9-17-10 by Northern Iowan

The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Northern Iowan

Friday, September 17, 2010 Volume 107, Issue 6 Cedar Falls, Iowa northern-iowan.org

“The American” provokes more thoughts than thrills

Panthers to face high-powered offense

Page 7

Page 3

Students enage in peaceful couterprotest in absence of WBC ERIN TRAMPLE Staff Writer

On Monday, hundreds of University of Northern Iowa students gathered in support of “The Laramie Project,” a movie that tells the story of the murder of Matthew Shepard. The students were joined together to counter the Westboro Baptist Church’s planned protest, which was not carried out. The WBC is headed by Fred Phelps, and its members mainly include his very large family (his eldest daughter has 11 children). The main focus of this group, which is commonly called a cult and a hate group, is to tell the world that they are going to hell and to celebrate the deaths of those whom they call “fags,” which include the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, adulterers, Jewish people and any who support

any of these groups. Some of their most controversial slogans include “God Hates Fags,” “God Hates America,” “Thank God For AIDS,” “God Hates Your Tears” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.” These slogans create a very angry reaction from the general public, sparking an eight-part YouTube documentary entitled “The Most Hated Family In America” where even the documentary host finds it difficult to stay impartial. The WBC’s first church service was held on Sunday, Nov. 27, 1955, and since then they have held many protests like the one that was planned for Monday. The most current count, according to WBC themselves, is at 41,000 protests, and on average the church protests in six locations each day. They have done protests all over the nation, covering 650 cities and using a travel budget that exceeds $200,000 annually.

WHITNEY WILLIAMS/Northern Iowan

Tyler Sharp, a junior marketing major, shows his support at Monday’s counterprotest of the Westboro Baptist Church.

At 3:30 p.m., the students walked from Maucker Union to the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performance Arts Center with signs and, in some cases,

costumes. One of the most noticeable costumes was by Tyler Sharp, a junior marketing major at UNI, who dressed as Jesus and carried

a sign that stated, “I Love Everyone.” When asked why he chose to dress in such a fashion, he stated, “(I wore this) to make some fun of a bad situation. I mean, these people are hateful people, so, to have Jesus show up to say that he loves everybody, that’s funny, and just look at all the people that are smiling and happy now.” Another protester, graduate student Derk Babbitt, said, “(I came to support) the diversity of people that we have here at UNI, and part of that is paying honor to Matthew Shepard’s death and the LGBT community.” Along with students from UNI, many members of the local LGBT community were present. This group of protesters included Anne Myles, an associate professor of English at UNI. “As a gay person I felt morally compelled to attend. See PROTEST, page 2

National Teacher of the Year Students react to “The Laramie Project” to speak at UNI TALEE MABE

JESSICA SNOOK Staff Writer

The 2010 National Teacher of the Year, Sarah Brown Wessling, will speak at the University of Northern Iowa on Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. She will discuss worthy learning in Communications Arts Center room 108. Being the 60th National Teacher of the Year, she is dedicating her year to acting as a national and international spokesperson for education, hence visit to UNI. Rick Vanderwall, an instructor in UNI’s English department, initially contacted Wessling about coming to UNI to speak. Vanderwall and Wessling have known one another for a number of years, as both serve on the Board of the Iowa Council of Teachers of English and

attend the Conference of the National Council of Teachers of English. Vanderwall believes that anyone who is interested in education or is a future or current teacher would benefit from listening to Wessling speak. “She is a lot of fun…an inspiration. She was an Iowa kid who grew up here and is a product of our great education system.” “She is a role model to young women as well,” he added. “We have a lot of great people in the state of Iowa, but we don’t always get a lot of national recognition. Here’s a person who is at the top of her profession and is getting the national recognition she deserves.” After attending high school in Winterset, Iowa, Wessling pursued a bachelor’s degree and a mas-

ter’s degree from Iowa State University. She taught at Cedar Falls High School for one year and then taught English to 10th through 12th graders at Johnston High School in Johnston, Iowa, for 10 years. Michael Ellis, a 2008 graduate of Johnston High School who is now a Criminal Justice major at Des Moines Area Community College, had Wessling as a teacher his senior year. “There was never a dull day,” he said. “Not many teachers out there can get you so involved to the point where you’re writing a two-page paper for a oneparagraph assignment. She really deserves the award.”

