The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892
Northern Iowan
Friday, October 8, 2010
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Volume 107, Issue 12
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Cedar Falls, Iowa
Film Review
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JESSICA SNOOK Staff Writer
What better way to let the good times roar than to participate in a 5K run/walk with more than 200 other participants? The Panther Pacers Running Club will sponsor the 13th annual University of Northern Iowa homecoming race on Oct. 23. The race will begin at 8 a.m. and will feature a true cross country course where participants will be running on grass with flats, hills and tight curves. “The race not only helps support a UNI sports club, but it also showcases the other sports clubs’ fields such as the brand-new soccer, rugby and football practice fields,” said Tom Davidson, a senior exercise science major and president of the Panther Pacers Running Club. One can register for the race by mail or in the Wellness Recreation Services Office 101 if postmarked on or before Oct. 13, See 5K RACE, page 2
northern-iowan.org
Ryan’s Rants There’s no crying in baseball!
‘The Social Network’ a compelling tale of betrayal
Panther Pacers Club to sponsor annual 5K race
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UNI vs. SIU: A historical perspective UNI travels to Saluki Stadium to begin a new chapter in an intense rivalry TIM GETTING Staff Writer
The University of Northern Iowa Panthers and Southern Illinois University Salukis possess one of the Football Championship Subdivision’s most unique and heated rivalries. Saturday at 2 p.m., the two schools will compete in part 29 of this fairly young series. And despite the fact that each team brings a new roster and that the game will be played on a new field, a consistent history between UNI and SIU insists that fans will experience increased heart rates throughout Saturday’s contest. Six of the last seven contests between the two schools have ended with a scoring margin of seven or less. UNI holds a 15-13 edge in the all-time series. “The rivalry factor is probably only seven years old. The game has to be significant and mean something to both programs before it can be considered a rivalry.
SCOTT KINTZEL/Northern Iowan
The UNI Panthers will travel to the newly completed Saluki Stadium to play the SIU Salukis on Saturday. The Panthers currently lead the out-of-state rivalry, holding a 15-13 record in the annual match-up.
Over the past seven years, it has developed into that,” said SIU head coach Dale Lennon. The Panthers will travel to Carbondale, Ill., for
Make a difference day
JOHN ANDERSON Executive Editor
PHOTOS COURTESY OF STUDENT LEADERSHIP CENTER
UNI’s Student Leadership Center will participate in national Make A Difference Day by developing a new portion of the Big Woods Lake campground.
University of Northern Iowa students are getting ready to make a difference in their community. Up to 125 student volunteers will be developing a new portion of the campground at Big Woods Lake as part of the 2010 UNI Make a Difference Day on Saturday, Oct. 16. During the event, which is hosted by the Student Leadership Center and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, students will finalize the signage and clean up the campground to prepare it for use. Check-in for the event begins at 9 a.m. in Maucker See MAKE A DIFFERENCE, page 2
their first road match outside of Iowa this season. SIU’s new football venue, Saluki Stadium, will host the rivalry for the first time. The stadium was completed
in August and seats around 15,000 spectators. On the Salukis’ part, they hope the home field advan-
SARAH STRICKLAND
also very surprised. “I really wasn’t expecting it at all. It was quite an honor,” he said. Reflecting back on his career, Byrd is reminded of his teachers from the past who took part in teaching, influencing and molding him into who he is today. “Part of the honor was about those teachers,” he said. And now, he can play a part in forming, educating and helping his students discover their own potential. Upon receiving the award from the AEI, Byrd only expressed praise for the group. “I think they’re a great
See UNI V. SIU, page 8
UNI professor wins prestigious award Staff Writer
When Jeffery Byrd discovered his passion for art, he knew he had to share it with someone. “I knew I wanted to teach art, (because) making art is something I’m passionate about,” said Byrd, professor of art and head of the University of Northern Iowa Art Department. Since then, Byrd’s success has come a long way. On Oct. 2, he was awarded the 20102011 Distinguished Service Outside the Organization Award at the Art Educators of Iowa’s Fall Conference in Sioux City. Though he was thrilled to receive the award, he was
See BYRD, page 2
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NEWS
Corrections
5K RACE
The article “GRE resources available to students” in the Oct. 5, 2010 edition of The Northern Iowan contained an error regarding the location of the GRE Coffee Chats. The article erroneously stated that the events are held at Chats in Maucker Union; they actually take place in the Academic Learning Center in ITTC room 008, Gina Burkart’s name was also once misprinted as “Burkhart.” The Northern Iowan regrets these errors.
or on or before Oct. 19 in person. Early registration is $12 for current UNI students and $15 for non-students. All race participants registered before Oct. 13 will be guaranteed a long-sleeve T-shirt. If you wish to register on race day, it will cost $20. The money raised through the race goes to the Panther Pacers Club events and helps their fundraising to go to Living History Farms. “We also give some money to the Cedar River
The Northern Iowan welcomes all comments, suggestions and complaints about errors that warrant correction. These messages can be emailed to northern-iowan@uni.edu.
continued from page 1
MAKE A DIFFERENCE continued from page 1
Union, and the program will last until approximately 1 p.m. Volunteers will be provided with free transportation to and from the site as well as free lunch and a T-shirt. “I think a lot of students
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Runners Club, who are the ones that take care of the running trails in the Cedar Valley,” Davidson said. Awards will be given to the top finishers and the first place male and female alumni. Medals will be given to the top three males and females in each age group. Door prizes will also be drawn and awarded after the race. For more information on the race or questions about the Panther Pacers Running Club, contact Tom Davidson at tom.davidson5@gmail. com.
