Thursday 9/11/14 by The State News

State News The

inked

Tattoos have long been seen as unprofessional. But the way tattoos are viewed is evolving as their popularity grows. See pages 4-5

Executive Director of The Firecracker Foundation Tashmica Torok poses for a portrait Wednesday. Torok has six tattoos. PHOTO: JULIA NAGY

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Cost of parking meters goes up Fees for meters have gone up from $1.50 per hour to $1.80 — page 6 T hu r s DAY, SE P TE MB E R 11, 2 01 4

@thesnews

“He tries to perfect every line to the best of his ability. You can consider him an artist with a different canvas.” Electrical engineering sophomore Socrates Montero, on student DeMario Bell’s barber shop operating out of his dorm room — page 8 stat enews .com

sports

Men’s soccer gets ready to take on Valparaiso

Will MSU beat them after two consecutive years of loss? – Page 12

Opinion

Merinda Valley Opinion editor opinion@statenews.com @thesnews

Obama approval ratings show youth vote slipping away

By Cameron Macko

Last week, President Obama’s approval rating reached its lowest point. In a Gallup survey, only 38 percent of respondents said they approve of how he is handling his job. And during Obama’s presidency, his approval rating sunk to that mark seven times. Though his approval slightly floated upward in the past week, now averaging around 41.8 percent according to a Real Clear Politics average, it is not a good sign for the president or any Democrat. Considering the fast-approaching 2014 midterm elections, that is especially true. His approval rating even remains low among the 18-to 29-year-old demographic. They have been outspoken Obama supporters, second only to non-whites. His “Hope” and “Change We Can Believe In” slogans, once so powerful among young voters on our campus and across the country, have faded into a sad joke.

Opinion Po ll Has your approval rating of President Obama changed since he began his second term?

W e d n e s day ’ s r e s u lt s

9%—I’m more approving of President Obama now 67%—I’m less approving of President Obama now 24%—No 45 responses total

Now, graduating college students emerge to find a bleak job market that is ever-so-slowly improving. What’s worse is that for the college graduating class of 2014, the unemployment rate almost doubled the national average for all but the most sought-after majors of business, engineering and accounting. Graduates with other degrees face a much stiffer job market, and students are now almost expected to move back home with their parents after graduation, as many simply have no means to support themselves. An unemployment rate of 6.1 percent is a marked improvement from the 10 percent high reached in 2010 during the depths of the Great Recession. However, the true state of the economy is slightly skewed because the labor participation rate has declined due to people retiring or simply giving up on job hunting. The President’s handling of the crises in Ukraine and Iraq

is widely perceived as negative and also contributed to his low approval rating. However, it is the economy’s lackluster recovery that is really turning the youngest voting demographic against him. They are more concerned about their own lives than they are foreign countries, and that’s making a real difference. The hopeful ideology that once characterized Obama’s politics is being beaten down by his shortfalls in the real world. Especially with the younger demographic slipping from the president, it does not look good for his party come the November general elections. People are going to vote for whomever they see as having a real solution to the plethora of problems facing the nation, not dreams. In 2008, the nation was ready to dream and in 2012 they tried to revive that idea. But now it seems the Obama faithful have wavered. Cameron Macko is an intern at The State News. Reach him at c.macko@statenews.com.

Conquering college — and mental health Students can think past stigmas and ask for help

Mike Holloway

By Jacob Sailor Guest Columnist

Even in the most ideal scenarios, stepping into university life is stressful. Whether you are a lifelong resident of the community or one of the newly relocated, there is sure to be culture shock. And an adjustment period, which no amount of denying or partying can ward off, will set in. It’s change. It’s difficult. Even the strongest of us will face a trial or two before midterms start to creep around the corner. Among the variables in what could go wrong or right are mental health disorders. Despite the ever-growing awareness of clinical depression and anxiety disorder, it is not uncommon to find an individual who completely misunderstands both. That individual will usually offer a cure: encouraging the inflicted to “cheer up” or “just calm down.” That is about as effective as suggesting a drowning individual to just try drinking a lot. Dealing with depression in a college setting

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is not an easy thing to face. Some solidly argue that it could be near the top on the list of things that will make an academic career terrible, but it doesn’t have to be. Recognizing the issue and accepting it will get you farther through the door — a figurative door that separates perpetual sadness and contentment — than anything else. From there, it’s all a question of how you want to tackle the issue. For me, when faced with the question of how to handle my problems, I sought out a doctor. WebMD probably would’ve just lead me to think I had cancer. After explaining my concerns, I was presented with a few choices: medication, lifestyle adjustments or therapy. All three of those options may sound unappealing, but accepting a helping hand isn’t shameful — humbling, but not shameful. Every case is special and no two people are

alike, so what’s worked for me might not be right for you. But the initial step of taking this challenge head-on and getting the help you need is something I couldn’t encourage more. Research from the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that the stigma surrounding mental health is the main reason college students don’t address potential disorders. Sure, some people might think there’s something wrong or weird with it. But as misunderstood and as personal a topic as it is, you don’t need to face it alone. After all, why not enjoy the college experience without a nagging, depressing cloud hanging over your head and spoiling every moment? Reaching out won’t be the worst idea you ever have — not in college. Jacob Sailor is a longtime East Lansing resident and graduate of Siena Heights University. Reach him at jacobdsailor@gmail.com.

