December 1, 2016

The

Minnesota State University, Mankato

www.msureporter.com

THURSDAY DECEMBER 1, 2016

Taking your studies outside of the U.S. One student gives his testimonial for studying abroad.

Opinion

LUKE LARSON Staff Writer In the heat of final tests and papers, plans for the next academic year are probably not the first thing to come to mind. But the semester is winding down and the incessant demands of classes will soon fade away. Christmas break is a wonderful time to reflect and consider future options. One such option that is readily available to MNSU students is study abroad. I made that decision last semester, taking Spanish courses at Estudio Sampere in the lovely city of Cuenca, Ecuador.

As anyone who has spent some deal of time there knows, Cuenca is a global destination. To those who have fallen in love with the city and its beautiful architecture, safe and friendly atmosphere, breathtaking natural surroundings, and fascinating culture, it’s little surprise that tourists choose to visit Cuenca. An April 2014 article in El Mercurio reported that the amount of tourists in Cuenca had grown by 276% over the past five years, tallying some 220,000 foreign tourists. Cuenca is also home to a thriving expatriate community. Tania Sarmiento, director of the Fundación Municipal Turismo para Cuenca, claimed in a January USA Today article that Cuenca is now home to 5,000 expatriates. But in addition to tourists and expatriates, the allure of Cuenca has also drawn in a third category: students.

Many of these students come, along with an eager

TODAY’S FEATURED STORIES

Photo by Luke Larson desire to learn the Spanish language, to Estudio Sampere. Though most are young adults of high school or college age, there are students of all ages, from children to retired adults.

Some come for no more than a week, others come for up to half a year. Many stay with local host families. According to its website, www.sampere. com, Estudio Sampere began in Madrid in 1956 and currently has five different language schools across the world: three in Spain and two in Latin America. The school in Cuenca, found alongside the escalinata at Hermano Miguel 3-43 and Calle Larga, was founded in October 1995. Sampere Cuenca students have a unique perspective on life in Cuenca, being more than just tourists, but not quite full residents, either.

“I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish,” says Patricia Rea of Sunnyvale, California, who spent six months in Cuenca, taking courses at Estudio Sampere.

“I researched language schools and I found Estudio Sampere. Cuenca was less expensive than the Spain schools.”

For Narlea Lentfer of Grafton, Australia, her time spent in Cuenca a few months ago at Estudio Sampere was a dream ten years in the making.

“Ten years ago, I decided I wanted to learn some Spanish. I looked up all the countries that spoke Spanish and picked Ecuador,” she says.

“It just seemed amazing.”

Whatever the inspiration that led them to Cuenca, learning Spanish has been a central component of all of their experiences here.

The whole city becomes a classroom, immersing students in the language daily. Apart from language courses, Sampere Cuenca offers classes on Latin American history, literature, and art, all of which are taught completely in Spanish.

The students, who take a few hours of classes every

weekday, come with a variety of prior Spanish abilities.

MNSU senior Mikyla Denney came to Estudio Sampere to take courses for her Spanish degree and conduct research for an anthropology project on the Quichua language. She is one of the students who arrived in Cuenca already having a fairly advanced grasp of the Spanish language. At the conclusion of her semester at Estudio Sampere, she was confident that her fluency had increased.

“I think simply just speaking Spanish all the time was the best thing,” she says, adding that guidance from native speakers was immensely beneficial.

“In the United States, when I say something incorrect, nobody says anything, so it’s better when someone says ‘no, it’s this.’”

The language barrier can make the transition more difficult for those, like Lentfer, on the other end of the spectrum.

“It was a bit of a shock for

Reporter life is more than a résumé builder

‘Tis the season to spread that Christmas cheer

Men’s basketball ready for NSIC play

Page 6

Page 14

Page 19

me, because I hadn’t realized how difficult Spanish was going to be,” she says.

“It’s just being able to understand and be understood, really. If I want to catch a bus, [it’s difficult to find out if I] am actually getting on the right bus to the right place.”

Nadine Graf of Basel, Switzerland was in a similar situation as Lentfer, but says that after a few months of study at Estudio Sampere, she is now “proud of [her] progress.”

“My Spanish has improved greatly, from a very basic level to an upper intermediate level. But the most important thing is that now I can speak it and understand it without problem.”

“When I tell people about the school, I say [that] they’re very professional,” says Rea. “I think it’s a great school.”

Laura Tschaftari of Nuremberg, Germany studied at Estudio Sampere for three months from this past January to April. For her, the school provided an ideal learning environment.

“You can learn a lot more in small groups than in big groups,” she says. Class sizes rarely reach above eight students and classes of three students, two students, or even a single student are not uncommon.

“Because of that I think that, especially for people who are at a lower level, you can learn a lot. The professors are very friendly, the director is very friendly, there are lots of activities, and because of that I think it’s a very good school.”

Apart from their studies, students come ready to dive into life in Cuenca and to experience the culture. The

ABROAD page 4

Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

News Editor Nicole Schmidt nicole.schmidt-3@mnsu.edu

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Don’t be cliché: Unique classes to enroll in now Opinion

ALISSA THIELGES Staff Writer A new semester is right around the corner, lurking, and with that comes new classes. If you haven’t registered already, you will want to get on that. To help you out, here is a list composed of classes you might not have thought about taking, but should.

Whether you are trying to fulfill general education goals or just want to add an extra course, these classes can make studying fun!

AST 115: Life in the Universe Have you ever wondered if there are other lifeforms out there? In this class, students will be able to analyze the probability of extraterrestrial intelligent life. Subjects that will be talked about include: the chemical basis of life; habitable zones; UFOs; space travel; interstellar communication; and limits on technical civilizations. This course is two credits, fulfills the general education goal areas two and three and is offered during both the fall and spring semesters.

MATH 110: Perspectives in Mathematics I know what you’re thinking; how did math make this list?

But this isn’t your normal algebra class. This is a class about applied mathematics, which is the study of numbers, quantity and space.

The best part? No advance mathematics is required.

Just your basic addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The focus is on applying mathematics to your everyday life and how it can be found virtually anywhere, from music, to business, to art, and even games. Recommended for people who math makes their heads hurt. This is a three credit class that fulfills goal area four. It is offered fall, spring and summer.

ANTH 120: Forensic Science: An Anthropological Approach Have you even wanted to solve crime like the people on TV? Maybe you have an itching to be the next Abby Sciuto, from NCIS, or your idol is Dr. Temperance Brennen from Bones. Whatever the case, this class can help

CC by Vladsinger at English Wikipedia bring out your inner forensic scientist. Students will learn how to collect, preserve and analyze evidence pertaining to human remains. Subjects include skeletal trauma, victim identification, bitemark analysis, and crime scene recovery methods. A three credit course that can go toward goal area three in your general education.

ANTH 245: The Social Life of Swearing Shut the front door! Believe it or not, MNSU actually offers a class where you get to study profanities. Students will study the historical evolution and modern usage of profanity language in order to determine what makes a word qualify as “bad”? They will also consider gender, race and class in order to

analyze how curse words vary across cultures. A three credit class, this fulfills goal areas five and eight, and is a purple diverse culture credit.

It is available on-demand in the fall, spring and summer.

THEA 101: Acting for Everyone Love to perform? Then the stage might be calling for you!

Beginner friendly, students will be given exercises to practices their acting and will have the chance to perform scenes from different types of plays. This class is worth three credits and fulfills goal area six. It is offered fall and spring.

Arts classes There’s drawing, painting, water colors, sculpting, ceramics, photography, and even graphic design. Most of these require you to take the basic ART 100: Elements and Principles of Art, but if this is something you are interested in, it would be worth it. You might even be able to make a minor out of it.

Dance classes Learn how to dance by taking DANC 120: Introduction to Dance, for three credits. The class helps students develop an understanding of dance techniques and how it plays

a role in cultures around the world. You can take an even more specific class which focus on contemporary, jazz, ballet, tap, and even AfroCaribbean style.

Human Performance (HP) classes If nothing else peaks your interest, there are a range of HP classes that offer a chance to learn a new skill or expand on something you already do well at. Courses include intercollegiate sports – volleyball, softball, baseball, football, golf, tennis, hockey, soccer, track, etc. – to fitness and exercise classes – yoga, aerobic conditioning, handball, sports activities, etc. – to water activities – swimming, sailing, canoeing, lifeguard training, and aquatic skills. HP also offers a HP 178: Social, Folk and Square Dance Techniques class. For women, HP 130: Self-Defense for Women is a popular choice. If getting up and active isn’t your fancy, HP offers a class on both bowling and billiards, which meets in the Bullpen in the CSU. Most of these classes are one credit and fulfill goal area 11.

As you can see there are plenty of classes to choose from if you are looking to branch out into something new. College is the time to try new things; you never know, you may discover a new area of interest or hobby.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 3

News

Five tasks for every productive student this break Winter break is for more than catching up on missed sleep.

Opinion REPORTER ARCHIVE

Can you believe the fall 2015 semester is nearly completed?

Visions of sleeping in, Christmas cookies, and a long month off are certainly creeping into the minds of stress-filled students here at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

But before you write off your whole winter break as a time for ‘personal reflection,’ consider these five things every productive college student should accomplish over break.

1. Apply for internships and scholarships Although it may be tempting to shut your computer down for good and not dream of visiting mnsu. edu for a good month, resist the urge! The winter break is a perfect time to search for a

of the notebooks, not the christening of new ones. But as the days drag on during break, you may find that going to the store to get some folders and eggnog may be alright. Stock up on new folders, notebooks, pens, and any other supplies that have dwindled away or disappeared altogether over the long semester.

Over break, you should also review your course schedule at the e-services site. If you are dying to get into a class, keep an eye on the course every day; you may be surprised to find that a seat might open up. Sending an email to the course instructor could also secure your spot.