Staff Writer

A viewing of “The Laramie Project” was held Monday in the Great Hall of the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The film was shown as part of the Univeristy of Northern Iowa’s “Standing On Higher Ground” campaign. Based on the play of the same name, “The Laramie Project” is the result of interviews conducted by Moises Kaufman, a member of the Tectonic Theater Project, among citizens of Laramie and others in close proximity to the events surrounding the brutal torture and murder of Matthew Shepard, who was killed because of his homosexuality. It is a dramatized representation of the experiences gained by the interviewers, the subjects and every-

one within distance of the shockwaves sent out by the murder. Asked to lend support to the “Standing On Higher Ground” initiative, Sheri Melby, manager of marketing and public relations at University Book and Supply, felt that a viewing of the film preceding the appearance of Judy Shepard and the presentation of the theatrical production of “The Laramie Project” would be ideal. In hosting the viewing, Melby also sought to facilitate a greater amount of community participation in the event. With the upcoming appearance by Judy Shepard, the possibility of appearances on behalf of groups protesting the showing was a distinct possibility. The Westboro Baptist Church, infamous for their See LARAMIE, page 2

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NEWS Friday, September 17, 2010 northern-iowan.org

I think it’s important that faculty and other employees, as well as students, are at this event,” Myles said. Other protesters were not members of the gay community, but were driven to show their support regardless. “What does diversity mean? Diversity isn’t just about color or race. It’s about gender, it’s about lifestyle, it’s about Iowan, it’s about Texan, Californian, it’s about international, it’s about foreign... I

WHITNEY WILLIAMS/Northern Iowan

UNI students gather to protest against the Westboro Baptist Church.

LARAMIE continued from page 1

unabashed displays of hatred towards various groups that they deem are destined for damnation, was expected to attend. Melby noted that in a democratic society, expression of even the most volatile viewpoints must be facilitated. Anticipating a large volume of guests and demonstrators, the hosts of the event opted to relocate the viewing from University Book and Supply to

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the collective emotions of Laramie, a town having been taken by surprise by a crime that was hard to stomach, let alone fathom. After the showing, a short discussion of the themes of the film and injustice in the world at large was led by Ruth Chananie-Hill, assistant professor of sociology, anthropology and criminology at UNI. Chananie-Hill facilitated an open and honest discussion of the combating of prejudice and the weaknesses of human nature that predispose people towards a hesitant curiosity which, if not subverted into exploration and tolerance, can facilitate hatred.

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NORTHERN IOWAN

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the Great Hall. Hundreds of students gathered outside the GBPAC before the event in protest of the Westboro Baptist Church. However, the Topeka, Kans.-based group did not attend. The film opens with shots of the commonplace-looking town of Laramie, in conjunction with footage of the media firestorm surrounding the murder. Balking, honest and poignant, the film reveals the alienation, grief and confusion of Laramie, with citizens still coping with the idea of the perpetration of a hate crime in their town even as the media descends upon them. Prejudice, sympathy, grief and love are portrayed among

Circulation

continued from page 1

always tell people that I don’t have to be gay to understand who they are, but I have to be willing to sit down with them to say ‘Ok, let’s discuss this diplomatically,’” said Ramon Cantu, a junior education major and member of the Social Studies Circle. When later asked how he thought the protest was going, he said “It’s been positive. It’s always good when things are non-violent and peaceful. I think that’s what institutions across the United States are supposed to do: get together and express each other in a positive manner, especially when you don’t understand somebody.” Even without the presence of the Westboro Baptist Church representatives, the local counterprotesters had a great time, cheering when cars, bikes and runners passed by and showed their support. The counterprotesters even sang songs, including “God Bless America,” which is the original version of the WBC’s infamous “God Hates America.” Overall, the protest occurred with no violence and no anger among the counterprotesters for the lack of WBC representatives. The UNI protesters will be gathering again on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. and encourage anyone to join their efforts.

Editorial Assistants

PROTEST

EMILY O’LOUGHLIN DEREK HEISERMAN

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.

