April 1,2011

Mr. NDSU 2011 is crowned

‘Sucker Punch’ receives horrible review

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The Spectrum

APRIL 1, 2011

NEWS BRIEFS STATE COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (AP) --Authorities in Griggs County say people should contact them if they spot any dark colored trash bags between Cooperstown and the Minnesota town of Crosby.

They now believe the man suspected of killing North Dakota State University researcher Kurt Johnson was in Minnesota after the killing.

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VOL. 114 ISSUE 45

W W W. N D S U S P E C T R U M . C O M

International Week 2011

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A woman convicted of threatening to bomb a plane in 1991 is back in federal custody for allegedly threatening to kill and "slowly cut skin off" the FBI agent who arrested her 20 years ago. According to a criminal complaint, 47-yearold Kim Rolene Hutterer has been threatening FBI Special Agent Dean Scheidler for years - starting with a threat she carved into her jail cell wall two decades ago.

Bismarck, N.D. (AP) -- North Dakota senators have rejected a plan to change the state's higher education system. The Republican leader of the House wanted to have North Dakota's 11 public colleges report directly to the Board of Higher Education, instead of the chancellor of the state university system.

NATIONAL MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - At a government laboratory in Alabama, workers in blue coats unload envelopes packed with small filters that trapped air particles in Hawaii, Alaska and elsewhere. The discs are placed in lead-lined, barrel-like devices for testing to make sure no traces of radioactive materials have wafted across the Pacific Ocean from Japan.

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

Students from around the world represent their countries during the opening celebration for International Week 2011 on Monday.

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Law enforcement officials are staying mum as they investigate the cause of a sailing accident that killed two and dumped eight others into the cold water of San Diego Bay on Sunday. The charity that operates free sailing trips for people with special needs blames a gust of wind for tipping over the 26-foot sailboat, while the boat's manufacturer raised questions about the number of people aboard during the accident.

WORLD

BAGHDAD (AP) -- The death toll for a grisly hostage situation at a government building in northern Iraq continued to rise Wednesday as grieving families buried the victims and Iraqi officials questioned how it could have happened. Gunmen wearing explosives belts under military uniforms charged into the provincial council building in Tikrit, north of Baghdad, Tuesday afternoon, shooting hostages execution-style, and spraying bullets and grenades throughout the building during the five-hour standoff.

WEATHER H 42º H 44º H 38º H 37º L 27º L 29º L 24º L 22º FRI SAT SUN MON

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

Student body presidential and vice-presidential candidates field the last round of questions to be held before elections take place next week.

Candidates deliver final debates MATT SEVERNS Spectrum Staff

Student body presidential and vice-presidential candidates gave their second and final debate in the lower level of the Memorial Union on Wednesday, answering questions ranging from the personal and specific to the general and broad.

The candidates spoke in a randomly selected order to the mass of NDSU community members that gathered around to hear what they had to say.

Throughout the hour-long event, candidates spoke about the importance of college involvement, the necessity of communication with the student body and what they per-

ceived as the current state of the university.

Early on, the candidates were asked what they would say to incoming freshmen that could make their experience at NDSU more positive . Though all of the speakers valued involvement, each party had a slightly different perspective.

“Make the most of the time you can here. … My regrets are the things I haven’t yet had the opportunity to do,” Brendan O’Gorman, student body presidential candidate said.

Cam Knutson and Keenan Hauff also saw involvement as pivotal in experiencing everything college has to offer.

“Get out there, that’s the best way to experience college,” Knutson said. Hauff, Knutson’s running mate,

News

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Features

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Study Break

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Opinion

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Sports

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INDEX

AJDABIYA, Libya (AP) -Moammar Gadhafi's ground forces recaptured a strategic oil town Wednesday as they made new inroads in beating back a rebel advance toward the capital Tripoli. Western powers kept up the pressure to force Gadhafi out with new airstrikes to weaken his military, hints that they may arm the opposition and intense negotiations behind the scenes to persuade Libya's leader of nearly 42 years to step down.

echoed with the unique opportunity college provides. “College is really a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Hauff said.

Again speaking of the importance of involvement, Leah Nygaard and Luke Brodeur focused on involvement as the key to a successful college career. “Get involved today. … I wouldn’t be the leader I am today without those people and those organizations,” Nygaard said.

Later in the debate, candidates were asked about how they would deal with negative publicity, if it were brought to NDSU. O’Gorman and his running mate, Aria Ahadzada, spoke about the importance of representing the student voice.

“I will write back, I will

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speak back and I will do everything in my power to know that the students are defended; that NDSU is defended,” O’Gorman said.

On similar terms, Knutson and Hauff spoke about how addressing the students’ needs while maintaining proactiveness is important in dealing with negative publicity.

“We’ve got to address it.

We’ve got to be the voice of the students,” Knutson said.

Nygaard and Brodeur decided that the best way to deal with negative publicity is to focus on the positive things NDSU produces.

“We need to know what good is coming out of NDSU. … The entire student body needs to rally behind NDSU so that a positive message is conveyed.

Editorial Staff: Editor-In-Chief: Brianna Ehley at Editor@ndsuspectrum.com Co-News Editor: Chelsey Thronson at co.news@ndsuspectrum.com Co-News Editor: Laura Muz at co.news1@ndsuspectrum.com

Before the conclusion of the debate, candidates were asked about what they saw throughout the course of this passing year.

Though the Advising Resource Center was seen as a major triumph, each candidate had unique things they had to say about the past year.

O’Gorman and Ahadzada liked the ARC, but also lauded the scanners that student government is slated to distribute.

Knutson and Hauff also saw the ARC as a key achievement, but noted that proper advertisement will be necessary in continuing its success.

Final Debates on Page 2 >> Features Editor: Linda Vasquez at features@ndsuspectrum.com Arts and Entertainment Editor: Emily Hanson at ae@ndsuspectrum Opinion Editor: Rylee Nelson at opinion@ndsuspectrum.com Sports Editor: Daniel Gunderson at sports@ndsuspectrum.com

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Chelsey Thronson Co-News Editor Phone: 231-5260 | Email: co.news@ndsuspectrum.com

News << Final Debates from Page 1 Nygaard and Brodeur focused their response on capital projects in general, but also cited the ARC as a specific accomplishment.

After the debate, current Student Body President Kevin Black said that the de-

bate’s turnout was a success and that it provided a vital opportunity for students to get to know their candidates.

“I am very impressed with the turnout and I really encourage each student to study each platform,” Black said.

Lifetime’s ‘Four of a Kind’ tours NDSU

Black stressed the imporLAURA MUZ tance of knowing the candidates and suggested that if a Co-News Editor student is confused, that they approach each of the candiOn Tuesday, NDSU was part of an episode of dates at their booth.

“Four of a Kind,” a Lifetime reality show featuring the Durst quadruplets and their family, who live in Buffalo, Minn.

One of only 63 sets of identical quadruplets in the world, the show follows Calli, Sarah, Megan and Kendra Durst during their senior year of high school.

In November, the family visited NDSU, where their mother Naomi attended college.

There, the girls met with Jobey Lichtblau, the director of admission, attended a football game and received a campus tour from Adam Fuller, a junior studying marketing who is an admission assistant for the office of admission.

Unlike regular campus tours, Fuller spent the day with the Durst family, taking them around campus as well as to a Bison football game.

“It was a great learning experience,” Fuller said. “The girls, all four of them, even the mom, are really fun.”

Fuller said he learned a lot about the media from the Durst’s visit, and how reality shows are produced.

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

“You have to watch what you say and what you do,” he said.

The episode also featured scenes of the quads bickering over common things such as where to sit in the car and which girl Fuller would spot when the group went rock climbing.

