March 4, 2010

WHAT’S INSIDE

NEWS 1

SPORTS 4–5

OPINION 2-3

CULTURE 7–8 I SSU E

45

The Independent Student Voice of Boise State Since 1933

Volume 22

First Issue

F R E E MARCH 04, 2010

BSU's comeback kid profiled

4

All Hands Go give insights into new album

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2

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Graduation rates:

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ARBITERONLINE.COM

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How can they be increased at Boise State?

Chile searches for survivors, life returns to normal in shaken Santiago

[Far left, top] A few blocks from Ford's apartment, the entire 50-yard wall of a building fell off onto the top floor of a parking garage.

[Far left, bottom] A resident sits down to take a rest after collecting clothing and furniture from the apartment building.

COURTESY KATY BUTLER

Jason Andersen was sworn in as Senator-At-Large Feb. 18.

New Senatorat-Large sworn into office

[Left] Children wait outside their home while their parents go inside to retrieve possessions.

ANDREW FORD/THE ARBITER

[Below] Residents line up outside of an international calling booth in downtown Santiago, Saturday afternoon.

KATY BUTLER Journalist

Jason Andersen stepped forward to the open position of Senator-At-large Thursday, Feb. 18.

The Student Senate body voted on Andersen and was passed unanimously.

“As ASBSU we should make life of the students and clubs better and help fix the four week policy,” Andersen said when asked what he felt was the mentality of ASBSU. Andersen also commented on his belief of the neutrality view point to the senate body.

“That every club will receive equal rights, even if you are against something that they are talking about,” he said. “That the senate won’t let their beliefs get in the way, all clubs have the right to be heard.”

With Anderson coming in at the end of the term, he does plan on running in this spring's election.

Andersen, a freshman at Boise State and intern at the Capitol, is an eagle scout, formally served in student government for three of four years at Centennial High and was a page for the Idaho Senate in 2008.

Visit arbiteronline.com for continued ASBSU coverage.

ANDREW FORD/THE ARBITER

ANDREW FORD Journalist

February 27, 4:30 a.m.

Santiago, Chile My friends are safe and it looks like there isn't any major destruction nearby. The only thing I can think of in Spanish to explain how I feel is "El terremoto es muy fuerte..." I hear many residents start conversation with others with basically that.

I agree.

I go back inside my apartment.

Nothing quite like sitting up in your bed feeling the aftershock of an earthquake far from home. I've been through small earth quakes, but usually they're so small I don't notice them or I just sleep through them.

The last one I really remember being scared over was when I was young and living in California. I remember the shakes and knowing to run to the doorway, then once it stopped running to my parents room. My whole family, all six of us, somehow fit into my parents bed to watch the news

and see what happened.

Tonight, there won't be any news updates for me and certainly won't be any cuddling with my parents.

Ah... another aftershock... I can hear the bowls shaking in the kitchen.

When the first one hit, all 7.0+ of it, I swung open my door and just stared at the door jam while grabbing onto the wall. The shaking was so powerful it felt like my floor became liquid.

During an earthquake I don't think about much. My stomach went soft as I got shifted around on the bottom floor of a nearly 100-year-old building.

In the middle of what felt like a minute-long shake I found some peace in that it would be over soon.

No earthquake lasts forever.

Another aftershock. Stronger again.

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding the bowls and plates sound off in the kitchen.

Immediately after the earthquake my whole apartment smelled like sulfur. Probably a mix of old dust scattering in the air, but my thoughts

ANDREW FORD/THE ARBITER

changed to worrying about a gas leak or a possible fire. There's no automatic gas shut off switch in an apartment heated by a large tank that looks like it's meant for a Weber grill. My landlord came down and shut it off.

A few hours later lights turn on. The fridge just turned on. Tell me we'll have Internet back in a second. Nope.

(It turned back on a couple hours later, though many of the Spanishlanguage newspapers Web sites in Santiago were down) ···· Now that it's been a couple days, for the most part it feels like life is getting back to normal. A lot of the minor damage around Santiago has been swept up or picked up, including the tiles that fell from the ceiling of my apartment 8 stories down.

Still, reminders in security tape, many businesses being closed, including the American Embassy, McDonald's, show a powerful earthquake happened just a couple days ago. Small reminders are visible at home too; I shook a sea of dust and

ANDREW FORD/THE ARBITER

bits of drywall off my my dirty clothes before taking them outside to put in the washer.

It's difficult for me to understand how lucky I am that I decided to live in Santiago, and not 100 miles south where death has been a much more prevalent factor from the quake.

I'm very lucky though, with more than 700 residents of Chile who lost their lives.

Even stranger, two friends and I were leaving at 8 a.m. the morning of the earthquake to head two hours south for her birthday to visit a tiny island that has Penguins. Had the Earthquake waited 12 hours, we would have been watching penguins while munching on cheese.

Andrew Ford is a 22-year-old mass communication and journalism major traveling through South America.

He's currently living in Santiago, Chile. You can follow him on twitter @barefootford or you can visit his Web site, BarefootFord.com.

BENJAMIN MACK News Editor

While crime on campus last week remained on par with the prior week's numbers, bike theft increased again, setting another record for the academic year.

The six separate incidents of bike theft University Security responded to was double the previous week's numbers. A total of 16 bikes were reported stolen in February, a rate of more than one every two days.

In other incidents, a subject was cited Feb. 23 for Narcotics Violation after being found possessing marijuana and related paraphernalia.

Harassment was also reported Feb. 28 after a female student and

her husband received harassing messages from an out of state mother-in-law.

Overall, University Security responding to eight separate incidents between Feb. 22 and 28, exactly the same as the period from Feb. 15 to 21.

There were no reports of sexual assault on campus in the past week.

In fact, there have been no reports in 2010.

According to University Security, a person can avoid becoming a vic-

CORRECTION In the March 1 issue of The Arbiter a cutline on page one stated the athlete pictured was senior Marlon Douglas.

The photo should have indicated the athelte to be Boise State freshman Rolando Trammel.

tim of theft by keeping valuable belongings with them at all times, and not leaving items such as laptops, cell phones and iPods unattended.

When locking a bike, it is recommended to use a sturdy metal lock rather than a rope or chain, as thieves can cut them with wire or bolt cutters.

It is also recommended to always lock car doors, and students who live in dorms are advised to lock their doors when they are not in their room.

More resources are available by visiting University Security’s Web site, http://finad.boisestate.edu/security.

CAMPUS

CRIME

Courtesy of University Security Feb. 22 – Bike Theft – An unknown suspect cut a lock and took a bike from a rack outside of the Science Nursing Building.

Feb. 23 – Narcotics Violation – Subject in Chaffee Hall was in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. The narcotics and paraphernalia were seized, a citation was

STEPHEN HELEKER/THE ARBITER

Bike theft sets record -- again

B-I-N-G-O

Barnes Towers residents gathered in the Towers classroom for a game of bingo Feb. 25. Attendees were encouraged to dress the part, and many of them dressed as senior citizens. issued and report taken.

Feb. 24 – Bike Theft – Someone cut a lock and took a bike from a rack outside of the Village Apartments.

Feb. 24 – Bike Theft – An unknown suspect cut a lock and took a bike from a rack outside of the Library.

Feb. 25 – Bike Theft – A lock was cut and a bike was stolen from a rack outside of the Norco Building.