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The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Features

Friday, September 17, 2010 Volume 107, Issue 6 Cedar Falls, Iowa northern-iowan.org

“The American” provokes more thoughts than thrills By EMILY HEYER

Film Critic

Although George Clooney’s new film, “The American,” is advertised as an action film/ thriller about a hitman named Jack, it is anything but. Jack (Clooney, “Up In the Air,” “Burn After Reading”) is an assassin and maker of weapons, in Italy for one last job. While there, he befriends a priest and a prostitute who help him solidify his desire to get out of the assassination business. The film, although doused in beautiful scenery and rife with understated emotions on the part of Clooney, is extremely slow. The beginning of the film is almost completely silent, apart from the ringing gunshots from Clooney’s gun, and this approach becomes a trend. The film almost seems to be an homage to George Clooney’s ability to ponder and grasp the meaning of life, with very little action or thrill. It is almost an hour into the film before any real “action and thrill’ happens, and it is anti-climactic at best. The supporting cast -- Jack’s

Student Voices

Compiled by TESSA STOCKER

What’s your favorite study spot on campus?

“

In my dorm room. It’s really quiet and the best place to study.

Staff Writer

Now that the school year has begun and students are already four weeks into their studies, new friendships and acquaintances are being formed constantly. For some, a new friendship may turn into something more intimate. If and when it does turn intimate, students are reminded to learn how to handle themselves in sometimes challenging and confusing sexual situations. It can be difficult to decipher what a sexual partner is thinking or feeling when communication isn’t coming across directly. That’s when one may start to assume instead of communicating with their partner. An assumption can often lead to a misinterpretation, which could potentially lead to a dangerous situation if there is no consent given. To address the issues of sexual consent, Harry Brod, University of Northern Iowa

”

Cody Wells

freshman athletic training major

GILES KEYTE/MCT Campus

Violante Placido, left, and George Clooney star in “The American.”

boss, Pavel (Johan Leysen); his prostitute friend, Clara (Violante Placido); and the preist, Father Benedetto (Paolo Bonacelli) -- all do a wonderful job in their roles, complementing Clooney’s brooding assassin. The cast, composed entirely of talented European actors

(save Clooney), not only gives the film a feeling of authenticity, but also adds to the less mainstream, European feel of the movie. The movie is adapted from the 1990 novel “A Very Private Gentleman” by Marin Booth and directed by Anton Corbijn

(“Control”). With its slow pace, the film does not get better despite the excellent acting and beautiful and meaningfully-shot scenery. This movie is only for those looking for a thought-provoking and meditative experience.

“

The fourth floor of Rod Library in the cubbies by the big windows facing the Union. It’s very relaxing and no one is there to bother me.

professor of philosophy and humanities, has created a DVD, “Asking For It: The Ethics and Erotics of Sexual Consent.” According to Mark Rowe, UNI substance abuse and violence and intervention services coordinator, sexual consent is a “freely and affirmatively communicated willingness to engage in sexual activity.” Both Brod and Rowe emphasize that UNI policy says it is the responsibility of the person initiating sexual activity to make sure that he or she has consent before continuing to engage in any sexual activity. The concept of sexual consent is clearly and directly addressed during Brod’s presentation on the DVD. Sexual consent can be complicated and often misunderstood, but during the film, Brod gets the message across to his audience and any student that watches the DVD. “The main message is the responsibility to take steps to know that you have consent, to

ask and if you’re not sure ... to ask again,” Brod said. There can be many misconceptions when it comes to sexual consent and through Brod’s DVD, students are able to learn about what these misconceptions are. “One common misconception has to do with the absence of ‘no,’ or silence,” Rowe said. “Yes means yes, no means no, but the absence of either (or silence) does not mean yes. If someone is silent or does not say anything, maybe he or she is scared, intimidated or feeling coerced. Something is not right, and the initiator should not proceed.” Brod’s DVD has gathered some positive feedback around campus from both students and faculty. Rowe has seen Brod’s presentation several times. “He does a great job working through these issues with the audience in an engaging manner,” he said. “Brod’s work has an authentic message that resonates with college stu-

dents.” One of Brod’s graduate students, Johnanna Ganz, is helping create a study guide to help educators teach about the information discussed in the video. “The film has a good message,” Ganz said. “It’s an awesome video and it’s really important to know this information.” Brod believes that students can obtain better knowledge of their ethical integrity after watching his film. “We don’t leave our ethical selves behind when we enter the bedroom or the boardroom, or with friends and family,” Brod said. “I don’t believe all is fair in love and war, so for students’ personal growth and sense of themselves as ethical human beings, UNI will hold them accountable for their behaviors.” Students can preview the DVD and find additional information at www.mediaed.org/cgi-bin/commerce. cgi?preadd=action&key=243.