3. Update that old résumé. Yes, I’m talking to you.

It’s surprising how easily the good old résumé can be forgotten. I recently dragged mine out from the

“Along with internships come scholarships, and winter break is an excellent time to apply. Taking the time to ready your application over break will ensure the best quality of your work, done relatively stress free.” summer job or internship. In fact, many internships and job applications have a deadline sometime before January.

The break will also allow you to kindly request any letters of recommendation from people who may have been to busy to do so during the semester.

If you are having trouble finding internships, consider using mavjobs. com, looksharp.com, and internships.com Along with internships come scholarships, and winter break is an excellent time to apply. Taking the time to ready your application over break will ensure the best quality of your work, done relatively stress free.

Searching at mnsu.edu for scholarships within your field could end up saving you a couple hundred dollars come next fall.

2. Organize for next semester I know, I know. The end of a semester usually heralds the time of the burning

digital cobwebs in my “Job Items” folder. Needless to say, nannying is not my most recent job activity anymore.

Your résumé is important, so give it a revamp over the chilly winter days. Make sure you consider all of the volunteer hours you have done, as well as any new references you may have attained over this sociable semester.

4. Start your apartment search Your living situation is very important. While you are relishing in the fact that you have a working dishwasher, take note of all of the amenities you want your next apartment, duplex, or house to have. Search www.katoapartments.com to find a neat and tidy list of apartments available in the Mankato area.

If you are looking to renew your lease, contact your current apartment branch and see if you can receive any discounts for renewing.

Before you sign, also consider

CC0 from Pexels your bank account. If you love your current apartment but are lacking in funds, you may need to reconsider where you live.

Of course, you can’t have an apartment without roommates! Over the break, consider new roommates and ask current ones what their plans are for the next semester. This will prevent a nervous breakdown towards the end of the spring semester if your friends were thinking of living elsewhere for quite some time.

5. Take time to relax Lastly (and certainly

the most important in my opinion), please relax this break! From what I’ve heard from students, this semester has taken its toll. According to www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, “Fifty percent [of students] report daytime sleepiness and seventy percent attain insufficient sleep.” Use this time during winter break to renew your zapped energy by getting at least sevennine hours of sleep per night.

You’ll be surprised how much more energy you will have with a full night’s rest.

I would also recommend taking one day to treat

yourself over the break.

Whether you go get a manicure or stay home and watch football all day, taking one whole day to do what you want (with no guilt from the lack of productivity!) can help you reboot for the spring of 2016.

So go ahead! Don’t hesitate to be productive during your vacation. You may find it was the most important thing you did all break.

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR FINALS! END OF THE SEMESTER HOURS: FRIDAY, DEC. 2...................... 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM SATURDAY, DEC. 3..............10:00 AM - 10:00 PM SUNDAY, DEC. 4................... 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM MONDAY, DEC. 5.....................7:30 AM - 2:00 AM TUESDAY, DEC. 6.....................7:30 AM - 2:00 AM WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7...............7:30 AM - 2:00 AM THURSDAY, DEC. 8..................7:30 AM - 2:00 AM FRIDAY, DEC. 9........................ 7:30 AM - 7:00 PM SATURDAY, DEC. 10..............10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

4 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Time to celebrate: Different religious traditions this month From Ramadan to Kwanza, there is plenty to celebrate this December.

STEPHANIE VOGEL Staff Writer The campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato is alive with people from cultures and traditions around the world. To celebrate the diversity of the world and of this campus, here are seven holidays besides Christmas celebrated by people around the world.

1. Ramadan is an Islamic month of prayer and fasting, beginning at the 9th lunar month of every year.

This year, the month took place from June to July, but sometimes, the month lands in December. Lanterns are hung from houses and mosques during the celebration.

2. Dashain is a Hindu

festival held in Nepal. It lasts for 15 days and falls in September or October. It includes animal sacrifice and religious rituals. Flying kites, playing cards, and buying and wearing new clothes are popular ways to celebrate Dashain.

3. Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, takes place every autumn. Spiritually, it represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. To celebrate, people decorate their houses, dress in their best clothes, and light up lamps outside their homes.

4. Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday which celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple. It was the second temple to be

built in Jerusalem after the destruction of Solomon’s temple. The nine-branched menorah is used to hold candles. One candle is lit every night of the holiday, which lasts for eight nights.

The ninth candle sits in a prominent place and is used to light the eight candles.

People play the dreidel and eat food such as pancakes and doughnuts.

5. Vesak, also called “Buddha’s Bir thday,” commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. People assemble in temples to pray, and animals who have been kept in captivity are released. It is also a day of charity, to bring gifts and cash to charitable homes and help the sick, handicapped, and aged.

ABROAD

Continued from page 1

6. American Indian Heritage Day, or Native American Day, is celebrated on the fourth Friday in September. It is a holiday in California, South Dakota, and Tennessee which celebrates the Native American cultures and their contributions to their states and the United States.

7. Kwanzaa honors the African heritage of African American culture in the United States. It is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. Each of the seven days of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of the seven principles which African Americans hold in common. The seven principles are: unity, selfdetermination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

A candle is lit on a candelabra for each of the seven days.

The prominent holiday celebrated in this part of the world is, of course, Christmas. But how much do

you really know about this holiday that comes around every December? Here are some facts about Christmas.

The Christmas season does not actually start until Christmas day, which celebrates the birth of Christ. Four weeks before Christmas, Advent is celebrated in preparation for Jesus’ birth. The feast of St. Stephen, mentioned in the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslaus” is celebrated on Dec. 26. The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph is celebrated in the week after Christmas, and the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God is celebrated on New Year’s Day. The Christmas season ends with the Epiphany, which is on the first Sunday of January. The epiphany commemorates the three kings coming to visit the baby Jesus.

Have a warmhearted winter break celebrated with family and friends, and happy New Year!

“Naturally, there are challenges and uncertainties to be confronted that come along with having the courage to live in a foreign land.” school offers a host of weekly cultural activities including dance lessons, film showings, museum tours, cooking classes, and day trips to sites like El Cajas National Park, Ingapirca, and the Girón waterfall.

“My experience has been really amazing,” says Rea. “The people have been very kind, and the city is beautiful and clean. For me, the culture has been the most pleasant thing. [The people here in Cuenca] seem very nice and accepting of foreigners and willing to talk to you.”

Naturally, there are challenges and uncertainties to be confronted that come along with having the courage to live in a foreign land. While many report very positive experiences, the home stay experience can be one such challenge.

Stefan Klausson, a Sampere Cuenca student from Berlin, Germany who spent time studying in Colombia before arriving in Cuenca, admits to having been frustrated at times by the fact that his host family in Cuenca did not interact with him as much as he would have liked.

“This is a risk of living with a [host] family. For me, it’s just

a stark change because my [host] family in Colombia was very interested and talked a lot with me.”

He argues that to adapt successfully and take advantage of time spent abroad, you need to learn to take the good with the bad.

“If you want to see something different, you have to accept that you won’t like [everything] you see so much.”

“Everything is different: the food, the people, the mentality. It’s very interesting,” says Tschaftari. “[In] Germany we are accustomed to efficiency.

Everything works, everything is very fast, very efficient, and I think that the mentality outside of Germany is a little more relaxed. When things don’t work, for a German it is very frustrating. It is very different because there isn’t that efficiency.”

But despite any hardships or challenges, all the students interviewed for this article report being thrilled with their time spent in the city of Cuenca.

“It was a marvelous and unforgettable experience!” says Graf of her time in Cuenca, who afterwards left for another experience in

Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

“I was positively surprised by how you can become accustomed to a place, as if it were your new home. Don’t worry if you feel a little weird at the beginning because you have to adapt to many new things: the altitude, the food, the weather, the culture. You can take advantage of the experience to the fullest if you try to accustom yourself to the way of life with tolerance for the differences in the culture.”

Indigo Isaakson of Pine City echoes Nadine’s advice. “Don’t be afraid! Try everything. Try cuy, try food you’ve never tried in your life, and try things you’ve never done before. Don’t be afraid to speak because the people here are not critical. You can’t speak perfectly – don’t be afraid of that. Talk a lot – all the time with your family, with people on the street, with vendors, with waiters, everyone.”

Those interested in learning more about the study abroad opportunities offered through MNSU, can visit www.mnsu.edu/ studyabroad or visit the Kearney International Center.

TO

5

$

JOIN

Join now!

/HR RATES

Thanks to

EnterpriseCarShare.com/mnsu

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 5

News

Record charitable donations reported for Giving Tuesday NEW YORK (AP) — Giving Tuesday, a 5-yearold phenomenon aimed at encouraging online charitable giving, produced record-shattering donations this week, according to two organizations which tracked the flow of gifts.

The 92nd Street Y in New York City, credited for launching the event in 2012, said Wednesday that contributions reported by organizations in the U.S. and abroad for a 24-hour period total $168 million — up from about $117 million in 2015.

It said there were roughly 1.6 million donations, coming from people in nearly 100 countries.

Blackbaud, a software company that serves many nonprofits, reported that it processed $47.7 million in online donations Tuesday for more than 6,700 organizations — a 20 percent increase in giving over last year. It said 22 percent of the donations were made via a mobile device.

In its first year in 2012, under the aegis of the 92nd Street Y, Giving Tuesday generated about $10 million

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press in donations after being pitched as a way to promote charity on the heels of Thanksgiving weekend’s big shopping days. In subsequent years, it has mushroomed into a decentralized global movement, with nonprofits of all types soliciting donations, promoting volunteerism and encouraging acts of kindness.

The 92nd Street Y received detailed reports from many of the participating organizations. Among them: —A Baltimore nonprofit called Thread organized a “Love Notes to Baltimore” campaign where residents wrote uplifting messages in chalk on streets.

—Volunteers in Bethel,

Alaska, stood in below-zero weather to accept donations for local nonprofits.

—The Humane Society of the United States exceeded its target of $200,000, with a total of $350,000 raised.

—The University of Michigan’s campaign raised $5.5 million in 24 hours, compared to $4.3 million last

The Career Development Center is available to help you with your resume, cover letter, interview skills, and more!