Feb. 26 – Bike Theft – An unknown

suspect cut a lock and took a bike from a rack outside of the Taco Bell Arena.

Feb. 27 – Bike Theft – Someone cut a lock and took a bike from a rack outside of the Park Apartments.

Feb. 28 – Harassment – A female student and her husband were receiving harassing messages from an out of state mother-in-law. A report was taken.

The Arbiter ! arbiteronline.com

OPINION

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Go to arbiteronline.com to watch the video of Student Voices.

March 04, 2010

ARBITERONLINE.COM

BSU graduation rates should cause concern JESSICA SWIDER Journalist

The seriousness of 'sexting' HALEY ROBINSON Columnist

Being flirtatious and suggestive is normal behavior, especially for young adults and teens. In recent years, technology such as cell phones have been facilitating this behavior, creating a new phenomenon called “sexting” (commonly defined as the cell phone messaging of explicit photos or words).

And while it may seem like fun to send some dirty mad-lib version of “I want to (verb) your (noun) with my (noun),” people aren’t fully considering the potential repercussions of these actions and should be more intelligent about the information they are sending out in to the world.

About one in five teenagers has either sent or received naked pictures of themselves or their friends on their cell phone, according to a study by Cox Communications.

A factor that some older teens and younger adults don’t consider is that if either party in an exchange such as “sexting” is underage, it’s considered a felony. An MTV news story reported on the case of one 18-year-old who was arrested on child-pornography charges after sending sexually explicit images of his ex-girlfriend to all of the contacts in his phone. He was ordered to register as a sex offender, a title that will follow him until he is 43-years-old. Along with that, he has limited access to the Internet, can’t live within a certain distance of schools, can’t be near places where minors congregate, and has to attend weekly sex-offended re-education classes for five years.

That is a pretty gigantic punishment for an 18-year-old.

The problem our society is dealing with now is not how to eliminate the act itself, but how to deal with situations such as these in a more logical way then by crippling the lives of young adults with overzealous punishments. There is absolutely no way that the distribution of inappropriate pictures without consent should be ignored or go without punishment, but at the same time the degree of the punishment should match the degree of the crime.

An article in College Times quoted non-profit Juvenile Law Center attorney Riya Shah discussing the issue.

“Prosecuting these cases as child pornography misapplies the law, using it as a sword and not a shield to protect exploited child victims,” Shah said.

Some states are starting to seek a different approach to these cases. Kentucky for example is attempting to pass a law that would allow judges to fine juveniles for this act instead of subjecting them to more serious penalties.

In addition to risks of legal prosecution, there are also social consequences to consider. Images and videos are rarely secure anymore and now, with today’s employers using the Internet as a resource to research prospective employees, the risk of such pictures resurfacing is legitimate.

There is no reason to completely demonize “sexting,” because it is something very personal that many consenting adults enjoy and are involved in.

The major thing for people to consider when engaging in this is who they are sending the material to. It is always a risk, and probably not one that is worth it. But for those who do, the most important thing to remember is, as with everything, to be careful and responsible about it.

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STUDENT VOICES

RYAN JOHNSON/THE ARBITER

The prestige of a university is measured in many different ways, graduation rates being one of them. Boise State's esteem is severely dampened by its low graduation rates.

Boise State University has a four-year graduation rate, meaning first-year freshman who graduate in four consecutive years, of 6 percent. BSU's overall graduation rate, meaning students who graduate in more than eight consecutive semesters, is 28 percent.

What most students don't know is that there are many different factors that contribute to a school's graduation numbers. Graduation rates only measure first year, fulltime freshman. They don't take into account non-traditional students, students who finish their education in eight non-consecutive semesters or students who transfer. It's hard to compare our graduate rates to those of other non-traditional universities, as many different factors contribute to these numbers.

Despite this, Boise State Provost Sona Andrews, Ph.D., said, "If we were to look at Boise State University's peers, we would probably fall in the lower quartile."

Although there are some partial explanations for BSU having such low numbers, it's still undeniable that they are indeed, low. So what, if anything, is being done about them?

Andrews said, "We've done quite a few things, and there are still quite a few things that we need to do."

Andrews listed improving the quality of our math programs, the "Finish in Four" program, reach-

LIGHTS ON:

ing out to struggling students and learning communities as some of the things being done to improve these numbers.

Multiple solutions are being implemented as we speak to improve our graduation rates, and the numbers aren't as low as they initially seem. So, why are students not "sticking with it" and continuing their education at BSU? When asked why she chose College of Idaho over Boise State, pharmacy major Meghan Kinder replied, “I chose C of I over BSU because it felt like the students that were here actually wanted to be here to learn and further their education, whereas with BSU it was just a fallback school for the majority of the people who didn't know where to go after high school but knew they needed to go to college. I’m not really sure why the numbers are the way they are... but I guess if it is just that 'fallback' option then kids really don't care about graduating."

There are many other things that prevent students from returning.

According to Andrews, "financial hardship and burden, personal reasons, including health issues...work interferes with schedules...low semester GPA's," are each factors.

Overall, it seems there are many different reasons BSU's graduation rates are so low, and many things that are being done to improve them. However, there's a quote that says, "if it's important enough to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse."

The university is doing more than its fair share to improve its graduation rates. It's far overdue that students make their degree a priority, buckle down and do the same.

Costs and stress overwhelm college students EVA HART Journalist

About 2.8 million people each fall enroll in some type of higher education after high school, according to a study done by the research organization Public Agenda. But not even half of that number will make it to graduation day. This information brings up the question, why do students drop out? There is a list of reasons why, including tuition costs, living expenses, work, tuition costs, stress, lack of available classes -oh and did I happen to mention tuition costs? A report done by the American Enterprise Institute shows that nationally, four-year colleges graduated an average of just 53 percent of entering students within six years, and rates

below 50 percent, 40 percent and even 30 percent are easy to find.

Some people may think that the reason these students drop out is because they are slackers or because they don’t care about getting a higher education.These people are wrong. A survey from Public Agenda found the vast majority of students dropped out for financial reasons. The highest number of students, 54 percent, said the major reason they dropped out was they needed to go to work and make money. Another 31 percent said they couldn’t afford tuition and fees.

Kelsey Gardener, a Boise State student that recently withdrew from her classes, said, “If they made tuition more reasonable, me and others might be able to continue here.” She said that be-

ing four hours away from her family was hard enough without the stress of rent and tuition. Another student, Derrick Winger, a junior in botany, said, “If I were to drop out it’d be from how overwhelmed I am.”

Boise State communications instructor Ashley Duchow-Moore said that the majority of students that drop out are freshman. "They don’t know how to balance work, school, and home life. It is very overwhelming.” She also suggested that to remain a successful student, time management is very important.

Sometimes even time management and the ability to get good grades isn’t enough. The report by the Public Agenda also shows that most full-time students work around 20 hours a week and part-

time students usually work more then that. That doesn’t leave students with much time to focus on school. If colleges had more scholarship opportunities and offered more evening and weekend classes, maybe they would see more students on graduation day.

College is going to be one of the most important and effective things you do with your life. On top of that it will be expensive and stressful, but do not let these factors be what decides your future for you.

Make sure you’re making the most of the experience by applying for financial aid, working fewer hours and talking to teachers when you get stressed and feel overwhelmed by your work load.

Don’t let the option of dropping out be an option.

