Volume 37, Issue 31 - April 30, 2015 by Met Media

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The Student Voice of MSU Denver

Volume 37, Issue 31

April 30, 2015

Roadrunner innovation packs punch

At Auraria campus April 28, MSU Denver Industrial Design seniors Bryan Beard, left, and Kit Hendrickson show the different compartments of the travel bag system they designed. Green Guru, an athletic bag and bike gear company, will present Beard and Hendrickson’s bag at a bicycle expo in New York City later this week. For more, see story Page 9. Photo by Alyson McClaran • amcclara@msudenver.edu

Spring Fling Newest member of state health spirit springs into MSU Denver board is MSU Denver graduate students

Metrosphere releases 33rd edition, part three

Sports 17

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Spective 10 Metrosphere16 The

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Roadrunner softball wins regular season in RMAC play

—Ashanti Alston, former Black Panther party member @themetonline

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Visual news: Spring Fling

MSU Denver employee Andrew Gassmann plays a game of giant Jenga on his lunch break during Auraria’s Spring Fling event. Photos by Sara Hertwig • shertwig@msudenver.edu

News

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“You might be the generation we’ve been praying for for a long, long time.”

April 30, 2015

Aaron Rines, a freshman at Colorado Community College, looks at a copy of MSU Denver’s logo to help guide him on his project for Spring Fling. Rines works with the Social Action Through Art group which uses art to promote community involvement and awareness.

Legislative Speakers challenge racial issues in United States Update By Timothy Ulrich

tulrich2@msudenver.edu

Two previously covered pieces of legislation were tabled over the last week in the Colorado House Senate. The Colorado Right to Rest Act was killed along an 8-3 vote in the House Committee on State, Veterans and Military Affairs April 27. The bill would have enforced certain rights to homeless individuals and challenged urban camping bans in Denver and at least 11 other Colorado cities. The bill was sponsored by Reps. Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, and Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, John Kefalas, D-Fort Collins, is the sponsor of the senate version of the bill. Colorado Senate Bill 15-072, which would have changed MSU Denver’s enrollment policies, has been postponed indefinitely as of April 23. Had the bill passed, MSU Denver would have been changed from a “modified open” admissions classification to “moderately selective” starting Jan. 1. The Senate Committee on Education voted 7-2 for postponement of the measure, which was introduced by Senator Kent Lambert, R-Colorado Springs) Jan. 29.

Progressive sentiments fi lled the Tivoli Turnhalle April 28, while two speakers discussed the topics that plagued the civil rights movement and how similar these issues are to movements today. The conference, titled “Political Prisoners and Perpetual Amerikan Conquest” welcomed Ashanti Alston and Ricardo Romero, who both served time as what they describe as political prisoners. Alston and Romero advocated for the youth to continue to fight for freedom. “You might be the generation we’ve been praying for for a long, long time,” Alston said. “In our silence, we condone the

state’s actions,” Romero said. Alston and Romero said one factor in the silent majority was the downplaying of racial movements. Alston said the “spin that discourages us” is caused by FBI programs and the mainstream media. Alston said that the same spin is happening with the coverage of current rioting in Baltimore, where major news outlets are covering things like a mother slapping her son for participating, but not the actual issues. Alston was a Black Panther Party member during the early ‘60s who spent a decade in prison after being captured by police and convicted with armed robbery. Romero was active in the Chicano movements during the ‘60s, and was similarly captured by

police, but only served three years for “criminal contempt,” a charge that he said was originally used to force Mafia members to testify.

“I believe in all the people of the world,” Romero said. “There’s nothing insane about trying to free.”

Ashanti Alston challenges students to speak out for racial equality April 28 at the Tivoli Turnhalle. Photo by Alyson McClaran • amcclara@msudenver.edu

SGA votes, voters by the numbers Statistics obtained from Student Government Assembly and MSU Denver fact sheet.

April 30, 2015 Met News

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Extermination compound sickens more than prairie dogs By John Madden jmadde10@msudenver.edu A construction site in Castle Rock is relocating after complaints that chemicals used in prairie dog extermination allegedly harmed protesters. The Outlets at Castle Rock is undergoing a $177 million development project called the Promenade Mall. The construction on the 166-acre area, overseen by Alberta Development Partners, is under scrutiny after many of the prairie dogs previously occupying the space were exterminated. Traps containing aluminum phosphide, also known as Fumitoxin, were set as early as March outside burrows. Activism group the Prairie Dog Liberation Front, led by Deanna Meyers, tried to relocate the colony before it was exterminated. “I always had a particular concern for this colony because it was so large,” Meyers said. “This colony had over a thousand prairie dogs.” Advocates for prairie dogs attended town council meetings, contacted activist group Prairie

Dog Liberation Front, got recognition from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, pled with ADP and staged protests to push for relocating the animals. But despite their efforts, ADP decided to go through with the extermination. The extermination of the prairie dogs caused some backlash, but the aftermath has caused other public health concerns. During the extermination, protesters were on site while Fumitoxin was poured down the burrows. The warning label for Fumitoxin indicates the chemical can be fatal if inhaled. A few protesters went to the hospital and were treated for chemical exposure and chest pain from the poison. “The doctor (who treated me) was appalled that anyone had been exposed to the aluminum phosphide,” said Megan Arntzen, one of the protesters who became ill along with her sister and mother. There have been multiple deaths from Fumitoxin poisoning in other states. A 2010 case in Utah came to national attention after two young girls died from inhaling the poison when exterminators

were trying to kill voles in the family’s yard. Fumitoxin was banned from residential use after the girls’ deaths, but is still legal to use on commercial property. The poison also affected other local wildlife, as red-winged blackbirds and rabbits were found dead at the site. The prairie dog advocates view the use of Fumitoxin as inhumane due to the way the animal dies and its effects on other animals in the ecosystem. “The poison makes the animals bleed from the inside out and takes up to 72 hours for them to die,” Meyers said. According to The Humane Society, the black-tailed prairie dog population is down 99 percent from 150 years ago. Several factors in this decline include their primitive immune system, which makes them highly susceptible to plagues. Shooting and poisoning have also contributed to the decline in numbers. Castle Rock City Council issued a statement saying “the town’s authority is limited to protecting only federally listed and endangered species,” and thus denied protection of the prairie dogs, as