And don't forget to check MavJobs regularly for job openings!

Visit us at: mnsu.edu/cdc

year.

Numerous progressive organizations, in their Giving Tuesday appeals, made reference to the recent election victories of Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

“When I look around today, I see how far we’ve come — and how far we have left to go now that Donald Trump has been elected,” said an appeal from Barbara Miller, who serves on the board of the National Organization for Women.

On the right flank, the conservative Media Research Center appealed for donations to help it counter “the liberal media.”

Henry Timms, executive director of the 92nd Street Y and co-founder of Giving Tuesday, said the event’s success was due to “the work of ordinary people all over the country.”

“For all those things that may divide us, we all share a proud tradition of giving,” he said.

Got a job?

Going to grad school?

Tell us about it! Take the Graduate Survey at http:// link.mnsu.edu/ graduatesurvey

6 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, December 1, 2016 EMAIL THE EMAIL THE EDITOR CHIEF: EDITOR IN IN CHIEF:

Reporter life is more than a résumé builder One staff writer reflects on lessons learned in journalism.

Opinion

RAE MATTHEW FRAME EBERLINE alyssa.frame

matthew.eberline @mnsu.edu @mnsu.edu OR AT reporter-editor OR AT @mnsu.edu reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

FALL 2016 2015 EDITOR IN IN CHIEF: CHIEF: EDITOR Matthew Eberline..................389-5454 Rae Frame.............................389-5454 NEWS EDITOR: NEWS EDITOR: Nicole Schmidt......................389-5450 Nicole Schmidt.......................389-5450 SPORTS EDITOR: SPORTS EDITOR: Tommy Wiita. .......................................

Luke Lonien............................389-5227 A&E EDITOR: Gabe Hewitt........................................

VARIETY EDITOR: Matthew Eberline................... 389-5157 ADVERTISING SALES: ............. 389-5451 Josh Crew, Manager.

ADVERTISING SALES: TravisBoehmer........................389-5097 Meyer.........................389-5097 Mac Brandon Poliszuk....................389-5453 389-1063 Mitchell Favor.......................

Josh MarkCrew..............................389-5451 Mitchell........................ 389-1079 Jacob Wyffels........................ 389-6765 Kelsey Nelson.......................389-5453 389-6765 Connor Daly.........................

BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad. . ..........................

389-1926 BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad........................... 389-1926 AD. DESIGN/PROD. MGR.: Dana Clark............................

AD. DESIGN/PROD. MGR.:389-2793 Dana Clark........................... 389-2793

ELLYN GIBBS Staff Writer You are reading my last article for The Reporter.

At the top of the year, I’ll be relocating to central New Hampshire, so I can complete an internship I need to graduate in May. As a sign-off, I decided to leave all of you loyal Reporter readers with four ways that writing for my college paper has benefitted me. That way, in case you’re waffling about becoming a writer next spring, maybe I can push you over the edge and help you make a decision.

1. Reporting got me involved Right after I began writing for the paper in October of 2015, I really began paying attention to events on campus. The pressure to submit two articles per week sometimes sent me scrambling for an event to cover on campus that I would not have attended otherwise.

For instance, who knew that Quidditch was so much fun? I wouldn’t have tried it unless I had to write an article about

POLICIES & INFO Photo courtesy of The Associated Press it.

2. Reporting is an excuse to talk to people These days, it’s a little odd to start asking strangers deep and personal questions about their hobbies or way of life. However, if I prefaced any conversation with, “I write for The Reporter and I’m wondering if I can interview you…” I usually received license to ask anything I wanted! Through interviews, I got to know lots of people and clubs on campus with interesting opinions and unusual lives. One of my favorite interviews happened

Pulse ALLISON HENDERSON BUSINESS

THAO DO INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

“I’m going back home to volunteer at a local store called Neighbors.”

“I plan on staying in Mankato.”

with the Democrat club during a giant snowstorm that shut down campus. The spirited discussion that happened between members was worth my perilous drive home.

3. Reporting gave me a platform for my passions The college paper gives writers a lot of freedom in choosing their subjects and different “beats.” My best articles were about my chosen field – campus recreation, in which I covered the rock climbing competitions, recreation themed clubs, and Maverick Adventures, the outline for a new branch

of the Adventure Education Program. College is a place that is full of different outlets for creativity, and I got to choose the ones I was most interested in to write about.

If you start writing for the paper, consider your personal passions and ask how you can spread those farther across campus and connect with those who share your interests.

4. Reporting helped

NEWSPAPER page 8

“What are your plans for winter break?”

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would or would likelike to point to point outout an an error error made made in the in the Reporter, Reporter, callcall Editor Editor in Chief in Chief Matthew Rae Eberline Frame atat 507-389-5454.

507-389-5454.

The The Reporter Reporter will will correct correct any any errors errors of fact of fact or misspelled or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a 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 $55.00 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.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Compiled by Jasmine Vorasane

CONNOR HAKENSON UNDECIDED

CASEY LEASURE SPECIAL EDUCATION

MEGAN VOSS RPLS (THERAPUTIC REP)

“Go home and see my family.”

“I’m going home.”

“I get to go to Vegas for a college bowling tournament and work.”

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 7

News

1250 Monks Avenue Mankato

507-345-4011 Bethel Baptist Mankato

"God's Person Foretold: Unfolding God's Promise for Us" DECEMBER 11...........God’s Peace Foretold, 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m.

DECEMBER 18... God’s Provision Foretold, 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m.

DECEMBER 24..............Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 4 p.m.

DECEMBER 25............... “God’s Person Revealed” Service, 10 a.m.

www.BethelBaptistChurchMankato.com

Hope Interfaith Center All Sacred Pathways Honored Whatever the problem? Love is the solution!

Whatever the question? Love is the answer!

A metaphysical Spiritual Center for personal growth and Spiritual Community For classes, events, and more information: www.hopeinterfaithcenter.com Spiritual Service is on the Second Sunday of each month at 10am.

Hope Interfaith Center 114 Phol Road • Mankato, MN • 507-386-1242

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Mankato We are a welcoming people of diverse beliefs who commit to nourish the spirit, broaden the mind, nurture the earth and build community.

Sunday Services at 10:30am

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.

937 Charles Ave. • 507-388-5022 www.uumankato.org

Love Beyond Belief

150 Stadium Court Mankato, MN

507-387-6592

WORSHIP AT 9 A.M. Followed by THE GAP at 10:30 a.m.

A PROGRESSIVE OPEN AND AFFIRMING CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

www.mankatoucc.org

Sunday, December 25th at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, December 24th at 5 p.m.

CHRISTMAS SERVICE

Advent Gathering: A service of Music, Reflections, Prayers and Candle Lighting Sunday, Dec. 4th, 4 p.m.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL

354 Carol Court North Mankato, MN

507-345-7451

www.riverridgekato.org

! ing us uild in Jo PA b d

hin Be

S D PU AR M O CA UPB D Y C OO TR 11-3 F AN ays P sd e Tu

su m s_

ad s t ee sro ad tes Tw cros ro ss da @ ro Up :C & FB ws Ne

hip s w llo ts!! e F en ev

.

s ue T 1 r$ n fo m o h p nc -1 Lu am 11

Worship on Wednesday Nights at 8pm!

Bible Studies and Events are being planned! Check Facebook for times!

Bible Study - Thursdays at 3:30pm

331 DILLON (ACROSS FROM TRAFTON EAST)

8 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Letter to the Editor: The burden of free speech To Whom it May Concern, While serving as the Editor in Chief for this campus’ newspaper, I worked to ensure that free speech remained a protected right on this campus; while it is not always an easy responsibility to uphold, the Reporter has seen the ways in which the student body benefits from the right to free discussion in this, a public forum.

in them.

Af ter years of spearheading unrepentant racial and sexual harassment online, this person was permanently removed from Twitter this summer for instigating a hate campaign against Ghostbusters actress Leslie Jones.

While supporters declared this as an act of censorship against free speech, others saw this as the social media

“From my first day on campus to now, I have thought Minnesota State University, Mankato has done an admirable job in welcoming many diverse voices to speak and be heard on campus.”

From my first day on campus to now, I have thought Minnesota State University, Mankato has done an admirable job in welcoming many diverse voices to speak and be heard on campus. So it was on this basis that I held back over the announcement that the campus would, at the invitation of a student group, be hosting a prominent writer from the alt-right extremist site Breitbart.

Briefly, this is a person who only survives on negative attention, making his name from gleefully slinging hate and lies. He doesn’t deserve the words written about him; his name won’t be included

platform’s first real steps towards protecting its users against harassment.

See, while it may be a vast entity connecting the world, Twitter isn’t a public forum and can take measures to protect its users from attacks the same way a private business can shut down someone screaming racial obscenities at its customers.

But even the notably permissive Twitter saw fit here to draw the line with someone who did irreparable damage to their community.

Admittedly, having the university cancel this event on those grounds would certainly bring around a discussion regarding the

GOOD LUCK WITH FINALS WEEK MAVERICKS!

507-387-4260 Paid for by the Frentz for Senate Committee, 3 Civic Center Plaza, Suite 300, Mankato, MN Stephanie Stoffel, Treasurer

www.frentzforsenate.com

restriction of free speech. But I believe that this university should have exercised more caution when the use of hate speech and slurs against the LGBT community are explicitly used in the banner for this particular speaking engagement on this campus.

It bears mentioning that hate speech, threats, and “fighting words,” are not explicitly protected under the first amendment, and I believe that the language used by both the anticipated speaker on a regular basis and by this event’s advertising is hate speech and is a special instance that calls

for the University to protect its students—not from an exchange of ideas, but by deliberate hateful language that threatens the safety of our diverse and beautiful student body.

