Opinion
As temperatures plummet around the valley, trousers and undies will surely follow.
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Volume 23
First Issue
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November 29, 2010
Sports
Do full body scanners violate right to privacy? Samantha Royce Journalist
Current NFL players reflect on their time playing as Broncos.
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Culture
Students studying abroad at BSU discuss their experience.
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Many students are traveling during the holidays. They already have to look forward to long lines and time-consuming security checks. Now, they will look forward to something else: full-body scanners that will peek under their clothing, using technology to reveal what is according to some, a strip search. Earlier this year, Rep. Phil Hart from Athol, Idaho, proposed bill HB 573 that would ban the scanners, called “whole-body imaging technology” in the bill. HB 573 passed in the Idaho House of Representatives but did not pass in the Senate. The new scanners are causing an uproar among civil rights advocates and some religious communities. “The government should enact procedures that pose the least threat to our civil liberties and are also proven to be effective,” the American Civil Liberties Union said Nov. 17. “Routine full body scanning, embarrassingly intimate patdowns and racial profiling do not fit those criteria.” “I wouldn’t be comfortable with the scanners if I thought that they were a foolproof way of making sure nothing bad ever happened on an airplane again,” said Amanda Patchin, a graduate student of English literature from Boise. “It’s just too high a price to pay for security ... We’ve gotten comfortable with having our freedoms infringed upon in the name of safety.” The scanners are also a concern for people whose religion requires modesty and bodily privacy. A British Muslim woman
and her female friend traveling with her were prevented from boarding their flights at Manchester Airport in February 2010 after they refused to be scanned. The Muslim woman cited religious reasons for her refusal. The other woman cited medical reasons. Muslims aren’t the only ones who are worried. Pope Benedict XVI recently expressed concern that the scanners may violate human dignity. According to The Guardian, the pope said at a Vatican meeting that although detecting terrorists is important, “the primary asset to be safeguarded and treasured is the person, in his or her integrity.” Feminists, the transgendered and the disabled are all worried about how these intimate body scans will affect them. Prosthetic limbs and other medical devices may show up as anomalies on the scanners. People with these items may have to undergo a detailed patdown in addition to being scanned. Parents are also concerned about their children being scanned. Michelle Nemphos’s 12-year-old daughter was selected to undergo the scan while traveling with a friend’s family. She was not told she could opt out of the scan. “Our daughter was scared and didn’t understand what was happening,” Nemphos told the St. Petersburg Times. “In essence they conducted a strip search on a 12-year-old girl without her parents present to advocate for her.” Patchin is also uncomfortable with the thought of children undergoing these full body scans. “I believe that the cutoff age (for being scanned) is something like 12,” Patchin said.
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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) demonstrated the new full-body scanner, Oct. 15 at Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle, Washington. “And I have two sons that are considerably younger than that. So if they were 12 years old I would not be comfortable with them being subjected to that either.” Minors in the U.K. are barred from undergoing full body scans. The scans
Experts: Radiation used in body scanners is low, unlikely to hurt passengers Stephanie Scheibe Journalist The new high-security body scanners have air travelers worried about the health effects that may be associated with the new technology. In an Arbiter poll, 78 percent of respondents said they would choose a pat-down instead of going through a full body scanner. So whether a debate of ethics or a question of health risk, at least the latter of the issues can be dispelled. According to Vincent Serio, M.D., Director of Medical Services at Boise State, the health risk associated with the new technology is little to none. Good news, because already 385 full-body scanners will be in use across the United States this month. This technology, though debated on all levels, brings questions of safety and privacy to the forefront of aviation security. The scanners will enable security to detect anything concealed beneath a passenger’s clothing, revealing an image blurred by a privacy filter to protect the individual’s identity. There are two types of fullbody scanners in use and can detect anything from hidden weapons to liquids and narcotics. The advanced imaging technology is said to reveal both metallic and nonmetallic items beneath a passenger’s clothing, though the machine’s efficiency is continually debated. In a test session completed by the British Department
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for Transport, they found that for the most part the machine was accurate, but it failed to spot low-density materials such as plastic, chemicals and liquids. The waves, they said, easily pass through these items, leaving the image seen by security revealing only the passenger’s skin. While both authorize security personnel with similar imaging capabilities, the technology for each differs. Backscatter The Backscatter X-ray Unit accounts for the majority of the machines, including three at the Boise Airport. After scanning the body with a low-level energy Xray beam, a metallic like 3D image appearing similar to a film negative is produced. Could it hurt me? The radiation emitted in order to see through a layer of clothes is a lot less than the radiation produced from a regular X-Ray. Serio said passengers would have to go through a Backscatter machine three of four thousand times to equal the radiation dose of one chest X-ray. Millimeter Wave The Millimeter Wave Unit emits electromagnetic waves, passing through clothing, but bouncing off the skin. The 2D image looks like a chalk sketch. Could it hurt me? The millimeter wave scanner emits 10,000 times less radiation than a cell phone. There are no proven adverse health effects that are associated with the scanner, though future research is warranted because they have not been widely studied.
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Do full-body scanners violate privacy?
American students who will be traveling abroad during the holidays. Whether or not other countries face this problem is unknown. For information and links, view the article online: http://tinyurl.com/BoiseStateScanners
Online Poll:
How do you feel about using a fullbody scanner? I’ll choose a pat-down instead 56% I’m fine with it 32% I’m undecided 12%
Ashley Prince, 18, freshman, political science, Shelley
Marisol Garcia, 18, freshman, social work, Parma
“(No,) I feel like knowing security versus our rights, I do believe they’re a necessity for our protection. Certain rights can be taken away for the protection of the majority.”
“No because ... they’re not really invading anything I think. I don’t think it’s an invasion of privacy as long as you know what they’re doing.”
Ciarran Burch, 27, graduate student, public administration, Boise
Austin Stewart, 19, freshman, I.T.M., Weiser
“I do (think so), because somebody, somewhere is seeing you naked. That’s pretty gross.”
“No ... the airport does need security and it’s completely fine for them to scan (a) person for items they find dangerous.”
Bryce Gurney, 18, freshman, biology, Boise
Charles Sims, 18, freshman, psychology, Los Angeles
“No. They don’t show anything. They censor all the sensitive areas.”