Contents inside

MSU’s Chinese community celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival

Some study abroad programs are far more popular than others

State News football reporters predict playoff outcomes

Page 7

Page 8

Page 9

Freshman forward Jamie Cheslik emerges as an offensive weapon for women’s soccer With four goals in her first six collegiate games, freshman forward Jamie Cheslik has been on a tear. Unfortunate for the Big Ten, she might just be getting started. Cheslik’s nine points lead the team, and she has easily taken the most shots with 22. Her aggression and goal scoring are major reasons the Spartans have started the season 6-0 and have slowly moved up the rankings to No. 15, according to Soccer America . Although she is making it look simple, the adjustment from high school to college has been a challenging experience for Cheslik.

“We were here a month before school started, so when school actually started, it was kind of different,” Cheslik said. “When everybody started getting on campus, I was kind of overwhelmed because there were so many people.” Like most freshmen on campus, Cheslik is starting to learn the difficulties involved in balancing her time. “It’s hard trying to balance it because you’re always busy,” she said. “You go to school, then you go to soccer, then you go to study hall, then do your homework and sleep. It’s a routine everyday.” — John Neidhart

Downtown Lansing Welcome Week Party! Thursday, September 11, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. House of Eden Rock DJ z Free Appetizers z Drink Specials z Prizes Presented By:

www.lansingwelcomeweek.com Food industry management junior Ameko Stevenson receives a shape up from media and information senior DeMario Bell Monday at Butterfield Hall. PHOTO: Raymond Williams

da i ly Num b e r

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Virg Bernero, Mayor

“We are not going to allow the city of East Lansing to deny people the first amendment right to vote. ” Read more on page 7

Approximate number of women in the MSU College of Engineering this academic year

Jeffrey Hank, attorney for East Lansing Citizens for a Public Servant City Attorney

CORRECTIONS In an graphic that ran on Sept. 10, Alpha Sigma Phi was incorrectly identified as Alpha Omega Phi. In another graphic that ran on Sept. 10, we represented 41 M-16 5.56 millimeter rifles, when there are only 37 for the Ingham County police departments.

VOL . 105 | NO. 11 Contact The State News (517) 432-3000 Newsroom/Corrections (517) 432-3070 feedback@statenews.com General Manager Marty Sturgeon (517) 432-3000 Advertising M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (517) 432-3010 advertising Managers Alex Hubert Kelsey Taber Colophon The State News design features Acta, a newspaper type system created by DSType Foundry.

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Spotlight

Anya Rath Managing editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews

Despite negative stigma, perception of tattoos changing with time Tattoos and professionalism are not two concepts that have typically gone hand in hand. However, as body art becomes more mainstream, what weight do tattoos hold in the professional world?

By Megan Cochrane mcochrane@statenews.com

Day of the Dead derby girl. The words “Long Live the Fire.” An Oracle from “The NeverEnding Story.” A hand-written message reminding her that survivors’ lives, including her own, are “repaired with gold.” These are all images inked into Tashmica Torok’s skin. And she wears each of them with pride while carrying on her professional responsibilities. Business and body art do not usually mix, but Torok, executive director of The Firecracker Foundation in Lansing, said that one of the perks of being a self-employed entrepreneur is the freedom to uphold and accept values that she sees as worthy — including tattoos and piercings. MSU students enter the workforce by the thousands each year, hoping to find success in a judgment-free zone. And today’s workforce is evolving in just that way as it becomes more digitally

LEFT: Executive Director of The Firecracker Foundation Tashmica Torok poses for a portrait in her professional wear Wednesday. Torok has six tattoos. RIGHT: Torok shows off one of her six tattoos Wednesday. The tattoo on Torok’s arm is “Día de los Muertos,” or Day of the Dead art and has a roller derby twist to it. Torok had done roller derby for four years. PHOTOS: JULIA NAGY

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inclined, visually engaging and culturally diverse. As the popularity of body art and modification rises, hiring practices and views on tattoos and piercings have begun to see a shift as well. A form of expression Packaging junior Becca Jarvis has five tattoos. Each stands for something personal and significant. Her tattoos include an infinity sign with initials on the inside of her left bicep, an equal sign on her right calf, a star on her left wrist and words on the inside of each foot saying “I love you” in her parents’ handwriting. “I got the ones with words or letters for my family to keep them near my heart forever, and the equality ones are for my own sake,” Jarvis said. Jarvis’ family still worries that she won’t be able to get a job as a result of the tattoos. Theatre freshman Mike Merluzzi has both ears pierced and a tattoo on his ribs saying, “An act of God and nothing less will be accepted.” Merluzzi said his tattoo expresses his disbelief in blind faith. Placement was a key aspect for both students.

