Marh 29,2011 by NDSU Spectrum

1-on-1 with Matthew West Twins season quickly approaching Page 4

T U E S D AY

The Spectrum

MARCH 29, 2011

NEWS BRIEFS

Page 8

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

VOL. 114 ISSUE 44

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

STATE ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A cold snap has lowered the forecasted flood crests of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, but state officials said Friday the threat remains with flood warnings active in 40 counties, about half the state. “We’re very concerned people are going to believe it's over and it's not,” said Wade Setter, deputy director of the state’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “There’s still a lot of moisture out there.” MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Firefighters from the Minneapolis Fire Department will be out again Saturday installing smoke detectors in singlefamily homes on the north side of Minneapolis. Last Saturday, firefighters installed over 400 smoke detectors. They also are scheduled to install more detectors next Saturday. The firefighters are members of Firefighters Local 82 and the Minneapolis AfricanAmerican Professional Firefighter Association.

The Spectrum

Student body presidential and vice presidential candidates held their ﬁrst debate on the lower level of the Memorial Union at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Candidates discuss funding priorities BRIANNA EHLEY

NATIONAL

Spectrum Staff

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Millions of retired and disabled people in the United States had better brace for another year with no increase in Social Security payments. The government is projecting a slight cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits next year, the first increase since 2009. But for most beneficiaries, rising Medicare premiums threaten to wipe out any increase in payments, leaving them without a raise for a third straight year.

On Thursday, student body presidential and vice presidential candidates discussed funding issues at NDSU during the first of two debates. All candidates shared their opinions on NDSU’s current usage of funds, and presented their priorities for future funding. Luke Brodeur, vice presidential candidate running with Leah Nygaard, discussed the reality of the university’s budget and suggested ways that the Nygaard and Brodeur administration would approach funding issues, if RIDGELAND, S.C. (AP) -elected. As Interstate 95 sweeps past “We all know that budgets this small town along South are incredibly tight here at Carolina’s coastal plain, moNDSU, there is a limited torists encounter cameras that amount of resources and an catch speeding cars, the only unlimited amount of want. such devices on the open interstate for almost 2,000 miles People have all sorts of things that they want to bring as refrom Canada to Miami. The sources for students, all sorts cameras have nabbed thousands of motorists, won acco- of things people want to be spending money on, but the lades from highway safety advocates, attracted heated money is just not there,” opposition from state lawBrodeur said. “The thing that makers and sparked a federal we can be cognizant of is when court challenge. we do have funds, are we

TOKYO (AP) -- Mounting problems, including badly miscalculated radiation figures and inadequate storage tanks for huge amounts of contaminated water, stymied emergency workers Sunday as they struggled to nudge Japan’s stricken nuclear complex back from the edge of disaster. Workers are attempting to remove the radioactive water from the tsunami-ravaged nuclear compound and restart the regular cooling systems for the dangerously hot fuel. KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -The Taliban claimed Sunday that it kidnapped 50 Afghan policemen in northeastern Afghanistan - part of the insurgents’ murder and intimidation campaign against anyone affiliated with the U.S.-backed government. Also Sunday, a NATO service member was killed in a roadside bombing in southern Afghanistan, the coalition said. No details were released about the death, which raised to 94 the number of international troops killed in Afghanistan so far this year.

WEATHER H 37º H 45º H 43º H 44º L 28º L 30º L 27º L 30º TUES WED THURS FRI

using university funds toward construction on a new library, a project that has been popularized by student leaders for the past two years. “Instead of trying to spend money to get a new library, just have the library operate longer,” O’Gorman said. “Money shouldn’t be spent on trying to replace things that don’t need replacement.” If elected, one of O’Gorman and Ahadzada’s top funding priorities would be to make sidewalks safer in the winter. “It would probably be a much better use of funds to get some salt on those [sidewalks] rather that just polishing them off, O’Gorman said. Cam Knutson, student body presidential candidate, expressed his priority of focusing on student funding rather than university funding. “Right now there’s kind of a short fall when it comes to equity funding and what the university has to work with, so instead of university type funding we’d like to look at student funding,” Knutson said. In order to make the most

out of current funding that is being spent, Knutson and his running mate Keenan Hauff, presented an idea to implement wireless scanners at convenient locations around campus, so students would be able to have easier access to tickets for athletic events. The candidates view this project as a way to better utilize the student sections at sporting events.

“Because we’re paying for those [seats], we need to make sure we’re getting advertisements out there, we’re getting students to go. Because again, if it’s being paid for, let’s utilize that space and make sure we fill it in.” Knutson said. All candidates will be participating in a second debate on Wednesday at 12 p.m. in Thundar’s Den of the Memorial Union.

For more information on each candidate, visit the official campaign websites at:

www.camandkeenan.com www.leah-luke.com www.brendan-aria.com

MATBUS nationally recognized

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

MATBUS is being nationally recognized by American Public Transportation Association, providing more than one million rides annually.

KATERINA VORONOVA News Reporter

The collaboration between NDSU and Fargo Metro Area Transit Bus has been nationally recognized by American Public Transportation Associ-

INDEX

WORLD

being cognizant of every person on this campus? Do we know that every person’s voice is being heard when those funds are being spent? And then beyond that it’s just a matter of trying to fight for every dollar that we can at the state legislature and trying to get as many resources onto this campus as we can.” Brodeur said. Brendan O’Gorman, student body presidential candidate, assured the audience that if elected, he and his running mate Aria Ahadzada would try to reduce as much wasteful spending as possible. “We [the university] only get $120 million from the government of North Dakota to work with and we have a pretty impressive institution. We currently aren’t wasting too much money and what does get wasted wouldn’t be too hard of a fix,” O’Gorman said. O’Gorman would like to see funding used frugally, and on projects that he says will be “completely necessary to benefitting students.” O’Gorman and Ahadzada openly opposed

ation. Other cities recognized include Syracuse, Albany, Madison, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Austin, Seattle and Chicago. “MATBUS provides more than one million rides annually to college and university

News

1-3

Features

4-5

Opinion

6-7

Sports

8-9

students, staff and faculty each year, making up more than half of the total system ridership,” an NDSU press release said. Fargo MATBUS will host its National Transportation and University Communities Con-

Have a story idea? The Spectrum welcomes all students and staff to submit story ideas for any section.

ference, and will showcase its partnership with NDSU in June 2012, when the conference will take place. Fargo-Moorhead MATBUS offers 25 routes and operates Monday through Saturday. It serves the communities of Fargo and West Fargo in North Dakota, as well as Moorhead and Dilworth in Minnesota. It also offers the U-Pass, allowing students from NDSU, Minnesota State University Moorhead and Concordia College to ride the bus for free anytime. Along with those routes, it also provides door-to-door services for senior citizens and handicapped individuals. The American Public Transportation Association is the leading force in advancing public transportation. It supervises the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne passenger services and high-speed rail. Its main goal

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

is to make public transportation available and affordable in all communities across the country. The APTA also publishes “Public Transportation: Moving America Forward,” a report on the public transportation system. According to the report, Americans take more than 10 billion trips per year on public transportation, and take public transit more than 35 million times each weekday. Recently, the use of public transportation has increased faster than the U.S. population and the use of the nation’s highways. The report encourages Americans to use public transportation, since it is crucial to the economy, creates jobs and a cleaner environment. It reduces U.S. dependence on foreign oil and helps cut carbon emission. Moreover, public transportation revitalizes business districts and increases property values, which are beneficial to the economy. Features Editor: Linda Vasquez at features@ndsuspectrum.com Arts and Entertainment Editor: Emily Hanson at ae@ndsuspectrum Opinion Editor: Rylee Nelson at opinion@ndsuspectrum.com Sports Editor: Daniel Gunderson at sports@ndsuspectrum.com

T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1 | T h e S p e c t r u m

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

News

Outdoor spring activities when the weather improves.