“Definitely ... If you’re already opening your pockets to the metal detector, there’s no need for more investigation.”
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violate the U.K.’s child pornography laws. In the U.S., scanners-aspornography aren’t much of an issue yet. But in Nigeria, some security officials are using the scanners as an excuse to look at women’s near-naked bodies. This may be a concern for
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November 29, 2010
News
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New basketball locker room tweaks traffic circles
University hosts Nobel Peace Prize laureate, ‘Spondee and Apple Horse’
Arbiter Staff Construction of a new basketball locker room addition near Bronco Gymnasium adjacent to Bronco Circle at Boise State has necessitated adjustments in parking areas and traffic movement. The project is scheduled for completion by June 2011. The following parking and traffic changes are in effect until the project is complete: * Traffic on Bronco Circle is
one way only. Drivers must enter on the east end of the road from University Drive and exit on the west end back onto University. * Due to the one-way traffic flow on Bronco Circle, drivers may park on either side of Bronco Circle in the direction of travel. * Pedestrian routes around the site are also restricted. * Twelve parking spaces have been removed on the north side of Bronco Circle adjacent to the Kinesiology Annex to sup-
port construction site loading and unloading. A fence will be erected with gates on either end to accommodate construction deliveries. * Parking opposite the construction fence may be restricted from time to time in order to facilitate offloading of equipment and materials that cannot be safely done inside the permanent fence. For information about transportation and parking at Boise State, visit transportation.boisestate.edu or call 426-7275.
Boise State Institute cashes big grant to help small business deal with drug abuse Arbiter Staff Boise State’s Institute for the Study of Addiction (ISA) is partnering with Drug Free Idaho in an ongoing program to help the state’s small businesses get the tools and resources they need to deal with alcohol and drug abuse by employees. With a two-year, $186,576 grant through the U.S. Small Business Administration to increase the number of drug-free workplace programs across the state, Drug Free Idaho contracted with ISA to help carry out the programs and then
evaluate their success. The program is at the end of its first year. “This partnership is very exciting because it integrates research, teaching and service to the community through collaboration with community partners,” said Diana Doumas, professor of counselor education and associate director of ISA, a joint endeavor of Boise State’s Colleges of Education and Health Sciences. “The project also has great potential to significantly reduce substance abuse across the state.”
The program has resulted in a reduction of accidents, sick time, theft, vandalism and other problems related to drug and alcohol abuse among employees of participating small businesses. Employers involved also say they have seen an increased use of employee assistance programs, as well as an uptick in employee retention and productivity. Graduate students from the Department of Counselor Education will become involved in the project during the next year to assist with data analysis and program evaluation.
Jim Crowley cracks discovery in South American rocks Arbiter Staff Jim Crowley, an assistant research geochemist at Boise State University, contributed to a paper recently published in the journal, “Science” suggests some surprising things about the impact a warmer climate could have on the planet’s biodiversity. The paper refers to an abrupt global warming event called the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum that occurred about 56 million years ago. The world warmed between five and nine degrees Fahrenheit, and carbon dioxide levels doubled in only 10,000 years. While prevailing scientific opinion suggests the ancient rainforests must have suffered, there is new evidence that they thrived. The research group behind the paper examined pollen trapped in rock cores and outcrops from Colombia and Venezuela that formed before, during and after the abrupt global warming event. They found the diversity of tropical forests increased during the event, with new plant species evolving much faster than old species became extinct. “The Isotope Geology Lab at Boise State showed precisely when the pollen formed by determining the age of a volcanic ash
Courtesy / university news
Boise State researcher Jim Crowley examines rock fragments under a microscope as part of a study on an ancient global warming event and its impact on tropical forests. layer that occurs in the same rock formations as the pollen,” Crowley said. “Without the age data produced at Boise State, it would have been uncertain whether the plants that produced the pollen did indeed grow during the global warming event.” Today, Crowley says, temperatures in the hottest places on the planet are rising. Conservative estimates suggest that tropical areas may experience an increase of more than five degrees Fahrenheit
by the end of the century, a novel climate scenario that may not doom rain forests, which contain the majority of Earth’s biodiversity. “The study indicates that moisture levels didn’t drop significantly during the ancient warming event, and tropical forests appear to have fared very well,” Crowley said. He shares authorship of the science publication with an international group of scientists led by Carlos Jaramillo at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.
Events: Monday, Nov. 29
Senior piano recital, Joshua Edwards. Morrison Center Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m., free, call 426-1596. ‘Story Story Night,’ “Living Without: Stories of Letting Go.” Linen Building, 1402 W. Grove St., Boise, 7 p.m. “Living Without: Stories of Letting Go” is the theme of the November Story Story Night, the monthly live storytelling program collaboratively created and presented by Boise State’s Story Initiative, Alley Repertory Theater and The Cabin. Tales spun by featured storytellers will be followed by an open story slam. A no-host bar will be available; all ages venue. $5 admission at the door. For information, visit storystorynight.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 1
Distinguished Lecture Series: Jody Williams. Morrison Center, 7 p.m. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jody Williams will speak on “Human Security in an Insecure World,” arguing that if the security needs of individuals and communities are disregarded, and all emphasis is placed on national security, sustainable global peace and security will not be achievable. Free, no tickets required. Free parking. For more information, visit boisestate.edu/distinguishedlectures. Brava! Stage Concert Series: “Spondee and Apple Horse.” Student Union Brava! Stage, 7 p.m., free. Presented by the Student Programs Board. For more information, e-mail Steven Palin at spbconcerts@ boisestate.edu. Fall Jazz Concert. Special Events Center, 7:3010:30 p.m., $5 general, $3 seniors, free to students of all ages and Boise State faculty and staff. Call 4261596.
Thursday, Dec. 2
“Dinner for Shmucks” (PG-13). Special Events Center. 7 p.m. A rising executive succeeds in finding the perfect guest for his boss’s monthly event, “dinner for idiots,” which offers certain advantages to the exec who shows up with the biggest buffoon. Sponsored by the Student Programs Board. $1 general, free for Boise State students. For information, visit spb.boisestate.edu. Percussion Ensemble Concert. Morrison Center room B125, 7:30 p.m., $5 general, $3 seniors, free to students of all ages and Boise State faculty and staff. Call 426-1596. Oakridge Boys Christmas. Morrison Center, 7:30 p.m. Featured songs include “Elvira,” “Bobbie Sue” and many Christmas favorites. $42-$52. Tickets are available by calling 426-1110, at all Selecta-Seat outlets, at the Morrison Center box office or online at IdahoTickets.com. For more information, e-mail Virginia Treat at virginiatreat@boisestate. edu.