“They’re nothing like they are on TV. In real life they’re just normal 18-year-old girls,” Fuller said. “If you could imagine fighting with your brother or sister, take that and there’s four of you total, so yeah you bicker and fight, but when they’re off camera they’re much more laid back.”

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They’re nothing like they are on TV, in real life they’re just normal 18-year-old girls.

–Adam Fuller According to Fuller, since the Durst quadruplets visited NDSU, at least one is seriously considering attending.

To view the episode featuring NDSU, visit www.mylifetime.com/shows/four-of-a-kind, and click on episode five.

Student Body President Kevin Black listens intently as the new candidates discuss their platforms that will largely define the course of the 2011-2012 academic year.

What factors go into deciding whether or not to vote in next week’s student elections?

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I want NDSU to be the best college it can be, and I think that being involved in electing student leaders who care about our school and are willing to listen to input from others at NDSU is a way to do that.

-Anna Kinneberg, a first year professional majoring in pharmacy

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

NDSU junior Adam Fuller poses with the Durst quadruplets at a Bison football game last November.

Penny drive comes to an end just a little bit of friendly competition the two groups Co-News Editor started.

Each Ambassador group has Today is the closing date of around 40 students that have the penny drive that is orchesbeen working hard the past trated by the ambassadors week to raise donations. from the College of Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Sciences and the College of Engineering and Architecture.

The two counterparts have Dollar bills are bad, been raising change for local change is good. charities. The Pharmacy, –Sara Wald Nursing and Allied Sciences ambassadors are raising “We have never done anymoney for the Dakota Medical thing like this before,” Wald Foundation and the Engineersaid. “We want our students to ing and Architecture ambasinteract with people outside of sadors are raising money for their college and their major.

Habitat for Humanity.

It’s just a way for them to inSara Wald, director of adteract and also raise money for vancement for the College of two really good charities here Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied locally.”

Sciences and ambassadors adThe two organizations are viser said the penny drive is hoping to raise a total of CHELSEY THRONSON

I probably won't vote. I have been so busy that I haven't had time to become informed. I'm a senior on my way out so I would only want to give my input if I knew who I was voting for.

-Danielle Manthei, a senior majoring in public relations and advertising

I plan to vote because it is the last NDSU election I'll be a part of.

-Tyler Novotny, a senior majoring in management information systems

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$1,000 together to donate to the charities.

On Thursday, the groups joined forces at one booth in the Memorial Union to collect as much change as they could from those passing by.

The main goal of the penny war is to collect change. The rival groups have been dropping off dollar bills in the other teams containers and trying to set them back in the competition.

“Dollar bills are bad, change is good,” Wald said.

The winner will be announced at a joint dinner party at Pizza Ranch on Friday.

Wald said the two groups have been having a lot of fun and are looking forward to finding out who earns the bragging rights for winning the contest.

I don’t know why I would vote.

-Nathan Johnson, a freshman majoring in university studies

I’m going to vote on the candidates that follow Kevin and Shawn’s path. I like what they’ve done for NDSU. -Don Bitzan, a junior majoring in vocal music education The Spectrum is published Tuesdays and Fridays during the academic year, except during holidays, vacations and exam periods.

Each enrolled student is entitled to one copy of The Spectrum. Additional copies are available by prior arrangement with the Business Manager for $1 each.

The Spectrum is a student-run newspaper published under the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and a free press. Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty, staff, university admin-

istration or Spectrum management.

The Spectrum is printed at The Forum, 101 5th St. N, Fargo, N.D. 58102.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Spectrum accepts both mail (254 Memorial Union, Fargo, N.D., 58105) and e-mail (Brianna.Ehley@ndsu.edu or Editor@ndsuspectrum.com.)

Please limit letters to 500 words. Letters will be edited for clarity. They should include the writer’s name, telephone number, major and year in school.

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief ... Brianna Ehley editor@ndsuspectrum.com Co-News Editor ...

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The Spectrum 254 Memorial Union North Dakota State University Fargo, N.D. 58105 Main Office Number: 231-8929 Editor in Chief: 231-8629 Advertising Manager: 231-8994

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Laura Muz Co-News Editor Phone: 231-5260 | Email: co.news1@ndsuspectrum.com

News

AGD presents: Mr. NDSU 2011 1

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Sandbag deployment nears LAURA MUZ Co-News Editor

All Photos by Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

1. Senior Ken Story is crowned Mr. NDSU 2011 on Tuesday, Mar. 29.

Story not only received the overall title but was also named Mr. Moneybags for selling the most tickets for the event. All money raised will be donated to the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.

2. During the second round of competition, Story performed a quickchange while lip-singing along to Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” Story began the number wearing a purple hoodie similar to Bieber but ended wearing nothing but a diaper and a pink Bieber shirt.

3. The women of Alpha Gamma Delta, the sorority that has been sponsoring Mr. NDSU for 17 years now, poses with the newest Mr. NDSU, Ken Story.

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The City of Fargo is currently in the process of deciding when to deploy the approximately 3 million sandbags that have been filled by members of the community over the last two months.

Although they had thought pallets of sandbags would be delivered to endangered neighborhoods by the end of this week, possible weekend storms may make that plan difficult to execute as planned.

“The weather has so much to do with…how this is going to play out,” Matthew Skoy, assistant director of service learning and civic engagement for NDSU said.

He explained that cold and wet weather could harden the sandbags before they are able to be laid out, which would make them difficult to handle and less effective in the overall dyke process.

Currently, sandbags are being stored in a heated facility, which will keep them in optimal condition until they are needed to build dikes along the Red River.

While many are awaiting news as to what this year’s crest in water level will be and when the real emergency will begin, Skoy has asked the community to remain ready.

“The need is great and the need is going to be there, it’s just a matter of what’s going to happen with this weather because it’s so unpredictable,” Skoy said.

When the city is ready for students to begin volunteering to assist in sandbagging, Skoy said the transportation process would be very similar to how volunteers were transported to Sandbag Central.

When the dike building begins, students will check in at

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The need is great and the need is going to be there, it’s just a matter of what’s going to happen with this weather because it’s so unpredictable.

–Matthew Skoy the flood station by Bison Connection on the main level of the Memorial Union, and take buses to a church in South Fargo where they will then be taken to neighborhoods in need.

“We appreciate everything (the students) have done up to this point, they’ve been rockstars,” Skoy said. “We, just on this campus alone, have provided over 4,000 hours of volunteer service hours for the flood, which is huge. As we move forward, it is equally important that we have that sense of urgency.”

Skoy explained that when students do begin to sandbag, they should be aware of the weather conditions. He suggested dressing in layers, and wearing clothes appropriate for cold, wet and muddy environments.

He recommended that the NDSU community continue to check their email for updates, as well as the local news and weather services for more details on when sandbags will be deployed, how they can help and the changing predictions for the possible crest of the Red River in Fargo.

“With the help of volunteers, we will fight this flood,” Skoy said.

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Linda Vasquez Features Editor Phone: 231-5260 | Email: features@ndsuspectrum.com

Features

All new ABDC crews

Behind ‘The Dance Floor Confessional’ JOSIE TAFELMEYER Staff Writer

Features Editor

Are you ready to experience yet another season of America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC)?

Well if you are anything like me (I religiously watch every single episode), then we are in luck because season six is just one week away and I have got the inside scoop on all the crews.

Each season starts off with the search for the best crews in each region.

Ten top crews are then chosen to move on as the official ABDC Top Ten. Season six crews have been chosen.

Street Kingdom -- Los Angeles, Calif.

From the rough streets of one of the largest cities in the country, Street Kingdom, are experts in “Krumping,” a highly energetic dance style characterized by free, expressive and explosive moments.

JAG6ED -- Crenshaw, Calif.

An all-female crew who specialize in contemporary poledancing, JAG6ED, will show off their talent with their skills in aerial art and hip-hop influence.