CHELSEY THRONSON Co-News Editor

For about half of the year in Fargo, the ground is covered with snow and ice and the average temperature is low enough to keep frozen food from thawing. However, when it reaches about 32 degrees, people start wearing shorts and tank tops. Well it’s about that time of the year. With looming flood predictions aside, the weather is improving everyday and everyone has developed spring fever. There are many great activities to do in the Fargo-Moorhead area

and summer. The water provides excellent fishing and canoeing opportunities. Canoe rentals are available on campus and also at various sites around the Fargo area. For more information about activities and locations the Red River can provide, go to http://www.riverkeepers.org/

Campus: Campus is a bustling place and when the snow melts, it fills up with rollerbladers, runners, bikers and even the occasional unicycle. The rectangular borders of the main campus allow for pedestrians to stay on one path and use the outskirts of campus as a track. The winding roads and sidewalks Downtown: within campus are also a popular Always a great area to shop, eat place for biking and rollerblading. and play, downtown Fargo is also home to the Great Northern Bicycle Red River: Company. The Red River is a popular destiLocated in the old Great Northern nation for many during the spring Railroad Company building, this

CAMPUS COMPASS

unique destination offers bike tune-ups and group cycling events. So whether you ride solo or with the pack, there is always a place right around the corner for a gelato break right in the store or a quick tire fix. Red River Zoo: The Red River Zoo is a popular destination for people of all ages, especially when the whether is nice. It is located at 4255 23rd Ave. S. For more information, go to http://www.redriverzoo.org/

ORGANIZATION SPOTLIGHT

St. Paul's Catholic Newman Center Campus Ministry LAURA MUZ Co-News Editor

While many students look for extracurricular activities to enhance their academic experience, social interests and leadership skills while at college, many look for organizations that will enhance their spiritual lives as well. The NDSU community includes individuals of various belief systems, including the St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, which is meant to provide a place for those who practice Catholicism at NDSU. Located on the corner of University Dr. and 12th Ave. N., the center provides a place for Catholic members of the NDSU community to get involved with small group bible studies, large group leadership

training, the FOCUS program and fellowship. According to its website, the Newman Center was started in 1928 by 36 students who wanted to give students a way to get better acquainted and promote “religious interests.” Now more than 80 years later, the center continues to give students several opportunities to get involved spiritually with others. “The Newman Center is a great place to share an environment with people who are pursuing the same things in life that you are and [to get involved in] things that pertain to faith,” Jayson Miller, a senior studying philosophy said. “To be able to meet with others who have those same goals and desires is really a blessing.” Miller, who has been in-

volved in the Newman Center for the past four years, said he found the center to be very welcoming when he first began attending events, and attends bible studies, FOCUS events, and participates in events the center holds.

“

The Newman Center is a great place to share an environment with people who are pursuing the same things in life that you are and [to get involved in] things that pertain to faith. –Jayson Miller

FOCUS, the fellowship of Catholic university students, was founded in 1997 and is established at 22 college campuses in 10 different states including North Dakota. FOCUS missionaries promote leadership in students by organizing events on campus, giving students a way to get involved with the center outside of mass. “There are a lot of bible studies and other events FOCUS does that are great for students to get involved in that give them the opportunity to

get involved in faith-based activities with other students,” Miller said. Although there are events students can attend weekly at the Newman Center, they host special events as well. On April 30, students will have the opportunity to participate in the annual Bison Catholic Bike Race. The bike race is a competition between the NDSU and UND Newman Centers. Students from each school bike to Hillsboro, which is a central town located between both

schools. Students ask people to sponsor them in the race. The race is considered the center’s major fundraiser, which supports various programming they provide for the campus. According to Miller, students interested in the race can still register by visiting the center’s website or the Newman Center for more information. For a detailed schedule about Newman Center events and more information on the center, visit bisoncatholic.org

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 ... Nikhitha Kaparthi 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

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

Smoke Free Campus

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

Tuesday marks the one-year anniversary of NDSU being a smoke-free campus.

The Spectrum is published Tuesdays and Fridays during the academic year, except during holidays, vacations and exam periods. Each enrolled student is entitled to one copy of The Spectrum. Additional copies are available by prior arrangement with the Business Manager for $1 each. The Spectrum is a student-run newspaper published under the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and a free press. Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty, staff, university admin-

istration or Spectrum management. The Spectrum is printed at The Forum, 101 5th St. N, Fargo, N.D. 58102. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Spectrum accepts both mail (254 Memorial Union, Fargo, N.D., 58105) and e-mail (Brianna.Ehley@ndsu.edu or Editor@ndsuspectrum.com.) Please limit letters to 500 words. Letters will be edited for clarity. They should include the writer’s name, telephone number, major and year in school.

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief ... Brianna Ehley editor@ndsuspectrum.com Co-News Editor ... 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 ... Jaime Jarmin ae@ndsuspectrum.com Opinion Editor ... Rylee Nelson opinion@ndsuspectrum.com Sports Editor ... Daniel Gunderson sports@ndsuspectrum.com

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

The Spectrum

T h e S p e c t r u m | T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1

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

News

Diversity key to weeklong celebration MATT SEVERNS Spectrum Staff

The office of international programs kicked off its International Week 2011 celebrations yesterday, which will throughout the week serve to recognize global diversity. Students, faculty and staff, as well as Fargo-Moorhead community members are invited to attend any of the nine events that have been scheduled. International Week 2011 kicked off with a photo-essay contest running alongside an international expo and an opening ceremony. The photo-essay contest will be held in the lower level of the Memorial Union and will allow students, faculty and staff the opportunity to express the world through picture. Though submissions for the photo-essay contest are no longer submitted, the contest will run with the pictures on

display through the week. Also yesterday, the week’s opening ceremony and international expo were held in the Plains Room of the Memorial Union. The opening ceremony involved a parade of nations, which showcased students carrying the flags of their home countries. Accompanying this, students also displayed items associated with their home countries’ traditions. Today, an event that serves to broaden the horizons of students who may not have had the opportunity to travel globally in the past is taking place in the Prairie Room of the Memorial Union. The Fargo Post Office is coming to campus between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to help students apply for or renew their passports. Tomorrow will bring the YMCA of NDSU to campus for a brown bag seminar about studying abroad at 1