”

Whitney Emerson

Professor creates DVD on sexual consent By MAGGIE DONOVAN

sophmore

“

In the Towers Center above the Rialto. You can get away from your room and it’s quiet.

”

Todd Buckel

sophomore math teaching major

“

In the Union there is just the right amount of people and distractions where I can still get things done.

”

Aubrey Kaney

freshman music education major

PAGE 4

FEATURES Friday, September 17, 2010 northern-iowan.org

Financial Aid Office offers Live Like a Student courses By JAMES MARTIN Staff Writer

Money is a hard asset to come by for some college students. When you get some, sometimes it only takes a short time for it to all be gone.

The University of Northern Iowa is helping solve this problem by offering Live Like a Student courses sponsored by the UNI Office of Financial Aid. The classes are taking place at the Towers Center Seminar Room 102. Classes

visit northern-iowan.org

are free and meet twice a week for three weeks. Tim Bakula, associate director of financial aid, said the classes are being taught by graduate assistants from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Classes will cover topics ranging from

Staff Writer

Thousands of new volunteer positions are available for 2011. Life is calling. Apply now! How far will you go? Life is calling. How far will you go?

Learn more about the benefits of Peace Corps service.

Information Session Monday, Sept. 20th 7:00 p.m. Gilchrist Hall, Room 009 Apply by Oct. 1 for added programs leaving in 2011 -- Peace Corps’ 50th Anniversary Year! 800.424.8580 | peacecorps.gov/application

Univ. of Northern Iowa Run Dates: T 9/14, F 9/17 Size: 3.92” wide by 4” tall

Students who wish to know more about the class can visit www.uni.edu/ finaid/livelikestudent.shtml. Students wishing to sign up for the class should visit www.uni.edu/finaid/ and look for the Live Like a Student logo.

MAP helps students transition to college By ERIN TRAMPEL

Calling future Peace Corps Volunteers!

personal budgeting, credit and credit cards, student loans and identity protection. The classes are available to any student at UNI, and three scholarships worth $500 will be given out at the end of the semester to students enrolled in the courses.

The Measures of Academic Progress survey became available to freshmen at the University of Northern Iowa on Monday. The MAP survey is a tool to help students with the transition from high school to college. Freshmen can participate in this survey by following a link that was emailed to all freshmen and answering a series of simple questions that take 20 minutes to complete. The students will then be given a link to a page that explores their answers and gives them suggestions on how they can best adapt and succeed in college. “(We decided to use this) because the survey is like holding up a mirror to each person’s individual experience; I think just about anyone can benefit,” said Drake

Martin, MAP co-coordinator. “It never hurts to reflect on how life is going, especially when you’re in new territory.” “It never hurts to reflect on how life is going, especially when you’re in new territory.” Drake Martin MAP co-coordinator

“About one out of every five freshmen doesn’t make it to their sophomore year,” Martin said. “The MAPWorks survey and personalized report has been proven at other schools to help decrease that number because it equips students to do what’s needed to succeed in their first year.” Lindsey Reynolds, a sophomore resident assistant in Lawther Hall, feels she would have benefited from the survey if it was offered when she was a freshman.

“I think it would have helped (me) a lot just because I would have been able to have personalized results for how I can achieve better academically here at UNI, and just better resources for me (to use) as a freshman.” Students who took the survey on Monday have been entered into a drawing to receive one of 10 $50 gift cards to University Book and Supply, and those who take the survey by the last day, Oct. 2, will have a chance to win a grand prize of either free spring room and board or a $500 gift card to University Book and Supply. Prizes are also being offered to residence hall communities on the basis of participation. Any houses that have 85 percent or more of their freshmen complete the survey by Oct. 2 will win a free pizza party.

