Feb-11-2011

Page 1

FACEOFF: Should counseling before divorce be mandatory? Page 9

F R I D AY

|

STATE ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Tim Pawlenty and Michele Bachmann spent the past decade mostly staying out of each other’s way, two Minnesotans taking very different paths on the rise to national Republican Party prominence from a state better known for its Democratic icons. Their shared flirtation with presidential politics won't allow that much longer. Though each appeals to different segments of their party and they are far from alone in the 2012 mix, some doubt a same-state duo can stay viable very long. And it is a recipe for division among Minnesota Republicans left to pick sides, meaning delay for either Pawlenty or Bachmann nailing down critical support back home.

|

S E R V I N G N O R T H D A K OTA S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y S I N C E 1 8 9 6

LAURA MUZ Co-News Editor

bers of NDSU’s student government spoke at a North Dakota House Education Committee hearing, explaining why each institution was in support of or against the proposed freeze. While UND students supported the two-year tuition freeze, NDSU student leaders felt, through unanimous support of its executive team and through a senate resolution, that a 2.5 percent tuition cap was in the best interest of the university. According to NDSU Student Body President Kevin Black, this 2.5 percent cap indicates that over the next two years, universities will not automatically, but have the option to raise tuition by up to 2.5 per-

cent annually. Thirteen of the fourteen members of the NDSU delegation opposed the tuition freeze. In the end, both the North Dakota House Education Committee and North Dakota Student Association (NDSA) sided with the majority views of NDSU students, opposing the tuition freeze as well. In response to their stances, an opinion article was recently published in UND’s student newspaper, the Dakota Student, claiming that the education committee and NDSA were not listening to the needs of all North Dakota students, and that the views of NDSU, and more specifically, Kevin Black, did not “represent all North Dakota students.”

When asked about the con- both of our judgments were troversy, Black remained neu- the same,” Black said. tral. While the House supported the stance of NDSU, Black did not discount the views of UND students. “Obviously [UND student We have said time leaders] feel that the best route and again that we for them is to support the tudo not want a ition freeze, for the reasons why, you’d really have to ask cheap education, them,” Black said. we want a quality Black believes that the decieducation. sions of the education commit–Student Body tee and NDSA to oppose the tuition cap were in correlation President Kevin with their views on education Black and tuition for all universities “The House did oppose the in North Dakota. tuition freeze. I think we (NDSU) might have had a Tuition Freeze part, but I think that ultion Page 2 >> mately the rationale behind

“

Displaced faculty tours progress in Minard Hall LAURA MUZ

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) -A South Carolina woman accused of giving birth in a sports arena toilet and leaving her baby to die didn’t know she was pregnant and can't remember the birth, her mother told a judge in court Wednesday. “She has not shown any signs of being pregnant whatsoever,” Anita McAuliffe said during a bond hearing for her daughter, Jessica Blackham.

On Feb. 4, approximately 100 NDSU faculty members had the chance to view the interior progress made in Minard Hall construction areas since the northwest corner of the building collapsed last December. According to a press release, personnel from JLG Architects in Fargo, the design firm responsible for the renovations, g a v e tours of the 1918 and 1929 sections of Minard and answered questions for faculty members who have been displaced due to the construction. "These tours were important in helping people understand the process and see their future homes," Lee Dobrinz of JLG said in the press release. "We also want to build up some excitement about it so people get excited about seeing where their new home is going to be.” Some of the areas viewed by faculty included dry-walled office spaces, reception areas, classroom space and framed hallways. Faculty and staff members seemed to appreciate the opportu-

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- A member of a New England mob family who was accused of trying to kill the clan’s head and wanted by federal agents for more than a decade has resurfaced in Idaho. Enrico M. Ponzi appeared in federal court on Wednesday, two days after he was arrested on charges from a 1997 indictment accusing him and 14 others of racketeering, attempted murder and conspiracy to kill rivals.

WORLD BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Corruption in Argentina is widespread and usually unpunished, the U.S. Embassy reported in a series of secret cables released by WikiLeaks and published Wednesday. One cites a series of very profitable Patagonian real estate deals by the late President Nestor Kirchner husband of the country's current leader - and other top officials. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -A U.S. customs employee and two British soldiers have died in insurgent attacks in southern Afghanistan where violence persists despite a winter lull in fighting across the nation. A suicide bomber killed a retired U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer and wounded three other American customs workers Monday in Kandahar, which remains a hotbed of Taliban activity despite an influx of U.S. troops over the past year. Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

News

1-3

Features

4-5

Study Break

6-7

Opinion

8-9

Sports

10-11

INDEX

H 30º H 34º H 36º H 32º L 21º L 30º L 28º L 25º FRI SAT SUN MON

VOL. 114 ISSUE 35

ND House defeats tuition freeze legislation

Co-News Editor

WEATHER

|

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

On Feb. 4, North Dakota House members defeated legislation that sought to extend a two-year tuition freeze to all North Dakota public colleges, 73-19. According to a Feb. 4 article in the Grand Forks Herald, the defeated bill included more than $25 million for universities in North Dakota, and would have guaranteed that tuition at two- and four-year institutions not increase for the next two years. Previous to the bill apNATIONAL proaching the state House, on PHOENIX (AP) -- Arizona Jan. 25 student leaders from Rep. Gabrielle Giffords spoke the University of North for the first time since she was Dakota and fourteen memshot in the forehead, her spokesman said Wednesday, yet another significant milestone in her recovery from a traumatic brain injury. Giffords first spoke within the past few days and is speaking “more and more,” spokesman C.J. Karamargin said Wednesday. He didn’t know what her first words were, but said at breakfast one morning she asked for toast.

Page 10

The Spectrum

FEBRUARY 11, 2011

NEWS BRIEFS

Bison women back for the “Pink-Zone.”

nity to view the development of the project. “I was surprised on how much progress they have made because it’s so hidden in there, but it looks like it’s going to be a really nice space when it gets finished,” Jeanne Hageman, chair of the department of modern languages, said. According to Dobrinz, the department of modern languages is predicted to move faculty and staff into its new location this summer. Currently, members of this department have been relocated to areas of the Minard Annex, Morrill Hall and the former NDSU post office, which is located on University Drive next to the Alumni Center. Hageman, who has been working out of the old post office, is looking forward to being back in Minard. The professor said that cubicle walls are currently the only thing separating her workspace from the other staff members in the building.

“

I was surprised on how much progress they have made because it’s so hidden in there, but it looks like it’s going to be a really nice space when it gets finished. –Jeanne Hageman “Right now I have no walls [around me] and the person behind me can hear everything I’m saying,” Hageman said. “It has not been an environment that’s conducive to getting much done, so we’re looking forward to having doors and getting more privacy more than brand new anything.” Along with the renovations, workers have also placed deep foundations underground in the northeast corner of Minard to prepare for the new addition. While work continues to progress in Minard Hall, Hageman said that she hopes for the best. “I hope that the other departments can get in quickly too,” Hageman said. “We’d love to get our other colleagues back in sooner rather than later.”

Parties attract unwanted attention MATT SEVERNS Spectrum Staff

With the number of students who have had to meet with student life staff regarding conduct violations stemming from house parties nearing 500 since fall 2008, NDSU officials are trying to properly inform students about the dangers associated with citations and the surrounding circumstances that lead to them. Nona Wood, associate director of student rights, has seen firsthand the repercussions that students face after having been cited and identified as an NDSU student. “The danger is that you can get multiple charges, dependent on age [and] level of cooperation or lack thereof,” Wood said. Wood deals with students whose names have been provided to the university following public incidents. For many, she is the intermediary between remediation and formal university reprimand. While the legal system tends to issue increasingly expensive and punitive sentences, NDSU can, as an educational establishment, issue its own without constituting double jeopardy. Wood has seen students suffer from what she calls “the most expensive beer you’ll ever buy,” in ways that go far beyond the legal realm. The legal process acts as a catalyst for academic and employment consequences to materialize. “The impact can be legal, academic or through employment; my concern is that the cost can be too high,” Wood said. Collegiate conduct is something that employers look at before making a decision about hiring. However, before the issue catches the eyes of the employer, often students have suffered from the consequences of problems that have stemmed from the original incident.

Parties on Page 3 >>

Find your Valentine’s Day guide inside! Pages 4-7

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

2

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

News From the desk of student government not pass the House. Governor Dalrymple’s proposed budget calls for a 2.5 percent cap on tuition over the biHouse Bills 1444 and 1445 dealing ennium for four-year institutions. with reciprocity and minimum tuHouse Bill 1195, which proposes to ition for out of state students both received a “do not pass” ban the use of text messaging while recommendation from the House driving a vehicle passed the House Education Committee. The pro- and must now be considered by the posed bills called for universities to Senate. The proposed changes to the return state funds used to subsidize Century Code call for a demerit of 2 costs for out of state students as well points for first offense, 4 points for a as set a minimum tuition for out of second offense and suspension of listate students to pay. Exceptions to cense for a period of one year for the bill included students from states third or subsequent offenses. In adthat have a reciprocity agreement dition to points, a fine of $100 would and are contiguous with North be allocated to violators under the proposed legislation. Dakota. Submitted by student government

the House and will now be considered by the Senate. This bill requires that the bars serve tabletop food prepared in a kitchen with at least an indoor grill, as well as being smoke-free premises.