p.m. in the Arikara Room of the Memorial Union. At 7 p.m. tomorrow, the Century Theater will be playing “Monsoon Wedding,” an Indian romantic comedy. Though the movie is presented in Hindi, English subtitles will accompany the film. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, the Equity and Diversity Center will be hosting an international tea festival in the Alba Bales house. On Friday, Newell Wright, director of the Center for Global Initiatives, will speak to faculty about setting up study abroad programs. From 7-10 p.m. Friday, International Week 2011 will Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum come to a close in the Festival The National Weather Service issued a new report for the 2011 ﬂood suggesting Concert Hall during a closing ceremony. Admission is $7 and ﬂood water could reach levels seen in 2009. will cover performances from NDSU international students. Tickets can be purchased for From the Associated Press how much it went up,” Vox- the frost isn't as deep as previthis event in the office of mulland said. “I look at the plans ous years. ticultural programs. “So the picture isn’t as bleak FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Local we have for the city of Moorofficials hoping for an im- head, and we’re still in that in that aspect as it was in proved flooding outlook from range of protection that we’re 2009,” said Mark Ewens, the National Weather Service comfortable with. We’re going weather service data manager. walked away disappointed to have to look a little bit more “There’s a little more capacity in that standpoint to take and even speechless by Fri- as the melt starts.” The record flood of 2009 some of the melt.” day’s report that bumped up The area has enjoyed a the crest predictions in the forced thousands to evacuate, inundated about 100 homes gradual melt in the last couple southern Red River Valley. The latest weather service and caused an estimated $100 of weeks, but historical statisprojections show that the Red million in damages. The river tics show an enhanced risk of However, the publication felt River in Fargo and neighbor- crested at 40.84 feet. The river a rapid warm-up and heavy non-fiction could be better ing Moorhead, Minn., has a 50 topped out last year at 36.99 precipitation beyond the first represented in this year’s edi- percent chance of reaching feet, the sixth-highest crest on week of April. “Every flood is different. It tion, and want to give mem- 40.5 feet, which is close to the record. The chances for flooding depends how the melt goes,” bers of the NDSU community record crest of 2009. The preanother chance to get their vious outlook called for a one- along most of the Red River's Ewens said. Flood stage for Red River is non-fiction works published. in-three chance of the river tributaries also have increased since the last report. The risk 18 feet in the Fargo-MoorSubmissions should be ap- reaching 41 feet. proximately 3500 words, but The cities are building clay levels along the Sheyenne head. The cities have about 4 word count and topic are flex- levees and plan to place sand- River from Valley City into million sandbags on hand, ible. “Northern Eclecta” en- bags to a protection level of 43 Lisbon have been bumped up most of which will be delivered by as much as a foot or more. late next week, and are precourages writers to be creative to 44 feet. with subject and content. Fargo Mayor Dennis Past Lisbon into Kindred, pared to make more bags. “It’s like playing five-card The publication allows sub- Walaker left Friday’s briefing West Fargo, and Harwood, the water will likely meet or stud,” Voxland said. “Two mission from both graduate without talking to reporters. and undergraduate students, “I have no comment,” exceed 2009 levels, the cards you always have to play are the fact this land is flat and as well as student’s grades 7 Walaker said. “These are the weather service said. Weather service officials the river flows north. The through 12 in area schools. experts. We have to deal with cited Fargo’s snowfall total, other three are how much Manthey said in a message whatever ... they tell us.” addressed to the NDSU comMoorhead Mayor Mark which is the second highest on snow did you get, how much munity that non-fiction works Voxland said he was “sur- record, and a prediction of up rain is coming during your could capture humor, nature prised and not surprised” by to 1 inch of additional precip- flood event, and how fast is it and stories written in first- the estimates because he ex- itation as key factors to the re- melting.” “We’ve got three cards on person among other things. pected the numbers to be im- cent outlook. There are mixed Those interested in submit- pacted by a storm earlier this reports on the level of satura- the table. We’ve got two left to ting a work of non-fiction can week that dumped 9 to 10 tion in the soil, with some ob- see,” he said. servers in the southern valley visit www.northerne.com for inches of snow in the area. more information. “It’s disappointing to see telling the weather service that

Weather Service increases flood forecast

Deadline for ‘Northern Eclecta’ extended LAURA MUZ

Co-News Editor

While NDSU’s literary journal, “Northern Eclecta”, originally stopped accepting applications for literary works on March 21, they have ex-

tended the deadline for nonfictions works until April 1. According to Dominic Manthey, editor-in-chief of the publication, “Northern Eclecta” received a large amount of submissions supporting fiction, poetry, art/visual and quick takes.

OFFICE & SALES STAFF NEEDED NOW... PART TIME & FULL TIME + DAY & EVENING POSITIONS OFFICE & SALES STAFF NEEDED TO ASSIST IN SETTING UP & PROMOTING OUR LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT & CORPORATE BUSINESS EVENTS.

EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR

STUDENTS!

FUN WORK & EASY $ & LEARN A NEW BUSINESS!!! CALL LYNN NOW @ (701) 282-8333

Weiss

Chiropractic Clinic

“Your chiropractic home away from home” Close and Convenient Care. Located short blocks 3 short blocks from campus at the corner of 14th ave and 10th st. Covered by most Insurances.

Students Needed • Assist an adult or child with special needs who live independently in the community, afternoons, sleep overnights & e/o weekend • Great degree experience for Social Work, Psych or Spec Ed students • Apply online at www.accessrrv.org • Saturday and Sunday staff needed. Earn wage plus differential

Access of the Red River Valley 403 Center Ave 5th Floor (US Bank Building) Moorhead, MN 56560 218-233-3991

Feel Good for Spring

EEO/AA Employer Curr Dr Lic/Ins/Clear background req.

1360 North 10 st • 701-237-5517

n I t e G

n a C u o Y e l i Wh

Address: Corner of 4th ave and 10th st north Fargo Access through the back door Fargo’s Party Protection Connection

your r Bringan hunge y t o m for a par a mach o

radis r just to Pa latter – o riginal p on a Enjoy an o ion it ! y t par xican trad visit. Me ime you t every

801 38th Street South • Fargo www.paradiso.com PAR3021

T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1 | T h e S p e c t r u m

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

Features

One round closer to Sheen

LINDA VASQUEZ Features Editor

One student at NDSU is, in this case, one round closer to becoming the new social media intern for Charlie Sheen. Mary Gillen, a junior majoring in public relations and advertising, has made it to the fourth round in the search for Sheen’s next intern. Gillen is one of 250 individuals to be chosen to continue. Sheen’s search began earlier this month when he received more than 74,000 submissions. Gillen says she was surprised when she found out she was moving on after the third round and didn’t think too much of it until a friend told her of the odds. “It wasn’t until the next day when I got a text from a friend informing me that only 250 people made it to round three … that it really hit me and that’s when I started feeling [more] excited and a little nervous,” Gillen said. If chosen, Gillen will have to move to California this summer for the entire eight weeks of the internship and will be required to update Sheen’s social networking accounts. “As his intern, I would be in charge of his social media accounts, such as Twitter and Facebook, and help him gain more followers via Twitter,”

Gillen said. “I would also [get to] work with his entourage.” Gillen also says that if she gets to work closely with Sheen it will be a great opportunity. “Working closely with Charlie Sheen will either be really overwhelming or really awesome, but most likely both,” Gillen shared. “I think if you can manage his social media links well you can make a name for yourself and what an awesome resume builder!” Also a current intern at Y94, Gillen applied for the internship because she thought it would be fun. JT, the Y94 program coordinator, has helped Gillen with ideas and support. “I was just at Y94 one day making a blog of Charlie Sheen’s top tweets of the week and decided it would be funny to apply for the internship,” Gillen said. “JT gave me the idea of my original post, which was ‘I’m currently working for the trolls, I need out.’ I never thought that would bring me to round three.” Gillen has not yet heard back from the internship on what she must submit for round four, but says that she expects to be contacted later this week as it usually takes about a week and a half. According to Gillen, she is the right person for the job. “I believe I’m qualified because the whole Sheen outburst has been so interesting to me and I think I would be able to capture exactly what he is trying to say and gain him as many followers as he wants,” Gillen said. “And of course I’m #winning!”

Brianna Ehley/The Spectrum

Sonia Dhaliwal walks through campus wearing a hijab on Friday as a part of The Islam Awareness Week’s hijab challenge.

A day in someone else’s hijab

BRIANNA EHLEY Spectrum Staff

On a typical Friday afternoon, Sonia Dhaliwal, a senior majoring in journalism, comfortably walks through campus undisturbed as she makes her way to class. However, last Friday, Dhaliwal decided to take on the challenge of walking through her daily routine in someone else’s shoes -- or in her case, someone else’s hijab. In recognition of NDSU’s Islam Awareness Week, Dhaliwal took the Hijab challenge, which included wearing a hijab, a head covering traditionally worn by Muslim women, for one day. “I wanted to get a different perspective, to see what it would be like to live the life of a Muslim woman,” Dhaliwal said. “I’m interested in other cultures and experiences so I wanted to experience it for myself.” Throughout her day spent wearing the hijab, Dhaliwal

visited the public library in downtown Fargo, attended class and hung out in the Memorial Union. “I was extremely self-conscious. It was very much there, I was wondering what people were going to think about me and if they were going to treat me differently,” Dhaliwal said. For the most part, Dhaliwal was surprised at how receptive most people were to her appearance. “As I was going about my day, especially local people seemed to be fine; they didn’t act much different,” Dhaliwal said. “I think in Fargo there is a lot of diversity so people are kind of used to it or aware of that so that does play into how they treat you.” Although most of her interactions were pleasant, Dhaliwal noticed some differences in how people approached her while wearing the hijab. “I felt like people might ignore you a little bit more. There was a guy that glanced at me in the Union and then just walked the other way.” Assuming she was a visitor of Fargo, one man said, “Wow, you came from far away to get here.” Aside from a few negative experiences, Dhaliwal said she become most uneasy because of her own feelings of self-consciousness.

