculty may also may more in-depth participation from student consultants, in which case consultants interview students and pass out questionnaires to really get a feel for how students perceive the class and what can be done to make it better.

During class, students will be asked to respond verbally and in writing to questions like: What hinders your learning in this class? What helps your learning in this class? What suggestions do you have for this class? Afterwards, the data is collected and analyzed by both professor and the student consultant. A follow up meeting ensues where student consultants can offer suggestions and discuss future consultations. All such consultations are strictly confidential between the consultant and faculty member.

Dr. Stewart Ross, founding Director of CETL and of the SCOT initiative, has been a faculty member at Minnesota State for over 32 years.

“Our goal is to put students in the best possible learning environment,” Ross said. “The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning as well as the SCOT program are designed to help staff members become more effective teachers, which in turn will provide a better education for our students.”

Dr. Ross first read about a similar program while browsing through an issue of the “Chronicle of Higher Education.”

He felt the program made perfect sense. At the time, CETL had just begun instituting their peer faculty consultation program, a program in which faculty members may sit in during a colleague’s class and provide feedback on the experience. After wale agboola • msu reporter six years of success with the peer Stewart Ross met with professors involved in the SCOT faculty consultation program, initiative Wednesday. he felt like CETL was ready for a new project that included no financial benefit to becoming a member students. In the eight years CETL has of CETL or participating in the SCOT been open at MSU, more than 250 faculty program; professors who are involved do members have participated in a certificate so on their own volition. program for faculty that includes peer “I think it’s going to be a great faculty consultation. program,” said Andrew Nelson, a sports Participants of CETL meet once a education major and junior at MSU. month for 90-minute sessions to review “Sometimes teachers need to see things what’s on the current agenda and discuss from the student’s perspective. It’s good to different teaching strategies. CETL also know that teachers really want to become provides a place for faculty members to better on their own accord.” meet to support each other and share their Junior and senior MSU students are teaching experiences. eligible to apply as student consultants.

“Whenever faculty is speaking with Students will be paid around $10 an hour each other about teaching, that’s a good for their work. If interested, e-mail an thing. Talking about teaching has been our application to cetl@mnsu.edu no later than motto since the beginning,” Ross said.

Dec. 11.

Students often feel their professors don’t really care what they have to say. There is

Page 4 • Reporter

News

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

Surviving ‘til the end A pizza prize

Finals can be a stressful time, but it’s Toppers goes to the same still important to keep healthy habits place students do: Facebook ALESHA SULLIVAN

staff writer

It’s the time of year that most students have been longing for since the semester began — winter break. There’s one minor, week-long road block standing in the way, however — finals week. This is the part of the semester where students start to panic and become consumed with anxiety.

For freshmen, it seems to be extra nerve-racking since this is their first experience with the ever-dreaded finals week.

“I’m very nervous for my finals since I never had anything like them at my high school,” said Adam Pierson, a freshman majoring in Business Administration. “I feel illprepared.”

There are several ways in which students can get ready for next week, including cramming and pulling all-nighters. It’s also not uncommon for students to bust out energy drinks and down absurd amounts of caffeine during this time of

year.

“I get through finals by drinking lots and lots of coffee,” said senior Jesse Merkel. “Then, I go find a quiet spot in the library to study.”

Other students find it a bit more difficult to cope during the last week of school, like junior biology major Abby Yocius, who said, “I barely sleep during finals week, and I don’t work at all.”

Most students agree that it can sometimes be hard to find a quiet place to study, even in the library.

“I pretty much live in the library, but only in the quiet sections on the 2nd and 3rd floors, ” Yocius said.

Cramming isn’t as productive as actual preparation because it is hard to retain a lot of information in such a short amount of time. Instead, students are encouraged to study ahead of time and stay organized.

“I plan on breaking up my studying so it’s not so

overwhelming all at once,” Pierson said.

It can help to study off of previous exams or tests and reiterate lecture notes. Collect questions, problems, or essay topics and grab some friends or classmates and study together.

That way, if someone didn’t get the information from class, someone else is likely to have it. Help each other with specific topics from the textbook or lecture notes.

Also, students should not use finals weeks as an excuse to eat poorly, miss sleep or stop exercising. Acing tests takes both mental and physical readiness. Caffeinated drinks such as coffee and Redbull should try and be kept to a minimum. Instead, focus on being well-rested, nourished, and alert because face it: lack of sleep, a growling stomach, and school do not mix well together.

Junior accounting and

Surviving / page 6

ANNE LEMERE

staff writer

The late night favorite of Minnesota State’s students is getting involved with their customers with the chance to win a $1000 pizza party.

Toppers Pizza is launching its first social networking picture contest, “MyZa and Me,” that will not only allow them to interact with customers, but also promote MyZa, the newest edition to the Toppers menu.

The first-place winner will receive a $1000 pizza party, second-place receives $500, third place $350, and the 10 runner-ups obtain a free MyZa. This contest demonstrates how much Toppers works with their customers and considers college students, usually ignored by other companies, the center of their success and, as Toppers marketing coordinator Derek Henze stated, “a great niche for us.”

To enter the contest, snap a photo alone or with friends in a creative way with the MyZa,

Toppers’ new personal pan pizza. Log onto Facebook and friend request Topperspizza Guy, upload the picture and tag Topperspizza Guy. Once the photo is posted, send an e-mail to contests@ toppers.com, letting them know your age, email address, and phone number. Contents of the photo are up to you but must be legal and appropriate.

The contest began Nov. 2 and will end Jan. 24. Not many submissions have been posted yet, which gives participants now an advantage, since the winner is chosen by not only the level of creativity, but also how many comments are received.

Henze called the MyZa “a solution to the group decision debate,” since it’s often difficult trying to get a group of people to decide on pizza toppings.

Any Toppers house pizza can be made into a MyZa, though students can be creative and come up with their own ideas as well.

LOOKING FOR A LATE-NIGHT OPTION? The 1872 Grill at Julia A. Sears is open until midnight offering a full grill menu & made to order deli!

You can also find all of the best selling convenience items you are looking for!

Jazzman's is open until Midnight!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

News

Reporter • Page 5

Break time

Be counted in 2010

College students are urged to take part in next year’s census count

How to stay occupied during winter break

ERIN ROHRER

ELENA SHUFELT

staff writer

staff writer

The 2010 census is just around the corner and college students are one of the many groups of people who are difficult to represent. In effect, students are a major target for the census and are encouraged to fill out the census form to be represented accurately.

The U.S. Census Bureau attempts to count and acquire information on everyone in the U.S. every ten years.

However, college students remain an audience that typically avoids filling out the form. Prevention of the form is occasionally due to confusion and misconceptions about their residency. If students are living in Mankato during the school

illustration by ann reichel • msu reporter

year, they should list Mankato as their home — not their permanent or parents address.

Bob Dooley, vice president of the Minnesota State Student Association, said that despite misconceptions, one reason students should fill out the form is to help create a strong and vibrant image for Mankato as a regional center for businesses looking to expand.

“As students, we have the

potential to help Mankato and the surrounding region’s population look as though it has shown healthy growth in the past 10 years,” Dooley said.

“I think that most students are not aware that they should fill out the census for the town they will be living in on April 1. Even if they don’t plan on being in Mankato next year,

Counted / page 6

Winter break is that wonderful time for most students.

There aren’t any papers to write, no classes to attend and no studying to do. The only thing better is summer vacation, but for now, a month off will have to do.

The unfortunate thing about winter break is that the novelty wears thin pretty fast. Many students tend to realize after some time that having nothing to do can get boring, and the need to get off the couch and find some sort of activity becomes a necessity.

Some students are lucky enough to find a way to take the elusive vacation over winter break, like Minnesota State student Jenna Holida, who plans to travel to Mexico with a friend just after finals week. She said it was kind of a last minute thing, but hopefully it will work out. She is also planning to go on a trip with her family in

January. They are not quite sure where yet, but they’ll figure something out. Her family is a big resource for curing her winter break boredom, so when in need of something to do, ask close family members first, because maybe they’ll want to go somewhere too.

A good place to go with family or friends over the break is Wisconsin Dells. It’s roughly four hours from Mankato and a little less than that from the cities.

Even though The Dells might seem more like a summer activity, it has tons of indoor water parks and other attractions to keep people occupied throughout the winter months.

It offers skiing, snowboarding, tubing, indoor water park resorts, museums, and more. Kalahari Resorts has a hotel, indoor theme park and indoor water park all in one place. It’s not outrageously priced, either: the theme park only about $20 and the water

Break / page 6

LIVE MUSIC THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

DECEMBER 10TH

DECEMBER 11TH

DECEMBER 12TH

DIESL

USEFUL JENKINS

80's NIGHT

Music Starts at 11 p.m.

NO COVER!

Music Starts at 11 p.m.

NO COVER!

Dress for the occasion and get 1980's Specials!

521 South Front Street • 625-5090

Page 6 • Reporter

SURVIVING “I

spend a lot of time studying.” continued from 4

finance major Lesa Pape said, “I spend a lot of time studying, but I feel like it’s important to stay well rested and get enough sleep. I usually start studying a week or two before so I don’t have to cram as much.”

In addition, exercising helps relieve stress.

When it comes down to the exam time, take deep breaths and stay focused. Arrive early, read all of the directions and always check your answers. It’s important to use the allotted time given to complete the exam. Don’t quit when there’s time left to finish. Think of it like a professional basketball game: the players do not and will not give up before the buzzer goes off at the end of the game. It just doesn’t happen.

In essence, finals can be tough or unfair to some. With the holidays around the corner and everyone heading home, it can be even tougher to stay motivated up until the very last day of finals. Try and stay on top of things, stay focused and be prepared.

News

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

COUNTED The state loses money when people don’t fill out their census forms, $1 million for every 100 people continued from 5 there will more than likely be someone else from another area taking their place.”

Although Dooley believes the importance of the census goes beyond the borders of the university, he said that the only initiative he has seen in regards to the census is strictly

from the student population.

“I believe that the city has not made any significant efforts to get students involved with the 2010 census,” Dooley said. “I truly feel as though the city believes that students don’t care about the city. If we expect the city of Mankato to

respect us as citizens instead of just ‘troublesome youth,’ we need to fill out the 2010 census and represent ourselves correctly.”

The 2010 census will be mailed in mid-March. For every 100 Minnesotans who fail to fill out the 2010 census

form, the state will lose $1 million in federal funding over the next 10 years, averaging $1,000 per person, per year.

Further information on the 2010 census can be found at www.census.gov.

BREAK Student winter break plans include vacations, grad school applications, wedding planning continued from 5 park $35. For other resorts and attractions go to www.wisdells. com.