The NDSU Student Senate approved a resolution laying out their funding priorities for the legislative session as follows: An increase in parity and equity funding to close the gap between North Dakota State University and its peer institutions A modest cap on annual tuition increases Increased funding to address deferred maintenance House Bill 1307, which proposes to Ehly Hall Renovation House Bill 1301, which called for a allow minors into bars under specific Geosciences Renovation tuition freeze for the biennium, did circumstances was also approved by ConnectND Fee offset

Small-to-Medium Capital Projects Group Classroom Renovations Bentson-Bunker Fieldhouse Family Life Center Dunbar and Ladd Halls South Engineering roof replacement Ag Engineering window and roof replacement Music Education Building, roof and lighting replacement Increased number of faculty positions MATBUS funding Funds to fully pay off special as- as part of a course curriculum and sessments for extracurricular events ND Youth Council recommendaAs well as support of: tions Whistle-blower protection for state Anti-bullying legislation that proemployees tects free speech Voluntary liability insurance for students driving of state fleet vehicles

Pledging ceremony for founding fathers CHELSEY THRONSON Co-News Editor

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

After three weeks of recruitment, Delta Tau Delta is preparing to officially kick off.

Student Art Society to host open house snacks for the event. The SAS participates in Co-News Editor community service projects and also organizes trips for its The Student Art Society members. In November, 40 (SAS) is hosting a fundraising students attended an art trip open house from 2 to 5 p.m. to Chicago. Saturday in Renaissance Hall located at the downtown campus. The event is open to the public and the SAS encourages We just thought everyone to attend. giving tours and The open house is intended to raise funds and awareness having art students about NDSU’s art program. It giving tours and exwill have student art for sale plaining the and also have art majors givprocess would be a ing tours of Renaissance Hall. “We just having art students good way to get giving tours and explaining people interested the process would be a good in art. way to get people interested in art and seeing if its something –Megan Roberts they want to do for a major or “It’s a good way we can be minor,” President of the SAS resources for each other.” Megan Roberts said. Roberts said. “We tend to be Atomic Coffee is donating off doing our own thing, so its hot chocolate, coffee and one way we can all find some

common ground.” Currently SAS is helping the art Department Chair Michael Strand with his project for the city of Fargo. They are spray painting thought bubbles on 3,000 sandbags for the upcoming flood season and donating them to nursing homes, elementary schools and other locations. The project is called “Bag and Tag” and efforts are already underway. “They will all be distributed throughout the community. The idea was that he wants to be able to give people in the community a way to participate,” Roberts said. By putting inspirational phrases inside the thought bubbles, Roberts said it would serve as a voice of inspiration to those who will be helping with the sandbagging effort this spring.

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-

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief ... Brianna Ehley editor@ndsuspectrum.com Co-News Editor ... Chelsey Thronson co.news@ndsuspectrum.com Co-News Editor ... Laura Muz co.news1@ndsuspectrum.com Features Editor ... Linda Vasquez features@ndsuspectrum.com A & E Editor ... Emily M. Hanson ae@ndsuspectrum.com Opinion Editor ... Rylee Nelson opinion@ndsuspectrum.com Sports Editor ... Daniel Gunderson sports@ndsuspectrum.com

CHELSEY THRONSON

“

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.

For Delta Tau Delta, the past three weeks have been full of recruitment and networking. The colonizing fraternity has been searching for men to commit to being a founding father and participate in the pledging ceremony coming up this Friday. “It’s been a very long three weeks but we’ve really enjoyed it,” Chapter Leadership Consultant Doug Russell said. “We’ve talked to a number of outstanding individuals, we’ve really had a pleasant time here.” The pledging ceremony will last 15 to 20 minutes with a reception to follow with refreshments. The UND chapter of Delta Tau Delta will be coming to campus to perform the ceremony. Russell is expecting the

number of founding fathers to range from the high 30s to low 40s. “It will be the kickoff to this group on campus,” Russell said. For the past few weeks Delta Tau Delta has consistently had a contact table in the Memorial Union. Russell said the contact table was more of a common meeting ground meet with referrals and people who are interested in the organization. They had some people walk up who were interested in the fraternity, but that usually was not the case. “We have been talking to administrators on campus. We say we are looking for men who are interested in academics, community service and leadership,” Russell said. After getting names from administrators, they would then try to get them to meet at the contact table to discuss

Delta Tau Delta in person. In addition to contacting administrators, they have been having competitions within the sororities on campus to see who can give them the most names for prospective Delta Tau Delta pledges. “We are very excited to see what this group will do because there are a lot of leaders from all different areas of the campus who are joining and it’s exciting to see,” Russell said. Russell said the process has been long but there has optimistic feedback about the incoming fraternity to campus. “We’ve had tremendous support from other Greek organizations both fraternities and sororities, non-Greek organizations, the Memorial Union and the administration has been fantastic as well,” Russell said. “It’s been positive all the way around.”

<< Tuition Freeze from Page 1 “I think at the end of the day they balanced all of the reasons, the pros and the cons, and they agreed with us. [The education committee and NDSA] saw that the 2.5 percent cap is a much more responsible, more realistic position for us to take, and it allows us to advocate with credibility for some of the things that are really important for our campuses,” Black said. Black felt that a tuition freeze would ultimately take away from the quality of a university education. “We have said time and again that we do not want a cheap education, we want a quality education,” Black

said. “There’s a difference between cheap and affordable. When you think of cheap you think of products that don’t hold up, and we want an education that’s going to hold up and that’s going to prepare us. We believe that at 2.5 percent increase, college is still affordable, but we know that allows us to get the things we need to be successful, like more teachers, more faculty, more support and better buildings.” According to Black, although some North Dakota students feel a tuition freeze may benefit students now, it is the students of the future that the 2.5 percent cap will benefit most. “[If tuition were to freeze

Co-Copy Editor ... Matthew Severns copy1@ndsuspectrum.com Co-Copy Editor ... Stephanie Stanislao copy@ndsuspectrum.com Photo Editor ... Micah Zimmerman photo@ndsuspectrum.com Design Editor ... Cate Ekegren design@ndsuspectrum.com Web Editor ... Sowjanya Param webmaster@ndsuspectrum.com

Business Manager ... Katie Heinen business.manager@ndsuspectrum.c om Advertising Manager ... Ryan Johnson ad.manager@ndsuspectrum.com Advertising Executive ... Kira Gilbraith ad.exec@ndsuspectrum.com Advertising Executive ... Travis Scepaniak ad.exec@ndsuspectrum.com Office Assistant ... Jaime Jarmin Graphic Designer ... Philip Gregory Circulation Manager ... Zi Yuan Chen

BUSINESS STAFF Office Manager ... Karla Young office.manager@ndsuspectrum.com

now], what happens in two years, or in four years?” Black said. “Then you’re going to see tuition go up way more, and as a student, I believe that a student can much better manage their finances if they know those increases are going to go up incrementally rather than by an unmanageable amount all at once.” Regardless of the two university’s opposing viewpoints, the tuition freeze legislation was defeated, and four-year universities in North Dakota including UND and NDSU, will be subject to a 2.5 percent tuition cap.

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

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

3

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

News

<< Parties from Page 1

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

One such problem involves lying to law enforcement in a last-ditch effort to protect one’s self from being caught. “If a person lies to an officer, they can be charged with providing false information to law enforcement—that’s significant,� Wood said. Similarly, Wood said that students who spend a lot of their time at house parties tend to perform poorly in school as time has to be allocated to accommodated for a blossoming, yet looming, social life. “There are some exceptions, of course, but in the long run it tends to catch up with them,� Wood said. People choose to go to parties as a means of stress relief or reward following a hard week. MU Live and the Wellness Center serve as healthier on-campus alternatives. Wood, having worked with her fair share of students, has heard just about every excuse for conduct violation stem-

ming from presence at a house party. She said that most students realize what they did as being wrong or potentially hazardous, but that they tend to avoid making clear judgment as a result of party allure. Excuses range from having just gone inside to pick up some friends to simply disagreeing with laws. “If you're going to pick someone up, have them come out. Once you go inside, you’re part of the party,� Wood said. For the people who disagree with laws surrounding house parties and the conduct therein, there are other courses of action to take. “There are many laws that adults don’t agree with, and they can try to change them, but they don’t choose to disobey,� Wood said. For those who do, the mix of college-aged brains having not yet fully matured and developed, massive amounts of alcohol and the absence of a bouncer or parental figures make house parties dangerously accommodating for crimes like sexual assault. Attending parties is a normal part of the college experience however, and as long as they’re under control, they can be appropriate to attend, provided local laws are complied with. “Make a very, very fast assessment about the size and level of noise and decide whether or not it will attract attention,� Wood said.

Common Offenses MIP/MCA/MUI/minor Refusal to disperse noisy party purchase alcohol -Class B Misdemeanor -Class B Misdemeanor -First: $300; MIP ($40) -$500 up to $1000 fine or ASPEN ($100), com- and up to 30 days in jail munity service 16 hours ($50), Release on personal recognizance if live in city. Minor misrepresenting Out of county -- go to jail. age -Class B Misdemeanor -$500 Minor enter/attempt to enter licensed liquor/beer Criminal mischeif establishment -Class B Misdemeanor -Infraction -$500 -$300 Resisting police officer -Class B Misdemeanor -$500

Failure of owner/tenant to cooperate -Class B Misdemeanor -$500

Noisy party or gathering 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. (more Urinating in public than two people, heard -Noncriminal -$100 (need not appear from 50 feet) in court) -Infraction -$200, maximum fine of $500 Some judges are “tougher� than others and may exercise discretion differently. **Information from the Dean of Student Life August 2010

Photos by Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

Hannah Reichel, a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and a sophomore majoring in public relations and Jesse Berg, a member of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and a junior majoring in construction engineering, stand outside of the Loaf n’ Jug on the corner of University Dr. and 12th Ave. N. as part of Alpha Tau Omega and Kappa Delta’s annual Freeze-a-thon event. Members of these two organizations stood outside the gas station from Midnight Saturday, Feb. 5 until Midnight Thursday, Feb. 10, 24 hours a day. The students were also stationed in front of the Memorial Union from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, raising money for Nokomis Childcare Centers in Fargo. Nokomis is one of Alpha Tau Omega’s philanthropies, and provides childcare for those able to pay for the care, as well as those struggling ďŹ nancially and emotionally. Last year the two Greek organizations raised almost $6,000 for Nokomis through their fourday Freeze-a-thon event.

