I n depe n de n t
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I LOVE YOU
February 2012
Volume 24
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Boise, Idaho
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Charming gifts for
Valentine’s day Natalie Craig Journalist
Broncos battle to get equal funding for students.
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Whether you have known your sweetheart for years, months or even days, shopping for the perfect Valentine’s Day present on a student budget is always a challenging task. Sure, there are deals and cliché gifts you can always run to at the last minute, but this Valentine’s Day get creative and show your sweetie how much you care.
Birth control
Ten romantic date ideas on a budget
Eva Hart
Opinion Editor
Employers will have to start paying for FDA approved birth control.
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Run Rolo
Rolando Trammel is taking flight for Bronco Track and Field.
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be mine
It would be a dream come true to board a flight to Paris and enjoy the charming city with your boo for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway, but who has that kind of cash? Has your valentine ever wanted to visit Rome, Tokyo or Buenos Aires? Give the best gift by planning a themed date and bring the experience of this city to your sweetheart. Cook the city’s cuisine, decorate and plan activities that feel like the perfect romantic escape. No need for plane tickets on this date making this gift about $50.
Call me
Valentine’s Day is one of the most anticipated days of the year for women everywhere. Women fantasize about this day for months prior to Feb. 14. Normally the men plan this date and more often than not they under plan and disappoint. Maybe it’s not their fault since women aren’t always honest about how important this day is, but no more excuses, men. Here are ten ideas for fun and romantic dates in the Boise area for men with a student’s budget.
1.
For those who like isolation
It’s always nice to have some privacy. A drive up to Table Rock to watch the sunset with a bottle of wine (or sparkling cider for those under 21) and a few blankets. It’s the perfect time to be isolated from the city and have the chance to talk and be together without distractions.
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If your budget is extremely tight this month, take an arts and crafts approach and make a unique gift. Men and women both enjoy a break from household chores, planning date night or receiving a spontaneous massage. Create an “IOU” coupon book filled with free massages, a night off from cleaning, spontaneous date night and dinner-on-me coupons. Personalize the book to match the friendship or relationship by putting certain things you do together or wish you did more often in the book. With the cost under $15, this gift will save you some major cash for those spontaneous date nights and win you some creative points.
For the active couples
Go to Ice World and hold hands while skating around the rink. After that, go to Wahooz and play all the arcade games, laser tag and ride go-carts. Make sure you get enough tickets to get your lady a prize she’ll love.
3.
For the home bodies
Cook a five-course meal with a delicious desert. if cooking is not your strong suit, order in and make it look like you cooked. Clean the house, light tea candles and dress up. Make sure it looks like you put a lot of effort into this or it could seem like you were too lazy to make reservations.
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Tomorrow loves
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Even these simple gifts will charm your main squeeze. surprise your honey with a picture of the two of you in a cool picture frame. Guys, a beautiful necklace, bracelet or ring will always do the trick to make your Valentine blush. Ladies, sure guys don’t wear a lot of jewelry, but a flashy watch may be what your man needs to complete his everyday look. Then, next time he’s checking the time he’ll think about you. These go-to Valentine gifts can cost anywhere from $10 to $100.
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For the fun-loving
Take your girl bowling. it’s a cheap, fun and flirty sport and Bowling doesn’t get any cheaper than at the Student Union Building. after you play a couple rounds bring her over to the pool tables and teach her how to play pool. Afterward grab a late night bite at a nearby restaurant.
5.
Gift baskets can be a fun way to include everything you want to give your valentine. They can be themed or put together with a variety of trinkets. either way, it’s like a mini Christmas in February and who wouldn’t love that? For men, put together a gift basket full of his favorite treats, XBOX games or some cute boxers you’ll both be sure to get a laugh out of. For women, design a basket with her favorite candies, jewelry, books, fuzzy socks or gift cards to her favorite stores and offer to spend the day shopping with her. These bundles of joy can range anywhere from $50 to $100.
For the adventurous couples
Blindfold your date and take a drive beyond the city to an area with open fields. pull over to the side of the road, set up a picnic and play some music. Take her blindfold off and ask her to dance with you. Make sure she is dressed warm for this date. If you don’t have access to a car, the quad would be a fun alternative.
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February 09, 2011
World
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Iran claims West is waging Bill to help students graduate in 2 years ‘psychological warfare’ TEHRAN, IRAN — Iranian officials called the latest economic sanctions by the United States “psychological warfare” and asserted they are open to meaningful and sincere talks on their nuclear program. On Monday, President Barack Obama ordered additional economic sanctions,
blocking property and interest on property owned by the Iranian government. The central Iranian bank and all other Iranian financial institutions were also blocked by this order. The International Atomic Energy Agency has scheduled a trip back to Tehran for further
talks. The Viennabased agency released a statement saying they would be returning to Tehran on Feb. 20, for a twoday visit according to Bloomberg. This is a follow-up to their earlier visit in January, which was considered a success. It is unknown how this visit will affect the sanctions.
Greek government misses debt consolidation deadline again A T H E N S , GREECE — Athens missed a deadline for the second aid package necessary to shore up their government. Prime Minister Lucas Papademos is scheduled to have a meeting with the chiefs of the political parties supporting
his caretaker government, due to this missed deadline. This multi-billion dollar rescue package has been on the table since July. Days ago it was still being modified by Papademos and a troika (trio) composed of the European Commission, the
European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Greece faces a 14.5 billion euro bond coming due on March 20. Officials warned earlier this week “time is running out” to reach an accord, according to Bloomberg News.