E DITORIAL S TAFF

B USINESS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shannon Morgan

NEWS Editor

Ben Mack

Editor

Kirk Bell

MANAGING EDITOR Bob Beers

Producer

Mitch Esplin

Producer

Trent Lootens

MEDIA MANAGER Glenn Landberg ONLINE EDITOR Stephen Heleker MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Joey McCoullough EDITORIAL ADVISORS Steve Lyon Dan Morris

SPORTS

Journalists Patrick Trujillo David Gasch Chris Bodovinitz Sarah Murphy

Journalists Daniel Priddy Brenden Sherry Kayla Bartling Drew Vatchel

OPINION

CULTURE

Editor

Nate Green

Journalists Evan Bashir Josh Gamble Ashley Harshbarger Haley Robinson Allen Spurgeon Jessica Swider

Editor

Jennifer Spencer

Producer

Zach Ganschow

Journalists Tony Rogers Nikki Houston Margaret Reimer Matt Dalley

D ESIGN

GENERAL MANAGER Brad Arendt

PRODUCTION MANAGER Jeremy Oliver

BUSINESS/AD MANAGER Dwight Murphy

PROD. COORDINATORS Lindsey Ward Eli Meuler

MARKETING DIRECTOR Jennifer Orr

LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brendan Healy

BOOKKEEPER Shae Hanah

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Bree Jones Audrey Swift

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES James Orr Jennifer Orr Jessica Holmquist

ILLUSTRATOR Ryan Johnson

O NLINE T EAM ASSISTANT ONLINE EDITOR Josh Gamble

COMMUNITY MANAGERS Iko Vannoy Brittney Johnson

T O C ONTACT T HE A RBITER www.arbiteronline.com 1910 University Dr Boise, ID 83725 Phone: 208.426.6300 Fax: 888.388.7554

Guest opinions (500 word limit) and Letters to the Editor (300 word limit) can be e-mailed to managingeditor@arbiteronline.com

The Arbiter cannot verify the accuracy of statements made in guest submissions. Opinions expressed by guest and staff columnists reflect the diversity of opinion in the academic community and often will be controversial, but they do not represent the institutional opinion of The Arbiter or any organization the author may be affiliated with unless it is labeled as such.

Distributed Mondays & Thursdays during the academic school year. The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University and a designated public forum, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free. Additional copies can be purchased for $1 apiece at The Arbiter offices.

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OPINION

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March 04, 2010

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Students must push state for more funding ASHLEY HARSHBARGER Journalist

Boise State University is proposing to increase tuition and student fees for full time students by 9.9 percent. Despite the suggested hike in tuition and fees, students need to realize the university is turning to tuition and student fees as a last resort. The university will do what it can, but students need to communicate with the state Legislature if they want to see a change.

If the recommended increases are passed, they will take effect in the 2010 fall semester. In order for the increases to be passed, they must first be approved by Boise State President Bob Kustra. Kustra will review the recommendations made by each fee committee before the State Board of Education looks at the recommendations and approves or denies the increases.

Many students are asking why the tuition and fees are being increased. According to Karen Wargo, associate director at the BSU budget office, state funding is decreasing, forcing the university to make up the difference elsewhere.

“It is a trend taking place over the whole country. Students are paying more tuition as the states’ provide less funding,” Wargo commented.

Wargo is not certain how much fees will increase in the future. It all depends on the year and where the fees are going. Student enrollment is also increasing, which is creating a need for more instructors and more funding to pay those instructors.

Further, all departments, colleges, student affairs, and athletics are being asked to make a 5 percent reduction in their budgets, according to the executive director of the budget office, Chris Rosenbaum.

The university does not want to use student fees as a primary source to make up for the decreased state funding.

If the university is making the effort to cut back on what it can, shouldn’t students make an effort also? Why not talk to the legislature and insist on restoring funding for

THE BUZZKILL

Social Darwinism, self-reliance JOSH GAMBLE Columnist

RYAN JOHNSON/THE ARBITER

higher education instead of cutting it back?

According to the records in the Budget Office, the last time state funding dramatically decreased was in 2003. The decrease in state funding led to an 11.99 percent increase in tuition and fees.

If students would have voiced their opinions to the Legislature, would the increases still have passed?

“I think if students and parents would come together and talk to the Legislature, they would get a lot farther and have more influence than the people working in

the university offices,” advised Chris Rosenbaum.

Rosenbaum explained that in 1997 the general fund covered 78.3 percent of educational costs and student fees contributed with 21.7 percent. In 2010, the general fund covered 58.7 percent and student fees made up the difference with 41.3 percent.

Why is it that Boise State is a public university and yet students are funding 41.3 percent of educational costs? Shouldn’t the state be funding the high percentage of the costs?

If students want to reverse the

trend they need to take action.

Chris Rosenbaum offers great advice. Send letters and emails, make phone calls, sign petitions and let student’s voices be heard. The legislature needs to know how students feel about the decrease in state funding. Let them know how much students appreciate and depend on that funding in furthering their education.

Students, families, and university employees will all have to work together to influence state funding.

Otherwise, students could be paying the vast majority of educational costs in the future.

Gridlock on the quad Missionary in Haiti: EVA HART Journalist

I was walking down the sidewalk on the quad the other day, and I almost got run down by a biker and his dog, which was trailing behind him. I thought, "Wouldn’t it be nice if we built a path just for bikers to avoid instances like this?" Well that might be happening. We also might be getting new bike racks in place of the ones that we have now.

According to John Gardener, associate vice president of Campus Sustainability, “the safety of the students is primary” for both the pedestrian and the bicyclist. He thinks diverting the bikers off the quad and having new parking areas will help. Bike lanes might also be in the works. Gardener is still not sure how much this project is going to cost or when it will begin but said the entire process could take a couple of years.

According to walkinginfo.org the cost of installing a bike lane is approximately $5,000 per mile, depending on the condition of the pavement, the need to remove and repaint the lane lines, the need to adjust signalization, and other factors.

The idea of bike paths sounds nice when you think of all the times you’ve had to jump out of the way for a biker on the go. Or for bikers -- how many times you’ve had to

swerve and almost lose your balance to avoid a head-on crash with a pedestrian. Freshman student Stephanie Holman said, “ The first month of school I kept almost getting hit by bikers on the quad.” At first she was all for the thought of getting bike lanes to help the congestion on the quad.

But then she hesitated and said, “ It depends on where the money is coming from.” Like many of the students I’ve talked to, Holman is worried that the money to put in these paths is going to be coming out of our pockets.

While I agree that this will help students get to their classes without getting their feet run over by bikers, the questions still remain: How much is this going to cost and could that money be spent on something that is more beneficial to the students? Ben Swensen, a sophomore majoring in pre-med, often rides his bike to school. He says that there is a lot of congestion and it’d be “so nice” to get rid of that but, “It’s ridiculous to spend money on new bike racks when we’re using what we’ve got just fine.”

Sure the quad is congested sometimes, and it'd be great to eliminate that problem but there are things that should be put first above bike paths and new bike racks. After these issues are met students might be more likely to accept this new project.

humanitarian or hypocrite?

ALLEN SPURGEON Journalist

On Jan. 29, 10 humanitarians attempted to rescue 33 orphans from earthquake-ravaged Haiti. After being incarcerated, eight of these brave individuals have returned home, and we are all waiting for the triumphant return of the other two.

This might be the story that Boisean Laura Silsby would like to see run. Unfortunately for her, it’s simply not the truth.