Spotlight

They placed their tattoos so they could be easily hidden for potential employment requirements. “I knew getting a tattoo could hinder my chances of getting hired (as an actor), so I got it in a very easily concealable place,” Merluzzi said. Human development and family studies sophomore Abby Cieslak said her tattoos and piercings have not affected her job search or employment because they can be hidden when needed. “I didn’t want to get any visible on my arms yet or anything, though, because some places don’t allow that,” Cieslak said. Old Stigmas Jarvis said she believes there is still a stigma connected to tattoos and piercings in the minds of older generations in the workforce because typically only criminals and outcasts had them in decades past. However, as the norm evolves to making a person’s body into a personal and sentimental work of art and the younger the hiring staff of a company is, the less of an issue body modification is, said Jarvis. UZoom Media CEO Anne Craft said she does not find tattoos or body modification to be professional in the workplace. “If you’re in a job where you are expected to wear a suit or be in a professional environment, you should not have tattoos that show,” Craft said. “You should be able to cover them up with professional clothing.” Several companies have strict rules in place to control what their employees look like. Bill Bettis, a recruiter for United Parcel Service said the company does not allow men to have any piercings and allows women to have only one post earring in each ear. Jianna Zanoni, an employee at Splash of Color Tattoo and Piercing Studio, located at 515 E. Grand River Ave., was let go from a previous position at a post office because of her multiple tattoos and piercings.

“I knew getting a tattoo could hinder my changes of getting hired (as an actor), so I got it in a very easily concealable place.” Mike Merluzzi, theatre freshman

On the job hunt after, she was turned away from a number of establishments because stores “didn’t want that look in their store.” However, Kris Lachance, owner of Splash of Color Tattoo and Piercing Studio, said that she has seen tattoos and body piercings become more mainstream over the years. This rise in popularity is part of the catalyst for a perception change in the professional world. “That’s kind of been my goal to change that perception because on the whole we are a very passionate industry,” Lachance said on the tattoo and piercing industry. “This is a profession.” Changing Perceptions Perry Stratton, a tattoo artist at Splash of Color Tattoo and Piercing Studio, said that tattoos are not solely restricted to students. Stratton sees a number of employees from the Capitol, lawyers and surgeons coming in to get tattoos done. Additionally, one sector of the workforce that seems to be particularly changing their tone on the issue is independent businesses. Torok said she looks at tattoos and piercings as a positive attribute of a potential new employee. “I’m always a little confused as to why they’re not allowed in professional settings just because I think that ... it’s a waste of talent,” Torok said. “It’s just another aspect of them.” Lachance is also working to redefine professionalism, or at least broaden the idealized candidate. Because she appears in the professional world so often, she stopped adding to her tattoo arm sleeves and chest tattoo so they can be covered up. Lachance also works as an authorized outreach instructor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, specifically the tattoo and piercing industry. Being an industry health and safety expert, she sits in on state and local health department body art board meetings, writes industry regulations and teaches classes on industry safety and health. When she’s inside her tattoo studio, Lachance said she is free to show off and be proud of her tattoos. “You’ve gotta give respect to get respect,” Lachance said. “We establish a rapport, and then I can take my blazer off.” While Craft prefers a more traditional look, she said that body art does not speak to professional competence. “The best assistant I have ever had working for my company had tattoos all over the place, and she was awesome,” Craft said. Lachance said that while society and professionals have come a long way in recognizing body modification and adapting slightly to accommodate it, there is still a long journey ahead before it places no influence on hiring practices. “I’d like a world where nobody’s judged. ... But it’s never gonna happen, I don’t think,” Lachance said.

Executive Director of The Firecracker Foundation Tashmica Torok poses for a portrait in her everyday casual wear Wednesday.

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News

Rebecca Ryan and Simon Schuster Trends and issues editor Breaking news editor campus@statenews.com @thesnews

Parking meter rates increase across campus By Amanda Chodnicki campus@statenews.com

Students parking on MSU’s campus might have noticed the meter rate this school year has increased from $1.50 per hour to $1.80 per hour. The meter rates have not been increased in the past 10 years — not since July 2004, when they went from $1.25 per hour to $1.50 per hour. Why the change? “Our deputy director, our chief and our business office manager look at expenditures and decide on rates by forecasting future needs within the parking system, as well as current needs,” MSU Parking Operations Office Supervisor Lynnette Forman said.