National
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals strikes down gay marriage ban CALIFORNIA — For the first time, a court decided a state had no legal right to ban same-sex marriages. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down Proposition 8 on Tuesday. Proposition 8 was passed in an open election in 2008 and defined marriage as between a man and a woman in the state of California. Supporters plan to appeal the
E ditor - in -C hief
decision, bringing the same-sex marriage issue closer to the U.S. Supreme Court. The decision was not unanimous, with one dissenting vote from N. Randy Smith, according to Mercury News. The ruling focused on the California situation and was careful to avoid making any statements which could be interpreted to refer to other states.
summer. Thayn believes the appeal of the plan is to save the students anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 on education. He acknowledges some students are already doing this through AP and other similar courses, but wants more students to be able to take advantage of this type of opportunity, according to KTVB. The bill should be up for consideration in the House later this week.
WTF
How the tree killed the rabbit, solved! BOISE, IDAHO --Boise State researchers discovered why the chemical defenses of the birch, a tree common in North America, are poisonous to the snowshoe hare. It was well-documented the birch tree was toxic to snowshoe hares and other herbivores, but the exact manner of the toxicity wasn’t known. This study focuses on the effects of birch on snowshoe hares. An enzyme contained in birch apparently inhibits energy production. This re-
sults in the inhibition of general functions of the rabbit (or herbivore, but again, the real mystery was rabbits) leading to the rabbits avoiding eating the birch plant. The findings are intended to help with conservation and management of wildlife and animals by more carefully determining the interaction of various organisms in the food chain. The study is being published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology and is already available online.
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BOISE, IDAHO — Representative Steven Thayn of Emmett presented a plan called “8 in 6,” designed to help students graduate from high school and college in six years, instead of eight. The proposed program would provide funding for 10 percent of high school students to complete two years of collegelevel course work while in high school. Thayn’s plan would probably require students to take classes online and in
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ACROSS 1 Honda Insight, e.g. 7 Like some mus. keys 10 Bale filler 13 2000s New Hampshire senator John 14 Be up against 16 Roth of “Inglourious Basterds” 17 Where pros play 19 Vital statistic 20 Actress Kudrow 21 Word with the 57Across in 10Down 23 Woolen caps 26 “This American Life” host Glass 28 Like some silverware 29 Prefix with meter 30 Lists of priors 32 Man of the cloth 34 Mean mutt 35 She, at sea 38 En route to the mechanic 39 Permit 40 Twangy guitarist Eddy 41 Word with the 57Across in 25Down 42 In great shape 43 Spot on a horse 44 Signed up 47 Hear here 48 Wish 50 Cleveland pro, for short 51 Dreyer’s brand, east of the Rockies 52 Olympics participant 54 Far from fatty 56 Actress Charlotte 57 Night sky feature, and hint to a fourletter sequence hidden in 17Across and 10and 25-Down 62 Short, for short 63 Dry run 64 Peter of “My Favorite Year” 65 100% 66 Dallas opening? 67 Stout
DOWN 1 Dallas closing? 2 Trophy, often 3 “Dear Yoko” dedicatee 4 Home perm features 5 One opposed 6 Word with the 57Across in 17Across 7 Scratch 8 Ill-fated brother 9 Gin flavoring 10 Like most valentines 11 Aquarium gunk 12 Right-of-way sign 15 Put on ice 18 Org. promoted by Betty White 22 Relishes, as gossip 23 Talking point 24 Hersey’s bell town 25 Ammo for a simple cannon 27 Buddhist monk, e.g. 30 Steinbeck’s “Cannery __” 31 Marching syllable 33 It shines on the Seine
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49 Net sales? 51 Belgian avantgarde painter James 53 Facility 55 Mercury or Saturn, e.g. 58 GPS offering 59 One of the small fry 60 Bent piece 61 Juan Carlos, to his subjects
The Future BY LINDA C. BLACK Tribune Media Services
Today’s Birthday (02/09/12) Go ahead and get excited! You’re living the good life right now. You’re learning and surrounded by interesting projects. Participate, and play as you improve. Keep finances organized, and your career advances. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.
Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8 - Meet an interesting new person. Take advantage of your incredible magnetism today to win someone’s heart.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is an 8 - Define your desires locally. Charm your clients with an emotive presentation. Break through a barrier to exceed expectations.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is an 8 - A lucky discovery brings sought-after information. Friends have all kinds of great information, and new opportunities develop.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Today is a 9 - Change could be coming down the road. You have a firm hand on the reins. This could get expensive. Reassess your assets.
Jessica Swider onlineeditor@ arbiteronline.com
2/9/12 Monday’s Puzzle Solved Wednesday’s Puzzle Solved
By Don Gagliardo and C.C. Burnikel
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FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 9, 2012
Today is a 7 - Learn what you need to from someone with experience. Promising ideas get presented. A message of love arrives from afar.
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Crossword
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 9 - Your capacity to dream is your power tool today. Make it happen. Feeling at ease and in charge of your life makes you quite attractive. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 7 - Look past storm clouds to see the rainbow. When you put it in perspective, it’s manageable. Send your energy in the right direction. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7 - Ask what you can do for your community, and then act on it. Your willingness to help others is sexy. Friends are there for you, too.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7 - Take a long trip with a loved one and learn something new about yourselves. Don’t spend more than you budget. Deepen a connection.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 7 - Put your energy into your relationship, whether it’s an adventuresome getaway or just a night at home around the fire.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 9 - Bring love into your work, and gain more than expected. Your advances in just about any endeavor will be warmly encouraged.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8 - You can go for what you believe in, especially with the help of a friend. You have more support than you know.