Online courses provide convenience for a higher price BRIANNA EHLEY Spectrum Staff

NDSU offers a wide variety of online classes that allow students the opportunity to learn at their convenience. Though online courses generally cost more for students who are enrolled full time with a traditional class load, some students are willing to pay more if it means having a flexible schedule. According to Lisa Nordick, director of distance and continuing education (DCE), online courses taken through DCE can only be covered under the tuition cap if a student takes a full class load of 12 credits or more completely online. According to NDSU’s website, students enrolling in an online course through DCE are charged separate tuition for three credits totaling $704.87 plus a fee of $127.71. This means if a student wants to take one online course on top of his or her traditional class load included in

1SVI ¹&ERK² JSV ]SYV &SSO

&33/ XL 7XVIIX 2SVXL

Philip Gregory/The Spectrum

the tuition cap, he or she will be paying an extra $832.56. “I don’t mind paying extra money so I can take it on my own time,� Kira Gilbraith, a senior majoring in public relations, said. However, some students are required to take certain courses online, as well as pay the mandatory extra tuition and fee of $832.56, even if they would prefer to take that course in a traditional setting. Danielle Manthei, a senior majoring in public relations, is currently enrolled in editorial processes, a required course that is offered in an online format only. Manthei believes students should not be required to take an online course and then have to pay extra for it. “It is unfair to require the course for graduation but only offer the course online,� Manthei said. “I think they should allow for the course to be covered under the tuition cap.� Ross Collins, a professor in the department of communication, teaches editorial processes and agrees that students on campus should have a choice between online courses and face-to-face courses. “We really think students are right when they say they didn't come to NDSU for online courses, and so [they] shouldn't be obliged to take them,� Collins said.

Collins explained that the department of communication’s policy states that they are to offer every class at least once a year face-to-face, with the exception of specialized classes that are only offered every other year.

“

However, some students are required to take certain courses online, as well as pay the mandatory extra tuition and fee of $832.56, even if they would prefer to take that course in a traditional setting. However, in some instances, the department is unable to find faculty to teach a face-toface course due to faculty leave, faculty-assigned research or too many students on a course’s wait list. “It is true, of course, that sometimes it’s better to have a course offered online, than not at all,� Collins said. Though Collins thinks students should have an option to take a class face-to-face, he has found through experience that many students prefer the online format, and it is just the

extra fee that students have issues with. “I used to teach copy editing every pre-summer session, for two weeks in May. I had a good sign-up! Then I started offering it online. Not many people signed up for the faceto-face anymore, they just wanted the online version. So we dropped that summer session class,� Collins said. “The truth seems to be that a lot of students are attracted to the convenience of online classes.� Collins suggested that students contact their department chair if they are unhappy with the cost of online classes. “I think students also need to complain if they believe online courses cost too much -because, as we know, at NDSU they cost a lot more than traditional courses,� Collins said. “University administrators listen to students, really!� According to Nordick, The online course fee is higher than the classroom course fees because DCE is self-supported, which means their budget does not incude state funding. DCE class fees go toward the DCE office expenses, instructional expenses, college and department related expenses and training, personnel and resource development. For more information on DCE classes visit http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/d ce/.

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

4

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

Features For all Valentine’s Day don’ts the single JAIME JARMIN

people

LINDA VASQUEZ Features Editor

Ah, Valentine’s Day, the dreadful holiday that most individuals who are single try to avoid. Although it may seem to be a special day made for only couples, it really isn’t. This is the day that is uniquely separated from every other ordinary day to celebrate love. Notice I didn’t say romantic love. You have probably heard all of this before: “don’t stay at home,” “don’t watch romantic movies alone while eating a tub of ice cream by yourself” and “don’t call your ex.” Being single is not a bad thing.

“

Stop thinking negatively and start being positive. Life is short, live it.

Spectrum Staff

Want to make this Valentine’s Day a day to remember for all the good reasons? There are certain things that you should not do on Valentine’s Day, so I have discovered a few ways to spare yourself the humiliation and torment for Valentine days to come. For those who are in a relationship -- or those who may desire to be -- Valentine’s Day seems to have high expectations. Choosing the right kind of gift for that special someone can be nerve-racking. Don’t come off too out of touch, but at the same time don’t let this lovey-dovey holiday define the relationship. According to the Huffington Post online, one gift to avoid getting your valentine is a “generic drugstore gift.” An example of a drugstore gift could include any type of stuffed animal clutching a box of chocolates or a fake candy rose that blinks every five seconds.

“What it really says: I love you so much I thought of you while picking up my prescriptions,” the Huffington Post noted. Do not give away poems that are not personally written for that special person. If it contains snippets of multiple poems which were found oline) and were cut and pasted together, it is a definite Valentine’s Day don’t.

“

If it contains snippets of multiple poems which were found online and were cut and pasted together, it is a definite Valentine’s Day don’t. And if you do give a poem, do not email it (unless you want to make matters worse). One way to avoid making this mistake is to create a hand-made card for your special Valentine. Rosemary Brennan, writer for Glamour magazine, glori-

fies hand-made cards. “I’d take a clumsily handmade Valentine over a fancy dinner and roses any day of the year,” Brennan said. There are other things to avoid doing on Valentine’s Day and they don’t all have to do with giving gifts. According to Lindsey Unterberger, a writer for MSN online, one of the biggest mistakes you can make on Valentine’s Day is contacting your ex. “Resist the urge to call, email, G-chat, Facebook, instant-message or text your ex…no good can come of this,” Unterberger said. Even if you do not have a Valentine to spend Valentine’s Day with, that does not give the excuse to be desperate. One last thing to avoid on Valentine’s Day is spending the day alone. Michelle Callahan, TV relationship expert, stated on the Feb. 2 episode of The Early Show, “people should not stay home. If you stay home, Submitted Photo you’re more likely to feel Cheesy, generic gifts like this Valentine’s Day stuffed worse, so get out and have animal are not recommended as a suitable gift for anyfun.” body’s loved one.

Discover your Celebrate an economical Valentine’s Day love language LINDA VASQUEZ Features Editor

Love is a powerful thing; it’s so powerful that there are many ways of showing it. Not only is this true, but every individual receives and gives love differently. What if you could say or do just the right thing guaranteed to make that special someone feel loved?

Curious? Well here are the ways to express love and affection, the five love languages. According to Gary Chapman, author of "The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts," the five languages of love are words of affirmation, quality love, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch.

Of course, most of us are looking for that special someone to come along, but don’t make this day about what you don’t have, make it about what you do. Love Language In fact, being single on Valentine’s Day is actually a on Page 7 >> plus. Think about it. You don’t have to re-prioritize your schedule or worry about getting the right gift for a Valentine or focus on what you need to do to impress them. Being single makes way to making the day about you. Consider this holiday your very own exclusive personal day (“Insert name here” Day). Go get pampered at a spa or purchase a gift that you have been wanting to get. The best thing to do is to plan out the day with friends that are close to you. Plan to go dancing and make it an unforgettable night. The options for things you can do are endless. Stop thinking negatively and start being positive. Life is short, live it. And don’t forget that you are not the only single person out there. Staying at home will only prevent the chances for meeting potential dates and can cause depressing emotions. So this Valentine’s Day, Submitted Photo don’t sit around doing nothing, explore, enjoy yourself Every couple shows affection in different ways. The five languages of love can help determine what type of afand live it up.

SAMANTHA WICKRAMASINGHE Contributing Writer

As college students, many of us may often think of maintaining a balanced budget and efficient ways of spending money. With Valentine’s Day soon approaching, money is surely a factor when deciding what to do. But you can certainly make this Valentine’s Day a memorable experience by spending economically and making the right choices. According to the consumer intentions and actions survey done by the National Retail Federation about the 2011 Valentine’s Day, an average person spends $116.21 for a traditional valentine product. This year, the percentage has grown by more than 11 percent since last year; so do not over spend. Thus, when buying a gift you can always think about the significance of the product and how it relates to your loved one. These gifts and presents don’t have to be highly expensive or glamorous. The most important part of Valentine’s Day is to express the thoughts and emotions you have for your loved one. The majority of you might

have already thought of going to a restaurant for this special day of love. But before going, research. Plan ahead and choose a restaurant that meets both quality standards and your budget. Don’t be afraid to always be aware of the amount that is going to be spent. On the other hand, going to a restaurant is not the only option that that you have. According to Ehow.com, going to a restaurant might lead you to “buy expensive wine, champagne, etc.” Ehow.com also suggests that you can have a romantic atmosphere at your own place without spending much

money. In fact, you can cook some really great food and just add a little bit of decoration to enhance the romantic aura of your place. Another option for less spending is going for a short walk together. If the weather is good, taking a stroll in the park is a better alternative to going to the movie theater and spending more money. Other alternatives that can be used are engaging in social activities such as dancing, listening to music and doing charity work. The most important thing is being together and making the ultimate romantic connection.

Tips for saving money Here are some ways to make this special day less expensive

• • • • • • • • • •

Write a love note Surprise him or her Celebrate at home Do some chores together Do fixed-price activities Tour the romantic places of the past Rent a hot tub Plant a rose bush Exchange small practical gifts Celebrate on a different day

fection your significant other expects.