BYRD
on campus want to serve; they just don’t know how,” said Steffoni Smith, graduate assistant for the Student Leadership Center. “They might be uncomfortable going by themselves somewhere, so we’re trying to make this a fun event and show the community that we have this
presence in the community and we’re not just staying on our campus, but we want to be out there and involved and make a difference.” The event is being held in conjunction with National Make a Difference Day, which is on Oct. 23. According to Smith, UNI’s event is being held a week earlier to avoid a conflict with Homecoming weekend. According to Smith, the event is a good opportunity for students who are unable to participate in Volunteer Tuesdays, weekly events during which the Student Leadership Center provides transportation for students to and from service opportuni-
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organization,” he said. He enjoys the ability to share ideas about teaching methods and technique within the art community. In 2009, Byrd successfully brought AEI’s fall conference to UNI’s campus. AEI members were more than pleased with UNI’s facilities and extraordinarily talented faculty. Furthermore, Byrd brought Tim Rollins, a nationally recognized art educator from New York to be a keynote speaker at the fall conference.
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Regarding the future, Byrd hopes to bring more art education conferences to UNI and to extend his hand and ideas to the younger crowd, in hopes to increase interest in art and to show the public the importance of art in school. “I’m hoping we can continue to make connections with the K-12 art teachers,” he said. Byrd strives to create the most positive partnerships with the greatest number of people, thereby bringing the art community together.
ties. “(Make a Difference Day is) a great way to get out and serve,” she said. “I know that Volunteer Tuesdays have been going well, but Tuesdays don’t always work with everyone’s schedules, but hopefully they can make it for a Saturday.” The center’s goal is to have 125 students participate in the event. Students can register individually or in groups online at www.uni.edu/leadershipcenter. Registration will close on Oct. 13. Contact Steffoni Smith at steffers@uni.edu or 273-7422 for more information.
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The Northern Iowan is published semiweekly on Tuesday and Friday during the academic year; weekly on Friday during the summer session, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications. Advertising errors that are the fault of the Northern Iowan will be corrected at no cost to the advertiser only if the Northern Iowan office is notified within seven days of the original publication. Publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertisement at any time. The Northern Iowan is funded in part with student activity fees. A copy of the Northern Iowan grievance procedure is available at the Northern Iowan office, located at L011 Maucker Union. All material is copyright © 2010 by the Northern Iowan and may not be used without permission.
The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892
Features
Friday, October 8, 2010
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Volume 107, Issue 12
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Cedar Falls, Iowa
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northern-iowan.org
‘The Social Network’ a compelling tale of betrayal By EMILY HEYER Film Critic
Cavemen had the wheel, rock ‘n roll had Elvis and his thrusting hips, and the beginning of the 21st century has Facebook. Whether you like it or not, Facebook is the invention that has revolutionized today’s society, and not just your social life. One in 14 people have a Facebook account, and for many of these people, Facebook is an integral part of life. But how did it all start? “The Social Network” explores the creation of Facebook. Opening with a scene of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and his soon-to-be-exgirlfriend Erica (Rooney Mara), “The Social Network” reels you in with sharp, witty dialogue that suggests that Facebook was essentially started for revenge against an ex-girlfriend. This brutal dumping leads to the creation of Facemash – a site Zuckerberg actually created – that compares two female Harvard students to each other at a time. This site, illegal and immoral, gets 22,000 hits in four hours and crashes the Harvard servers. Zuckerberg is then thrust into the wild foray of Facebook’s creation, success and lawsuits. The film is told from essentially three points of view. The first is that of Zuckerberg, genius computer programmer and socially awkward college student. The second is from Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg’s best (and only)
‘The Summoning’ explores tensions between humanity and technology By ALLISON OSTWINKLE Staff Writer
“The Harry Potter universe provides many different opportunities for creativity, and I think it’s time UNI takes advantage of that,” Nervig said. According to Sarah Andino, a junior psychology major, nonacademic clubs are an important part of the university experience. “Pop culture is a relaxing, fun thing to do,” she said. “And part of your college experience is finding people who have similar interests and connecting with them.” Andino found out about the club last spring and was excited to join. “Last spring they had advertisements that said things like, ‘I wish I was at Hogwarts,’ which is secretly what I think to myself every day,” she said. “Harry Potter is so popular because it has everything: adventure, mystery, romance and comedy. And also, I am so glad that I was part of the generation that grew up with the trio – Harry, Ron, Hermione, because as I was
The tensions between humanity and technology will soon come to light on the University of Northern Iowa campus. “The Summoning,” written, directed and designed by Paul J. Siddens, is based on the English morality play “The Summoning of Everyman.” The production will be shown Oct. 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Interpreters Theater in Lang Hall 040. The inspiration for the play originated in Siddens’s long-term interest in “The Summoning of Everyman,” having played the role of Cousin in the original play. In the play, Death is sent to summon Everyman, who represents the entire human race, and tell him that his time on earth has ended, and he must give an account of his life. Everyman searches for friends to accompany him in his long journey, such as Fellowship, Kindred, Cousin and Material Goods, but none will join him except Good Deeds. The story is based on Medieval Christian beliefs, so the moral is that good deeds are the correct path to heaven. Siddens’s spin on this play brings the audience to a modern perspective. In “The Summoning,” Everyman now has a counterpart, Everywoman, who must also journey through her past life. When Authentica, the high priestess of humanity, and Electronicus, the high priest of technology, summon Everyman and Everywoman, they must revisit their old friends such as Sedusa, FaceSpace, E-Buy and MatchHarmony. As Siddens, an assistant professor of communication, continued his career in theatrical production, he became interested in “taking the original Summoning of Everyman and translating it into a more modern rendition.” He was granted a professional development leave – for professors working on a major project – in the spring of 2010 and has been editing, revising and finishing the play since then. The cast has been rehearsing since the second week in September. Not only is Siddens the writer, director and designer of the play, he has also assumed the responsibility of faculty designer and technical director as well. This gives him control of the cast, stage, crew and the entire set for the production. “It’s been a lot of fun, and I
See POTTER page 4
See SUMMONING page 4
MERRICK MORTON/MCT Campus
Jesse Eisenberg, left, and Joseph Mazzello in Columbia Pictures’ “The Social Network.”
