THE
THE
ETROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN Serving Auraria for 31 years
February 17, 2011, Vol. 33, Issue 21
Hanging out for homecoming
Online >> http://themet.metrostudentmedia.com
NEWS Student government opens polls • 3
METROSPECTIVE
Draggin in the dollars for The Trevor Project • 9
SPORTS UCD sophomore Jeannette Rodriguez rappels down the climbing wall at the Auraria Event Center Feb. 15, during the Amazing Race, part of a series of homecoming events taking place on campus this week. In this part of the race, the contestants had to climb up the wall blindfolded to reach a rubber chicken and climb down before they could advance to the next challenge. Photo by Sean Mullins • smullin5@mscd.edu
Softball splits opening series • 15
Homecoming coverage on pages 4,9 and 12
$36 million higher ed. cut proposed By Caitlin Gibbons cgibbon4@mscd.edu Metro and other higher education institutions might not face the draconian budget cuts they had feared if the governor’s budget is passed. A steady decline in State revenues since early 2008 has made balancing the budget a difficult task. Higher education is usually one of the first places lawmakers turn for cuts, as it is not constitutionally protected. Gov. John Hickenlooper’s proposal for the 2011-2012 state budget has given Metro President Stephen Jordan some hope this year will be different. Under the governor’s budget, higher education funding would be cut by $36 million, leaving the total allocation at $519 million. Metro’s share of the potential reduction — $2,198,763. “It’s a lot better than the $50 million we all thought was going to be suggested,” Jordan said. A $50 million cut would have translated to a $3.9 million reduction for Metro. Meanwhile, funding for K-12
education might be cut by $259 million. Jordan said the higher education community was planning on larger reductions and increasing tuition. The Tuition Flexibility Bill, signed into law by former Gov. Bill Ritter, allows colleges to submit proposals to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education for tuition increases that are more than 9 percent to offset drastic cuts from the state. “Senate Bill 3 helps us a lot,” Jordan said. “It positioned us to be able to manage the reductions. But there is no clear-cut strategy.” The college will work on strategies ranging from taking the tuition revenue collected this fall to freezing hiring and salary increases, to absorb the full portion of the cuts, Jordan said. “We will see what the legislature will ultimately do with the appropriations bill,” he said. Hickenlooper’s proposal is only one step in the life of a state budget. The legislature’s Joint Budget Committee will consider the governor’s proposal, make adjustments and then send it to both the Senate and House for approval. Once it passes both chambers, it will go to the gov-
ernor to be signed — a process that usually takes until May. Sen. Rollie Heath, D-Boulder, said he had serious concerns regarding cutting education funding. “Cutting our way out will not work,” he said. Hickenlooper said he and his staff recognize the challenges the cuts to K-12 education will present, but the state of the budget has presented inhuman demands. The members all voiced the need for a serious conversation about where the state is going. Many of the members of the JBC expressed concerns about Hickenlooper’s proposal. Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver, said the items in the proposal are not easy. “I really question whether they are feasible or wise,” Steadman said. One item he pointed to in Hickenlooper’s proposal was an increase in state employees’ contribution to PERA, the pension fund. Employees enrolled in the program paid an additional 2.5 percent last year. The proposal would be an additional 2 percent on top of that. “I don’t know if we can ask state employees for a further salary cut,” Steadman said.
Gov. John Hickenlooper addresses the Joint Budget Committee Feb. 15, at the State Capitol while Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia looks on. Photo by Sean Mullins • smullin5@mscd.edu Jordan said the increase in PERA contributions would hit the classified staff at Metro the hardest. “This is a disturbing trend for them. There hasn’t been a salary increase in four years. But their net income is declining with their additional contributions,” Jordan said. The classified staff has put together a list of alternative ways to offset the added reduction in their salaries. Jordan said tuition increases to offset those costs is not a feasible option.
“It would be difficult to push students to have to pay an additional amount. And it would be tough to convince [Metro’s] Board of Trustees of that,” Jordan said. Not all faculty would be equally impacted by an increase in employee contributions to the pension. Jordan said PERA pays out for the highest three years of an employees salary. So those who have been paying in longer would have to decide for themselves whether or not they will continue to contribute.
THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • 3
“Where do we as students stand in this relationship? Are we only here to make your life more convenient during the budget process?”
EWS
— STAFF EDITORIAL • INSIGHT • 8
INDEX INSIGHT ... 8 METROSPECTIVE ... 9 SPORTS ... 15 TIMEOUT ... 18
WEATHER 2.17 • Mostly sunny High: 53/Low: 37 2.18 • Partly cloudy High: 44/Low: 26 2.19 • Chance of rain High: 48/Low: 23 2.20 • Chance of rain High: 47/Low: 27 2.21 • Chance of rain High: 45/Low: 27 2.22 • Mostly cloudy High: 48/Low: 24 2.23 • Partly Cloudy High: 53/Low: 29 By Kendell LaRoche
CORRECTIONS
Candidates running for open Metro Student Government Assembly senate seats participate in a debate Feb. 8 in the Tivoli Turnhalle. From Left: Peter Weaver, Ian Dehmel, Scott Hirbrunner, Javier San Andres and Jeffery Washington. Photo by Steve Anderson • sande104@mscd.edu
In the Feb. 10 issue of The Metropolitan Linzy Novotny contributed to the article “Headahces aplenty for homecoming” on page 3.
Special election begins
To notify The Metropolitan of an error in any of our reports, please contact Editor-in-Chief Ashley Moreland at amorela1@mscd.edu
Votes counted until Feb. 18; SACAB seats uncontested By Linzy Navotny and Ramsey Scott The Metropolitan Voting is underway to elect four senators to the Metro Student Government Assembly and to fill two vacancies to the Student Advisory Committee to the Auraria Board. All Metro students taking at least one credit hour this semester can vote. Voting takes place online through a link that has been sent to Metro student e-mail. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18. Senatorial candidates are: Ian Dehmel, Robin Hebert, Scott Hirsbrunner, Javier San Andres, Alees Seehausen, Jefferey Washington and Peter Weaver. Candidates to fill the two SACAB vacancies are Paul Benevides and Jeremy Bermudez. Hirsbrunner, Washington and Weaver have served as interim sena-
Candidate bios
tors following their recommendation and approval by the SGA until special elections could be held. Jeremy Priest also served as an interim senator, but he is not running in the special election. The newly elected senators will have two issues to deal with once they are sworn into office, said Simon Ayesse, speaker of the SGA senate. One of those issues will be the upcoming vote in the senate on whether or not to come out in support of the college changing to a plus/minus grading system. Ayesse said the Faculty Senate will be voting shortly to come out in support of the change and the SGA needed to respond to the measure as well. The elected SACAB representatives will be voting shortly on issues relating to the Sustainable Campus Program, UCD SACAB representative Jonathan Raabe said. Candidates in the special election have experience ranging from leading groups, advocating for students, membership in student clubs to following state government.
Learn more about who is running in SGA’s special election at themet.metrostudentmedia.com/news
Informal debate provides few hints to future student leaders By Ramsey Scott rscott42@mscd.edu The Metro Student Government Assembly sponsored a debate for students running in the February special election. The debate, which drew a crowd of roughly 30 people into the Tivoli Turnhalle, featured five of the seven candidates for the SGA senate. The candidates responded to questions in the informal debate from both a panel of election representatives and the audience. Candidates had the option to choose to respond to questions. Two candidates, Robin Hebert and Alees Seehausen, were unable to attend due to work and school commitments. Each candidate was asked what they would contribute to the student government. Jeffery Washington said he understands the plight of his fellow students. “I bring the uniqueness of a real student. I work the maximum
amount that I can work … people have two three jobs going to school full time and I understand that,” he said. Scott Hirbrunner said his age and family set him apart. “I represent the non-traditional student. I have good family values which I have had to have rasing a good family of five children,” he said. Javier San Andres said he’s prepared to understand the entire student body. “My ideal is openness. An acceptance of everyone,” he said. Ian Dehmel believes he already has the skill set. “Before I came back to school, I managed a guitar and musical instrument shop where I learned valuable skills a manager needs,” he said. Peter Weaver said his humblness allows him to listen. “I believe in the multiplicity of good. I have learned that everyone has a voice and usually they are just as good as mine no matter who you are,” he said.
Catch a slide show from all various homecoming events. MOVIE REVIEW: A great man once said all we have to fear is fear itself... And now the “Unknown.”
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4 • NEWS • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN THIS JUST IN: The Library at Indiana University sinks an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books.
Homecoming happenings Metro’s homecoming celebration was in full swing the week of Feb. 14. The week kicked off with a breakfast of memories — the college is also celebrating its 45th anniversary — participants included students from the inaugural class, the secretary to the first dean, the college’s first librarian and a couple who met when Metro was nothing more than a string of classes parked over downtown. The crowd at the breakfast was mostly alumni and faculty members. While the meal was devoted to the first decade of the urban’s college history, it didn’t stop talk of the school’s future. Meanwhile, across campus, students participated in a battle of the bands, a parade, movie night and an obstacle course modeled after the television show “The Amazing Race.” Other events planned include a bonfire, dance and four basketball games. Organizers of Metro’s homecoming have said it is the biggest line-up of events in the history of the college and Auraria.