___ (c) 2012, Tribune Media Services Inc.
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Students get involved in funding issue Cheyenne Perry Journalist
Has this semester brought frustrations from an inability to get into necessary classes? Some of the blame can be placed on inequitable funding. This is a potential problem for Boise State students, yet campus awareness remains minimal. Inequitable funding refers to the idea that Boise State students do not receive as much money as other Idaho students. This issue was first presented to Boise State students through the organizations “2/3” and “Give Broncos what they’re worth.” The three Idaho institutions compared to Boise State in this issue are Lewis Clark State College, University of Idaho and Idaho State University. In 2011, each Boise State student received $2,217 in funding, while the highest funded university student in Idaho received $3,395. According to Emily Walton, Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) secretary of external communications, Boise State students receive 65 percent of what other Idaho students receive. Without the additional funding, Boise State doesn’t have the recources to offer and support additional classes.
This creates issues as students near graduation, but haven’t been able to fulfill the required credits and classes to receive their degrees. As a result, they will spend more money and more time in college than necessary. ASBSU shed light on the funding problem, and plans to continue their efforts. In February of last year, ASBSU issued a press release committing to focus on this problem.
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ASBSU is planning to start a campaign to inform students about this issue. The campaign will make students aware of the general idea, as well as the “nittygritty” details affiliated with the funding problem. After educating students, ASBSU hopes to have them discuss the funding problem directly with legislators. ASBSU sees this as an opportunity instigate change.
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Part II: The First of Many Cameron learned a lot from Collin, mostly undesired information about excessive drinking, drugs and pornography. Although they shared a love for the sport of fornication, something set their friendship apart—a genuine depravity that couldn’t be tamed. Countless nights were spent carrying each other home and leaning on the walls and door frames of forgotten lodgings. When they walked into a room, girls would double back and throw themselves wildly at their inebriation, never failing to leave an impression on the dynamic duo. Together they were absent-minded glory, reveling in debauchery and faulty judgment. “Attention everyone,” Cameron slurred loudly from atop his chair. “Raise your hand if you give a fuck,” a command that drew mostly worried silence. From that throne built exclusively on narcissism and cigarette burns he was captivating as focused his gaze on a blonde who feared not the repercussions of probable coitus. Stumbling down from his kingdom into the taut shoulders of Cameron he flexed that smile like the rod in his pants. “Consensus says no one gives a fuck.” While living as the Romans did, Cameron was torn. Shy and a little hung up, he didn’t consume like his other half who seemed to come into his own with every ounce of PBR. No matter how many ship wrecks and spirits he plagued himself with it was never enough to get her off of his mind. “When will you realize that she’s the worst thing for you?” groaned Collin, whiskey in hand. “Look at us, we’re Batman and Robin; why have one when you can have one hundred?” All that followed this recurring conversation were a series of glances, spoken wide-eyed through flared nostrils. The only remedy was liquid; case after case of self-sabotage and all-night pizza places. By the time their wells were dry the skeletons pieced themselves back together in the hum of the autumn lights, lending recollection to abandon. “I love you man,” an admission of guilt that like the night before was never spoken of again.
The best … entity situated to fix this issue are students because when administrators or professors do it, it just looks self-serving. —Emliy Walton
Since then, ASBSU has been working to recruit students as well as contact lawmakers. They sent an email to all students regarding the funding issue in December and received feedback from students eager to help. Walton has played a vital role in raising awareness of this issue for students and legislators. She said she believes students are the key to making changes. “The best … entity situated to fix this issue are students because when administrators or professors do it, it just looks self-serving,” Walton said.
Events like the Day at the Capitol have provided opportunities for students to bring the topic up directly to legislators. ASBSU has also written a letter to lawmakers informing them of the student organization’s “legislative focus” and a thank-you note in response to the Capitol event. Walton has also personally met with legislators and the State Board of Education to bring up the topic. This increase in awareness has prompted many Boise State students to take action. Outside of ASBSU, approxi-
mately 100 students are actively participating in this movement. One of these students is sophomore Jace Whitaker majoring in criminal justice. Whitaker was informed of the funding issue through ASBSU and decided to get involved. “I think it’s the duty of a student to always be involved in their school,” Whitaker said. Whitaker expressed why students should care about the funding issue and take steps to make changes. “These students pay taxes, their parents pay taxes and it’s not fair that they don’t receive the same funding, the same equitable funding, that other public schools do,” Whitaker said. Whitaker stressed the importance of campus awareness and having students carry on what ASBSU has begun. With ASBSU elections coming up, a possibility of the issue losing power and importance arises. Both Walton and Whitaker emphasize the need for students to take up the cause themselves and ensure they receive equal funding and open classes. To get more information, or find out how to get involved, contact ASBSU at asbsu@boisestate.edu or Emily Walton at emilywalton@u.boisestate.edu.