On Feb. 5, CBS News reported that while the nine Baptists who followed Silsby were unknowingly caught up in this misguided humanitarian effort, their attorney Edwin Coq claimed that Silsby knew that the group couldn’t cross the Dominican Republican border without the proper paperwork. BSU history professor Michael Zirinsky, Ph.D., imparted the importance of following the law.

Each nation has sovereignty within its own national boundaries, and with her indiscretions recently portrayed in the media, Silsby doesn’t appear to be a person who “dots the i’s and crosses the t’s” with her legal issues, Zirinsky said.

This isn’t the first time Silsby has been on the wrong side of the law.

With 14 legal complaints for unpaid wages, her Meridian house in foreclosure, and at least nine traffic citations in the last 12 years, Silsby doesn’t strike the pose of a model citizen.

Assuming for a moment that Silsby is a humanitarian at heart, her story still does not add up. The Associate Press has established that none of the 33 orphans being rescued were in fact orphans.

Maria Fisher of the AP reported on Feb. 17 that at least 20 of the children were handed over voluntarily by their parents, who reported that the Baptists had made assurances that the kids would be educated in the U.S. and that the parents would be allowed to visit them.

Part of Silsby’s legal defense is the claim that she was setting up an orphanage in the Dominican Republic. On Feb. 25 the AP reported that two real estate agents and a pastor from the Dominican Re-

With 14 legal complaints for unpaid wages, her Meridian house in foreclosure, and at least nine traffic citations in the last 12 years, Silsby doesn’t strike the pose of a model citizen.

ALLEN SPURGEON public are set to testify in Port-auPrince about the property which the missionaries rented to set up their orphanage.

So, are the "orphans" going to the Dominican Republic or the United States? Which one is it Silsby?

The fallout from this catastrophe has hurt more than the 10, or at least nine, misguided humanitarians. Katy Moeller of the Idaho Statesman reports that because of this incident, it is harder for the sick and injured in Haiti to receive medical care.

While adoption was a difficult process before, now it has become even slower and more time-consuming.

Hundreds of Haitian children who were in the final stages of adoption, when the 10 man mission attempting to save "orphans" tried to cross the Dominican Republican border, are now on an even longer waiting list for their adoptions.

Laura Silsby is no one’s hero.

Time and again she has attempted to circumvent the law for personal gain. This time she wants us to believe that her motivations were purely humanitarian.

We all know the old saying: fool me once, shame on me; fool me twice, shame on you. With Silsby's questionable past is there any chance that she will trick us with her humanitarian rhetoric.

Ah, the American Dream -- starting off with nothing and pulling yourself up by your bootstraps (and credit cards) to the ranks of the illustrious upper-middle class. Supposedly, anyone has the ability to do this in America, the land of gold-paved streets and jobs for everybody. Based on this folklore logic, anyone who isn’t successful in America is just lazy.

It astounds me how deep of a foothold this notion has in America’s middle class. People call it self-reliance. When it’s turned against the poor, I see it as Social Darwinism.

Social Darwinism is the theory that the rich are rich by their own merit, and if you’re poor you’re either genetically inferior or lazy.

It never fails: every time I involve myself in a conversation about poverty or unemployment in America, someone suggests that the poor are lazy. When that happens, I have to ask, “Are you really suggesting that the 40 million Americans living below the poverty line are all just lazy?

That they’re happy to let their children go hungry and cold so long as they don’t have to work?”

I hear the same ideology called upon whenever someone claims they are broke. “Get a job,” is the response.

If someone already has a job, or even two, the response becomes “get another one.” With one in 10 Americans unemployed, jobs aren’t exactly just lying around. People are being laidoff, not hired. Unfortunately, it seems America’s financially comfortable don’t understand that concept. They believe that if you’re not doing well, then you’re not trying hard enough.

Try telling that to a single mother working two jobs who still can’t keep the heat on. Tell that to the man who barely makes rent after getting hurt on the job. Tell that to the student with cerebral palsy whose brain is perfectly functional, but has difficultly writing, typing or speaking.

Tell that to the woman who goes broke because her HMO denied her claim and she can’t pay for her cancer treatment. Tell that to the millions of people working their hands to the bone every day of their lives just to keep their children fed.

This perversion of the idea of selfreliance is based on a fallacy. Let’s play with logic here: If the poor are poor because they are lazy, then the rich are rich because they worked hard and earned it. The wealth is not based on merit (i.e. Paris Hilton, Pete Wentz or the latest in a long line of Rockefellers), therefore poverty is not a direct result of laziness. This is a logic concept called Modus Tolens.

Look it up.

Mainstream media hasn’t helped the matter. Every year we get bombarded with dozens of success stories -- the rags to riches tale. But for everyone one of those, there are thousands of the poor and unemployed still being trampled underfoot. America is a plutocracy. The rich get richer by pushing more people down below the poverty line. And when money is power, there is no reason they’re going to stop.

Hard work is essential to success, but it’s not a magic key. Life is full of pitfalls, traps and wrong turns. Sometimes life screws you. It happens.

This idea of “you’re not trying hard enough,” does more than help the well-to-do sleep at night. It reinforces ethnic stereotypes; ethnic minorities are disproportionately poor and therefore must be lazy by nature. It also plays a role in America’s tendency to blame the victim in assaults and rapes. “You shouldn’t have been drinking around men,” or “You shouldn’t be dressed like that; you’re practically asking for it,” are common phrases that come to mind.

America has the world’s highest GDP. We should be eliminating poverty and helping, not blaming its victims. When one percent of the population holds 34 percent of the wealth while the bottom 80 percent collectively have 15 percent of wealth and 13 percent of Americans live in poverty, who do you think are really the lazy ones?

See extended version online The Arbiter ! arbiteronline.com

SPORTS

4

March 04, 2010

Coming to America

Athletics Calendar 3/4 - 3/10

Hodel the Warrior

Home Events*

Thursday, Mar. 4

BRITTNEY JOHNSON

Men’s Basketball – Hawai’i

Community Manager

7:05 p.m. – Taco Bell Arena*

With a match on the line, Boise State University men's tennis coach Greg Patton isn’t shy about who he wants battling it out -- sophomore Cristian Hodel.

The Romanian-born Hodel has lifted the Broncos to victory more than once in his fledgling career.

“He has the sweetest heart and it turns out he’s the terminator for us and he’s the one that’s always out there winning the match for us,” Patton said.

Last year, during his freshman season as a Bronco, three matches came down to Hodel’s court. Hodel battled through every single one making him a clutch member of the nationally respected Boise State team.

During arguably the biggest match in Bronco tennis history, it was Hodel who cemented the National Championship Tournament win with a 3-6,7-5, 7-5 win over Alabama’s Michael Thompson.

This season alone has seen Hodel as the last one on the court for the Broncos, twice, with the match hanging by a thread. The first match of the season had Hodel battling back from a 0-3 deficit in the third set to clinch the win against Oregon.

Two weeks later, it was Hodel again securing a conference win against Utah State in the third set.