MNSU is facing the same dilemma now that Twitter dealt with this summer. On the grounds of free speech, a platform has been given to someone who is the complete antithesis of the values of education, respect, and inclusivity the university is known for. Even with our eternal responsibility in mind, I would argue the need for more counseling and

guidance from administrators to student groups in extreme or especially ill-fitting situations like this. If free speech is recognized here, it is the voices of the students that should be heard, high and above the voice of any potential speaker.

Sincerely, James Schuyler Houtsma Former Reporter Editor in Chief Rae Frame Former Reporter Editor in Chief

NEWSPAPER

Continued from page 6

me learn to meet deadlines As a fiction writer before college, I enjoyed taking my time, and often getting distracted with character mapping or worldbuilding.

When I entered the journalism world, I had to learn how to write tight, clean copy on a deadline.

The Reporter’s deadlines are 2 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, with some leeway for people with afternoon classes.

The hardest deadline to meet is Wednesday, since

there’s only one day in between articles to gather information and write the whole article, as well as juggling classes and work.

Too often, my Wednesday article read like the skeleton of a house rather than a complete building, because I couldn’t take the time to flesh it out and edit multiple times. However, through trial and error, I learned that I can write on a deadline when I need to do so, which is a valuable confidence to have as I enter the working world.

I’m leaving The Reporter, but I plan to take the new confidence I have in my journalism to new places and publications. There are interesting faces and lifestyles all over the world, and I have a lofty ambition to write about all of them.

No matter what your major is, consider writing for the college paper, because if you commit yourself to the job, the experience is enriching. And no, they did not pay me extra to write that.

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE

WE’LL BE LOWER OR MATCH TEXTBOOK PRICING AGAINST AMAZON, BN.COM & THE MAVERICK BOOKSTORE

• We price match the exact textbook, same edition, and format, including all accompanying materials through the first week of class • Digital books, access codes, and special orders are excluded • Price matching applies to new, used, and used rental.

• Title must be in stock on competitor’s website at time of price match We price match textbooks only. We do not match online marketplaces or peer-to-peer sellers, such as Amazon Marketplace or Barnes & Noble Marketplace. For any rental textbooks, we will match our Rental Used price only. Titles listed on Amazon that are not “rented by” or “sold by” Amazon are excluded. One price match per title. Rental terms must be the same. See a bookseller for details.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 9

News

Islamic State group might have inspired OSU attacker COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A Somali-born student who carried out a car-andknife attack at Ohio State University might have been inspired by the Islamic State group and a former al-Qaida leader, investigators said Wednesday.

Law enforcement officials said that it’s too soon to say the rampage that hurt 11 people on Monday was terrorism. They said they aren’t aware of any direct contact between the Islamic State group and the attacker, Ohio State student Abdul Razak Ali Artan.

“We only believe he may have been inspired” by the group, said Angela Byers, the top FBI agent overseeing federal investigations in the southern half of Ohio.

Artan also might have been influenced by Anwar al-Awlaki, a U.S.-born cleric who took a leadership role in al-Qaida before being killed in a 2011 U.S. drone strike in Yemen, Byers said.

Al-Awlaki has been cited as inspiration by numerous terror suspects over the years, including the brothers who bombed the

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press Boston Marathon, the Army psychiatrist who killed 13 people at Fort Hood, Texas, and, more recently, the man charged in bombings in New York and New Jersey.

Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said investigators are still going through Artan’s electronic

devices, but it seems clears he was radicalized online.

He also said there doesn’t seem to be much time between the onset of Artan’s apparent radicalization and the attack, a period known in law enforcement and intelligence circles as “flash to bang.” That trend has disquieted law enforcement officials, who fear disaffected

individuals are being inspired to violence after being only briefly exposed to radical ideology.

“This may be one of those cases which was just unpreventable,” he said, adding that there was no evidence yet to suggest Artan had been publicly communicating radical intentions over a long period

of time.

He said the fact that Artan may have been inspired by a cleric killed five years ago shows the “limits of taking people off the battlefield.”

“As long as you have disaffected or alienated young people who are searching for something to belong to, the lure of this radical propaganda will continue to be very dangerous,” Schiff said.

The FBI said it was looking to verify whether Artan posted rantings on Facebook hours before the Ohio State attack criticizing U.S. interference in Muslim lands and warning of more Muslims in sleeper cells.

He did buy a knife the morning of the attack, but police don’t know if that was the weapon he used, investigators said.

The 18-year-old was fatally shot by a police officer shortly after driving into pedestrians and then slashing others with

OHIO page 11

10 • MSU Reporter

News

Thursday, December 1, 2016

#reporterTBT

Yasmeen Black holds a Reporter from Nov. 27, 1990. The front page article shows some of the holiday lights in a Mankato neighborhood during the holiday season. Today, Mankato has the extensive light show in Sibley Park called Kiwanis Lights. The light show is free and open to the public.

Congratulations

NOW LEASING!

Kelsey Nelson

507-625-8612

www.rentwithconnect.com

Jasmine Vorasane

EMAIL: connectproperties@ connectmankato.com

The Reporter wishes to recognize and appreciates the contributions of these students for their work and dedication to the MSU Reporter.

Best wishes from all of us!

We also want to wish Ellyn Gibbs good luck as she leaves to pursue other opportunities!

Good Luck to all MSU Graduates! from

OPEN: 11AM - 2AM

Woodside Apartments 311 E. Roosevelt Circle Mankato, MN 56001

Graduates

Josh Crew

Photo by Jasmine Vorasane

Woodside Apartments offers all the modern amenities you are seeking!

Located across the street from the WOW! Zone: Family Entertainment Center, Hilltop Hy-Vee, and the River Hills Mall.

Convenient access to Hwy 14 & Hwy 22.

ALL UNITS ARE TWO YEARS OLD OR LESS! STUDIO (588 sq. feet) - $750 plus utilities 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH (1088 sq. feet) $925 plus utilities 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH (1233 sq. feet) $1200 plus utilities

MENTION THIS AD TO RECEIVE

1/2 OFF

FIRST MONTH'S RENT

Quiet and private location for tenants. Exercise room in each building and walking paths. Secure building with locked doors and security cameras.

Washer/dryer, dishwasher & private Balcony/Patio in each unit.

Pet Friendly (one-time fee).

Application & Background Check Req'd.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 11

News

OHIO

Continued from page 9 a knife. A preliminary autopsy released Wednesday showed Artan died from gunshots to the head and chest.

The officer was nearby because he had responded to reports of a gas leak in a building. Those reports appear legitimate and unrelated to the attack, said Mike Woods, a deputy chief with Columbus police.

The personnel file of the 28-year-old officer, Alan Horujko, contains high marks for the officer’s performance since he was hired in January 2015.

On Tuesday, a selfdescribed Islamic State group news agency called Artan “a soldier of the Islamic State” who “carried out the operation in response to calls to target citizens of international coalition countries.” The Islamic State group has described other attackers around the world as its “soldiers” without specifically claiming to have organized the acts of violence.

“They have been known to take credit for incidents like this when the assailant

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press is deceased and can’t refute that,” Byers said.

The investigation has not found that anyone else was involved in the attack or the planning of it, Byers said.

Authorities are trying to piece together a gap of several hours between the time Artan bought the knife at a Wal-Mart near his home

and the attack.

What’s also unknown is why Artan targeted the campus and an engineering building, Woods said.

Artan was in his first semester on campus and enrolled in the business school. He was a refugee who spent several years in Pakistan before coming to

the U.S. in 2014.

President-elect Donald Trump tweeted Wednesday that Artan “should not have been in our country.” Trump’s tweet did not elaborate.

Ohio State students continued to offer messages of support for the victims by writing messages on a board in the student union.

Well-wishers using markers contributed Bible verses, famous quotations and sympathetic messages to the victims and police.

Three of the 11 people injured in the attack remain hospitalized and are expected to recover, according to the Ohio State medical center.

A leader of a Somali community association in Columbus said Tuesday that Artan had driven his siblings to school as normal Monday before the attack.

Artan’s mother said she didn’t know anything was wrong until police showed up at her door, said Hassan Omar, president of the Somali Community Association, relating an in-person conversation he had with the mother Monday afternoon.

Nothing seemed different about her son, who she said was enjoying his education, Omar said.

“He woke up and he went to school,” Omar said.

12 • MSU Reporter Reporter News

Tuesday, Thursday,November December29, 1, 2016

THE MSU REPORTER’S MONTHLY

Travel & Cruise Center

BUY & SELL CD, DVD & VINYL NEW & USED

Great Packages for Students Available!

Hawaii • Mexico • Las Vegas • Cruises

Let us plan your winter getaway today!

507-625-3153 tvlctr@hickorytech.net www.thetravelandcruisecenter.com

409 N. Riverfront Drive • 507-625-8565

Buy • Sell • Trade Audio • Video Car Audio TVs • Jewelry Electronics Games and More!

Mon-Fri., 9am-6:30pm • Saturdays, 9am-5pm Closed Sundays

507-625-6507

630 N. Riverfront Drive REGULAR STORE HOURS: 10AM-6PM MON.-SAT., 12PM-5PM SUNDAY

MSU Reporter • 13

Tuesday, November Thursday, December29, 1, 2016 2016 News

RIVERFRONT DRIVE DIRECTORY

1501 NORTH RIVERFRONT DRIVE MANKATO

507-388-5555

LIVE MUSIC OF ALL KINDS • GREAT TIMES The Dork Den

603 N. Riverfront Drive

507-625-4285 AETHER REVOLT PRE-RELEASE JANUARY 14TH-15TH Registration is now open!

Facebook.com/dorkden

HOURS: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am-7pm

$10 OFF

$20 OFF

(MINIMUM OF $50)

(MINIMUM OF $100)

NEWLY REMODELED • BEST PIZZA IN TOWN

ANY PIERCING

ANY TATTOO

307 N. RIVERFRONT DR. MANKATO, MN 56001 OPEN MON.-SAT. 12-8

507-387-6601 www.cactustattoo.com

14 • MSU Reporter

Minnesota State University, Mankato

A&E

Thursday, December 1, 2016 Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

A&E Editor Gabe Hewitt

gabriel.hewitt@mnsu.edu

‘Tis the season to spread that Christmas cheer Holiday movies teach us to appreciate who and what we have in life.