Friday, Dec. 3
Literature for Lunch. Boise Public Library, 715 S. Capitol Blvd. 12:10-1 p.m. This month’s book is “The Clothes on Their Backs,” by Linda Grant. The sensitive, bookish child of timid Hungarian refugee parents, Vivien Kovacs learns to navigate British society and, by forging a relationship with her criminal uncle, come to terms with her hidden heritage. The monthly book discussion is free. For information, email cherylhindrichs@boisestate.edu or cmartin@ boisestate.edu. Comedian Rodney Carrington. Morrison Center, 7 p.m. Rodney Carrington, a comedian, actor and writer, has recorded eight major comedy albums, selling more than 2 million copies. Recommended for mature audiences. $44.25. Tickets are available by calling 426-1110, at all Select-a-Seat outlets, at the Morrison Center box office or online at IdahoTickets.com. For more information, e-mail Virginia Treat at virginiatreat@boisestate.edu. MFA Reading Series: Sandra Doller and Ben
Doller. Student Union Hatch C Ballroom, 7:30 p.m., free. Sandra Doller (née Miller) and Ben Doller (né Doyle) blended their last names to symbolize their artistic and personal partnership. Both are educators and established poets, and their work experiments with structure on the page and with digital media such as audio and film. For more information, contact Torin Jensen: torinjensen@boisestate.edu. Senior composition recital, Matt Durrant. Morrison Center Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m., free. For information, call 426-1596.
Saturday, Dec. 4
Boise State Football v. Utah State. Bronco Stadium, 1 p.m. Call 426-4737 or visit idahotickets.com. Senior voice recital, Michael Stear. Morrison Center Recital Hall, 4:30 p.m., free. Call 426-1596.
Sunday, Dec. 5
Annual Family Holiday Concert. Morrison Center, 7:30 p.m. This year’s program features the music of Leroy Anderson, including “Christmas Festival” and “Sleigh Ride,” and variations on “Jingle Bells” and “Christmas Time is Here.” An audience singalong will be threaded throughout the evening, accompanied by Department of Music Chair Mark Hansen. The event will be narrated by Larry Gebert from KTVB Channel 7 and includes performances by Boise State’s Symphony Orchestra, choral groups and the University Percussion Ensemble. All proceeds benefit the Department of Music Scholarship Fund. $8 general, $6 seniors, $1 children and nonBoise State students at all Select-a-Seat locations beginning Nov. 19. Boise State students, faculty, staff and alumni may each receive one free ticket with ID by visiting the Student Union Info Desk, Morrison Center or Taco Bell Arena box offices. For more information, call the Department of Music at 4261596.
Exhibitions: Through Dec. 7.
“One Trick Pony,” BFA Thesis Exhibition. Visual Arts Center Gallery 1 (Liberal Arts Building) and Gallery 2 (Hemingway Western Studies Center). Graduating students in the Fine Arts program will display a variety of media and approaches in an exhibition of their work titled “One Trick Pony.” Works on paper, painting, printmaking, sculpture, neon and more will be presented on the walls, floors and ambiguous spaces. Themes addressed in the work include spirituality, identity, memory and social structure in the form of architecture, language and gender. The galleries are open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday and are free and open to the public. Call 426-3994.
Dec. 2-Jan. 9.
“Katsura,” The Photographs of Ishimoto Yasuhiro. Student Union Gallery. Photographer Ishimoto Yasuhiro is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential figures in the development of postwar Japanese photography. Among his most celebrated bodies of work, his photographs of the legendary 17th century Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto infuse images of the iconic structure with a New Bauhaus aesthetic. This exhibition of 50 black-and-white photographs presents Ishimoto’s attempt to liberate tradition through a contemporary viewpoint. Opening reception will be 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, in the Student Union Gallery.
Through Jan. 10.
“Paintings from Exile.” Special Events Center Lobby, free. This exhibit by Boise artist Bill Blahd is created to be intellectually intriguing and challenging for viewers. Part of a series, these works pay homage to some of the artists and art movements that have inspired Blahd and his art along the way. For more information, contact finearts@boisestate.edu or call 426-1242.
Smoking ban to be discussed Tuesday The Associated Students of Boise State (ASBSU) have organized an open forum to talk about the no-smoking policy and its enforcement on campus. The meeting will be held Tuesday from 3:30 - 5 p.m. According to Zach Snoderly, ASBSU vice-president ASBSU has gathered a panel of faculty staff and administrators to discuss the policy.
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A brief history of birth control 3000 B.C. — Use of condoms made from fish bladders and animal intestines is recorded.
1873 — The Comstock Act passed in the United States banning information and distribution of birth control. 1916 — Margaret Sanger opens first birth control clinic in the United States. Soon after, she was arrested and held for 30 days.
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chlamidia
Bob Beers
M anaging E ditor Kirk Bell
M edia M anager Zach Ganschow
P hoto E ditor
Many enter college with wild ideas of crazy parties and orgies that last until early morning. Boise State’s health assessment report from 2007 showed that roughly 86 percent of students perceived “the norm” as having more than one sexual partner. About 32 percent believed within a school year, most students had four or more partners. In actuality, about 58 percent of students at BSU said they had only one sexual partner through the entire year. For beginners in the sex world, or for those who feel uncomfortable with face-to-face sex talks, Google is a great tool. However, there are several places around Boise to learn about sex. One such place is the O!Zone condom shop. Not only does owner Caryn Thompson sell Trojans, she sells a fun, wide variety of latex and non-latex williewarmers so even the most reluctant couple could find condom shopping enjoyable. Thompson sees buying condoms as a similar process to purchasing shoes. “Condoms are like tennis shoes. You can try on Nikes, Adidas, Converse, Vans. They’re all your size, but they’re all going to fit differently. One’s going to rub your toe, one’s going to rub your heel, one just doesn’t fit right. And then you put on ‘the shoe,’ and it fits perfectly. And that’s what you’re looking for in a condom, something that doesn’t take away your attention.” She added, “My intent is to share information about the product. We can educate the consumer about the product, and they can make better deci-
What do you mean by ‘sexual baggage?’