friend and the first co-founder of Facebook. The third is the perspective of Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer), twins who claim Zuckerberg stole their idea. The film goes through a series of lawsuit depositions and flashbacks to incorporate all three views effortlessly and flawlessly. The screenplay, based on the book, “The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal” by Ben Mezrich and was adapted by Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing,” “Charlie Wilson’s War,” “A Few Good Men”), is sharp and fast, and is a welcome change from
the typical bland, dumbed-down dialogue. It explores what happened, and although the script is “Hollywoodized”-- for example, Erica is a fictional girlfriend -the reality of it comes through with brilliant directing by David Fincher (“Fight Club”) and intensely real acting. Much of the credit for this film’s brilliance is due to Eisenberg and Garfield. Eisenberg, most recognizable for his character in “Zombieland,” is Zuckerberg: stoic, genius and socially awkward. He whips out Sorkin’s dialogue at lightning speed, but never once leaves the audience behind. Although at times he seems
harsh or angry, this can be attributed to the sympathetic leaning the film takes towards Garfield’s character, Eduardo Saverin. Garfield, (also known as the new Spiderman), in his first large American role, is virtually flawless in both his American accent and his portrayal of Zuckerberg’s best friend who was virtually kicked out of the company. These two actors show the betrayal and nastiness of a multimillion dollar lawsuit while simultaneously making the audience sympathetic that their well-developed friendship was sadly lost. If See SOCIAL NETWORK, page 4
Harry Potter fans bring Hogwarts to UNI By ELIZABETH COLLINS Staff Writer
If you walk past Bartlett Hall this semester, don’t be surprised if you find a group of students playing Quidditch, a fictional game from the Harry Potter phenomenon that fans of the series from all over the world have made a reality. This fall at the University of Northern Iowa, a new group called the UNI Harry Potter Club has formed. Margaret Nervig, a sophomore history major, and her friend Sarah Kleinhesslink, a sophomore earth science and chemistry double major, founded the club together and have great aspirations for the organization. The club is divided into the four houses from the Harry Potter books: Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Gryffindor. “Each member belongs to a house, and the leaders of the group are the heads of the houses, just like in the books. Throughout the year the houses participate in activities to earn points towards
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ELIZABETH COLLINS/Northern Iowan
Members of the UNI Harry Potter Club posted signs promoting their new club.
winning the House Cup in the spring,” Nervig said. The club had its first activity last Friday, which was a scavenger hunt, and they are planning on doing much more. “We will be experimenting with Quidditch later this month and arranging a group to go see
the Harry Potter 7 midnight movie premiere on Nov. 19,” Nervig said. “We hope in the spring semester to host a Yule Ball as well as a wizarding rock band concert.” The club is not yet recognized as an official UNI student organization, but a constitution has been written, so members are hopeful.
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Campus Cooking He said, she said: Relationship advice Halftime Chip Dip
By KATIE MERRITT Staff Writer
Nothing says it’s Panther football season more than friends, fun, football and food! Tailgating is all about the good eats, so impress your friends and family with this football friendly dip! You’ll definitely score the approval of all your fans and not to mention it’s easy, delicious and you can make it in a matter of minutes! Halftime Chip Dip Serves: 4 to 10 Ingredients: 1 can refried beans 1 ½ cups sour cream 1 ½ cups salsa 1 cup shredded cheese 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup diced tomatoes 1 bag of tortilla chips LIQUID LIBRARY
Directions: 1. Use a 9x11 in. baking dish. 2. Open can of refried beans and layer on the bottom of the baking dish evenly 3. Place sour cream on top of refried beans and layer evenly. 4. Place salsa over top sour cream and layer evenly. 5. Sprinkle lettuce, tomatoes and cheese on top. 6. Eat with tortillas chips and enjoy!
*Hungry Hint: Want something a little more substantial than just chip dip? Or maybe you have left overs? Place a good helping of the dip on a warmed tortilla shell and you have yourself an easy, no fuss dinner!
POTTER continued from page 3
growing up the characters were growing up and at the end of the series when Harry turned 17, I turned 17 two weeks later.”
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“If you have any interest in Harry Potter, join the club,” Nervig said. “You don’t have to be obsessed to have fun with Harry Potter activities. To join us on Facebook, search ‘UNI Harry Potter Club.’”