Garden City bike ban survives ruling Amy Merrill
Assistant News Editor
A ruling was made on Friday, concerning the bike ban in Garden City. The judge ruled in favor of Garden City saying the Citizens for an Open Greenbelt (COG) did not have standing. Judge Cheri Copsey said without COG suffering “particularized harm,” they cannot bring a lawsuit against Garden City. Judge Copsey did not make a ruling regarding the issue of bikes on the greenbelt in the 1.5 mile section near the Riverside Village subdivision. This ruling is directly related to a larger issue concerning an agreement made in 1980. A small summary of the
agreement as stated directly in the regular agenda of the State Board of Land Commissioners dated July 29, 1996 reads, “The developers would build at their expense a public greenbelt and park area on State and private land adjacent to the Boise River from the Glenwood Bridge along the length of the development. The developer agreed to build a bike path, lakes, pedestrian bridges and a parking lot in the east part of the area. Some of the land was to be part of a public road.” In 1994 the state filed a lawsuit against Idaho Forest Industries and Evans Bros. Construction for not meeting the terms of the 1980’s agreement. A settlement was reached
in 1996, however, in 1997 a curious thing happened when Garden City adopted a Greenbelt master plan. The plan showed the pathway marked as a walking path near the Riverside Village subdivision. This is in violation of the 1980’s agreement and the settlement reached the previous year, according to COG. Finally in 2007 an ordinance was passed prohibiting bicycle riding on the pathway near the Riverside Village subdivision. Then, the involvement of John Evans made matters substantially more curious. Evans is the current mayor of Garden City and additionally is one of the ‘brothers’ mentioned in Evan Bros.
Construction Company— the same company that built the Riverside Village subdivision. While this matter certainly is messy with more angles than a hexagon the Land
Board stated in 2008 that the matter is local and should remain so and be solved within the city. The fight determining the use of the greenbelt is far from over and COG still plans to look at other options as this issue continues to boil at high heat.
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The 500-year flood Stephen Percy Journalist
SAVANNAH IRVING/THE ARBITER
If the river floods, it is unlikely it would have a dramatic effect on campus.
It is likely the area that is currently Boise State campus will at some point be inundated by floodwater. However, you should not panic nor should you feel obligated to begin carrying a survival raft in your backpack. According to Rob Littrell, Boise State’s emergency management planner, it could be thousands of years before a flood large enough to impact the campus occurs and if it happens in your lifetime there should be plenty of warning. There are many agencies actively monitoring reservoir levels, river flows, snowpack and weather patterns in order to predict flooding events. Additionally, three major reservoirs upstream from the city regulate the amount of water released into the Boise River. However, in a major flooding event it would be possible for the reservoirs’ capacities to be overwhelmed. According to state floodplain coordinator, Mary McGown, Ph.D., there are two main classifications for major floods— one percent annual chance (100-year) floods and 0.2
Where the heck does tuition money go? Lauren Jacob Journalist
As tuition continues to rise, it may leave you thinking, “Where on Earth does my money go?” It’s broken up among many things, but $4.50 of every full-time student’s tuition money and 50 cents of every part-time student’s tuition money goes toward Student Diversity and Inclu-
sion. Under the umbrella of Student Diversity and Inclusion are the Disability Resource Center, International Student Services, Multicultural Student Services, The Women’s Center, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Ally (LGBTQIA) and the MLK Living Legacy. The majority of the money, $3 of it to be ex-
act, goes toward the salary of the Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion, Francisco Salinas. “The world that students face is different than the world they faced five years ago,” Salinas said. “We need to be responsive to it and we need to hear from students.” Salinas said because his salary is paid completely by students, he feels his biggest responsibility is to them.
Exposing students to interaction with each other is important to him. He said domestic and international students can learn a lot about each other and themselves from talking to each other. International Student Services (ISS) receives 25 cents from the tuition funds. Each quarter given to ISS goes toward events for internation-
percent annual chance (500-year) floods. In the case of the Boise River, this means on any given year, there is a one percent chance water will flow under the Glenwood Bridge at a rate of 16,600 cubic feet per second (cfs) and a 0.2 percent chance that it will flow at a rate of 34,800 cfs. For reference, in the spring of 2011, when the river was at its highest, it was running around 7,000 cfs. Based on projected floodplain maps, it is believed a one percent annual chance flood would have little effect on campus. The floodplain map shows the zone of inundation narrowing dramatically in the area between Capitol Boulevard and Broadway Avenue. According to Littrell, the river channel along this stretch was dredged in the past which increased the channel’s capacity. Furthermore, the greenbelt behind campus sits atop an old levy that was constructed when Boise’s airport was located in the area that is now Bronco Stadium. In the event of a 0.2 percent annual chance (500year) flood, Boise State, along with much of the city, would be inundated
by floodwater causing an estimated $2.16 trillion in damage. “We want people to be prepared for flooding,” Littrell said. He noted that it applies to more than just students who live on campus. According to a flood preparation and safety document published by the National Flood Insurance Program, “More people drown in their cars than anywhere else during a flood.” In any type of natural disaster, students should check with the university before attempting to go to classes. Students can feel secure knowing they have people such as Littrell working to keep them safe. Littrell urges students to sign up for Opt-In, Boise State’s emergency mass notification system, which will send students timely emergency alerts via phone call or text message. Students can sign up by accessing their BroncoWeb homepage and following instructions under the “Opt-In Emergency Alert” tab. Further questions can be directed to Boise State’s Office of Risk Management and Insurance at emergencymanagement. boisestate.edu.
al and domestic students. There are three main things it funds—their weekly coffee and conversation held in the Student Union Building every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., a Thanksgiving dinner held every year for international and domestic students and student day trips during which students can interact outside of school. “It really helps,” said Merrilou Burris, management assistant of ISS. “We can have programs we wouldn’t be able to without the fund-
ing we receive from tuition.” Another 50 cents goes to the Multicultural Student Services which puts on events such as the Tunnel of Oppression held last fall. The Women’s Center receives 30 cents, much of which helps pay student salaries for peer educators. The process of getting funding from tuition isn’t a simple one. If any student wants to be a part of the process, there is a student fee hearing on Feb. 22, where anyone can petition ahead of time to speak.