DAVID PARPART Staff Writer As finals have already started or are approaching for those who have to start next week, we begin to get into the Christmas spirit.

But let us ask the traditional question for this holiday: what is the true meaning of Christmas?

Whether it is seeing the next winter blockbuster such as: Office Christmas Party, La La Land, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Collateral Beauty, Sing, Assassin’s Creed, Passengers, and Why Him, or it’s watching a timeless Christmas classic such as: It’s a Wonderful Life, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, Elf, Home Alone, and The Santa Clause, it is all about who we are spending the time with during this holiday season. As we are counting down to Christmas, there are still those who focus more on receiving than giving. Al-

(CC BY-SA 2.0) by 22860 though it is nice to get a gift that is either equal or just as thoughtful, it is more about family togetherness and how Christmas brings those who are different together as well.

We see, throughout every Christmas classic, the value of having the Christmas spirit and spreading it to others around us. We also have different cultural and religious

traditions in celebrating the holidays, but even with our differences, we still come together. For example, since I’m in school and away from home, every Christmas Eve my little brother and I would watch both A Charlie Brown Christmas and the animated film How the Grinch Stole Christmas before going to bed. There are families whose

traditions include volunteering at a soup kitchen, food shelf, Goodwill, etc. Some traditions may be considered small, but it’s the thought of spending time with the people that counts.

In a way, Christmas brings a new perspective to your life because this specific holiday shows what it means to be selfless. Christmas teaches

us to think more of others and less of ourselves. It is not about the gifts, it is not about what you expected, but it is more about who you spend the holidays with whether it be friends or family. Christmas is that time of year to also be appreciative for the things you have had within the year as well. It doesn’t focus on just the one month of the year, but rather the year as a whole as we reminisce and appreciate the good and the bad things that have happened in our lives before the New Year begins.

Each Christmas movie has taught me different things to appreciate, but the main focus is on how we celebrate and come together for the holidays. Christmas is my favorite holiday because it is that time of year when I get to spend time with those whom I love whether it is friends or family. Even if you’re a Grinch or a Charlie Brown, it brings so much joy and happiness as we light up the atmosphere with our Christmas lights and spread that holiday cheer.

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Movie review: The science fiction film, Arrival Denis Villeneuve’s extraterrestrial flick is mind-bending, tackles themes of unity.

MATTHEW EBERLINE Editor in Chief This review contains mild spoilers for the science fiction film Arrival.

Occasionally, once every blue moon or so, a film will come along that—whether intentionally or not—reflects the struggles of its time. Such is the case with Denis Villeneuve’s science fiction drama, Arrival, a film that feels more relevant than ever in our increasingly divided and polarized society.

Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is an accomplished linguist and linguistics professor who,

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press as we see in the film’s opening sequence, struggles with the death of her daughter after a long battle with cancer. When Louise shows up to teach class one morning, she

arrives to find a nearly empty lecture hall and soon learns the reason why: twelve mysterious vessels of unknown origin have appeared across the globe, seemingly out of

nowhere, and no one knows why the aliens are here or what they want. The U.S. Army’s Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) contacts Louise and she soon finds herself

caught-up—along with theoretical physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner)—in a multinational endeavor to translate the aliens’ language in order to establish communications with them and discover the purpose behind their visit.

While communications between humans and the “heptapods” (as they come to be known, thanks to their seven-limbed, squid-like appearance) start off a bit rocky, Ian and Louise are eventually able to decipher some of the heptapods’ written symbols and from there progress truly begins. It doesn’t last long, however, as Chinese military forces begin to approach the extraterrestrials with increas-

ARRIVAL

page 15

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 15

A&E

Movie review: Almost Christmas a sweet taste of reality New holiday film follows family as they struggle to come to terms with tragedy.

RACHAEL JAEGER Staff Writer Almost Christmas takes into consideration how grief affects a family of diverse personalities who struggle with the grief of losing an important woman, a wife and mom. Throughout the film, each of the characters experience random, but powerful moments where they remember when she touched their lives.

I recommend the film to anyone who has lost someone in their lives because the film offers a realistic sense in how people grieve in different ways. For instance, the youngest member of the family is a star basketball player at his college, but he is taking drugs.

Thinking about his mom saddened him, so he immersed himself in his passion. But in the locker room, the camera shows a close-up of him taking out a bottle of pills and staring hard at them, reflecting his struggle with his guilt.

Almost Christmas opens up with a young couple in the early 70s who make out in their bed after the woman, Grace, gives her man a slice of pumpkin pie. The man, Walter, suggestively slips his finger in the pie and gives a lick. The numbered text on the screen shows the evolution from the couple’s time they spent together to raising a family through the mid1970s to the early 90s when they have a surprise child.

Then, in late 2015, the beautiful woman, Grace, has passed away. She sits on the

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press edge of his bed, clutching a photograph of a younger version of the couple. The movie never says how she dies because it is not as important as the relationships she developed with her family members through the years.

But comedy relief arrives when Aunt May is introduced along with her announcement she plans to be the cook for the full five days the rest of her family is there.

She is back from her tour as a backup singer and has volunteered to bring the family together through the ethnic foods she believes she has mastered. But in the end, no one likes her food and even the adults find it challenging to fake their enjoyment.

But despite the fact that their relationship had connected the members through the years, the family still has its struggles, especially among the two sisters, Cher-

yl and Rachel. While Cheryl is a successful hotsy totsy career woman and is still single, Rachel had a failed marriage which left her alone with her daughter, Jasmine. Yet it is evident that Rachel attempts to redeem herself, but makes herself look horrible. She refuses help from anyone, from a plane ticket home or hauling her luggage up to the house.

Meanwhile, Cheryl always looks put together, every hair tucked in and her dress smooth and clean. Because they have such extreme personalities, they feel the need to compete with each other, especially in the kitchen.

They compete to see who can master their mother’s Christmas recipes, but either fail or sabotage each other’s dishes. A subplot during the course of the film is to discover the recipe box that has mysteriously disappeared.

Another person causes chaos within the family frame

point of war.

While Arrival often feels like a linguistics lesson in its own right, what this film is really about is unity. As international tensions escalate, one almost expects the aliens themselves to step into that old sci-fi cliché of benefactor and say “Hey! Enough is enough!” But in this film, as in life, nothing is ever that simple. While the heptapods are more advanced than humanity, they are not gods. Though they offer humanity a gift—a tool we can use to bring the species together—they are not saviors or messiahs; no miracle or grandiose cosmic solution will descend from

the heavens to save humanity. Instead, it’s up to humanity to save itself from itself.

In a sense, Arrival is really nothing more than an elaborate question wrapped up in the guise of a science fiction flick. In the face of adversity, can humanity overcome its aggression, its prejudice, its xenophobia, its cowardice? In the end, Arrival offers an optimistic answer to that question, as movies usually do. But even after the screen has faded to black and the credits have all but finished their roll, there’s still a sort of weightiness in the air, as if the film—having offered its own answer in regard to the fic-

choose between tearing down the shelter house to affirm his potential at the White House or embrace the love from his new family while he also has a secret fling with a family friend at a grocery store.

In the end, it is not necessarily a terrible movie, but, as someone who appreciates a bit more realism, I feel like one character should not have worked out as happily ever after. I will refrain from saying who that was in case you decide to see it for yourself. Granted, Christmas is supposed to bring people together and we all enjoy feeling good, but I feel we need something more challenging in the film industry. Realistically, not everybody reconciles with each other and nobody’s heart is changed at

“But despite the fact that their relationship had connected the members through the years, the family still has struggles, especially among the two sisters, Cheryl and Rachel.” because of his ambitions and wandering eyes. Cheryl’s husband, Lonnie, is campaigning to be part of Congress. At the center of the film lies the homeless shelter that Grace had such a heart for and she has a secret reason for that which is revealed at the climax of the film.

Eventually, Lonnie must

a random moment. So I am torn to rate the film, as I would definitely watch it again, but it is not one I would consider to last as a classic.

Reporter Rating

4 5

ARRIVAL Continued from page 14 ing hostility and communications between the world’s

Ian must race against the clock to learn the aliens’ true

“Though they offer humanity a gift—a tool we can use to bring the species together—they are not saviors or messiahs; no miracle or grandiose cosmic solution will descend from the heavens to save humanity. Instead, it’s up to humanity to save itself from itself.”

major nations begin to break down. From here, Louise and

intentions before international tensions escalate to the

tional world these characters inhabit—is also subtly asking those of us in the real world the same question.

We need only take a look at all the sources of division in the news (ISIS, mass shootings, the presidential election) to see that our species is far from a unified one. Perhaps it’s time we take a step back, look in the mirror, and ask ourselves the same question. As Arrival indicates, whether or not aliens really exist, it seems no salvation is coming from the sky.

Reporter Rating

4.5 5

16 • MSU Reporter

A&E

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Cheers! Culture you can drink! Belgian beer gets UN approval United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognizes country’s brews.

BRUSSELS (AP) — Next time you raise a glass of Belgian beer, rest assured: It’s a cultural experience.

UNESCO added Belgian beer to the list of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” on Wednesday.

Belgium is known throughout the world for its wide array of tastes, from extreme sour to bitter, produced in just about every city and village across the west European nation of 11 million people. The history of Belgian suds stretches back centuries to medieval monks and has been celebrated in paintings

by Pieter Brueghel and in countless songs since.

Brussels regional leader Rudi Vervoort said Monday that beer “has been a part of our society since time immemorial.”

It is not all history with Belgian beer though. Only this year, one brewer, Brugse Zot, moved very much with

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press the times, building a beer pipeline out of the medieval center of Bruges to a bottling

plant on the outskirts out of environmental and architectural concern.