“I think most of the negative perception would be from myself, from worrying how people would treat me. I think if I worried less about that it might not have been such an issue,” Dhaliwal said.

“

I think it’s made me aware of it and made me wonder what it’s like for a Muslim growing up in America and maybe what misconceptions we might have of them. -Sonia Dhaliwal “The kind of perceptions that we have of Muslims in general, that also plays into it. We have good school systems and people are educated and there are people that are open minded, but I think Islam gets a lot of negative press,” Dhaliwal said. Dhaliwal became interested in the challenges facing Muslim women after falling victim to negative comments about her appearance, herself. With an Indian heritage, she has experienced negative comments directed at her race on more than one occasion.

“After 9/11, I experienced a lot of racism,” Dhaliwal said. “I think it’s made me aware of it and made me wonder what it’s like for a Muslim growing up in America and maybe what misconceptions we might have of them.” Although Dhaliwal only wore the hijab for one day, she has developed a newfound respect for Muslim women and can somewhat empathize with their lifestyle. “When I was talking to a girl that was wearing the hijab, by choice, she was very firm in her beliefs and strong in her faith and she felt that this was an outward showing of how she felt about that faith,” Dhaliwal said. “I have a lot of respect for Muslim women. It takes guts in this area to do it and it shows conviction and their level of commitment they have to their faith.” Overall, Dhaliwal believes her day in someone else’s life was a great opportunity and one that she encourages other people to experience. “Attending this whole Islamic Awareness Week has opened up my mind and I think things like this on campus are important for people to do and if there were more people trying the Hijab challenge to see what it’s like for them,” Dhaliwal said.

FABO hosts a Spring Fling Submitted Photo Mary Gillen will move on to the next round in Charlie Sheen’s internship.

Love your body ALYSIA LARSON Contributing Writer

Two words: body image. Over the last few decades there has been a major shift of focus on bodies and the way they look, which has caused people all over the nation to criticize their bodies. But, now with the growing numbers of body image disorders, including unsafe dieting with over-excessive exercising, there is a growing movement that promotes “loving your body.” Here are two tips from lovingyourbody.nowfoundation.o rg to start your journey in loving your body. Tip one: Indulge for yourself. Sometimes it is better to give in and splurge on that item or food that we want. Denying yourself happiness is just a way to tell yourself subconsciously that you aren’t worth it. But always remember to balance healthy eating and exercising practices when you do decide to indulge. Tip two: Smile. Looking positive will help

you be more positive. Negativity is the biggest downfall in loving your body. Be positive about who you are. Spend time with family and friends. When you surround yourself with people who love you for your great sense of humor or your crazy adventurous spirit, it helps you realize that there is so much more to you than your body. Listen to positive music. Instead of turning on that depressing song about the loss of something, turn on music that creates a positive attitude. “Firework” by Katy Perry is a good example of this. By reminding yourself of how great you are and feeding that message to your brain, it will start to show on the outside as well. These are just a few ways to start loving your body. The mindset that in order to accomplish something great in life one must have a killer body is a myth. You are unique and creative in your own way. That is what is going to get you to great lengths, not the size of your clothes.

JOSIE TAFELMEYER Contributing Writer

The Fashion, Apparel, and Business Organization (FABO) of NDSU held a Spring Fling fashion event at the Salvation Army Family Store in Fargo Friday. FABO is a campus organization comprised of nearly 50 members, most of who major in apparel, retail merchandising and design. Members typically learn about important concepts of fashion, create networking opportunities and participate in community service projects. Marrah Mullenberg, a senior majoring in apparel, retail merchandising and design and vice president of FABO, is in charge of the organization’s philanthropic enterprises. Mullenberg expressed the importance FABO places on forming connections with organizations. “Working with the Salvation Army store was a great way to help an organization, while also giving back to the community,” Mullenburg said. FABO received money from a Target grant that allowed them to purchase new clothing racks, mannequins, and jewelry displays for the Salvation Army Family Store. Students of FABO spent the week reorganizing the store’s merchandise and dressing mannequins to make the

Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum

NDSU FABO members gathered Friday to display their inexpensive, trendy outﬁts at the Salvation Army Family Store.

clothing displays more appealing. They also gave employees advice on visual marketing and ways in which the store could improve the image of their merchandise. Students agreed that the changes made within the store will boost business. FABO members displayed the thrift store’s merchandise

by modeling fashionable outfits they purchased at the store. In addition to the trendy clothing, each model also wore a sticker that told how much money they had spent on the entire outfit. Prices ranged from $1.50 to $5. One frugal fashionista wore pants and a blouse purchased

for only 80 cents. She asserted, “You really can find cute outfits here!” FABO is most known for its annual spring fashion show that features clothing from student and small boutique designers. This year’s fashion show will take place at 12 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom on April 27.

T h e S p e c t r u m | T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1 Jaime Jarmin Arts and Entertainment Editor Phone: 231-5261 | Email: ae@ndsuspectrum.com

‘Dancing with the Stars’ predictions

JAIME JARMIN A&E Editor

It may be March madness right now, but I couldn’t really care less. Instead, I am making my predictions and filling out my imaginary bracket for 12th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” Before I started watching DWTS on ABC I never understood why people were so obsessed with this reality show. My initial thought was that it was filled with a bunch of “has-been” celebrities who were trying to reclaim their fame through a pitiful means of stumbling across a dance floor with a sparkly dress or a lack of a shirt. Man, was I wrong. This show embodies everything that is wonderful about television: raw emotion, live action and narcissistic celebrities. Why wasn’t I watching this before? A week ago, the 12th season of DWTS started off with a lot of sequins, spray tans and tears. The tears mostly came from boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, which was a little awkward at times. But overall, I believe this to be another must-watch, drama-filled season. My top four picks for the season: Kirstie Alley, Ralph Macchio, Kendra Wilkinson and Hines Ward. Actress Alley will be another Bristol Palin phenomenon from season 11. No one will expect her to make it through the weekly eliminations and then she’ll magically end up among the top four with a lot of help from her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy and spray tans. Macchio, the old school “Karate Kid” star, will be among the top four couples only if his partner, Karina Smirnoff, tells him to “wax on” and “wax off.” Those are instructions we know he can understand. Wilkinson, former stripper, playboy bunny and reality star will probably be one of the most-improved dancers as the season goes on thanks in large part to her partner Louis Van Amstel. Her first performance seemed stiff but she will probably gain votes throughout the season largely based on her following of male fans. Hines, a football player from the Pittsburgh Steelers, could have shared some of his charisma with his fellow contestants and still been OK. But in the end, his smile will win the hearts of voters before his dancing will. Who I think will be the first voted off: Wendy Williams. Williams, the outspoken talk show host, probably won’t make it through the first elimination this week on DWTS. It was pretty painful watching her blubber through her entire routine, especially since I was expecting her to show her feisty personality on the dance floor. I just recently “liked” the DWTS page on facebook, so I am now in on all the gossip that happens behind the scenes. If that isn’t enough, I am also able to creep on new photos of all the contestants during practice or after performances. I must be obsessed.