A jester and members of a Metro sorority makes their way across Auraria in Metro’s homecoming parade Feb. 14. The college celebrated homecoming and its 45th anniversary all week. Photo by Steve Anderson • sande104@mscd.edu
The Metropolitan State College of Denver Counseling Center invites you to participate in the following event:
National
Eating Disorders Screening Day
Tuesday February 22, 2011 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Tivoli 640 Take a free screening to find out if you might be at risk for an eating disorder. Confidential screen takes only a few minutes, with feedback from a mental health professional.
• Free play: “Breaking the Silence,” produced by Mirror Image 10 –11 a.m. • Free chair massages and refreshments
GIVE THE
VENDING MACHINE A REST!
Try our Rush Street Pizza Bar Buffet! Enjoy a great, all-you-can-eat quick lunch at a great value. Only $7.99 Monday - Friday from 11am to 1:30pm. Happy Hour All the Time for Students Come in with your Student ID and get Happy Hour pricing seven days a week, all day long!
• Free screening and information
For information or for special accommodations please contact us in advance at 303-556-3132. Co-sponsored by the Peer Education Program.
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6 • NEWS • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN THIS JUST IN: There are more insects in one square mile of rural land than there are human beings in the world.
2011
Metro State Faculty-led
Study Abroad Courses
The whole world is a campus
Cultural and Field Experiences in Great Britain London • May 12–23, 2011 • $3,000 Dr. Peg Fraser • mfraser3@mscd.edu
Refurbishment of Structures Hungary, EU • May 16–27, 2011 • $3,500 Dr. Jeno Balogh • jbalogh@mscd.edu
GOOD QUESTION: What tax credits are available for Metro students?
A variety of tax credits and exceptions await, but there are rules to be aware of before you file your return By James Sienkiewicz jsieukie@mscd.edu There are only three things for certain: death, taxes and procrastination on an important assignment this semester. Fortunately, there are options out there for you to consider when filing your taxes this year as a Metro student. There are a broad array of exemptions, credits and deductions available for students in Colorado, according to Doug Hurst, an accounting professor at Metro. Because everyone’s financial situation is different, it is important to research these and find exactly how much money you can save this year while filling out your taxes. Qualified scholarships are one of these credits. This includes any money received through a scholarship that goes toward books, fees, supplies and similar education expenses. There are also educational deductions available to students as long as they are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return or are married and filing separately. These deductible expenses include tuition, fees, books and equipment purchased for a specific
class. If you have taken out student loans for school, you may be eligible for another deduction. Up to $2,500 per year of interest paid on student loans can be deducted from your adjusted gross income. Each year, students also have the opportunity to choose between the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit. Each has different rules and stipulations, and only one can be chosen each year. This just scratches the surface of the tax benefits students can reap. If you know where to look, you can be saving money you never even knew you had. If you are interested in saving money this tax season, go to the IRS website at www.irs. gov and start digging around to see what you can find or speak to a professional tax advisor and go over your options as a student. There are plenty of money-saving opportunities out there — it’s up to you to take the initiative and seek them out.
HAVE A GOOD QUESTION?: e-mail ngarci20@mscd.edu
Geography and Mapping in Yunnan, China China • May 21–June 12, 2011 • $4,200 Dr. Stella Todd • toddst@mscd.edu
Japan: Culture, Communication and Identity Japan • May 24–June 14, 2011 • $5,576 Dr. Rebecca Forgash • rforgash@mscd.edu
ELFCA Collaborative
Hyeres, France • June 4–July 2, 2011 • $4,000 Dr. Alain Ranwez • ranweza@mscd.edu
Nicaragua: Land of Lakes and Volcanoes Nicaragua • July 12–29, 2011 • $2,930 Dr. Julie A. Reyes • jreyes7@mscd.edu
Food and Nutrition of Mexico
Mexico • July 2–30, 2011 • $3,201.10 (not including airfare) Dr. Bruce Rengers • brengers@mscd.edu
Legendary New York Sandwiches Breakfast Sandwiches and Burritos 16th and Blake (720) 904-1000
Spanish Term Abroad in Cuernavaca Cuernavaca • July 2–31, 2011 • $3,700 Dr. Ibon Izurieta • iizuriet@mscd.edu
Open Late
MSCD-ICUSC (Universidad de Santiago de Compostela) Summer 2011
Delivery
Chinese Literature in Translation
Monday - Thursday Till 11:00pm Friday - Saturday Till 2:30am
Spain • July 2–30, 2011 • $5,000 Dr. Maria Rey-Lopez • lomaria@mscd.edu
China • July 31–August 13, 2011 • $3,860 Dr. Bruce Degi • degi@mscd.edu
Pre-Hispanic Cultures of Peru Peru • August 3–15, 2011 • $3,400 Dr. Roberto Forns-Broggi • fornsbro@mscd.edu
Deals for Friends
Take Out
Eat In
Student ID = Free Drink Eat-In / Take Out Only
DID YOU KNOW: The Mitsubishi Eclipse was named after an English racehorse from the 1700s that won 26 races. THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • NEWS • 7
More discussions on Start Classes name change planned Late At Extended Campus Locations By Ali Rodgers arodger6@mscd.edu Metro’s first town hall meeting discussing the college’s proposed name change failed to reach half the anticipated attendance. The college was planning on about 300 people to be present for President Stephen Jordan’s presentation. But only 70 people were in the Tivoli Turnhalle at 7:30 a.m. Feb 9. More meetings have been planned to reach out to the community. “The meeting held a lot of faculty members and overall was very productive and informative,” said Cathy Lucas, Metro’s spokeswoman. Metro students will have other opportunities to weigh in on the name change. Students are encouraged to ask questions or raise concerns about the influence a name change can have on a higher-learning institution. Students can attend any meeting, even if it’s targeted toward a specific community, or participate in focus groups. More than six focus groups will be held on campus and before the Metro Board of Trustees votes in March. “We try to reach all constituents,” Lucas said. If students are unable to attend a meeting or focus group, they can take an online survey where the names being tested are listed. Stu-
dents are asked to rank the four names from their most to least favorite. The names being tested are Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Central Colorado, Denver State University and the college’s current name. The purpose of the meetings and focus groups are to share and collect information, said Tim Carroll, assistant director of media relations. Once the information and feedback from the meetings, surveys and focus groups are compiled, it will be given to the trustees. When the board meets, it will make a decision – based on student, faculty and public feedback – whether to keep the current name or change it. The state legislature would have to pass a bill and the governor sign it in to law for any name change to become official. There are two meetings scheduled next week for the Latino community and a call-in town hall meeting for alumni. The meeting for the Latino community will be held at 4 p.m., Feb. 17 in Science Building 1086. The town hall meeting for alumni will be a conference call at 7 p.m., Feb. 21. There is also a meeting for the African American community next week. This meeting will be held off campus and, as of deadline, there is no announced date or place.
Mayoral candidates talk pot, RTD changes at campus forum By Daniel Laverty dlaverty@mscd.edu Denver mayoral candidates discussed their support for medical marijuana and higher education funding at a forum Feb. 10. The forum was held at St. Cajetan’s Center. The crowd of about 250 had the opportunity to hear what some of the candidates had to say about the more important issues facing the city’s future. Denver’s former mayor John Hickenlooper was elected governor in November. The candidates in attendance were Michael Hancock, Eric Zinn, Carol Boigan, Theresa Spahn, James Mejia and Doug Linkhart. Two other candidates, Paul Fiorino and Danny Lopez, attended as spectators. They did not respond in time to participate in the debate. The forum was hosted by the Colorado chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the Colorado Association of Black Journalists. One of the candidates said he lost a close friend to cancer and medical marijuana helped her. “I remember what brought her comfort in her final days,” Mejia said. “She needed marijuana.” Linkhart was the chairman of the Council of Safety Committee for Denver when dispensaries started showing up all around the city. “We tried to make sure that kids were protected and that people could not get medical marijuana who were not sick,” Linkhart said. “I think we did a pretty good job.” Hancock was the only candidate who did not support marijuana for medical use. He
feels marijuana is a “gateway” drug. Hancock said he had a sister who has struggled with drugs her entire life. “It was really interesting,” said Grant Stone, a junior political science major at UCD. “A lot of major issues that we discuss in [my classes] came up.” The candidates all agreed job creation was the most important issue for Denver this year. Economic development, better elementary and secondary education and more opportunities for expansion of small businesses were important issues. All candidates agreed to support the proposed sales tax increase to support RTD’s expansion of its light-rail tracks. While the issue of funding for higher education did not come up during the debate, several candidates shared their feelings toward higher education following the forum. Zinn, who is an accounting professor at UCD, said he is familiar with the issues higher education is facing in Colorado. “We need to get UCD, Metro and CCD the money they need to turn these into top quality schools,” Zinn said. “It’s very important to me that this happens.” Mejia said it’s not even an issue of wanting more funding per student at Metro, but just getting an “equal” share compared to other colleges. “When, per student, we are receiving one quarter to one half of what is received by other institutions in the state, we know we’re not getting an equitable share of state funding,” Mejia said. “We need equal funding to have lower tuition rates.” The municipal election is May 3.