Areas around Castle Rock, including the previous site for the Promenade Mall, are a large habitat for black-tailed prairie dogs. Due to health concerns for prairie dogs and residents, the site has been changed. Photo by Steve Musal • smusal@msudenver.edu

they have not been classified as such. Prairie dogs were last denied endangered species status in 2009. Some of the prairie dogs survived the extermination. ADP trapped the remaining prairie dogs without killing them with the help of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The prairie dogs were eventually relocated to land in Douglas County.

“People need to consider what we can do for these animals,” Meyers said. “(Poisoning them) is not the best ethical way to deal with any prairie dog colony that’s endangered from development.” Check out the extended report on The Met Report’s page on MyMetMedia.com.

Early Music Ensemble showcases forgotten pieces Story and photo by Kate Rigot krigot@msudenver.edu The works of several rarely performed composers, including not one but two women, took center stage at the MSU Denver Early Music Ensemble’s performance April 27 in the King Center Recital Hall. Composed of MSU Denver students, faculty members and some community members, the Early Music Ensemble plays works from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and early Baroque. The centerpiece of this semester’s concert was the entire Prologue and Part I of “Ordo

Virtutum,” by 12th-century German abbess Hildegard Von Bingen, one of few prominent early female composers. Ensemble co-director M.B. Krueger said Von Bingen, a Christian mystic renowned for her visions, was “an incredibly prolific writer in just about every form imaginable at the time — poetry, prose and music.” But, Krueger said, “she was apparently rather stern and unpleasant, and not someone you would want to cross. She certainly did not fit the mold of the proper 12thcentury nun.” Krueger said the “Ordo Virtutum” was written as a kind of mo-

L-R: Jacob Cozad on hurdy-gurdy, Scott Kehoe on oud, and Zoey St. Lleuwpardtljik on 19-string medieval harp, with vocalists in the background, perform Hildegard Von Bingen’s “Ordo Virtutum” at the MSU Denver Early Music Ensemble’s April 27 concert.

rality play set to music. But despite the theme, Von Bingen apparently wrote it as more of an “extracurricular activity” for her nuns than for performance in a worship service. It would probably have been performed with simple staging and costuming. While it predates the earliest known opera by 4.5 centuries, Krueger believes it constituted a step toward the formation of this genre — but she joked that it could also be considered “an extremely early example of musical theater.” In addition to the required vocalists, Krueger and co-director Peter Schimpf chose an instrumentation of hurdy-gurdy, oud, medieval harp, psaltery and Baroque violin for the piece, which was staged without costumes. In the tradition of morality plays, which were common in the Middle Ages, the work takes the form of a conversation between personifications of the soul and various virtues. “The Soul laments how short life is, or how unfair it is that God gives us a rich world but doesn’t want us to exploit it, etc.,” Krueger said. “The Devil chimes in now and then (always spoken, and accompanied by a rattle) with temptations — ‘Follow me and I’ll give you everything you want!’ The Virtues always have an answer, though, and in the end the Soul is won over to God.”

Krueger added that “before there was a concept of journalism, I think stories with dialogue were the preferred method of getting an important point across.” Sackbut player and vocalist Andy Durfee, a sophomore music major at MSU Denver, played the role of the Devil. He said he liked the role, despite it being a nonsinging one, because it allowed him to project and some of the haughty-sounding lines were cause for humor. “Some of the lines in old Italian are like ‘Foolish mortal!’ and ‘Who is this god who dare defy me?’” Durfee said. Krueger and Schimpf chose to flank the Von Bingen work with a set of pieces by another female composer, Francesca Caccini, and a set by her father, Giulio Caccini. Francesca Caccini came to fame in 17th-century Italy as a singer of her father’s music, which represented a new style called monody. But, as Schimpf pointed out, the former was a talented composer in her own right. “You’ll see from the sophistication of her music that her prowess as a composer goes far beyond that of her father,” Schimpf said. One of the Francesca Caccini pieces played was a selection from her opera, “La Liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola d’Alcina” (“The Liberation of Ruggiero from the

island of Alcina”), which, according to Schimpf, is the earliest known opera written by a woman. “It’s an interesting connection with Hildegard hundreds of years earlier,” Schimpf said. Other works performed included a couple suites for Baroque flute by French Baroque composer Jacques Hotteterre le Romaine. Various other period instruments graced the stage throughout the performance, including harpsichord, sackbut, recorder, Baroque guitar and theorbo, a kind of giant lute developed in the late Italian renaissance. The concert concluded with two pieces by 17th-century Italian composer Federico Cauda, “who is so obscure you can’t even find him in the New Grove (Dictionary of Music and Musicians),” Schimpf said. Students with music experience, whether music majors or not, interested in joining the Early Music Ensemble this fall should email Krueger at kruegema@msudenver.edu or Schimpf at pschimpf@msudenver.edu.