By ANTHONY MITCHELL and KATIE HUNT
Relationship Columnists
Q: I’m meeting my girlfriend’s parents for the first time this week. What can I do to impress them?
She said: A first impression is everything. And I’m sure you’ve heard this multiple times in life—especially now that you’re in college. The reason this first impression business is stressed to you so much is because of its importance. Whether we like to admit it or not, as humans, we make judgments. Whether they’re right, wrong, fair, unfair, biased, based on looks or based on speech — we make them. It comes so naturally that we don’t even know we’re doing it. And by judgments I don’t necessarily mean they’re negative. I mean we make our opinion of someone (generally) when we meet them. Although we don’t know them very well yet, we do pick up a general vibe from them. So, it’s your job to make sure her parents feel a positive “vibe” when they meet you. You want to make a good first impression while being yourself at the same time—which can be hard sometimes. For example, if you’re a generally soft spoken person, and have trouble speaking to people, you’re going to have to muster up the confidence to speak more. To read the rest of this article, visit northern-iowan.org.
He said: Impressing the folks is very similar to a first date. You’re trying to create the all-important first impression that will hopefully last for a great deal of time. Impressing the family is almost more important than impressing the girlfriend. If the relationship lasts for any great amount of time, the family comes with the package deal. As far as impressing a family, the number one thing I’d say to do would be making it clear that you have great respect and admiration for their son or daughter. When they see both the devotion and honesty that this projects, all quirks can be thrown out the window most of the time. Just knowing that their child is in good hands can really help a family relax and focus on you as a person instead of you as the boyfriend or girlfriend. Granted, showing your admiration won’t win you a gold medal alone. Do your best to not put on too much of a show but simply, as timeless advice says, be yourself.
The classic family question will be what you do and what’s your major. No matter what you’ve chosen, celebrate your accomplishments (modestly, don’t talk too highly of yourself) and make clear why you chose it and why you’re passionate about it. If you’ve yet to discover your passion, make it clear you intend to find it and are exploring life’s great mysteries. In essence, keep it positive to make sure you have the upper hand and not appear as a slacker in the eyes of his or her family. Make strides to find out about them just as much as they are making strides to find out about you. Take a genuine interest in them and see what common ground you can find. Family meetings can be awkward, sure (especially when Dad gets the shotgun), but everyone has common ground with somebody. Go in on the offensive, not the defensive. As long as you are sure in whom you are and what your relationship is with their child, you have zero to worry about.
SOCIAL NETWORK
life,” Eisenberg and Garfield as Zuckerberg and Saverin have it down to a T. Also notable, is pop icon Justin Timberlake’s role as Napster creator Sean Parker. If anyone has doubts about Justin Timberlake’s talent, those doubts will disappear after viewing this film. He is the ultimate suave and debonair nerd – swooping in and taking over, so sly that even the audience forgets Parker is a slimeball.
Although the movie leans heavily towards the point of view of Saverin and is highly dramatized, it is nonetheless one of the best films of the year. Although there has been much controversy surrounding it, such as the lack of support from Zuckerberg, it surpasses all the hype and lives up to all expectations. This is one film you do not want to miss, whether you’re a Facebook user or not..
SUMMONING
to the public. Siddens said people should arrive early since the theater is small, and there are usually about 20 to 30 people they have to turn away. The theater begins issuing passes one hour before performance time.
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ever there was a real life bromance in a movie based on “real
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continue to enjoy working with each of the students,” he said. The production is free and open
5K Run For the Preserves
Saturday, October 16 It is a cross-country 5K run to promote the UNI Prairie and Woodland Preserves.
Location: Prairie Preserves Entrance near the UNI Credit Union on West 29th St. Cedar Falls Registration starts 8:30 a.m. Registration cost is $10 Run starts at 10 a.m.