What makes Valentine’s Day special? cant other, then you can have a day to show them how much Contributing Writer you love them and even if you don’t, you can still show your He Said: friends and family how much “Valentine’s Day hasn’t ever you care.” Anonymous female, really been a special holiday to a junior majoring in child deme except for the fact that it velopment and family science. falls right after my birthday. But this year because I have Valentine’s Day is supposed someone significant to spend it to be a special day during with, I believe that it will make which feelings of love are exValentine’s Day special.” Alan pressed. Koch Maxwell, a senior maIt is not only for romantic rejoring in Civil Engineering. lationships. Showing love to your family She Said: or friends is a great way to “Valentine’s Day is special make Valentine’s Day special because if you have a signifiand more about love than just ALYSIA LARSON

He Said, She Said

wanting a date. According to the February issue of Cosmopolitan magazine, making Valentine’s Day special is about “focusing on the other person.” Think about things that are interesting, valued to them and make sure what you decide to do is centered on those ideas. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about couples showing off how romantic they can be but rather how much love you can shower on those you care about. Write a love letter to someone you love telling him or her

how much he or she is appreciated. Deliver flowers to your mom. Call your siblings to ask about their lives. Anything you do that shows someone they are cared for can be done at any time, but Valentine’s Day provides an excuse to make it extra special. Valentine’s Day does not have to be cheesy. Make it an opportunity to show the people you love how much you care about them. Focus on expressing love to those around you and then Valentine’s Day will truly become the holiday of love.

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

5

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

Most romantic date movies CATE EKEGREN Spectrum Staff

I am sick of the term “chick flick.” Movies involving love stories cannot possibly all be listed in this one genre. Romantic movies can be overly dramatic, comedic, animated and PG-rated for family enAcademy joyment, Award winners, or full

of guns and fight scenes. If you and your valentine are going to spend your night in with popcorn and a movie, try to reach a compromise with your film choice and be sure to check out the following recommendations.

Arts and Entertainment

Unique Valentine's Day date ideas EMILY HANSON A&E Editor

EPIC ROMANCE

“The Notebook” Break out the tissues! This film, based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel, tells the story of a young couple in love and their struggle with timing. “The Notebook” is well known for the passionate kiss that takes place between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Runners up: “Titanic” & “Letters To Juliet”

CLASSIC ROMANCE

“Casablanca” Combine the acting chops of Humphrey Bogart and the beautiful Ingrid Bergman, with a love story set in early WWII and a script that is still quoted 70 years after its premiere, it's no wonder "Casablanca" won so many awards. It is the epitome of Old Hollywood romance. Runners up: “Gone With the Wind” & “An Affair to Remember”

ACTION-PACKED ROMANCE

“Mr. & Mrs. Smith” Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have so much chemistry and sexual tension in this film; it led to divorce! Pitt’s marriage to Jennifer Aniston ended after he and Jolie collaborated on “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” causing one of the most well-known love triangles of our generation. Runners up: “Knight and Day” & “Romancing the Stone”

ROMANTIC COMEDY

“Knocked Up” Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl star in this comedy about a one-night-stand leading to an accidental pregnancy. Although filled with plenty of jokes and an unconventional romance, the film delivers a great message. Use protection! Runners up: “The Proposal” & “There’s Something About Mary”

ANIMATED ROMANCE

Excited to spend Valentine's Day with your significant other but looking to do something other than the standard dinner and a movie? If you're short on unique Valentine date ideas, don't get discouraged; get creative! Here are a few fun date ideas that are sure to get the romance flowing this Valentine's Day. Have an indoor picnic. Not only is it cost effective, but it's also highly romantic. Find a large blanket and lay it out in the middle of your living room (in front of a fireplace if you're lucky enough to have one). Pack a picnic basket with all of the essentials: sandwiches, pasta salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, chips, beverages and dessert. If you want something a little more fancy than a picnic, cook a fancy dinner together. Search cookbooks and recipe websites for a main dish, sides and dessert. Write down all the ingredients you need and go grocery shopping together. Then spend the evening cooking and eating together. To add to the ambiance, prepare a fancy table setting, candles and pull out the little black dress and the suit and tie. Check out the Recipe of the Week for a full Valentine's Day menu. If you plan on going out to dinner with your Valentine, here's a unique way to choose where to go. Hop in the car

Submitted Photo

Valentine’s Day celebration can go far beyond the monotony of dinner and a movie.

and flip a coin to determine which direction to turn. If the coin is heads-up, turn left and if it's tails, turn right. Flip the coin at every stoplight. Eat at the first restaurant you come to. You may end up at a complete dive, but at least it will be an adventure. Want to get the creative juices really flowing? Spend the evening doing arts and crafts together. Head over to a craft supply store like Hobby Lobby or Michaels and purchase supplies. Buy plain picture frames and decorate them with paint and other embellishments. Once the frames are complete, put pictures of you and your significant other in them. Another idea is to buy two cheap canvases, paint and paintbrushes. Design a picture for one another; choosing something that describes yourself or something you ap-

Runners up: “Beauty & The Beast” & “Shrek” All Photos Courtesy of Wikipedia

of one. Then from 8 to 10 p.m., hustle over to Skateland at 3302 Interstate Boulevard for Adult Night. Admission plus skate rental is only $5 per person. Rollerskate the night away with your significant other and don't forget to hold hands during the couples skate. If you want to spend the night in each other's arms, head over to the Red Raven Espresso Parlor at 14 Roberts St. for salsa dancing. An introductory lesson will be given at 8:30 p.m. The cost is only $5 per person. Don't get stuck in the rut of the same old dinner and a movie date. Hopefully these ideas will help get your romantic and creative juices flowing for a unique and memorable Valentine's Day with your valentine.

The history of Valentine’s Day ALYSIA LARSON Contributing Writer

We all know what Valentine’s Day is and how we are supposed to celebrate it, but there is more to the holiday than just cheesy cards and candy. Some of us may have heard of Saint Valentine but not many of us know the story behind what he actually did. According to the History Channel website, there are three legends. The first being that when Claudius II ruled, he made a decree that young men couldn’t be married because he felt single men served better in his armies than married men. Valentine disagreeing with the Emperor still held secret marriage ceremonies for young lovers. When the Roman Emperor discovered

this, he ordered Valentine be put to death. The second legend states that Valentine was killed because he helped Christians escape from the harsh prisons that they were kept in. The third says that Valentine himself was in prison and fell in love with the jailer’s daughter who visited him in his confinement. Before he was killed he sent her a letter that ended with, “from your valentine,” which is a phrase we still use today. In any case, Valentine was definitely a man who was romantic and heroic. We celebrate his deeds by expressing our own love for others on this day. So even if these are just myths, at least it gives us an excuse to give love to those who are in need of it.

Bringing Agriculture to a New Tier

AG TECH EXPO

“WALL-E” Disney-Pixar’s 2008 animated hit tells the story of two robots falling in love and changing the destiny of humanity. “WALL-E” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is enjoyable for those of all ages.

preciate about each other. If the weather is decent, go on a photo shoot with your Valentine. Find unique places downtown or at a local park and channel your inner supermodel. Afterwards, print off the pictures and put them together in a picture frame or scrapbook. If the weather is too cold to stay outside, have a photo scavenger hunt in the mall. Make a list of completely random and wacky items to find. Each participant takes a disposable camera and tries to find all the items in a given time frame. Afterward, develop the pictures and have a good laugh. Feb. 14 is on a Monday this year and Fargo offers some guaranteed fun date ideas. Head over to Kroll's Diner on 1033 45th St. SW for Shaky Mondays, where you can get two milk shakes for the price

Feb. 12th 2011 9am -4 pm

NDSU ABEN BLDG. Free Admission!!!

Submitted Photo

Many people celebrate Valentine’s day but only a few can identify why.

SU SU TV T NEWS Watch Watch Wat at Live ivee Thursdays Th Thursd sda da Campus Channel 84 Ca

8:00 pm

Then on Cableone nee Channel 14 Fridays Saturdays Sundays S d Su

9:00 9: pm 9:00 9::00 am m & 9:00 9:00 pm 9:000 am

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

6

Study Break

Rylan Wolfe Puzzles Editor

CROSSWORD PUZZLE BISON BITS 51. Slippery 53. Regular, plus or super 55. The Weather Girls hit 61. Return from a mountain? 62. Round pounder 63. Duck down 65. Eve's counterpart 66. Toboggan, e.g. 67. Cubic meter 68. Like a bug in a rug 69. Friend of Double-D and Plank 70. Looks after

What has been your worst dating experience? “I got asked on a date and he took me to Wendy’s.” Amanda Ellingson Retail Merchandising Sophomore

“The girl I was on a date with was being really awkward so I made her pay for her own dinner.” Sam Maleki Psychology Graduate

“I left a guy in the middle of the date because he was being too forward.” Natalie Schlagel Management Communication Freshman

ACROSS 1. Athenian marketplace 6. IDs a photo on Facebook 10. Hoisted, nautically 14. Automaton 15. Tropical fever 16. Land o' leprechauns 17. Mad Hatter's guest 18. Sensory appendage 19. Saxophonist's need 20. It goes "all the way across the sky" at Yosemite National Park 23. Letter-shaped cross 24. She summoned the Planeteers

25. Simoleon dispenser 28. Rhea relatives 31. Narrow grooves 35. Without slack 37. It's bordered by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York 39. They provide zest 40. Short game show bits 43. Tee off 44. Nicolas of "Con Air" 45. Prefix with language and data 46. Filibuster 48. Mother of Horus 50. Artist Lichtenstein

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES: FREE Pregnancy Testing And Confirmation. Call (701) 237-6530 or visit www.firstchoiceclinic.com Exp Date: 5/13/2011

“I went on a blind date with the most awkward guy ever.” Samantha Trill Human Development & Family Science Junior