Forman said the meter rates and permit rates are set to cover the costs of the parking system, which have increased in the past 10 years. “The parking system is a self-supported system, so money generated within the system is used to help maintain, build and make payments on the new ramps, snow removal, paving, redesigning, adding spaces and student salary,” she said. Although maintaining the parking facilities is necessary, some students, such as agribusiness management senior Emma Heck, think the price is too high. “I would carpool with my friends last year or just walk because parking was too expen-

sive then,” Heck said. “I only started driving to one of my classes this year because I have work right after that I need to get to, and of course, the price has to go up.” Students also expressed interest in adding additional meters that accept credit cards. “(It) will only increase the convenience and revenue for parking,” communication senior Greg Rokisky said. “Change is becoming less and less common amongst our age group.” Forman said the batteries in meters that accept credit cards are solar powered and would not be able to take credit cards in a parking garage. “We are exploring other options, such as using pay stations, pay-by-space and pay-byplate,” Forman said. “But at this time have not invested in any of them.” In order to implement those updates, she said further software would need to be purchased to allow those using

meters to pay on their cell phones when their meters are running out. “I think that those are really good ideas,” Heck said. “I think MSU should definitely continue to look into that because too many students lose track of when their meters are running out and get a parking ticket.” Forman said the decision to install these options rests with MSU Parking Operations Deputy Director John Prush. Prush said MSU will do a 90-day trial of the Pay-by-Plate system in the parking lot near the Student Services building sometime in the near future. The pay-by-plate system calls for visitors to enter their license plate number into a kiosk and retrieve a receipt that way. “There are 10 meters in that lot, so it’s a perfect place to do it,” Prush said. “We are aggressively looking into these options to make parking more convenient for visitors,” Prush said.

Food industry management senior Brian Dorsey adds money to a parking meter Monday at the Olin Health Center parking lot. PHOTO: RAYMOND WILLIAMS

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News

Mooncakes rest on plates during a celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival Monday outside of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. PHOTO: AERIKA WILLIAMS

Electrical engineering junior Bowen Tan and international relations junior Ran Yu eat mooncakes in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival Monday outside of the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum. PHOTO: AERIKA WILLIAMS

Students celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival across campus The festival is usually celebrated in a family setting, but MSU students came together to celebrate amongst friends.

By Nolly Dakroury ndakroury@statenews.com

Chinese communities around the world celebrated the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival on Monday. The Chinese community at MSU made sure not to miss out on such a celebration. MSU students and community members gathered outside the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum for the event, hosted by the Chinese Undergraduate Student Association and sponsored by the museum. Moon cakes, the traditional fes-

tival treat, and bubble tea were offered along with musical performances. The Mid-Autumn Festival is a family oriented festival where the family gets together to have dinner and eat moon cake, said Maggie Zhang, association president. Zhang, a marketing and advertising senior, compared the festival to Thanksgiving, adding that the festival is determined through the lunar calendar and is usually celebrated when the moon is the roundest. “I remember when I was younger, we would

Lawsuit dropped against E.L. city clerk By Sergio Martínez-Beltrán smartinez@statenews.com

walk up to the roof, look at the moon, make wishes and eat moon cake and later on or before the whole family would have a family dinner together to be thankful about what we have,” Zhang said. She said in the past, she celebrated the festival by gathering with her friends to have dinner and play games. Zhang said it was important to host the event to help students overcome the homesickness they might get during such a time, especially first year students. Interior design sophomore Jiabao Zhang said the event was different than the traditional celebration they usually have back home. “Usually, we just spend our time with our family, we don’t usually have this group of people together, but it’s nice,” Jiabao Zhang said. Maggie Zhang said it was important to get Chinese students, especially incoming students, to connect with other members of the community, like American students. One student there who was not a part of

A judge ruled on Friday that East Lansing Citizens for a Public Servant City Attorney did not have enough signatures to place a proposal on November’s ballot. The group filed a lawsuit against East Lansing City Clerk Marie Wicks for invalidating 473 signatures for different reasons, such as challenged residency and indecipherable names. But the group is still 38 signatures short. Although the group’s petition still does not qualify for the upcoming election, Jeffrey Hank, the attorney of the group, considers the Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Clinton Canady III’s ruling is a victory. “Overall the court agreed with us,” Hank said. “The court overturned 229 unlawful disqualified signatures.” The petition asks for the city to hire a local, public city attorney to replace the current attorneys from privatized law firms. Hank said the group would file a motion of recon-

the Chinese community was Natasha Mwanakatwe, interior design sophomore and native of Zambia. “I came because this semester I want to get more involved in cultural events,” Mwanakatwe said. She said she learned of the event from her friend and was interested in learning more about Chinese culture. Zhang said this year Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum manager of education Leyna Lightman reached out to her to learn more about the Chinese culture in preparation for a Chinese contemporary art exhibition opening soon. “So in getting ready for this, I want to talk to the Chinese community and the Chinese-American community on campus — the students, the faculty and our general Lansing community and learn more about the culture and make sure that they come to see the exhibition,” Lightman said. Lightman said when Maggie Zhang introduced her to the festival, she thought it would be a good way to promote the upcoming exhibition.