Spring 2011
South Campus 5660 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Suite 100 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303 – 721–1212 (at I–25 & Orchard Road)
Free Parking! Dept #
Title
Credits CRN# Days
Time
Dates
ACC 2020 Principles of Accounting II
3
34806
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
CJC 3430
Drugs and the Criminal Justice System
3
34901
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
CPD 190X
Women's Leadership
1
35310
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
02/19–02/26
CPD 2300 Time Management
1
35297
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
04/02–04/09
CPD 2310
Stress Management
1
35294
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
03/05–03/12
CPD 2360 Multi-Level Wellness
1
35299
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
04/16–04/23
EDU 4300 Acting Like a Teacher
2
35396
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
02/26–03/19
HSP 3590 The Resistive Adolescent Client
1
34861
F,S
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
04/22–04/23
HSP 4200 Child Abuse and Neglect
2
34863
F,S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
02/18–02/26
PHI 1030
3
33981
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
SED 3600 Exceptional Learner in the Classroom
3
33388
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
SPE 1010
Public Speaking
3
34688
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
SPE 4300
Acting Like a Teacher
2
35397
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
02/26–03/19
THE 3200 Oral Interpretation
3
35218
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
THE 4300 Acting Like a Teacher
2
35398
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. 02/26–03/19
Introduction to Ethics
North Campus 11990 Grant Street, Suite 102 Northglenn, CO 80233 303 – 4 50 – 5 111
(Just east of I-25 on 120th Avenue & Grant Street)
Free Parking! Dept #
Title
Credits CRN# Days
Time
Dates
CJC 3270
Community Corrections
3
34813
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
CPD 2310
Stress Management
1
35295
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
04/03–05/07
CPD 2320 Self Esteem
1
35303
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
04/16–04/23
CPD 2350 Career Evaluation Workshop
1
35308
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
02/19–02/26
CPD 390B Financial Planning for Women
1
35336
S
9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
03/05–03/12
NUT 2040 Introduction to Nutrition
3
32660
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
SOC 365L
Class Power and Decision Making in the Cities
3
34761
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
SPE 1710
Interpersonal Communication
3
35341
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
THE 2210
Introduction to Theatre
3
33983
S
8:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
03/19–05/14
Register Now at http://metroconnect.mscd.edu For more information or to request a class schedule, call 303–721–1313 or visit our website at www.mscd.edu/extendedcampus
THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • INSIGHT • 8
NSIGHT
“The beauty of our team is that someone is always stepping up. It could be a different person every night and everybody’s OK with that.” —TANYA HAAVE, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH • SPORTS • 15
Legislators, we need to talk STAFF EDITORIAL We don’t know each other very well, but our relationship is complicated. We are the students of Metro. You are the people we elected to represent our voices at the Capitol, our legislators. You make decisions that impact our everyday lives, our livelihoods and our futures. But this relationship doesn’t seem to be working out. Trust us — it’s YOU. You keep saying we need to have a serious chat about our priorities as a state. And we keep waiting with bated breath. The time has come to have this dreaded talk. We need to figure things out, once and for all. Where do we as students stand in this relationship? Are we only here to make your life more convenient during the budget process? You cut our education funding in higher education to balance the budget; we march over to your place, the one with the golden dome, stamp our feet and cry out. You shut your windows, maybe occasionally pretending to listen,
but then go back to your business without another thought. You, our voices and our representatives, need to decide if we are a priority in this state. You need to decide whether you are going to continue to cut our funding and make us pick up the tab. You need to decide whether you want to foster a highly-educated workforce who will contribute to the economy for years to come. You talk about how important business is to the state. Fine. There are other relationships you are worried about. We aren’t the only one on your dance card. You have to worry about transportation, the corrections system, health and human services and K-12 education. Playing the field never seems to work out. Eventually, nay, you have already slipped up and let important things fall through the cracks. Your attention and resources are stretched too thin and no one is happy. This serious conversation has to happen now. This session. Not later and not next year. What is important to the state? What rela-
tionships need to be tended to and what can you let go? This is an ultimatum. Give us a focus. Decide what is a priority and fund it well. Pick something to make our state proud. Pick a relationship that will be fruitful for the state for years to come. But please, pretty please, quit spreading yourselves thin. We, the students, can’t take this anymore. The K-12 system can’t take it anymore. Health and human services can’t take it anymore. None of us can take your games. We can’t take you teasing us with the promise of more. The taxpayers — US, your constituents — deserve better. We need to better-define our relationship. We are all adults; we can handle the truth. We need to know where we stand with you. We need more than hollow promises that you are listening. We need action. We might be able to be friends, but you need to be honest with us. We deserve that much. Time to start talking. We will be listening.
Passion, anger there — Grammys here The fact that Egyptian army generals will control directing Egypt’s short-term future was deemed, in Denver, far less important than the Grammy Awards. The Denver Post dedicated all of page two to the Grammys Feb. 14, but Egypt only got half of page 10. Gotta reach those younger demographics who don’t read newspapers or much of anything else. In Egypt, many of the hundreds of thousands of protesters who demonstrated in Cairo’s Tahrir Square to finally topple President Hosni Mubarak weren’t even born when he took power 30 years ago. An array of “what next?” questions remain. But, while the whole world was watching, the protesters’ initial success demonstrated what a leaderless but determined force of mostly young people can do against an autocratic regime that appeared to hold all the tools and cards of indefinite control. It included lukewarm U.S. support that has always been willing to accept dictatorship as the price of “stability” in more than the Middle East. American support only evaporated when history’s handwriting was clearly on the wall. That anti-government demonstrators succeeded with peaceful means — with organizing aided by Facebook and Twitter when the government shut down the Internet and cell phone service — was even more astounding. Protesters defied curfews, tear gas, water cannons and worse while the several hundred dead in Cairo, Alexandria and elsewhere were the work of government-paid thugs. Released from prisons to create chaos, the thugs marked a desperate and failed final bid by Mubarak to discredit protesters and hold on to power a bit longer. Apart from late-in-the-day withdrawal of U.S. support, it was endgame for Mubarak when the Egyptian army refused to turn on anti-government demonstrators. Mubarak and
his family — obscenely enriched by 30 years of corruption, kickbacks and siphoning government funds — fled Cairo and were last reported to be in temporary exile at the Red Sea resort of Sharm al Sheikh, still in Egypt. Maybe Mubarak will escape to Paraguay — long a haven for deposed dictators — before becoming a Middle East expert for FOX “news.” Speaking of FOX news, Right Wing fireeaters lost no time in linking the Egyptian uprising to some secret Obama plot. And Glenn Beck took last week’s booby prize with a warning of radical Islamic regimes taking power across a solid swath running from Egypt across the entire Middle East, taking in India. That India is Hindu and not Muslim got by Beck, whose 15 minutes may be over and whose TV ratings are heading south. But why let facts get in the way of a sensational narrative for simple minds? Egypt’s historic moment last week and its almost-certain repercussions for autocratic regimes across the Arab world may rank with the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall — battered down by mostly young people with sledge hammers — that heralded the end of oppressive Communist regimes in Eastern Europe. Egypt in 2011 isn’t 1789, when angry French Revolution mobs swept away the hated regime of Louis XVI, literally tore down the Bastille prison and sent thousands to the guillotine. Nor 1917, whose Russian revolution installed a Lenin-then-Stalin dictatorship whose abuses proved far worse than the deposed Czar’s. Revolts against Soviet oppression erupted in Poland, East Germany and Hungary — all in 1956. All three were crushed by Soviet tanks. In Egypt, a regime was toppled peacefully while tanks stood by and turned their gun barrels away from the crowds in Tahrir Square. Tanks aren’t seen in America’s streets. In modern times, the closest we came to insurrec-
THE METROPOLITAN Since 1979
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ashley Moreland amorela1@mscd.edu MANAGING EDITOR Caitlin Gibbons cgibbon4@mscd.edu NEWS EDITOR Nic Garcia ngarci20@mscd.edu FEATURES EDITOR Megan Mitchell mmitch46@mscd.edu MUSIC EDITOR Stephanie DeCamp sdecamp@mscd.edu ASSISTANT MUSIC EDITORS Ian Gassman Matt Pusatory SPORTS EDITOR Mark Babish mbabish@mscd.edu ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Cody Lemon COPY EDITORS J. Sebastian Sinisi Drew Jaynes Stephanie Wilson Daniel Laverty PHOTO EDITOR Steve Anderson sande104@mscd.edu ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS Luke Powell Sean Mullins WEB DESIGNER Drew Jaynes ADVISER Jane Hoback hobackje@comcast.net
J. SEBASTIAN SINISI sinisi2@msn.com tion was in 1968 when a perfect storm of slow civil rights action, an endless Vietnam war and the prospect of more of the same from the Democratic party caused campuses to erupt in protest that spring. And when young people also demonstrated at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago that summer, “the whole world is watching” term was born. It wasn’t pretty. Mayor Richard Daley Sr.’s storm troopers —aka Chicago police — cracked heads with billy clubs and blood literally flowed on Michigan Avenue and in Grant Park. We got Richard Nixon in November. But even though we remained mired in Vietnam for seven more years, American young people showed the passion to protest. But that was long ago and seems lost in the mists of pre-history. What stirs our passions now? What do we get excited about? The Grammys? Justin Bieber? Tuition increases? Which unshaven dirtbag was booted from a son-of-survivor “reality” show? We don’t really need 1968-style protests that shut down campuses. But waking up from a TV stupor and having a little passion about something important might be nice. If only because it may have something to do with the world young people inherit.