What’s the age group of people who visit your store?
I have a good high school clientele. There’s no age limit in the state of Idaho to buy condoms. I feel like everybody who walks through the door is taking a step to keep themselves safe. And it’s not for us to judge, it’s for us to provide information about the products, condoms, lubes, etcetera. College students, they have limited funds. It’s a choice; they choose to come here or not. But you know, I had someone 91 years old come in a few months ago.
Tell me about what the goal of your store is?
My intent is to share the information about the product. We can educate the
N ews
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Rebecca De León Editor Producer Glenn Landberg
sions for themselves about what they need.” It’s the job of the students to learn how to stay safe. On the bright side, at least we aren’t on the same level as the University of Idaho. Out of the 141 campuses studied -- including known party schools such as the University of Georgia and Ohio University -- U of I ranked dead last. And unlike them, we’ve improved our sexual health rank from last year. But come on, Broncos. It is both disappointing and unflattering to be placed near the middle of the sex report card. We should be focused on making our campus image better from every angle we can. Let’s start with the taboo none of us would be here without -- sex. Each individual can and should make learning about sexual health a priority. With the exception of the few who dedicate themselves to a life of celibacy, most students are going to have sex at some point. It would be both safer and smarter to throw out the conservative tradition of relying solely on church and family life to talk about sex and instead educate Boiseans about sexual health through public knowledge and available education. It doesn’t matter the age when one is sexually active -- whether it’s 16 or 91, everyone should make it a priority to prepare themselves with sexual arsenal. Read about STIs. Learn about condoms and contraceptives. Get tested regularly. The tools are there -- take a chance and use them. We don’t want to drop to Vandal level, do we?
consumer about the product, and they can make better decisions for themselves about what they need. That’s really my focus -- it really makes the hair on the back of my neck bristle when someone calls me a sex shop. Sex is a healthy, biological function. We should be able to purchase products, to keep ourselves safe or to enhance whatever is good, is normal for us. That’s another question I get a lot -- what’s “normal?” Normal is whatever you and your partner agree to. If you want to stand on your head, reading a book and eating an apple, and you both agree to it, then that’s normal.
I think sexual health in Boise is on the right track, there’s just not enough of it. And I believe that there is a stigma attached to sex, it’s a naughty stigma, it’s a negative stigma, and that to me is what keeps people from making good choices. It’s the fear, the guilt, the “it won’t happen to me.” And, it will happen, and it’s in making proper choices to make sure that you yourself are safe.
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Josh Gamble
2010
THE ARBITER
E ditorial S taff E ditor - in -C hief
November 29,
The best way to spread holiday cheer, is wrapping it up throughout the year.
What do you think of Boise’s sexual health?
Cases of STIs dignosed by Boise State University Health Servises last year
genital herpes
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emperatures are dropping, so are students’ pants
with Caryn Thompson O!Zone owner
Illustration/ARBITER staff
2010 — Pope Benedict deems the use of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS as acceptable.
jessicaswider@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Q&A
1930s — The most popular female form of contraceptive is Lysol disinfectant.
2000-2006 — Several new types of birth control, such as NuvaRing, Lybrel and the Today Sponge, are approved by the FDA and hit the U.S. market.
Opinion Producer
Sex. Sex. Sex. Feeling uncomfortable yet? A majority of those reading this probably are. However, as temperatures drop, so do countless numbers of pants. Frighteningly enough, most of those boning up ... ahem, snuggling up to one another have an incredibly small amount of knowledge concerning sexual safety. Sex is, unfortunately, one of the most taboo subjects in our red-dominated Idaho. Sex education is an obscure and voluntary high school subject that by law, Idaho educators are not required to teach. Whether for political or religious reasons, or out of sheer stupidity, plenty of Idaho’s teens and 20-somethings are sadly naive when it comes to sexual knowledge. Madi Kaestner, a BSU sophomore and visual arts major, attended Eagle High School. “Public education in Idaho is not doing its part in sex education at all,” Kaestner said. “They take more of a ‘just say no or you’re a bad person’ approach and try to show us horrible pictures of diseases. That’s not educating anyone -- that’s just making people more drawn to it because authority is telling them not to.” According to University Health Services, in the last year, 621 students have visited the office to screen for Sexually Transmitted Infections. Among those students, 253 had Human Papilloma Virus, 56 had chlamydia and 33 had genital herpes. We have a campus of approximately 20,000. Not even a full half of our student body visits the UHS to get tested -- many go to Planned Parenthood or private physicians. Perhaps this is why Boise State placed 62nd on Trojan condom’s annual “Sexual Health Report Card.” Each year, America’s leading condom company studies sexual health at several campuses across the nation. The “report card” consists of categories such as the availability of sexual awareness programs, the cost and availability of contraceptives and condoms and HIV or other STI testing. Each campus has the opportunity to “earn” a 4.0 Sex GPA. This year, Boise State earned a 2.5 GPA. If we’re relating the score to high school grading, it means we would have earned a C-plus average. This is simply unacceptable. Students, especially sexually active individuals, have a responsibility to go out and find information.
700 B.C. — The ancient Chinese consumed a mixture of oil and quicksilver heated together for one day and taken orally. The prescription induced sterility.
1992 — Emergency contraceptives become widely available.
letters@stumedia.boisestate.edu
Journalist
1500 B.C. — First spermicides introduced which used condoms made from linen cloth sheaths and soaked in a chemical solution and dried before using.
1960 — The FDA approves the first birth control pill, called Enovid.
Opinion Editor
Karey Hoke
1850 B.C. — Ancient Egyptian women used crocodile dung as a type of contraception.
1950 — Sanger begins research for the first human birth control pill.