sideration because 130 signatures were not notarized and therefore, disqualified. “We are going to file a motion for reconsideration or an appeal,” Hank said. “We are not going to allow the city of East Lansing to deny people the first amendment right to vote.” East Lansing mayor Nathan Triplett said he was pleased with the court’s decision but that it did not surprise him. “The court rightly concluded that the city clerk does not have a legal duty to accept invalid signatures or petitions,” Triplett said. Triplett defended Wicks’ decision and said it was the right thing to do. “The City Clerk conducted the required canvass of this petition with integrity, professionalism, and in accordance with all applicable legal requirements,” Triplett said.

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Features

Emily Jenks Features editor features@statenews.com @thesnews

Dorm room barber shop: MSU student styles mens’ hair from home A dining hall job wasn’t going to cut it for media and information senior DeMario Bell.

By Kayman Whaley kwhaley@statenews.com

He started out with borrowed materials: a single clipper and a single liner. Now, media and information senior DeMario Bell provides high-demand haircuts to 30 regular customers — not including new customers or dropins — directly out of his dorm room. He caters to his customers with his self-taught techniques and even cuts his own hair. His vast arsenal of cutting and styling tools were purchased with money he made from his craft. One of Bell’s customers, electrical engineering sophomore Socrates Montero, said Bell is a gifted stylist. “He tries to perfect every line to the best of his ability. You can consider him an artist with a different canvas,” Montero said. Since high school, Bell said he always

possessed a go-getter mentality. He would sell candy, Kool-Aid and other miscellaneous items for a quick profit. In high school, he noticed a close friend cut hair for money and it inspired him to take on the task himself. “I always thought in the back of my mind: if he can do this, I can do this,” Bell said. “The first person I ever tried clippers on was my little brother. I’ve messed his head up so many times.” His high school classmates and neighborhood friends served as guinea pigs that helped Bell perfect his craft, using the men’s locker room as a work station during lunch breaks. When he came to MSU, Bell wanted to get busy making money. In addition to getting a job at an MSU dining hall, his freshman year he reached out to a potential customer via Twitter. The customer referred another person to Bell, and from then on it was a chain

reaction. Studio arts junior Irmon Hill, one of Bell’s customers, said Bell was his preferred barber. “I haven’t seen a barber in the world who takes his craft as serious as (Bell),” Hill said. Bell admitted, though, there were some negative aspects of the job. He said his grades have suffered in the past and the job consistently takes up his time. During his sophomore year, he quit his job at the dining hall to concentrate on cutting hair since that was all he did once he got off work. Since he has gotten better at his skill, the demand for customers is extremely high. People have shown up to his door expecting to get a haircut on the spot and have gotten turned down. “I’m amazed by it every single day,” he said.

Media and information senior DeMario Bell gives food industry management junior Ameko Stevenson a haircut in Bell’s dorm room Monday at Butterfield Hall. PHOTO: Raymond Williams

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By Richard Vadasy Rvadasy@statenews.com

With more than 275 different programs and more than 60 countries to choose from, MSU’s study abroad program is the largest in the nation — but some programs are more popular than others. According to the Office of Study Abroad, MSU students touched down in all seven continents of the world last year — including 15 students that went to Antarctica. Europe, MSU’s most popular continent for study abroad travels, was flooded with 1,475 Spartans in 2012-2013. In the 2014 summer semester, the top two most traveled to countries for MSU students were the United Kingdom and Italy. Zoology senior and peer advisor for the Office of Study Abroad Devyn Porath spent a semester in Australia as an exchange student at La Trobe University, where she took classes and participated in different volunteer programs. “(Studying abroad) made me so much more independent in every aspect of my life,” Porath said. Porath said the program was wonderful and the experience changed her as a person. Unfortunately, not all pro-

grams are popular and go as smoothly. Humanities-prelaw junior Zeria Cummings was planning on participating in the development and non-governmental organization internship in Malawi, Africa, this past summer. However, it was scrapped due to a lack of enrollment. For this program they needed to have five students enrolled, but only two signed up. “I had a feeling it wasn’t going to work out, so I had a backup plan,” Cummings said. Instead of traveling to Africa, Cummings spent the summer in East Lansing an AOP counselor. Summer is typically the most popular season according to the Office of Study Abroad. In the 2012-2013 school year there were 2,748 participants in the program. Of those, 1,974 students — about 72 percent — studied during the summer semester. Communications Manager of the Office of Study Abroad Cheryl Benner said studying abroad can bring a deeper understanding of a student’s major. “Each student who studies abroad gains different skills and has unique experiences,” Benner said. “(Students gain) things like resourcefulness, flexibility, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills.”