Friday, Mar. 5 Softball – Wichita State/Texas Tech Tournament 12 p.m. – Lubbock, Texas Softball – Texas Tech/Texas Tech Tournament 2 p.m. – Lubbock, Texas Gymnastics – Utah State/BYU 7 p.m. – Taco Bell Arena*

Saturday, Mar. 6 Softball – Wichita State/Texas Tech Tournament 10 a.m. – Lubbock. Texas Softball – Texas Tech/Texas Tech Tournament 12 p.m. – Lubbock, Texas Women’s Basketball – Louisiana Tech 2 p.m. – Taco Bell Arena* Men’s Basketball – San Jose State 4:15 p.m. – Taco Bell Arena*

Sunday, Mar. 7 Softball – Texas Tech/Texas Tech Tournament 9 a.m. – Lubbock, Texas Women’s Tennis – Utah

–

WAC

Championship

RACHEL BLOUNT Star Tribune

Tournament (TBD) TBA – Reno, Nev. Men’s

Basketball

–

WAC

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- The turquoise-clad Vancouver volunteers heard the question thousands of times a day. It came in English, French, Mandarin and Russian, from elderly couples, from parents pushing strollers, from teenagers with cameras. Sometimes, it didn't even have to be asked.

The volunteers just pointed down Cordova Street and said: The Olympic cauldron is that way, where you see the sprawling mass of humanity. Tens of thousands made that pilgrimage during every one of the 17 days of the Vancouver Games. Most of them were Canadian. And the flame of the Winter Games became a modern-day inukshuk, the stones stacked in

Championship

Tournament (TBD) TBD – Reno, Nev.

Wednesday, Mar. 10 Women’s

Basketball

–

NIK BJURSTROM/THE ARBITER

Boise State men’s tennis player Cristian Hodel has become know for comeback victories against opponents. team members," Gilliland said. "Teammates respect his ability to pull out the win for the team and his lighthearted attitude off the court."

Currently, the Broncos are 4-4 on the season and would

not have two of these wins if it weren’t for Hodel. While the season is still very young, Bronco Nation can continue to look for Hodel to be the warrior for when the matches get tight.

'These Olympic Games have lifted us up'

Tuesday, Mar. 9 Basketball

“It’s really funny, he told us one time that he doesn’t want to be the last guy off anymore,” red-shirt freshman, Michael Gilliland, said. “He’s just extremely competitive.”

Pulling out matches has become Hodel’s signature, making him a Bronco legend.

Often becoming the deciding factor for the Broncos has put the whole crowds' eyes on him, while teammates standing a few feet away cheer after every point. “(Hodel) told me when we were in Virginia and it came down to his court again he said, ‘Why is this always me?

I don’t want this anymore, I want to be the first one off.'

What he does is he feeds off of the crowd really well,” Patton said after Hodel’s thrilling comeback against Oregon.

“When he’s by himself he doesn’t do as well, but when the crowd comes all his demons disappear, all he feels is strength.”

That strength has lead to several Bronco victories. Patton says that Hodel’s nickname is "whiplash," for his looseness when it comes down to the wire.

Coming from Calarasi, Romania, Hodel has brought a different type of tennis game to the Bronco team.

“He brought a European game here which is far off the base line, and hits a lot of balls,” Patton said.

"The ability to hit long rallies has made him a favorite for a hitting partner among

Canada's Olympics CEO

11 a.m. – Appleton Tennis Center*

Women’s

ARBITERONLINE.COM

WAC

Championship

Tournament (TBD) TBA – Reno, Nev. Men’s Golf – Bandon Dunes Championship All – Bandon, Oregon Men’s Tennis – College of Idaho 1 p.m. – Appleton Tennis Center*

to TRENT LOOTENS Producer

For the written exam offered at the NFL Combine, one question asks, "True or False: Do you like tall women?"

One player -- who will remained unnamed -- crossed out the "t" in tall and then provided his answer: True.

Surprised? Why would you be?

This is the NFL Combine. The same event that measures an offensive lineman’s vertical jump. Maybe I missed something, but I don’t think it’s very important if an o-lineman can jump high. In fact, I don’t think they’re supposed to jump vertically for any reason during a game.

That’s just one example of why the combine is equivalent to a freak show and nothing more than an

human form that served as the symbol of the Games.

Ancient peoples built inukshuk as evidence that someone had been there before, and as guideposts for those who would come after. The Olympic flame seemed to light a fire in this vast and diverse country, causing Canadians to focus on what unified them as a people and what they might aspire to be.

By the time of Sunday's Closing Ceremony, the Games had illuminated a deep love of country usually kept under wraps, allowing Canada to take a rare bow on the world stage as it celebrated a culture firmly in step with the ideals of the Olympics.

In the months before the Games, there was much talk about the "Own The Podium" program, which spent $117 million in five years to pre-

pare Canadian athletes to win big at home. Many Canadians found the name unseemly; it seemed boastful and out of touch with the country's reserved, polite persona.

Saturday, a poll found that 72 percent of Canadians favor spending even more money to support their Olympic athletes in the years to come. On the night the cauldron was lit, they flooded downtown streets in a scene that would be repeated every night. They wore their glowing hearts on their sleeves, their scarves, their toques, their ubiquitous red mittens. They draped themselves in the mapleleaf flag as never before, and they seemed giddy about this new public outpouring of national pride.

And it just kept building. A people reluctant to assert superiority in anything, who of-

ten shake their heads at their swaggering neighbor to the south, were suddenly highfiving strangers in the streets and talking about how many gold medals their athletes might win.

"Most people would say there's been a bit of a change in the Canadian ethos," said Chris Rudge, CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

"But I kind of like it. It's true we're more self-effacing as a nation. But I think when you believe in yourself, I don't think that diminishes your niceness."

True to the Olympic spirit, the Games also prompted Canadians to affirm national values that reflect Olympic principles. Security officials did not shut down the protests around downtown

See Olympics I page 5

NFL Combine you: lacks substantial meaning

event created by the media to drive attention to the NFL Draft. These tests mean nothing and prove squat in the end.

I understand it’s between seasons and football won’t be back for nearly five months, but have people really gotten this bored? Just because Tim Tebow ran a 11.27 in the 60yard shuttle doesn’t prove he has lateral quickness or game breaking explosiveness on the field.

Look, I realize everyone’s salivating for football and it’s only March.

Right now, NFL scouts are trying to judge quarterbacks by their 40yard dash times. Scouts should at least wait until quarterbacks start throwing before they make assumptions that could cost a player millions. Sam Bradford and Jimmy Clausen, the two best quarterbacks in this year's upcoming draft, won’t

be throwing until their schools’ pro-day.

The combine does far more bad than good for most players because their true talent usually comes on the field during a game. Football knowledge cannot be showcased properly by competing in basic drills. Some players will go as far as faking an injury so they can avoid killing their draft stock.

Cornerback Kyle Wilson was the only Boise State player invited to the combine. Wilson didn’t run because of a hamstring injury, but he did 25 bench-press repetitions at 225 pounds. This is good news for Wilson because that’s five more reps than any other cornerback.

The bench-press is used to determine how much time a player has spent in the weight room during their college career.

It usually doesn’t matter what happens at the combine for players because they can make up for it during pro-day at whatever school they happen to be from.

BSU’s pro-day will be March 26.

This will be when Wilson and many other Broncos will sell themselves to the viewing NFL scouts for the last time before the draft. Wilson is expected to run in the 4.3's and there hasn’t been word if fullback Richie Brockel will be healed enough to participate in drills.

Brockel suffered a broken foot late last season against rival Idaho.