GRAPHIC DESIGN Kathleen Jewby kjewby@mscd.edu INTERIM DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Kate Lutrey lutreyk@mscd.edu INTERIM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Steve Haigh shaigh@mscd.edu
The Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topic-driven columns and letters to the editor. Column article concepts must be submitted by 1 p.m.. Thursdays and the deadline for columns is 9 p.m. Sundays. Columns range from 500 to 800 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week's edition. There is 500-word limit for letters to the editor. The Metropolitan reserves the right to edit letters for formatting and style. All submissions should be sent by e-mail to amorela1@mscd.edu. The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State College of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus. The Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees and is published every Thursday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of Metropolitan State College of Denver or its advertisers.
THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • METROSPECTIVE • 9
ETROSPECTIVE
Dancing and dragging along GLBT student services hold Valentine's Day drag show to raise money for The Trevor Project Story by Megan Mitchell mmitch46@mscd.edu Photos by Steve Anderson sande104@mscd.edu The Tivoli Turnhalle was dim except for a low spotlight at the front of the room focused on a purple runway lined with tiny red lights. Chairs and tables were arranged in fashion show format around the stage, and the audience listened and laughed at the glitter-soaked hosts, Pansy Pedals and Nuclia Waste, as they bantered about cross-dressing, “skinny bitches” and fabulousness. The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Services hosted “Love is a Drag — Cupid Was A Fairy Too!” Feb. 14 to raise funds for The Trevor Project, a national gay and lesbian suicide prevention foundation. Cash was collected by drag queens and kings from Auraria and around Denver who performed dances and light stripteases for tips from the audience. “I think that so often when we talk about suicide prevention, that we do it in such a Debbie Downer way that they’re not able to see the joy that comes along with being in the GLBT community,” said Ed "Pansy Pedals" Garton one of the organizers and assistant director for the Office of Student Life at UCD. “We want to show the fun side of being in the GLBT community … Drag is a great way of doing that.” The show featured high-energy dancing from students and drag performers from around Denver, as well as informative chats about drag queens and kings including a tradition where new queens mentor with "drag mothers" to learn how to dress and wear make-up. “I’m a huge fan of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ and I have a couple friends who are queens in the area … and they all inspired me to just do it,” said Metro student and performer Amora St. James. “I’m so amazed by the art and transformation that [drag] takes and I wanted to try it myself.” The Love is a Drag Show was St. James’s first public performance and an almost informal audition in front of Victoria Saks, who performs Thursdays at midnight during Baby Drag at Tracks nightclub in Denver. “That was Amora’s first performance? I was like, ‘shut up, oh my god,’” Garton said. “It was great that Victoria got to see her … that’s incredible and it’s exactly what we wanted to have happen.” St. James prepared for her sultry performances, including costume and make-up selection for about a month.
Ed "Pansy Pedals" Garton, organizer and assistant director for UCD's Office of Student Life, collects donations from the crowd inside Tivoli Turnhalle Feb. 14. All of the funds will go to support The Trevor Project, a GLBT suicide prevention hotline. “It was amazing, I couldn’t believe the amount of cash I had in my hand at one point. I’m actually expressing interest in performing weekly at Baby Drag at Tracks,” St. James said. “Today was kind of my tryout, so hopefully Ginger (Sexton, a drag queen in Denver) will like it.” GBLT Student Services would consider making the Valentine’s Day show an annual event for the benefit of The Trevor Project based on this year's receptive turnout. “I love doing shows like this all the time and I would be involved again,” Saks said. “I think it was really a success; we made a lot of money — I don’t even know how much.” Money gathered in piles on the stage during the dances and were seductively tossed in clumps into a collection bucket — as the professionals refused to break character. “That’s what I like about all of this,” Garton said. “It’s our ability to kind of take those things that are so serious and so like, ‘oh my god,’ and kind of turn it around and say, ‘hey we can have fun with this, too.’”
Chocolates, costume jewelry and candy hearts were spread over the tables for guests to enjoy during the GLBT "Love is a Drag – Cupid Was A Fairy Too!" drag king and queen performances.
10 • METROSPECTIVE • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN
‘Saving Places’ defends architectual integrity UCD students discuss historical preservation, green building at CPI conference
By J. Sebastian Sinisi sinisi2@msn.com
If we the legacy of the past — and some U.S. cities have nearly succeeded — we’d face a bleak future, historic preservationists say. But the future of the past isn’t what it used to be. Rather, it’s more robust than ever in Colorado due to organizations like Colorado Preservation Inc., whose annual “Saving Places” conference drew more than 1,000 participants to Denver earlier this month. More than 100 architecture and urban planning students, including a group of UCD graduate students delivered presentations among preservation specialists, architects, city planners and other professionals, setting a record turnout for CPI’s 14th annual conference Feb. 2-4, at the Embassy Suites hotel downtown. Launched in 1984, CPI efforts have focused on preserving and saving historic buildings, sites of archeological merit and “heritage” landscapes relating to Colorado ranching and mining, according to CPI Executive Director James Hare. Working with organizations such as Historic Denver Inc., and the Colorado Historical Society, CPI has had a hand in saving an extensive number of structures and sites in Denver and elsewhere in Colorado. Many others were lost to the wrecker’s ball, often for all the wrong and purely economic reasons. The 2011 conference addressed a gamut from “green” buildings to rancher opposition to a proposed U.S. Defense Department expansion of 5.5 million acres in the Pinon Canyon area between La Junta and Trinidad in southeast Colorado. Opponents say this plan would destroy ranching there. Other sessions revealed concerns that go well beyond what is normally considered the purview of preservation. Theresa Pasqual, representing the Indian Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico, spoke of efforts
to preserve a nearby landscape. “American Indians have no Victorian mansions to save,” she said. “But they have sacred places like mountains, rivers and lakes that also need protection.” She also pointed out that, of the 84,000 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places, only three percent represent non-Caucasian communities. “We need to widen that scope.” The UCD grad students, working under professor Tom Noel, demonstrated that preservation isn’t limited to dusty mansions presided over by the exclusive “Daughters of the American Revolution” types. For her “Preserving the Hispanic Face of Colorado,” project, student Dana Echohawk, researched the Hispanic legacy in Colorado’s San Luis Valley and the former Hispanic community of Auraria, which was mostly bulldozed for the campus around 1975. “St. Cajetan’s church was saved,” she said. “And in that church, from older people who had lived in the neighborhood, I heard fascinating stories.” Those stories led her to collect more than 500 vintage photographs from personal collections and the archives of the Denver Public Library’s Western History division. Many of the library’s photos, Echohawk said, “have no names, and that’s sad.” Talia Rubin traced efforts to preserve Colorado’s 1907 Georgian Revival Governor’s Residence. Evelyn Waldron spoke of preservation work and the history of Central City’s famed 1878 opera house. Abigail Sanocki studied the faded early 20th-century “ghost signs” on building sides in LoDo and Fort Collins while Joe Sokolowski’s presentation dealt with Denver’s working-class housing. Craig Leavitt spoke of more recent efforts to prevent demolition “scrape offs” in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood. Once thought to be the work of “little old ladies in tennis shoes” and eccentric architects, the American preservation movement
A women walks toward St. Cajetan’s Center before most of the buildings were built on campus. The photo was taken by The Met staff photographers Feb. 16 1977. was galvanized when New York City’s magnificent 1910 Penn Station was demolished in the mid-1960s and its Corinthian columns and carved angels dumped in the New Jersey swamps. In Denver, losing the Moffat Mansion — with the Molly Brown house also threatened — led to forming Historic Denver Inc., in the 1970s. Also in Denver, Dana Crawford saved the 1400 block of Larimer Street from demolition that occurred to the north during the heyday of “urban renewal” bulldozing, beginning in 1965. Crawford’s Larimer Square was only the second U.S. project involving “adaptive reuse” of historic buildings. San Francisco’s Ghirardelli Square was the first. Stephanie Meeks, who heads the Washington D.C. –based National Trust for Historic Preservation, noted that preservation — like
higher education — is “under siege” nationwide with key federal funding for preservation eliminated from the upcoming budget by the now-Republican-majority U.S. House of Representatives. While Meeks said preservation still has to overcome a perceived “elitist” and “exclusionist” tag, Colorado Historical Society President Ed Nichols said every dollar spent on preservation projects in Colorado returns $6 in terms of local jobs, programs and property values. That translates to a return of roughly $1.5 billion from the $247 million paid to local communities by the Historical Society’s State Historical Fund — largely financed by a percentage of taxes on Colorado gambling revenues — since the program started in 1992, Nichols said.