Instant Noodles -- Los Angeles, Calif.

Originally all from Taipei, Taiwan, Instant Noodles is an all male “b’boy” crew.

Eclectic Gentlemen -- North Hollywood, Calif.

A group of dancers, who have toured with musical artists and taught workshops around the world, Eclectic Gentlemen, are one of the few crews to bring a more professional style to the show.

787 Crew -- San Juan, Puerto Rico 787 Crew are fused with exploding tricks and acrobatics.

This crew also mixes their “Latin flavor” with street finesse.

FootworKINGz -- Chicago, Illinois This crew brings a dance style that ABDC has never seen before. FootworkKINGz are a crew that are united by synchronized quick foot movements and described as “part tap, African tribal and breaking.”

I.aM.mE -- Houston, Texas With past performances with Justin Bieber, Fat Joe, Cobra Starship and American Rejects, I.aM.mE, includes crewmembers from around the globe.

Iconic Boyz -- Englishtown, New Jersey The youngest dancers to ever compete on the ABDC stage with one member as young as 10 years old, this crew has a unique style of hiphop and street jazz.

Photo Courtesy of thedancefloorconfessional.com

LINDA VASQUEZ

A club scene, a gripping confessional, a dance star alter ego: What more could appeal to a college student audience?

Elliott Motl, a dynamic 21-year-old from small town Tappen, ND, has published his first novel, “The Dance Floor Confessional,” which includes all of these story elements and more.

After spending a year off from school in the Twin Cities, Motl came to NDSU last fall to major in English and minor in art.

He has taken this spring semester to focus on the responsibilities that come with publishing a novel, but he looks forward to returning to campus next fall.

Motl’s career as a writer began at age 9 with a short story that far exceeded his fourth grade teacher’s length expectations.

“Ever since that moment, I knew I was going to publish a book,” Motl said.

Motl also has a passion for crafting comic book storylines and artwork.

“The Dance Floor Confessional” is the result of an earnest New Year’s resolution.

Motl wrote the story last summer and published the book in January 2011.

Through this experience, Motl learned a lot about the publishing process and the copyright issues that come with it.

He also learned how to step outside of his comfort zone to conquer the insecurities he had as a writer.

“Writing the story was difficult at times because I didn’t know if anyone

would want to read it, Motl said. “Publishing this book was a big investment, but it’s worth every penny!”

Inspired by Motl’s personal city-life experiences and real characters, “The Dance Floor Confessional” features a young man, Trevor, who lives a boring life until he creates a club-star alter ego.

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Inspired by Motl’s personal city-life experiences and real characters, “The Dance Floor Confessional” features a young man, Trevor, who lives a boring life until he creates a club-star alter ego.

At first, Trevor’s disguise brings him freedom and popularity in the club scene.

Then the story follows a series of unfortunate events that culminate in his arrest for attempted murder.

Motl sets up a plot that leads the audience to discover whether Trevor is a

victim of misfortune or is guilty as charged.

Along with its scintillating plot, “The Dance Floor Confessional” incorporates themes about testing your morals, pushing your comfort zones, and exploring identities.

“The main ideas a reader can take away from this book are relatability and self-discovery, as evidenced by the main character’s alter ego,” Motl said.

Is a sequel in the future?

Fortunately Motl revealed some “secret” information.

“At first I wrote a clear ending that wrapped everything up nicely,” Motl said. “But I went back and changed a few chapters to add new conflicts and pave the way for a possible sequel.”

Looking into the future, Motl realizes that he will more than likely not make a full-time career of being a writer, but he did confess that he “would love to do this for the rest of (his) life.”

To learn more about Motl and his book, or to order a copy of “The Dance Floor Confessional,” you can visit www.thedancefloorconfessional.com or “like” his Facebook page to get updates.

Professor profile: Dena Wyum books to both the “Harry Potter” and “Nancy Drew” series.

At NDSU, Wyum teaches different classes including, Introduction to Women Studies and Marriage, Couples and Families, a general wellness requirement course.

SAMANTHA Wyum says she loves teachWICKRAMASing and says that in her classes she openly “discusses controINGHE versial issues, such as same sex Contributing relationships, abortion, reproWriter ductive rights and birth conWhen you walk into her trol.” classroom you will be bombarded by open discussions, opinions and views of the students.

Wyum creates a As you observe them speaking, you will be able to see collaborative Dena Wyum, a professor in educational both the women and gender environment where studies department and the human development and fam- students can openly ily science department, listen- share their ing carefully to student experiences and responses. views, which makes In fact, within the classroom, Wyum creates a collaborative the classroom quite educational environment similar to a real-life where students can openly learning share their experiences and experience. views, which makes the classBy discussing these issues, room quite similar to a realstudents get the opportunity to life learning experience. express themselves and think “I want my students to think why they have certain opin- argumentatively about them.

Kevin Helland, a senior maions and beliefs and they joring in emergency manageshould be able to explain the ment, shared his views on reasons,” Wyum said.

Although Wyum was born Wyum’s Introduction to in Fargo, she grew up in the Women Studies class.

“I really think this class is insmall town of Forman, N.D. teresting, it discusses topics Her parents owned a farm, which allowed her to grow up that guys usually don’t talk in an agricultural atmosphere. about,” Helland said.

When it comes to college Wyum received her high level teaching methods, Wyum school education from Sargent Central High School, also lo- thinks that modern technology has provided an opportucated in Forman.

Her interests in reading nity for instructors, as well as range from women history for the students, to access

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media clips and news stories in a “profoundly broad sphere.”

She also says that she likes to facilitate these resources in her lectures in order to “broaden perceptions of her students.”

Thsering Angamo, a junior majoring in electrical engineering, feels those resources used in class by Wyum have broadened her perspective.

“After taking this women studies class, I have been able to see a broader picture of society,” Angamo said.

Once, Wyum herself was a busy student at NDSU. She was able to complete her degree in child development and family science with a minor in women's studies.

She later earned a master’s degree, also at NDSU, in human development and family science with an emphasis in couple and family therapy.

Wyum says she enjoyed her time at college and says that one of the unforgettable things that happened to her in her freshman years was “unknowingly carrying a cordless phone in her schoolbag.”

“I accidently brought it to my class and when I opened my backpack it felt really embarrassing,” Wyum said.

Apart from teaching, Wyum also was involved in research projects, such as interviewing women of North Dakota who attended the National Women's Conference in 1977.

This project gave Wyum an opportunity to meet with feminist activists, many of whom are instrumental in a lot of social justice work currently being done in the state.

She also shares that she was excited to be involved in this research because when she spoke to North Dakotan

Submitted Photo

Dena Wyum, a professor in two departments, focuses on open conversation to foster understanding.

women, she got the chance to find out about the “barriers they have came across through time.”

While thinking of her future education endeavors, Wyum intends to continue teaching.

She believes that education can make the “world more equal and justified.”

Wyum also thinks that education is a collaborative effort

where students and instructors exchange information and share their knowledge.

And although she says she has had the opportunity to teach students, she shares that the best part of teaching overall is that she has learned a lot from them.

ABDC Crews on Page 7 >>

LIKE -ALITTLE Here are the weekly NDSU cute flirts!

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At Sevrinson Hall.

Female, blonde. I NDSU. Female, saw this gorgeous brunette. To the girl blonde walk out that calls me S.B.. of Sevrinson Hall you are with a black shirt beautiful and glad that said Servinson to have you in my on it around life :) 7 tonight. Damn your beautiful.

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Seim Hall. Male, blonde. you have Downtown Fargo. freckles mostly on Female, brunette. I your left cheek, like your smile, I and you’re in my like your hair, group of friends...