Career Fair & Interview days

Career Fair Monday, Sept. 20 2-6 p.m. McLeod Center

Interview day Tuesday, Sept. 21 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Maucker Union

(Interviews are scheduled during the Career Fair on Monday.)

n all students are welcome! n Investigate job and internship opportunities n 15+ employers will register students for interviews on Tuesday, Sept. 21 n 100+ organizations, graduate and professional schools will be represented

UNI Career Services 102 Gilchrist • 319-273-6857 • Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

CareerCat is on the prowl for jobs and internships www.uni.edu/careerservices/careercat

w w w. u n i . e d u / c a r e e r s e r v i c e s Visit the Website for a complete list of participating organizations.

Also at the career Fair: Deloitte, one of the nation’s leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 80 U.S. cities.

Opinion

The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Friday, September 17, 2010 Volume 107, Issue 6 Cedar Falls, Iowa northern-iowan.org

Don’t let tailgaiting leave you with your tail between your legs From the editorial staff University of Northern Iowa students bleed purple and gold, and, quite often, black and gold. The football season is upon us, complete with crisp air and a greatly-anticipated football game. Countless UNI students made the journey to Iowa City for the Hawkeyes’ season opener in early September. Tailgating in the masses of the black and gold, bumper to bumper and shoulder to shoulder, has been typical of Iowa games. Things are a little different this year, however. A newly embraced campaign called “Think Before You Drink. Before the Game. During the Game. After the Game” has seemingly stripped the carefree pre-party atmosphere from the Hawkeyes games. The Hawkeye tailgating kickoff resulted in more than 100 people being cited for violations near Kinnick Stadium. A majority of the violations were related to possession of alcohol in an open container in a public place. Other charges included underage possession of alcohol and public intoxication. Many football fans, both underage and of age, have found the new alcohol regulations to be objectionable and overly restrictive. But are they? Nearly a quarter of University of Iowa undergraduate students have reported suffering a physical injury because of a result of alcohol in the past year. Though tailgating can be a game day staple for the most loyal of football fans, the many instances of overkill involving alcohol have made regulations appropriate. As an effort to preserve the safety of those attending football games, the University of Iowa police have changed tailgating regulations to protect participants and divert the often-crazy antics of over-consumption. There are various aspects to these new regulations. The consumption of alcohol in parking lots and ramps will only be allowed one hour after a game, and tailgating must cease two hours after a game. Additionally, there will be no alcohol consumption allowed Oct. 2 after the Iowa - Penn State game. Police will also be increasing impaired driving enforcement in the form of vehicle safety checkpoints, additional road patrols and OWI enforcement teams. Finally, Iowa City’s open container ordinance will be heavily enforced — meaning any persons carrying open containers of beer, wine and hard lemonade on any public roads or sidewalks are vulnerable to citation. Students should be aware of the contrasting regulations between universities. UNI’s policies require tailgating to cease during the game and tailgating may only continue one hour after the game. Tailgating here is allowed to have a maximum capacity of 25 people; any more and the group must register with the athletic facilities office and pay a refundable deposit $100. Students should always be mindful of the rules when drinking and clean up after tailgating. Those over 21 who choose to drink need to be careful about their drinking partners; if a minor is caught drinking with you, you may be charged with supplying alcohol to a minor. Kegs, bottles, and open fires are also a no-no. Students should be responsible when taking part in recreational drinking at games. Remember, no matter which football team or school is represented on the shirt on your back, you are first and foremost representing yourself through orderly, or disorderly, conduct. You choose. Word of advice: do not do anything you would be ashamed to have your grandmother know about.

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.