Sports

Omari Sankofa II Sports editor sports@statenews.com @thesnews

Predictions: What are MSU football’s postseason odds? By Robert Bondy and Geoff Preston rbondy@statenews.com, gpreston@statenews.com

The College Football Playoff is months away, but it’s never too early to make predictions. State News football reporters Robert Bondy and Geoff Preston will now embarrass themselves as they try to predict how the committee will decide the fate of college football if the season ended today.

Bondy’s bets

Preston’s Picks

First Semifinal: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 4 Oklahoma Oregon earns the top seed after its big win over MSU last weekend and will face off against the Big 12’s best in Oklahoma. Both teams fit the bill to play in the inaugural College Football Playoff, and it wouldn’t surprise me if they ran the table this season. It would be fun to watch these two high-powered offenses going at it.

First Semifinal: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 4 Oklahoma There hasn’t been a lot of football to go on in making these picks, but if any team has made the case that they are the best in the country, it was Oregon after they handled MSU at home. No. 2 Florida State vs. No. 3 Alabama Alabama is the pick I feel least confident in. It’s pretty easy to get swept up in the early season hype of Georgia dismantling Clemson, but I think the consistency of Alabama and Nick Saban win the SEC. That conference is obviously hard to predict because of the depth, but I think Alabama holds on. Florida State falls to No. 2 because I don’t think they’ll beat a team like MSU they way Oregon did.

No. 2 Florida State vs. No. 3 Georgia Georgia gets the nod over Alabama right now because of their huge, 45-21 season opening win over No. 23 Clemson and the Crimson Tide’s current quarterback situation. This week’s matchup at No. 24 South Carolina will tell us more about the Dawgs and where they stand as a playoff contender. Florida State is Florida State and once again will be one of the best teams in the country if Heisman Trophy-winning sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston stays healthy. Where MSU falls: No. 13 MSU’s College Football Playoff chances took a hit after last week’s 46-27 loss to Oregon. Losing on the road at Autzen Stadium to a top five team is understandable and doesn’t kill the Spartans chances for the season, but a perfect 11-0 record down the stretch is needed for MSU.Even more damaging to MSU was the Big Ten’s showing on Saturday. The league failed to win any of its three marquee games, including No. 22 Ohio State losing at home to Virginia Tech and Michigan getting shut out at No. 11 Notre Dame. With no more big time non-conference games for the league, it’ll be hard for the Big Ten to change its image by the time the selection committee meets in December.

Senior linebacker Mylan Hicks, 6, and sophomore safety Demetrious Cox tackle Oregon defensive back Ifo Ekpre-Olomu on Saturday at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. The Spartans lost to the Ducks, 46-27. PHOTO: JULIA NAGY

If the Big Ten doesn’t improve over the course of the season, MSU’s postseason odds look slim.

For MSU to make the College Football Playoff, a top team has to lose more than once.

Where MSU falls: I believe No. 13 MSU is out of the playoff now, but I don’t think they’ve entirely left the conversation. Winning out would put them at 12-1 and would give them wins against Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State on the road. The problem is that still might not be enough. The Big Ten looks so bad, that wins against good Big Ten teams might not register enough on a national scale to move MSU’s position into the top four. The bottom line is that after an acceptable loss and a poor showing from their Big Ten counterparts, MSU now needs help. If the other power conference champions have one loss, there is no way MSU leap frogs them into the playoff with the perception of the Big Ten being what it is.

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Quick Reads College of Engineering sees largest freshmen class in 28 years

Based on last year’s College of Engineering freshmen class of 1,300, nearly a hundred more students declared an engineering major this year. This is the largest freshmen class in 28 years. Timothy Hinds, the academic director of CoRe in the College of Engineering, said it’s the job market that has influenced students to choose to major in engineering. “We’ve been seeing an increase in most engineering colleges across the country,” Hinds said. “One big reason is the job market is so strong in this field, it’s guaranteed a job.” Hinds teaches the engineering design course, which gives stu-

By Jasmin Rojo jrojo@statenews.com

Classified

dents insight into how to create their own projects. “They work on hands-on projects in teams to develop engineering skills,” Hinds said. Technology over the past few years also has had major influence on incoming freshmen students, said Thomas Wolff, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the College of Engineering. “Everyone is seeing articles in science technology, technical work and other paths in engineering across the nation,” Wolff said. “It’s letting students know about it. After the recession in 2008, more are looking into career paths like engineering or nursing.” There has also been a spike in

increase and bring more women into the field,” Cordes said. “Many families in Michigan are in engineering and I believe the reason women are interested in engineering is because they see it through their families.” Although there won’t be an official count for the incoming freshmen class in engineering for a couple more weeks, Wolff said the numbers so far are promising, because the major and field could use a more diverse range of newcomers. “Engineering is looking for more diversity,” Wolff said. “We need all good engineers, all colors, all ethnicities, who like what they do, and that’s so far been seen this year.”