Obama welcomes four Nobel Prize laureates, minus Dylan

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama welcomed four recipients of the Nobel Prize to the White House on Wednesday. Singer Bob Dylan wasn’t among them.

Obama used the Oval Office meeting to send a reminder that America is unique in its ability to attract talent from all around the world to study at its universities.

Obama met with Duncan Haldane and J. Michael Kosterlitz, laureates of this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics; Oliver Hart, laureate of the Nobel Prize in Econom-

ic Sciences; and Sir J. Fraser Stoddart, laureate of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Obama said their work would lead to new products and technology, some of which can’t be anticipated yet, and would inspire future scholars and scientists.

Dylan was awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize for literature but won’t be attending the prize ceremony. He may travel to Stockholm next year and might give his Nobel Lecture then.

There was much speculation going into the day about whether Dylan would skip the White House meet-

ing.

But White House spokesman Josh Earnest said during Wednesday’s press briefing that “unfortunately, for those of you wondering, Bob Dylan will not be at the White House today, so everybody can relax.”

Earnest says Dylan didn’t give a reason, but he noted that Dylan and the president had met previously and “the president enjoyed meeting him.”

In 2012, Obama presented the singer-songwriter with a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

And at a time when many pubs are closing or falling on hard times as overall beer consumption declines, such international recognition is more than welcome.

Sven Gatz, who went from being head of the Belgian Brewers Federation to becoming Culture Minister for the northern region of Flanders, compared the recognition to winning the World Cup. “We love our beer and appreciate the endless diversity within it, something that can’t be equaled anywhere else in the world,” Gatz said. “In Belgium, beer doesn’t have to give way to wine or other drinks in terms of quality and diversity.”

In days when alcohol abuse becomes an ever bigger concern, UNESCO said it was about more than just drinking.

“Beer is also used by communities for cooking, producing products like beerwashed cheese, and paired with food,” UNESCO said in a statement.

For Belgium, it is the spirit of beer that seeps through society, be it from the Dutch-speaking north, the Francophone south or the tiny German-speaking region in the east.

“This beer culture is really deep for Belgians,” said Isabelle Weykmans, culture minister for the German-speaking region.

“It is more than just drinking beers,” she told The Associated Press, saying it is about culture and the skill of beer-making.

Despite the decline of many pubs, the spirit is now carried onwards by small craft breweries like the Brussels Brasserie de la Senne, where owner Yvan De Baets works the taps.

It is the universal appeal of Belgian beers that he cherishes.

“I especially like the fact that they are global, universal, they make people gather, and I think that is what touched UNESCO,” he said.

“It highlights our traditions, our own culture that is linked to beer. So, as Belgian brewers, we are very happy.”

We Want Housing!

We Want Wise Rents!

SHOWINGS AVAILABLE NOW!

Call or Text Jeremy 952-994-5966

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 17

A&E

Court filings suggest Prince’s estate is worth $200 million Minnesota musician’s sister and half-siblings set to inherit equal shares of estate.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Prince’s estate is worth about $200 million, a new court filing suggests.

It’s the first time a specific estimate has emerged publicly from court proceedings following Prince’s April overdose death. Since he left no known will, the rock superstar’s sister and five half-siblings are in line to inherit equal shares of the estate — after taxes gobble up about half of it. By comparison, David Bowie’s estate was worth about $100 million when he died in January, according to his will.

Shortly after Prince’s death, when officials were beginning to place a value on his musical catalog, unreleased music, the Paisley Park studio complex and other assets, one lawyer for the company overseeing the estate, Bremer Trust, said it could be worth somewhere between $100 million and $300 million.

Attorneys have avoided giving specific figures in public since then, but based on a court filing made public this week, Bremer Trust puts the value of the estate at about $200 million, The Associated Press has calculated.

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press That figure is based on a memo that mentioned the company’s fee as $90,000 per month. That’s $1.08 million per year. Bremer Trust uses a fee schedule based on the value of an estate, and the sliding percentage drops to 0.5 percent for any assets over $10 million. The AP calculated that that annual fee works out to an estate worth $200 million.

Two estate law experts not

connected with the Prince case who reviewed the documents agreed with that conclusion.

It’s possible the value will rise or fall. The final total won’t be determined until after more appraisals and taxing authorities decide what they think the estate is worth.

Because of the looming tax bill, Bremer Trust may be lowballing the estate’s estimated value, Minneapolis estate law

Pope chats with Scorsese, tells director he read ‘Silence’

attorney Susan Link said.

Bremer Trust’s lead attorney on the estate, Laura Halferty, did not immediately respond to messages Wednesday seeking comment. Halferty’s signature is on the memo that disclosed the $90,000 fee. FigSECONDHAND BOOKSTORE & EXCHANGE: South Front St. across from Fillin' Station Coffee House.

All types of leisure reading. Browsers welcome. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 10-5pm.

ONCE READ 507-388-8144

ures on the estate’s value and Bremer’s fee were redacted from earlier case documents.

The estates of some other dead rock superstars continue to generate big bucks.

Forbes magazine’s annual list of top-earning dead celebrities for 2016 showed Michael Jackson’s estate collected $825 million, Elvis Presley’s earned $27 million and Bowie’s took in $10.5 million.

Prince’s estate took in $25 million and sold more albums than any other dead musician to earn the No. 5 spot on the list.

Even so, the taxman inevitably cometh, and Link says the estate will be “writing a check for a whole lot of money.” Prince’s estate has until Jan. 21 to file federal and state estate tax returns. It can get a six-month extension, but still must pay the estimated tax — about half the estate’s value — although it may be able to pay just 10 percent then and spread the rest out for 10 years, Link said.

Preferred Customers = Wholesale Prices

www.MankatoSynthetics.com

FRAME & AUTO BODY REPAIR & AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS INCLUDING FOREIGN MODELS

ALIGNMENTS • SUSPENSIONS BRAKES • TRANSMISSIONS • ENGINES

WE ALSO DO

507.388.6895

1129 Cross Street • North Mankato, MN Mike Zinke, Owner, CEO mwapinm1@hickorytech.net

COME EXPERIENCE TRUE BUFFET HEAVEN

COLLEGE NIGHT

SUNDAYS|4:30-8PM (Including Super Bowl Sunday) Photo courtesy of The Associated Press VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has met with director Martin Scorsese, whose new film, “Silence,” about Jesuit missionaries in 17th-century Japan, was screened this week in Rome.

The Vatican says that during the pontiff’s “very cordial” meeting Wednesday with Scorsese, Francis

mentioned he had read the novel on which the film is based. Francis is a Jesuit who joined the order while a young man in Argentina with the idea of becoming a missionary in Japan. But health problems scuttled that dream.

Francis thanked Scorsese for his gift of two paintings.

The work of an 18th-century

Japanese artist, the paintings served as a reference for some of the details in the film.

Some 300 Jesuits studying or working in Rome attended the screening Tuesday at the Pontifical Oriental Institute. Scorsese answered the audience’s questions afterward.

$6.99 BUFFET

for students who present their student i.d.

Bringing in a crowd of hungry friends?

BUFFET HOURS: Monday-Friday 11am-2pm & 4:40pm-8pm

Challenge accepted.

Saturday & Sunday ALL DAY! 11am-8pm OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 11am-9pm

507-386-7077

Right off intersection of Madison Ave. & Victory Dr.

18 • MSU Reporter

GOLD:

PURPLE:

ORANGE: GREEN: DARK GREEN:

Advertisement

Thursday, December 1, 2016

$184 FOR SPRING/SUMMER NIGHT-TIME GOLD- $33

$99 FOR SPRING NIGHT-TIME PURPLE - $54

$70 FOR SPRING $128 FOR SPRING $99 FOR SPRING

PERMIT PRICES FOR SPRING

MSU Reporter • 19

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Have a story idea or a comment?

Minnesota State University, Mankato

EMAIL

Sports Editor Tommy Wiita

thomas.wiita@mnsu.edu

Men’s basketball ready for NSIC play The Mavericks will take on Wayne State and Augustana on the road this weekend.

COREY YUMAN Staff Writer The Minnesota State men’s basketball team are gearing up to hit the road once again, as they look to continue their winning ways during the 2016-2017. The Mavericks will be playing in their sixth and seventh-consecutive road games to start the year. They have yet to have a regular season home game in Bresnan Arena this year. They had one exhibition game to begin the season at home, where they defeated St. John’s 99-69.

The Mavericks are entering

Reporter Archives Head coach Matt Margenthaler has turned around the Mavericks’ success on the court, coaching them to 334 wins, seven conference championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. The Mavericks have not had a losing record since the 2011-2012 season, and have gone 69-19 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) play.

the weekend with a 4-1 overall record. They are yet to see Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) action but that will change this weekend as they take on Wayne State and No. 21 Augustana.

On Friday, Minnesota State opens up its weekend in Wayne, Nebraska against the Wayne State Wildcats.

Wayne State enters the weekend holding on to a 1-5 record and 0-1 in the NSIC. They are on a four-game losing streak with their lone win coming on November 11 over Missouri Western. Last weekend, they suffered a double-overtime loss to Eastern New Mexico and fell to Nebraska-Kearney the following night.

MEN’S BASKETBALL PAGE 21

Mavericks to host Nanooks this weekend Minnesota State split the series earlier this season in Fairbanks, Alaska.

COLT JOHNSON Staff Writer After a short break over the holidays, it’s Minnesota State’s turn to host the Alaska Nanooks this weekend in their first games since losing to the University of Minnesota November 19.

It has been some time since the Mavericks have played in a real game, 11 days to be exact, and there are some questions concerning how they will be able to come out and play after not having seen any real-game competition in almost two weeks. In the previous meeting between the Mavericks and the Nanooks, each team took a win away in their twogame series on the road in Fairbanks, Alaska.

In game one, Minneso-

ta State dominated, scoring seven goals to the Nanooks one. However, it was not just in the scoring column where the Mavericks seemed to have dominated. The Mavericks took 45 shots compared to the Nanooks 16, nearly tripling the amount of shots on net all game by Alaska.