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When we are growing up, we all receive this little bag. As we’re growing older, any information about sex we stuff in this bag. So whether we saw it in a movie, read it in a book, heard it from our parents, heard it from church, whatever it is, positive or negative, we shove it in this bag. And then when we become sexually active, we start looking at what’s in the bag, and it takes us the rest of our lives to figure out ... there’s a lot of misinformation in this bag, and we take it out and replace it with healthy, good information. And that sexual baggage creates boundaries, and those boundaries create the fear and the guilt. Those are two powerful emotions. Fear can be a good emotion, it can be something positive in an odd sort of way. But it’s the guilt that’s negative, the guilt will encourage us to make bad decisions, decisions that don’t benefit the individual.
What do you think about people who comment about condoms breaking?
Condom failure ... it gets me pepped up. Everybody wants to blame it on the condom. A condom is an inanimate object. We buy it, we store it, we open it and then we put it on and then we wonder why it breaks. The main reasons condoms break is a, it’s not a good fit; you haven’t pinched an inch at the tip; and there’s not enough lubricant. If there’s any dry skin connecting with dry latex, it’s going to pull and tear (the condom). One of the statistics thrown out at “Sex in the Lobbies” is that ejaculate comes out at 35 to 78 miles an hour. It’s only a teaspoon, but it comes out rather fast, so if you’re putting the condom on so tight at the top ... it just can’t take that pressure ... everybody wants to blame it on the condom, because it’s the condom that broke, it’s a horrible condom. It’s the way we use them that creates that breakage. It’s about taking personal responsibility -- if you want these things to protect you, you have to take a little care of them. Don’t open them with your teeth, or with scissors. Condoms break because we interact with them. Whether it’s a Trojan, whether it’s any brand, the same thing will happen.
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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.
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Boise State has built a strong reputation throughout the National Football League for developing players who have premiere fundamentals and football IQ. The unit of Broncos that have succeeded most in the NFL are those who play at the cornerback and safety positions.
Chris Carr
How do you feel looking back on your time at BSU?
Boise state cornerback from 2001-04, Undrafted, signed with Oakland 2005-07, Tennessee ‘09, Baltimore ‘10
“To see where the program has come from when I got there until now, it’s just remarkable. It’s a sense of pride. When I watch Boise State I know I’m a true fan. I like watching other teams and stuff, but I’m not really a true fan of those teams. Boise State’s the only team that I care about in any sport, besides the Ravens of course.”
How did playing for BSU prepare you for the NFL?
“My technique was better than 95 percent of the players I was around. At Boise State, they teach things the right way. I think fundamental-wise, game knowledge, playing smart and technique-wise Boise State prepares you as well or better than any program in college football.”
Quintin Mikell
mct campus
“Look at all the corners and safety’s we’ve had at Boise State make it to the NFL, it is quite remarkable. Hopefully they keep turning them (players) out and keep wanting to go there. We’ve had a lot of success in the NFL.”
THE ARBITER
Do you think Boise State may become secondary U?
Boise State 2000-02, Undrafted, signed with Eagles 2003-current
Where do your NFL teammates stand in their perception of the blue turf?
“They always say we’re cheating with the blue turf because they tend to think guys blend in. What if a team is green and they’re playing on a green field? You can’t use that excuse. It’s just a whole bunch of excuses.”
Do you feel like Boise State prepared you well for the NFL?
“A lot of guys say there’s nothing to do in Boise, it’s a small town with cows and potatoes out there. I’m always like, ‘look, make one trip up there and it will be the best vacation you’ve had. Not only will there be more to do than you think, but you’ll just fall in love with the nature and all the stuff that there is to do.’ People that have never been there talk trash, it’s funny.”
Kyle Wilson
THE ARBITER
What do your teammates say about the City of Boise?
Copyright Drew Hallowell
“The way that I came into the league as a free agent, Boise helped with that. During my time there (BSU) I developed a chip on my shoulder because I was used to being looked over. That chip made me used to outworking everyone to try to solidify myself. Being in Boise and going through what we went through playing ball helped me become the player that I am today.”
Boise State 2006-09, First-round draft pick in 2010 by New York Jets
What’s been the hardest transition from college football to the NFL?
“Everything as a whole is a big adjustment. Adjusting to a new city, new teammates. Football is still the same, but it’s to a whole different degree now. You’ve got to work that much harder and just go out there and put your best foot forward.”
What do your teammates say about Boise State?
“They say we don’t play anybody and we always play on weird night’s of the week, stuff like that. I tell them nobody wants to play us. The family atmosphere over there (Boise) was great.”
Does BSU have secondary players currently ready for the NFL?
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mct campus
THE ARBITER
“Everybody wants to get to that next level. The guys there now are definitely talented enough, smart enough and have the ability. It goes back to coach (Marcel) Yates (secondary coach) and coach Pete. They put us in the position to go out there and make plays.”
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Sports
5
November 29, 2010
Photos by JOEY MCCULLOUGH/THE ARBITER
Nevada Wolf Pack redshirt freshman place kicker Anthony Martinez kicks the Boise State Broncos out of the Bowl Championship Series with his 34-yard field goal in overtime.
Trent Lootens Sports Editor RENO, Nev. -- Chris Petersen has always tried to avoid discussing Boise State’s place in the Bowl Championship Series. We found out why on Friday night. After leading 24-7 at the half, No. 4 BSU (10-1, 6-1 Western Athletic Conference) walked
out of its locker room to begin the third quarter, and after two series resembled nothing of the team that walked in. “They were the same in the locker room going out (to start the second half ) as they were to start the game,” Petersen said. Apparently, none of the Broncos noticed a difference until it was too late. BSU’s offense suffered the most, which allowed the Wolf
Pack (11-1, 6-1 WAC) to creep back into the game. The Broncos punted on their first four offensive possessions to begin the second half. “They started sustaining drives and we really didn’t get any drives going,” Petersen said. “Your defense can only hang in there so long.” By the time the Broncos scored, Nevada had reeled off 17-consecutive points to tie the game at 24 with 5:14 remaining in the fourth quarter. Boise State answered on its first play from scrimmage when junior quarterback Kellen Moore threw a screen pass to junior running back Doug Martin, who broke a few tackles en route to a 79-yard touchdown. Martin was BSU’s offense in the game, rushing 24 times for 157 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 78 yards and a touchdown. After Martin’s score, BSU led 31-24, but the Broncos defense couldn’t hold as it had been on the field nearly the entire second half.