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Paying for stem cells is a bad idea MCT Campus
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Polls show Obama’s plan for coverage of FDA-approved birth control by employers is widely supported by American women.
Birth control changes popular MCT Campus
It should be hard to dispute a health policy that has solid science and overwhelming public opinion behind it. That doesn’t mean Catholic bishops and antiabortion advocates won’t try. These and other conservative critics claim that the Obama administration overstepped by requiring most workplaces to offer free birth-control medical insurance coverage to their employees. But make no mistake: The Jan. 20 announcement by Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that, starting
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this summer, employers must pay for coverage of “all FDA-approved forms of contraception” was the right thing to do. This important preventive-care provision of health-care reform means that the near universal use of birth control by women, including Catholics, for the first time will be assured by law. The policy will have far-reaching health, economic and social benefits, perhaps even helping to reduce the number of abortions. When the federal Institute of Medicine last summer recommended that HHS assure access to af-
VOICES}
fordable birth control, it noted that half of all pregnancies are unplanned and that more than a third of these end in abortion. Since unplanned pregnancies sometimes result in delayed prenatal care, or risky behaviors such as smoking and drinking, the agency said there’s an added risk of premature and low-weight births, and these infants are less likely to get the benefits of being breast-fed. For a woman whose pregnancy results in becoming a single parent, the economic challenges of rearing a child are welldocumented, along with heated debate over wheth-
er their kids fare less well. So, wider access to birth control drugs without additional insurance co-pays could mean the nation does a better job of reducing unplanned pregnancies, and the drugs also aid in treating other women’s reproductive conditions and other health concerns. Despite the vocal critics, the policy promises to be overwhelmingly popular, with polls showing that three-quarters of American women, including Catholics, support birth-control coverage. That said, the ruling will require some workplaces notably church-run hospitals, charities, and schools
to provide birth-control coverage that they may not provide now on ideological grounds. But the Obama administration rightly concluded that employees at these institutions who do not share that view shouldn’t be denied this health service. The ruling preserves carefully the right of churches and church associations to use an exemption from the mandate. But the hope is that few will do so, since the benefits of careful family planning to their female employees are undisputed. And with or without paid coverage, the use of contraception will continue to be mainstream.
Students respond to last issue’s story, ‘Selling yourself’
What do you think about people selling their blood, plasma, sperm or eggs?
Shandra Naegle
Spencer Parker
Spencer Parker
Senior communication and marketing major: I wouldn’t consider eggs. I don’t want to have kids running around out there somewhere. I think it is a personal decision and everyone makes their own choices.
Junior marketing major: I have heard of people donating eggs but I don’t think I would. I just don’t want kids of my own that I don’t know out in the world. There are plenty of kids that need to be adopted.
Freshman pre-med major: It’s a personal choice. I feel if they want to do that for money than they can. If it is for extra money, then why not?
Online Read more student voices online
The Arbiter cannot verify the accuracy of statements made in guest submissions. Opinions expressed by guest and staff colum-
Victoria Huffstetler
Kyle Grigsby
Freshman social work major: There are people who need plasma for certain medical conditions, so if they don’t have it then why not give it if you have extra? I think if I met somebody who couldn’t have a child that would probably make me want to donate eggs, but besides that probably not.
Sophomore English major: It is better if you are doing it for a higher purpose of helping someone have a child rather than trying to make money. I feel our bodies were given to us not to make profit quite so much, but I think if you do it for a good reason then that is really cool. nists reflect the diversity of opinion in the academic community and often will be controversial, but they do not represent the institution-
al opinion of The Arbiter or any organization the author may be affiliated with unless it is labeled as such. The Arbiter cannot guarantee
submissions will make it to print due to time and space constraints. The content of the opinion does not affect its eligibility to be printed.
Online
Like blood and plasma, stem cells are usually obtained through an easy procedure, and the people who donate them quickly generate more. But in other ways, they’re markedly different. There might be only one or two potential donors who are a good match for a patient in need of stem cells. That means donors who are less than entirely altruistic are in a good position to demand thousands of dollars for their stem cells, which would make the lifesaving transplant, sometimes used in the treatment of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases, available mainly to the rich. The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals should have taken that into consideration before issuing a confusing ruling: that although bone marrow is covered by a federal ban on compensation for donations, the stem cells from bone marrow are not. In other words, donors could be paid if the stem cells were extracted from the blood but not directly from bone marrow. The latter is less common but usually a necessity for donations to children. This ruling harms the world of stem cell donation more than it helps it. The National Marrow Donor Program, which keeps the only registry of potential marrow donors in the United States, says it will continue its practice of not paying for stem cells. Looking at what has happened with the sale of blood and plasma makes it clear why. Sellers of plasma are 100 times more likely than donors to have, and deny, a medical condition that could potentially endanger the recipient (although plasma can be sterilized, unlike blood or stem cells). Payment for blood is legal but almost unheard of because of the greater risk. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires paid-for blood to be labeled as such, and most hospitals will not use it. In addition, allowing payment would make the U.S. a rogue nation under international standards; stem cell registries abroad would cut off access for American patients. About 1,200 donations a year to Americans come from abroad, almost a quarter of all donations from non-relatives. The intentions of those who want to allow compensation are good; they believe it will encourage more people to join the national registry. But the registry already has 9 million donors and is adding 500,000 each year. The problem isn’t finding volunteers, registry officials say, but that there is too little funding for the necessary genetic testing. And the far more common reason more patients don’t get needed transplants isn’t lack of a match; it’s lack of money or health insurance to pay for it. As a result of the 9th Circuit’s decision, the donor program can’t stop others from offering money, but it can include wording on the standard release donors sign signaling they agree not to accept any payment. The FDA, meanwhile, should place the same labeling rules on stem cells as on blood. The ability to save a life is a great motivator for donors, and the recipients are better off if things are kept that way.