Other Broncos likely to compete on pro-day include: Austin Pettis, Titus Young, Jeron Johnson and Ryan Winterswyke. More Broncos could easily jump in as well and get a feel for what to improve on with a year of school remaining before the

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C SPORTS ULTURE

5 B

March 04, 2010

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Tough weekends for Boise State softball JOEY MCCULLOUGH Journalist

GERRY KAHRMANN/MCT

A singer performs during the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010.

Olympics [ Sports page 4 ] Vancouver on the day of the Opening Ceremony; instead, they stressed the importance of free expression and treated peaceful demonstrators with respect. Speedskater Clara Hughes donated the prize money for her bronze medal in the women's 5,000 meters to a foundation for at-risk youth. The public also engaged in healthy debate about the cost and legacy of the Games, even as it embraced them.

Canadians showed the world their can-do spirit as well. The "weasel workers" at weather-battered Whistler toiled 24 hours a day to make the Alpine ski courses as perfect as possible, then took their payment in beer. They could even laugh at the troubles they endured, kicking off the Closing Ceremony by enlisting a mime with a tool belt to raise the fourth arm of the indoor cauldron -- which malfunctioned at the Opening Ceremony -- and light it again.

Hughes said the outpour-

ing of support made her feel as if she could fly. Canadians rocked the curling venue like hockey crowds, forcing athletes to use hand signals to communicate. They rocked the hockey arena as if their national identity depended upon it -- which, of course, it did. Sidney Crosby's winning goal in Sunday's gold medal game set off a cacophony of honking horns and cowbells and screams in downtown Vancouver, as people poured into the streets one final time.

The men's hockey gold was the one the nation coveted most. It will be remembered

11

$

for another reason as well: it became the 14th won by the host country, a record for most golds won by a single nation at a Winter Games.

So go ahead and boast a bit, Canada. As a cold nation that opened a very warm heart to the world, you've earned it.

"I believe we Canadians are stronger, more united, more in love with our country and more connected than ever before," said John Furlong, CEO of Vancouver's Olympic organizing committee, in an emotional speech interrupted by a raucous ovation.

"These Olympic Games have lifted us up."

The Boise State women’s softball team has hit a rough patch. In the last two weekends of play, the Broncos have done their fair share of traveling and playing tough teams. During their opening weekend in southern Calif., the Broncos defeated UC Riverside 8-4 but then dropped three straight: two to the University of San Diego and one to UC Riverside.

Two weekends ago in Las Vegas, the Broncos didn’t fare much better. BSU dropped four straight to UNLV, Indiana, Long Beach State and No. 13 ranked Oklahoma.

Against Oklahoma, BSU lost 8-4 in a game that was tied in the late innings. BSU closed the road trip against San Diego again, faring much better and winning big, 10-2.

“I think our offense produced pretty consistently for the last two weeks. I think we averaged over five runs a game, which in softball is great,” head coach Erin Thorpe said. “We struggled a little bit defensively the first weekend. It’s just taking a little while for our pitching to come around and our pitchers to feel comfortable.”

The bright side of the Broncos 2-7 record is that many of the seven losses were close games. Of those games, the Broncos lost by a single run and matched their opponent’s hits. Thorpe commented on the fact that the 2-7 record was not what they were hoping for, but there were definitely some good things that the team can build on. She went on to add that she thinks the feelings of the team are still pretty high.

“We went into this last Saturday with a record of 1-6, I felt like our record was 6-1,” Thorpe said. “That’s the way I really felt our girls went out and tried to play.”

CAMERON WIEMERSLAGE/ARBITER FILE PHOTO

The 2009 BSU softball team looks on during a home game last season against Utah Valley.

Dropping seven out of nine games can be hard on a team and their morale, but the Broncos continue to remain upbeat. “(We) knew that it was just bad luck; not getting a key hit when we needed too and giving up a hit when we didn’t need too,” Thorpe said. “I don’t think it is from any lack of confidence or the feeling that they are not performing consistently on a day-to-day basis.”

The Broncos have this weekend off. The time will allow for the team to recuperate and focus for the next road series.

“I think it is important to have this time off,” Thorpe said. “Especially for a young team, the younger players

get to reflect how they performed and how they handled pressure these last two weeks. I think they can look at their game and see where they can improve, both mentally and physically.”

The Broncos pick things right up this weekend in Lubbock, Texas. They will face the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Wichita State Shockers.

“We really don’t know much about them at all,” Thorpe said. “No one on the coaching staff has seen either team play.

They way the girls play, it really doesn’t matter. That’s one good thing we try to instill in the athletes is to compete even without knowing about them.”

Ticket

Present your valid BSU student ID at the Qwest Arena Box Office to recieve your $11 ticket and free small beer or soda coupon.

Limit two per ID.

For full schedule and to purchase your tickets online go to www.idahosteelheads.com/boisestate

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6

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So you wanna place a classified ad?

It’s easy!

There are four ways to do it: 1. Go to www.arbiteronline.com and click on the link to the classifieds section and place your ad online, 24-7.

Sudoku

Please check your ad the fi rst day it runs, and notify The Arbiter of any errors. We will only be responsible for fi rst insertion.

The Arbiter takes no responsibility if you get scammed out of your beer money. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

3 4

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

Funnies

The

BY MICHAEL MEPHAM

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4. Yell really loud.

Someone from our office may or may not hear you.

For classified display rates, contact an Arbiter ad rep at ads@ arbiteronline.com.

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The Future

BY NANCY BLACK AND STEPHANIE CLEMENT Tribune Media Services

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 6 -- Take time to work a transformation in a practical area of organization. The logical management of supplies makes everyone’s life easier.

Today’s birthday (3/4/10) Even if you don’t believe in angels, there is a spiritual life growing in and around you this year. You increase your power in career activities by challenging others to manage their responsibilities. Each day you use creative talent to transform your own mind and heart.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 a 6 -- Hard work depends on two things. First, your partner provides the logical framework. Then, you go full-steam ahead to achieve the desired results.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7 -- Your lighter-than-air attitude makes work flow quickly and easily. Your partner contributes encouragement and energy. Have fun!

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 7 -- Any task in your work environment that involves change appeals to you now. Use that desire to clean up old methods and refine written work.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) Today is a 7 -- Feet firmly on the ground, argue your logic on a practical level.

There’s no need to share your earlier flights of fancy.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is an 8 -- You regain balance today by managing household demands and allowing a co-worker to take the lead. You are your own best source of support today.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is an 8 -- Inspirational group activities increase your self-esteem.

Strenuous effort on basic issues allows you to positively transform something.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 7 -- The emphasis on personal change begins with you. Don’t expect others to do anything you’re unwilling to take on. Enthusiasm is the key.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 7 -- Who says teamwork can’t be fun? You engage others with a practical outline and enthusiastic forecasts.

They fill in the blanks.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 5 -- Group effectiveness depends on your enthusiasm. Remember what you’re committed to. Then, cheerfully and clearly state your opinion.

Others will get the idea.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 7 -- Your public image undergoes a transformation. Thanks to a persuasive group, the airwaves are filled with exactly the right message about you.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 6 -- Spread your net to encompass co-workers, social contacts and associates in other countries. You benefit from other people’s research.