Questions? Call the UNI Botanical Center at (319) 273-2247 Hosted by the Sudent Nature Society and the UNI Botanical Center
The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892
Opinion
Friday, October 8, 2010
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Volume 107, Issue 12
From the editorial staff
Sticks and Stones
In the month of September, five teenage suicides around the country have ignited an outcry for a stronger push for tolerance and acceptance. The correlation between the five suicides: peer harassment in light of the victim’s perceived or actual sexual orientation. According to LGBTQNATION, Billy Lucas, a student at Greensburg Community High School in Greensburg, Ind., was tormented for years. Lucas was threatened daily and called names because of his perceived sexual orientation. The 13-year-old cut his life short by hanging himself in his grandmother’s barn. Despite this, his suicide note placed no blame on bullying. Lucas reportedly did not self-identify as gay. Nearly two weeks later Tyler Clementi, a freshman at Rutgers University, jumped off the George Washington Bridge after his roommate, Dharun Ravi, and an accomplice, Molly Wei, used a web cam to live stream Clementi’s intimate encounter with a male on the internet, according to CBSNews. The next day Asher Brown, an eighth-grader at Hamilton Junior High School in Texas, shot himself in the head. Brown endured bullying throughout middle school. According to Brown’s parents, Amy Brown and David Truong, the 13 year-old was taunted about his appearance, sexual orientation and religion. Brown’s parents claim they had contacted the school for months, but to no avail. The Cypress-Fairbanks district officials said there were no reports from staff members, students or parents that Brown was bullied. Similarly, 13-year-old Seth Walsh, from Tehachapi, Calif. took his life because of antigay bullying on Sept. 28. According to an article on Advocate.com, after nine days on life support, Walsh passed away after hanging himself in his backyard. Students from Jacobsen Middle School were aware of the bullying and said there was no intervention by officials at the school. According to police investigators, students who taunted Walsh the day of his suicide were not found to have actions worthy of crime. One day later, Raymond Chase, a 19-year-old studying at Johnson & Wales in Providence, R.I., hanged himself in his dorm room. According to Advocate.com, Chase, from Monticello, N.Y., was openly gay. Many University of Northern Iowa students demonstrated an acceptance of different lifestyles and sexual orientations in counterprotests to a much-anticipated appearance by the Westboro Baptist Church. The Westboro activists, who hatefully oppose homosexuality, were planning an appearance at the Laramie Project movie screening as well a speech by Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, in previous weeks. Next week, the issue will again take center stage at UNI when the Gallagher-Bluedorn hosts the play “Laramie: 10 Years Later, An Epilogue,” which depicts the events before and after the murder of Matthew Shepard. Gay rights activist Dan Savage has created a YouTube channel titled “It Gets Better” in order to support gay youth. Savage has asked fans to submit videos in providing support and encouragement to gay teenagers facing discrimination, bullying and harassment. The wrath of words is indeed as powerful, if not more powerful, than the wrath of sticks and stones. The afflictions of those tormented are as apparent, if not more apparent, today than in past generations. Sometimes an individual can be suffering this pain right before our eyes, and yet they suffer in silence. Students should continue to push back against prejudice of any kind, and refuse to tolerate harassment, bullying and hatred. This editorial reflects the position of the Northern Iowan’s editorial staff: John Anderson, Leah Jeffries, Brad Eilers, Cassie Tegeler, Anna Schreck and Kari Braumann. All other articles and illustrations represent the views of their authors.
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When the spotlight goes off TREVOR BOECKMANN Trevor@ unifreethought.com
Last week, as you all probably know by now, was International Blasphemy Rights Day. This publication has been full of coverage from general overviews to opinion pieces urging us to do everything from ignore the day to embrace it. As the president of the University of Northern Iowa Freethinkers and Inquirers, I certainly support it -- but this article isn’t to harp on the day, it’s to call on everyone to act with the same passion and excitement regardless of the day. UNIFI’s chalking on Blasphemy Rights Day was quickly matched, and surpassed, by a barrage of chalk from BASIC members. A rough guesstimate puts it at over 50 religious students who came out at 10:30 p.m. on a Wednesday night to chalk Bible verses. This sort
of effort is unprecedented and it didn’t end there. The next day, more students came out to pray and chalk, and discussion about Blasphemy Rights Day was everywhere. Not all religious students were fully in support of the fervor of this response. UNI Navigators member Mikayla Thompson commented on unifreethought. com, UNIFI’s blog, about the tendency of Christians to only make a stand once a year. I won’t try to paraphrase her words; they were perfectly said. “The same Christians that come out to chalk up the campus, could take a stand for their faith in a classroom or share the gospel with the people in their dorms, but many seem to prefer to chalk a nice Bible verse… They could openly profess their faith and share their opinion at a faith forum and meet people that have a different belief, and heaven forbid, maybe even make a friend that happens to be an atheist. But rather than doing these things,
they call people names behind their back…” Junior English major Rachel Riesberg disagreed on Facebook. “It’s the same idea as an anti-protest. Christians post on (B)lasphemy (Rights) (D)ay the same way gay rights supporters protest the actions against the laremy (sic, recte Laramie) project. they’re (sic) always gay rights supporters, they’re just louder about it in the face of adversity.” While I agree we can find some parallels between the Westboro protest and Blasphemy Rights Day protests, I don’t think that justifies it. In fact, I believe it says more about the Westboro protests than anything else. Why is there such an obsession at UNI and society in general with only making a stand when the spotlight is on? In the past year, we’ve seen an obsession with the Iranian “Green” revolution that ended before the deaths of Iranians did, a caring for Haiti that evaporated before the nation
Consider Christ KEVIN HOWARD khoward@uni.edu
College is a time when one’s Christian faith can become indeterminate. Often times it is not considered vogue to bring your faith with you to college; it can even be considered simple-minded to do so. The incumbency of faith is challenged by secularism, which sometimes is presented as fresh and more realistic. I am going to leave the science of creation to both secular and Christian scientists to debate as it goes beyond the goal of this column. It is the idea of faith that I am more concerned with. Faith means believing in something that is not necessarily based on proof, and I admit it is not easy to do. As a graduate student, a researcher and a developing social scientist, I appreciate scientific methods as equally as I appreciate having faith in something. To stomach my next few paragraphs it may take a little faith, and faith takes courage. The purpose of this column is to encourage readers with no faith in Christ, or those who are questioning their faith, to consider accepting Jesus Christ