I like your clothes, I kind of. I wish I like your laugh...I wasn’t invisible think I might like to you. You’re def a you ladies man, look my way sometime :)

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NDSU. Male, blonde. We had math together last semester. You are probably the cutest boy I have ever seen and you seem pretty cool.

It'd be awesome if we could talk more. :)

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Jaime Jarmin Arts and Entertainment Editor Phone: 231-5261 | Email: ae@ndsuspectrum.com

Arts and Entertainment BISON

“Sucker Punch” review

STEVEN STROM Staff Writer

I should probably point out that when I went to “Sucker Punch” expecting it to be pretty awful.

All of the buzz around the movie was completely lost to me due to the abysmal trailers making the movie look like hodgepodge of genres that was entirely too much for a subpar writer and director like Zack Snyder (“Watchmen”, “300”).

This was all done while separately appealing to my demographic.

As it turns out, I wasn’t very far off.

“Sucker Punch” tells the story of a girl sent to an insane asylum for a crime that she didn’t commit. In order to escape this horrible situation, she enters into dream worlds where she becomes a prostitute, a ninja or a World War I era super-soldier. The protagonist, known in the film as Baby Doll, teams up with a group of presumably likeminded patients with equally groan-worthy monikers to acquire the necessary items to escape the facility before she can be lobotomized.

And that’s about it for the exposition. The rest of the film is a series of non-sequitur scifi and fantasy action sequences. There is literally no explanation for why or how she is able to so completely immerse herself in these worlds or what meaning the settings and characters within these various fantasies have.

Snyder has said that these action sequences are all about female empowerment. That’s interesting considering that, while the women do indeed seem powerful within these strange environments, they have absolutely no bearing on the outside world.

Supposedly, the women represent Baby Doll’s erotic dancing which is apparently so risqué that it is able to captivate every man that watches it. If you buy that premise, you should have no problem with this film.

Not only is the film not empowering to women, it’s downright insulting to both sexes.

Every man in the film is depicted as a murderer, a rapist, grossly incompetent or all

three. For instance, when a cook catches the character, Rocket, trying to steal some chocolate, his immediate reaction is to attempt to rape her for no apparent reason. Baby Doll intervenes by holding a knife to his throat and letting Rocket escape. Later, he allows the same girl that held him at knifepoint to distract him with her sexual charms while others try to steal his knife. The cook is so surprised and outraged by this completely unexpected betrayal that he stabs one of the girls to death.

Sucker Punch on Page 6 >>

BITS

Around Town

The F-M beat KEITH BISTODEAU Contributing Writer

The ever-expanding artistic vibe is something that cannot be overlooked in the Fargo-Moorhead area. There is culture and creativity to be experienced that we college students may not know about in our sheltered world at NDSU. As a way of bringing culture to the students, as well a means of showing more places to see and experiences to live around town, here is a list of five big events happening around the F-M area.

Friday April 1: Saving Abel The Venue at The Hub will host Saving Able with Red Line Chemistry and Desperate Union for an 8 p.m. show. It is open to all ages and tickets are available online or the day of the show.

All three bands have great stage presence and this looks to be one of the best shows at The Venue this year so far.

What is your favorite joke or prank?

“Knock. Knock. Who’s there? Boo. Boo who?

Why are you crying?!”

Stephanie Lech Pharmacy Sophomore

Friday April 1: Anthony Cox For those who are 21-plus, Studio 222 located at 222 Broadway in Fargo will be featuring jazz musician Anthony Cox who will be playing at 8 p.m. Cox blends a very unique style of jazz that is sure to set a mellow and pleasant mood in Studio 222.

Saturday April 2: FM Derby Girls at the Fargo Civic Center This event will be featuring a doubleheader bout with part of the proceeds going to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity. If you have not been to a derby match yet, you are sure to experience loud music, women brawling and fishnet tights. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the bouts start at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $12 for adults.

“Telling my family I broke up with my girlfriend so they would Friday April 8: The Red Raven Performances Local musicians scheduled to perform will include Diane take me out for a free Miller with Rosemary Sauvageau, Mark Proulx, Eden Parker dinner.” and Morgan Ranstrom, and the cover is only $5. The goal of the performances at The Red Raven is to showcase artistic diversity around the F-M area. This is the place to catch a show and get phenomenal coffee at the same time.

Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia

Friday April 8: Wookiefoot This is a 21-plus show featuring Wookiefoot with John Wayne and The Pain. The show starts at 9 p.m. at The Venue in The Hub. Wookiefoot is a very unique act and tickets are available online at www.tickets300.com or at The Hub.

Dean Derfus Pharmacy Senior

Skating to the top The FM Derby Girls are ready to battle it out for bragging rights at their last bout of the season 7 p.m. on April 2 at the Fargo Civic Center.

JAIME The FM Derby JARMIN Girls consists of 65 women divided A&E Editor into four home teams. These teams include Battlescar Galactica, the Monkey Wenches, the Fighting Suzies and the Haute Dishes.

During this April 2 doubleheader bout, the Monkey Wenches and the Haute Dishes will fight for the championship, while the Fighting Suzies and Battlescar Galactica compete for third or fourth place.

These tough, hard-hitting women spend up to five days per week practicing between two and three hours each day. During practices and performances, these ladies skate over 100 laps each time. And all this is done while wearing knee-high socks, knee and elbow pads, brightly colored tights and helmets covered in stickers.

These women look like they could have been featured in the roller derby movie "Whip It." Bobbi Jo Merten, a graduate student majoring in coatings and polymeric materials, is an FM Derby Girl. “It’s an awesome experience to get a diverse and creative outlook on the human experience,” Merten said. “It’s basically an athletic event combined with a rock concert; it’s an exciting experience,” Merten said.

Lenaya Kerlin, a senior majoring in art, became an FM Derby Girl only because she was unable to find a place in the F-M area to practice kickboxing. “It’s a real sport because we wear pads and stuff so we won’t get hurt,” Kerlin said.

According to Kerlin roller derby could be enjoyed by anyone: “Our bouts have an interesting environment and even if you don’t really like sports you might like roller derby.”

Concussions, ankle and knee injuries, fat lips and fish-net burns, otherwise known as “rink rash,” are the most common injuries derby girls have to face. “We beat the crap out of each other sometimes,” Lou Wolff, skater and treasurer for the FM Derby Girls, said.

The only area of the body these women can legally hit during a bout is from the shoulder to just above the knee. A head shot could cause a skater to be taken out and placed in a penalty box for a minute or longer.

“The personal contact is the best perk about

being a derby girl because it relieves a lot of stress without the need for anger management,” Donna Donley, FM Derby Girls league president and skater, said.

When these strong women aren’t competing against one another during practice and competitions, two of their biggest rivals are the Minnesota Roller Girls and the Sioux Falls Killa Beez. “But honestly, our biggest competition is each other,” Wolff said.

The FM Derby Girls also help charitable organizations around the area to raise money by giving portions of the proceeds from their bouts. “Last year we gave about $14,000 to charitable organizations as well as doing a lot of volunteer work for the community,” Wolff said. A portion of the April 2 bout’s proceeds will go to Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity.

The fans are encouraged by the skaters to bring posters, air horns and cowbells to the bout this Saturday. “Our fans are unbelievable.

The more the crowd is into it the better it is for us,” Donley said.

Tickets for the bout are $12 for adults and $7 for kids ages 6-12.

“I like the good ol’ Whoopie Cushion!”

Megan Espeseth Hospitality and Tourism Management Freshman

“Tearing up piles of phonebooks to fill up friends’ rooms.”

Doug Kostecki Political Science & Philosophy Junior

“Put sugar in the salt shaker.”

Carolina Pettus Public Relations Sophomore

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Compiled by Cate Ekegren Spectrum Staff

F r i d a y, A p r i l 1 , 2 0 1 1 | T h e S p e c t r u m

6

Study Break

BISON Fargo newcomers get positive ‘Feedback’

BITS

What is your favorite joke or prank?