___ (c) 2009, Tribune Media Services Inc.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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CULTURE

7

March 4, 2010

ARBITERONLINE.COM

Megadeth wants you to 'Rust in Peace' MATT DALLEY Journalist

Megadeath took no prisoners as the heavy metal pio-

COURTESY STEPHANIE CABRAL

Megadeth 2010 (left to right): Shawn Drover (drums), Dave Mustaine (guitar, vocals), Chris Broderick (guitar), David Ellefson (bass)

neers battered the eardrums of the Knitting Factory’s sold out crowd Tuesday. The band proved its relevance and the timelessness of its songs by slaying through one of their most critically acclaimed releases -- 1990s “Rust in Peace.”

The night got off to an exciting start as 1,000 metal-heads were forced to evacuate the venue while fire alarms went off. The alarms, however, rang false as roughly 25 minutes later the anxious crowd squeezed back into the venue. Co-headlining Oakland thrash metal band Testament enlivened the crowd with an energetic performance.

Just after 10 p.m., the house

lights dimmed, indicating the beginning of Megadeth’s set. Drummer Shawn Drover popped up from behind his enormous drum kit and the rest of the band sauntered onto the stage.

The quartet kicked off the evening with "Set The World Afire" from the album "So Far, So Good...So What!"

Four songs into the set, Megadeth launched into the guitar introduction to "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due," the opening track from "Rust in Peace."

“I want to give fans a snapshot of 1990 or 1991 all over again. They’ve seen these pictures of us from back in those days....Of course a lot of fans

Become a fan of The Arbiter on Facebook and follow arbiteronline on Twitter to answer trivia questions on this article and a chance to win tickets to Hinjinx Comedy Club.

might not have even been born back then,” Megadeath bass player David Ellefson said.

Two types of fans rocked out at the concert. First, there were the fans who probably appreciated “Hanger 18” as it originally appeared as the second track on “Rust in Peace.” Then, often seen moshing in front of the stage, there were the younger folks possibly more familiar with Guitar Hero 2's version of “Hanger 18.”

Regardless of age, the attendees reveled in guitar dueling between Dave Mustaine and Chris Broderick.

Returning to the band from an 8-year-hiatus, Ellefson is glad to be back on the road.

“I think a little absence makes the heart grow fonder on all sides -- which is good…

It’s a good time to be in Megadeth,” he said.

The Grammy nominated,

Platinum selling rockers don’t mind playing more intimate venues, like the Knitting Factory.

“Doing something like this 'Rust in Peace' tour, it’s cool to to play a smaller venue.

The music is very intricate,” said Ellefson. “There’s a lot of little nuances to it that I think in a big place might get lost."

The three weeks before the tour that Megadeth spent rehearsing these nuances led to performances very close to the original recordings. The note-for-note guitar solo replication on songs like "Five Magics" and "Lucretia" particularly impressed.

Upon playing "Rust in Peace ... Polaris," the aforementioned album's closing track, the band powered through fan favorites "Trust" and "Symphony of Destruction." Megadeth gave the crowd a final taste of 1990 by running through the outro to

COURTESY MEGADETH

Ellefson apparently doesn't enjoy McDonald's.

"Holy Wars" before exiting the stage.

Ellefson hopes Megadeth's current performances create a sense of nostalgia for their fans.

"For them (the fans) to come to the show tonight would be a way to kind of relive that moment in time," he said.

Silent lunches at BSU

IL

Deaf community 'speaks out'

S LU TR I AT O N: ZA CH GA NS CH

Journalist

If you walk into the Cultural Center on a Friday afternoon, you will be met with excited chatter.

But you won’t hear anything.

Every Friday, members of the deaf community gather to have lunch and converse with friends also fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). Those who come to gather include Boise State University students, non-

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REBECCA DELEON

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Cultural Center in SUB

such as politics.

Section 508 of the U.S. Code states that Federal agencies must provide resources and technology to persons with disabilities. BSU provides interpreters for deaf students in classes, but due to limited availability and resources, sometimes getting an interpreter proves difficult for these students. Even when there is an interpreter available, deaf students say that at times it's difficult for the interpreter to keep up and they end up falling behind.

Even reading the text books is harder for many deaf students than for students who can hear. ASL is a language that is understood differently than English. Not only are

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WHERE:

BSU students, those who are deaf and those who can hear.

Everyone is invited to mingle at the silent lunches. Most of the people who attend are deaf and enjoy the support and kindred feeling they receive through chatting with other deaf people.

“Lots of people don’t recognize that we’re deaf, so there aren’t too many programs that offer help. It’s not that we can’t learn, it’s just that there aren’t many programs,” said Kevin Majors, a non-degreeseeking student. “It’s still important for us to learn.”

The deaf at the silent lunches enjoy talking to each other about struggles with their disability, coping with life as a deaf person and other things

AR

Fridays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

HE

WHEN:

/T

—Christina Deleo

Silent Lunches

W

WHAT:

English is my second language...

I still feel like an outsider looking in.

O

THE FACTS:

there no grammatical articles in ASL, like “the,” “to,” and “and,” but there can be many different signs for one word.

So reading a textbook proves twice as tedious, since deaf students have to read it in English, and then translate it to ASL. “ASL is my first language.

English is my second language,” said Christina Deleo, a graduate student pursuing her master’s degree in educational technology. “I try to get involved on campus, like in rallies and events here (however) most of those events don’t have an interpreter, so I feel left out. I still feel like an outsider looking in.”

Student Sherri MatthewsThomas recounted for the group about a time when she was to receive a prestigious award during halftime in a basketball game. She wanted

to bring a friend along to interpret.

However, event coordinators did not want to allow t h e friend in free of charge. Matthews-Thomas had to speak with several people in charge before she was allowed to bring her interpreter in for free.

But not all is gloomy in the silent lunch; on the contrary, there were many smiling faces as group members talked about an upcoming chili

"Silent Lunches" encourage attendees to experience the dialogue and interaction with fellow guests without the use of their voice. cook-off at Rocky Mountain High School. All are encouraged to attend Friday, March 5 at 5 p.m. and meet the silent cooks.

Brown-bag silent lunches take place every Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Cultural Center on the second floor of the Student Union Building.

Sign Language S

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Former professors participate in local art show KIM KING Journalist

If Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, what would he think of having a walnut bust of his likeness on display at the state capitol building?

According to Idaho House Representative Max Black, the bust of King will join others on display in the new wings. Black was instrumental in having art pieces made from trees cut down during the recent capitol building renovation.

This and other handcrafted items were on display at the 2010 Idaho Artistry in Wood Show Saturday and Sunday at the Boise Holiday Inn Convention Center. Former Boise State professors participated as artists, judges or committee members.

Professor Emeritus John Taye served as a judge for the woodcarving, scrolling, turning, fine woodworking and gourd art categories. He taught drawing, painting and sculpture for 33 years in the art department until his retirement in 2008.

His sculptures are featured in two local churches, St. Mary’s Church and Risen Christ Catholic Community Church, and at the Museum of Church History and Art in Salt Lake City.

Inspired by French sculptor Auguste Rodin and Italian Renaissance painter Michelangelo, Taye said the best learning happens when one can visit the country of origin and experience the artwork first-hand.

“Online art and museums have made it accessible for everyone,” he said. “But there’s nothing like seeing a brush stroke or chisel mark in person.”

Others spoke of their involvement at the university.

Show coordinator and spokesman Doug Rose said he took art classes at Boise State and that many students from the university participated in the show until last year.

"Over the years we have invited students from the art department to participate in the show and some of the most creative pieces have

been from that source," he said.

Carol Reagle, administrative assistant for the art department, says there are no wood classes currently available at the university.

They were discontinued after adjunct professor Victor Haight left the university a few months ago.