Other students plan on hitting up their parents for a place to stay and a source of entertainment. Student Amanda Pearson said her parents just moved to a new house, so she plans on helping them paint and decorate it.

“I’m excited to help my mom and dad get settled in to their new house. I’m also excited to see my sister and my nephew, and to have time to cook my own food again,” said Pearson.

Helping renovate or redecorate a room could help

out at home and would save the batteries in the television remote. So if desperation arises, or redecorating seems like an enjoyable activity, a small hint that a room could use some sprucing up might not be a bad idea.

Not all students have traditional break plans. Senior Megan Petersen plans on applying for grad school and preparing for a speech team tournament in Texas. Hockey players Kael Mouillierat and Jason Wiley have to stay in Mankato to continue practicing, but both plan on heading home for Christmas.

Senior Miranda Hacker has something big to do over the break.

“I’m going to plan for my wedding,” she said.

For students who have to stay in Mankato over the break, Mount Kato should be opening up soon. The lack of snow has put them behind this year, but they are hoping to open the slopes for skiing and snowboarding this weekend.

Something more reliable might be the WOW Zone or Dutler’s Bowl. Both have bowling and bars, so getting some friends together to go out and do something might not be so

hard. The WOW Zone also has an arcade and laser tag, which can both be pretty fun depending on the friends you choose. Volunteering at places like the Humane Society and the Salvation Army is another great thing to do. Giving back can be very rewarding, so give it a chance if time allows.

If all plans fail in the end, then remember it’s better to be bored than to be doing homework. But whatever winter break brings, be sure to be safe and relax because a month is shorter than it seems.

Enjoy Papa John's pizza during the Vikings game this Sunday!

Buy a large cheese pizza for $10.99 & get a FREE topping for every touchdown the Vikings score!

(Offer good throughout the 2009-10 Vikings season!)

FINAL'S WEEK SPECIALS: EXPIRES 12/13/09

1 Large 1-Topping Pizza

$

7

99

Bread Stix

2

$

387-2345

99

826 South Front St., Mankato www.papajohns.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

PHILLIPS VODKA

News

JAGERMEISTER

Reporter • Page 7

ADMIRAL NELSON

andré champagne

1 LITER 1.75 LITER

$11.99 Exp. 12/30/09

CROWN ROYAL GIFT SET

1.75 LITER

$16.99 Exp. 12/30/09

2 FOR

$12.99 Exp. 12/30/09

MICHELOB GOLDEN LIGHT 24 PACK

$9.00 Exp. 12/30/09

BAILEY'S IRISH CREME GIFT SET

BOTTLES

$15.99 Exp. 12/30/09

$19.99

Exp. 12/30/09

$16.99 Exp. 12/30/09

COUPON NEEDED FOR SALE PRICE. located in

UNIVERSITY SQUARE MALL

HOURS:

Monday THRU Saturday 11a.m. - 10p.m.

Editorial reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

Thursday, December 3, 2009

(507) 389-5454

Stay calm during finals week Every semester seems to fly by faster than the last and it’s hard to believe that dreaded finals week has already arrived.

It’s true, finals week is a stressful time students usually aren’t prepared for, but it’s important to stay calm and not get overwhelmed.

When cramming, make sure to take frequent study breaks to clear your head and try not to overload yourself with information. It is important to concentrate, but allow yourself a few breaks to maintain some sanity. Watch a movie, grab a snack or distract yourself for a minute on a funny Web site such as My Life is Average or College Humor.

Don’t understimate the power of sleep. You need it, so make as much time for it as you can, especially on the night before a big test.

As much as healthy eating is encouraged, it is hard to make time for the consumption of anything that’s not Ramen or chips. So remind yourself that brains function better when properly nourished and try to eat something at least seminutritious along the way.

Whether students are writing papers or studying for exams, next week will probably be one of the most stressful of the semester. So stressful, in fact, that just thinking about it can cause some anxiety. So take one day at a time and focus your energy on taking it one task at a time. And like in past semesters, you will make it through.

The Reporter staff will also be consumed next week, which is why this issue will be the final one of 2009.

Good luck, stay calm and we will see you in January.

Letters to the Editor Choosing to correct

Minnesota State University, Mankato

There were two mistakes made in the article titled, “Choosing not to believe,” that I need to point out. I am an active member of CAA, and a skeptic, a humanist and an agonistic atheist.

The article stated that an agnostic person is someone who believes that god is possible but not probable. That description of an agnostic person is factually incorrect.

I know it may look as if I am splitting hairs here, but the meaning of words is important to note. Agnostic by definition means “without knowledge.”

I am personally an Agnostic, because I do not claim to know if there is, or isn’t a god. I am also an Atheist, and by definition an atheist is someone who is without belief in a god. I do not know if there is or isn’t, but I also do not believe that there is.

There are many Agnostic Theists who do not claim to know, but they do believe, because for most, it is a matter of faith. If anybody wants to find out information on this only needs to look in a dictionary or encyclopedia.

Wikipedia will work if you don’t have the motivation to go and find one of these books.

The second error that I have to point out is the assertion that 15 percent of the population who identify themselves as non-religious believe in the existence of a supernatural being but do not follow a religion.

The study that was quoted in the Reporter actually does not say that all 15 percent of non-religious identifiers believe in a supernatural being. Actually, the survey shows that only 51 percent of the non-religious in this survey believe in a supernatural being at all. Anybody who wants to look at the analysis of the study can find it at: http:// www.americanreligionsurveyaris.org/reports/NONES_08. pdf.

I am sure that some readers will disagree with me and they are free to come to any of our CAA meetings next semester. I will end my letter to the editor with a quote from one of my favorite thinkers — A long habit of not thinking a thing wrong gives it a superficial appearance of being right.

(Thomas Paine) Nathan Maas

As members of the University Student Conduct Board, we would like to correct some of the statements made in Drew Nelson’s recent article about the process.

Though we understand that Mr. Nelson’s article employs humor for effect, we hope that readers do not confuse his hyperbole with fact.

The student conduct process is not a trial — in fact it serves an educational function. Its goal is to provide a structure by which students can understand their responsibility for supporting the well-being of all members of the University community, which includes knowing and adhering to Minnesota State University and MnSCU System policies along with federal, state, and local laws.

It is essential for each member of the University community to understand that in addition to our obligations as citizens, we have obligations to each other. For students, that includes adhering to the University’s Statement of Student Responsibilities. When students fail to do so, they are accountable to the University community. If a student’s action violates federal, state, or local law, there may also be consequences through the legal system, but that is separate from our responsibilities as members of the University community.

When necessary, the student conduct process includes a hearing.

Despite Mr. Nelson’s claims,

SUPERVISORS

AD SALES

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

photo editor: Wale Agboola

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER ANNIE SCHUELKE (507) 389-1079

Dave-anna Tarpen• Jr •Int’l Relations

Not on trial

EDITORS

Variety Editor: Nate Brennan (507) 389-5157

What do you want for Christmas?

“I want a Wii and a new car!”

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

sports editor: Kyle Ratke (507) 389-5227

compiled by Wale Agboola

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

hearing panels are smaller than twelve people, and only members of the University community serve (members are appointed by the MSSA, IFO, and MSUAASF). Each hearing is chaired by a University student, and the members of the panel are deeply committed to student growth and to balancing the rights of the individual with the rights of others. Hearings are recorded, and an appeals process is clearly outlined.

The hearing process is intended to be developmental, and most students respond to it in an appropriate and respectful manner.

In almost every case, by far the most complex part of the hearing process is the lengthy discussion among panel members about what sanction, if any, best serves both the individual student and the larger community.

We invite interested students to review the extensive information available on the Office of Student Conduct website (http://www.mnsu. edu/conduct/). The website offers a detailed description of the office’s mission, goals, and procedures.

It also includes an application for students to become members of the Conduct Board. We encourage students to get involved in this important part of our community.

Joye M. Bond Lynnette M. Engeswick Matthew Sewell

Laura Ringen • Sr • Spanish “‘A job!”

Joe Samuels • Sr • Marketing and Speech

“One million dollars.”

Katie Brettschneider • So • Dietetics

“‘My sister to come home from Afghanistan.”

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, December 3, 2009

(507) 389-5454

Senior

bucket list

One writer sets a few goals for herself before graduation graduation stage. How many times do you As the semester started this fall I woke think you can convince a future employer that up one morning, not wanting to budge from you, “just aren’t feeling well enough to make it bed, and suddenly it hit me: “Holy cow, I’m a today,” the way we all shamelessly e-mail our senior in college?” professors to catch a few extra Zs? (And don’t Was I not just packing up my pictures of kid yourself, we’ve all done it at least high school friends and making once.) the scary journey with the parents You start looking at the semester to Gage towers where I had to passing you by a little differently. start this whole crazy unknown You start imagining never setting experience called college? foot on campus again and you start Reflecting back on the years it is to wonder, “did I make the most of quite unbelievable how time flies. my time here? Did I get everything Sure there were those dreaded out of MSU that I wanted to?”

Mondays in class where it seemed After mulling over these exact like Friday was a millennia away, thoughts, I turned to my best friend but in general every semester and roommate (also a senior) and moved a bit faster than the last.

Lynn Zaske started to reflect. We swapped fond It’s a funny thing, all you memories of our previous years at can dream about through all of the MSU; some shared, some not. We started tests and projects is being done; graduating suggesting to one another things the other, and never looking back. But when the DARs “just had to do before graduation.” report reads: “SR” and all of your classes After we really got rolling with this, become completely focused on resumes and we created a “senior bucket list.” Things we final portfolios, it can be a bit overwhelming. want to be sure to do at MSU before we hear Don’t get me wrong, if someone told me Pomp and Circumstance ushering us on to the I had to stay in college even one semester next stage of life. longer I’d probably panic and/or cry, but the Some items on the list were silly, like thought of it all being over is really something daring each other to attend a random RSO you can’t quite experience until it becomes meeting just to score some free pizza. Then a circled date on the calendar. May 2010 there were more practical things like attending becomes both a month you can’t wait for, and an MSSA meeting, helping Impact out with a date that just won‘t stop getting closer. something, getting some use out of those It feels a little like the end of your youth, “free with tuition” resources like the Career freedom, irresponsible nights out, sleeping Development Center and attempting to make it through class when you don’t really need to to more school sponsored events. be there. Entering the so called, “real world” We also wanted to be sure to explore the where scary new things like being off your Mankato area a little more by checking out parents insurance and paying back student some restaurants we had never tried, going to loans replace the old worries of term papers some unique shops and landmarks, visiting and final exams. the Minneopa Falls and touring some of the The closer you get to graduation the more historical sites in the area. likely nostalgia will set in. For as much as Then there were the sentimental items like we all love to change our Facebook statuses reconnecting with friends we’d been too busy to topics related to hating our classes, we all to keep up with. We talked about sending an know that it’s probably a heck of a lot easier than what waits for us on the other side of that e-mail to any professor who really made an

impact on us. I’d encourage anyone to make a list of the people you’ve met in the last three years that you’ll miss, then make an effort to have a lunch and/or a fun night out with those people. Make sure you really do consider this item on the list, after graduation people tend to disperse and it’s a heck of a lot harder meeting up for lunch if you’re states apart.