the number of women enrolling in the College of Engineering, said Judy Cordes, director for MSU’s Women in Engineering program. “More women are looking at it as a new career path,” Cordes said. “Female students are getting more involved and a lot of the news is national to help draw women into the field.” Cordes also said that one of the reasons why the number of women in the field of engineering continues to grow is family influence. “I think women are underrepresented in engineering across colleges in the U.S., and programs such as the Women in Engineering program try to

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BUILDING MAINTENANCE/ Clerical Position Part-time position for Lansing business office, 8:00 am-Noon, M-F. Duties to include mail pickup-sorting-delivery, package delivery, building maintenance, supply inventory-delivery-ordering. Must have reliable personal transportation and building maintenance experience. Send cover letter & resume to: HR Dept., PO Box 950, East Lansing, MI 488260950.

FALL OPENINGS $15.50 base-appt. flex sched. Apply today 517-333-1700 or workforstudents.com

MEDICAL CONSULTING Office is looking for full or part time book keeper. Must be organized, good with Microsoft/data & QuickBooks. If interested, please send your resume to: Faye@homehealthstrategicmanagement.com

2BR pet-friendly apt. $645. Includes heat, water, assigned PKG. AC, Dishw in unit. Comm laundry, swim pool, tennis court. Safe NBHD. Close to MSU, trails, parks. Avail. Sept 25. More info: (202) 531-8963 and http://bit.ly/1qgzIYH

LAKEVIEW APARTMENTS on bus route to MSU. 2 bdrm 1 1/2 bath. 2 bdrm starts at $585! Seconds walk to elementary school. Beautiful view to lrg private lake. 3 swimming pools. 517-339-3303.

3 BEDROOMS for rent in Lansing on west side close to bus route. 450.00 a month in private very good neighborhood. Kitchen and laundry privileges provided. Security protected. Only serious students need apply. Not a party house. Call 517-420-8796

REGISTER NOW for ESL Classes. A+ English Language School is registering for fall classes for the foreign born adults who would like to improve in speaking, listening, writing and grammar. Classes meet Mon-Thurs from 9 am to noon and 12:30-3:30 pm and 5-8 pm Tues and Thurs. Fee for one semester: $250 for am classes and $125 for pm or eve. For more info or to register, come to the Wesley Foundation at 1120 S. Harrison Rd, EL, call (517) 337-8353 or email at gigi.saunders@okemosschools.net. Our website is at okemosschools.net/adulted or on Facebook!

CHILDCARE AIDES, Okemos Kids Club, p/t or f/t, M-F, hrs vary, $8.15/hr. If interested send cover letter, resume and availability to Linda at linda.arens@okemosschools.net CHILDCARE DIRECTOR, Okemos Kids Club, 30 hrs/ wk, $12/hr + benefits. BA in special or elementary education & certified in CPR & first aid req. If interested, send cover letter, resume and official transcripts to Linda at linda.arens@okemosschools.net

GREAT HARVEST Bread Co- Okemos early morn shift avail. Starts at 5 a.m, p/t. Mon-Sat. No exp needed, apply within or call 517347-0022. HIRING COOKS and servers at Reno’s East Sports Bar. Apply in person, 1310 Abbot Road. LANDSCAPE FIRM seeks daytime help. Flex hours. Wage based on exp. 517663-2040. LINE COOK - $13.50 - 15/ hr. exp preferred. apply at Spagnuolo’s restaurant. 662 W. Grand River, Okemos MI. 2 mi east of Meridian Mall. LOOKING FOR part time receptionists/part time porters at Bud Kouts Chevrolet. Apply in person 2801 E. Michigan Ave. 517 374 0900

CLARA’S RESTAURANT now hiring. Apply in person M-F btwn 2-4. 637 E. Mi. Ave. 517-372-7120

LOOKING FOR waitresses and experienced bartenders at local Frandor establishment. Please call Amanda at 517.507.1435 or e-mail vertzamandaa09@ gmail.com

COOKS/SERVERS needed. City Limits East now accepting apps for p/t cooks & servers. Apply in person or call 517-337-7000

LUNCHROOM MONITOR @ Glencairn Elementary. 11:15 am-1:15 pm M-F. $9.95/hr. Contact 517-2304519

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OUTSHINER QUICK Lube & Car Wash looking for enthusiastic, career-minded people for f/t & p/t employment/management. Starting at $9-$14/hr. Email resume to martynlake@gmail.com. PHONE SURVEYS, flexible hrs, up to $9.75/hr, East Michigan Ave location. 4828884. RETAIL SALES Clerk Delphi Glass p/t includes weekends. Apply @ 3380 E. Jolly Rd. 394-4685 or jobs@delphiglass.com The JNL Child Development Center in Okemos is looking for both full and part time support staff to work with children from 6 weeks through 5 years old. Qualified applicants must have a passion for working with young children, an energetic, positive and playful personality and be available to work some or all weeknights until 7pm. Please send resume to cmurphy@cclc.com and we will contact qualified applicants for an interview.