Opinions

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“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.” — Martin Luther King Jr. @themetonline f: themetropolitan mymetmedia. com

MLK: Excerpt from ‘Letter from a Birmingham jail’ By Martin Luther King Jr. 16 April 1963 Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial “outside agitator” idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere within its bounds. In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self purification; and direct action. You may well ask: “Why direct action? Why sit ins, marches and so forth? Isn’t negotiation a better path?” You are quite right in calling for negotiation. Indeed, this is the very purpose of direct action. Nonviolent direct action seeks to create such a crisis and foster such a tension that a community which has constantly refused to negotiate is forced to confront the issue. It seeks so to dramatize the issue that it can no longer be ignored. My citing the creation of tension as part of the work of the nonviolent resister may sound rather shocking. But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word “tension.” I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. The purpose of our direct action program is to create a situation so crisis packed that it will inevitably open the door to negotiation. We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was “well timed” in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segre-

“This ‘Wait’ has almost always meant ‘Never.’” gation. For years now I have heard the word “Wait!” It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This “Wait” has almost always meant “Never.” We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that “justice too long delayed is justice denied.” There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair. One may well ask: “How can you advocate breaking some laws and obeying others?” The answer lies in the fact that there are two types of laws: just and unjust. I would be the first to advocate obeying just laws. One has not only a legal, but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws. I would agree with St. Augustine that “an unjust law is no law at all.” How does one determine whether a law is just or unjust? A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law. To put it in terms of St. Thomas Aquinas: An unjust law is a human law that is not rooted in eternal law and natural law. Any law that uplifts the human personality is just. Any law that degrades human personality is unjust. All segregation statutes are unjust because segregation distorts the soul and damages the personality. It gives the segregator a false sense of superiority and the segregated a false sense of inferiority. An unjust law is a code that a majority inflicts on a minority that is not binding on itself. This is difference made legal. On the other hand a just law is a code that a majority compels a minority to follow that it is willing to follow itself. This is sameness made legal. In no sense do I advocate evading or defying the law, as would the rabid segregationist. That would lead to anarchy. One who breaks an unjust law must do so openly, lovingly, and with a willingness to accept the penalty. I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the commu-

April 30, 2015

nity over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for law. We should never forget that everything Adolf Hitler did in Germany was “legal” and everything the Hungarian freedom fighters did in Hungary was “illegal.” I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: “I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action”; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man’s freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a “more convenient season.” Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

“Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever.” Actually, we who engage in nonviolent direct action are not the creators of tension. We merely bring to the surface the hidden tension that is already alive. We bring it out in the open, where it can be seen and dealt with. Like a boil that can never be cured so long as it is covered up but must be opened with all its ugliness to the natural medicines of air and light, injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates, to the light of human conscience and the air of national opinion before it can be cured. In your statement you assert that our actions, even though peaceful, must be condemned because they precipitate violence. But is this a logical assertion? Isn’t this like condemning a robbed man because his possession of money precipitated the evil act of robbery? Isn’t this like condemning Socrates because his unswerving commitment to truth and his philosophical inquiries precipitated the act by the misguided populace in which they made him drink hem-

lock? Isn’t this like condemning Jesus because his unique Godconsciousness and never-ceasing devotion to God’s will precipitated the evil act of crucifixion? We must come to see that, as the federal courts have consistently affirmed, it is wrong to urge an individual to cease his efforts to gain his basic constitutional rights because the quest may precipitate violence. Society must protect the robbed and punish the robber. I had also hoped that the white moderate would reject the myth concerning time in relation to the struggle for freedom. I have just received a letter from a white brother in Texas. He writes: “All Christians know that the colored people will receive equal rights eventually, but it is possible that you are in too great a religious hurry. It has taken Christianity almost two thousand years to accomplish what it has. The teachings of Christ take time to come to earth.” Such an attitude stems from a tragic misconception of time, from the strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people. Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co-workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right. Now is the time to make real the promise of democracy and transform our pending national elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. Now is the time to lift our national policy from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of human dignity. Oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever. The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself, and that is what has happened to the American Negro. Something within has reminded him of his birthright of freedom, and something without has reminded him that it can be gained.

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What we do The Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topicdriven 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 600 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week’s edition. There is a 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 email to themetonline@gmail.com. The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State University 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 MSU Denver or its advertisers.

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Industrial Design students ‘Stand-By’ for success

By Mary-Kate Newton

mnewton5@msudenver.edu The Stand-By bag was the result of one year of free standby flight privileges, a class on design for production, 20 hours of sewing and five hours of fiddling with several industrial sewing machines. Kit Hendrickson and his project partner Bryan Beard are MSU Denver industrial design seniors and the designers of the StandBy bag, an adjustable backpack with a removable briefcase. The bag is designed for travel, and boasts convertible, detachable parts that adapt to the traveler’s needs — hiking, airline travel, camping or biking. The backpack is designed with white, retro patches that almost look like arrows on a compass or directional arrows on an airport runway. “They are a play on ‘standby,’” Hendrickson said. “You never know where you’re going to go.” For a year, before taking the department’s design for production class in the Fall of 2014 with Beard, Hendrickson was able to fly standby because of a friend that worked with an airline company. “When I was traveling, I couldn’t really fit everything I needed easily into a carry-on bag,” Hendrickson said. “That’s what you need when flying standby though, because you aren’t sure if you’ll get onto the flight.” That semester, the class partnered with Green Guru, a bike gear and sporting bag company. Hendrickson and Beard’s design was chosen by the company to potentially put into production, and will be showcased at a bicycle expo in New York City this week. Beard estimated the bag’s capacity at about 30 liters. It holds about four days of clothes, a change of shoes, a laptop and toiletries. The bag is made of several upcycled materials, such as the cloth top cover of a jeep and banners. The practice of upcycling is important to the Green Guru company and is present in many of their products. According to their website, Green Guru “is built on a foundation of sustainable actions. We ask difficult questions about processes and create real solutions that help us reduce waste and raise efficiency.” The Stand-By bag currently has a Kickstarter campaign that closes May 30. Should that be successful, a prospect aided by its exposure at the New York bicycle expo, Green Guru will adopt the bag into its product line. “We’d get to be the face of the bag,” Beard said. Hendrickson and Beard are almost exactly halfway to their Kickstarter goal of $7,000, with 30 days left to go on the campaign. To see a demonstration video, or support the Stand-By bag, which comes with a variety of merchandise (for pledges from $20 to $350), search for Stand-By Travel Bag System on kickstarter.com. The bag system pictured is awarded for $250 pledges.