See SPOTLIGHT, page 6
into their life. Don’t look for all the answers in the next paragraphs but instead view this column as one of many places to start. Probably one of the most well known Bible verses is John 3:16. This verse reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Salvation is referenced in many places of the Bible, but most people have heard this particular verse. Before we were even born, God knew that the Fall of man would take place and we would not be worthy of sitting next to Him. He still wanted us and gave us another chance to be with Him. God has saved each of us a cute little bowl of grace (a reference from a speaker I heard at UNI Navigators). This grace is in the form of Jesus Christ. I think we have all pondered life after death at one point or another. I have to tell you, the Bible describes Heaven as a pretty wonderful place! I assert that we were created for a special purpose and one day, if we choose to accept Christ, will be reunited with our Creator. Our sin, or offenses against God, described in the Bible, has the potential to separate us from Christ and lead to an eternity somewhere other than Heaven. Think of Jesus Christ similar to
Scientific controversy: skepticism now, acceptance later CASSANDRA BOEVERS boeversc@uni.edu
Whether you like it or not, scientific knowledge is growing at an exponential rate. It is the effect of many brilliant people throughout history who did
not stop at curiously asking the unanswered questions but actually executed methods by which to answer them. Essentially since the birth of scientific exploration itself, society has been skeptical and critical of the pursuits and claims that scientists make. Certainly this is understandable, since new knowledge frequently alters the way humans view life itself. Take,
See CHRIST, page 6
for example, the 16th-century outrage after Copernicus proposed that the sun, not Earth, was the center of the solar system. Sometimes new information is difficult to fathom, let alone accept. However, as I mature within my own scientific fields – biology and biochemistry – I notice a pattern throughout history of major scientific breakthroughs
that initially are received with great criticism and controversy and turn out positively altering the course of human history. Scientific breakthroughs that are universally accepted in this day and age were not always popular ideas. Nevertheless, we as a human race are forever indebted to Albert Einstein for his countless discoveries in physics and mechanics, Alfred Wegener
for the continental drift theory, Rutherford and Bohr for the atomic model, Crick and Watson for the DNA helical structure, the international community of scientists that constructed the Human Genome Project — to name only a few. Without knowledge of matter and the atom, the geological construct of Earth and our genetic composition, we See CONTROVERSY, page 6
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a “free pass.” Our state of sinful imperfection is debt that can be paid in full by Jesus Christ. If we accept Jesus to dwell in us, we are ensured to dwell with God. Now, I don’t want to cheapen this gift of grace. When one accepts Christ, it will be more natural to want to turn away from behaviors committed before knowing Christ and try to live a life worth the calling we have received. It is hard to imagine the kind of love Christ must have for us to have paid the ultimate price of death so we may live. It is simply awe-inspiring. I can’t pretend that trusting in God will ensure all your troubles will disappear. However, God can be a present help in your future times of trouble. The word inclusiveness, according to dictionary.com, comes from the root word inclusive, which means including a great deal, or including everything concerned; comprehensive. I believe that God wants all of us.
OPINION
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It is not about being a good person, or reaching a certain level of perfection, or counting up the good verses bad things we have done in life. It is quite the opposite actually. We have all felt a little broken, beaten or down. So, when a Christian is telling you about the Bible or about Christ, it better be at eye-level opposed to them looking down at you. If they aggressively push the Bible on you and pit the ideals of Christianity as us versus them, please walk the other way. If they truly know Christ’s love, they will tell you how ragged they feel at times, and how life’s struggles can really challenge them. Hopefully they share how regardless of being a Christian they sometimes make huge mistakes and claim that the last thing they are is perfect, and they are no different from you or any other human. Also, expect a Christian to explain how Christ gives them motivation and strength to carry on, and how Christ’s sacrifice has changed them forever. An example of this inclusiveness is given in the Bible when
Christ says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened,” as stated in the book of Matthew. I believe with all my heart, soul, mind and strength that if we put our faith and love in Christ, we will not be forsaken. He wants us; He wants us all. Here is a real life example of inclusiveness. When my ex-boyfriend and I would go to church, we would naturally get a few surprised looks as we held hands during the pastor’s sermon. Keep in mind these looks were by no means any worse than those we would get, at say, the Olive Garden when sharing the same side of the booth. No matter how the other parishioners may feel, they and the pastor of the church I attend have been warmly welcoming. I think this is because ultimately, the best way to show that we are Christians is through our love for one another.
SPOTLIGHT was rebuilt and an obsession with oil-filled oceans that ended before anything was cleaned. We only care while the news is covering it, and then we toss the issue aside with the newspapers on it. UNI is no better. Hundreds of students gathered to protest Westboro -- a largely symbolic issue that did nothing to advance the gay rights movement. Few of those counterprotesters have ever worked with UNI Proud to foster a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community and even fewer have worked with One Iowa at UNI to keep gay marriage legal in the state. But when the spotlight was on, they were willing to reschedule work and skip classes. Where is that effort the other 363 days of the year? Blasphemy Rights Day saw the same thing. Students amassed for a largely empty gesture. Is anyone going to be converted through chalking? Let’s be realistic. Would the same number of students be willing to come out to volunteer? To proselytize? To
talk with the non-religious? To chalk on any other day of the year? Perhaps I’m wrong, but I’d be shocked if they did. I may find some disagreement from my secular friends with this, but I support proselytizing from religious people. You have to believe that I, along with many other students, am condemned to eternal damnation unless I change my ways. If you’re a caring person with any sense of empathy how could you not proselytize?! I can fathom no greater purpose in life than bringing people to God, if you’re religious. That means on all 365 days, not just the one when someone is mean about your beliefs. I’m reminded of Judy Shepard’s talk to a packed GBPAC. She called on everyone to do more than just come to a counterprotest. She urged everyone in attendance to go out, get involved, make phone calls and make a difference in the political process. This attitude shouldn’t end with gay rights. We should always seek to buck apathy and do something, even when the spotlight is no longer shining.