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Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit www.sudoku.org.uk SOLUTION TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE

9/11/14

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ACROSS

1 Wildlife photographs may be a memento of one 7 Visit Overstock.com, say 11 It’s near Miss. 14 Reebok rival 15 Piece of glass 16 “Collages” novelist 17 Triangular chip 18 Zero degrees Celsius, for water 20 Go out with 21 Synthetic rubber, for one 22 Capacity limit 27 Turn down 28 Bathroom fixtures 29 Airline seat pocket item, briefly 30 Word with ball or cup 32 Molar mender’s org. 33 University of Nevada city 34 Pinnacles 38 Not getting it, and, in a different way, what 18-, 22-, 52- and 58-Across are 42 Pound and Poe 43 Bounders 44 Santa __, California 45 Attorney’s thing 47 I-5, for one

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle

48 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics year 49 Abbey recess 52 Moment of change 55 Viruses, worms, etc. 57 Bk. after Ezra 58 Sensitive spot 60 Be unable to stand 63 Squeeze (out) 64 Govt. agent 65 Like most wedding cakes 66 Who __ Nation: New Orleans Saints fans 67 Exists no more 68 Said

DOWN

1 In a funk 2 Stir 3 Diamond corner 4 Parting words 5 Olympic judge, e.g. 6 Equi- kin 7 Beach lotion letters 8 Horn honker of classic comedy 9 Score that often requires overtime 10 Spa treatment 11 Cartoon genre 12 Hotel housekeeping supply 13 Fuming 19 Louisiana music style

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

22 Forever __ 23 TV feed component 24 Hymn ender 25 Cranberry quality 26 Practical joker’s cry 31 Kennel sounds 33 Opposite of set 35 American Airlines Arena team 36 Film composer Morricone 37 Carpet blemish 39 Scatters, as petals 40 “Private Benjamin” star 41 Nestlé ice cream brand 46 Plays chords, in a way 48 Medit. hot spot 49 Unlike rock bands on MTV’s “Unplugged” 50 Insulated jacket 51 Winter fall 53 Aired again 54 Not reactive 56 Wine from Italy 59 Otitis-treating MD 60 Uno y uno 61 Law firm office, perhaps: Abbr. 62 Journalist Koppel

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Sports

Men’s soccer prepares for Valparaiso Today’s game against Valparaiso kicks off a twogame home weekend for the Spartans.

BENNETT BENNETT

By Matthew Argillander margillander@statenews.com

After starting the season 2-0-1, the men’s soccer team will look to improve upon that record with two games this week. The Spartans will take on Valparaiso on Sept. 11, followed by Loyola-Chicago on Sept. 14. “Tough game, (Valparaiso) is undefeated. ... They play on Tuesday so we’ll get them on short rest. ... (They are) very well coached, very well organized, very good on the counter-attack, it’ll be a tough game,” head coach Damon Rensing said, describing Valparaiso before practice on Tuesday. The Crusaders (1-2 overall) have had an interesting beginning to the season with all three of their games going into overtime. The first of which was a 0-0 tie with North Carolina State on Aug. 29. The second was a 0-0 tie with Davidson on Aug. 31, and the most recent was a 2-1 win over Butler yesterday Sept. 10. MSU will be on the edge against this Valparaiso team as they have failed to beat them in two consecutive years.

In 2012 the Spartans played the Crusaders to a 0-0 draw, and in 2013 the team lost to Valparaiso 2-1. "The past two seasons I’ve been here (Valparaiso has) really had our number, so we’re not taking them lightly,” junior goalkeeper Zach Bennett said. “No matter what the rankings are (Valparaiso) is a good team ... they’re going to come out flying, they’ve had two good results with us the past two years, so I don’t think their confidence will be shaken at all. “So I think we really have to come out and try to take it to these guys and set the tone early, because we don’t want to lose or tie to these guys again,” Bennett said. Loyola-Chicago (3-0 overall) will come into the game against the Spartans having defeated Dayton 2-0 on Aug. 30. The Ramblers beat Western Michigan 1-0 on Sept. 5, and they defeated Utah Valley 1-0 on Sept. 7. If the Spartans manage to defeat Valparaiso without giving up a goal, it would set up for a showdown with the Ramblers between two teams that have yet to concede a goal this season.

Freshman defender Jimmy Fiscus battles Florida International midfielder Darren Rios for possession of the ball on Aug. 31, 2014, at DeMartin Soccer Stadium at Old College Field. The Spartans defeated the Panthers, 3-0. PHOTO: RAYMOND WILLIAMS

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“The past two seasons I’ve been here (Valparaiso has) really had our number, so we’re not taking them lightly.” Zach Bennett, Junior goalkeeper