The Stand-By bag system is designed for easy access to belongings during travel and can be customized for different adventures, situations and purposes. Photos by Alyson McClaran • amcclara@msudenver.edu

MSU Denver seniors Kit Hendrickson and Bryan Beard pose for a photo with one of their bag systems April 28 at Auraria Campus. The bag breaks down into two bags for ease of traveling.

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April 30, 2015

MSU Denver alum elected to state health board By Michael Ortiz mortiz26@msudenver.edu

In a world where public service and the health of the Colorado community meet, a Roadrunner runs proudly in the crowd. Janelle Orsborn, from MSU Denver who graduated in fall 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in human performance and sport with a concentration in exercise science has secured a position with the Colorado State Board of Health, representing the 2nd Congressional district (which includes Boulder, Broomfield and Jefferson Counties). Orsborn was born and raised in Colorado, and also participated in the Miss Colorado pageant in 2009, where she won “Outstanding Teen.” After a year of community college, Orsborn transferred to MSU Denver to complete her degree. “It became an obvious choice when I learned how highly ranked the department was in the nation for human performance and sport,” she said. Orsborn’s interest in health began in her senior year in high school. “I began taking my own health into consideration and realized my passion for not only my own health, but the health of my friends, family and the entire community,” she said. After high school, Orsborn earned a degree from the Denver School of Massage Therapy as a licensed massage therapist and pursued a career in the field. Orsborn also holds an American College of Sports Medicine personal training certificate as well as a Crossfit instructor certification. She currently works with Core Progression, a personal training facility that offers triathlete training, physical therapy, massage therapy and several other services. With the Miss Colorado pageant just around the corner in June, Orsborn also

has the goal of becoming the next Colorado representative at the Miss USA pageant. “This year could hold some amazing networking and service opportunities as I continue my work to promote healthy lifestyles in my community and state,” Orsborn said. “It’s been a goal of mine for quite some time. It’s an amazing platform to make a difference.” As a board member, her duties involve finding solutions to current health problems from food safety to public health. Orsborn said her long-term goal was “to focus my efforts in schools, through awareness and implementation of breakfast programs, the promotion of physical activity and parent education to help create healthier lives for all our kids here in Colorado.” Orsborn’s involvement with Miss Colorado thus far has provided scholarships that allowed her to graduate from MSU Denver debt-free. “I owe so much to the Miss America Organization and how they literally have helped to form my life and professional career,” Orsborn said. She plans to return to school following her pageant commitments to pursue a master’s degree in public health and will continue to promote her healthy lifestyle vision to others. Orsborn found that MSU Denver prepared and focused her for her current position. “As a student, my professors encouraged me to seek outside mentorship and helped with building industry connections long before I would need full-time work,” Orsborn said. “I owe so much of my success to the faculty and staff in the human performance and sport department — they give their students the world.”

MSU Denver alumna Janelle Orsborn poses outside the state capitol April 23. She was appointed March 1 to the Colorado State Board of Health. Photo by Michael Ortiz • mortiz26@msudenver.edu

Bill Swets’ folk art is a mechanical menagerie Runner onRoadthe By Chris Bjork cbjork1@msudenver.edu FORT COLLINS — Bill Swets is the owner and creator of The Swetsville Zoo, a vast menagerie of all sorts of creatures that would make any visitor ponder their exact origin. Swetsville is not your typical zoo, however: Its inhabitants are born entirely from one man’s artistic vision and creative craftsmanship. The Swetsville Zoo, established just south of Fort Collins, is a sculpture park made up entirely of creatures constructed from scrap metal, car parts and old farm equipment. The “zoo” consists of more than 180 sculptures, but Swets has an additional 30 scattered across the state and another 30 or 40 located in southeast Texas. The creatures range from all sorts of fantastic and compelling designs that tickle

the imagination, including several dragons, numerous dinosaurs that tower more than 15 feet tall, and an 8-foot-tall spider made entirely from a vintage Volkswagen Beetle, along with many others. While Swets hasn’t made a new sculpture in quite some time, he still routinely provides maintenance, repairs and updates whenever possible. After moving to Fort Collins to continue pursuing his farming business, Swets began work on his first sculpture in August of 1985. He was motivated after coming across a metal buzzard one day that was sitting in the front lawn of one of his friends. “I saw it sitting there and thought, ‘I kind of like that,’ so I came in here and cobbled it together and I thought, ‘shoot, there’s no trick to this,’” Swets said. “So the very first one was copied, but then I started working up my own designs and they kept getting

bigger, and then I kind of got to looking at dinosaurs and they kept getting bigger!” So far, Swets’ tallest creation is a dinosaur that stands more than 20 feet tall. It wasn’t long before Swets’ part-time hobby evolved into a popular local attraction. Swets has always remained adamant about keeping Swetsville free to the public with the exception of donations from whomever wants to help support the attraction. Over time, the “zoo” continues to receive immense popularity, and has landing coverage from 9News, Roadside America and many local publications. However, the influx of so many people and the gradual increase of the city’s population poses a new threat to the zoo. “I’m getting pushed out. We got Costco over here, Super Wal-Mart there and I’m looking down the gun barrel. This is all going to be commercial and I don’t know — I don’t know,” Bill said. “The city of Fort Collins wants all my sculptures but they want to take them and put them in their own park. They’ve got a 150-acre park they want to put them in — which I guess is okay, but I’d like to see it stay here. But the future right there doesn’t look too good.”