Homecoming week: Amazing Race at a glance FAR LEFT: Jean-Luc Burgess sprints with an ammo box Feb. 15 at the Amazing Race challenge for homecoming week. Photo by Billie Ranae • Bsmit179@mscd.edu
LEFT: UCD sophomore Ann Mariano and freshman Aisha Jackson attempt to catch cheese puffs in their mouths Feb. 15 during the Amazing Race in the Auraria Event Center. The race is part of several homecoming events taking place on campus this week. Photo by Sean Mullins • smullin5@mscd.edu
BOTTOM LEFT: An Amazing Race participant attempts to decipher his team’s next clue Feb.15 at the Auraria Event Center. The clue led teams to a climbing wall at the Auraria Event Center, where they had to climb blindfolded up the wall to retreive a rubber chicken. Photo by Billie Ranae • bsmit179@mscd.edu
No support for Pikes pyramid
THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • METROSPECTIVE • 11
Metro Crypto Science Society chapter argues for the validity of paranormal research and investigation
By Megan Mitchell mmitch46@mscd.edu
In Colorado Springs, a man known as UFO Phil, who claims he speaks to aliens daily, has been publicizing his plans to build a hydrogen spacecraft refueling station as a replica of the Pyramid of Giza on Pikes Peak. Phil is currently trying to gather 60 volunteers to haul 2.3 million limestone blocks weighing about 6 million tons and 8,000 tons of granite to the top of the mountain — all without federal permission, which he said he doesn’t need. “The United States Forest Service regulations state that if the construction is not for personal gain or profit and if you use less than 75 people, you won’t need to fill out any forms or seek a permit,” Phil said. “So, from that point I began operating under the assumption that we had all the authority we needed to start building. We just need the stone blocks and volunteers.” The Crypto Science Society is a student organization at Metro that investigates strange phenomena unrelated to the mainstream scientific world such as Cryptozoologly, UFOlogy, and spectra phenomena. “Unfortunately, [Phil’s] views do little to credit the UFO phenomena,” said Jason Cordova Metro alumnus and founder of Metro’s CSS chspter. “[I hope people] do not judge the community of PhD’s, industry professionals and law enforcement personnel who have either
encountered or studied UFO’s.” “I guess anything is possible,” said Jené Conrad, president of Metro’s CSS chapter. “There is a theory out there called ancient astronaut theory, which proposes that aliens were integral to our ancient civilization.” Though she doesn’t dismiss the possibility of UFO Phil’s claims, Conrad said, “It’s a mountain and shouldn’t be tampered with.” Cordova agrees, “[Pikes Peak] is traditionally sacred ground to the Ute people,” he said. “Building anything on or around the peak would be insulting and disrespectful to the Ute Nation and traditions.” He stressed that credible organizations like Jené Conrad, president of Metro’s Crypto Science society poses for a photo Feb. 15 the Mutual UFO Network and Society for Scien- in Tivoli. Photo by John McEvoy • jmcevoy@mscd.edu equipment.” tific Exploration are the sources through which March 20. Auraria is one of CSS’s best locations for CSS typically meets three times a month for the paranormal sciences should be referenced. The CSS is doing its part to legitimize the investigator training and field research. During investigation because of the numerous, active reputation of paranormal sciences through training and orientation, students learn skills reports from people on campus who have seen educational awareness events like the second like critical thinking, scientific method, witness the ghosts of a little girl and grumpy old man annual Mad Science Fair April 8 from 10 a.m. interviews, writing reports and collecting and in the Tivoli and orbs in the 9th Street houses. The Metro CSS has also done research off analyzing data. – 4 p.m. in Tivoli. Hands-on experience includes research campus on things like cow mutilations and the “Experiments and field research in unconventional areas of study are not explored by and field investigations where students go to an San Louis Valley, which is said to be a hot spot mainstream science,” Conrad said. “Countless area on campus or in Denver that has reported of activity for UFO sightings. “Every investigation is a learning experiprofessionals and academics alike have inter- paranormal activity. “We use your standard audio recorder, ence. We have to make mistakes in order to ests in ‘mad science’ and have no venue to presEMF (electromagnetic field) detector, video learn from them,” Conrad said. “There might ent their research.” Students will present unconventional in- camera, motion sensing camera and this thing be times where we get nothing, where nothing ventions and the results of unusual experi- called a lab quest that I’m not all that sure how happens, but then we have to look at why. In ments. Anyone interested must e-mail abstract to use yet,” Conrad said. “Most of it has been the end we always hope for material that can’t submissions to, metrostatecss@gmail.com, by donations and we are always looking for more be explained.”
Join Metropolitan State College of Denver at the 2011 Noel Professorship Community Event
InclusIve excellence: A Foundation for the 21st century
Featuring noted public relations executive
Judi Hampton Tuesday, March 1, 2011 7 – 9 p.m.
Shorter Community A.M.E. Church • 3100 Richard Allen Court (Colorado and Martin Luther King Boulevards)
FrEE and open to the public We will honor five of Colorado’s Greats: Tamara Banks, Veteran Radio and Television Journalist, TazMedia, LLC donnie betts (‘87), Production/Director, No Credits Production Ashara Ekundayo (‘94), Owner/Creative Consultant, BluBlak Media Rosalind “Bee” Harris, Owner/Publisher, Denver Urban Spectrum newspaper Bertha Lynn, Anchorwoman, 7News
www.mscd.edu/news/noel 303-556-6344
12 • AUDIOFILES • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN
hoMeCoMing 2011: BattLe oF the BandS
Petals of Spain win competition, sealing the deal with Auraria’s heart Bands of all genres come together on Valentine’s at St. Cajetan’s Center for a day of live music and audience exposure By Matt Hollinshead • mhollin5@mscd.edu Six very different student bands competed Feb. 14 at the Metro Battle of the Bands, but in the end, it was jazz-funk fusion group Petals of Spain that won the $500 prize and top spot to play at the Feb. 17 Homecoming Bonfire in Lot D. As a way to kick off the 2011 homecoming week, the Metro community received free food and, best of all, live music throughout the day. The battle was one of many homecoming events planned for Feb. 14-19, according to Metro Student Government Assembly’s Casaundra Machado. “We are ecstatic to have won the battle, [especially] considering it just barely fit into our schedule,” said Nic J. M. Hammerberg, lead singer for Petals of Spain. “We recently had $2,000 worth of gear stolen, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to win this money. Most importantly, we’ve been looking for a way to really connect with the student body ... Posters and
flyering can only go so far.” The lineup also included bands Half Past Never, As the Day Darkens, Beta Wave, Calling Out West and Useless Objects, who all took their turn on stage to get live exposure to the music community on campus. Although they’re college musicians, the bands performed to gradually gain recognition on campus and build up a potential fan base, while giving back to Auraria simultaneously, said Half Past Never lead vocalist Matt Able. “I think it’s a great event,” Able said. “[We’re] giving people a chance to come out to showcase their talents [and] maybe win a little bit of money.” Coming out to perform was a big oppurtunity for a lot of the participants to share their music, and it came with some real competition over the course of the event. There were different kinds of bands participating, from the aforementioned hardcore and fusion to those
Vocalist and trumpet player Wes Watkins, of the Denver-based jazz/rock band Petals of Spain, tears into a blazing trumpet solo during the Battle of the Bands contest held Feb.14 at St. Cajetan’s Center at Auraria. Petals of Spain seized the victory out of five other bands all competing for $500 and a chance to play at this year’s homecoming bonfire celebration. Photo by Jeff Engleheart • jengleha@mscd.edu in psychedelic and indie rock. “Any exposure is [good],” said Tom Fleming, guitarist/vocalist for Useless Objects. “Being able to play out in front of people is what it’s all about.” The audience who showed up was on the small side, but that didn’t prevent passing students and faculty from going through the doors to observe the bands, nor did it overpower the quality of the actual performances. In the end, Machado hoped this event created even more of a sense of community and
encouraged students to get more involved in extracurricular activities. She also said that it was designed to be easily accessible for students and faculty to drop in between classes. “Everybody [was] having a good time,” Machado said. “We kind of expected students to come in and out throughout the entire event, just because it’s an all day thing. Maybe they wanted to stop by during their passing period. It’s not ever full, but soon as the bands start playing, people are hearing the music from across the commons.”