FOR RENT: Pre-Leasing Specials! Reserve your apartment now for the 2011 school year! 1, 2, & 3-Bedroom Apartments within walking distance to NDSU. Campus bus stop in front of building, assigned parking, laundry facilities, and more! Call Jeremy today at 701.373.5064 or visit www.FargoRents.com/GoBison Exp Date: 3/29/2011 HELP WANTED:

“I went on a double date with my best friend. He took my ex-girlfriend of two days.” Andrew Beck Physics Education Sophomore

Leasing Director. Growing property management company in the area seeks a high energy, full-time leasing director. Detail oriented, organized, and effective time mgmt. skills required. Knowledge of MS Office required. Please send resume to: info@fargorents.com Exp Date: 2/25/2011

“First of all, my date was two hours late picking me up. He took me to Sonic where he ate and I didn’t. Our date ended with a walk around Wal-Mart.” Kelsey Neil Public Relations & Advertising Freshman

“I had a date with this guy to Old Chicago and he picked me up with three of his guy friends. At the restaurant he bought me six slices of pizza, then bought me a cigar and took me to a party where I was the only girl! It was awkward. Keely Campos Public Relations & Advertising Freshman

Compiled by Cate Ekegren, Spectrum Staff

SUDOKU Previous puzzle’s solution

DOWN 1. Turkish title 2. All that glitters, according to Smash Mouth 3. Mélange 4. Edit for TV, say 5. Pseudopodal organisms 6. 3M product 7. Seaweed thickener 8. Solzhenitsyn novel setting 9. Old photos 10. Collection of dried plants 11. Dirt cup ingredient 12. Vista 13. Player next to a tackle 21. Unit of light 22. Funny-car fuel 25. Ayn Rand's "___ Shrugged" 26. Spoil 27. Like summers in the

Amazon 29. Gout causing acid 30. Suez Canal peninsula 32. Kind of strength 33. Supplement 34. Swift's "A Modest Proposal," e.g. 36. "Bad Boys" to Cops 38. Poached edibles 41. Judge, e.g. 42. Wear the crown 47. Pass by, as time 49. Most prudent 52. Triangular road sign 54. Beat, biblically 55. Religious figure 56. Drive-___ 57. More than a want 58. Annual May event, for short 59. Genesis garden 60. Mathlete, stereotypically 61. 911 responder: Abbr. 64. In medias ___

Previous puzzle’s solution

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

7

Features

Recipes of the Week A Valentine's Day meal for you and your sweetheart esan Chicken Paickerm n breasts

ss ch 6 small bonele n coating mix 'n Bake chicke e ak Sh et ck 1 pa tti sauce 2 cups spaghe lla cheese dded mozzare 1 1/2 cups shre se ee parmesan ch 1/4 cup grated according egano ith coating mix 1 tsp. dried or oat chicken w 40 0 degrees. C Bake for 30 to Heat oven to 40 13x9-inch pan. in e ac Pl uce, . sa ns io tti ct p with spaghe to package dire lly cooked. To fu is n inke m ic 5 r ch fo til egano. Bake minutes, or un cheese and or an es rm pa , se ee mozzarella ch eese is melted. ch til un or es ut

ith Garlic w s u g a r a p s A d

Roaste

ragus 1 lb. fresh aspa l oi la 2 tsp. cano minced , es ov 2 garlic cl to taste er pp pe Salt and se Parmesan chee

. off tough ends gus and break ra pa as se rlic in R ga to 500°. rinkle with Preheat oven coat with oil. Sp d an n pa g oc g tin w roas utes, shakin Place in shallo red for 6-8 min ve co un st oa R pper. and salt and pe se at end. nkle with chee ri Sp . lly casiona

Bread Crusty C, sohfteeneedse

3 Tbsp. butter powder 1/2 tsp. garlic e pepper nn 1/8 tsp. caye lengthwise bread, halved ch en 1/2 loaf Fr eese. mozzarella ch 1 cup shredded r, and cayenne , garlic powde er tt bu . ne bi m l, co le with cheese In a small bow bread, sprink of s de si t cu or over utes pepper. Spread 0° for 9-11 min eet. Bake at 35 sh ng ki ba a Place on to slices. melted. Cut in until cheese is

<< Love Language from Page 4 Words of Affirmation: This involves nothing else than (yeah you guessed it) words. 5lovelanguages.com states that if you or your significant other have this love language then "unsolicited compliments mean the world to you." If your partner falls in this category, then hearing "I love you" is a very important factor in receiving love. Try not just saying, "I love you" but give the reasons behind why you feel this way for the person. Avoid insulting a person with this love language; it can really shatter the person's self-esteem and even if an apology is given, the insult won't be easily forgotten. Quality Time: Full, undivided attention is the key to this love language. If this type of person is going through a rough time or simply wants to talk, be there. Being there means physically and mentally. Quality time will make the person feel truly special and loved. Even if it is for a few minutes in a day, try to spend it together. Remember quality is better than quantity. Turn off the television, wait to do the chores and pay attention. Listen, don’t hear. According to 5lovelanguages.com, avoid "distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen" because this can be especially hurtful for a person with this love language. Receiving Gifts: This love language involves the thoughtfulness and effort

behind the gift not the material gift itself. A receiving-gift type of person wants to know what the reason behind the gift is. Making an effort to personalize a gift with love can go a long way when dealing with this type of person and can really show how special you really think they are. Try giving something that will reflect the deep love connection you have for one another and avoid forgetting birthdays and anniversaries. Don't just buy a gift because it is expensive or because it is convenient- this could cause a risky mistake in the relationship. "A hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures," Chapman wrote. Acts of Service: Any little act of kindness that takes the responsibility and stress off this type of person can speak volumes. Whether it be something as simple as taking lunch to this person at work or having the dishes washed when they get home, let's this individual know that you are going out of your way to think about them. Show this person you care by engaging in their daily routines. For example, if they have had a busy week and were not able to watch their favorite show, record it for them and place it (along with a note) somewhere where it can be seen. Avoid "laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them,” Chapman wrote. "This can tell speakers of

this language their feelings don’t matter." Physical Touch: Don't get confused; this last language of love is not just about what happens in the bedroom. 5lovelanguages.com states that "A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love." The best way to know if this person prefers this language is to observe their reaction when you try to display physical affection. If they move away or don't give back the affection they do not fit in this category. Positive physical presence is crucial in giving love to this type person, so try to avoid neglect and abuse, which can be unforgivable and even possibly destructible. Love languages can vary from individual to individual and do not just apply to romantic relationships, but also to family relationships. Most often, the way a person displays love is the way they want to receive it. Also, love languages are not susceptible to just one type per person. In fact, many can have more than two types of love languages. Explore the possibilities and be creative, for love can be expressed in so many ways. Want to find out what your love language is? Visit 5lovelanguages.com to take the quiz.

BISON

BITS What would you write on a conversation heart?

“It’s not you it’s me.” Christopher Nelson Public Relations Junior

“Let’s be friends.” Katie Krebsbach Criminal Justice Junior

te Cake Molteni-sCweeht obakicngola

4 squares sem chocolate 1/2 cup butter d sugar 1 cup powdere

2 whole eggs 2 egg yolks 6 Tbsp. flour ed cream 1/2 cup whipp r 5 degrees. Butte Heat oven to 42 on e rd cups; plac four small custa olate icrowave choc M baking sheet.

HIGH large bowl on and butter in r is tte bu til un e or for one minut is te ola oc ch til un melted. Whisk ole eggs wh d Ad r. ga su melted. Stir in in flour. mix well. Stir s, lk yo g eg d an ke for 13 stard cups. Ba Spoon into cu or until sides of to 14 minutes are still m but centers desserts are fir e. Run for one minut soft. Let stand n and incakes to loose knife around e warm rt plates. Serv vert onto desse topping. with whipped

“Whatcha doin’ later?” Photo Courtesy of Likealittle.com

New website creates easy way for anonymous flirting

Questions on a recipe? Have a recipe you'd like to submit? Send questions and recipes to ae@ndsuspectrum.com *The Spectrum will not be held liable for a person's inability to cook*

STEPHANIE STANISLAO Spectrum Staff

Do you ever wonder who that cute girl in your history 104 class is? Or what the name of that good-looking guy that you always see in the Union might be? You’re in luck! A new member of the social network family, Likealittle.com, has become popular just in time for Valentine’s Day and maybe your ticket to a night out with that special someone who secretly

makes your heart flutter. So how does this whole thing work? It is simple. All that an individual needs to do is pick whether the individual that they are interested in is a male or female, what color hair the person has, where they see them and leave a flirty message. The best part is that the sight allows for the author of the message to remain anonymous. Samantha Isakson, a junior studying nursing, thinks negatively about using the service to speak to an individual that she may find attractive. “That website is good for nothing. It is a big joke. Girls look at it and laugh, and think that the guys that write on it are creepers,” Isakson said. While some may be skeptical of what Likealittle.com does, others seem to find it hu-

Jordan Kraft Economics Sophomore

morous like McKayla Artz, a freshman studying exercise science said,

“

A new member of the social network family, Likealittle.com, has become popular just in time for Valentine’s Day “I find it hilarious that people will talk about their crushes that they creep on and stalk with this website, but that’s why I like it… because it’s so random,” Artz said. It is difficult to say whether or not this actually works, but with single awareness day quickly approaching, it is worth a shot.

“Was that an earthquake? Or did you just rock my world?” Kylee Johnson Retail Merchandising & Business Sophomore

The Area’s Largest Full Service Laundry Center Hours Mon - Sat 7:30am - 10pm

Leisure Laundry

&Tanning Center

50 Maytag Washers 38 Maytag Dryers Dry Cleaning Large CapacityWashers Available 10 Wolff Tanning Beds

Sunday

9am - 10pm

“When it ends.”