With conflicts like this, along with the addition of a newly constructed public walking and biking trail that merges directly into Bill’s property, the future of Swetsville Zoo may be grim. With up to 20,000 people who walk through the zoo every year, it is easy to note how much Swetsville Zoo continues to amaze and inspire the citizens of Colorado every day. Unfortunately, this may be the last chance for anyone to appreciate the zoo in its entirety as potential complications may inhibit Bill from making more sculptures in the future. Each piece of art is more than just a representation of an animal or cartoon, but is brought to life by its unique character and personality. Swetsville Zoo has stood proud in the sun-baked highlands of Fort Collins for more than 25 years and has endured through thick and thin, continuing to inspire new and old visitors every day. While the future for Swetsville appears uncertain, the wonder and influences its occupants have provided remain timeless.

Reviews

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The Metropolitan review staff rates works on a standard “A to F” scale, similar to that used in MSU Denver classes. @themetonline f: themetropolitan mymetmedia.com

‘Insurgent’ By Ashley Newton ashley.m.newton @ucdenver.edu Although entertaining, the plot of the new movie “Insurgent” contained many holes and no interesting cinematography. The movie takes place in a dystopian society in what was once Chicago. The society is centered on the idea that everyone in the civilization can be sorted into one of five factions according to different values — Amity, Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite.

Alamo Drafthouse By Cassie Reid creid13@msudenver.edu When on the search for nostalgia, variety and a filling meal, there is no finer place than Alamo Drafthouse. Alamo Drafthouse is nestled in the Aspen Grove shopping center in Littleton. For the public transport pilgrim, that’s the final stop on the southbound C or D line. Each aspect of the concept is simple enough: 1) you can have food served to you during a movie, 2) you can see classics on the big screen without obeying standard movie theater etiquette, namely not quoting along, and 3) you can

‘Avenue Q’ By Cassie Reid creid13@msudenver.edu There is a strange amount of comfort that comes from seeing puppets sing about sex, racism and how life sucks. People generally go to a new show for the fun of the unknown, intentionally avoiding any research to authentically witness the story unfold. This is not exactly advisable for this work by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez, the latter an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and recent Oscar winner, due to a certain anthem involving dress creation and snowballs or something. That said, whatever offense may be taken from the show doesn’t come without deeper meaning. “Avenue Q” sounds like the ideal show for Bialystock and Bloom of “The Producers,” a flop guaranteed to insult every person in the house. Take puppets mod-

April 30, 2015

However, when Tris Prior’s day comes to be sorted, she presents with the problem — called “Divergent” — that she cannot be sorted into just one group, as she embodies qualities of all of the factions. In a time of political unrest between the factions, these Divergents are the government’s biggest fear. Insurgent is about Tris attempting to save her family, herself and her boyfriend from the people trying to kill those like her. The plot of “Insurgent” unfortunately did not always make the most logical sense. The civilization was in unrest and many people explicitly wanted out. So

why didn’t they leave? They are told that there is only void land beyond the wall that they are confined by. Further, the movie was not always realistic. For example, while jumping 15 feet from a train onto gravel, the main character tears her dress, but comes out without a scratch. The script needed more thought in the writing process. The movie also contained many technical flaws. The movie calls for a variety of special effects and action shots that are subpar. When panning out over the entire city, for example, the computer-assisted animation looks as though it would have been impressive for 2000’s stan-

dards, but today’s technologies allow for much more realistic animations. The movie also contained no interesting camera angles or cinematography to enhance the moviegoing experience. The producers clearly spent most of their budget on casting. “Insurgent” does, however, contain the most important movie element: entertainment. At the end of the day, it was enjoyable to watch. From jumping off trains to fistfights to romance, “Insurgent” was an exciting movie that could be watched together by a teenage girl, parents and even this college student.

meet active members of the film industry and support aspiring stars. For a theater to regularly achieve even one of these goals would be impressive, but the Alamo achieves all three. Unlike arthouse theaters like the Mayan, the Alamo does show the big-buck flicks like the upcoming “Avengers” and “Pitch Perfect” sequels, both offering screenings of their predecessors and even sing-alongs (you know, for Loki’s tap number). However, the Alamo’s claim to fame comes from themed screenings like Cartoon Cereal Party, which involves sugary breakfast and some nostalgic cartoon series on a Saturday morning. Last week’s highlight was the

screening of “Alien” presented by Mondo, a purveyor of cinematic paraphernalia. For libations, you simply can’t beat a good Old Fashioned as, in place of corporate ads or silly quizzes, a compilation of clips designed specifically for the movie it proceeds plays on screen, generally involving several “B” movies from the ‘60s. Next came some quartered fried pickles just in time for Sigourney Weaver’s first appearance as a more badass character than Daenerys Targaryen. A delicious delicacy for its fans, a disgusting abomination to its haters, but am I talking about the alien or the meal? Yes, your servers are squatting and sprinting before you whilst carrying trays of food,

but if your view is momentarily distracted as they place your dish, just don’t complain. For the main course, go with the classic Tarantino-referencing “Royale with Cheese.” It makes just the right squishing sound when you bite into it to match the xenomorph bursting out of John Hurt’s chest. If a sweet tooth should hit once you realize the cat will live, the freshly baked big cookies are a delicious filler at meal’s end. And all for cheaper than a seat at Regal Cinemas and a dish from Olive Garden. The Alamo is a great breeding ground for film buffs and casual viewers alike to be enjoyed by all.