Sounding oFF
Sleeping in the Aviary: Minneapolis punks are far from sedate The weather may be sneakily whispering of spring, but the truth is we all know better, and it’s still the season for packed house shows where you can work up some sweat. This week The Metropolitan caught up with touring Minneapolis band Sleeping in the Aviary’s Elliot Kozel via e-mail as they passed through town to ask about punk rock, local production company BaskForty and how they got that mysterious name. Interview by Stephanie DeCamp • sdecamp@mscd.edu FROM LEFT: Phillip Mahlstadt, Michael Sienkowski, Celeste Heule and Elliott Kozel of Sleeping in the Aviary. Photo courtesy of Sleeping in the Aviary
Want to see more local shows? The Metropolitan Music Section suggests findng these venues on Facebook: • BackForty Presents • Larimer Lounge • Bluebird Theater • Vine Field Agency • The Hi-Dive
SD: Where did your band name come from? It sounds like it has a story. EK: The band name came from a sexual experience our guitar player Porkchop had as a 12-year-old boy. It took place during his annual visit to a summer soccer camp held by the Milwaukee Wave at a nearby soccer field. One day Porkchop was chasing a loose ball into a nearbyforested area when something caught his eye in the brambles. SD: The first time I heard your music, the band that immediately came to mind was The Buzzcocks. How do you feel about modern punk rock and your place in it? EK: It was an enormous blue robin’s egg sitting delicately on a twig, like a beautiful stoned high school girl on a beanbag. Porkchop caressed the smooth blue egg for a few minutes and then leaned in with his nostrils inhaling like a kitten the intoxicating scent of the shell. SD: What three words do you think best describes your music? EK: Crazy, Sexy, Lonely.
SD: How did you hook up with local production company BackForty Presents? Do you prefer to do smaller, do-it-yourself shows like theirs or larger ones with a greater audience capacity? EK: I found them on the INTERNET! I like to play any kind of show! Small ones are fun! BIG ones are fun! Medium-sized ones are FUN! We take what we can get. SD: How would you describe your shows in general? EK: There [is usually] a game of Bananagrams going down before or after the show. Our band is addicted to that shit. Our shows in general are wild like a flock of geese being shot at by three drunk teenagers with shotguns. SD: Who would be your ideal audience member? Who do you want to want to listen to your music? EK: Anyone who likes it is fine with me. Beautiful French girls would be nice.
THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • AUDIOFILES • 13
Five Songs for a good “Night Out”
No. 3: Tupac’s “California Love” A night out is like a building. No matter how high you are going to make it, you have to start with the right foundation. To assure yourself that your night was worth waiting for all week, The Metropolitan has selected five songs, which will be highlighted during the next month, to help put you in the right frame of mind. In the first week, we gave a shout out to Janelle Monae. In the second, The Rolling Stones. This week we present you with Tupac. By Ramsey Scott • rscott42@mscd.edu Last week I discussed the perfect jukebox song for the barroom. But maybe honky-tonks and whiskey aren’t your scene. Or maybe you are tired of drinking and it’s time to blow up the dance floor. Either way, when it’s time to transition into the next section of your evening, you’re going to want something that keeps the party rocking. Be careful not to bring down the tempo at this point in the evening — you risk giving your friends a moment to think about how late it is or how much reading they have to finish before Monday, and then the night is dead. If anything, this is the point in the night when you crank up the funk to 11. For your excursion onto the dance floor, I humbly suggest taking a trip back to 1996 with 2Pac and Dr. Dre’s, “California Love.” Dr. Dre is one of the pioneers of West Coast rap and this song exhibits every reason why. He overlays bump-and-grind beats with synthesizers to create a constant rhythm, which is the necessity of any club track. The beat never lets up and you never want it to. If this beat was played on a continuous loop, people would dance themselves to death.
Another attribute of Dr. Dre’s has been his ability to make every person he works with sound amazing, and that’s exactly what happened in this meeting of the minds. The brassy trumpets and rollicking rhythm are a perfect contrast to Tupac’s brazen flow and biting attitude. It’s called “California Love,” but it has all the sounds of Cailfornia lust. At this point in time 2Pac was coming off an 11-month stint in prison. You can feel the anger and energy that had been building in him as soon as his rapping starts: “Out on bail/ fresh out of jail/ California dreamin’.” This song is one long dance track, but it is also West Coast rap at its best — funky and angry all at the same time. Now as a native East Coaster, I risk losing my credibility for suggesting that a West Coast song is the best club track for this point in your evening. Growing up just hours from Atlanta, I have first-hand experience how quickly Outkast or Biggie can get a party started. Yet only a fool could ignore the wall-to-wall groove that is “California Love.” So get on the dance floor. Find a shorty or a baller and just let the groove take you. As Chris Tucker said, “It’s Friday ...”
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THIS FILM IS RATED R. RESTRICTED. Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent Or Adult Guardian. Please note: Passes received through this promotion do not guarantee you a seat at the theatre. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, except for members of the reviewing press. Theatre is overbooked to ensure a full house. No admittance once screening has begun. All federal, state and local regulations apply. A recipient of tickets assumes any and all risks related to use of ticket, and accepts any restrictions required by ticket provider. Summit Entertainment, Metropolitan and their affiliates accept no responsibility or liability in connection with any loss or accident incurred in connection with use of a prize. Tickets cannot be exchanged, transferred or redeemed for cash, in whole or in part. We are not responsible if, for any reason, recipient is unable to use his/her ticket in whole or in part. All federal and local taxes are the responsibility of the winner. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Participating sponsors, their employees and family members and their agencies are not eligible. NO PHONE CALLS!
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Tupac Shakur cerca 1996
14 • AUDIOFILES • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN
On the record
Stuart Confer: Bach — The Greatest Hits Album As the leader of the band Hindershot and member of Amazing Twin, Stuart Confer knows his music. Transplanting from Lincoln, Neb.to Denver in 2005, Confer has been moving throughout our local scene for a while now. For this On the Record, he recalls his hometown and all of the psychedelic wonders that the Baroque era can offer. By Stuart Confer Special to The Metropolitan
I was in a basement thrift store in my hometown, McCook, Neb., during the holidays. The two thrift stores in McCook are truly gems: I can find unusual items that have not been picked over by hoards of like-minded shoppers. To say the least, the first thing I check out is the vinyl. While flipping through a milk crate of records, one in particular caught my eye, Bach – The Greatest Hits Album. I was confused by the attribution of the word “hits” in regard to the famous Baroque era composer, picturing men living in the 18th century, wearing their white wigs, listening to Bach’s music for the first time and exclaiming: “Now this is a fucking hit!” I was further confused when I pulled both records out of the double album to check for scratches to find someone had written with a sharpie, “OK” on three sides of the center la-
bels, and “NO” on the fourth. I headed home to listen to the side with the inexplicable “NO.” I went into my parents’ basement and put the record on the turntable. The first song started with the traditional transcribed “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” by The Philadelphia Orchestra, followed by “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desire” by the Columbia Chamber Symphony. Nothing worth denoting a “NO” at this point. Next was “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” again by the Philadelphia Orchestra. Standard Bach. Then, the final movement of “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major” is played by Walter Carlos. I was immediately lit up by the strange sound of what seemed to be a synthesizer, beeping and buzzing in twinkling delight as I stared at the rapidly blinking lights of an ornamental, plastic-cup globe hanging in the corner of the room. The melody swayed and
panned on my parents’ huge pioneer speakers, and the synthetic music swelled and shrunk as the song built toward its climax. This was the closest I’ve come to having a psychedelic experience while being stone-sober. The song on the Bach album was pulled from the 1968 album Switched-On Bach, which actually used the Moog Synthesizer — an instrument basically unknown at the time. Apparently the Moog was much more difficult to use back then. The album took four years to create, and it was the first classical album to go gold and later platinum.
16TH & BLAKE
Reading more on the artist who redid the song, I discovered she later had a sexual reassignment surgery where she became Wendy Carlos. I later found that she composed and recorded music for “A Clockwork Orange,” “The Shining” and “Tron,” which is apparent in hindsight. As a musician, it seems that often the mystery of music can be removed as you continue to be exposed to the process in general. I love this album in the respect that I will probably never be able to fully understand how it was produced.
THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • 15
PORTS
“We want to show the fun side of being in the GLBT community ... drag is a great way of doing that.”