University divisions hinder a cohesive education CASSANDRA BOEVERS

boeversc@uni.edu

The university is a complex, multi-functional institution. Because of this, students are offered a wealth of opportunities that range from the fine arts to personal health, from earth history to economics. The information on these topics is taught by highly-qualified professors that are passionate about their subjects. But what is the cost of having such specialization? Does it lead to hyper-division within the university? I envision the university as a sacred bubble – a safe haven for academic freedom, an open field for pre-adults to mature, an ongoing spout of knowledge. However, within that bubble is a rigid division between colleges and departments that seems to hinder a cohesive education for students. Even at a relatively small institution like the University of Northern Iowa, there is little communication or interaction among departments. In some cases, that lack of interaction leads to poor recognition and cooperation among

departmental administrations. This university division brings a lot of misunderstanding, mislabeling and misinforming. For instance, how often do you hear stereotyping towards a certain major, usually in a condescending way? How often do you hear wrong assumptions about your own major/specialty? Have you ever been in a general education course where the professor portrays a topic you’re familiar with in a slightly inaccurate way? Both students and professors are guilty of zoning into their own topic or field so much that their knowledge of (and respect for) other fields dwindles. One effort to keep students more well-rounded is the general education courses – at UNI, the Liberal Arts Core. This required program for all UNI graduates has a stigma due to a combination of student disinterest and professorial apathy. However, I argue that if the Liberal Arts Core classes could be approached more effectively, the result would be a stimulating, cohesive education for willing students. As it is now, general education classes are strictly divided into distinct categories and the only effort to overlap or connect these classes is through the Capstone course

at the very end – which has a severely questionable effectiveness as-is. Why not encourage overlap earlier in the process, while the required classes are being taken? Why not dedicate a portion of each course to learning how to relate that topic with other important topics? Why not ask applied questions instead of demanding the memorization of useless and forgettable trivia? Perhaps professors have no interest in creating such overlap because they would rather make students into experts on their topics – and only their own. Additionally, many professors are so targeted and specialized in their own fields that they may actually be incapable of applying the information themselves. When professors are so buried in their own topics, general education students suffer the consequences of unconnected information about subjects they were scarcely interested in originally. However, professors that are able to connect the dots and defend their topics using explanations and applicable circumstances are able to truly teach material in a retainable way. Let me be clear: the applied and widespread way

often caused by tobacco use. Even with a Surgeon General’s warning, people still enjoy inhaling carbon monoxide into their lungs and taking approximately five minutes off their lives with every cigarette. According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, cigarette smoking is responsible for about 443,000 deaths each year. That means that someone dies every 72 seconds from smoking tobacco. Even though these deaths are usually caused by years of smoking, there are still many health risks for the occasional smoker. To name a few: • Sleep disturbance is 10 times more likely. • Sinus and congestive problems increase. • High blood pressure is twice as likely. • You’ll be four times more likely to catch a cough or cold. • Migraines are five times

more likely. • Fatigue is 17 times more likely. The average pack of cigarettes costs roughly $5, which means that if you smoke one pack a week you’re spending around $240 a year. Since most smokers usually buy four to five packs a week, that adds up to $490 to $1,200 a year. For the “pack-a-day” smoker, it’s a total of $1,825 per year spent for cancer in a box. I can’t understand why anyone would want to suffocate his or her lungs daily just to end up broke and dead. I do understand that we as Americans have the right to live life as we choose. However, secondhand smoke affects everyone in the surrounding area. A statistic caught my eye in my Personal Wellness course earlier this week: between 37,000 and 40,000 people die each year from other people’s smoke. So people who choose not to

The fresh sense of clean air KATELYN LAURIO

lauriok@uni.edu

“SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy.” Even though warning labels like this one are slapped on the side of almost every pack of cigarettes, people continue to smoke. Unless you’re trying to die a slow and painful death, smoking cigarettes is completely pointless. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Some people assume this is because of the high obesity rates in America, but smoking is actually the major risk factor. The second leading cause of death in America is cancer, which is

See COHESION, page 6

See SMOKING, page 6

PAGE 6

OPINION Friday, September 17, 2010 northern-iowan.org COHESION continued from page 5

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SMOKING continued from page 5