eled after the Muppets or residents of Sesame Street and add concepts like the prominent role of porn on the interwebs, pain as the root of all comedy and the eternal search for life’s purpose. And it’s supposed to be funny? In song? Not only does it exist, but it received the top award on the Great White Way in 2003 — Best Musical — beating out “Wicked.” UCD was ambitious. But contrary to the spirit shown in recent elections, UCD’s capacity for sharing remains strong in the Theatre Department, joining CCD and the UCD animation society to put on the monster of a show. The storyline pivots around Princeton, a fresh-faced college graduate in search of his life’s purpose. His first stop is Avenue Q, where he meets all kinds of characters: Kate Monster, a woman of fur who aspires to create a school for monsters; longtime roommates Nicky and Rod, the former a relaxed twenty-something and the latter a stock broker struggling to keep his homosexuality clos-

eted; and Brian, an aspiring comedian engaged to Christmas Eve, a Japanese therapist who, according to the program, treats their superintendent Gary Coleman for “Post-Traumatic Celebrity Child Career Disorder.” The set design seems to take more from Dr. Seuss than PBS, but allows creative blocking and integration of multiple media platforms. The furry creations themselves are low-tech but highcharm, closely resembling those of the professional production to my partial dismay. Performers must advance from triple threats with acting, singing and dancing into quadruple threats with their interactions with the puppets. There seems to be no understanding among the cast whether to express themselves solely through the puppets or to incorporate their own facial expressions as well. Nikos Vamvaketis embodies the former route as Princeton, restricting his facial motions without losing character in his voice and thus pointing

the audience toward the puppet. Meanwhile, Mackenzie Bolte, as Kate, allows herself some basic expression while belting beautifully without interacting with any puppeteers. This helps maintain the suspension of disbelief in an unbelievable art form. While the first method may justify the puppets’ existence, both are enjoyable. Personal highlights include Asya Toney giving a ton of energy as Gary Coleman, Michal Peer handling her increased physicality as Lucy T. Slut with grace and sexiness and Jake Krider breathing utterly human life into Rod and his existential struggle. However, the show is such a communal undertaking, where no member is greater than the musical itself. “Avenue Q” started its run last weekend and will continue with shows Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre. Auraria Campus ticket prices suck the most for MSU Students, who pay $10 as opposed to UCD and CCD’s $5 price. A

1215

“Insurgent” Movie poster from wikipedia.org

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Image from examiner.com

A+

“Avenue Q” Musical poster from ccd.edu

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Sports

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April 30, 2015

Roadrunners queens of the RMAC with two wins

Metro freshman catcher Sarena Espinoza gets an out against Chadron State April 25 in Chadron, Nebraska. The Roadrunners won 9-7 to secure the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular season title. Metro will host the RMAC tournament April 30 against New Mexico Highlands. Photo by Abreham Gebreegziabher • agebreeg@msudenver.edu

By Scott Corbridge & Mike Tolbert

kcorbrid@msudenver.edu mtolber3@msudenver.edu The Lady Runners were crowned regular season champions of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference after beating both

Colorado Mesa and Chadron State in Nebraska April 25. With the two wins, the No. 19 women’s softball team will host the RMAC postseason tournament at The Regency Athletic Complex April 30 against New Mexico Highlands. The Roadrunners extended

their win streak to five consecutive victories when they beat No. 2 Colorado Mesa Mavericks 9-6 in a game that consisted of four different lead changes. Down 2-0 in the bottom of the first, Metro scored three unearned runs led by senior second baseman Kaylynn Harmon who notched an RBI when she singled up the middle eventually stealing second to take the 3-2 advantage. The Mavericks came back with two more unearned runs in the top of the second inning off a Megan Brown single to right field. With runners on first and second with no outs, freshman catcher Sarena Espinoza stepped to the plate and homered down the left field line to score three RBIs in the bottom of the third. Down 6-4, Colorado Mesa used the next two innings to keep the Lady Runners scoreless while they added two more runs to tie the ballgame at six leading into the bottom of the sixth. After a Maverick pitching change, the Runners again scored three unearned runs. This time around everyone did their part as pinch runner Taryn Calori stole third and eventually scored an unearned run off an Espinoza single

runners found themselves with an to right field. 8-3 lead heading into the seventh Harmon finished 2-for-3 at inning. bat and two RBIs while Espinoza After one more insurance completed the game 2-for-4 and run, the Runners had to fight off a four RBIs. late Eagles run and junior pitcher Sophomore pitcher Cassidy Nicole Larsen was sent in to earn Smith was first to pitch for Metro, the save. allowing four earned runs off nine Chadron scored four runs off hits in five innings. Junior Nicole Larson earned the (7-4) win for the three homers but couldn’t find the extra power to surpass the Lady Lady Runners allowing no earned Roadrunners offensive power, runs and just one hit in her onefinally falling 9-7 to Metro. inning stint. The Runners will host the With the 9-6 victory the RoadRMAC Tournament April 30 when runners raise their regular season they play New Mexico Highlands. record to 37-12 heading into their final game against Chadron State. In their last game Metro State 28 6 38 12 of the regular season, the Roadrunners took Colorado Mesa 28 11 32 21 on Chadron State and Regis 22 11 27 17 escaped a late run by CSU-Pueblo 23 13 27 21 the Eagles in the botAdams State 21 17 23 21 tom of the seventh. Colo. Christian 17 17 23 27 It was a slugfest the entire game as W. New Mexico 18 20 21 28 both teams hit the NM Highlands 16 19 22 26 long ball for a comUCCS 16 22 18 27 bined eight homeruns 15 21 15 35 (five for Chadron State Chadron State Fort Lewis 14 22 16 31 and three for Metro). After a homer Colorado Mines 9 26 11 38 from Towner and Black Hills State 7 29 12 35 Harmon, the Road-