Read unprinted opinions online.
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Sports
February 09, 2012
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x x x x x x The Game
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o f G ar ret s o n o o o
Sportsball One satiric leap for womankind
Three women, whose collective knowledge and past interest in athletics amounts to little more than enjoying free tickets to the fancy seats and faking an interest to impress those with a Y chromosome, began a mission to find out what the real appeal of “sportsball” was all about. This is their story.
Lindsey Hileman, Haley Robinson & Tasha Adams Arbiter Staff
A blonde, brunette and a redhead walk into a basketball game. Sound like a joke? For the most part, it’s not. There are many types of women who attend sporting events: The girls who are scoping out men—easily spotted by their short dresses and non-Bronco related attire. These women often leave before the game is over once they realize that unless they are a sweaty dude in uniform, they are of little interest to the men in the audience. Other women come with their boyfriends—they are the ones sitting on their iPhones playing Words With Friends and looking startled when the crowd makes noise. Then there are the real sports fans. These women are fixated on the game from start to finish, shouting things at the players and often getting so worked up that they stand up and leap about. And then there were three women from The Arbiter, sitting there for some weird social experiment. We are three girls who lump all athletics into a group deemed “sportsball,” much to the chagrin of Wyatt, the sports editor. We accepted the challenge to cover a sporting event to prove our point-of-view was worth representing. Basketball was our first assignment. We circumvented the entire arena in search of the entrance to the student section, a place completely foreign to us. Confronted with multiple seating options, we froze and wondered where the hell to go. High heels proved a handicap when ascending the awkwardly spaced stairs of Taco Bell Arena. “Hmmm, yes—our uniforms are far superior to theirs,” Lindsey noted pensively as we took our seats. After we settled in, each of us took turns wondering aloud, “Who are we playing again?” Once it was established we were playing New Mexico, we were then confronted with a new quandary—What the hell is a lobo?
Five minutes and two smartphones later, we understood it to be, as Lindsey said, “some kind of dog.” Haley then grappled (sports pun intended) with the concept of the scoring system in “orange sportsball.” Lindsey and Tasha took turns adding in their scraps of collected sports knowledge. “All I know is you get two points for most baskets and three points for far-back shots,” Lindsey said, impressed with her own memory. “And a free throw is from the line when nobody else is playing,” Tasha added confidently. Haley demanded to know how the other two had gained their knowledge of orange sportsball—did they do preliminary research without her? “I’ve had to fake an interest in sports for the sake of relationships,” Lindsey said. “You pick these things up.” “Oooooooh, look at that classy man with a nice Coach diaper bag,” Haley interjected, happy to find something familiar in this land of the unknown. Perhaps this was a lost cause after all. We focused our attention back on the court. We weren’t sure what was good, but we definitely knew what was bad. “IDIOT!” Lindsey shouted as a “red player” threw the ball into the shot clock. (Celebrations ensued after every correct use of a sports term—see “shot clock.”) Even though we were clearly getting the hang of it, there was a moment of collective panic when we realized we might actually be solely responsible for The Arbiter’s coverage of this event. Our anxiety was appeased when we spotted Assistant Sports Editor Nikki Hanson—knowing that at least one knowledgeable sports journalist was at the game. The more we watched the game, the more questions we had. Why were they putting chairs in the middle of the court for their time-outs? “What ever happened to a good old-fashioned huddle?” Lindsey wondered. Why were they touching the bottoms of
their shoes so much? “They lick their hands and then slap their shoes so they can get traction,” Tasha explained, wisely. To which Haley replied, “That’s the most disgusting sportsball practice I’ve ever heard of.” Exhausted from our endless inquiries, we decided the sportsball experience would not be complete without artery-clogging snacks. Ten dollars later, we were cheating on our diets, diving our matching-manicured hands in and out of the nacho container. “Stupid sports cheese,” Lindsey grumbled as the questionable yellow sauce dripped onto her jeans. She attempted to scrub the spot off her leg when the crowd erupted in applause at the basketball game. She looked up quickly and joined in the shouts of protest with her own colorful expletives: “HA! Suck it!” and “Take that!” Perhaps the greatest lesson learned was that, even for the clueless first-timer, getting involved in a sports game is easy. Convenient signs and billboards tell the audience what to do. There was some confusion as to what role “D-gate” played in the game until we heard those around us shouting “Defense!” Even the songs were helpful, indicating when to “clap your hands,” “jump around” and “put your hands up in the air.” Tasha was, as always, elated about the dancing, especially after spotting a Napoleon Dynamite look-alike proudly working on his moves in the stands. Though the Broncos suffered a sad defeat losing to the “red dogs” 49-65, a score impressively retained by only Tasha, the experience of rallying for our fellow Broncos and staying until the clock hit 00:00 (outlasting many fair-weather fans) made us proud of our dedication. We may have entered the arena as little more than a punchline to a joke that began in a newsroom meeting, but we discovered without the pressures of boyfriends or the distractions of booze, our first experience as three friends going to a basketball game was quite enjoyable.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Value John Garretson Online Sports Editor