Throughout the whole game, Minnesota State seemed like the aggressors, but there is one area where Alaska did lead.

By the end of the third period, the Nanooks had amassed eight penalties to the Mavericks’ three. Alaska seemed to be chasing Minnesota State around all game, ending with multiple hooking and tripping penalties.

Though game one did not go very well for the Nanooks, game two was a different day, and a different game.

A much improved Alaska Nanooks team came out to play in their game two efforts. Maybe it was because of the lashing they took the day before, but the better

team in game two was the Nanooks. Minnesota State did jump off to the early lead in the first on a goal scored by senior defenseman Sean Flanagan. However, after the first period goal by the Mavericks it was all Nanooks from that point on.

Within the first 30 seconds of the second period Alaska had jumped on the board, scoring on a power-play goal that came from a penalty on Minnesota State late in the first. After the first goal scored, the floodgates were opened and the Mavericks could not do anything to keep the Nanooks from scoring. Half-way through the second period, Alaska scored three-consecutive goals giving them the lead and then some.

Minnesota State did however try to make a late second period surge on a goal by freshman defender Ian Sheid, but it was not enough to pose a real comeback threat. The final ended by a score of 4-2 and the series was effective-

Photo by David Bassey ly split, up in Fairbanks. Now the series is in the Mavericks’ backyard at the Verizon Wireless Center, but it is going to take a lot for Minnesota State to take both games of the series and head coach Mike Hastings knows it.

“We’re going to have to be better then them from the tops of the circles down to the corners, and be better in 5-on-5 situations,” Hastings said.

It will be up to guys like

freshman forward Marc Michaelis, the Mavericks’ leader in points scored, and the high-level play from captains C.J. Franklin and Brad McClure to pull off the sweep against the Alaska Nanooks.

The puck will drop at 7:07 p.m. on Friday, December 2nd for game one of the series at the Verizon Wireless Center. Saturday’s puck-drop will happen at 7:07 p.m.

20 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Brazilian soccer team’s plane crashes in Colombia 71 have been pronounced dead from the crash in the Andes mountains.

LA UNION, Colombia (AP) — Colombian authorities searched for answers Tuesday into the crash of a chartered airliner that slammed into the Andes mountains while transporting a Brazilian soccer team whose Cinderella story had won it a spot in the finals of one of South America’s most prestigious regional tournaments. All but six of the 77 people on board were killed.

The British Aerospace 146 short-haul plane declared an emergency and lost radar contact just before 10 p.m.

Monday (0300 GMT Tuesday), according to Colombia’s aviation agency. It said the plane’s black boxes had been recovered and were being analyzed.

The aircraft, which departed from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, was carrying the Chapecoense soccer team from southern Brazil for Wednesday’s first leg of the two-game Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional of Medellin. Twenty-one Brazilian journalists were also on board the flight.

Colombian officials initially said the plane suffered an electrical failure but there was also heavy rainfall at the time of the crash. Authorities also said they were not ruling out the possibility, relayed to rescuers by a surviving flight attendant, that the plane ran out of fuel minutes before its scheduled landing at Jose Maria Cordova airport outside Medellin.

Whatever the cause, the emotional pain of Colombia’s deadliest air tragedy in two decades was felt across the soccer world.

Expressions of grief poured in as South America’s federation canceled all scheduled matches in a show of solidarity, Real Madrid’s squad interrupted its training for a minute of silence and Argentine legend Diego Maradona sent his condolences to the victims’ families over Facebook.

Brazil’s top teams offered to loan the small club players next season so they can rebuild following the sudden end to a fairy tale season that saw Chapecoense reach the tournament final just two years after making it into the first division for the first time since the 1970s. “It is the minimum gesture of solidarity that is within our reach,” the teams said in a statement.

Sportsmanship also prevailed, with Atletico Nacional asking that the champion-

ship title be given to its rival, whose upstart run had electrified soccer-crazed Brazil.

Rescuers working through the night were initially heartened after pulling three people alive from the wreckage.

But as the hours passed, heavy fog and stormy weather grounded helicopters and slowed efforts to reach the crash site.

At daybreak, dozens of bodies scattered across a muddy mountainside were collected into white bags.

They were then loaded onto several Black Hawk helicopters that had to perform a tricky maneuver to land on the crest of the Andes mountains. The plane’s fuselage appeared to have broken into two, with the nose facing downward into a steep valley.

Officials initially reported 81 people were on board the flight, but later revised that to 77, saying four people on the flight manifest did not get on the plane.

Images broadcast on local television showed three of the six survivors on stretchers and connected to IVs arriving at a hospital in ambulances.

Chapecoense defender Alan Ruschel was in the most serious condition, and was later transported to another facility to undergo surgery for a spinal fracture. Teammates Helio Zampier and Jakson Follmann also suffered multiple trauma injuries, with doctors having to amputate the goalkeeper Follmann’s right leg.

A journalist traveling with the team was recovering from surgery and two Bolivian crew members were in stable condition, hospital officials said.

The aircraft is owned by LaMia, a charter company that started off in Venezuela but later relocated to Bolivia, where it was certified to operate last January. Despite such apparently limited experience the airline has a close relationship with several premier South American squads.

Earlier this month, the plane involved in Monday’s crash transported Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team from Brazil following a World Cup qualifier match. The airliner also appears to have transported the national squads of Brazil, Bolivia and Venezuela over the last three months, according to a log of recent activity provided by Flightradar24.com.

Before being taken offline, LaMia’s website said it operated three 146 Avro short-

haul jets made by British Aerospace, with a maximum range of around 2,965 kilometers (1,600 nautical miles) — about the same as the distance between Santa Cruz and Medellin..

Hans Weber, a longtime adviser to U.S. aviation authorities, said the aircraft’s range deserves careful investigation. He noted that the air distance between cities is usually measured by the shortest route but planes rarely fly in a straight line — pilots may steer around turbulence or change course for other reasons.

Given the model of the plane and that it was flying close to capacity, “I would be concerned that the pilots may have been cutting it too close,” Weber said.

Bolivia’s civil aviation agency said the aircraft picked up the Brazilian team in Santa Cruz, where the players had arrived on a commercial flight from Sao Paulo. Spokesman Cesar Torrico said the plane underwent an inspection before departing for Colombia and reported no problems.

“We can’t rule out anything. The investigation is ongoing and we’re going to await the results,” said Gustavo Vargas, a retired Bolivian air force general who is president of the airline.

Colombian authorities said they hope to interview the Bolivian flight attendant who relayed the fuel concerns on Wednesday.

Moments before the flight departed, the team’s coaching staff gave an interview to a Bolivian television station in which they praised the airline, saying it brought them good fortune when it flew them to Colombia last month for the championship’s quarterfinals, which they won.

“Now we’re going to do this new trip and we hope they bring us good luck like they did the first time,” athletic director Mauro Stumpf told the Gigavision TV network.

The team, from the small Brazilian agro-industrial city of Chapeco, was in the midst of a breakout season. It advanced last week to the Copa Sudamericana finals after defeating some of the region’s top teams, including Argentina’s San Lorenzo and Independiente, as well as Colombia’s Junior.

The team is so modest that tournament organizers ruled that its 22,000-seat arena was too small to host the final match, which was moved to

Photo Courtesy of The Associated Press a stadium 300 miles (480 kilometers) to the north, in the city of Curitiba.

The team won over fans across Brazil with its spectacular run to the finals, with some even taking up a campaign online to move the final match to Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium, where the 2014 World Cup finals were played.

The tragedy of so many young and talented players’ lives and dreams cut short brought an outpouring of support far beyond Brazil’s borders. Atletico Nacional said in a statement it was offering its title to the team, saying the accident “leaves an indelible mark on the history of Latin American and world soccer.”

Closer to home, fans mourned the terrible loss.

“This morning I said goodbye to them and they told me they were going after the dream, turning that dream into reality,” Chapecoense board member Plinio De Nes told Brazil’s TV Globo. “The dream was over early this morning.”

Goodman reported from Bogota. Associated Press writers Mauricio Savarese and Stephen Wade in Chapeco, Brazil; Renata Brito in Rio de Janeiro; Carlos Valdez in La Paz, Bolivia; Luis Henao in Buenos Aires and David Koenig in Dallas contributed to this report.

Like working with Kids?

NOW HIRING FOR: PARAPROFESSIONAL SUBSTITUTES Mankato School Districts PT, On call, M-F $10/hr.

High school/GED and background check required

Call to learn more! 507-387-5620

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MEN’S BASKETBALL

MSU Reporter • 21

Sports

CONTINUED FROM 19

“The Mavericks are entering the weekend with a 4-1 overall record. They are yet to see Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) action but that will change this weekend as they take on Wayne State and No. 21 Augustana.”

Reporter Archives Sophomore guard Cole Harper has averaged 10 points per game and is shooting 40 percent from the three-point line through five games.

Kendall Jacks leads the Wildcats in scoring while averaging 14 points a night.

Matt Thomas follows him with 11 points per game and Jordan Cornelius is keeping up with his average of 10 points per game, while also averaging 5.7 rebounds a night, according to Wayne State’s athletic site.

Minnesota State holds

the advantage by quite a bit in head-to-head match-ups with a 20-3 overall record.

The two teams met last year on December 5 where Minnesota State picked up a 75-59 win. The Mavericks’ then-junior Jon Fuqua had 16 points and seven rebounds while then-freshman Cole Harper had 15 points and nine rebounds. Then-fresh-

man Joey Witthus also supplied 11 points in the victory.

On Saturday, the Mavs head to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to face off against No. 21 Augustana. The Vikings have won their past two games to put their record at 5-1 and 1-0 in conference play. Minnesota State holds the advantage in head-tohead with them as well with a 62-50 record. On November 21, Augustana defeated Wayne State in overtime and easily defeated Peru State by 23 points.