Nevada senior quarterback Colin Kaepernick led the Wolf Pack on an instrumental 14play drive, lasting 4:38 that covered 79 yards and took the remaining life out of the BSU defense. Nevada senior running back Vai Taua gashed BSU’s defense on the drive. At times, it seemed BSU had no answer for Taua. Kaepernick found junior wide receiver Rishard Matthews in the corner of the end zone for a 7-yard touchdown pass to cap the impressive drive. “They didn’t do anything different, we didn’t do anything different,” junior safety George Iloka said. “We just didn’t make the plays we were supposed to make.” Boise State got the ball back
with 13 seconds on its own 38-yard-line and did the unthinkable. Moore threw a hail pass to senior wide receiver Titus Young who somehow wasn’t completely covered and came down with the ball at Nevada’s nine-yard-line with two seconds left in the game. Moore finished the game going 20-of-31 for 348 yards and two touchdowns. When senior place-kicker and all-time leading scorer at BSU, Kyle Brotzman, came on to kick the game-winning field goal, BSU and it’s thousands of fans at Mackay Stadium had thought it pulled one out against the Wolf Pack. Brotzman, lined up to kick the 26-yard field goal just like he would’ve any other time, but this wasn’t any ordinary time. Brotzman pushed the chipshot kick wide right and forced the Broncos into overtime. Brotzman pulled his chip-strap from his helmet and screamed in frustration as he went back to the sidelines. BSU got the ball first in overtime and moved to Nevada’s eight-yard-line for a first-andgoal opportunity, but that’s as far as the Broncos would make it. After a couple of incompletions by Moore to Young, and a four-yard loss by Martin, it was up to Brotzman to keep the Broncos alive. He missed a 29yard field goal and all Nevada had to do was score to win the game. Nevada got its chacne at the 25-yard-line and didn’t play with much urgency to find the end zone. All Nevada needed was a field goal to beat the
“
Broncos and clinch a share of the WAC Championship. Redshirt freshman kicker Anthony Martinez was good on a 34-yard field goal attempt that gave No. 19 Nevada the biggest win in its history 3431 and ended BSU’s BCS title dreams. “Obviously we’re aware of it (BCS chances gone). We’ve had a special couple of seasons,” Moore said. “Give all the credit to Nevada. They’re resilient, they kept battling and they made plays when they had to.” Not only did Boise State lose the BCS, it may have lost the WAC Championship, too. Losing the WAC isn’t something the Broncos are used to. The last time BSU didn’t win the WAC outright was in 2007. “I’m disappointed that we just gave up the WAC championship right there,” Iloka said. “I told you earlier, this season was based on the WAC championship, the only thing we could control. We went out there and we lost it.” After the game, a teary-eyed Martin could barely address the media. His face told the story of a team that had so much promise, but instead, ended in complete disappointment. “It’s heartbreaking. It’s sad that we couldn’t finish. We always talk about finishing and we couldn’t do it tonight,” Martin said. “It’s crushing. BSU plays its last regular season game at Bronco Stadium against Utah State on Saturday at 1 p.m. It will be senior night for the Broncos.
“
Pistol whipped
Boise State blows several opportunities, loses 34-31 at Nevada in overtime
I’m disappointed that we just gave up the WAC championship right there. I told you earlier, this season was based on the WAC championship, the only thing we could control. We went out there and we lost it. —George Iloka
Boise State junior running back Doug Martin did everything he could to keep the Broncos alive when the momentum was on Nevada’s side.
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November 29,
2010
Classifieds
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STUDENTPAYOUTS.
11/21 - 11/24
Calendar Wednesday, December 1, 2010
7:00 PM Distinguished Lecture Series: Speaker, Jody Williams Location: Morrison Center Cost: None
Thursday, December 2, 2010
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Paid Survey Takers Needed In Boise. 100% FREE To Join! Click On Surveys.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM HIV Testing Location: University Health Services, Norco Building Cost: None 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Nutrition Q & A Location: Student Recreation Center
Cost: None
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Katsura Art Reception Location: SUB Galler Cost: None 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM SUB Gallery exhibition reception Katsura – The Photographs of Ishimoto Yasuhiro Location: Student Union Gallery Cost: None 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Location: Morrison Center Cost: $52 & $42
Friday, December 3, 2010
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Rodney Carrington Location: Morrison Center Cost: $44.25
Saturday, December 4, 2010
1:00 PM Bronco Football vs. Utah State Location: Bronco Stadium
Sunday, December 5, 2010
7:30 PM Annual Holiday Concert Location: Morrison Center Cost: $8.00 (General) / $6.00 (senior)
Club Organization Contact classifieds@stumedia.boisestate.edu to place your club’s ad
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7
November 29,
2010
Agency for New Americans provides shelter, cultural perspective to incoming refugees
ASSIMILATION
Trevor Villagrana Journalist Uprooting families from everything they have ever known is difficult, even though their country may be riddled with bomb fragments and partiallydestroyed buildings. Their daring journey to America as refugees often leads to an opportunity for a fresh start along with a big helping of confusion. Luckily, Agency for New Americans is here to help. The agency’s main objective is to connect refugees with the community. Yasmin Aguilar is the community resource and match grant coordinator for Agency for New Americans. She gained her motivation for the job from many years of living as a refugee. Aguilar, a 10-year employee of the agency, crossed thousands of miles to get to America from Afghanistan. Aguilar faced persecution as an educated woman in the Middle East. However, she took a position at Mercy Corps International in Pakistan, which eventually led her to Agency for New Americans. “We have to help each other to have a peaceful community,” Aguilar said. The agency provides the refugees essentials such as housing and education. Refugees take English classes and learn how to conduct themselves in scenarios such as job interviews to ensure individual success. “We work for the promotion of self sufficiency,” Aguilar said. For those who eventually assimilate, a new life and new citizenry also entail new responsibilities. For 19-year-old Awfeed Isho, former citizen of Iraq, daily life is consumed primarily by work and little play. As a stocker at Winco Foods, Isho’s time is gener-
ally spent on the grind. He works five days a week aspect in working with them and helping them relate center, Aguilar hopes to expand the agency in the from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but doesn’t complain about to our clients.” near future. Right now, Agency for New Americans the amount of time he spends at work. He speaks Agency for New Americans relies heav- uses most of the money it receives to pay for utilities highly of his chance to work as a checker and drive ily on volunteers and is always looking for more in refugee homes, so there isn’t left with much left to a fork lift to further increase his standing at the helping hands. fuel the growth of the organization. company. “I offer service learning because of my interest in “The federal fund is very limited,” Aguilar said. “The people here are very nice,” Isho said regard- building community,” Catt-Oliason said. “I’d like to “We are using our fundraising money for the rent ing his now-fellow-Boiseans. “They are always smil- think I do it as a means to take students back to their and utilities to keep the families warm. When the ing and ready to help.” own lived freedom, to return them to their liberty.” economy gets better, we will achieve a lot.” A coworker of Isho’s worked at Winco for a little Isho’s story about his journey to America resoAlthough it works with relatively low funds, Agenmore than a year and has already attained the title of nates almost identically with some of the staff at the cy for New Americans trudges forth through tough Person In Charge -- a title Isho sees in his near future. agency who aided him in making the transition from economic times to ensure safe living for refugees Brittany Mars, volunteer coordinator and work Iraq to the States. new to the United States. study student at Boise State, helps give students With more funding and aid from volunteers, youth “We have to support people apart from what color the opportunity to learn other refugees’ respective programs, women’s groups and possibly a daycare and what religion they are,” Aguilar said. identities and cultural backgrounds. She works with Boise State communication professor Jerald Catt-Oliason’s communication and culture class, urging students to engage with the new refugees. “Being a student gives me a different perspective on the challenges students are facglenn landberg/THE ARBITER ing,” Mars said. “It allows me to Iraq-born Awfeed Isho now lives peacefully in Boise, working and going to school. Agency for New Americans have a different helps refugees like Isho adjust to the new culture while giving them opportunities to become self-reliant.