Arts and Entertainment

One-on-one with Matthew West JAIME JARMIN A&E Editor

Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Matthew West is returning to Fargo to perform his tour called “The Story of Your Life,” which is named after his newest album. West mentioned that the last time he had been in the region he performed at NDSU and other local universities. Now West will be performing at 7 p.m. at First Assembly of God church on March 29. Even though West is an acclaimed Christian music artist who has many songs featured on the radio; who has toured all over the U.S and been nominated for a Grammy, he is still extremely humble. “Well I’ve basically released four albums and played a ton of concerts,” West said. “All of this has become a dream come true for my life, but now it’s more about my music instead of me wanting to become a famous singer.” Many musical artists today write songs about their own experiences but West wanted to write solely about the lives of others for his newest album entitled “The Story of Your Life.” “I had an idea of making a record about other people’s

lives instead of writing songs about my own life,” West said. In order to write about the lives of others, West obtained over 10,000 stories from every state, as well as from 20 countries. After receiving these stories, West stayed in a cabin for two months, reading every story with the help of his wife. West then began writing songs about the struggles and victories these people have faced. The flood of stories that came inspired West more than he could have ever imagined. “It was an incredible experience. I didn’t expect to be impacted by the stories as much as I was,” West said. “I realized that everyone has a story to tell.” West became the person to tell their stories. “I was the messenger for these people,” West said. “There was no shortage of ideas…their stories were so inspiring.” Although the inspiration never ended, there were some difficulties West faced while writing about the lives of others. “The initial challenge for me was to be as honest as the people were in their stories. I had to be willing to takes some risks and talk about topics not generally talked about in

Submitted Photo

Christian singer Matthew West will be performing in Fargo on March 29.

music,” West said. According to West, we college students will be able to relate to the stories mentioned in

his songs: “The songs are sto- thing for all ages, young or ries that represent us all. Peo- old.” ple are really responding to Perhaps West will tell the these stories … there’s some- story of your life on March 29.

‘Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP’

STEVEN STROM Staff Writer

Video games are art. No matter what individuals like Roger Ebert claim, this is a fact of our modern culture and the sooner we can all ac-

cept that the better. That being said, we oftentimes overlook the alternative that art can be a video game. By this I mean a piece of art that utilizes gameplay and interactive storytelling to complete a creative experience. This is the best way that I can describe “Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP.” You do not play it so much as you experience it. As such, “Sword and Sworcery” is a very difficult piece to describe without spoiling the overall experience. The most interesting and involving

components are either too abstract to put into words or are so predicated on the nature of surprise and discovery that discussing them would only hamper the experience for any prospective buyer. The game (and I hesitate calling it a game) plays out like your standard, iPad pointand-click adventure title when held in landscape position. You move the Scythian, the game’s female protagonist, through the environment by double tapping anywhere on screen or holding your finger in whatever direction you wish

Photo Courtesy of Facebook

The new iPad game “Superbrother: Sword and Sworcery EP” is a delightful mix of art and gaming.

to go. Upon discovering characters, items or puzzles, a double tap also functions as your action button. Puzzles are not usually that difficult and the developer seems to have taken a page out of Telltale’s book by giving a fairly straightforward hint system to use in case you get stuck. Combat, what few instances there are, requires you to tilt the iPad into a portrait position. This causes the Scythian to unsheathe her sword and prepare to fight. The controls are very straightforward, requiring you to tap a picture of a shield to block and a picture of a sword to attack. It might not sound very complicated and that is because it isn’t. Fights are all about timing and precision rather than complex button sequences which, considering this is an iPad game, is probably for the best. While the gameplay may be simple, the rest of “Sword and Sworcery” certainly isn’t. The developers’ intent behind “Sword and Sworcery” seems to be to mix graphics, music and interactivity to create something truly unique, and for the most part, it succeeds. Graphically, the game is absolutely gorgeous. Everything, from environments to character models have been rendered in hyper-detailed pixel art reminiscent of those found in the era of the Atari 2600. The

biggest difference here is the attention to detail and fluidity of motion is light years beyond anything you would have found on that system. It’s nostalgic and funky and I love it. The music works great as well, with haunting melodies and harsh guitar riffs interspersed and blended together to make sure every moment of the game’s visual beauty is accompanied by something perfectly fitting to listen to. And that’s really what “Sword and Sworcery” gets right, the audiovisual aspects. The game itself, on the other hand, can feel a bit clunky. Backtracking and recycled environments abound, puzzles haphazardly jump from childishly simple to teeth-grittingly abstract. If you are not the sort of gamer with patience and would rather fling birds or shoot aliens rather than sift through references to Carl Jung and classic video games while listening to some hardcore music and wandering aimlessly through a surreal world, “Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP” is not for you. If you don’t mind a slow pace and some occasionally clunky gameplay mechanics, I’d recommend it. I wouldn’t say that it’s actually “fun” one hundred percent of the time, but it is most definitely an entertaining experience.

T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1 | T h e S p e c t r u m

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

Opinion Getting under my skin

Save money, abolish death penalties DEREK GAFFNEY Staff Writer

RYLEE NELSON Opinion Editor

MTV has done it again, with yet another attempt at rocking the world of television and appearing as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pioneerâ&#x20AC;? of the limits of appropriate programming. The distasteful airing of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Skins,â&#x20AC;? a new show based off an original UK version, has shown a complete disregard toward the responsibility of the media to protect societal views. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Skinsâ&#x20AC;? features a group of teenagers played by actors as young as 15 and follows their lives of alcohol and drug use, aimless sexual experiences and overall careless lifestyles. Not only are these young actors and actresses suggesting this strong content, the show almost encourages it, even involving nudity. With this growing controversy, some advertisers have gone so far as to pull their ads from airing during the show and many are speaking up about the obvious societal violation that MTV has committed. Personally, I have read plot lines of several of the episodes and was shocked to say the least. Not only did it feature very unoriginal plot substance, but also it utilized adult content in a simply gratuitous way. This no-shame move by MTV to continually push the envelope makes a complete mockery of what ought to be conveyed by a media outlet as big as this one. This station, which was founded on music video countdowns, has now spawned into a complete onetrack revolutionizing machine. Instead of providing its viewers with quality television that is catered to the comfort zones of its viewers, it continues to attempt blockbuster edgy series that are sure to get controversy, but viewers nonetheless. This is simply a power move by MTV to captivate its viewers by shock-â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-awe foregoing a more traditional quality broadcast.

Skin on Page 7 >>

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve said this before and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll say it again: We are lucky to live in North Dakota. We live in a state with a major surplus that any other state would envy, and besides our frigid winters and Red River flooding, North Dakota is a pretty awesome state. California, on the other hand, cannot say the same. Sure, California has an awesome climate and all (besides the earthquakes and mudslides), but their state is so far in debt that its appeal is almost zero. California is looking to cut funds to education, law enforcement and university pro-

grams to balance the state budget, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one judge who has a different solution: Get rid of the death penalty. You might be thinking that this judge is another bleeding heart liberal that is against the death penalty on principle and is using his power to advance his own personal agenda, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be wrong. His name is Donald McCartin, and he is a self-described â&#x20AC;&#x153;right-wing Republicanâ&#x20AC;? who has sentenced so many people to death that his nickname is â&#x20AC;&#x153;the hanging judgeâ&#x20AC;?. To convince you that he is a Republican, in his op-ed in the Los Angeles Times, he states that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actually proud of that nickname. Some may say that this judge is flip-flopping on his ideals, but I can tell you that he isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. With the way that our system is set up to try every way to ensure that no man or woman is ever executed by the state incorrectly, millions upon millions of dollars are spent in

mandatory appeals and other legal maneuverings after the initial trial and sentence. Judge McCartin wants the men he sentenced to death to die, but he also realizes that at this time, with the state struggling to make ends meet, the cheaper option is to put these men in prison for life without parole. Either way, the offenders will never harm another innocent person again. The ACLU estimates that California spends $137 million a year on cases involving the death penalty, where the life imprisonment option costs the state around $11 million. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about you, but I think saving $125 million a year meets the definition of being fiscally responsible. We all know how Republicans love to say theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fiscally responsible. So Judge McCartin is holding fast to his Republican ideals, and I have to say that I respect him a lot for it. It takes a big man to look at all the

facts and admit that he made mistakes and that doing things a bit differently would have been better. I am not a fan of the death penalty for the exact same reasons that Judge McCartin is no longer a fan: I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like the amount of money we waste to have state-sponsored killing. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong, if someone murdered my parents or my sister or my girlfriend, I would want that person dead. I completely understand the want and need to somehow make lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equation equal, and knowing the person who killed someone I love is dead would give me peace of mind. However, killing someone is a task that should be well thought out and done in such a way that there is absolutely no doubt that the person sentenced to death is 100 percent guilty. To do that, appeals upon appeals must happen and dollars upon dollars must be spent, and in this economy, no state can realistically afford

it. We have reached a point in our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history where we need to make tough decisions to remain the great nation we are. At this point, any decision to continue to spend money on a program that costs hundreds of millions over a viable alternative should be deemed insane. We should all oppose the death penalty. Not only does it go against the commandments of this supposed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Christian nationâ&#x20AC;? we live in, but it also doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make fiscal sense. Abolishing the death penalty is one of the only things that Democrats and Republicans can fundamentally agree on. We can argue night and day about which weather is better and which state is better, but if we look at the facts, we should all agree that the death penalty needs to go. Derek Gaffney is a secondyear professional in the college of pharmacy.