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I’m asking professors to teach general education courses is different from the way professors should teach to students within their major. For major classes, the professor’s expertise and enthusiasm for their topic is valued and appreciated. My plea for increased breadth should not be mistaken for a suggestion to eliminate the depth and specialization of professors’ doctoral studies. But how can professors and students alike obtain a more complete, more well-rounded experience at UNI without sacrificing their major interests? Students have ample opportunities to interact with peers with different majors: the dormitory living situation is a breeding ground for friendships and exposure that is independent of majors. For both students and faculty, there are committees and organizations on campus that are not specific to major or department. Assuming individuals take the initiative to be a part of them, these organizations

smoke still suffer the consequences of tobacco usage. Since both of my parents and my older siblings smoke cigarettes, I was forced to live in a house full of secondhand smoke. I learned to get used to being around it all the time, but no matter how hard I tried, I always smelled like smoke. Even after my mother was diagnosed with cancer more than once, she still couldn’t kick her nasty habit. Smoking cigarettes is a choice, but people who smoke indoors force anyone in their presence to inhale their bad decision. What’s funny about a nicotine addiction is that you have to force yourself to become addicted. People don’t naturally enjoy the taste of tar and chemicals in their mouth. Some try to use the excuse that smoking helps calm them down when they’re stressed, but smoking actually increases

provide a fantastic opportunity to network with other experts and to gain exposure to academic thought that is quite different from their own. These experiences should be taken into the classroom more often. Professors should use knowledge supplementary to their topics; students should embrace the diversity of skills and interests on campus. Practicing those habits would build appreciation for the many departments on campus, would make both professors and students more comfortable discussing topics other than their specialty and would allow for more complete cohesion of the Liberal Arts Core education. More interaction among students and professors of different majors is a sure way to improve this university. After all, the problems we face in this world are extremely complex and require many minds with varied talents. The ability to work together and exercise multiple subjects can only be obtained through continual, positive exposure to concepts other than one’s major interest. your heart rate, which then increases your stress level. According to the book “Psychology: An Introduction,” about half of the people who are addicted to nicotine are depressed, anxious, or have other mental health problems. I’m not trying to say that people who are addicted to nicotine are crazy, but science proves that absolutely nothing beneficial comes from smoking. If you are depressed or anxious, smoking does not and will not help you overcome any personal problems you may be struggling with. In my opinion, nicotine addiction is irresponsible, a waste of money and just plain disgusting. If you’re struggling with nicotine addiction, there are options for you to help quit, including support groups, nicotine gum and the nicotine patch. For those of you who don’t smoke, I hope this article helps you help someone else who’s smoking their life away.

The University of Northern Iowa’s student-produced newspaper since 1892

Sports

Friday, September 17, 2010 Volume 107, Issue 6 Cedar Falls, Iowa northern-iowan.org

Panthers to face high-powered offense No. 13 UNI hosts No. 10 Stephen F. Austin Saturday at 4:05 p.m.

SCOTT KINTZEL/Northern Iowan

Carlos Anderson and the Panther offense compiled 434 yards of total offense last weekend against the Bison. UNI will need a similar performance this weekend to contend with the Lumberjacks, who bring their No. 6-ranked passing offense to the UNI-Dome.

By TIM GETTING Sports Writer

The University of Northern Iowa football team will host another nationallyranked opponent Saturday at the UNI-Dome. Despite that similarity, head coach Mark Farley is not expecting to experience any déjà vu while his No. 13-ranked Panthers face No. 10-ranked Stephen F. Austin University. “We’re going to get tested in a whole different way this week. (SFA) is totally opposite of who we played

last week,” he said. While UNI found much of its success last week in forcing its opponent to pass often, the SFA Lumberjacks find much of their success in their No. 6-ranked passing offense. Walter Payton Award nominee quarterback Jeremy Moses leads the Lumberjacks’ no-huddle spread offense, which is coming off a 59-point performance in their previous game. “This is as good of a quarterback as what we’ll play against this year. He’s

really smart, he’s accurate and he really operates within their system,” said Farley. The Panther defense frustrated North Dakota State’s quarterback last week, recording a schoolrecord-tying 11 sacks and limiting the Bison offense to -40 yards rushing. However, Farley does not anticipate similar statistics Saturday. “They have a quarterback who doesn’t get sacked ... (We) better have great (defensive) coverage because what they do within their system is really good,”

Farley said. The Lumberjacks are ranked fifth in the Football Championship Subdivision in sacks allowed, giving up just two sacks in two games this season. A desire to avoid sacks influenced Farley’s decision to start quarterback Tirrell Rennie last week. Panther fans were unsure of who would be filling the starting role until game day. “We chose Tirrell probably because our offensive line was in a position that we didn’t know