Leading the way for the Vikings has been Jordan Spencer, who is averaging 15.8 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, adding 44 assists on the year. Mike Busack has been averaging 11.2 points with 5.5 rebounds and Adam Beyer is averaging 9.7 points and a team high 5.7 rebounds per game.

The two teams met twice last year and Augustana earned wins in both games.

On December 4 in Sioux Falls, the Vikings won 9768. On January 9 in Mankato, the Vikings won 101-91.

In the most recent encounter, Fuqua put up 20 points and grabbed nine boards while Witthus had 16 points,

Aarias Austin shooting 50 percent from the three-point line.

Minnesota State is riding a four-game winning streak

and is being led in scoring

by Witthus, who has been averaging 18.8 points and six rebounds a game. There are five more Mavs that are averaging double-digit scoring with Fuqua having 15.2 and 7.4 rebounds, junior guard Charlie Brown at 14.6, senior guard Aarias Austin at 11.4, senior forward AJ Patty with 11, and sophomore Cole Harper averaging 10.

Minnesota State plays Wayne State at 8 p.m., Friday and will play Augustana at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Located at 2135 Lor Ray Drive in North Mankato, Vista Prairie at Monarch Meadows Senior Living Community provides assisted living apartments, care suites and respite care services.

We’re hiring RESIDENT ASSISTANTS: PT days and PT evenings.

Weekend and overnight hours are also available.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: This position is responsible for providing personal care, assistance with activities of daily living, and health-related services as delegated.

To apply, visit our website at vistaprairie.org/monarchmeadows or stop by our main office to pick up an application.

NEW GRADS WELCOME!!

Looking to make some extra $$$!?!?

RNs/LPNs/HHAs NEEDED Home Care

Prairie River Home Care, a Medicare certified agency, is currently looking for professional, compassionate, and enthusiastic RNs/LPNs and HHAs to provide 1:1 in home care.

Looking for a little extra spending money?

Flexible scheduling, Sunday-Saturday, on day, evening, and night shifts. Qualifications: Current MN nursing license; CNA/HHA training. Healthcare experience preferred.

Prairie River Home Care offers competitive wages, paid training and educational opportunities.

We have immediate openings for full and part-time positions!

Please apply at www.prhomecare.com/careers or call Lindsey at 1-800-598-5546 for more information.

Call us today at 507-345-4201 or visit us at 111 Star St., Mankato, MN.

EOE/Drug Free Workplace

22 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Fantasy football studs and duds Staff writer James Andersen gives his take on the successes and failures in 2016.

JAMES ANDERSEN Staff Writer We are in week 13 of the NFL season, which means it is the final week of the fantasy football regular season.

For many fantasy owners, it means playoffs are in sight.

They had a great season, because they drafted or used the waiver wire well. They might have struck gold on some players that exceeded expectations this season.

For others, it means that it is the ending of a dreadful season, and they’re looking back at their team and wondering what happened.

Maybe it was due to injuries, or maybe questionable management. It could have been that a few of the top players drafted did not pan out. Below is a list of players that were busts and gems this season.

BUSTS DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans: Through 11 games, the 2015 pro-bowler has 55 catches on 104 targets, 610 yards and only three scores. Hopkins is in his first year with new quarterback Brock Osweiler as his quarterback, and so far, it has not panned out to what many fantasy footballers expected.

Osweiler has struggled this season, and DeAndre’s production has suffered because of it. Hopkins performed much better with Brian Hoyer at quarterback last season.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers: Through 11 games, Newton has compiled 2,432 passing yards on 55.8 percent completion percentage. He has thrown for 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The former MVP of the league has had a tough 2016 season. That is even with all his offensive teammates healthy. Wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin and tight end Greg Olsen should have propelled him to an even better season than last year, but that was not the case. No protection from the line did not help either, as we have seen Newton get throttled this season.

There is simply something different about Newton this year when reflecting on his electrifying 2015 season. No one expected Cam to repeat those gaudy numbers, but a lack-luster performance was not expected either.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears: Chicago’s No. 1 option for receivers (as sug-

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press 2015 MVP quarterback Cam Newton (1) has not faired well the following season, as his success is not the only thing that has plummeted. The Panthers are 4-7, with a small chance at making the playoffs. gested by the depth chart to begin the season) has 40 catches for 630 yards, with only one score. The Bears have been a disaster this whole season, and Alshon has been a huge disappointment in his final contract year.

It did not matter if he had Jay Cutler throwing him the ball or not; the Bears were in disarray and Jeffery’s performance did not help. Now he has been suspended for four games due to violating the NFL’s policy on perfor-

mance enhancing drugs, so his dreadful season will be even worse to look back on at season’s end.

GEMS Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers: Davante Adams has had a season much like 2015 season of Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The third-year receiver finally had his breakout season. Adams has become the team’s lead-

ELM Homes is seeking self-motivated, compassionate, fun-loving individuals to serve with the people we serve with developmental disabilities and assist with activities of daily living in the Mankato and surrounding areas.

Evening and overnight shifts are available. All positions include every other weekend. Must be 18 or older, able to drive company vehicles and background checks are required.

Interested applicants can fill out application online at www.elmhomes.org or contact Mandy at (507) 835-1146 M-F, 8:30a-4:00p.

AA/EOE.

er in receiving yards (776) for the Packers, and is second in touchdowns (8). He also has snagged 58 of the 86 targets to come his way. With teammates Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb getting occupied with some of the top defenders in the league, Adams has made quite the name for himself in 2016. The 6’1” receiver was projected a low-round fantasy draft pick, but has been one of the top performing receivers this season.

Terrelle Pryor Jr., WR,

Cleveland Browns: Would you believe a receiver for the Cleveland Browns would have a chance to tally over 1,000 yards on the season?

The Browns remain winless on the season, but Terrelle Pryor has been the shining star to watch week-afterweek in Cleveland. He is also one of the few surprises in fantasy, as he has tallied 855 yards on 62 catches and four touchdowns. He became the Browns’ number one option in the passing game, and he is ranked as one of the top-10 receivers in fantasy, according to ESPN’s fantasy rankings by position.

Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints: The Ohio State rookie has caught 65 passes for 789 yards, and danced his way into the end zone seven times in 2016.

Fantasy owners who rolled with Thomas most likely did so being confident in the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees throwing to him. Thomas was the sixth wide receiver taken in the draft last year, but h is the top producing rookie this season.

Thomas originally had lowround fantasy draft value, but he has proven to be a top threat for the Saints offense.

Currently seeking: Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Personal Care Assistants. Flexible hours, competitive wages, and a great benefits package!

Benefits include: Flexible scheduling Advancement Opportunities $750 referral bonus Bonus for working unscheduled weekends Health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) employer match Uniform Allowance Double pay for holidays worked Experience credit Educational Assistance Plan Scholarships for students CNA training course Apply online at: www.monarchmn.com 507.625.8741 Locations: Mankato, Lake Crystal, New Richland, Mapleton, Le Center, Litchfield, Plainview, New Prague, Duluth, and Superior, Wisconsin.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

MSU Reporter • 23

Sports

Twins sign Castro to fill out catching needs Castro signed a three year, 24.5 million deal and will most likely be the starter.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins badly need to improve their pitching staff, with a team ERA that ranked among the three worst in the majors in five of the last six seasons.

Help can come from all corners of the organization, including behind the plate.

That’s why the Twins signed

former Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro to a threeyear contract worth $24.5 million, a deal agreed to last week and finalized Wednesday.

“We feel this is a great step in the right direction to building the team that we set out to build,” chief baseball officer Derek Falvey said.

Photo courtesy of The Associated Press In six years with the Houston Astros, Jason Castro has played in 617 games and was an All-Star in 2012. The acquistion of Castro will help more on the defensive end for the Twins, who have struggled in that department as of late.

Castro will make $8.5 million in 2017, $8 million in 2018 and $8 million in 2019. He became a free agent after six seasons with the Astros, hitting .232 with 114 doubles, 62 home runs, 212 RBIs and 215 walks in 617 career games after being drafted in the first round out of Stanford in 2008.

“I definitely know that this organization is capable of doing some great things,” Castro said. “They have a lot of young really good talent and some veterans thrown in the mix that can make for a special group.”

The Twins finished 59-103, their worst record in Minnesota and the worst in the major leagues in 2016. Castro experienced some similar growing pains with a young Astros team that lost 106, 107 and 111 games from 2011-13 before making the playoffs in 2015.

“Looking at their roster and the pitchers that they have here, I think that this group is a little bit ahead of where the Astros were,” Castro said on a conference call with Minnesota reporters.

Kurt Suzuki became a free agent after serving as Minnesota’s primary catcher over the last three seasons, including an All-Star selection in 2014 when he batted a career-high .288. Suzuki’s

career average is 24 points higher than Castro’s, and the left-handed hitting Castro batted only .210 with 11 homers and 32 RBIs last year. He was an All-Star in 2013, when he hit a career-best .276 with 18 home runs and 56 RBIs. The newest Twins backstop is considered an upgrade on defense, though, in terms of both fielding his position and handling a pitching staff. Castro threw out 24 percent of base-stealers last year, and Suzuki had a 19 percent success rate. Plus, there are the areas of game planning and game calling, each difficult to quantify.

“We feel Jason is one of the best at that,” Falvey said, adding: “I’ve certainly observed and witnessed that the impact of catchers who

commit to that side of the game ... has an exponentially positive effect on the pitching staff.”

Framing pitches, a sneaky skill that has drawn more attention in recent years through the rise in analytical evaluation and available data in the sport, is another one of Castro’s strengths.

“The goal at the end of the day is to try to help your pitcher keep as many strikes as possible,” Castro said, “just to be almost as unrecognized as possible behind the plate to allow the pitcher’s work to speak for itself.”

American Bar NOW HIRING

Cooks, Waitstaff & Bartenders 503 Belgrade Ave. North Mankato

507-594-9521 /AmericanBarNorthMankato

@americanbar1776

24 • MSU Reporter

Advertisement

Thursday, December 1, 2016