The last type of item on our bucket list was recreating favorite memories. Think of some of your absolute favorite college memories thus far and do it all over again if possible.

Example: one of my favorite memories at MSU was a night that my former roommates and I were completely bored and decided to look for things in our apartment that could act as a sled. We decided on a cardboard movie poster with a shinny gloss finish and hit the snowy hill behind our building. It worked better than expected and we were flying down the hill. Then someone got the great idea to attempt to “snow surf” on the poster which resulted in a lot of falling down. We laughed until we had tears in our eyes and then headed inside to warm up and order from our favorite Chinese place. We hope to snow surf and eat Chinese all over again when and if the snow ever shows up.

The point is that no one list will be right for everyone. Yours might be a mental check list, written or typed. It might consist of one or two items, maybe it will be a lot longer than mine. The idea is to reflect and enjoy whatever time you have left in college. You may be so ready to get out of here you can’t come up with a single item, but years from now I’ll guarantee they’ll be at least one more thing you wish you would have done while at MSU. Try to come up with those things now instead of wishing you did them later.

And for those of you graduating in December, it’s not over until you have that diploma in your hand. Make the most of these last few days at MSU.

Page 10 • Reporter

News

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

Reporter graduates say goodbye Right now, I have about weather and driving to one hour until this goodbye campus to finish. Obviously letter is supposed to be on my MSU can’t teach one how to editor’s desk (it won’t make work fast, but they help in it). It’s the perfect allusion many other ways. Through for my educational career the countless writing — procrastinate, work until exercises and exams about deadline, finish and repeat. picas, points and parallelism, It’s probably fitting I went the mass communications into journalism. department provided me a To tell the truth, I never means to an end and treated got into the me with all the whole coffee respect an aspiring and cigarettes writer could ask gig (I write for. They helped on Mountain developed my love Dew and for the hyphen gummy worms). and parentheses, Although I which are bound to respect its continually come in necessity, I handy. don’t want to In the English report the news department, it was under the same the film gurus.

Drew Nelson tone as the rest Some of the most of the world. I feared and difficult want the culture. I want what teachers became my guide makes the youthful spirit for thinking outside the box. stay young. I crave the things They were undoubtedly my that everyone gets excited toughest graders, but then about — new music, film and again, what’s college without other art. The best part about the likes of them? As one of my career is that something my professors put it, “they get resembling all this actually you learned.” exists and I’m finally getting I eventually found out that the chance to pursue it.

MSU is a system that can be Now, I’ve about three mastered, like the art of flyminutes until deadline tying: it’s not always easy, but after griping about the cold if you put even one ounce of

effort in, you’ll be on your way. Once you get past your high school teachers’ scary forecasts about collegiate expectations, you’ll find your niche and things will run like clockwork. The trick is not to let the grind get to you.

I thank my dad for not pushing the funeral business on me (my fingers just feel more comfortable on home row rather than on a cadaver) and teaching me that people skills are the best kind of skills to have. To my mom: thank you for showing me that being myself is the best I can do. And to my sister, thanks for being my second mom (I had no idea text messages could contain so many questions at once.) I love you all.

As far as the Reporter goes, I owe a lot to the people who jumpstarted my career (Bronson Pettitt, Kate Fine, Mike Hanzelka), the people who destroyed my copy and helped me rebuild it (Kate Fine), the people who incited me to question everything (Rachel Heiderscheidt, Ben Marti) and the people who constantly inspire my own work (Matt Taibbi, Joe

Nelson / page 12

“tests” I ever had were at the I suppose it’s time to say goodbye. I’m not actually sure to Reporter. I worked my ass off in that office and — in my opinion who or what, though. Previous — I have a lot to be proud Reporter writers have used this space to write specific messages of. Sure, rarely did I take the most hard-hitting news stories. to those at the paper that Sometimes I sent an interview to have supposedly helped them someone through E-mail. And succeed. I have no intention on once or twice I interviewed my following in their footsteps — friends for articles. But I don’t for the most part. While some think any of that defines me people have definitely helped as a journalist. All influence or it means is I didn’t offer guidance want to be another along the way, lemming who kissed I’ve managed to my editor’s ass. I come as far as was my own person I have almost and my own type of entirely on my own. In little writer. For the most more than a part I never considered week, I’ll be a the Reporter a college graduate. job. It was a place And to be I looked forward honest, I thought to coming every Ali Ramsey day. As graduation I’d be more approaches, I know I excited. won’t miss MSU so much, I’ll Truth be told, I was terrified just miss the friends and times I coming into this place. My high had in that office. school teachers made it sound I better wrap this up before like I should prepare myself I get too sappy. So, finally, I’d for hell, when in truth this has just like to thank those who have probably been some of the actually made an impact on my easiest times of my life. I took journalistic life at MSU — Ellen class I knew I could pass, had Mrja, Robb Murray, Nicole professors who could hardly Smith and Drew Nelson. You even teach and procrastinated four were the ones always giving my way through the past four me the encouragement and the and a half years.

The toughest assignments and guidance I needed to survive.

NOW LEA SING 2010 -2011 UNIVERSITY SQUARE

CLOSEST TO CAMPUS! Behind Maverick Bookstore

UNIVERSITY SQUARE

Across from Taylor Center

VILLAGE 1

VILLAGE APARTMENTS

VILLAGE 2

HOLIDAY SPECIAL!

Sign by December 16th, 2009 & receive $15/mo. off your rent!

VILLAGE APARTMENTS w w w.usquaremankato.com 507-385-7977

Thursday, December 3, 2009

News

Reporter • Page 11

MSU Alum wins Tamarack award

Adjunct professor, former Reporter writer earned MFA at MSU HEATHER MOELLER

staff writer

Two-time Minnesota State alum won Minnesota Monthly’s 24th annual Tamarack Award.

Nick Healy, MSU English adjunct professor and children’s publisher editor, said winning the Tamarack Award was a goal of his since the first time he submitted a story to the contest.

Healy came to MSU as a freshman in 1988. Majoring in mass communications, he worked at the Reporter for two years.

“I had a blast doing that,” Healy said.

In 2002, after working at different small newspapers and spending six years in the state capitol writing about the legislature, Healy returned to MSU to complete a Masters of Fine Arts degree in creative writing.

“I had always wanted to write fiction, but didn’t always have

Join us Weekly!

time,” Healy said.

According to Healy, MSU is a good place for writers. As proof of his point, Healy points to a fact about the Tamarack Award: Three of the last five winners hold a MFA from MSU. Healy said the time he spent at MSU for his MFA was both the most fun and most work he had ever done.

“The whole day was spent either reading, writing or talking about writing,” Healy said.

According to Healy, even with winning the Tamarack award, he is still learning about writing fiction. Healy said teaching English Composition helps with his learning process.

“Trying to help someone else write makes you look at writing in a new way,” Healy said.

According to Healy, competition for the Tamarack Award is stiff. Each year the contest gets 200-some entries.

Healy said the contest is open to any level of short fiction writers.

The Tamarack Award has no entry fee, unlike other short fiction contests. The only restrictions are story length and the writer must reside in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin or the Dakotas.

Healy said the Tamarack Award is a well-known contest.

It becomes even more important to writers because of Minnesota Monthly’s large circulation. It helps that the magazine isn’t a literary magazine, like most that hold short fiction contests.

“It exposes you to readers who don’t normally pay attention to short fiction,” Healy said.

According to Healy, fiction can help people understand history.

Even when a story’s events are completely fictionalized, the attitude and actions of the characters help readers to understand the real history.

Healy said that Kurt Vonnegut’s

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.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

Congratulations Reporter Staff Graduates!

Whitney Barringer Josh Berhow Drew Nelson Ali Ramsey

Ann Reichel Katie Schmiel Meagan Steele

Best Wishes!

Minnesota State University, Mankato

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

“Slaughterhouse Five” helped him to understand World War II. Healy got the idea to write “Uncle Ed’s Packard” over the winter. The winter weather combined with memories of learning about the “Armistice Day Blizzard” of 1940 in school to find fertile soil: “I felt that event was ripe for a new story,” Healy said.

Healy said that his submission this year was a last minute decision. He said he didn’t know

if he had a suitable story for the contest’s June deadline. In the last few weeks before the deadline, Healy said he became serious about choosing a story.

He has enjoyed the people who have contacted him after “Uncle Ed’s Packard” was published.

Most, he said, wanted to share stories of the blizzard, which in part inspired the story.

“It feels really good to have a story win [the Tamarack Award,]” Healy said.

Text "Land to Air" to 39649 for specials!

Ask about our Frequent & Sprinter Pass!

Remember to make reservations!

LAND TO AIR EXPRESS

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

Page 12 • Reporter

News

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

Keeping a positive outlook

Graduates advised to network, start job search before graduation and not give up before trying JOHN FRITZ

staff writer

College student are always wondering about what their lives will be like when, finished with the comparative bliss of campus life, they are thrust into the real world and have to find jobs. With the recession, and unemployment above 10 percent and still rising, many recent and soon-to-be graduates at Minnesota State are less than optimistic about finding jobs in their career paths of choice. True, graduates are having a more difficult time finding field-related jobs now, but times may not be as tough as they seem.

“There are jobs out there and as crazy as it sounds we have heard some employers talk about the fact that they are not seeing enough applicants!” said Pam Weller-Dengel, director of MSU’s Career Development Center (CDC). “It is disturbing to hear that some new grads in particular

are simply ‘giving up’ before they even begin their search for employment because the outlook is so poor — big mistake.”

Survey results posted on the CDC Web site back this up: Of respondents from the 2008 graduating class, almost 90 percent of those who found jobs in a major-related field within a year after college found them in the first six months. Translation: Whether you are graduating next week or in the spring, start your job search now.

The CDC can help students get their acts — and resumes — together and prepare for the job market. Weller-Dengel had some advice for fledgling job prospects: · Start early. Take advantage of the services available to you on-campus through the Career Development Center—resume reviews, practice interviews with employers, the State Universities Job Fair, individual assistance with your job search strategy,

workshops, etc.. Don’t wait until after graduation to begin your search. · Network, network, network!

It is not as scary as you might think — make everyone you know (family, friends, faculty, classmates) aware of the fact that you are looking for a job.