RYAN’S RANTS:

how good we were going to be there,” Farley said. “We just felt that with Tirrell and (running back Carlos Anderson) to start the game, that they’d give us some movement that would be hard to tackle.” Rennie gave a noteworthy performance in his UNI debut as he threw for 172 yards and ran for 96 yards. His efforts earned him recognition as the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s Newcomer of the Week. Sophomore running back See FOOTBALL, page 8

Officiating in pro sports has been questionable recently By RYAN FRIEDERICH Sports Columnist

Week one of the NFL season was fairly entertaining. My Houston Texans proved that this year they are the best team in Texas and they are going to finally make the playoffs (I know, it’s still early). The Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings looked as terrible as I expected, and the New York Jets surprised me with their lack of execution on the offensive side of the ball. Still, on Monday night the NFL left me with a terrible taste in my mouth because of how the Detroit Lions

versus Chicago Bears game ended. If you somehow missed it, which I doubt you did, Lions receiver Calvin Johnson made what would have been the game-winning catch as time was dwindling down in a 19-14 game. The “catch-that-should-havebeen” was ultimately ruled incomplete because Johnson didn’t maintain possession throughout the whole process of the catch. If you need to see more of the catch, you can look it up on the internet; you won’t have problems finding writeups about it. The officials unfortunately got the call right. The rule itself is what people should have a beef

with. This controversy had me thinking, “Wow, a lot of people in the sporting world seem to have been screwed lately!” The first person that comes to mind is Armando Galarraga, the now infamous pitcher for the Detroit Tigers who got his perfect game stripped with two outs in the ninth inning because of a blown call by umpire Jim Joyce. If you have ever felt robbed in your life, you should feel better about yourself because you have nothing on Mr. Galarraga. Another professional athlete was recently the beneficiary of ridiculous

Courtesy Photo/MCT CAMPUS

Calvin Johnson (left) was the victim of a controversial call by an NFL official last weekend.

rules in one of the most hilariously-named cities in the United States, Sheboygan,

Wisc. This uniquely-named location is home to the See RANT, page 8

PAGE 8

SPORTS Friday, September 17, 2010 northern-iowan.org

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RANT

continued from page 7

awful golf course known as Whistling Straits. In a PGA Championship event, Dustin Johnson was called for grounding his club in a bunker that looked like it could have been a footprint on the ground. Sadly for Johnson, this grounding penalty added a few strokes to his score, removing him from the playoff for the championship. On Aug. 5, the whole Florida Marlins team left their game against the Philadelphia Phillies feeling cheated after a ball they hit in the bottom of the ninth inning was ruled foul. The ball was clearly fair over third base, and it would have scored the game-winning run. I am convinced that if the play had been called correctly it would have led to the downfall of the Phillies and my Atlanta

FOOTBALL continued from page 7

Carlos Anderson helped take some pressure off of Rennie while gaining a career-high in rushing yards with 158. Anderson currently sits at the top of the FCS statistical chart in the category of rushing yards per game. Anderson and the Panthers will look to improve their production within the red zone this week. After appearing within NDSU’s 20-yard line

Braves would be leading the National League East division by at least 10 games. Other sports figures have been robbed in their respective sports lately, such as the Cincinnati Reds’ Johnny Cueto, who was suspended for protecting himself against the crazy, loud-mouthed Chris Carpenter, a pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. I also heard that the United States soccer team was on the receiving end of some bad calls during the World Cup. It wasn’t until I finally watched a game that I realized that complaining, crying and flops are all part of the game, so I won’t ever call for a soccer official’s head. Ultimately, most of these missed opportunities will make the players and teams hungrier and they will eventually get back what was taken away from them. Until that happens, go Panthers! on seven different occasions, UNI managed to score just one touchdown. In two of those instances, Anderson fumbled and turned over the football inside of the fiveyard line. Saturday’s contest will be the seventh meeting between the two programs. SFA defeated the Panthers in their last contest in 2004, but UNI holds a 5-2 edge in the all-time series. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. at the UNI-Dome.

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