CONTROVERSY
Edwards won the Nobel Prize in medicine for his work in developing the “test tube baby” – or, in more modern terms, in vitro fertilization. At the time of the preliminary IVF research by Edwards and his partner Patrick Steptoe, there was strong oppo-
sition from religious leaders, government officials and fellow scientists about the morality of human intervention of embryonic life. Now, according to the Associated Press, IVF has given life to 4 million infants and the reality of parenthood to previously sterile couples. There is no denying that IVF has offered immeasurable joy to people worldwide, to a magnitude probably unforeseen by its innovators. Just like many other historic breakthroughs, what was once a controversy is now worthy of a Nobel Prize. Edwards’s research, though now widely accepted, led to one of the greatest modern controversies in science: stem cell research. This is the Copernican model or the “test tube baby” of our generation. While this research may have astronomical medical implications, it receives a lot of opposition because it requires extracting the unique unspecialized cells from lab embryos. Just like when Edwards introduced IVF or when Copernicus introduced heliocentrism, religious leaders, politicians and scientists offer input on the ethics of pursuing stem cell research. So now I ask: In the same way that Copernicus, Edwards, Steptoe, Einstein and Rutherford were rejected and later rewarded,
might stem cell research have the same potential to alter the course of human history in unforeseeably positive ways? While I do not encourage anyone – scientific or otherwise – to discard their concerns about the legitimacy and morality of stem cell research (or any controversial scientific pursuit), I do encourage you to recognize our limitations: we haven’t the faintest idea how the smallest scientific discovery could drastically alter life as we know it. Is it possibly worth the risk to let the discoveries unfold? In the case of stem cell research, dozens of medical mysteries could be solved, and your next endangered loved one could embrace a couple more healthy years of life as a result. This is not the first scientific controversy, and it won’t be the last. Indeed, much of society is frequently on the prowl for the next offense scientists make, especially if it challenges religion or ethics. It is not wrong to question professional practices since, by nature, scientists have a reputation for pushing the limits of human capacity of knowledge. However, in the end, it is your right to refuse whatever medical remedy was achieved through research that was against your religion or morals.
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wouldn’t have a multitude of human luxuries, from household cleaning products to medical masterpieces. Recently, 85-year-old Robert
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The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892
Sports
Friday, October 8, 2010
Eglseder signs with Houston Rockets
NI NEWS SERVICE
Former University of Northern Iowa Panther center Jordan Eglseder has signed a free agent contract with the National Basketball Association’s Houston Rockets. Eglseder (7-0, 280, Northern Iowa) finished his four-year career at Northern Iowa with averages of 9.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.02 blocks in 118 games (75 starts). The first 7-footer to ever hit the hardwood with UNI, Eglseder was one of just 13 Panthers to reach 1,000 points (1,066) and 500 rebounds (656) in a career. He also became the 32nd UNI player to reach 1,000 career points. Eglseder started all 32 games in 2009-10, averaging 11.9 points and 7.2 rebounds en route to the Panthers upset of No. 1-ranked Kansas in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and a schoolrecord 30 wins. As a senior, Eglseder was a National Association of Basketball Coaches District-16 First Team selection, a United States Basketball Writers’ Association All-District pick and earned All-Tournament Team honors at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament.
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Ryan’s Rants
There’s no crying in baseball!
By RYAN FRIEDERICH
Sports Columnist
Baseball is truly America’s pastime, and I will argue with anyone for days about it. The playoffs are finally here and again my schoolwork gets put on hold for another month, knowing that I will need to watch nearly every pitch of every game or else I will get the shakes. People will probably make fun of me about this, just like they try to tell me every detail they see wrong with baseball (steroids, instant replay and the four-to five-hour games). All the criticism I hear leads me to muster up one major beef about this great sport: baseball players can be pansies! If you follow baseball as religiously as I do, you are always hearing of injuries that “come out of left field” (please pardon my pun). Take for instance Brian Roberts, second baseman for the Baltimore Orioles. Last Monday, Roberts struck out to end a meaningless game against the Tampa Bay Rays and proceeded to whack himself in the head with the bat, leading to concussionlike symptoms that made him sit out the rest of the year. Most people would think the sad part about this
story is that he hit himself in the head, but you haven’t even heard the end to it… he was wearing his helmet! Brian Roberts isn’t the only Oriole to come up lame with an injury that most first-grade girls at Price Laboratory School would laugh at, let’s take a look at his teammate Luke Scott. This past June Scott launched a go-ahead home run against the Oakland Athletics. I know what you are all thinking: “He hit a home run, and this article is about wussy injuries. He must have certainly hurt himself on the swing, right?” Wrong. Scott pulled his hamstring as he circled the bases in a home run trot. Scott needs to take a few lessons from “big papi” David Ortiz, who once trotted the bases after a homer in 30.59 seconds, not injured. Probably my favorite injury of this season came after a dramatic Florida Marlins victory. While Wes Helms was taking part in a post game interview, rookie Chris Coghlan attempted to deliver him a celebratory shaving cream pie in the face. Everyone knows that distributing a pie in the face can lead to pretty serious health risks, such as a torn meniscus, but we should give
Courtesy Photo/MCT CAMPUS
Brian Roberts of the Baltimore Orioles gave himself a concussion after hitting himself in the head with his baseball bat after a ninth-inning strikeout on Sept. 27 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Mr. Coghlan the benefit of the doubt. After all, he is a rookie. There are plenty of other great stories out there about baseball players hurting themselves this year doing everyday tasks, such as running around bases and walking by the pool. (Yes, the catcher of my Atlanta
Braves came to a game with a black eye after he fell by his pool.) Certainly, all of these injuries would be worthy of a Keyshawn Johnson “come on, man!” Unfortunately, I do not have the delivery of Keyshawn, so I will leave you as always with the usual. Go Panthers!