—PANSY PEDALS, DRAG QUEEN • METROSPECTIVE • 9
Softball swings into action ’Runners slip in game one, make up for it in game two By Daniel Laverty dlaverty@mscd.edu Metro softball opened the 2011 season by splitting a two-game series against Fort Hays State Tigers Feb. 13 at Auraria Field. Costly errors allowed the Tigers to win the first game 6-5, but the ’Runners hit back-to-back-to-back home runs in the fourth inning to win the second game 11-7. Senior pitcher Julia Diehl took the mound for the ’Runners in game one. Diehl was dominant early, holding Fort Hays scoreless until the fifth inning and did not allow an earned run on the afternoon. “I think my performance was pretty good,” Diehl said. “You can’t control where every ball goes; mistakes happen.” Metro committed four errors in the game, all of them resulting in runs for the Tigers. The game was tied at one going into the seventh inning. The Roadrunners played sloppy defense, committing two errors, which allowed five runs for the Tigers. “It’s the first game,” Head Coach Vanessa Becerra said. “We haven’t seen the [field] in a couple of weeks because of the big snowstorm. I think it’s just a lot of jitters.” Metro made it interesting, scoring four runs in the bottom of the seventh to make it a one-run game. With a runner on second base, senior outfielder Danni Hedstrom struck out as the Tigers held on to win the game 6-5.
Metro pitcher Julia Diehl whips a pitch from the mound in the first of two games against Fort Hays State Feb. 13. Metro lost the first game 6-5 and won the second 11-7. Diehl also hit three home runs on the day. Photo by Floyd Brandt • fbrandt@mscd.edu In game two, Metro’s starting pitcher, sophomore Aubree Maul, had trouble locating her pitches early on. Fort Hays took a 4-0 lead in the first inning. The Tigers would have scored more had it not been for a spectacular, inning-ending catch
that sent Metro junior Molly Clark crashing into the center-field fence. “I didn’t even know I was at the fence until I caught the ball,” Clark said. The Tigers would add two more runs and were all smiles going
into the bottom of the fourth. Tigers pitcher Maddie Holub was in a groove and they could taste the sweep. The Roadrunners answered. Metro senior outfielder Jennessa Tesone started off the bottom of the fourth with a single, opening the floodgates. Maul helped her own cause and launched a two-run homer to center field. On the next pitch, Diehl homered to deep center. Senior catcher Lauren Hainlen put the cherry on top with a deep bomb to left field, completing the back-to-back-toback home runs. “It just makes you feel like you’re on top of the world when [an inning like] that happens,” Diehl said. With just a one-run lead, Tigers coach Julie LeMaire was forced to make a pitching change. Kayla Rupa, who had started game one for the Tigers, came in to try to stop the Roadrunners momentum. “It’s always fun when you get a pitcher out of there,” Clark said. “We’d seen her [in game one], so we were just stoked to get another shot at her.” Metro took a couple shots at Rupa. The ’Runners added an RBI single from senior Amber Roundtree, a two RBI triple from Clark and an RBI double from Tesone. Metro never looked back and won the game 11-7. “It was huge,” Clark said. “Nobody likes to lose the first game, but we just got mentally tough and then got back in it.” The Roadrunners will host twogame sets against Southwest Minnesota State Feb. 18, Minnesota Duluth Feb. 19 and Wayne State Neb. Feb. 20 at Auraria Field.
’Runners sprint into record books By Ryan Ward rward19@mscd.edu Metro track teams finished their competitions Feb. 12 at the Air Force Invitational and the Husky Flotrack Invitational with several runners breaking school records. A total of 13 players broke their own records over the weekend including senior middle-distance runner Shawn Lindbom, junior sprinter Derek Fiorini, senior distance runner Brandon Johnson, sophomore distance runner Kery Allen, freshman long jumper Luke Thompson and freshman distance runner Vickey VanAlstine-Tauer Lindbom broke the school record
in the 800 meters Feb. 12 at the Invitational with an astonishing time of 1 minute, 49.54 seconds. The previous school record was 1:50.53 set by Anthony Luna in 2009. “My goal ever since I got here was to beat Anthony’s record,” Lindbom said. “He is a national champion.” Lindbom placed second out of 31 competitors. “When I do go into USA’s, I just want to improve my time,” Lindbom said. Johnson qualified for the NCAA Championships Feb. 11 at the Invitational by finishing with a provisional qualifying time in the 5000 meters at 14:24.06. It shattered the school
record in the 5k that Todd Tolentino held at 14:38.95 in 2009. “It’s pretty significant for me since I have never qualified for the NCAA,” Johnson said. “It’s definitely a confidence builder.” Fiorini broke his own school record in the 60 meters Feb. 12 at the Air Force Invitational finishing with a time of 6.97 seconds, which was .02 faster than the 6.99 he posted earlier this season. He finished ninth out of 60 sprinters. “It’s definitely exciting. It’s nice to see the hard work is paying off,” Fiorini said.“I know everyone works hard at this level but I am really trying to step up and prove something to myself and my team.”
For the women, sophomore distance runner Julia Hernandez led most of the 5k race Feb. 12 at the Air Force Invitational, but finished second with a 19:22.42. The team had a couple new additions as softball players Kristen Gertner and Molly Clark ran the 200 meters to help the team reach the minimum number of participants to compete. The men’s team had mixed results at Air Force and came out of the competition in 12th place while the women finished in 19th. Both teams will participate in the Colorado Mines Twilight Open starting Friday Feb. 18.
SIDELINE This Week
2.18
Women’s Basketball
5 p.m. vs Western New Mexico
Men’s Basketball
7 p.m. vs Western New Mexico
Men’s Track and Field
TBA @ Colorado Mines Twilight Invitational
Women’s Track and Field TBA @ Colorado Mines Twilight Invitational
Softball
Noon vs Southwest Minnesota State
2.19
Women’s Basketball
3 p.m. vs New Mexico Highlands
Men’s Basketball
5 p.m. vs New Mexico Highlands
Softball
Noon vs Minnesota Duluth
2.20 Softball
11 a.m. vs Wayne State
Baseball The double-header scheduled vs Dickenson State was cancelled after the field was still covered with snow. No make-up day has been announced.
They said it: “GOING INTO THEIR GYM AND FINALLY ENDING THAT LITTLE STREAK THAT THEY HAD AGAINST US WAS A GOOD FEELING.” - METRO WOMENS BASKETBALL GUARD CANDICE KOHN •16
Writer Matt Hollinshead discusses the moves of the Colorado Rockies during the offseason. themet.studentmedia. com/sports
16 • SPORTS • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN
FYI: People in nudist colonies play volleyball more than any other sport.
Women roll on plains
’Runners win streak at seven games, tied with Fort Lewis for first place By Cody Lemon clemon2@mscd.edu
No. 12 ranked Metro and University of Nebraska-Kearney women’s basketball game, Feb. 12, ended with a Metro rebound with just seconds left to take the 62-60 win. Metro sophomore guard Kristin Valencia rebounded a missed Metro free throw with the final seconds winding down in the game to give the ’Runners their first victory at Kearney since the 2007 season. “I just knew that if Emily [Wood] missed it I would get it,” Kristin Valencia said. “I just knew I would get it.” Junior guard Candice Kohn stepped up for the women and drained four 3-pointers for 12 points to lead Metro in scoring. Kohn credits team effort and hard work for the team’s win. “Our free throws were terrible,” Kohn said. “It was more hustle than anything that got us through it … Going into their gym and finally ending that little streak that they had against us was a good feeling. It was nice to finally get the win.” After Kearneys’ 12-0 run late in the game to take the lead 45-44, the ’Runners called a timeout to try and put things back together. “I just talked to them about moving the ball, patience on offense, getting shots and things like that,” Head Coach Tayna Haave
said. The timeout paid off as Metro took back control of the game and finally put it away with Kristin Valencia’s rebound. “We didn’t shoot free throws very well,” Haave said. “We only shot 42 percent and it really could have cost the game but we found a way to win. Having a close game like that on the road only helps us.” Haave expressed the rare quality that makes this basketball team so good. “The beauty of our team is that someone is always stepping up,” Haave said. “It could be a different person every night and everybody’s OK with that. The team is the star.” The night before, the team took on Chadron State and dominated them 68-44. Metro forced CSC to shoot from the outside, holding them to a 29.6 shooting percentage. Eleven players scored for the ’Runners. Junior guard Jasmine Cervantes led the group with 10 points, four boards and four assists. “We started off a little slow in the first half,” Cervantes said. “But the second half is when we picked it up. We started rebounding and were able to get open shots and good looks.” In the latest Women’s Basketball Coaches Association released Feb. 15 the team climbed one spot to No. 11 overall. The women have three games left in the season before the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament. They return home to play Western New Mexico Feb. 18 and New Mexico Highlands Feb. 19.
INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING
ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AT 7 PM PLEASE VISIT WWW.GOFOBO.COM/RSVP AND ENTER THE CODE THEMETKWG2 TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASSES! MAKE SURE TO PRINT OUT YOUR PASSES AND PRESENT THEM AT THE SCREENING. TWO PASSES PER PERSON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. MUST BE 17 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO DOWNLOAD PASSES AND ATTEND SCREENING. THIS FILM IS RATED R (RESTRICTED) for crude and sexual humor throughout, language, some graphic nudity and drug use. Children Under 17 Require Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian. Please note: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Limit two passes per person. Each pass admits one. Seating is not guaranteed. Arrive early. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.