“Telling you I’ll pay you back.”

Rob Neubauer Mechanical Engineering Junior

“Taping a picture of the guy my friend likes all over her room.”

Lauren Olson Human Development and Family Science Sophomore

“Putting Vaseline on the door handle of someone’s car.”

Jace Beehler Music Education Senior

CATE EKEGREN Spectrum Staff

Fargo’s own Mike Leier, Sam Ruch, Grant Christianson and Alex Conner formed a band named Feedback only a few short months ago and have been working hard ever since to start making a name for themselves in the F-M music scene.

These young men have been friends since their early days playing with Legos and they all currently attend school at Shanley High/Sullivan Middle School in South Fargo. The band has already played at venues such as The VFW, The Aquarium, F-M Derby Girls, the civic center and JT Cigarro’s. Feedback is quickly being noticed by just about everyone around FargoPhoto Courtesy of Facebook Moorhead. Information on Feedback, a local band from Fargo’s Shanley High School/Sullivan Middle School, is on the right track early on. the band, Feedback, can be found online at www.feed- From left is Mike Leier (grade 10), Sam Ruch (grade 10), Alex Conner (grade 8) and Grant Christensen (grade 11). back58104.com.

Matthews Band, and O.A.R. jobs.” -Ruch to be recording tomorrow so if Q: What kind of music do too.”

-Leier we get anything finished we Q: How did you become a you play?

Q: Do you ever play in a will post it on our website and band?

A: “We play mostly covers Q: How do you juggle school school talent show? as soon as we get another A: “Sam and I have been for our shows but we write our and the band?

A: “We don’t have a talent event scheduled it will be playing together since 7th own songs too.

I would deA: “It’s hard.”

-Conner show here but I’ve been talkposted online too!” -Ruch grade. One time doing open scribe our songs as indie alter“We had to cancel a show at ing to our school priest about mic at the VFW, the manager JT Cigarro because I had to sponsoring a charity concert Q: Do you have a steady folasked if we could do a three native rock.” -Christianson take the ACT and prom is event for Japan here in May. lowing at school? hour show for him. UnfortuQ: What kind of music are coming up now too.

There are He said the administration A: “Unfortunately we nately we didn’t have that you influenced by? certain things that take priorwould be cool with that so haven’t been able to play an much acoustic music prepared A: “We are influenced by a ity.”

-Christianson hopefully we can set that up all-ages show yet but we’re so we got together, called up little of everything, defintiely “I can imagine it’s easier to soon!”

-Ruch working on that and I think our friends Alex and Grant Green Day, John Mayer, some start now than in college or once they hear us they will like and put together a band and a country bands; I also hear a later on because right now we Q: Are you working on anyus!”

-Leier three hour set in about two little bit of Daughtry along don’t have to deal with the re- thing right now? weeks.” -Leier with some Coldplay, Dave ality of paying bills and having A: “We are probably going

KNDS ALBUM OF THE MONTH

Lykke Li – “Wounded Rhymes” From the KNDS Staff

This Swedish songbird has certainly evolved since her popular debut release, “Youth Novels,” which she wrote at the tender age of 19. After a crushing heartbreak and six sobering years as a young woman in the music industry, Lykke Li gifted us “Wounded Rhymes,” an album that sheds her coy and timid tendencies for an edgier sophistication.

“Wounded Rhymes” is raw no matter how you slice it with what Li calls a “forceful loneliness.” Maybe those cold winters in Sweden gave her a melancholy disposition, but the opening track, “Youth Knows No Pain,”

Brittany Gefroh Journalism Freshman

“Calling potential college recruits pretending to be a head coach.”

Ryan Boyer Biological Sciences Senior

Compiled by Cate Ekegren Spectrum Staff

producer Bjorn Yttling of Peter Bjorn and John produce a bluesy, doo-wop sound with a longing chorus: “Sadness is a blessing / Sadness is a pearl / Sadness is my boyfriend / Oh sadness, I’m your girl.”

Lykke Li is probably known best by the millions of Twilight fanatics who have heard her contribution to “The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack in 2009” with the heartfelt song, “Possibility,” However, her latest studio release argues that Li is further from the vampire-loving and timid Bella character that the fans may know her by. Now vengeful from her pain and struggle, she oozes confidence and power.

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<< Sucker Punch from Page 5

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“Tricking people into eating something gross.”

and her single, “Get Some,” pack a punch.

Li’s sultry vocals and heavy tribal dance beats (along with some crazy dance moves) show that she means business. In “Get Some,” she delivers the shameless come on, “I’m your prostitute / You gon’ get some.” Lady Gaga, anyone?

Yet the best moments of the album come from the tender ballads where Li channels that loneliness toward a more stripped down feel. “I Know Places” features only Li and her autoharp. It is a song written while she was on tour and tired of New York’s hustle and bustle.

In “Sadness is a Blessing,” Li and

Rylan Wolfe Puzzles Editor

SUDOKU March 25 puzzle’s solution

Women fare even worse as Snyder tells our audience that the only place they can possibly hope to be stronger than men is within their own imaginations. In their minds, these supposedly brave warrior women have no trouble slaying dragons or shooting Nazi zombies while the audience receives slow motion panty shots as they twirl about in fishnet stockings and schoolgirl uniforms.

However, whenever they are confronted by male antagonists in the closer levels of reality, they become whimpering, weeping caricatures of human beings, which allows them to be abused and murdered without so much as backtalk.

Not that any of it makes any sense anyway, as the meaning behind what actually happens in these worlds and how they fit into reality is never explained.

How can an orderly at a mental institution get away with multiple rapes and murders without anyone noticing?

How is he more powerful than his boss in the dream world when he is clearly her subordinate in reality?

These aren’t the questions Snyder wants you to ask. He is content to let you watch meaningless, poorly shot action sequences with interesting backdrops and bad CGI while he hides behind a curtain of pretentiousness.

Don’t see “Sucker Punch.”

T h e S p e c t r u m | F r i d a y, A p r i l 1 , 2 0 1 1

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Features BISON

<< ABDC Crews from Page 4 Phunk Phenomenon -- Boston, Mass.

Composed of a company of multi-ethnic and multi-cultural urban dancers, Phunk Phenomenon, dances to raise awareness for Sanfillipo syndrome.

ReQuest -- Auckland, New Zealand Known as the 2010 World Hip-Hop Dance Champions, this all female group is best at hip-hop dance and includes a variety of members from different cultures.

BITS What is your favorite joke or prank?

This season is said to be the “season of the superstar.”

Each episode will feature a well-known artist’s music, including: Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Lil’ Wayne and Ke$ha.

Will the West win its sixth title?

Will a different region take the ABDC crown?

We don’t know, but what we do know is it will be an epic battle.

ABDC premieres 9 p.m. April 7 on MTV. Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

The NDSU Memorial Union Gallery is currently hosting a national traveling exhibit titled “Accelerate Emerging Artists with Disabilities.”

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

PET LOVER’S CORNER

Pre-Vet Club to host 15th Annual Dog Show AMANDA HILLIER Contributing Writer

The NDSU Pre-Vet Club will be hosting their 15th annual dog show at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, at the Shepperd Arena located on the NDSU campus.

The show will start at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m.

Show classes include obedience, agility, jumping, costumes, and tricks.

Each class will have a beginner and advanced section and all ages and breeds of dogs are welcome to compete. Participant’s dogs can compete in one or all of the classes.

This year’s show theme is “Canines of the Caribbean: All Paws on Deck.”

However, costumes do not necessarily need to match the theme.

The event is open to the public and free for spectators.