Use Linkedin (linkedin.com) to network online and connect with MN State Mankato alumni — there are over 2,000 alumni who are members of the Alumni Association group on Linkedin.

Networking becomes far more important in a challenged job market. · Use any and all resources available to you—Mavjobs, professional associations, job fairs, employer websites, large job board websites (I like Indeed.

com), etc. · Many employers look beyond major — think outside of the box and be creative with your search.

Great opportunities are sometimes hidden in places we don’t think to look. · If all else fails, do temporary work and start making some connections, build your resume, and prove yourself.

Students are on the right track by just being in college.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with only a high school diploma have seen unemployment rise from 6.5 percent a year ago to 11.2 percent in October, while among college grads unemployment sits at just 4.7 percent. Translation: Stay in school.

NELSON continued from 10 Klein, Richard Corliss, Lev Grossman, Joel Stein, Peter Travers, Jann Wenner — oh, and Joe Mauer, without whom, nothing would be possible.)

To my Beta Gammas and Lambda Deltas, we’ve seen a lot of magic in our day.

Keep sticking it to the man — I raise my glass to you.

You’ve frequently been the cause of my best memories in this town. Our time here will always be bound by some awesome indescribable aura.

So how do I close this door? With some of my favorite yet slightly modified musical verses, of course.

“Beyond tryin’ to get rich or die trying/I’m tryin’ to make a fist on top of Mount Zion/I seek the Celestine vision I write in dream rhythm with gifts that God gave me, glow.”

Peace.

2-Dollar Tuesday

$2 Tap Beer • $3 Rail Drinks Live Acoustic Music

Wino Wednesday

Half Price Wine • $2 Tap Beer Open Jam: Live Music with Local Musicians

1, 2, 3, 4 Thursday

$1 Taps • $2 Bottled Beer $3 Rail Drinks • $4 Specialty Martinis

Friday

DJ: Brady Bisel

Saturday

Live Music with Brian Congdon. NO COVER!

downtown mankato • 520 South Front St., Mankato

507-625-8131

www.MYREDSKYLOUNGE.COM

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Advertisement

FLAT SCREEN TV INCLUDED IN EACH 5 BEDROOM!

Reporter • Page 13

Page 14 • Reporter

News

Thursday, December 3, 2009

THIELE CHIROPRACTIC

WIRED “It’s a new world and we need to recognize that millennials are different or continue to fight ... ”

Dr. Kenneth L. Thiele

continued from 1

constitute as quality information.

With nearly 350 million Facebook members worldwide, it is obvious millennials aren’t the only ones logging in, but they are the only ones who learned how to use computers via “Oregon Trail” in grade school.

“Your generation has a few things facing it that other generations have not, so it’s not so much from my perspective kind of tagging what a millennial generation is, but what kind of world are they growing up in?” Prew said.

Technology aside, today’s young people will face a variety of social issues to figure out for the future, some of which have never really been dealt with before.

As the health care debate continues, health costs keep increasing in an economy that relies heavily on credit to sustain itself.

“So what has happened is we propped up the economy by giving access to credit, so the recent collapse is really a result of this shift in how we run the economy,” Prew said. “You’re dealing with a trillion or more dollar deficit that originated from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and the fact that we have no consumer buying power, so in fact your generation is looking like its not going to do as well as others because we’re not growing economically like we were.”

On top of this, Prew said

Americans continue to consume at massive rates and as the population continues to grow, it could be up to the millennial generation to figure out a way for people to curb consumption.

“As other regions of the world industrialize and start consuming more products, there is only so much of the earth to go around, so not everyone will be able to live like a citizen of the United States,” Prew said.

The green initiative is in motion in the United States, but some scientists claim the damages of global warming may be too far along to reverse.

The changing climate and other environmental issues will also be pivotal challenges for this generation, Prew said.

Overcoming these issues will definitely be a challenge.

Newsweek recently published an article that foreshadows the economic standing of the United States and suggests that today’s generation is likely to be worse off than their parents for the first time in American history.

A few years ago, a national study evaluated college students’ ability to perform basic literary tasks and found that 50 percent of those coming out of fouryear institutions such as MSU lacked the skills needed to review a simple survey and regurgitate the results or identify the arguments of a newspaper editorial, among other tasks.

Millennials were predominately taught under the rigid No Child Left Behind Act,

with an emphasis on hard facts, memorization and standardized assessments. The act has been criticized heavily be educators and many, including Prew, believe that the priorities of this type of education may have left millennials the least equip to deal with these problems.

MSU marketing professors Kenneth and Linda Anglin have researched the millennial generation and what it takes to teach them and have traveled to states such as Hawai’i and Florida to present on the topic.

“Would you Rather fight than switch?” is part of the title of one of their papers and he said refers to the tug of war primarily baby boomer-age professors are having with students.

“It’s a new world and we need to to recognize that millennials are different or continue with a fight to get them to listen and learn,” said Anglin.

Every generation comes into their own and adapts to the circumstances around them.

They become the leaders with the powers and capabilities to change the world. Maybe this generation, like others of the past, just needs time to come into its own in a world that is so rapidly changing.

“I think that the way the world is going we’re learning to manage,” Dooley said. “I think that since the world is changing we will be more prepared to take on the challenges of the future.”

316 Belle Avenue, Mankato, MN 56001

(One block south of Madison Ave. near Walgreens)

(507) 387-5591

LIVE MUSIC WEEKEND AT THE

loose moose saloon EVERY DAY • 5-7 p.m.

All you can eat Taco-Burrito Bar for $3.50 happy hour 2-fers 3:30 - 7:00 p.m.

BIG GAME ROOM with Pool Tables, Darts, Foosball, Video Games & More

before or after msu hockey games

TONIGHT! (Thursday)

The Blaze 95.7 Facebook Party from 8-10 p.m.

Live Mic with Stage Fright

NO COVER CHARGE WEEKEND!

FRIDAY NIGHT:

Dr. Lee & the Terminally Ill Band

SATURDAY NIGHT: Fish Fry

THE GRILL IS OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT!!

OPEN MON.-FRI. @ 11am - SATURDAYS @ 3:30 P.M. Right next door to Mettler's Bar & Holiday Inn

507-345-1446 • www.theloosemoosesaloon.com

"The Pros in Collision Repair for Over 37 Years"

(507) 625-2910 800 Parkway Avenue Eagle Lake, MN

OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5PM

Students & Staff get an additional discount if they mention our ad with Expires 12/31/09 MavCARD!

AGAIN

Thrift & More

Shop Us First For Low Prices On...

•Holiday Decorations •Ugly Christmas Sweaters •Furniture •Dishes •Costumes All Your Holiday Needs!

Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5-8

Half Price Sale!

Volunteers Always Needed & Welcomed!

482 Raintree Road

(same complex as Hobby Lobby) Hours:

Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat.: 9:30am-6pm Tue., Thurs.: 9:30am-8pm • Sun.: 12-4:30pm

(507) 345-2409

reporter-sports@mnsu.edu

Sports Thursday, December 3, 2009

(507) 389-5227

lEGENDS OF THE FALL

The fall season was a successful one for MSU athletics and the Reporter sports staff voted for and recognized the best of the best. Selections on page 16

photos by dan moen and courtesy of sports pix • illustration by dan moen

MEN’S BASKETBALL

MSU ready for NSIC competition KYLE RATKE

sports editor

Chances are that the Mavericks didn’t highlight Bethany Lutheran as a big game while looking at the schedule earlier this month. They were likely gearing up for Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play against Southwest Minnesota State, which starts on Saturday.

Although the Minnesota State basketball team defeated the Vikings easily on Tuesday night, 110-65, they started slowly out of the gates trailing 12-2 to a lively Bethany Lutheran team to begin the game.

“I guess we were kind of riding high this weekend after Sioux Falls (the Mavericks went 2-0),” said junior guard Joe Drapcho who scored a career-high 13 points in the win. “We might have been looking towards conference play on Saturday. Either way, we didn’t come to play and they did.”

The Mavericks would eventually build to a 51-40 lead going into halftime, with 12 first half

points from Marcus Hill (all 3-pointers) and 10 from Drapcho.

The second half, as it has been all year long, was strong for the Mavericks, holding the Vikings to just 25 points and 8-30 from the field.

Hill and forward Jefferson Mason led the Mavericks, both coming off of the bench, scoring 19 points. Senior center Travis Nelson added 18 points along with 10 rebounds, while both guard Jermain Davis and forward/ center Mike Bisenius had 10 points.

The one player that wasn’t named above was junior Cam Hodges who dislocated his right index finger last weekend and will be out for 4-5 weeks, which will give Drapcho along with guards such as Taylor Morrow and Stephen Kirschbaum more playing time.

“That’s kind of the cool thing about our team,” Drapcho said of the depth. “We have so many weapons and we have players

Men’s hoops / page 19

WHILE WE’RE AWAY

Men’s hockey Dec. 11-12 • at Bemidji State Dec. 18 • Nebraska-Omaha Dec. 19 • at Nebraska-Omaha Jan. 1-2 • Rochester Institute of Technology Jan. 8-9 •at North Dakota Women’s hockey Dec. 11-12 • Wisconsin Jan. 2 • Mercyhurst (at St. Cloud State.)

Jan. 3 • Providence (at St. Cloud State.)

Jan. 8-9 • at Bemidji State Men’s basketball Dec. 11 • Mary Dec. 12 •Northern State Dec. 18 • Cardinal Stritch Jan. 2 • at Minnesota-Crookston Jan. 3 • at MSU-Moorhead Jan. 8 • at Upper Iowa Jan. 9 • at Winona State Women’s basketball Dec. 11 • Mary Dec. 12 • Northern State Dec. 19 • at Bemidji State Jan. 2 • at Minnesota-Crookston Jan. 3 • at MSU-Moorhead Jan. 8 • at Upper Iowa Jan. 9 • at Winona State Wrestling

Dec. 12 • at Husky Open Dec. 20 • at Tournament of Champions Jan. 9-10 • at NWCA National Duals

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Mavericks hope to bounce back DEREK WEHRWEIN

staff writer

The Minnesota State women’s basketball team enters December with a promising 5-1 record, but coach Pam Gohl isn’t getting carried away just yet.

“I would definitely prefer to be 6-0, but we’ll also take where we’re at,” Gohl said. “We’re a young team. We’re trying to learn from every mistake and every loss and try to build on it.

How we finish is more important to me than how we start.”

Gohl was referring to the season as a whole, but the Mavericks learned the hard way their coach’s mantra also applies to games. In its lone loss, 60-59 to Winona State Sunday at a Sioux Falls, S.D., tournament, MSU blew a double-digit lead late in the second half.