Property tax: A reasonable rent MATT SEVERNS Spectrum Staff

Show me someone who thinks that property taxes are a bad thing, and I'll show you someone who has never enjoyed a walk in a park, seen firsthand the benefits of a properly funded government or received an education. In North Dakota, there are more than 25,000 residents who have never really enjoyed the amenities a community has to offer and they have been given a voice that could soon be proposing a state constitutional amendment to put an end to the state property tax. There is merit in reducing undue taxes, but is â&#x20AC;&#x153;frivolousâ&#x20AC;? the first word that comes to

mind when a reasonable person thinks of public school districts, parks and recreation, water resources and soil conservation? Included in the nearly $775 million proposed blow to such programs through the elimination of state property taxes is a provision which suggests that funds cannot decrease; instead they must be drawn from other sources. This money must come from â&#x20AC;&#x153;that guyâ&#x20AC;? instead of me, which I'm sure will fare quite well for programs in jeopardy, particularly the schools, which as we know, tend to have no issue funding themselves. Nobody wants to pay taxes, but pawning civil duty off into the hands of the nearly 650,000 residents who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sign the petition is a juvenile

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

This money must come from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;that guyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instead of me, which I'm sure will fare quite well for programs in jeopardy, particularly the schools, which as we know, tend to have no issue funding themselves. notion. It is like saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not old. Why should I pay for Social Security?â&#x20AC;? The campaign against a state property tax suggests that taxing spending and in-

come instead of property allows taxes to be paid on the basis of income availability instead of as a rent charge for access to ubiquitous public services. If my earnings and expenditures are further taxed, my spending power becomes further inhibited. If my spending power is reduced, I might not be able to afford a house. If I cannot afford a house, I will have to sleep on a park bench. But if there are no property taxes, I might not have a park bench to sleep on. This seems overly simplistic, but the rationale behind the campaign's push is similarly elementary. Yes, charging people on the basis of income and expenditure ensures that people who have money will be paying

taxes. However, if the expenditures associated with home ownership cannot be afforded, perhaps that property shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have been bought in the first place. The last thing the state needs is a legion of people who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand that public resources come with a cost and that the most just way to collect those costs involves taxing property because of its access to them. Understanding this issue is as easy as taking a walk in the park. For those who still don't get it and remain supportive of repealing the state property tax, I encourage you to get an education -- oh, wait... Matt is a junior majoring in English education.

Tuesday Night

College Special WT *SVZL ! w e N

Bar Specials ,]LY` ^LLR

)V^SPUN

7LY .HTL

>LZ[ (JYLZ )V^S Â&#x2039; 0U[LYZ[H[L )S]K : -HYNV

TEAMSTERS $3 Bomb For shots the month of November $10 Large one topping pizza and pitcher of beer With a student ID $1.50 Domestic Bottles Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 - 9

Daily Specials Monday - Friday 4-9

$.50 Tap Beer 11 - 1

$.75 Tap Beer 4 - 6 Monday - $2.50 Morgan $1 Tap Beer 10 - Midnight Tuesday - $1.50 Domestics Bottles $1 off Appetizers 4 - 9 1/2 price Homemade Pizza 4 - 9 Wednesday - $2.50 Budweiser Thursdays Thursday - $1.50 Domestic Bottles Free Food 4 - 6 Friday - $2.00 Long Island Teas Thursdays and Fridays Saturday - $2.50 Smirnoff Karaoke Sunday - Happy Hour all day Saturdays Live Bands

Sundays

Happy Hour all day

701-293-9620 21 18th St. Fargo, ND

We Support The

Bison

T h e S p e c t r u m | T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1

Opinion Government devalues taxpayers’ money BISON TIKA LAMITARE Contributing Writer

As the world is praying for the end of Tsunami in Japan, political climax in some of the Arab Countries is adding uncertainty in the future of world politics. Hosni Mubarak, the American closest ally in the area, has been proven as a dictator and is overthrown. On Dec. 14, 2008, parade.com mentioned that Egypt was the second largest United States aid receiver after Israel. According to the website, Egypt received $1.7 billion, of which $1.3 billion was designated to buy weapons. The website also states that only a smaller portion of the aid was provided to improve infrastructures, promote public participation and promote human rights.

It was essential to provide the aid for the benefits of the Egyptian people, but it did nothing for their betterment. If U.S. aid had done something for the betterment of the people, then why would the people come into the streets demanding the end of Mubarak’s regime despite knowing that he was a pivotal part in receiving the aid? As the Huffington Post mentioned, “protestors jammed in shoulder-to-shoulder, with school teachers, farmers, unemployed university graduates, women in conservative headscarves and women in high heels, men in suits and working-class men in scuffed shoes.” Why would so many people oppose Mubarak if his presidency was in the best interests of the Egyptians? The taxpayers’ money made Mubarak and his family wealthy, but it did not help for

the betterment of the Egyptians. Certainly, Mubarak aligned with the United States to solve the Middle East problems, specifically the problems in Israel and Palestine. Mubarak strongly condemned the terrorist attacks and supported action against terrorism. But what Mubarak did was only limited to the United States’ goal and had nothing to do with the betterment of the Egyptians. If the American government was in support of democracy and people’s freedom, it was not wise to extend diplomatic relations and dump our money in the hand of the dictator. Since Mubarak has been ruled as the dictator, the American government has to now understand that the taxes of the American people are worth more than making him the dictator.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, This is a letter in response to Derek Gaffney’s article “Put your health where your mouth is” in which he took a stance on public health care and the opinion he had on the topic in the January 25th issue. The article that Derek Gaffney published was a mess to say the least. It was basically a person ranting for a quarter of a page that brought nothing new to the debate of health care. At no one time did I stop to think about anything new points he might have brought up, instead I was wondering why a public university is allowing a person to rant in a unstructured way with no real substance to the article. Gaffney repetitively stated that he thought that people voting against the bill should live without health care. The problems with these statements are that the politicians receive healthcare as an employee of the government, which in the same sense is the same as a private employer.

not afford schooling and the unemployment rate is more than 8 percent. College graduates don’t easily find jobs. The government talks of cutting heating assistance, ending financial aid for summer school and a freeze on federal worker payments, but still the same government gives taxpayers’ money to countries like Egypt and Israel. It is imperative to provide financial aid to other countries and that can be in the form of humanitarian efforts. My taxes can build schools everywhere the government wants and should help the Tsunami victims, but it should not be put in the hands of a dictator like Mubarak.

BITS

Who are you going to vote for student body president?

“I’m undecided.” Tika is a freshman majoring in political science.