Concessions will be available during the show.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for anyone just starting out in the dog show world who wants some practice,” Pre-Vet Club Vice President Jill SteMarie said. “It’s a fun day and the show is low key and great for beginners because there’s not as much pressure put on

them.”

Pre-registration fees are $10 per dog for the first class and every additional class, in which the same dog competes, will cost a dollar.

Participants entering more than one dog will pay $5 for every dog thereafter for the first class and a dollar for any additional class.

Pre-registration will be accepted up until April 6.

After that registration fees will go up to $15 per dog per class and $7 for each dog after that.

Each additional class will still cost participants a dollar per dog.

All individuals who wish to participate in the dog show must provide vaccination records for participating dogs.

Each class will award a firstthrough third-place award and an overall grand champion will be announced.

“Donations from area businesses usually give enough so that everyone leaves with something,” Ste-Marie said.

“In past years we have given out gift cards, dog treats, dog toys and more.”

For more information about the dog show or for registration information contact Jill Ste-Marie at Jill.stemarie@ndsu.edu.

Featured Judges: • Obedience class: Cyndy Raeshke, with the Red River North Dog Obedience Club • Agility and Jumping classes: Danette Jensen, a dog trainer and small business owner who owns K9 Country boarding and kennels • Costumes and Tricks classes: The NDSU Pre-Vet Club

Artists with disabilities featured across campus

CATE EKEGREN Spectrum Staff

Despite the many barriers those with disabilities face, their passion for art triumphs and helps lead them to a successful life.

LeDerick Horne, a nationally known poet, playwright, motivational speaker, entrepreneur and advocate will be presenting his story at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6. in the Prairie Rose Room at the NDSU Memorial Union.

Horne will address his battle with his severe learning disability, the difference other people made in his life and how he overcame obstacles and made it to college, even though he never dreamed he would.

After graduating with honors from New Jersey City University in 2003, Horne started his own real estate investment company and was appointed the board chair of Project Eye-To-Eye, a national nonprofit agency that provides

mentoring programs for students with learning disabilities and ADD/ADHD. In 2005, Horne released his first CD, which features 13 of his poems set to music.

The CD, titled “Rhyme Reason and Song,” can be found on Horne’s website, www.horneonline.com/poet, or on iTunes.

Horne’s presentation will focus on his journey to success and will address concerns such as low confidence, academic performance, self-determination and self-advocacy.

Horne’s poetry will also be incorporated into his presentation.

Jennifer Erickson, the disability specialist for NDSU disability services, says the presentation will be a great opportunity for all students.

“I hope this presentation will encourage audience members to explore both their perceptions and misperceptions of disability and challenge attendees to consider ways they can personally create a more accessible and rewarding learning environment for all types of learners,” Erickson said. “I think it’s really easy for people to assume that because you can’t see a learning disability, it doesn’t exist or it’s not a true barrier, so hopefully Horne might lay that to rest.”

Other artists with disabilities are being featured this month on the NDSU campus as well.

The MU Gallery currently is showing an exhibit titled, “Accelerate Emerging Artists with Disabilities.”

A reception will be held at 2:30 p.m. just before Horne’s presentation on Wednesday, Apr. 6.

This exhibit is a national traveling juried show by VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, and will run Wednesday, Mar. 30 through Saturday, May 7.

“We had an exhibit of emerging artists with disabilities here last year and it was fantastic. It had a wide variety of mediums and really intriguing work,” Erickson said, “to try and explore what each artist was thinking in their creations is just amazing.”

NDSU Disability Services currently works with roughly 150-200 students on campus and works hard to ensure access to programming and activities for all of them.

While Horne’s presentation is expected to open the eyes of those without disabilities to the struggles those affected face, Horne will hopefully also inspire those with a learning disability to keep reaching for their goals no matter how difficult they may seem.

“Filling up the student body president’s office with 400 inflated balloons. But SHH! It’s a surprise!”

Jon Okstad Management Communication Junior

“Tying a rubber band around a sink sprayer hose. Bahahaha.”

Mindy Ouren Marketing Sophomore

“Covering the toilet with plastic wrap.

ROFL.” Ryan Anderson Zoology Sophomore

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“Ordering pizzas for someone else’s address.”

Eric Estes Zoology Junior

Compiled by Cate Ekegren Spectrum Staff

F r i d a y, A p r i l 1 , 2 0 1 1 | T h e S p e c t r u m

8

Rylee Nelson Opinion Editor Phone: 231-6287 | Email: opinion@ndsuspectrum.com

Opinion

A refreshing message

RYLEE NELSON Opinion Editor

A bill recently passed by the North Dakota House is casting some light on a rather shaded area in the current education system.

House Bill 1229 with its recent floor amendment, now spells out certain criteria to be met by all sexual health programs in North Dakota school districts.

The current bill states that by 2012, all sexual education curriculums will include an explanation of why abstinence is the number one way to avoid sexually transmitted diseases and becoming pregnant.

It will also teach kids on how to avoid unwanted sexual advances from others and how the influence of drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, etc. can affect sexual decision-making.

Today, youth are presented sexual information of all kinds at a very young age. The current society emphasizes the importance of being prepared in the case of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;inevitableâ&#x20AC;? event that kids will have sex.

However, by teaching kids about safe sex and not teaching about abstinence, we are telling children that they are enslaved to their sexual passions. It is by teaching them about how to have safe sex that we actually teach them that sex is a must in a relationship, which creates obvious issues, such as sexual addictions, in relationships down the road.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Current sexual curriculums are centralized around condoms, birth control and safe sex practices that inevitably send children the message that the biggest worry about sex is not who you have sex with but how it is done.

At such an impressionistic age, it is imperative that we think of the messages that are sent by what we teach the children of our society.

Refreshing Message on Page 9 >>

Protect our First Amendment DEREK GAFFNEY Staff Writer

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievancesâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.

As a writer for the opinion

section, the first amendment is my second greatest ally, right behind the second amendment and its guarantee that I can intimidate anyone who disagrees with me.

As an opinion writer, there is a type of person I hate, and that is the type of person who thinks the Bill of Rights does not apply to every American.

This is why I hate Bryan Fischer, the director of issues analysis for American Family Association, a conservative group.

Bryan thinks that if you practice Islam, you do not have first amendment rights, and I have to admit: That rubs me the wrong way. He has stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Islam has no fundamental First Amendment claims, for the simple reason that it was not written to protect the religion of Islam.â&#x20AC;?

Look back to the quote from the Constitution I have up there, does it contain any exclusions? No, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, because our founding fathers were smart enough to word our governing documents to not alienate any Americans.

Our Constitution was designed to protect every American and to protect any and every religion Americans choose to practice. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter whether that religion is crazy or extremely crazy, the First Amendment gives us the right to practice whatever we want.

To say that one religion or person has First Amendment rights while another religion or person doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t is absolutely against the very basis of the First Amendment. Every single word and opinion is inherently equal under the First

Amendment.

I could say that all our brains are infected with aliens and that they tell me we must charge money for other people to learn about our alien-infected brains and I would have every right to say so. Of course, I would have to do some considerable lobbying to get tax-exempt status.

We have to continue to respect the Constitution and make sure that idiots like Bryan Fischer donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get what they want. If we let people like Fischer convince us that certain Americans donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the same rights everyone else does, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll become a slippery slope where everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rights are at risk.

Was the Constitution written by Christians? Yes. Was it written to protect the religion of Islam? Yes, it was written to

protect each and every religion.

The big difference between myself and someone like Bryan Fischer is that while I think Bryan Fischer is a complete idiot and a total ignoramus, I would never try to stop him from spouting his views to whomever he wants. That would be completely against what the founding fathers wanted.

I would, however, use my First Amendment rights to call him an idiot and ignoramus, and I have a feeling George Washington would agree with me.

Derek is a second-year professional in the college of pharmacy.