It just keeps getting more ... interesting. On Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Joe Schad, the University of Memphis Tigers will be the newest addition to the Big East Conference in all sports, beginning in 2013. It’s like the NCAA is trying too hard to keep the “excitement” up in the off season with a move like this. Cue Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family” or if you’re not feeling too hot on the addition, pop in the Backstreet Boy’s “I Want It That Way,” because it might be nothin’ but a mistake. I hope I’m not losing credibility here. Let’s move on. This conference shift for the Tigers is a monumental one for the university, making the great stride into an automatic qualifier and the fourth conference move in school history. However, two of the conferences it’s been a part of, The Great Midwest Conference and the Metro Conference, have been dissolved and its current conference, Conference-USA, is about to merge with the Mountain West. So hopefully, the Tigers do not bring any bad omens in their baggage to the Big East. The big question, however, is what does this transaction mean for the Big East? And more specifically, for Boise State, especially with the AQ status for the Big East expiring in 2014. In terms of football, which Bronco fans deem as the only relevance to the move, it does not add any firepower to an already depleted conference. Let’s just say Derrick Rose is not suiting up and walking out on the turf for the Tigers. Sports Illustrated college football writer Stewart Mandel tweeted (yes, tweeted) it best when discussing Memphis’ football credibility. @slmandel: “Memphis’ BCS ranking (CollegeBCS.com) past 4 years: 115, 114, 112, 96. Enjoy, Big East.”
See Crouching Tiger I page 7
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Crouching Tiger [Sports page 6] With the departures of West Virginia to the Big 12 and Syracuse and Pittsburgh to the ACC, Boise State’s hopes for quality competition are through Southern Methodist, San Diego State, and Houston, and that’s if they perform to their potential. In all likelihood, the Big East is enjoying its last few years of AQ status before it hits the 2014 iceberg. On the flip side, it’s an interesting—and advantageous—move in terms of basketball for the conference. Memphis has been a mid-major threat for a while, and recently since John Calipari took the coaching realms from 2006 to 2009, and even reached the NCAA championship in 2008. The Big East, known for its powerhouse basketball schools, could technically have a 20 team league for 2013 (that’s if those departures previously stated get delayed) and take gold for top college basketball confernece. I must say, though, this conference jump for Memphis stabs UNLV and New Mexico in the back for the Mountain West/Conference-USA merger. The two universities believed the Tigers would be sticking around for the uber-conference and would create a legitimate basketball conference. With that dream crushed, it wouldn’t be surprising if some of the schools start backing out of the MWC-USA. Welcome to the Big East, Memphis, and we on the football end of the spectrum hope you prove to be worthy competitors.
The Arbiter
Februrary 09, 2012
7
Everyday I’m hustlin’ Cody Finney Photo Editor
“All I am is because of Him, All I’m not is because of me.” These are the words that drive a humble Rolando Trammel, more commonly known as Rolo, to be the best man he can be on a daily basis. As one of the Boise State Track team’s star athletes, Rolo participates in the long jump, triple jump, high jump, 60-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles and all other sprinting events. This veteran track star holds a personal record of 7.96 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles. Trammel takes pride in his ability to hurdle because he is a “short hurdler.” Additionally, having hurdled since he was a junior at Highland High School (Albuquerque), the
Engel’s Angle
4 NBA teams in need of a change John Engel Journalist
With the shortened 66game season nearing the halfway point in 2012, many NBA teams will be in need of new talent before the March 15 trade deadline. Key additions can transform a team from a playoff participant to a playoff contender, and league GM’s will stop at nothing to achieve their team’s championship aspirations. Highlighted are four NBA teams in dire need of trades.
60-meter hurdles is his favorite event. One of Trammel’s most memorable moments at Boise State was when teammates Karrie Butler, Paul Robertson, Manoah Wesson, and himself broke the indoor-track record in the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 3:12.74 seconds during the 2011 season. Currently that record is still held by those four. Motivated by all his coaches, Trammel made mention of Coach Dick saying, “He just comes out to the indoor and helps us, he’s one of the most motivated guys out there.” Aside from motivation from his coaches, Trammel uses another secret weapon to get work done. “Candy is the most motivation during a track meet,” said Trammel. “I just pop a couple
of Skittles and I’m good.” Trammel may be a tremendous contributor to the Bronco track program, but he wants to play for the football team as well. Being a Hall of Fame player in Albuquerque as a receiver, quarterback, running back, football is not foreign to him. Ten years from now Trammel would like to be coaching in a college program. The upcoming NCAA D-I Indoor Championships March 9-10may slightly rattle the nerves of Trammel; however, 60-meter hurdles and 4x400-meter relay hold promise for not only Trammel but the Boise State Track Team. Raised by his mother and on a mission to be the best he can be, Rolando “Rolo” Trammel has and will continue to just keep hustlin’.