RMAC Standings

Baca’s walk-off upsets Colorado Mesa 5-4 By Mike Tolbert mtolber3@msudenver.edu Six: That’s how many losses the No. 1 Colorado Mesa Mavericks have nearing the end of the regular season in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. It would’ve been just five had it not been for Metro senior catcher Darryl Baca, who blasted the game winning walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh. That score upset the first place Mavericks (38-6 overall, 30-4 RMAC), 5-4 in Game 1 of a doubleheader in the Roadrunners (23-18 overall, 18-12 RMAC) final home game series at The Regency Athletic Complex April 25. “He threw a slider with the last three of four hitters, so I knew it was coming,” Baca said. “I got the pitch I was looking for and fortunately got it out of the yard.” Senior centerfielder Mitch Gibbons got the Runners on the

board first when he hit a double to right-center field and brought home junior outfielder Jeff Levett in the bottom of the first inning. The Mavericks were quick to tie the game at one after junior outfielder Mitch Robinson singled through the right side scoring catcher Austin Wallingford on an unearned run. When Metro got its chance again at bat, they added three more runs to take the 4-1 second inning lead. That was due in large part to sophomore shortstop Jake Thurston, who reached off an error in the infield to notch an RBI on the play. With runners on first and third, Thurston stole second before the Roadrunners tacked on the two unearned runs with two outs. After Baca reached on a

fielder’s choice, Mesa closed out the second inning with Gibbons

out on his way to third. The Mavericks battled back through the top of the seventh, stringing together hits before they eventually tied it up a second time at four when Mesa outfielder Trevor Elcock singled through the infield. He brought home Wallingford for his second run of the game. The home team didn’t have extra innings in mind as Baca stepped to the plate and hit the eventual game-winning homer over left field off the first pitch he saw. Baca finished going 1-for-4 and an RBI as Gibbons went 3-for-4 and two RBIs. Senior pitcher Mike Thill started the game on the mound for the Runners allowing only one earned run and seven hits in

his five-inning stint, although he didn’t earn the win. Metro looked to its bullpen for relief pitchers Cameron Stroup and Josh Moore who earned the (1-3) win. “It started off a little shaky,” Thill said. “I wasn’t throwing a lot of strikes early on in the game. We had a few rough innings but I never had any doubt in my teammates.” After dropping their last matchup against Mesa in an 8-3 loss, the Runners finish the regular season with a 20-6 home record as they hit the road for their final four-game series at Colorado Christian May 1-2. Colorado Mesa will host the RMAC tournament with the No.1 seed in Grand Junction May 7-9. Senior catcher Darryl Baca connects on a ball hit deep during game 2 of the Roadrunners doubleheader against No. 21 Colorado Mesa April 25. Baca hit a walk-off homer in Game 1 to edge the Mavericks 5-4. Photo by Ryan Martin • rmart276@ msudenver.edu

April 30, 2015 Met Sports

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Fantasy to reality to legacy in Las Vegas By Mike Tolbert Commentary Every generation has its own superfight. In 1971 there was Joe Frazier and Mohammed Ali, ’87 featured Sugar Ray Leonard and “Marvelous” Marvin Hagler and in 2002, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson led the headlines. As for this decade, who else but Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao to represent the millennials in what’s billed as “The Fight of the Century” for many as we near May 2. This welterweight match has been a long time coming. Speculations of Mayweather and Pacquiao meeting for a bout first arose in 2010—perhaps when both where at the peak of their primes. The deal fell through however, because of disputes about random blood and urine testing as well as who would be the A and B-side fighter. The Aside controls all negotiations while B-side follows suit. In addition to that, Pacquiao was contracted

under HBO whereas Mayweather was with Showtime. Imagine the Android and iPhone working together for something greater than themselves, just to put it into perspective. It wasn’t until December 2014, when Floyd and his camp proposed the fight once again with certain stipulations that Pacquiao would later agree to. The fight was officially announced in February 2015 with the May 2 date at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Floyd, the orthodox fighter that he is, currently maintains a 47-0 professional record, 24 of which are world title fights such as the one taking place this Saturday. Mayweather is notorious for his defensive strategies in the ring and perhaps even more infamous for his flaunting of money everywhere he goes. Cars. Mansions. Jewelry. You name it, Money Mayweather has it. But that hasn’t always been in his makeup. Mayweather grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, not far from my hometown of Flint, and began his boxing career there. With his father and uncle grooming the young protégé, he developed a boxing technique that would become a staple of his fighting methods. Mayweather has used what’s called a shoulder roll — a defensive strategy that involves tucking the chin behind the shoulder, to continue toward a 47-win streak.