Welcome Bienvenidos Willkommen 歓迎 Bienvenue Добро пожаловать Benvenuti مكب ابحرمBem-vindo Ongi Etorri
International students
Could you imagine shipping off by yourself to a country with an entirely different language, different customs, different definition of value and a different view of America? A couple students reflect on what shocked them the most about this foreign land. “I would say language. One of the elements comprising the U.S. culture was the hardest thing for me to adjust, especially when I first stuided abroad in the U.S. People reside in different places may feature different foods, clothing, physical appearances and languages, but I think languages serve as the most efficient path for us to conduct verbral communication nowadays; therefore, better language skills, would result in better understanding of others, and more fun we can share.”
“The weather was hard, it’s colder.” -- Mahsa Azad, civil engineering, Shiraz, Iran
-- Sindy Chu, pre-med, Hong Kong, China
From Brazil to Boise State Bruno Oliveira’s journey to Idaho, living in the American culture Journalist Bruno Oliveira left his home in Brazil among green trees, large rivers and crazed soccer fans to study in Boise, Idaho among beatnik college kids and snow. Oliveira, a senior international student majoring in international business, plans to travel the world as a businessman and maybe attend medical school in the future. For now, he said he’s proud to be living in a great country like the United States. Oliveira first came to Idaho his junior year of high school as a foreign exchange student at Nampa High School. He said he wanted to have the experience of living in another country and decided the United States would be a great place to start. Although he has been in this country for years, Oliveira does not plan on making this his permanent home. “My high school experience here was priceless and couldn’t have been better,” he said. High school is where he began to learn American customs and he began to fall in love with American politics. “In Brazil, we have different republics and two different dictatorships,” Oliveira said. “It is almost socialist.” Getting a student visa and coming to America proved difficult for Oliveira. He went through extensive, and what he called, unreasonable psychological background tests. The test is administered to make sure the traveling party is mentally capable of handling a major culture shock. Questions asked during this evaluation seemingly have nothing to do with the individual’s travel needs. The interrogation is designed to put the individual
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under stress to ensure they do not have anxiety issues that could be hazardous to themselves or others while traveling. Embassy officials asked Oliviera questions such as what his favorite color is and who he hangs out with. Oliveira’s mother and father still live in Brazil now. He maintains steady communication with them, telling them about his adventures in this country. “We are middle class and my parents are divorced, but I always try to look for the good in things,” he said. His perspective from a culturally-diverse standpoint is a refreshing contrast for the average American. “In Brazil, you know you are going to be poor,” Oliveira said. “I might as well get happy and find joy in the little things in life.” Camping, playing guitar, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and fishing are some of Oliveira’s favorite things to do as he continues to study in the City of Trees. “People here are all about doing it yourself,” Oliveira said. “I fix a lot of things I haven’t ever done before. I got chickens off of Craigslist, so I went out and made a chicken coup.” When he came to America, Oliveira’s initial perception of the American people was everyone was intensely striving for money and always thinking what they had wasn’t good enough. “People don’t understand what great thing they have -- they just want to run away from it,” Oliveira said. “They don’t realize what a unique and great country they live in.” After his visa expires, Oliveira plans to return to Brazil and start a business. “I want a job that allows me to travel the world,” he said. “Things change so much, I don’t want to disappoint myself. I just want to go where the wind takes me.”
“
In Brazil, you know you are going to be poor. I might as well get happy and find joy in the little things in life.
“
natalie craig
—Bruno Oliveira
photo courtesy bruno oliveira
Bruno Oliveira relaxes at his Boise home with his Yorkie.