801 N University Dr. Fargo

Phone: 293-6900

Tanning Specials 10 Sessions...$20 15 Sessions...$25 20 Sessons....$30

Jarrett Hart Mathematics & Statistics Junior

1 Month Unlimited...$39.95 -Good for 30 Days from 1st visit

Not valid with any other discounts. One coupun per customer per day.

Expires 1 / 31 / 2011

Compiled by Stephanie Stanislao Spectrum Staff

F r i d a y, F e b r u a r y 1 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

You can’t hug a chocolate

Get back to basics DEREK GAFFNEY

RYLEE NELSON Opinion Editor

Staff Writer

By the time this gets published it will be Friday and this topic will have been talked about to death, but I must get this off my chest. The halftime show performed during the Super Bowl this year was absolutely awful. I would rather have watched a bunch of orphaned puppies sit on a tiny football field and look cute

No holiday is as polarizing or as emotionally based as Valentine’s Day. For women, as much as they deny it, Feb. 14 is a day of the year that their significant other is bound by threat of a cultural sin to show them a token of their affection. It is commonly held that men view this as a day that they muster up enough existing chivalry to show the lucky lady an expression of love. The fear is that if we don’t maintain the tradition, a doubtful shadow may fall on the heart of our lover. Now lest I feel the wrath of my significant other I must make known a third group of views that I personally find a comfortable position in. Call me a valentine nomad. I find HILLARY CLIFTON company with those who feel Contributing Writer that this holiday has become a little too excessive for our Intercultural competence taste. may have led to globalization, but it has not broadened the travel destinations amongst Americans. In fact worldly travel is down 3 percent from For school kids, last year. A meager 30 percent Valentine’s Day is a of Americans own a passport compared with 60 percent of day to exchange and 75 percent of heart shaped Tums Canadians the United Kingdom’s populawith others that tion. A number of opinions have they are not even been formulated regarding physiologically atthis topic, but the most poputracted to. lar seems to be that Americans

than have watched the crap that was broadcast on Fox. Apparently, I’m not the only one. Seriously, why oh why The Black Eyed Peas? Why did the producers of the biggest sporting event of the year choose to have a band -- and I use that word generously -- whose biggest hit is a song about how tonight is going to go quite well? Half of the song is just repeating the title of the song over and over again. I’m green with envy about how creative they are. The halftime show has gone completely south, and I know how to fix it. They need to bring back the classic rock. They need to go back to basics. They need to bring back actual fans of the bands they

have performing. The Rolling Stones and The Who had actual non-actors standing on the field dancing and singing along to their music. This year showed the Black Eyed Peas singing a mishmash of their hits to a field of professional dancers. If they’re going to book a bunch of pop stars for the biggest game of the year, they might as well toss some teenyboppers into the mix to show a little enthusiasm, or at least have an obviously planned “wardrobe malfunction.” That’s the type of stuff that equals the absolute minimum for halftime entertainment. The television viewers back home either need to see a real concert or some partial nudity. That may seem a little simplis-

tic but it also seems to be true. The amount of negative feedback I’ve read about the halftime show of the Super Bowl this year seems to prove it. Maybe it’s just me, but I want to see some good musicians play some good music much more than I want to see some good choreography alongside sub-par music. I would also much rather watch Lea Michele portray her innocent character from Glee while belting out covers of good music than sit through Fergie struggling to hit the notes to her own music. Sure, the sheer amount of people in Tron-inspired getups dancing to the music this year was mildly impressive. However, I’m not watching the halftime show to see a bunch

of hired extras dance their way through repetitive music. When the most interesting part of the halftime show is a guitar legend playing his most iconic riff while ignoring some chick with gigantic lips trying to scratch her back on his shoulder, I think it’s about time to get back to basics. If they bring back the true performers who can energize and interact with a crowd, the producers of the Super Bowl can bring back the halftime show. They don’t even have to have nudity, although I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt. Derek is a second-year professional in the college of pharmacy.

Celebrating but not experiencing diversity

“

The true meaning of Valentine’s Day has been lost over the years too a mindless observance. The rather ordinary day in February that falls a week after the super bowl has transformed to a rather special day for us as a society. For Christians, Feb. 14 is the feast day of one St. Valentine who started the tradition of special notes signed “your valentine.” For greeting cards, candy companies and makers of obnoxiously large plush teddy bears, Valentine’s Day has become an unusually productive and profitable day. For school kids, Valentine’s Day is a day to exchange heart shaped Tums with others that they are not even attracted to. For hopeless romantics, Valentine’s Day is one of the four days a year they are obliged to gift one another. It has recently struck me how ironic it is that a holiday, originally intended to observe a Christian history is now fully meant to feed a growing commercial industry and foster a shallow love based on candy and chocolates. Is this really the present interpretation of Valentine’s Day? Are we really putting value on the gift over the person receiving the gift. At this point I will be more than willing to provide one of my favorite philosophies: only do something if you mean it. If I am going to flatter my love with a showering of gifts because of some Christian tradition; fine. If I am going to remember someone with a gift on this day because this is simply another day that I can show them my true love and affection; fine. However, I will not, myself observe this day, or expect another to give me a gift, simply because the candy is cheap, the red matches my cheeks or it’s what everyone else is doing.

are just too comfortable. Even when we travel we tend to stick to the borders of Canada and Mexico. We trade with countries like Sri Lanka and India but rarely do we decide to physically travel there. I find it interesting that most individuals stress diversity and cultural acceptance but when it comes to exploring the surrounding nations we shy away. Why are we so willing to get to know the people but not the country? Human nature has shown us that we gravitate toward what we have learned and know. But when what we know is constantly expanding and be-

coming more culturally diverse, it is important that we shift our perspective to represent the current trends. We create these multinational corporations, but few people get to know the cultures outside of a business setting. The more we learn about the various cultures, the greater our companies will thrive. Successful intercultural communication can lead to better business propositions for both parties. One can always use a translator but if a misunderstanding arises the third party may just complicate matters. Perhaps learning just a few key phrases can

benefit the understanding of a culture. However, the most successful way to understand the varying cultural values is to take a trip and interact with our surrounding nations. Even by studying abroad, you increase your intercultural competence. In addition, by taking a trip while in school you may be provided with a guide that can teach you what is and isn’t appropriate in their country. By traveling abroad this way, you avoid any uncomfortable situations offending your host country. By traveling, we have the ability to eliminate perpetuating stereotypes; it can bring

into perspective the similarities rather than always stressing the differences with other cultures. News stories have a tendency to emphasize the negative parts of cultures and we tend to believe it. America is multicultural. As we travel, we will become more competent and better equipped to handle business deals as well as day-to-day interaction with the various travelers that enter our country. Hillary is a sophomore majoring in advertising.

Slow down America TIKA LAMITARE Contributing Writer

The growing unemployment, rising national debt, declining value of the American dollar, the War on Terror and the effects of economic recession have really made me skeptical about whether the influence of American supremacy is over. If the American government has several domestic problems then how long will the world follow the humanitarian way led by America? The power of American government depends on the money it spends both domestically and internationally. This spending has made America so powerful, but looking at the growing unemployment and rising national debt, everyone might have a reasonable doubt about the continuation of American influence. According to the U.S. De-

partment of Labor’s recent unemployment report, eight percent of Americans were unemployed in January, which was 0.4 percent less than December’s rate. This leads me to a conclusion that the American economy is off track and that if appropriate measures are not taken, then the bad will become worse. To some extent, it might be rational to admit that the American government should focus on solving domestic problems rather than prioritizing international problems. Not only is the growing unemployment rate a problem but the U.S. is also tackling the problems of the declining value of the American dollar and the growth of national debt. The national debt has crossed $14 trillion and Congress is yet to decide on increasing the debt ceiling. This makes it clear that the government now does not have enough money to continue it's

spending. As Peter Schiff wrote in the Wall Street Journal on Jan. 23, 2009, “The root problem is not that America may have difficulty borrowing enough from abroad to maintain our GDP, but that our economy was too large in the first place.” With the United States’ GDP based largely on consumer spending, Schiff argues that it will only get worse. “For many years, much of that [consumer spending] spending has been a function of voracious consumer borrowing through home equity extractions ... and rapid expansion of credit card and other consumer debt. Now that credit is scarce, it is inevitable that GDP will fall,” Schiff wrote. It is imperative to solve these problems, but how? President Obama, in his State of the Union address, focused on cutting the spending in de-

fense. Rand Paul, S-KY, on his interview with ABC, introduced his plan to cut “83 percent from the Department of Education, 6 percent from defense department and eliminate all foreign aids.” In terms

“

This spending has made America so powerful, but looking at the growing unemployment and rising national debt, everyone might have a reasonable doubt about the continuation of American influence.

debt and fixing the economy because what government spends today costs us in the future. Cutting educational spending means to empower the growth of unemployment, unskilled workers and remain behind in the competitive race of technological innovation. One way or the other, the government has to take appropriate steps in fixing the economy. If the government cuts the foreign spending, then in the future, the United States will have little or no role in solving international political problems. Similarly, cutting educational spending will not help the American colleges produce able and competitive manpower. To cut the spending is imperative, but the government has to cut from where the money is being used for nothing.

of educational spending cuts, Tika is a freshman in political Paul’s cutting plan is worth- science. less in both reducing national