“A lot of student teachers think students will want to do art, but that isn’t necessarily true,” Haight said. “Some of these kids have home lives that are so messed up, but once you find a way to involve them, behavior problems vanish.”

Haight is a world champion fish carver and some of his pieces were on display at the art show. He said his inspiration for those came from fish caught while vacationing in Hawaii and Alaska.

Former Boise State science professors Russ Centanni and Gene Fuller were also participants, serving as committee member and judge.

According to Rose, the 2010 Idaho Artistry in Wood Show was a huge success, with close

to 1,000 people attending, tripling last year’s numbers.

“The number of pieces entered was also up about 50 percent,” he said. “After running a deficit last year,

we were able to meet all expenses this year and have enough left to guarantee that the show will take place again next year.”

He said he looks forward

to seeing more students from Boise State participating in the future and encourages artists on every skill level to submit their work for competition or just for fun.

KIM KING/THE ARBITER

Event coordinator Doug Rose and professor emeritus John Taye view the entries.

The Arbiter ! arbiteronline.com

8

CULTURE

March 04, 2010

ARBITERONLINE.COM

BACKSTAGE PASS: All Hands Go

JENNIFER ORR

Marketing Director After an interview with All Hands Go for student radio, I followed up with the guys for a few more questions to see what has happened since we last spoke.

Since we last talked for the Pulse interview, are there any milestones you have accomplished in publicity or performances? What are they?

Since we last spoke we have opened up for The Aggrolites -- Hellcat Records and finished recording our first CD (which is) a five song EP that will be released very soon.

Once we put a couple of songs on our MySpace (myspace.com/allhandsgo), we had over 1,000 plays of just two songs in just under two days. It was pretty awesome.

When do you anticipate having your first album available?

It will be available at shows coming up through March and April. We have a lot of shows booked in and out of town and are very excited for people to get a hold the CD and come and sing a long at the shows. We will also have a bunch of T-shirts and stickers that will be available. It's going to be so rad!

If you could do anything for your CD-release party in Boise, where would you have it and what would you like to do?

We would more than likely have it at The Knitting Factory. The Venue would be our only other choice. The Knitting Factory is the only all ages plus alcohol serving venue we have. To cater to

everyone makes it the best choice.

We would love to have all our friends and all our friend's bands join us in celebrating it's release and celebrating the incredible music scene we have in Boise.

It's not just about us and our music but all the people who love and support our music and its scene everyday. Unity in this community!

What are your plans for the summer 2010?

We plan on continuing to write and progress. We want to tour and start working on releasing a full length CD, getting more people familiar with our songs and play shows. It's going to be an epic summer!

ONLINE FEATURE: For an extended interview with the band check out arbiteronline.com/category/multimedia/podcast

WAYNE CRANS/ REDFORD DESIGN

The punk-hardcore band All Hands Go will be performing multiple shows this month in Boise.

Yeasayer reinvent their sound on new album STEPHEN FOSTER Journalist

After 2007’s "All Hour Cymbals," high hopes surrounded Yeasayer’s sophomore release, "Odd Blood."

But expectations are fickle matters, often times resulting in the less than anticipated.

If Middle Eastern-infused tribal rhythms, organic beats and layered harmonies were what initially attracted you to

Yeasayer, then "Odd Blood" may leave a sour taste in your mouth.

Yeasayer are members of the burgeoning Brooklyn artrock scene, relatives to such acts as Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors and Grizzly Bear. On "Odd Blood," the band opts for a high-tech, extremely polished and dense sound. The album lacks any continuity, and frankly, bears little resemblance to the Yeasayer of 2007. Depending on perspective, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The album starts out with the highly industrialized and slightly disorienting track, “The Children.” Afterwards, they open up “Ambling Alp” and set the pace for the rest of the record. Half motivational speech, half uber-catchy pop song, this one rips. It’s practically impossible to pick out any standard instruments,

there’s no guitar, bass, or piano in earshot.

“Madder Red” highlights the dark 80s electronic sound that extends throughout the album. “Never gave a thought to an honorable living, always had sense enough to lie,” cheats lead singer Chris Keating.

After cooling off for a minute, Yeasayer reveals the highlight of the album during the track, “O.N.E.” Art isn’t designed to appeal to the taste of the individual; it’s designed to express that of the artist. If this is the direction Yeasayer is headed, "O.N.E." proves that it is a path worth pursuing. Womped out bongos, digitized scrambling, and incredibly overt and flamboyant vocals express emotions of playfulness, despair, confusion and longing.

“Hold me like before, hold me like you used to, control

If "Odd Blood" doesn’t register at first, stay persistent. me like you used to,” sings Keating before reneging.

“No! You don’t move me anymore, and I’m glad that you don’t, ‘cause I can’t take it anymore.”

“Love Me Girl” provides a kaleidoscopic meld of sounds and genres, connecting one idea to the next before leading into the most straightforward jam on the album. The rollicking “Rome” sounds like what would have happened if Nero opted for synthesizer rather than fiddle as the great city burned. “Mondegreen” offers up a horn section amidst a dizzying calcula-

COURTESY YEASAYER

"Odd Blood" album cover. tion of numbers and deftly compiled electronic swells.

Finally, the album is capped off with the mellowed-out, come-down song, “Grizelda.”

Yeasayer shamelessly combine the catchiest of pop with the most of avant-garde and the result is at times, incredible, at others, questionable.

If "Odd Blood" doesn’t register at first, stay persistent.

The rewards are there and in many cases, buried deep.

Oscars hint at showdown of first rate talent, ex-lovers TONY ROGERS Journalist

The Academy Awards this weekend will showcase the best in film over the past year and features a great lineup.

This year marks the first time 10 films will be included in the shortlist for the best picture Oscar since the 1940s.

This enables movies that would normally be pushed out of contention by the limit to vie for the top prize.

Of the 10 nominated, the most buzz surrounds the two leading contenders, James Cameron's "Avatar" and Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker." Both have already won best picture awards, with Cameron's coming from the Hollywood Foreign Press Society (i.e. The Golden Globes) and Bigelow's from the Director's Guild of America -- just

to name a few awards of many for both. The revolutionary cinematography of "Avatar" coupled with a re-imagined plot line provides good competition with the emotional thrill-ride and edge of your seat action of "The Hurt Locker." The Academy Award for best picture could go either way.

The actress in a leading role category features compelling performances from Sandra Bullock in "The Blind Side," Gabourey Sidibe in "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" and Meryl Streep in "Julie & Julia." Included as well in the shortlist is Helen Mirren ("The Queen") nominated for her performance in "The Last Station," a film

by Boise resident Michael Hoffman.

The actor in a leading role category is headlined by

Jeff Bridges' performance in "Crazy Heart," a story about a former country musician's promising future, and his will to overcome his self destructive lifestyle. Other nods include George Clooney for "Up in the Air," Jeremy Renner for "The Hurt Locker" and Morgan Freeman for "Invictus."

Although the Oscars have many nominees, the eyes of many will be focused on Cameron and Bigelow, who are ex-spouses and both having nine nods for their films.

The couple, who divorced in 1991, are both considered top contenders for the best director and best picture awards.

For more information, check out oscars.org, and don't forget to tune into ABC for the 81st Academy Awards this Sunday at 7:30 p.m. live from Hollywood's Kodak Theater.

The Arbiter ! arbiteronline.com