Brad’s Sports Blurb
Denard Robinson is the frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy… for now
By BRAD EILERS the Heisman Trophy race right now, he and the Sports Editor
Courtesy Photo/MCT CAMPUS
Denard Robinson has helped lead the Michigan Wolverines to their first 5-0 start since 2006. The Wolverines take on intra-state rival Michigan State this weekend in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines hold the series edge 67-30-5, but the Spartans have won the past two meetings. The game starts at 2:30 p.m. and will be aired on both ABC and ESPN.
University of Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson is putting up “Playstation-like” numbers this season. Robinson has already combined for 1,913 total yards of offense through just five games, leading to 15 Wolverine touchdowns. He has also compiled 1,008 passing yards to go along with 905 rushing yards. The sophomore has matured from his freshman year and has become a true dual-threat quarterback. Last weekend Robinson became the first player in Football Bowl Subdivision history to pass for 200 yards and rush for 200 yards in a regular-season game twice in his career, which is quite astonishing considering he has only played in 17 career games. Robinson has basically single-handedly led the Wolverines back into the top-25 poll for the first time in over a year and has probably helped Rich Rodriguez keep his job as head football coach at Michigan, at least until the end of the season. The Wolverines have the NCAA’s second-best offense in terms of total yards and they are averaging 9.9 yards per play on Robinson’s passing and running plays. While Robinson may be the frontrunner in
Wolverines must still face four ranked opponents throughout the course of their remaining Big Ten Conference schedule. Robinson’s numbers have been off the charts thus far; however he’s accumulating these statistics against belowaverage opponents. It will be interesting to see how he and the Wolverines fare once they have to play talented teams like the University of Iowa, University of Wisconsin or Ohio State University, all of which possess outstanding defenses. Personally, I believe that the Wolverines are overrated because of their weak schedule that they have somehow managed to navigate through unscathed (the Wolverines have won three games of their five games by seven points or less). I think Robinson and the Wolverines will start to falter down the stretch once they start facing tougher competition, which will open the door for others to get a shot at the Heisman. Aside from Robinson, some players to keep an eye on are Ohio State’s Terrelle Pryor, the University of Oregon’s LaMichael James, the University of Arkansas’s Ryan Mallett, Boise State University’s Kellen Moore and of course last year’s Heisman winner, Mark Ingram from the University of Alabama.
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tage they possessed at their old venue, McAndrew Stadium, will transfer to Saluki Stadium. Up until last season, when SIU defeated UNI at the UNI-Dome, the home team has ended up being the winning team in the series for 12 straight seasons. Missed opportunities in the red zone and turnovers, a familiar problem for the Panthers, helped secure the Salukis’ 27-20 victory last season. A record UNI-Dome crowd of 17,190 witnessed the then-No. 2-ranked Panthers succumb to No. 5-ranked SIU during Homecoming weekend. SIU’s head coach Dale Lennon may have had something
to do with his program’s first win in Cedar Falls since 1983. A Lennon-coached team has never lost to UNI in the three instances that they have met. And in those three victories, Lennon’s squad has either been ranked worse than UNI or was playing in a lower division than the Panthers. While coaching at the University of North Dakota in 2006, Lennon and the Fighting Sioux handed UNI its first loss to a Division II program since 1989. “He’s been on a run. He’s had some good players, and he’s done a good job with those players,” Farley said. The Salukis have had a worse-than-expected start to the season this year, dropping
three straight games after their season-opening victory. After entering week two ranked No. 5 in the Football Championship Subdivision, SIU fell to the Big Ten’s University of Illinois, an unranked Southeast Missouri State University squad, and a Youngstown State University team that was picked to finish seventh in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. The Salukis climbed to No. 23 in The Sports Network Top25 poll this week and redeemed themselves somewhat after defeating the MVFC’s top team, Illinois State University, on the road. “For them to do that, in that situation on the road, took a real good team, so I’m sure they’ll
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have a lot of confidence,” said Farley. This week SIU entered its program’s 97th consecutive week of being ranked nationally. That mark broke an MVFC record previously held by UNI. Farley contributes much of their success to their defense. “(SIU) has always been good on defense. They create their own turnovers and get after it,” he said. The Panthers are also coming off their most impressive win of the season, having topped conference foe South Dakota State University at the UNIDome last Saturday. UNI is currently ranked No. 15 in The Sports Network poll and tied with Western Illinois University atop
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the MVFC with a 2-0 conference record. Despite this game being held early in the conference season, it still has the potential for crucial postseason implications. “This is a little early in the season and conference race, so you’re not sure how things are going to progress after this week. But at the same time, if you do win this game, then you do feel pretty good about your chances of being a conference contender and making things happen,” said Lennon. A total of eight networks will be televising Saturday’s game. Locally, a live broadcast will available on CFU Channel 15 and Mediacom Channel 85 or 22.
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