NFP is the real deal SARAH CHAMPA

Contributing Writer

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is the attainment or avoidance of a pregnancy by mapping out the intricacies of a women’s cycle without contraceptive means. This is for real. I cannot believe I went through the entirety of high school and some college without the knowledge of NFP. I think this is a moral issue that must be ironed out Rylee is a junior majoring in immediately. Why aren’t sex communication. education and health classes in

high school and college teach- school and carried on through ing this simple method? I have college. Teaching NFP is fanbeen a proponent of NFP for tastic because it is only fair for women to know their options. Plus, it’s effective and it’s green. Women should know their Teaching NFP is options. I know all the ladies fantastic because it reading this are nodding their heads in agreement. The sex is only fair for education system has robbed women to know women the option of NFP by their options. It’s strictly teaching contracepeffective and it’s tion. When I say contraception I mean condoms, inserts, pills green. and so on, things that take two years now and I believe it away the beautiful femininity should be taught in high that is our fertility. NFP

“

teaches the way of the woman -- her fertility -- allowing a newfound respect for women to take root in learning about NFP. The NFP system taught alongside contraception is only fair for the future of America. It’s effective. Contraception, on a good day, is over 99 percent effective. This is nice, but NFP is also over 99 percent effective. Just as there are many contraceptive methods, there are different NFP methods. The most common one is symptom-thermal, which involves taking a temperature to

see if you are fertile. I have a homegrown advertisement for this method. About a week ago, I was talking to my mom on the phone. She doesn’t like to engage in intense conversation, but these are her exact words, “Sarah, you will use the NFP’s symptom-thermal method. It works dang it.” Let me tell you all something: My momma never lies. Yes contraception works, but so does NFP, and NFP works well

NFP on Page 9 >>

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

9

Opinion

FACEOFF

N.D. Senate Bill 2367 would mandate all couples seeking divorce to take one year of counseling before a final decree of divorce is issued. Is this legislation in North Dakota’s best interest?

A second chance Give me a break

JAIME JARMIN Spectrum Staff

“

Perhaps a few marriage-counseling sessions could ultimately cause them to rethink their decision to get a divorce.

The words, “I do,” carry substantial weight. Most often people don’t decide to get married just for fun. They realize that they could potentially be spending the rest of their lives together. This huge commitment takes planning, preparation and developing mental goals that will sustain their compatibility with one another. The process of getting married usually does not happen overnight, and therefore becoming officially divorced should not happen overnight either. This is especially true if the couple saying “I do,” decides to have children later on in their future. If Senate Bill 2367 is passed in North Dakota, those who desire to unhitch from their other half will have to endure a one-year waiting period. This bill will only be applicable to couples that have children together and want to get a divorce. In addition to waiting one year to become officially divorced, those couples that have children together will be required to attend counseling sessions. According to the Fargo Forum website on Feb. 2, the counseling sessions would consist of 10 one-hour marriage counseling sessions during which the “counseling could be provided by a paid or volunteer counselor, clergy member or any state-certified or licensed marriage mediator.” The Forum online (InForum) also stated, “at least four counseling sessions would need to focus on post-marital financial planning.” “A final divorce decree would not be granted or a final order entered until each party submits to the court certification of completion of the martial counseling.” There is an exception for couples to not undergo counseling for a year if they wanted a divorce. According to the InForum,“Marriages with substantiated allegations of domestic abuse would be ex-

empt.” The children involved in these divorces are the main driving force behind this bill being brought to the North Dakota legislature. If people want to bring children into the world after marriage, they should be aware of the consequences that could potentially come with getting a divorce. Most children are going to experience high levels of stress if their parents are going through a divorce. According to research done on the effects of divorce on children by the University of New Hampshire, “[children] may experience grief, embarrassment, resentment, divided loyalty and intense anger.” This research also shows that it takes up to two or more years for children to recover from a divorce. Statistics dealing with the negative effects on children after a divorce was the pushing factor for many of the bill’s supporters. By enacting this bill, it would allow couples that are ready to get a divorce to give each other a second chance before ending their marriage. Not only are the adults giving each other a second chance, but they are also giving their children a second chance at a better life. It’s true; some divorces are necessary based on certain situations. But there is no harm in requiring a husband and wife to complete marriagecounseling by trying to find a way to make their family function normally. Perhaps a few marriagecounseling sessions could ultimately cause them to rethink their decision to get a divorce. Maybe during the counseling sessions these couples that are so eager to part ways will discover the root of their problems. These marriage- counseling sessions could possibly help adult couples see light at the end of the tunnel.

To smile or not to smile KATIE LOEGERING Contributing Writer

Is it socially acceptable to smile at someone you do not know? I ask this question because I am curious as to whom it is okay to smile at. After Christmas break, I challenged myself to smile at as many people as possible while walking to class on campus. The results were quite interesting. It was a bit disheartening because most people didn't smile back, but even more surprising to me was how hard it was for me to smile at them in the first place. Obviously, it would make sense that it would be easier to smile at someone I already knew, but why was it so hard for me to smile at someone I didn't know? After all it is just a smile, it's not like I am attempting to start a conversation with them or anything. The most rewarding circumstance was of course when someone would smile back. Whenever this happened, I was always rejuvenated in my attempt to smile at others and it also always brightened my

day. The large majority of people who made eye contact with me usually gave me a strange look. This was perhaps the most confusing for me, although it could have been in part due to the freezing cold weather and a curiosity about how someone could actually smile while their lips were frozen. This was confusing to me because it seems that the natural thing to do when someone smiles at you is to smile back. For one, I feel like it is simply a natural effect (kind of like yawning) and it also keeps things from getting awkward (which seems to be something most people try to steer clear of). This led me to ask myself, what is in a smile? Is it something only to be shared with people you are close to? I wouldn't think so, since it takes close to no effort and has no quantitative limit. I think we often use it in that context as a casual “hi,” but when I think about smiling at a stranger, or when a stranger smiles at me, I think of it as acknowledging that the other person exists. I feel like often in our society today we do not

feel the need or maybe we don't even desire to acknowledge that someone exists. Unless they are our friends or are someone that will impact our life in some way, I don't think we feel the need to acknowledge them. I don't think this is something that happens intentionally, but I do think that it happens because we are wrapped up in our own world, whether it be through listening to our iPods, texting or talking on the phone on the way to class. Not that these things are bad, but maybe they are excessive if we do not even recognize if the person walking past us on the sidewalk is male or female, tall or short, stout or skinny. I think it is important that we remember that the people we walk with and by are people, and are important, whether or not we know them personally or not. If we can learn to think like this, maybe it would be easier to share our smile with the people around us.

not counseling The bill states that in action for divorce, which includes the issue of parental rights and responsibilities, and which does not include substantiated allegations of domestic abuse, the court may not issue a final order for at least 12 months from the date of the filing of the petition and in that year the couple would be mandated to attend counseling. In English, that means that the government would force you into marriage counseling if the divorce involved children and the couple did not have a history of domestic abuse. And that is just the first part of this absurd bill. You have to attend at least 10 sessions of counseling, four of which focus on postmarital financial planning. So, basically the intent of these sessions is to save unhappy couples from divorce. However, we know that it is just a formality so better get your finances in order before you part. The government is not going to pay for required counseling. At least with that ridiculous health care bill they pay for your health. Here, they are making you pay for this stuff out of your own pocket. So, not only are they forcing you to take counseling, they are making you pay for it. The going rate for a marriagecounselor is about $100 per session. So, if these couples have $1,000 bucks just lying around they are going to be giving it to a marriage-counselor. The court may not require both parents to attend the same course at the same time. What? You are telling me that the court cannot force the couple to be at the same counseling session at the same time? Can somebody tell me how that works? This reminds me of a high school relationship

that the best friend of both parties gets involved in. The girl hears one side of the argument then the guy hears the other. Ultimately nobody gets anything solved. Perfect solution. While this sounds and reeks of liberalism, all six of the people who introduced it -- three senators and three representatives -- are Republicans. I know, I was equally as shocked. You figured something that requires government interaction would be on the Democratic side of the political spectrum. It seems that Obama’s thinking has crept into our state senate and house. Now, I understand they are doing this for the kids and even Blink-182 would agree with this type of thinking. But, it does not make sense for a couple to go to counseling, especially if it is forced. If you have ever been involved in a break-up, the last thing you want to do is extend it any longer than needed. The supporters of this bill claim they want a smooth transition for everybody involved. How can the process of divorce be smooth? I am not a proponent of divorce, but I do not think that anyone should get involved in people’s private matters. Divorce is on the rise in this country, but the government should not try and step in and fix this issue. It comes down to the husband and wife. I suppose it will only be a matter of time before the government tries to intervene with couples getting married because they do not want it to end in divorce. What a joke this bill is- it needs to go right where it belongs: in the trash.

DANIEL GUNDERSON Spectrum Staff

”

Divorce is on the rise in this country, but the government should not try and step in and fix this issue. It comes down to the husband and wife.

DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM? The Spectrum

has answers!

Submit your relationship, friendship or personal problems for another perspective. “The Honest Truth” will take your questions at opinion@ndsuspectrum.com

<< NFP from Page 8

dang it. Last, NFP is green; there are no synthetic hormones here. It is completely natural and works with the woman’s body, not against it. Unlike the pill, NFP does not put a girl in a constant state of pseudo pregnancy nor does it have any side effects. Actually, I wonder if any girls know Katie is a junior majoring in that the pill does put them in a state of fake pregnancy. music. That would be an interesting topic in itself. NFP is about the whole woman, not about sti-

fling some part of us that is unwanted. At the very least, I hope this inspires women on an organic kick to feel cheated that they didn’t know about NFP before. NFP is a green revolution that no one knows about. With all these facts I researched, who wouldn’t want to teach or be taught NFP? Contraception pales in comparison to something so simple, something that actually will help women become more feminine. Sadly, NFP

has been shoved under the rug in the educational system. Now I leave with a challenge, research more about NFP and compare it to traditional contraception. If you are a true feminist, fight for NFP to be taught in sex education and health classes from ninth grade through the college years. It’s only fair; it’s effective, its green and its real. Sarah Champa is a senior majoring in university studies.