arbiteronline.com
Culture Mormonism 8
November 29, 2010
THE HOI POLLOI
Finding value beyond the belief system
kirk bell
Managing Editor In a house sitting on a hill in Ashton, a piano faces the Tetons on the Wyoming border. At that piano is an elderly woman staring out the large bay window with her delicate fingers tickling the ivory keys of her grand piano. She takes in more than inspiration from her perch. It is a way of life, spirituality and history meshed into an unwavering faith that reaches back to Joseph Smith and the roots of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as she plays Mormon hymns. Growing up, I was saturated with religious history and doctrine. My grandfather was a bishop in the LDS church who found solace in his horses and faith. Grandmother was a wonderful housewife and mother. She could outcook Emeril and feed an army of grandchildren, aunts, uncles and family friends during occasions of gathering. I’m not your typical ex-Mormon. I don’t hate the religion or preach believers in the LDS faith are being led astray by a false history. I don’t slam the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price or the Doctrine and Covenants. They have built a history around me. I fell away from the church at about 14 to question where my heart and mind were regarding God. But when you are raised Mormon, your lifestyle doesn’t simply walk away from it as a whole. The principles, such as loving your family above all other earthly possessions and a solidified value system focused on integrity and preparedness, carry with you for a lifetime. The lessons of thriftiness and hard work have transferred into my adult life. I still love God and have the deepest affection for my family. The more I go forward, the more I choose to live the core principles of the Mormon faith. Good deeds and being neighborly have become actions that are priceless in a world where people are selfish. I can’t stop cussing. I drink coffee and alcohol and have the occasional cigarette after a cocktail. I only attend church upon the request by my devout LDS mother or my father, who is an evangelical pastor. Needless to say, they are divorced. Religion has little interest in my life today as a result. Regardless of my resistance to one organized belief system, the LDS values have carried me through countless trials. I often rely on my mother’s faith in the church and transmit it into my own life during trying times. I am proud of my heritage. I love that my ancestors braved the wild, pulling handcarts across the Great Plains into Salt Lake City. I embrace the experiences of entering the temples doing baptisms for the dead and being baptized by my grandfather when I was 8 years old. And I admire my brother’s decision to leave home for two years and serve an LDS mission, something I failed to do as the oldest grandson. Those who observe the LDS religion from the outside fail to see the good coming from a relatively new, but rich, belief system. To them I say, invite a missionary into your home. Make a new friend and understand a religion that perplexes you. The worst thing
that could happen is you ask them to leave. The LDS religion is much more than a belief, it is a culture made on the backs of believers who were persecuted and exiled. It is comparable to the effect revolution has on a culture and what you take away from it, and it’s valuable to who Mormons are. I am an ex-Mormon and proud of where I came from. If the LDS belief is more than a belief, if it extends into the realm of culture and values, I guess I might still be Mormon.
Get out of my bubble! karey hoke
Columnist
glenn landberg/THE ARBITER
LDS faithful believe in The Book of Mormon and The Holy Bible.
Fancy a little food and fun? Boise State University’s Public Relations Student Society of America will host its 1st annual Taste of Boise to raise funds for a trip to the PRSSA 2011 National Conference in Orlando, Florida. PRSSA partnered with local businesses to provide the community with a taste of what Boise has to offer. Local businesses have
donated food for sampling and attendees will be able to purchase tickets in exchange for a sample of the food provided. Some participating restaurants include Harvey’s Coffee Roasting Co., Superb Sushi, Whatever Works Catering, Cake Ballers, Simply Cupcakes, Boise Co-Op, Willowcreek Grill, and Raw Sushi. This event is open to students as well as other community members for food, fun and mingling. PRSSA hopes the
event will build bridges for members of the community and support local businesses, while also helping their organization raise money for National Conference. Taste of Boise will be located at the Alaska Center, 1020 Main Street in downtown Boise on Dec. 2 at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event cost $1 per sample and will be available at the door. Information provided by the publicity director of PRSSA.
human security in an insecure world
JODY WILLIAMS Nobel Peace Prize recipient and founder of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1
7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Morrison Center, Boise State University FREE: No tickets required Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis; free parking
For more information, please visit www.boisestate.edu/distinguishedlectures/
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The Pulse, Boise State’s student run radio, has another review waiting for you this week. This week, Alex Weiss reviews A Day to Remember. A Day to Remember’s fourth full length album, “What Separates Me From You,” has every element an ADTR fan loves. Fans who like the harder ADTR from And Their Name Was Treason, will be pleased with the hard breakdowns as in track 5 “2nd Sucks” which begins a breakdown with the well known “Fight” from the popular video game Mortal Kombat. Fans who like the more pop-punk version of ADTR, as in their last album Homesick, will enjoy track 3 “It’s Complicated.” As for the album as a whole, fans may not be so pleased. The album has a track for every ADTR fan, but the tracks range from extreme breakdowns to extreme pop, which when listening to the whole album makes for a lot of skipping through songs. Most fans will probably only enjoy a few of the songs because of how different each one is. I’d say give the album a listen, you will find at least one song to be the ADTR you fell in love with. Check out bsupulse.com for more album reviews and to listen to free MP3s.
I have issues with my personal space in relation to other people. I strongly dislike when people are in my personal bubble. I don’t mind giving hugs to friends, however, the only people I allow to get within a few inches of me for extended periods of time are my best friend, my boyfriend and my family. I was sitting innocently in class a week before Thanksgiving break, talking to a peer about an assignment. As usual, I had my hair straightened and loose down my back. After a few minutes, I felt a hand slowly make its way from the top of my head to the ends of my hair, where the fingers tangled slightly in the strands before jerking away. I sat there, completely stunned and feeling violated. Naturally, I’ve made friends in the class. However, none are people I would want touching me in such an intimate way. I turned and faced the girl and didn’t have to say a word -- the look of horror on my face spoke volumes. She replied with something along the lines of, “I’m sorry ... your hair. It was just so shiny and soft-looking ... I just had an uncontrollable urge to touch it. I couldn’t resist.” I like to think of myself as a fairly quippy person. I usually have a comeback of some sort, whether it is completely lame or entirely appropriate. I am rarely, if ever, at a complete loss of words regarding awkward or uncomfortable scenarios. In this situation, I had absolutely no idea how to react. I’d had a few minor personal space issues with this individual before, but not to this extent. I quite literally just stared at her with my mouth wide open until she repeated most of the sentence and proceeded to shove her hands in front of her mouth like someone who had just witnessed an intense car accident. Maybe it’s just me, but I think this type of personal contact with another individual with whom you do not know is entirely inappropriate. It’s one thing to bump into people during Black Friday, for example, when thousands of people are bustling, hurrying and shoving in small spaces. It’s another issue entirely to reach out and slowly stroke a person’s hair even though you hardly know the individual, while sitting in a class held in an already claustrophobic small room. Perhaps I have an extremely large personal space bubble -regardless, if you want to touch someone’s hair, or play with their scarf, or admire their clothing, simply ask. There is absolutely no need to reach out and go for it with no warning.
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