Outside of that second-half collapse, however, the Mavericks have looked impressive for a team sporting an almost entirely new lineup from last

season. Seniors Tiffany Moe and Liz Trauger have taken on a bigger role, with Moe averaging 12.8 points and Trauger 10.8 points per game. Others have stepped up as well: sophomore Jennie Noreen leads the team in scoring at 15 points per game and is shooting a torrid 57 percent from the field. Freshman Ali Wilkinson and sophomore Laura Weber are both averaging more than eight points per game.

Weber has been the latest to produce on the offensive end, scoring 16 and 12 points in MSU’s last two games. That’s something Gohl indicated she is happy to see.

“We run lots of different sets that allow different people to get shots,” she said. “We really do want our scoring to be spread out so teams can’t key on one person and say, ‘if we stop this one person, we stop Mankato.’

We’re thinking that’s a good thing.”

Women’s hoops / page 17

Page 16 • Reporter

Sports

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

The Reporter’s Top-5 Fall Athletes

Some athletes impressed and surprised us, others did exactly what we knew they could. Either way, here are the athletes of the semester REYNOLDS, SR. SOCCER 4. SHELIA GOALKEEPER

REPORTER SPORTS STAFF

5. KYLE BAHE, JR. GOLF

An old military adage states that “your best offense is a good defense.” After a career of holding true to that saying Reynolds is arguably the best defensive player to sport a Mavericks soccer uniform.

In 20 games she posted 0.68 goals against average, which is third best in school history. She also holds the best goals against average all-time, 0.60 in 2008.

Reynolds logged 1,727:53 minutes in the net this season allowing a minuscule 13 goals all year with a save percentage of .852.

REYNOLDS After falling 2.5 shutouts short of the all-time record for career shutout at the end of the 2008 season. Reynolds wasted no time in capturing another school record, standing alone on top with 20 career shut-outs including eight this season. She also had 75 saves this year and 183 for her career.

But the stat that everyone truly cares about is the wins. Reynolds was in net as the Mavericks posted a 12-5-3 record this season and has a career record of 29-13-5, anchoring this program to their third consecutive NCAA Division II National Tournament appearance.

A defensive phenom since 2006 Reynolds has helped build this program into a national contender and the Illinois native will leave some big shoes to fill.

Received seven of possible 20 points in Reporter voting L.Z. It’s hard enough to rush for 1,000 yards in college football, let alone doing so with a team that has a running back by committee mentality.

After being plagued by injuries last season, Aberg returned with fresh legs to rush for 1,201 yards with 10 touchdowns. These stats are extremely impressive knowing that Aberg did so splitting carries with Julian Phipps and Ernest Walker.

Aberg averaged 100.1 yards per game and his burst of speed fooled defenders as did his shiftiness in the open field. While watching him from the press box Free pick up it was very common to look around and just say, “Wow, this kid is something Top Dollar Paid For Junked Vehicles special.”

Used parts, cars, trucks & repairables!

Aberg ran for over 200 yards in a game twice this season and also was a ABERG Purchasing all grades of metal! receiving threat out of the backfield averaging 17 yards per reception along with a touchdown.

70' Scale On-Site!

The redshirt freshman finished as the No. 20 running back in the nation in 507-524-3735 • 800-354-7881 yardage, although he had fewer carries than nearly everyone in front of him. His 6.39 yards per carry ranked No. 8 of the top 20 rushers.

Mon.-Fri. 8-5; Sat. 8-noon The Mavericks may not return the same offensive line in 2010, but the smarts and speeds of Aberg 12 miles So. of Mankato on Hwy. 22 will hopefully make up for part of that loss. Received 12 out of possible 20 votes in Reporter voting.

K.R.

The Minnesota State men’s golf team holds a commanding 20-stroke lead after the fall portion of (first two rounds) the Northern Sun Championships. Credit Kyle Bahe.

The junior had the best combined score for the first two rounds at the tournament and is MSU’s leader in stroke average (74.8) top-ten finishes — three out of four events and two were top five finishes.

Bahe opened the season with an eighth-place finish Sept. 14 at the Bemidji State Invite and took third at the Husky Invite a week later. He suffered a setback, finishing 32nd at the NSIC/ BAHE RMAC Crossover, but is leading the pack in the NSIC Championships.

Bahe looks to hold on to his one-stroke lead and help MSU keep other teams at arm’s length when the tournament concludes with the final three rounds this April in Lake City. Earned six points out of possible 20 in Reporter voting. T.B.

3.

JAKE ABERG, FR. FOOTBALL RUNNING BACK

Need to scrap your vehicle?

$$$ CALL US $$$

Top 5 / page 18

FOR RENT

HUNTINGTON HILLS

SKIS & SNOWBOARDS

"Affordable Campus Living on the Edge of the Woods" 744 James Ave., Mankato, MN 56001 Phone (507) 387-3771 • Cell (507) 993-3156

Starting from $300 for 1 bedroom, $600 for 2 bedroom & $300 per room in townhomes!

CALL FOR RENT SPECIALS!

ON-SITE MANAGEMENT

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

Everything you need for....

Forum•Four

Men’s hoops / page

•S k i s •S now boa rd s •A p pa r e l •Se r v i c e Discounts to Ski & Snowboard Club Members

NEW LOCATION 624 N. Victory Drive

507-345-4754

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Sports

Reporter • Page 17

WOMEN’S BALL continued from 15

MSU Men’s Hockey Gameday Tyler Buckentine • staff writer

Minnesota (5-8-1, 3-6-1 WCHA) at Minnesota State (6-7-1, 4-7-1 WCHA) 7:07 p.m., Friday • Mariucci Arena, Minneapolis 7:07 p.m., Saturday • Verizon Wireless Center RECAP: This weekend’s series is a battle between two teams who, for the time being, are heading in different directions. The Mavericks are 3-1 the past two series after sweeping Michigan Tech at home last weekend. The Gophers got trampled 6-0 at Michigan Friday — worst loss in Minnesota history — but Mike Carman scored a late goal to lift Minnesota over Michigan State, Saturday. Before snipping the Spartans the U had lost four straight games.

HISTORY: MSU is looking for its sixth win against Minnesota in the program’s history. The Gophers lead the all-time series 28-5-6 but the Mavericks swept last season’s series (6-1 & 3-1) in late January.

MSU NOTES: Although MSU has won three of its last four games the wins came against the league’s annual bottomtier teams — Alaska-Anchorage and Michigan Tech. The good news for the Mavs is that Minnesota is not playing any better than bottom-tier hockey. Two points separate these teams — MSU in sixth place with nine points and Minnesota in eighth with seven. Jerad Stewart (6-6—12) and Zach Harrison (4-8—12) lead the Mavericks scoring. Stewart has scored all six of his goals in the last four games and Zach Harrison grabbed WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors after posting five points against Tech. Geoff Irwin has provided a spark to the offense with two points and three assists since returning from injury. Austin Lee should have the battle for the starting goalie spot locked up. He started all three of MSU’s recent wins and Kevin Murdock took the loss in the second Anchorage game. Lee owns a 2.54 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. Tyler Pitlick will not leave Mankato to play for the Team USA U20 in the World Junior Championships later this month. He was a finalist to make the tryout team, but was not selected when the team was announced, Wednesday. MSU has never had a player play on USA’s WJC team.

Moe, who is dishing out a team-high 4.5 assists per game, agreed.

“It’s very important to know that you have different weapons you can always count on to step up,” she said.

Gohl noted she also wants to see consistency from her players, however, something the Mavericks will need as they officially enter Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play.

First up is Southwest Minnesota State at 2 p.m. Saturday at Bresnan Arena.

The Mustangs enter the game with a 3-1 record and a lineup that includes junior guard Tori Fink, who is averaging 16.5

points per game. They have shown steady improvement under Mike Jewett, now in his fourth season as coach, and Gohl isn’t taking them lightly.

“Southwest plays very hard,” she said. “They have a great starting lineup and they get after you defensively and offensively … they’re going to be a tough matchup for us.”

The Mavericks will play four additional games before Christmas. They host Mary on Dec. 11 and Northern State on Dec. 12 before traveling to take on Bemidji State and Minnesota, Crookston on Dec. 19 and Dec. 20.

MINNESOTA NOTES: Minnesota is in an unfamiliar spot right now — ninth place and the Gophers would like nothing more to get out of the WCHA’s cellar. To do that, they have to start finding the net. The Gophers average just 2.29 goals per game. Tony Lucia leads the Gophers in scoring (4-7—11), Mike Hoeffel leads the team in goals with six and WCHA Preseason Player of Year Jordan Schroeder is off to a slow start with just three goals. Alex Kangas has 2.82 goals against average and a .922 save percentage.

KEY: With the exception of a win against Bemidji State, Minnesota has lost every game in which it didn’t score the first goal. Get an early goal on Kangas and he along with his defense crumbles. MSU has more first period goals than anyone in the WCHA. The first 20 minutes of each game could tell a lot about the outcome.

PREDICTION: Both teams are hard to read and makes a prediction a tall task. The U has its worst loss in history and beats the No. 7 team in the country. MSU is rolling, but hasn’t faced a .500 team since Colorado College three weeks ago. Lets just say both teams win their home game and we’ll see what happens. After MSU ties Minnesota in a lowscoring game Friday in the Cities, the Mavericks win 3-1 Saturday in Mankato.

LITTLE TIDBIT: Brian Schaack has only played in five games this season (he played against Michigan) but if Don Lucia puts him in the lineup this weekend it could get interesting. MSU defenseman Channing Boe hasn’t forgotten what happened in January. Schaack jumped on a defenseless Boe and buried his face in the ice. Boe broke his leg in the process, ending his season.

OPEN:

1600 WARREN STREET 507.625.9264

SUN.-THURS. 4PM-2AM FRI.-SAT. 2PM-2AM

GREAT MUSIC!

12

need auto repair?

Try the SERVICE RACK! We offer:

GREAT FOOD!

NEW! NEW! NEW!

• ASE-Certified Technicians • State-of-the-art Testing Equipment • Free Shuttle Service: Pickup & Delivery • 28 Years of serving the North Mankato area

THURSDAYS

10 OFF

www.boomtownmankato.com

2 FOR 1 SPECIAL

Along with Boomtown's famous all day pitcher specials.

BRING IN T HIS CO U P ON F OR:

$

YOUR NEXT OIL SERVICE

345-3702

1022 Range Street North Mankato www.theservicerack.com

Page 18 • Reporter

Sports

Legends of the Fall continued from 16

2.

CHELSEA FOGARTY, FR. VOLLEYBALL OUTSIDE HITTER

The Minnesota State women’s volleyball team had plenty of impact players in the 2009 season. The amount of talent helped them finish with a 26-7 overall record, including an appearance in the NCAA tournament.

With all the talented players the Mavericks had you wouldn’t expect such a huge impact by freshmen. That is until you look at the season that freshman outside-hitter Chelsea Fogarty had.