4. Boston Celtics (13-10) In a season that includes multiple back-to-back and back-to-back-to-back contests, endurance will be key to any championship contender. That being said, the Big 3—Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce—of the Boston Celtics are at a major disadvantage. The aging all-stars are averaging more minutes played than their last three seasons in Boston, and General Manager Danny Ainge has expressed that he isn’t against trading the veterans. Though an overhaul may hurt the Celtics’ championship chances, the additions of Mickael Pietrus (G/F) and Brandon Bass (PF/C) will not be enough to lift the productivity of the current roster. The acquisition of young post players like Utah’s Paul Milsap or Enes Kanter would add much-needed relief to Bass and Garnett. Milsap is only under contract through
the 2013-14 season and will see league-wide interest during free agency. 3. New York Knicks (10-15) After spending unheralded amounts of money on free agent Amare Stoudemire last offseason and Carmelo Anthony following a trade last February, the woes of the New York Knicks had apparently been washed away. However, through 25 games, the Knicks are as comfortable as Newt Gingrich at a gay pride parade. Neither Melo nor Stoudemire are willing to play the sidekick in the Knicks’ offensive scheme, and New York still lacks stable front man. Though the Nuggets lost their most talented player in franchise history last season, they are benefiting far more from the 2011 transaction that sent Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton and Timofey Mozgov to Denver. The only way the Knicks
Rolando “Rolo” Trammel Year: Junior Age: 21 Major: Communication Hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
will compete in the weaker Eastern Conference is with the acquisition of a true point guard or the trading of one of their two superstars. 2. Orlando Magic (15-10) Despite the eventual departure of unstoppable center Dwight Howard, there has never been a better time to be Magic fan. Howard, who is regarded as the most dynamic postman in the NBA, will become a free agent after next season. By trading “Superman,” the Magic would free up nearly $20 million next season, while adding strong talent to build for the future. Orlando made the catastrophic decision to trade for convicted point guard Gilbert Arenas last season, but were able to erase his contract from payroll with the newly added amnesty clause in the NBA. Now, the Magic have plenty of spending cash and one the leagues most prized possessions as trade bait.
Squat: 365 Lbs. Bench: 260 Lbs. Favorite Movies: “Without Limits” and “Ali” Artist: YMCMB
1. Los Angeles Lakers (14-11) Where do you start with the Los Angeles Lakers? Not only is Kobe Bryant recovering from a torn ligament in his shooting hand, but General Manager Mitch Kupchak was unable to acquire Chris Paul last offseason. Then Kupchak traded Sixth Man of the Year Lamar Odom to the Mavericks for the equivalent of a Laffy Taffy. Posts Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol are the Lakers’ only real trade options, though Los Angeles will do anything to hold on to Bynum, who is only 24 years old. Throughout the young 2011-12 season, Bryant has proven that he can no longer bail the Lakers out with wild shooting against strong Western Conference teams. The phrase “rebuilding year” is being associated with the Lakers for the first time in over a decade, while Kupchak slowly prepares his resignation.
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Sports
February 09, 2012
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Little man fills big skates Dan Miller
Courtesy to The Arbiter
Jacob Cepis joined the Idaho Steelheads in 2011, shortly after a college career with Bowling Green University and the University of Minnesota. At 24 years old, Cepis has already made a large impact with the Steelheads. Having played in 40 of the 45 games this season, Cepis is also one of the most reliable members of the Steelheads and is the leading goal scorer halfway through the 2011-12 season. Parma, Ohio located just south of Cleveland, is home to both cold winters and hockey fans. Cepis was no exception and started playing hockey at age three. While continually crafting his gift of hockey at such a
young age, Cepis grew up dreaming of one day playing in the NHL. Receiving hockey scholarships from both Bowling Green University and the University of Minnesota (each elite hockey schools) has further instilled and fueled his goal of one day playing in the NHL. Hockey has always been considered a “big man’s game”. The 5-foot, 8-inch / 175 pound Cepis discredits this “theory” and claims his height and weight have always served as motivation. Cepis feels his opportunities in hockey are limitless as the rules of the game have expanded and opportunity for success is wide open. Embracing the underdog role, Cepis has seen a high level of playing time
through hard work and dedication to his sport of choice. As the Steelheads get ready for a home stand against the Alaska Aces, excitement increases, with Alaska currently leading not only the Mountain division but the entire ECHL with a record of 32-10-2-4. Five of those losses, have come from the Idaho Steelheads. Cepis acknowledges the Aces as the best team in the ECHL and the team the Steelheads look forward to playing most, its considered the biggest rivalry for the two teams—by fans and players. Alaska comes to town for games on Wednesday, Feb. 8 (dollar beer night presented by Bud Light), Friday, 10 (Steelheads draw-string logo bag–while supplies
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last), and Saturday, Feb. 11. Cepis and his fellow Steelheads will have their chance this week to pick up a few extra points in the standings—currently in 5th place. The preceding article was written by Dan Miller, a marketing student participating in the Idaho Steelheads Internship Program presented by The Arbiter. For additional information, visit idahosteelheads.com/boisestate
NEXT WEEK Check out The Arbiter’s coverage of the Boise State Hockey Club next week.
FROM SOMEONE
Jacob Cepis looks for an opening in the defense.
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COURTESY IDAHO STEELHEADS
Cepis uses his agility and puck skills to try and out-maneuver bigger defenders.
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Radio General Manager Business Manager Editor in Chief Deadline is Feb 16, 2012 Email barendt@boisestate.edu for more information or an application
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