Blinders and a cloak for foreign policy

MATT SEVERNS Spectrum Staff

Transparency and change were two central tenets that resounded throughout the course of candidate Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidential bid. He won the 2008 election because these were precisely the types of things American citizens were looking for.

They say history repeats itself, and recent turmoil in Libya has brought about a situation we are all too familiar with. But just because the

story of history repeats itself, the people in it don't have to as well, right?

With tensions rising and the pressure mounting in Libya, it seems that change and transparency are secondhand values to be embodied only if world conditions are such that embodying them is easy.

The conflict in Libya is a trying moment in President Obamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career, as more than two years have come between the candidate and the president, which seem to have made him forget who he wanted to be.

Speaking to ABC, Obama said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say that if we wanted to get weapons into Libya, we probably could. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at all our options at this point.â&#x20AC;?

Is this the type of change and transparency candidate Obama imagined in 2008?

Opponents of conflict with the Taliban in the Middle East frequently cite U.S. involvement in arming rebel forces in the 1980s as a key reason we are fighting in the region today.

If history has shown that arming rebel forces can in the long term be a bad thing, why, if running on a platform of change, would Obama even consider it? It wouldn't be because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an easy fix, would it?

We don't know the answer to this question because there is a certain air of ambiguity surrounding the entire situation in Libya.

If transparency were so important to candidate Obama, why does nobody seem to know what to expect in the coming weeks?

If transparency were truly valued, Obama wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have said to NBC, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Even with perfect transparency, the conflict in Libya might not garner much support. With borderline opaqueness though, the conflict in Libya will certainly stir up general unrest.

general unrest.

Most people arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t against providing aid when aid is due.

However, most people envision aid as boxes of food, refugee camps and perhaps even occupancy by foreign, but professional peacekeeping forces.

Sending aid in the traditional sense is one thing, but becoming involved in other countriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; affairs and arming rebels is quite another, especially when we should know better.

Transparency helped Obama get into office, and now more than ever, he must exercise it. After all, it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t â&#x20AC;&#x153;change we can believe inâ&#x20AC;? if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not sure what that change is.

ruling it out, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m also not ruling it in,â&#x20AC;? with â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;? referring to providing arms to rebel fighters.

Even with perfect transparency, the conflict in Libya might not garner much supMatt is a junior majoring in port. With borderline opaqueness though, the conflict in English education.

Libya will certainly stir up

Fair trade promotes social justice SARAH CHAMPA Contributing Writer

Every single day of our lives we are affected by trade because of the material goods we own and consume. Just ponder these specifics that help start your day off right: coffee and clothing. They are products of trade, but are they products of fair trade?

Fair trade is a fairly new phenomenon that treats the producers of our products fairly. The goals are about economic prudence, social justice, and ecological sustainability of products.

We should be concerned about the origins of our products that we buy at the grocery

or department store. We should constantly be analyzing why certain things like coffee or socks are more expensive than others.

There is a good chance that the producers of your textiles and coffee are working in less than appropriate conditions at measly wages. There is an even better chance that children unreasonably too young to work are making our products.

Remember the Nike sweatshop outrage? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what I am talking about. Even after standards were implemented, Nike workers still are at the factory seven days a week, working for wages less than the minimum standard.

These fair trade standards

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are beneficial in many ways.

Fair trade cooperatives set aside some of their income and insert it into community development. This development can be for schools, hospitals, housing, etc.

Fair trade workers and artisans are encouraged to respect the environment by not using harsh chemicals on crops. Because of this, most of the time fair trade means organic. Also, the trade from there to here is direct.

The middleman is cut out.

No one really likes a middleman anyway. By this means, farmers of fair trade products are actually allowed to take a meaningful part in the global marketplace.

As if fair trade couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

sound any better, it lives by a guarantee for safe and healthy working conditions. Respect for humanity is enforced whether it is an adult or child.

I think it is enough that we are aware of the need for fair trade regulations. Of course the next step would require us to do research on brands and companies who fall under the fair trade categories and research those who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

I am going to start checking out the brands of my clothing and researching their origins.

I am honestly concerned about where they are made because I get them cheap and brand new. I think that should be a source of unease for all of us.

If you are a coffee addict like

me, it is easy to know what coffee beans are considered fair trade just by the label.

Textiles such as t-shirts and socks may be a different story.

Once your find out hard facts about the products you know and love, make a decision.

Do safe working conditions and environmental product sustainability mean more to you than a cheaper price? Are you willing to make a monetary sacrifice for social justice?

Make sure what you own and consume meets fair trade standards.

Sarah Champa is a senior in university studies.

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Opinion << Refreshing Message from Page 8 Sexual intimacy is an important part of the human life and should be taught with extra care and caution, as it will undoubtedly affect a child’s lifelong views on the subject.

It is likewise very important that children are exposed to the idea that sex is not a requirement and is worth waiting for. There are several benefits of abstinence and the youth should be aware of them.

Current sexual curriculums are centralized around condoms, birth control and safe sex practices that inevitably send children the message that the biggest worry about sex is not who you have sex with but how it is done.

In other words, by focusing on how to make

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor,

sex more user friendly, we have lost emphasis on the unique bonding quality that sex offers with the other individual.

Abstinence education gives children different way to approach sexuality. It allows kids to start thinking of sexuality as more of a gift that they have the ability to give rather than some regulated bodily function that society has learned to control.

This new bill is exciting for reforming sexual education as it offers a more refreshing message to youth of our state. Let’s teach by not only what we teach, but also how we teach it.

I am a NDSU student and avid reader of your newspaper. The articles are always intriguing and helpful, however I was shocked to find in Volume 114 Issue 40 of the Spectrum, not one but TWO article brining about the topic of abortion. This is a campus, not a courtroom nor a medical center. The fact both articles were discussing pro-life has no effect on the issue, nor does it have an effect on my personal and political beliefs. I am however concerned that both articles were allowed publication in the same issue.

The reason for this upset is the fact it was overwhelming and draining. After reading the Rylee is a junior majoring in communications. issue, the material on abortion really took a toll on me. This was followed seconds after the excitement I felt while reading “Bieber’s got baby fever”. First thing to pop into my head was, “Is he expecting a child?” “does he want a child?” anything but his views on the topic of abortion.

I would rather hear about his gorgeous locks than touch base on such a serious a compli-

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cated topic. College is a stressful environment as is, give us something enjoyable and fun to read!

Is there something wrong when both the “opinion” and the “features sections contain an abortion standpoint? Also is it a coincidence both had the same standpoint? You might as well put up a ten feet tall by fifty feet long abortion billboard, similar to the ones that periodically sprout up on campuses in the area. Yes, both get their points across!

Lets liven up the next issue, refrain from the serious and draining topic of abortion. I know I am not the only one who found this depressing. I am sure other readers did the same as me and dropped the paper and abstained from reading the next three pages, in fear of ANTOHER article on abortion.

JOHANNAH WIEGE Johannah is a sophomore majoring in landscape architecture

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Dan Gunderson Sports Editor Phone: 231-5262 | Email: sports@ndsuspectrum.com

Sports Baseball in the North

Lost Boys Rugby Update The NDSU Lost Boys Rugby played the Wayne Tournament in Wayne, Neb. this past weekend. The team ended up taking first place, beating Central Iowa, Iowa State, Wichita and Mankato State. The team outscored their opponents a combined 107-27 over the weekend.

DANIEL GUNDERSON Sports Editor

I am a self-proclaimed Minnesota sports hater. I hate the Vikings, hate the Gophers and I’m not really too big on hockey. Why do I live next to this state is probably your next question. Well, for one, I was born and go to school in North Dakota so I can’t do much about that. Second, I have an undying love for our favorite nine, the Minnesota Twins.