Fogarty jumped on the seen in her first match, racking up 23 kills in a win against Tarleton State. That offensive effort continued all season and led to Fogarty leading the team in kills with 413. That total ranked fifth in the NSIC and the most by any freshmen or sophomore.

“My teammates had a lot to do with my success,” said Fogarty. “I feel like they FOGARTY along with my coaches welcomed me in and really wanted me to do well.”

Fogarty also improved defensively as the season rolled along finishing in the top five on the team in both digs and blocks. Her efforts throughout the season earned her a spot on the First Team NSIC All-Conference, only one of two freshmen to be honored.

With such great numbers in just her freshman season, Fogarty has already emerged as one of MSU’s top fall athletes and is a big reason to have excitement for next volleyball season. Received 13 of possible 20 points in Reporter voting. P.D.

1. JAMES KRAJSA, SR. CROSS COUNTRY RUNNER Despite getting hurt towards the end of his senior campaign, Maverick cross country runner James Krajsa put together quite an impressive career running cross country at MSU. Krajsa won his second individual conference title this past fall while anchoring the Maverick cross country team the past couple of years.

Krajsa did not qualify for nationals this season, mainly due to injury. However, he was even more disappointed that the team failed to make nationals and has always put the team first throughout his career even with all of his individual success.

“My coach and my teammates keep me on top of my game,” said Krajsa. “When I push it too hard they help me slow down and they also keep me motivated. I just love the team aspect of the sport.”

KRAJSA Krajsa’s favorite moment of his cross country career came during his junior year at nationals, if it wasn’t for his injury, Krajsa likely would have returned there.

“Crossing the finish line at nationals and knowing I was one of the top ten runners in the whole nation was special,” Krajsa said.

Krajsa will now shift his attention towards MSU outdoor track next semester. Cross-country hasn’t been a regular in the Reporter but Krajsa has been featured twice in the last two years and for good reason.

Earned 20 out of 20 Reporter votes. L.H. 2 Individual NSIC Conference Championships (’08,’09), 2-time NCAA All-American (’07,’08), Finished 8th in NCAA in 2008.

Honorable mention: Gina Paletta (soccer), Laura Leber (soccer), Amanda Beekman (volleyball), Jesse Hamilton (football) K.R.- Kyle Ratke, T.B. - Tyler Buckentine, P.D. - Pat Delaney, L.Z.- Levi Zimmer, L.H. - Lee Handel

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

Men’s ball continued from 15 ready to step in. There isn’t much of a difference from our starting five to our second five.”

The Mavericks, with the absence of Hodges, will need to utilize their bench more than ever going into NSIC play at 4 p.m.

Saturday against Southwest at the Taylor Center.

The Mustangs are ranked No. 11 in the nation, while the Mavericks moved up to 22 after last weekend’s victory over Winona State.

“It’s huge to win that first NSIC game,” Drapcho said. “First off, they won the conference last year and it’s always important to win home games against tougher teams. Secondly, it’s the first conference game. We want to set a tone.”

The Mavericks won’t get the nice break most students will receive this December as they play Mary at home on the eleventh,

Northern State on the twelfth and Cardinal Stritch on the eighteenth.

MSU will then bring the show to the road, playing at MinnesotaCrookston, MSU-Moorhead, Upper Iowa and a tough Winona State team at the end of December and beginning of January.

By the time school starts up again, the Mavericks will have a good idea on where they measure up to the rest of the NSIC. And Drapcho thinks that getting away from the school part is probably a good thing, for a little while at least.

“Once you get done with the finals and semester, we don’t have anything to worry about besides basketball,” Drapcho said. “During finals week things get really hectic and it’s hard to juggle everything. During Christmas break we can just focus on basketball.

VOTED BEST BURGER IN SOUTHERN MN!

$3 OFF

THE DUKE Every Thursday

ATTENTION

CONGRATULATIONS

GRADUATES!

The Mankato Flea Market The National Guard Training & Community Center Next to Mankato Ford, Old Hwy. 14

FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS DRIVERS

CALL KATO CAB 24/7!!

DECEMBER 12TH & 13TH SATURDAY 9-5 & SUNDAY 10-3 Admission $2 - Good Both Days • Rods & Reels • Coins • Antiques • Collectibles

• Toys • Books • Glassware • Avon

• Furniture • Jewelry • Tools

Something for everyone

388-7433

GREAT DEALS!!

Call (507) 420-3511 or (507) 931-6148 for more information.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

MSU Women’s Hockey Gameday Lee Handel • staff writer

Sports

Wrestlers stay busy over break PAT DELANEY

staff writer

St. Cloud State (7-9-0, 4-8-0-0 WCHA) at Minnesota State Mavericks (4-5-3, 2-5-3-1 WCHA) Friday - 7:07 p.m. - All Seasons Arena, Mankato Saturday - 7:07 p.m. - National Hockey Center, St. Cloud RECAP: The Minnesota State women’s hockey team will take part in a home-andhome WCHA series this weekend, hosting the Huskies on Friday before heading north to St. Cloud to wrap up the series on Saturday. The Huskies are playing good hockey as of late, sweeping a nonconference series at Brown University last weekend. They also split their last WCHA series at home against the Wisconsin Badgers, winning the second game to begin their current three-game winning streak. The Mavericks are also feeling good about themselves heading into the weekend, as they are coming off an impressive split on the road against conference power Minnesota-Duluth two weeks ago. The Mavericks were off last weekend.

HISTORY: These two squads always seem to play each other close, and the all-time series reflects it. The Mavericks hold a slight edge in the all-time series, leading 21-20-4. This weekend’s series is the first time the two teams will match up since their WCHA first round playoff series last March. The Mavericks upset the Huskies, winning the final two games of three played in St. Cloud to secure their first playoff series victory ever.

MSU NOTES: The Mavericks’ comeback from a 2-0 deficit two weeks ago against UMD was led by two players who couldn’t have found a better time for their first goals of the season. Senior forwards Ida Clark and Kala Buganski each notched their first goal of the season to even the score 2-2. This set up fellow senior forward Ashley Young’s dramatic last-second goal, propelling the Mavericks to a 3-2 victory against the mighty Bulldogs. Young’s play in the series earned her WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors, as she also assisted on Buganski’s game-tying goal to go along with scoring the game-winner. Young currently leads the team in assists and points, with 8 and 12 respectively. Clark would tally her second goal in as many days for the Mavericks’ lone goal in their 7-1 loss the next day. Sophomore goaltender Alli Altmann is in the midst of a solid season so far, posting a 4-3-3 record with a 2.73 GAA and .908 save percentage. The Mavericks have been strong on the road so far this season, going 4-3-1.

SCSU NOTES: The Huskies are strong offensively and are led by a trio of senior forwards. They are Caitlin Hogan (12-7—19), Meaghan Pezon (8-11—19), and Holly Roberts (6-10—16). All three rank in the top 12 in scoring in the WCHA. PREDICTION: Expect each team to win in their respective friendly confines.

Reporter • Page 19

The Minnesota State wrestling team returns to action on Dec. 12 when they travel to St. Cloud State for the Husky open. The Mavericks are still learning what kind of athletes they have on their team right now and will have a good chance to learn where they are at when they get some quality NSIC competition.

Brady Wilson has improved to a No. 1 national ranking after starting the season 7-4.

The Mavericks also have 125 pound Andy Forstner who is ranked No. 4 along with four

other guys who rank in the top ten. The Mavericks are ranked No. 9 overall heading into the meet and would like to see who else they will be able to count on as this season moves along. The Mavericks will have another opportunity this weekend after three weeks of off.

“Right now I want to see what guys are like under pressure,” said head coach Jim Makovsky. “Right now we are getting a lot of guys who are doing well in practice but I want to start seeing what they can do when the lights are on them.”

Makovsky has said that it will

likely take some time before the Mavericks are wrestling at their top level. MSU will continue to focus on improving each match especially before winter break when MSU won’t compete for nearly three weeks.

While the Mavericks have six weight classes who are currently ranked high, they still have question marks at five other weight classes including some middleweights. Makovsky mentioned the middleweights this season do have some question marks and could take up until January before they have an idea of who is going to fill those spots.

Page 20 • Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, December 3, 2009

reporter-arts@mnsu.edu

Variety Thursday, December 3, 2009

Theatre time warp

Midnight performances of ‘Rocky Horror Show’ scheduled this week

The Reporter’s Top Albums Of the year Grizzly Bear ‘Veckatimist’

Grizzly Bear is an enigmatic group. They are quiet and reserved in public. They have no gimmicks. They avoid flash in favor of reservation and simplicity in their performances. Yet listening to their songs evokes a feeling of being thrust into the grand vortex of the unknown, of a surrounding rush of air.

Musically, they are the view of the Earth from the moon.

Yet “Veckatimest,” their third Contained here, in 12 of the best space-folk songs ever written, is the soul of 2009: Fear, longing, hardship, but amidst it all, hope.

— C.H.

photo courtesy of the MSU Theatre and Dance Department When the car driven by newly engaged Brad (Adam Moen) and Janet (Katerine Rapacz) has a blowout, they walk to a nearby castle where they spend the night with the outrageous Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Rudolph Searles III).

ASHLEY JOHANSEN

staff writer What started out as an underground musical phenomena turned cult classic film, will be gracing the Minnesota State Theater this week.

“The Rocky Horror Show”, not to be confused with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” the film, has finally come to MSU with two midnight showings, which that MSU has never done before.

Written by Richard O’Brien, “The Rocky Horror Show,” known for its over the top storyline along with its “scantily clad” costumes, began its run on stage in 1973 in London. Within two years of it being on stage it

was adapted to screen and over time has become a worldwide cult classic.

During the time that this musical began its run on the stage, the over the top feel at that time would no longer come as a shock to most people which is why director, Jerry Jay Cranford and costume designer Jessica Guthrie have added their own touches in giving this musical the same over the top feeling as the musical did 36 years ago in both the set and the costumes.

“The set is moderately simple, it’s a series of platforms that are under lit. My idea for this was that it is a rock concert and we wanted the lights to replicate that. We have a runway

that has lights underneath it that gives you a feel of moving lights like a rock concert,” Cranford said.

The set will also give the audience the feeling they are a part of the show. This is something that both the original musical and the film wanted to give the audience. This has not changed in the MSU adaptation as the stage is in the round, meaning that it will be in the center of the audience, making the audience feel as though they are in the musical as well.