Mickelle Owens History Junior

<< Skin from Page 6 Derek, you want to give people things they cannot afford by dropping it on someone else’s lap. So here is my argument: This is America, which is built on free market, capitalist ideas. The ideas are that government should be involved in a person’s daily life as little as possible. This article by Gaffney might have the idea of being about public health care, but in all reality is a front for his underlying battle with the Republican Party as a whole. To be honest I’m a little disappointed in our school newspaper. One would think that a public university that is government funded would try to be unbiased, but instead I turn to the opinion page and read a poorly written rant about something that should be covered without bias. CAMDEN LARSON Camden is a freshman majoring in business administration

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Your voice will be heard Greetings fellow Bison, we are Brendan O’Gorman and Aria Ahadzada, and we are two of your student senators here at NDSU. We believe that student government should work for the will of the students, and that is why we are the best candidates for student body president and vice president. You deserve a student body executive branch that listens to you. You deserve a president and vice president that speak for you and work to achieve your goals. You deserve to have a choice in how you’re represented and you deserve to have the money you give NDSU spent on you. Recently, there was a bill presented to the Senate to restructure the Senate districts. At this moment there are 14 off-campus senators, and each college has between one and four senators to represent them. If you live on campus however, you only have one senator in addition to your college senators. This means if you live on campus, the maximum number of senators you have to talk to is five, whereas if you live off campus the minimum number is 15. We believe that is inherently unfair and wanted to change the Senate districts so that each student would be equally represented. There was a vote to put the issue to a general student vote, so that you could decide how you wanted your voice to be heard. We voted to let you have your voice heard. Unfortunately, none of our opponents voted for you to be able to decide your own fate. The measure to put it to a campus-wide vote was denied, with only six senators supporting the measure, thus denying you your right to be fairly represented. That is not democracy. That is not what student government should do. Some members of student government went as far as saying that you are “uneducated and uninformed” and unable to make an intelligent decision on the issue, as if they thought you couldn’t figure out 15 versus five is unfair. It was as if your vote, which put them into office, did not matter. We have more faith in you. We believe you matter. Not only do we fight to have your voice heard, but we also fight to have your money spent on you. Every semester, you pay student fees to NDSU, and some of those fees are given to student government so that they may allocate them to organizations and projects they believe will better the campus. Student government is charged with allocating over $3 million of stu-

As like Mubarak, Israel receives the most U.S. foreign aid. As parade.com claims, by the beginning of 2009, the United States would be giving $30 billion for 10 years to Israel. The website also insists that the aid provided to Israel is mostly used to buy weapons. According to the fact book of the CIA, Israel’s GDP based on purchasing power parity was $29,500, which was 47th in the world’s rankings. Why should the United States give money to Israel knowing that Israel now depends on computer-based technology, innovative markets, an advanced economy and growing military power? The money that Israel is receiving is the money of taxpayers. Many Americans don’t have health insurance. A portion of the American population can-

Realizing that MTV is a station that is formed on more groundbreaking roots, is it yet unreasonable to ask that they at least try and contain themselves in some form of decency so as to not further degrade society’s continuing lack of respect towards sexuality and views toward self? By the airing of “Skins” and others like it (e.g. “The Real World” or “Jersey Shore”) a sensational image of on- theedge characters continue to draw people to the more instantaneous gratification offered by that particular way of life. What is being lost through these portrayals is a more lasting and valuable experience granted by a life inside the moral realm. These flippant lifestyles portrayed give way to self-destructive behav-

iors that are all but saved in the above-mentioned alternative. “Skins” ended its first season a week ago Monday and have hopefully shut off the lights for good. With a quick drop off in viewers from their first episode, the larger public has sent an obvious message that it does not approve of this type of promiscuous programming on television. MTV, listen to your audience and advertisers and quit trying to impress us with the next big morally degrading groundbreaking series. Music Television, take a look at your name and get back to the music.

“I don’t even know who is running.” Joshua Mangahas Industrial Engineering Junior

Rylee is a junior majoring in communication.

CLASSIFIEDS

dent activity fee money each year. $3 million is a lot of money, and we deem it necessary to spend the money you give us on things that FOR RENT: full baths. Washer and matter to you. Pre-Leasing Specials. dryer included. NonThis money cannot be used on anything else; Reserve your apartment smoking, no pets. (701) it cannot be invested in the stock market. It now for the 2011 school 240-1933 cannot be put towards a tuition cut; it must be year. One, two and three Exp Date: 4/5/2011 spent on you. bedroom apartments Currently, student government is sitting on within walking distance to OTHER: approximately $200,000 of your money. We do and Anorexia NDSU. Campus bus stop Exercise not believe that student government should Nervosa Study. Women in front of building, assave that money for later. You gave us that ages 18 and older with signed parking, laundry money, and we believe that we have a duty to spend that money on you through programs symptoms of Anorexia facilities and more. Call and projects that benefit you and the campus Jeremy today at (701) 373- Nervosa for research projas a whole, rather than lord over it until a day ect. No treatment in5064 or visit www.Faryou no longer attend the university. volved. Participants will goRents.com/GoBison One great way we could spend a small porcarry a palm pilot and Exp Date: 3/29/2011 tion (less than 10 percent) of that money is to wear an activity monitor install bleachers for the rugby team. We believe for 1 week. Earn up to Close to NDSU. One and fans of the NDSU rugby team deserve to be $150. For information: two bedrooms for rent. able to sit down while they watch our team Visit www.nrifargo.com; Call (701) 306-2220 or play, instead of having to stand for the entirety Email email of the games. czunker@nrifargo.com; or egco.properties@hotAll they need is the money, but the Capital Projects Committee of student government de- mail.com for more inforCall (701) 365-4946. nied their request for funds. Exp Date: 5/6/2011 mation. We were the first to stand up and fight for the Exp Date: 4/5/2011 rugby team. When they were denied funds deSERVICES: spite having a solid plan and a project that Free Pregnancy Testing Townhouse for Rent. would make a lasting improvement to our and Confirmation. Call Three college roommates campus, we saw that as a direct affront to what (701) 237-6530 or visit to share rent of townstudent government is supposed to stand for, www.firstchoiceclinic.com house in south Fargo. and we are doing everything we can to fix this Exp Date: 5/10/2011 Available immediately error. four bedroom and three Since their denial the team has gone through every approval process necessary to get their bleachers. They even got nearly 1,000 student signatures in support of their project in less than 24 hours, as well as President Bresciani’s signature. We will not turn a blind eye to the obvious will of the student body; we will and are doing everything possible to give you what you want. On April 5 and 6, you have a decision to make. You have the great opportunity to elect 8:00 pm Campus Channel 84 Ca your next voices. Vote for the candidates who not only listen to you and respect your opinion, but also take action to get what you deserve. Vote for Brendan and Aria.

“I don’t believe student run organizations have the power to influence scholastic institutions so I’m not voting.” Tyler Voegele Mechanical Engineering Sophomore

“I am going to assign each candidate a number then I shall roll a die.” Paul Bervik Civil Engineering Freshman

SU SU TV T NEWS Watch Watch Wat at Live ivee Thursdays Th Thursd sda da Then on Cableone nee Channel 14

BRENDAN O’GORMAN ARIA AHADZADA Candidates for student body president and vice president

Fridays Saturdays Sundays S d Su

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

“I’m not sure who’s running.” Emily Kedrowski Animal Science Freshman

Compiled by Karl Brummer Photographer

T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1 | T h e S p e c t r u m

Sports

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

I’ll take…

DANIEL GUNDERSON Sports Editor

We have all been in the position of making a tough decision. Should we ask the hot girl out on the date? On one hand, she will probably laugh Micah Zimmerman/The Spectrum in your face, walk away and The Lost Boys Rugby team practices outside last week in preparation for the club rugby sweet 16 this weekend in Wayne, Neb. crush the soul of your very being. On the other, she’s hot. The NDSU football team will be facing a dilemma of similar circumstances, although I don’t think a hot girl is involved. The quarterback position is one that was not totally de“It doesn’t bother me that DANIEL GUNDERSON cided by the end of last season. much,” President Assistant While redshirt freshman Sports Editor John Hanley said. “We are Brock Jensen did finish the still ranked 12th in the nation When you think of college season as the team’s QB, it still compared to 140 schools.” club teams, you might think of is worth pondering if Mohler Another interesting fact is athletes not ready to hang up can make some noise of his this is the first time the winner their equipment just yet. With own during spring practice. of the Minnesota region has NDSU’s club rugby team, What about a third candidate, actually been invited to the aptly named the Lost Boys, an independent if you will. sweet 16. you find a group of men who Well, freshman Esley Thorton just wanted to try something has the specks that usually different. Maybe not surprisadd up to a good quarterback, ingly, these Lost Boys are but so did Nick Mertens. The making waves simply by We are still ranked least I can do to help out those working hard and achieving 12th in the nation that are curious is to break success. down these three gentlemen On April 2, the Lost Boys compared to 140 and pick a winner. will be traveling to the club schools.