I can remember nights as a young lad staying up and listening to Herb Carneal on the radio call a broadcast a game from the Metrodome or wherever the Twins were playing that night. This love for them was odd, considering my favorite teams now were so successful while I was growing up. (The Tar Heels, Cowboys, Cornhuskers) To grow up a Twins fan meant you had to put up with a lot of awful players. Guys like Bob Tewksbury and his Eephus pitch, Denny Hocking playing every position, Scott Stahoviak and his endless amount of chew. You also had the washed up players like Otis Nixon, Greg Colbrunn and Terry Steinbach. It was a mess that resulted in eightstraight losing seasons. Then, a shimmer of light hit in 2001 with a winning season. Then, a division title came, followed by a few more. Next thing you know, this team is a legitimate playoff contender with a new stadium and a player who is a couple great seasons away from being the face of the league.

This area has fallen in love with the Twins. We have forgiven the fact that year after year, they continue to fail us in the first round of the playoff. I believe it is time for this to end.

Enough of our Minnesota or North Dakota nice and enough of us saying, “just make the playoffs because we are happy with that.” No. It is time for us to make a playoff run and stop being just a “nice story.” The reason I think so many people in this area are happy with the Twins is because they have never had a winner. They’ve never had a team that has won a national championship or a Super Bowl. It is so foreign to them to see a team in the playoffs that they get happy about it and forget what the real goal is. To win a title!

So enough with the excuses, fans, let’s demand a title. We deserve it after how long we have sat idly by and watched one first-round failure after another. It should be even worse for Viking fans, who rely on the Twins to get them through the summer months.

Now, the Twins may be your only source of joy for the entire summer into the early fall.

No football means even more attention is paid to the Twins, since your mind hasn’t wandered to the gridiron.

I have been spoiled by watching teams win titles and championships and I want one from the team I care about the most. I don’t think that is too much to ask for, is it?

The Lost Boys Rugby team will play in the Sweet 16 this weekend down in Wayne, Neb.

Opposite ends of the spectrum TRAVIS JONES Contributing Writer

If you’re like me, this year’s Final Four is much different than that of previous years.

Instead of watching a few, if not all, of my predicted teams battle for the national title, I will have no tie to it whatsoever. This is because I have none of the teams I predicted in it. Instead, I will be able to

sit back and simply enjoy the basketball rather than root for one team or the other. And what’s not to love about this year’s Final Four? For me, the best part is Duke, my most hated team in sports, not competing for the title, and other than Butler, it’s a new tournament. On one side you have the Connecticut Kemba Walkers, I mean Huskies, taking on the star- studded Kentucky Wildcats. Then it’s the battle of the mid-majors as Butler will take on Virginia Commonwealth.

As I sat back on Monday and thought about the four teams left, I noticed that there are two different brands of teams that will be displayed this weekend. On one side,

you have UCONN and UK, two teams that rely on NBA prospects to get the job done.

Of course Connecticut has Kemba Walker, who is averaging 26 points per game from the Big East tournament until now, leading the Huskies during the nine-game wining streak they’re on. Along with Walker, add freshman stars Jeremy Lamb and Shabazz Napier, and this team is full of firepower. Kentucky on the other hand, starts three star freshmen of their own, who are the top three scorers on the team: Tarrence Jones, Brandon Knight and Doron Lamb, a trait that always seems to follow John Calipari. Both of these teams rely on big games from at least two out of the

three players previously mentioned.

Head to the other side of the bracket and you see a totally different brand of ball. Butler is back for their secondstraight Final Four and they got there the same way they did last year. Matt Howard and Shelvin Mack are back leading the team once again.

Although Gordon Hayward isn’t on the Bulldogs team as he went to the NBA, they now completely rely on a team effort, no matter whom the big game comes from. The 11 seed Virginia Commonwealth, who obviously you all know by, now, rely on big shots from every player on the floor. In their elite eight-game against Kansas, VCU had four players

make at least two threes. They shot 12-25 from three-land, and put the Jayhawks down with big threes at the end. All but one player scored, and all of them played.

What I’m excited for about this year’s Final Four is the two completely different brands of basketball that will be on display. And even more than that, take a look center stage in the championship game of whose style is going to come through. So if you’re like me, with a bracket in the garbage, I wouldn’t be too disappointed. This year’s Final Four is sure to be one that won’t soon be forgotten, and I personally couldn’t be more excited.

Major League Baseball preview DANIEL GUNDERSON Sports Editor

American League West – Los Angeles Angels Most of this depends on how the pitching will uphold for Angels. Their biggest enemies are no longer teams from other divisions, but instead the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have the bats to contend for the title, but so do the Angels. If starters like Ervin Santana and Jered Weaver are solid, and Scott Kazmir can return to his early career form, this team will win the division.

The baseball season is a long, grueling season. Trying to predict a winner over a 162 game schedule is tough because you can never account for injuries, call-ups or what players will slump. That is why predicting winners is so rewarding. You picked the right team; you are an elite baseball mind. Your pick goes completely haywire and you chalked it up to the unpredictables.

American League Wild Card – New York Yankees In this article, I will pick the six division winners, The reason this team doesn’t win the division is betwo wild card winners, the World Series match-up, cause the back-end of the rotation is so questionable. the winner and league MVPs. Also, the bullpen is a huge concern until Mariano Rivera. With that being said, the lineup is still top American League East – Boston Red Sox three in the league and that alone gets them into the This is everyone’s favorite to take this division beplayoffs. When they get there, it is anybodies guess cause they stocked up in the off-season. Adrian Gonhow far they will go. zalez is the big purchase for this team, but it’s the homegrown talent that will be the ones to watch. JaNational League East – Philadelphia Phillies coby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia were hampered This team is loaded. Ever play video games and by injuries all season and need to stay healthy in stack the team you controlled with all-stars? That is order for the Red Sox to be as dominant as they plan. what Phillies have done with this team. Two MVP and Cy Young award winners are just the icing on a American League Central – Minnesota Twins delicious cake of a roster. The only thing that can deThe biggest concern surrounding this team is the rail this train from the postseason is injuries, which health of the superstars. Joe Mauer had offseason already will hamper the opening day roster for this surgery on his knee and that will be closely moniteam. tored early on. Joe Nathan had Tommy John surgery and will be brought along slowly. The biggest National League Central – Cincinnati Reds one of them all is Justin Morneau and how he will I love Joey Votto because of the way he plays and be after sitting out the entire second half of last year the bombs he hits. Last year’s NL MVP is not the with a concussion. If all three of these guys perform reason I like this team. I like this team because of at their level, this team will make a playoff run. their young pitching staff, namely Edinson Volquez,

Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake. Those three pitchers combined for 24 wins and it would have been more had Volquez stayed healthy.

National League West – San Francisco Giants You cannot count out last year’s World Series winners because they have great front line pitching. The one thing you need to win in the National League is three really good pitchers and the Giants have that in Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain and Jonathan Sanchez all have Cy Young type ability. If they can win as many games or more games as they did last year, 42, they will be a serious threat to repeat as champions.

National League Wild Card – Colorado Rockies The reason I like this team is based on three players: Ubaldo Jimenez, Carlos Gonzalez and Troy Tulowitzki. All three are all-stars and all three can carry teams for long stretches of time. Tulowitzki did last year for the month of September, hitting 15 homers and 40 RBIs. Ubaldo did for the beginning part of the season, winning 11 of his first 12 games.

Gonzalez did for entire season, hitting .336 with 34 homers and 117 RBIs. These three combined can get them into the playoffs.

World Series – Boston Red Sox versus Philadelphia Phillies The two most loaded teams in the Majors will meet for a shot a title. It will be a long series with the Red Sox winning in the seventh game against an exhausted Philly pitching staff.

AL MVP – Adrian Gonzalez NL MVP – Carlos Gonzalez

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