“People are going to be surprised because the cast will be dancing in the middle of and all around them as apposed

Rocky Horror / page 22

(507) 389-5157

Of the decade

Arcade Fire ‘Funeral’

Anthemic, cathartic, evocative, brilliant; all these words and so many more could describe Funeral, an album that perfectly captures the mood of its time through its exploration of the world, of life, of humanity and of death. It could well stand on its own as a classic not only of this decade but of the entire history of rock music. It’s extraordinary that 9 people could make an album so intimate and that a voice as fragile as Win Butler’s could make songs so lush. From the view into four “Neighborhoods” to the call to action of “Wake Up”, the record reveals that we are all, in our many differences, united by the span of time.

— C.H.

Animal Collective ‘Merriweather Post Pavilion’ White Stripes ‘White Blood Cells’

The Baltimore-based band’s longest album to date and, ironically, is the one that feels the least superfluous. Every random noise, harp string and squwak feels in place and perfectly entangled with the soundscape Animal Collective creates.

This is clearly the strongest performance in the studio from Animal Collective somehow manages to become more inventive as they become more accessible There are few, if any, bands approaching music the way Animal Collective has in its tenure as a musical act. — N.B.

Albums: 2009 / page 24

The Detroit drum and guitar duo broke into the mainstream in 2002 with their Lego-featured, Michel Gondry-directed video from their single, “Fell In Love With A Girl.” Not many knew who they were, let alone that this was in fact the second single from its third album.

Minimalistic, grimy and wonderfully constructed, the White Stripes not only brought back the dirty, blues-rock sound, but also perfected it.

— N.B.

Albums: Decade / page 25

Page 22 • Reporter

Variety

Trying times inspires rapper Clayton holds concert ASHLEY JOHANSEN

staff writer

Life can be very trying for those of us in college; this is something that is not new to James Clayton of Starz Entertainment.

Clayton, who is presenting the upcoming show “The Grand Finale,” has persevered through many obstacles — living in his car for a month and almost dropping out of school because of economic hardships.

Clayton remarked that all these things happening during this semester while he was introducing his first show at Minnesota State affected his dedication.

“I was constantly thinking that I needed to get the show done, but then I thought where am I going to sleep,” Clayton said. “At that time I was the most motivated I have been in my life.”

Clayton, who has had quite a difficult life, not only recently, but also in his past with an accident at the age of two that left him with two broken legs and the possibility of never walking again to having severe lung problems a few years later.

“I feel that God has a reason for me being here; he wouldn’t put me through everything that I’ve been through for no reason,” Clayton said.

After recently receiving a scholarship and finding an apartment, Clayton said he has a positive outlook on his life and has adapted this to his new show appropriately called “The Grand Finale,” his last show of

the year.

“It is the end of the semester and finals are coming up so we want to end the semester right,” Clayton said.

“The Grand Finale” has a few new performers, and is slightly different than Clayton’s last show. The performers include; KOB, Looney Goons, Taggiz, and James Clayton himself along with new collaborators; Vanessa, Louisa, Tony and Clayton’s brother, Magisty.

“This show will be different than the last; instead of all rappers we have poets and dancers. Tony is a dancer and Vanessa is a poet,” Clayton said.

Along with a few line-up changes, Clayton has added Paulette Kimber as co-host to Anthony “Cornbread” Buckley who hosted Clayton’s previous show earlier this semester.

Not only will this show include live performances, but there will also be prizes given away at the end of the show along with a concession stand.

Prizes include free Chipotle, Buffalo Wild Wings and Toppers Pizza.

“The Grand Finale” will take the stage tonight in the CSU ballroom. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and there is a $5 cover charge.

After a difficult semester, Clayton is still pushing forword and is optimistic about next year, already working on projects for 2010. In June, he is planning a “Baller’s Day Out” and is also working on a book.

NOW PRE-LEASING FOR THE 2010 SCHOOL YEAR

Southridge & Devonshire Apartments 1BR, 2BR & 3BR APARTMENTS Call Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (507) 345-8543

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

ROCKY HORROR Midnight madness brought to you by the Theatre Department continued from 21 to the screen, our cast will be amongst you,” Cranford said.

The costumes have also changed slightly. Guthrie explained that her research for costumes began by looking through fetish books and studying punk and gothic clothing.

“I did a lot of my sketches in coffee shops while reading these fetish books hoping that no one was looking over my shoulder, because I felt really naughty being in a public place looking at a fetish book doing these sketches,” Guthrie said.

Jessica also explained that as the musical was being cast, those who tried out were warned that they must be comfortable not only with their body, but with people looking at their body something that most college students have issues with.

“To help our actors get used to people seeing their bodies, Jerry had swim suit night, if you are going to wear a bra and underwear you need to wear a bikini. Just to get them used to the idea of people seeing them

and seeing more of their body,” Guthrie said. “That was a big transition for the actors.”

Like the costumes and the set, some of the rules of “The Rocky Horror Show” has changed as well. As many die-hard Rocky Horror fans are aware, at most movie screenings, you are allowed to bring in food items to throw at the screen. This is not the case for this rendition. Both Guthrie and Cranford wanted to make it clear that people should not throw things at the actors or on stage as it may endanger the actors.

Although this has changed, audience members are still encouraged to get dressed up for the show, either as their favorite character or in typical Rocky Horror attire.

“The Rocky Horror Show” opens Dec. 2 and runs until Dec. 5. This includes midnight matinees 4th 5th. Tickets can be purchased by calling 507-3896661, or at MSUtheatre.com.

Smith Made Music “The Anything and Everything EP”

This eight-track EP written

by Minnesota State student Matt Smith is a unique slice of underground hip-hop. Genrebending even for the underground, Smith shoots through styles with apparent ease. No matter the style, his tongue-incheek humor on topics such as college, drug use and being a white emcee are always in full effect. If his mile-a-minute flow doesn’t leave you breathless, his sweetly layered vocals and the guest appearances by Rellium Prime and Andre “North Star” Lipsey will, in between smirks and head-bobbing that is.

— Nate Brennan, Variety Editor

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Variety

Reporter • Page 23

The case against going Greek

DREW NELSON

staff writer For the record, let it be known there are a lot of things I might’ve missed if it weren’t for going Greek. A tightly knit family away from home, a fondness to serve a community and its charities, a respect for the extremes of jubilance and empathy for the ruins of tragedy — I’ve witnessed a lot in a little less than five years.

Still, if I hadn’t gone Greek, perhaps I wouldn’t know the spoils of winning Homecoming events, the glorious taste of Schell’s Bock or the cathartic mess of Saosin or Killswitch Engage. I might not have seen the classy parties (or the concrete dungeon kind), felt the ebb and flow of a few different loves or even (gasp!) picked up dual Needlers on Ascension (thanks, geeks.)

But as with any organized environment, there are ugly truths behind the glistening Greek monikers, charters and membership cards. It happens around every corner of tradition and competition.

For starters, the cliques never leave once you go from your high school to college — they’re just more amplified in the Greek system. If you’re not the uptight asshole fraternity

you’re the rabid animalistic one.

If you’re not the overachieving sorority, well, you’re still rather achieving, you just might not “put out” as much. O the conversations we get into when we’re five pints down at Blue Bricks — if only we regarded one another as eternal equals, there’d be no need for the hate I’ve seen.

MSU’s sororities definitely take the first piece of that cake.

If they aren’t being monetarily fined by their respective entities for missing events, they’re being judged by the whole, say, as the result of sleeping with another member’s ex. Some aren’t even allowed to be in the presence of frat boys and beer at the same time. Shit can happen simply as a result of power trips. Give somebody a high rank within the organization and their jurisdiction attempts to conquer all.

Take my friend’s case for instance (we’ll call her “Mama” after her unyielding kindness).

Only a few years ago, Greeks instigated lively gatherings in which we’d exchange group carols — often times they were liberating, dirty fun. However, Mama’s higher-ups decreed any future singing to be PG-rated.

A novel idea, although it wouldn’t stop the rest of the Greeks, including a tiny, rebellious faction led by Mama herself (bless your hearts), which secretly stayed after to carry on with usual tradition.

Because of the debacle, they barred Mama and her faction from being associated with the sorority ever again. Here

was Mama, the quintessential sorority member famous for world-class back massages, Better-Than-Sex cake and hard service to the community (powered by infectious smiles and laughter, no less), getting the boot from a horrendously pompous authoritative board.

If she was ousted, nobody was safe.

More came in the aftermath of the party in question from Tuesday’s Voices. “Some Greeks threw a party… it must’ve been a Greek party,” proclaimed the headhunters at the Student Senate. Wrong again, chaps. Our chapter bylaws state that if it can be “perceived” as a Greek party, then it is one. Granted there was a group of Greeks present, random visitors vastly outnumbered us, it didn’t take place on Greek property and there was no indication anywhere that it was a Greek house — how is that “perceived” to be a Greek function? The standards to which the Senate held us were of a vague nature, allowing nearly any jerk with a grudge to “perceive” us as unlawful.

Nonetheless, we took our punishment (380 hours of community service) with a grain of salt, knowing it was a weak ploy to levy seemingly irrefutable consequences on an organization that already specializes in just such an arena. In other words, if we stood up for ourselves, we’d look like douchebags for rejecting service we’re already known for. Some wanted

our chapter to be completely removed from the Greek system. Others wanted those involved with the party to write apology letters (Dear Greek: I’m sorry we had ballin’ times and you didn’t.)

These cases get at the heart of the issues behind the Greek machine. If we want to throw any kind of social event as an organization, it must first be cleared on-campus. If we’re approved for said social events, there are stringent rules to follow right down to how many beers one can bring. Our chapters were intended to be self-governing bodies — why must we constantly check in with Big Brother before we so much as release a fart?

College is supposed to entail at least some level of liberation.

Rules weren’t meant to be broken; it’s just a hell of a lot more fun when they are. Jokes aside, we don’t require our hands to be held. The governing powers that be stripped us of

our freedom and livelihood on a daily basis — it’s no wonder some of the greatest people I know are no longer Greek; they saw right through the bullshit.

The more we ran our chapter functions the way we saw fit, the happier and more comfortable we were calling ourselves Greeks. It doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to operate an organization existing solely as a community workhorse and social experiment. It just takes patience, determination, compassion and cold beer (not unlike the palette of the average MSU student).

To those who helped me see the real benefits of being Greek, thank you a thousand times. To the people who go out of their way to stink up the system, get bent. And to all the present and future Greeks with full hearts and open eyes, follow your own ideologies — God knows they’re better than anything anyone can prescribe you.

ANY MEDIUM SUPER SPECIALTY PIZZA ONLY

11

$

99

Choose from Super Combo, Super Taco and Super Hawaiian savE $6.50! LIMITED TIME OFFER.

(507) 388-7765

1521 TullEmore st., mankato

Page 24 • Reporter

Variety

ALBUMS: 2009

Mos Def ‘The Ecstatic’

Mos Def’s latest is uncompromising and mostly melodic, experimenting constantly with new forms of expression through which hip-hop can present itself.