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

10

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

Sports

Bison women split set

Losing can be good

ALEX RINGDAHL Contributing Writer

NDSU women’s basketball brought home a win and a loss last weekend after a weekend of victories at home. On Saturday, the women lost to Oral Roberts (98-69). Oral Roberts now has 11 straight wins. They brought it back on Monday with a victory over Centenary (71-62). The Herd showed some life in the first half against the Golden Eagles. They were down by three with 5:48 left to go in the half. Then, ORU went on a 10-0 run to grab the 13-point lead and never looked back. NDSU's biggest issue was turnovers, as they committed 25 of them in the game. They also allowed ORU to shoot 51 percent from the field. Sophomore Kevi Luper had her best game against the Bison in four tries, going for 32 points and seven boards. Redshirt junior Abby Plucker was the lone bright spot as she led the Bison in scoring against Oral Roberts with 26 points scored and nine rebounds; this is her sixth time scoring over 20 points in a game this season.

DANIEL GUNDERSON Sports Editor

Well, it is official. The Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of the worst losing streak in the history of the NBA. If they win by the time this paper is published, then the streak will have been over and that last sentence will be void. Regardless, they have etched their names into the record books, albeit the wrong record books. There are not going to be any banners given to the Cavs for this streak of futility. There might be a top pick at the end of the day, but it is not like there is a second coming of LeBron James. Even if there would be, the guy would leave town for warmer, greener pastures.

“

There might be a top pick at the end of the day, but it is not like there is a second coming of Lebron James.

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

Whitney Trecker looks to pass from the corner at the Bison Sports Arena.

The point is, the media loves a winner, but they love the loser equally as much. It is like they have this fascination with losing, as if they have dipped into some mythical pool of terrible. They like to compare the streak with the team they just passed. Fortunately for researchers, they do not have to go far to find the second longest streak, since that also belongs to the Cavs. The comparison that we as NDSU students can make is to Centenary, who currently is in their own tailspin. They have lost a total of 30 straight games and will be looking to make it 35 straight before the end of the season. The Division I record is 51 games by New Jersey Institute of Technology, which Centenary will not challenge only because they are moving down to Division III. If you are going to get the kind of publicity that losing teams get, you need to make sure of one thing; do not win. At all costs, do not win a game because the media hates that. They hate the almost story because it is not sexy enough for them. You never hear about a team getting so much publicity for losing six of the last eight or 12 of 15. Finally, the oddest thing about all of this is how much the public loves a loser. You never hear anybody say, “I hate the Cavaliers so much. All they do is lose.” Everyone hates the Yankees, Patriots, Lakers and the Blue Devils because they are the epitome of winning. You are considered a bandwagon jumper if you are fans of these teams because of the success they enjoy. You are a true fan if you stick with a team through thick and thin. It is so weird how Americans have to either be in love with a success story or have some major pity for a failure. I guess if we like mediocrity, we might as well find a Ford Focus and clap around it. So here’s to the loser of the pack, because we all need Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum something to remind us that Katie Birkel goes up for a layup against Southern Utah defender Challis Pascucci our lives are not nearly as bad Monday, Feb. 7 at the Bison Sports Arena. The Bison won this game 74-54. as theirs.

Monday night, the Bison played at Centenary, defeating the Ladies with a strong finish. Senior Whitney Trecker had two three-pointers and a key steal late in the game as she scored 12 points in the game. She was one of five Bison to score in double figures, including Plucker who recorded her eighth double-double of the season.

“

NDSU’s biggest issue was turnovers, as they committed 25 of them in the game.

The Bison led at the half but had trouble staying ahead of the Ladies in the second period. The winless Ladies (0-13 Summit League) managed to take the lead and tie the game up twice in the second period. Junior Katie Birkel had two key steals in this half, going 46 in field goal attempts. She has now moved up to No. 29 on the NDSU career-scoring list with 966 points.

Bison back home for annual “Pink Zone” game DANIEL GUNDERSON Sports Editor

The Bison women are coming back home after a twogame road trip. This weekend, the Bison are back home in the annual “Pink Zone” game on Saturday. The Bison come into the weekend after splitting the two games, losing at Oral Roberts then giving Centenary their 23rd straight loss. NDSU is currently fourth in the Summit League with a conference record of 7-6 and an overall record of 11-12. The Bison have five games left before the beginning of the Summit League tournament. This is an important stretch for the Herd if they want to stay ahead of the Jackrabbits of SDSU.

“

This is an important stretch for the Herd if they want to stay ahead of the Jackrabbits of SDSU. The first game of the weekend for the women is between the Bison and Indiana University- Purdue University at Indianapolis. The Jaguars are 3-19 overall and 1-11 in the conference. Already down four games to Western Illinois, a loss on Saturday will eliminate the Jags from Summit League postseason.

The last meeting between these two teams saw the Bison come away with a 63-58 victory over IUPUI in Indianapolis. Sophomore Danielle DeGagne led the Bison in scoring with 22 points while redshirt junior Abby Plucker added 18 points and 10 boards. IUPUI was led in scoring by Kerah Nelson, who had 19-points. The Bison will then take on the Leathernecks, a team they lost a heartbreaker to in Macomb, Ill. 68-66. In that game, Plucker went for a career-high 34 points on 14-25-shooting. That game, coupled with the amazing month the junior has been having, led the Summit League to name Plucker athlete of the month for January. Valencia Kelly, who had 18 points, led WIU in scoring. The Bison currently have a game-and-a-half lead over Southern Utah, University of Missouri- Kansas City and WIU, who are all currently 57 in conference. The matchup to watch for in this weekend’s games is Plucker versus the rest of the forwards for IUPUI and WIU. Plucker has been averaging 20.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in January. She has shot 58 percent from the field, 51 percent from three and 90 percent from the stripe in the month. If she can continue to do this against two of the weaker teams in the conference, you may see Plucker earn a much more significant award by the end of the season.

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

11

Sports

Bringing the title back to Titletown CAVIN BERUBE Staff Writer

It seems ages ago to me: the last time Green Bay won the Super Bowl. I was just a young pup, not even seven years old, but still just as passionate as I am now about this team. That Super Bowl was Brett Favre’s first one, and was going to be the first of many. I could just see him winning back-to-back too. But it never happened. After losing in the Super Bowl the next year, Green Bay fell back into mediocrity and I’ve been craving a Super Bowl win ever since. It’s been fourteen long years, but the Lombardi trophy is finally back with its rightful team. Green Bay’s Super Bowl win this past Sunday was the most gut-wrenching, exciting win I’ve ever seen as a football fan. Even though they were favored, I knew it was going to be a tough game. But with the way Aaron Rodgers played, it was never really that close. When the Steelers did catch some momentum, the Packers took it right back. The Mendenhall fumble killed any hope for Big Ben and the steel city. After a field goal put the Pack up six, Big Ben had a

chance to make another great comeback, but fell short. I will definitely be enjoying this win for the near future, until at least the Twins find a way to get swept out of the playoffs. I find it hard to keep rubbing how much better Green Bay is than Minnesota because I’m actually starting to feel some sympathy for the purple people eaters. They continually find ways to get out of good situations, and now might be relegated to the doormat of the NFC North. With the Lions improving, Chicago as a solid but patchy team and Green Bay as Super Bowl champs, the only place left for the Vikings to go is down. Unless of course the Vikings find a Sam Bradford in the draft, they might be a perennial 6-10 team. As for my Packer squad, when they open the season next year on the Thursday night of that first week, they will look like a different squad. With 15 guys coming off of injured reserve, new draft picks and the departure of some average free agents, this is not going to be the same Packer team that won the Super Bowl. With Aaron Rodgers at the helm, some key offensive weapons locked up and a dominant defense that is going to continue to improve, it’s hard not to see the Packers being perennial powers in the NFL for the foreseeable future. But of course, I made all of those statements 14 years ago too.

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

Leslie Brost goes over the bar during the pole vault Saturday, Feb. 5 at the Bison Sports Arena. Brost won the pole vault event at the Bison Open.

Herd roundup TRAVIS JONES Contributing Writer

Track and Field On Friday and Saturday, the Bison Sports Arena was home to the men’s and women’s track and field Bison Open. Both the men’s and women’s teams had a successful week-

end, but the women shined just a little brighter than the men. The men had five individual champions over the weekend. Senior Ted Rud finished first in the heptathlon with 5,331 points, a personal best. Freshman sprinter Donte Smart won the 60-meter dash with a time of 6.83 seconds. Other first place finishers for the Bison were Matt Tetzlaff in the 60-meter hurdles, Moses Heppner in the mile run, and Alec Espeland in the 800-meter run. The women had a very impressive day, with nine athletes taking home a total of 10 first-

place medals. Junior Leslie Brost had a career day in the pole vault. Not only did she take first place, but she broke the NDSU and Bison Sports Arena record with a height of 13 feet 11 ¼ inches, which is currently the ninth-best height in the nation. Whitney Carlson continued her dominance as she grabbed the 60-meter hurdles and long jump titles. Antoinette Goodman also set a personal best and took first place in the 200-meter with a time of 24.84 seconds. Other first-place finishers for the Bison are as follows: Kristen Killoran, first in the triple jump; Toni Tollefson,

high jump; Christine (Bruins) Schmaltz, 400-meter; Amy Jo Thorne, 800-meter; Heidi Peterson, mile run; and Jennifer Nagberi, 60-meter dash. The Herd also won the 4x400 relay. Wrestling The wrestling team will be back in action this week after an almost two-week layoff. The Herd will take on South Dakota State in Brookings on Friday and will then come back home to square off against Dickinson State on Sunday. Both contests start at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s match will be held in the BSA.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.