Lost no more

“

Esley Thorton – 6 feet 3 inches, 203 lbs. As you can see on the line above, bro’s got size. He’s also a proven winner, going 23-1 at Bismarck High. There are several reasons, however, that you won’t see this kid play just yet. First, he’s unproven in the college game. We are not really sure how he would do as a backup. NDSU had both Jensen and Mohler start the same amount of games, so it is obvious that Thorton could not just be a clipboard holder. Second, he’s a left-handed thrower. I know that doesn’t sound like a big deal, but NDSU loves to move their quarterbacks out of the pocket. You see anywhere from six to 10 plays a game that are designed for the quarMicah Zimmerman/The Spectrum terback to rollout. With ThorSenior Cory Schlack kicks the ball during the Lost Boys Rugby practice last week. ton, he is always going to be The Lost Boys are traveling to Wayne, Neb. for the club rugby sweet 16. rolling the opposite way of what Jensen and Mohler roll. Also, your right tackle becomes the most important lineman on passing plays, which would protect Thorton’s blindside. It just adds up July 7 of last season, continues been able to make a return beRYAN NELSON to more reps at practice for to battle post-concussion hind the plate, but for a Contributing Writer starting linemen. symptoms. Morneau returned catcher beginning the first Prediction: Third string for to action in a B game on year of a $184 million conWith only three days from now, but could play his way into March 8, and has since made tract, concerns about his opening day, many questions the back-up role. a return to the team’s starting longevity at this position are surround the Minnesota roster. There are no guaran- present. Twins. Trying to make this the Michael Cuddyer made his Jose Mohler – 6 feet 0” inch- season that they finally snap tees however, that Morneau will be ready for opening day, Grapefruit League debut on esm 170 lbs. the 12-game postseason losing Now this guy does not have streak, those questions will or will ever be back to his Wednesday after having a wart removed from his foot on the size you would expect from need to be answered sooner MVP caliber self. All-star catcher Joe Mauer March 1. Cuddyer has sufa quarterback. You have to rather than later. had offseason knee surgery to fered discomfort in his foot have someone with the ability First and foremost, health isto see over the linemen, and sues continue to plague this alleviate swelling in his left while running the bases since Mohler does not have that. team as they did last season. knee. He has since been taking having it removed. He will cerNor does he have the big time Justin Morneau, who suffered shots in his knee to help lubri- tainly be tested early on this cate the joints. Mauer has season playing in the outfield. arm you want to stretch the a season-ending concussion on field. Mohler does overcome these deficiencies with play making. (See run versus Montana State.) He was also the more accurate of the two quarterbacks, completing 58.7 percent of his passes. His decision making and inability to hold onto the ball are what frustrated coaches the most. Prediction: Second string and probably will fall if Thorton proves himself.

rugby national Sweet 16 in Wayne, Neb. Getting to this point in the season was not easy or conventional. Usually, when a team gets this deep in the playoffs, they have won the previous game. This was not the case with the Lost Boys. “We played in the DIIIA Final Four match. We played our first game and beat Bemidji State. We played St. Thomas, who we had beaten earlier in the year. For whatever reason, they were able to edge us out that game. However, they are not affiliated with their school. The organization that is running the national tournament said, ‘No you can’t play because of this.’ It then went to the next team down.” This was all explained by Rugby club president Cory Schlack. While some people may look at this as almost pity ploy, the Lost Boys find it a second chance at glory.

-John Hanley, senior and Lost Boys president’s assistant NDSU will play Occidental, the winner of the SoCal Division III Championship on April 2. The winner of that game takes on the winner of the Wayne State College vs. St. Edwards University. If you want to listen to his match, go to http://wildcat.wsc.edu/k92/ which is Wayne State College’s radio station. For more information about the team, go to lostboysrugby.com and for more information on the tournament go to eteamz.com/NSCRO/ If you want to cheer on the team in person, head down to Wayne, Neb. this weekend and show some support for the Lost Boys of NDSU.

Twins season fast approaching

I’ll Take on Page 9 >>

Closer Joe Nathan missed all of last season after having reconstructive Tommy John surgery. He has made a healthy return to the team, but has struggled this spring with an ERA over 10. Manager Ron Gardenhire named Nathan the team’s starting closer, but has said he will split time early on with Matt Capps, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals last season to fill Nathan’s vacancy. The other major question surrounding this team is once

again the pitching staff. A total of eight relievers who set foot on the mound for the Twins last season are no longer with the team. However, an even bigger concern is the team’s starting pitching. Carl Pavano has been named the opening day starter. The other starters include Francisco Liriano, Nick Blackburn, Brian Duensing, and Scott Baker. Much like last season the consistency of this staff remains in question.

Twins on Page 9 >>

T h e S p e c t r u m | T u e s d a y, M a r c h 2 9 , 2 0 1 1

Sports

Storylines in spring KYLE ROTH Contributing Writer

All around the nation, players are taking part in team runs, coaches are attending clinics and spring practices are anxiously awaited by hardcore rubes who can’t wait the 156 days until kickoff. Here's a look at the spots to keep an eye on in this year's spring practices for NDSU. The quarterback battle Brock Jensen had a strong enough freshman year that the spot is his to lose, though redshirt freshman Esley Thorton is going to make a serious push for the backup spot versus junior Jose Mohler. Both Jensen and Thorton bring a vertical passing threat, great physical build and serious running potential to the Bison offense, and with defenses keying on running back D.J. McNorton the Bison need to establish a credible passing attack if they intend to make any kind of push at the national level. The potential is definitely present, but there needs to be a consistency and skill at the gunslinger spot that hasn't been around since Steve Walker graduated.

Depth in the secondary Depth at corner has always been an issue for the Bison defense, and the emergence of underclassmen Marcus Williams and Brendin Pierre was tremendous for that. The graduation of Josh Gatlin opens up another crucial spot that will need to be filled (most likely by an incoming freshman like Jordon Champion). Aireal Boyd, a JUCO transfer from NDSCS, reportedly has speed that can match

Gatlin’s and will be a serious contender for snaps behind the underclassman duo, but injury could pose a serious risk to the potential this coverage unit has. The safety spots will be similarly young, but Daniel Eaves will be one of the leaders of this defense and Colton Heagle has every bit as much potential as Craig Dahl did and with a mean streak to match. Which receiver will step up? Dropped passes and no-shows form the wide-outs have been a problem since the days of Kole Heckendorf and Alex Belquist, so watch for redshirt freshmen Zach Vraa and Trevor Gebhart to get some serious reps and even looks at starting jobs behind senior Warren Holloway. Both bring tremendous athleticism to the table, particularly Gebhart with his blazing speed and vertical ability. Incoming freshman Frank Veldman, though most likely relegated to one of the safety positions, could still one day see snaps at a WR position due to the sheer ability and talent he brings to the field, and don’t be surprised if halfback Mike Sigers sees a few plays from the slot spot to try and get his explosiveness into the open field.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Tuesday, April 12, 2011 • NDSU Alumni Center Enjoy the keynote address by former NFL player Stacy Robinson and get answers to your insurance, loan and investment questions from industry professionals. The event is free to NDSU students. Register for door prizes, including an Amazon Kindle. Must be present to win.