As for Pacquiao, who is a Filipino native, currently holds a 57-5-2 pro record. He gradually moved up the ladder in the boxing community beating Oscar de la Hoya in 2008 which catapulted him into boxing stardom. Pacquiao is known for his southpaw approach that begins with a right hand jab and is usually followed by a vicious left hand cross hook. If you took boxing out of the equation, you couldn’t have two more different types of people. On one hand you have Pacquiao who is generally more soft spoken and is known for reading Bible scriptures every morning. Then you have “Pretty Boy” Floyd, a nickname Mayweather was previously known by before taking on the more brash persona of Money Mayweather. The contest is expected to gross over $200 million, 60 percent of which would go to “Money”, win or lose. And maybe rightfully so, with Pacquiao ranked 11th in Forbes’ highest paid athletes worldwide at 41 million and Mayweather topping the list at No. 1 with 105 million, beating out Tiger Woods and LeBron James. Pay-Per-View cost for the May-Pac fight is slightly higher than usual, at $90 for the standard definition and $100 for HD. One thing is for certain. No matter who wins this ultra-fight, the city of Las Vegas will rack in

revenue, not just from the fight itself but with the many celebrity guests who will happily spend their money on the numerous parties and events that surround the match. As of April 27, Mayweather is favored to win the long-awaited showdown opening with odds of -285 and more recently listed between -215 and -300 in most major sportsbooks. Pacquiao is currently an underdog between +175 and +220, initially opening at +225. Typically, Mayweather is a much bigger favorite over his opponents. In May 2010, “Money” was favored -400 in his bout against Shane Mosley where he won by unanimous decision. With both fighters nearing the end of their boxing careers and not yet over the hill, Pacquiao age

36 and Mayweather age 38—the mega-bout will likely be the lasting image many of us have in the legacy of the two future Hall-ofFamers. So, who will win this welterweight clash? Pacquiao is an offensive punching machine while Mayweather is a defensive powerhouse. We all know the phrase “defense wins championships”—all too well, after the Legion of Boom of the Seattle Seahawks wreaked havoc on Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. I’ll stick with the theme and take my fellow Michigander and still undefeated pound-for-pound boxer Money May, not by knockout, but with a judge’s decision come May 2.

In what’s regarded as the fight of the century, Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao well go toe-to-toe for the ultimate prize. Mayweather recently stated that he is the greatest ever and tickets on Pay-Per-View is set at a record $90 to $100 for the event. Photos courtesy of badlefthook.com

Everybody loves an underdog story By Scott Corbridge Commentary

You can breathe easily now, fighting fans, it’s officially happening.: The announcement that two of the greatest boxers of the modern era, Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, are set to go toe-to-toe in the ring May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. People know the famous Muhammad Ali vs. Frazier match, the “Thrilla in Manilla,” but the fight in Vegas is destined to go down as one of the best fights in history. Who wins that fight is yet to be determined. Many believe that Money will

take the bout by sheer force. It’s one of the most expensive Pay Per View fights in history, and will cost around $89 to $100 to watch. Yet my money is on Pacquiao, because, well, everybody loves an underdog. Sure, Mayweather is a perfect 47-0 in his fights with a net worth that would make Bruce Wayne blink twice. But it’s the unexpected that will make Money the defeated in the fight of the century. Manny Pacquiao has the quickness to take over a fight and catch you offguard until you don’t know what hit you. He has the heart, strength and athleticism to beat you, and yet there are many who believe that he won’t stand a chance against Money for three or four rounds before being defeated. While it is true that Mayweather can out-think most opponents in every way, he can over-think just as much. Mayweather’s signature touch is getting you in the body with a jab, and when you lower your right arm to defend it, he will get you

with an uppercut to the chin. That’s his plan of attack that Pacquiao needs to watch out for. “Money” is surprising in that he doesn’t come right after you, but makes you overwork yourself and then attack. Pacquiao can use that to his advantage if timed correctly. Pacquiao can take Mayweather out with the right combination and technique that will throw him off his game and make him unable to respond with his strikes. Mayweather is more of a defensive fighter and will wait for the correct time to strike to take the bout. Mayweather’s comfort zone is simple: Stay on your toes and let them tire out before attacking. However, Pacquiao can shock the world and take Money out of that zone and make him go on the offensive. Mayweather is only two fights from tying the record of legendary boxer Rocky Marciano, who was the inspiration for the cinematic fighter from Philly, Rocky Balboa. Marciano was 49-0 when he decided to retire, but what makes Marciano impressive is his first 27

fights were decided by a knockout. Pacquiao is 57-5-2 in his career and both he and Mayweather have won four lineal titles. Both fighters have impressive resumes and fighting styles, yet it will be the endurance that could be the deciding factor. Neither will give an inch, both will bring everything they have to the ring, and it has been far too long to finally get what we asked for.

So while most will be trying to get tickets to the coveted event, it’s worth noting that for the past decade we’ve seen these two fight, so let’s hope that we’re not disappointed in the outcome and we get a solid fight. Pacquiao will win the fight and if we were very lucky, we would get a Money-PacMan 2.0 in the coming years.

In the most anticipated fight of the decade, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are set to fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas May 2. Mayweather is 47-0 and Pacquiao is 57-5. Photo courtesy of badlefthook.com

Mile High 20

Events mymetmedia.com

May 30, 2015

Met Sports Baseball 5.1 (DH), 5.2 (DH) @ Colorado Christian Noon, 3 p.m., Noon, 3 p.m. 5.7-5.9 RMAC Tournament Softball 4.30 vs. New Mexico Highlands 11:45 a.m.

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OpenAir 1340 Top Five

4.30: Hot Topics: White Privilege 12:30 p.m. Multicultural Lounge

5.5: Symphonic Bands I, II and Concert Band 7:30 p.m. King Center Concert Hall

5.2, 5.3: Festival Choir and Symphony Orchestra 7:30 p.m. King Center Concert Hall

5.7: Outstanding Women’s Awards 5 p.m. St. Cajetan’s

5.4: Outstanding Student Awards 4:30 p.m. SpringHill Suites

5.7: CultureHaus Collects 6 p.m. 965 Santa Fe Drive Denver, CO 80204