We see him bear his truth from soulful ballads (“Roses”) to Latin songs of solidarity (“No Hay Nada Mas”). He holds his good book up to the world, but rather than shouting down the demons, he invites us in to sing with him.

Even when he lets his irony show, as on “Workers Comp,” a satirical view of the workplace, we can hear his smirk, and we know that we can follow where his heart is guiding us.

— C.H.

continued from 21

Elvis Perkins in Dearland ‘Elvis Perkins in Dearland’

Elvis Perkins’s story is one of transformation through tragedy; his father died of complications due to AIDS in 1992. Nearly nine years to the day later, his mother died in the attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. To deal with loss through music can be a powerful way to relieve one’s sadness. Yet, on the first release with his full band, Perkins tries a different route: Let the past settle in peace, and try to have a good time while we’re here. Death still lingers in the corners, but the ideas shine through: Life’s a party. Maybe death is too.

— C.H.

P.O.S. ‘Never Better’

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros ‘Up From Below’

With comparisons to both the Arcade Fire and the Mamas and the Papas, it’s hard to believe that Edward Sharpe was once just Alex Ebert, front man for Ima Robot. On the debut, he crafts an album that is beautiful, uplifting and even pop-sensible. — N.B.

Girls ‘Girls’

Decemberists Wilco ‘Hazards of “Wilco (the album)” Love’

To describe The Hazards of Love as “ambitious” is to understate the audacity and brilliance of Colin Meloy’s songwriting and his band’s ability to captivate the listener.

— C.H.

Wilco continues their reign as the alternative scene’s Great American Band, recalling their past with an album of fun and wistful songs.

— C.H.

Sunny Nights Tanning Salon

Holiday

Tanning Specials!

TUESDAY'S SPECIALS

3 Tans on Gold............................ $10.00 3 Tans on Platinum.....................$16.00 3 Tans on Diamond..................... $21.50

Passion Pit ‘Manners’

Front man Michael Angelakos proved that Passion Pit was much more than a Valentine’s Day gimmick with his band’s first album, a decadent stroll through New York City nightlife. Angelakos and his crew achieve what few newly signed bands have — a more polished sound without losing any charm.

— N.B.

Thursday, December 3, 2009T

THURSDAY'S SPECIALS $3.00 Tans on Gold ALL DAY!

Minneapolis rapper P.O.S. explores the dark, dirty edges of hip-hop and punk and creates startlingly great music. Every track showcases his skill in ways few MCs have ever attempted before, and nothing is out of place.

— C.H.

The San Franciscan group’s debut could easily be mistaken as yet another throwback to the Beach Boys, but its bare-bones sound and undeniable catchiness is a thing of beauty, masking the pain behind its frontman’s illustrious upbringing.

— N.B.

THE LIBRARY WILL BE OPEN WITH LIMITED SERVICES DURING WINTER BREAK Check lib.mnsu.edu "Library Hours" or call (507) 389-6201 for more details.

Regular hours & services will resume January 11.

FREE BIRTHDAY TANS!

GLOW CALENDAR 365 Days of Specials • Come in and see what today's is!

WE GIVE AWAY FREE TANS EVERYDAY! HOURS: Mon.-Thurs., 9am-9pm; Fri.,-Sat., 9am-7pm; Sun., 10am-3pm

320 Stadium Road • Suite 400

388-TANN(8266)

Come visit North Mankato's newest Mexican restaurant!

1802 Commerce Drive, North Mankato

385-1955

Kids under 12 Eat FREE Sundays Up to 3 per family or group (children's menu only) MONDAY SPECIAL: Burritos Tipicos......................................................$6.75 TUESDAY SPECIAL: Carnitas.................................................................. $7.25 Margarita Wednesdays: All Day 14 oz. $2.49 • Flavored $2.99 THURSDAY SPECIAL: Quesadilla Deluxe..................................................$5.75 Happy Hours: M-F 3-6 • 12 oz. Tap 99¢ + tax Check online for monthly specials: www.plazagaribaldinewulm.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Variety

ALBUMS: DECADE

Kanye West ‘The College Dropout’

The unknown man behind the mixing table, hidden within the credits of Jay-Z tracks, finally got his chance to step into the limelight. With impeccable flow, impenetrable drive and impregnable egoism, Kanye West began what would become a career of crafting hip-hop that could relate to both the truest of underground hip-hop fans and top-40 lovers alike.

— N.B.

continued from 21

Wilco ‘Yankee Hotel Foxtrot’

Yankee Hotel Foxtrot: Front man Jeff Tweedy breaks our hearts, proposes a war on war and weeps among “The Ashes of American Flags.” Recently deceased Wilco member Jay Bennett was reportedly the genius behind this early 2000s album.

It doesn’t seem possible that the country/folk album could get any better, but the fact that he has passed on may indeed add to the power and beauty this album filled with sweeping melodies and bittersweet vocals contains.

— N.B.

Radiohead ‘In Rainbows’

One of the greatest bands of all time looks back on a career of innovation and comes out with its warmest, most immediately enrapturing work to date.

— C.H.

M.I.A. ‘Kala’

An album with global aspirations that also features the grittiness of an old-fashioned hip-hop mixtape, the ever-charismatic art student managed to give shout outs to poverty and AIDs in Africa while simultaneously produce one of the hottest tracks of the decade in “Paper Planes.”

— N.B.

Reporter • Page 25

The Strokes ‘Is This It?’

Within a wave of bands sounding like English garage rock ripoffs, this band was by far the most original and best among the rest, and they knew it too.

The band went from virtually unknown to having labels compete in a bidding war over their album filled with nefarious nightlife portrayals of NYC. — N.B.

Jay Z ‘Blueprint’ The face of Roc-a-fella, Notorious B.I.G.’s successor, the Don of hip-hop. Jay-Z epitomizes all these titles no greater than on “The Bluprint,” an album that will be Jay’s legacy when he finally does lay down the mic. — N.B.

Call Jeremy to schedule a showing

507.351.5192

NOW PRE-LEASING FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR

NOW HIRING!

Got Time After School?

The top albums of the year and decade were compiled by Variety Editor Nate Brennan (NB) and Staff Writer Christian Hagen (CH).

College is hard enough, Let us simplify your living arrangements!

Illinois is hardly just an album about a state. It’s about the landmarks and people that embody the American spirit, the soul of the lonely man lost on a big planet, and the power, for good or ill, of our imaginations.

Stevens researched the history of a place and found his soul in the tales of buildings erected and people slain. At times fervent and thrilling, at times peaceful and reflective, “Illinois’” is a true landmark of independent music.

— C.H.

Evening Shifts $9.50 per hour starting plus incentive opportunities.

Big Boi and Andre 3000 are their own entity within the world of hip-hop. Even apart they can create an album better than most rappers put together. And at the beginning of the century, the two managed to make an album so diverse, so smooth, so hot and so ahead of it’s time.

— N.B.

Trying to figure it all out?

Sufjan Stevens ‘Illinois’

Part-time Permanent Positions As A Phone Fundraiser

Outkast ‘Stankonia’

Beautiful Outdoor Pool

Spacious Apartments

Serene Lifestyle

Quiet Atmosphere

Visit our booth at the Housing Fair on March 3rd!

FREE Parking on Campus 1 Mile from Campus 2 Bedrooms Laundry Facilities Heat & Water included Picnic Area with Grills Volleyball Court

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)

115 Parkway Avenue Mankato, MN 56001 Call for information

388-5996

Equal Opportunity Employer

Visit our website: www.mfdc.com/glenwood

Classifieds

www.msureporter.com

Thursday, December 3, 2009

T

(507) 389-1776

For Rent

For Rent

Help Wanted

Roommates Wanted

Sublease

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

12/03 WE’RE NOT YOUR AVERAGE Slumlord. www.rentmsu.net College Houses Available For Rent.

12/03 GO TO THIS SITE... NOW! www. wiserentsmankato.com. Quality, Affordable Housing. Contact Jeremy at (507) 351-5192. 12/03 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 507-340-3465.

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

12/3 FOR 2ND SEMESTER TWO 3 bedrooms Apt. $645 + utilities $725 includes-heat,w,s,g/ OSP Jim 507-345-2049.

12/03

WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? www.collegetownmankato.com A community of your own. 12/03 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.

12/03 3 BR UPPER DUPLEX, QUIET neighborhood near Lincoln Community Center. On-Site W/D $780/mo + utilities. 507-3400332.

12/03 AVAILABLE AUGUST 1ST 4,5 and 6 bedroom houses/ apt. Newly remodeled, close to campus on bus route. Sign a lease today and receive $$ off August rent. 385-1999.

1/28

STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM PAID survey takers needed in Mankato.

100% FREE to join! Click on surveys.

1/12 YAEGER BUS SERVICE IS NOW hiring PT school bus route drivers and sports drivers. Excellent pay and performance bonuses. Hours work well for college schedules, homemakers or a second job.

Training provided. Call 507-3455470.

ROOM FOR ADULT IN CLEAN family home. Internet, $350 & other options. Semi or unfurnished. Call 382-9596.

12/03 WANTED: TWO QUIET FEMALE students roommates for fall 2010/ spring 2011 lease. Rent $275 plus electric. Call 952-693-6766.

12/03

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

12/03 AVAILABLE NOW 2 BEDROOM apartment. Near MSU, new updates, windows, cabinets, carpet. $650/month. Call 507340-1177.

12/03

Help Wanted

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

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

4/29

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

Complete Interior & Exterior Detailing

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

12/03

1429 N. Riverfront Mankato

507-317-1573

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.

SO YOU'RE GRADUATING AND YOU WANT TO PARTY...

Be smart! Have a DD! Ask for your FREE DD Cup at these participating businesses...

Affordable Towing of Mankato, Inc. 24 Hour Service

Participating businesses will supply a DD Cup & FREE soda to the designated driver!

• Towing • Unlock Service • Starting • Credit Cards Accepted 507-388-8697 s r

r

TM

GREAT HOLIDAY GIFTS! SHOP ON-CAMPUS BEFORE BREAK! PlayStation 3 • Nintendo Wii • Guitar Hero III • Garmin GPS Dell Wasabi Photo Printer

NEW

99

$

(reg. $144)

Print photos directly from your cell phone! Inkless! Bluetooth enabled!

Camcorders 69-$129

$

NEW 16GB iPod Nano In Stock!!

20 Centennial Student Union 507-389-1907 http://store.mnsu.edu

Only students, faculty and staff of MNSU are eligible to purchase from the Campus Computer Store and receive services from Electronic Repair.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

2 h t . e

M

, -

Advertisement

Reporter • Page 27

Page 28 • Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, December 3, 2009