IN THEATERS FEBRUARY 25 www.hall-pass-movie.com
DID YOU KNOW? Manchester United and Manchester City spent a combined $850 million on players, making it the most expensive sporting event in history.
THE METROPOLITAN • FEBRUARY 17, 2011 • SPORTS • 17
Short-handed Metro loses to Kearney ’Runners go 2-2 during roadtrip, now second in conference By Matt Hollinshead mhollin5@mscd.edu The Metro men’s basketball team has hit a rocky stretch in their season. Following their 17-point loss at Colorado School of Mines Feb. 5, they split their Nebraska road trip Feb. 11-12, winning at Chadron State College, 69-65, and losing a high-scoring contest at University of Nebraska at Kearney, 82-78. The Roadrunners are now 18-5 this season, including 15-4 in the conference. Despite their recent struggles, Metro doesn’t think the clock for the regular season conference title is ticking just yet. “We’ve just got to get off to a better start,” junior guard Reggie Evans said. “We just have to keep fighting and win these next three games. We’re going to take it one game at a time.” At Chadron State, Metro was short-handed due to injuries to senior forward Paul Brotherson and freshman guard Quaran Johnson. That didn’t stop the ’Runners from rebounding their way to an early 18-10 lead.
CSC’s junior center Moala Tautuaa attacked Metro’s basket aggressively, dumping 13 of his 16 total points on Metro in the first half alone. By halftime, Metro was clinging to a 33-29 lead. With less than eight minutes remaining freshman guard Brandon Jefferson was clutch, draining a trio of 3-pointers and giving Metro a sixpoint lead, their largest of the night. More importantly, Evans came up big in the second half, scoring 13 of his 20 points. “We [were] shorthanded, but we can’t make that as an excuse,” Jefferson said. The following night, Metro traveled to UNK, and it wasn’t a particularly satisfying start. After Metro scored the first basket of the game, the Lopers unleashed an offensive rainstorm, going on a 17-0 surge. With 17:38 left in regulation, Jefferson caught fire from beyond the arc once again, hitting back-toback 3-pointers and giving Metro their first lead since the start of the game. “We showed a lot of grit,” Head Coach Derrick Clark said. “We dug a hole for ourselves; we got down 17-2. When you don’t have depth, it’s hard enough to come back. The positive out of that is [that] we never folded it in [and] we gave ourselves a chance.”
Over the course of the second half, the game showed that UNK’s “Health & Sports” Center is the one of the harder places to play in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference territory, regardless of the sport. It was a back-and-forth dogfight to the end. Metro came back from a 11 point deficit to only trail 78-76. They had an opportunity to tie the game, but UNK’s Michael Vandahl blocked a jumper from Evans with 16 seconds left, sealing the Lopers’ victory. Senior center Shakir Johnson, Evans and Jefferson led Metro in scoring, accumulating 51 of the team’s 78 points. Metro is now a game behind Colorado Mines for first place in the RMAC. They’ll return home against Western New Mexico University Feb. 18 and New Mexico Highlands University Feb. 19.
Metro senior guard A.J. Flournoy goes for a rebound against Colorado School of Mines Feb. 5 at Lockridge Arean File Photo • Floyd Brandt • fbrandt@mscd.edu
Remaining Student Rush Schedule VS. EDMONTON
VS. COLUMBUS
VS. DALLAS
Wed, Feb. 23 | 7:30 PM
Tue, Mar. 22 | 7:00 PM
Fri, Apr. 8 | 7:00 PM
Tickets are just $15! TO PURCHASE YOUR DISCOUNTED TICKETS BRING YOUR STUDENT I.D. TO THE PEPSI CENTER BOX OFFICE STARTING AT 12:00 PM ON THE DAY OF THE GAME. LIMIT 2 TICKETS PER I.D., BOX OFFICE PURCHASE ONLY.
STUDENT RUSH TICKETS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. OFFER AVAILABLE FOR SELECT GAMES ONLY. SEE COLORADOAVALANCHE.COM FOR FURTHER DETAILS. PEPSI AND THE PEPSI GLOBE ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF PEPSICO,INC. OFFER EXPIRES 4/8/11.
CROSSWORD
IMEOUT
18 2.17.2011 THE METROPOLITAN
BEST OF ONLINE Texts from last night
Across 1- Fall prey to a banana peel, say 5- Meat 10- Fill to surfeit 14- “That smarts!” 15- Like poorly made oatmeal or mashed potatoes 16- Asleep 17- “Hard ___!” (sailor’s yell) 18- Fit out 19- Author Morrison 20- Haunt 22- Leading 24- Adored 26- Cantankerous 27- Greek goddess of the moon 30- Martini’s partner 32- Hindu religious teacher 33- Monetary unit of Lesotho; 34- Burmese, Manx, and Scottish Fold 38- Skye cap
39- Pertaining to fat 42- My ___, Vietnam 43- Break, card game 45- Fabric ridge 46- Scorn 48- Ablaze 50- Pollen producer 51- Allotted amount 54- Spud 56- Incident 58- Unrestrained exercise of power 62- Asian sea 63- Defamation 65- Portend 66- Calamitous 67- Uneven 68- Incline 69- Kill 70- Sums owing; 71- Lodge members
Down 1- Work up lather 2- Corker 3- Bakery worker 4- Cork 5- Arm cover 6- Heavy stocking cap worn in Canada 7- Flightless bird 8- Capital city of Western Samoa 9- Curvature of the spine 10- Diabolical 11- Dwelling 12- Domingo, for one 13- Enlighten 21- Ancient region of Asia Minor 23- Hesitant sounds 25- Bit of liquid 27- Grounded fleet 28- Actor McGregor 29- Priest of the East 31- Plains native
WEEK PREVIEW Thursday/ 2.17
The Economics of Immigration: Myths and Realities 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Ben Powell, assistant professor of economics at Suffolk University, is the featured speaker. Food and refreshments will be provided. Tivoli Turnhalle
Friday/ 2.18
Play It Forward 6 p.m. Seawell Ballroom at the Denver Performing Arts Complex A fundraiser for the Women With a Cause Foundation’s WE Initiative. The semi-formal event features an open bar and silent auction and cuisine prepared by 10 local chefs. $150, or $75 for young professionals younger than 35. Visit www.womenwithacause.com for ticket information.
Saturday/ 2.19
SUDOKU
Lighthouse Writers Workshop 7 p.m. 910 Santa Fe Drive The workshop focuses on the mechanical aspects of getting a novel published. Free
Sunday/ 2.20
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs 5th Anniversary 11 a.m–6 p.m. 3525 E. Colfax Ave. Food specials and a T-shirt and meal giveway to the 500th customer.
Monday/ 2.21
Meet and Greet and Booksigning 2–4 p.m. Tivoli 320 Physicist Brian Green will mingle with guests and discuss his book “The Elegant Universe.” Refreshments will be provided.
Tuesday/ 2.22
Portraits of Courage 12:30–1:45 p.m. Tivoli Turnhalle The theme is: African American You Wish You Had Known.
Wednesday/ 2.23
Open Mic Night 6–9 p.m. Tivoli Boiler Lounge Spoken word, poetry, singing, rapping and various instruments are welcome.
33- Make-up artist? 35- Grad 36- Shipping deduction 37- ___ Fein 40- Lessened 41- Aromatic compound 44- Pattern of colorful curving figures 47- Short allegorical story 49Rock’s ___ Fighters 50- Fashions 51- Peruses 52- Month of showers 53- Jewelled crown worn by women 55- Bikini blast 57- Green land 59- Christmas 60- Minn. neighbor 61- Cravings 64- Short cut
Sorry for trying to give you my dresser last night. Are any of the drawers still in your car? Hi. I probably already told you this mid puke, but thanks again for babysitting me last night. How did I get in the car? I knew as soon as I saw that pole that I was going to wake up the next morning with bruises. The guys had to come into the bar bathroom and pep talk us all off the floor. I asked you how much you drank and you replied with “I don’t know what kind of toothpaste I use.” I should probably file for unemployment. Sometime between last night and 4 AM I facebooked my manager the lyrics to hoe by ludacris. I’m just projecting ahead here.
My life is average Today I was walking through the halls of my school and passed a guy carrying a wooden toaster. MLIA Today I found out that farmville is right... Pineapples do grow out of the ground. I thought they came off of trees... I feel as though I have been lied to my whole life. MLIA Yesterday during gym I hit the birdie during badminton and it flew towards a friend who was turned around. He whips around, hits the birdie and turns back around like nothing happened. I’m fully convinced he is a ninja. MLIA Today, while eating some sweetheart candies, I realized in the last ten years the messages have changed from “fax me”, “email me”, “IM me”, “txt me” and now “friend me”. MLIA
Note: Best of Online entries are not edited.
LAUGH OF THE WEEK DAVE LARSON larsodav@mscd.edu