January 25, 2011

JANUARY 25, 2010

NEWS

02

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

Registration revamp: Graduates, seniors get priority

SPORTS

06

Men’s Basketball:

Second in GNAC standings

WWW.THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

OPINION

12

Gay Marriage:

Marriage is a human right

Bittersweet week on court for Seawolves, Aden Team celebrates historic win against SFU Clan but takes blow to playoff hopes with a loss to no. 10 WWU Vikings

By Taylor Hall The Northern Light

Here is just another reminder of how much the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) can be an emotional rollercoaster for those teams who are in the hunt for the playoffs.

Case subject: UAA women’s basketball team, the 15th ranked team in the land.

The Seawolves are on top of the world on Jan 20. after a complete defensive shutdown of the Simon Fraser Clan 65-52. The ‘Wolves, who can be “tough as calculus” on the defensive side of the ball for opponents, kept the Clan’s (4-9 Overall, 1-7 GNAC) star forward Nayo Raincoack Ekunwe in check all night. The GNAC leading scorer (20.7 ppg) and rebounder (12.0 rpg) was stifled by UAA pressure and held to 10 points and nine boards.

On top of that, the win kept UAA (15-5 Overall, 6-3 GNAC) right in the middle of the GNAC title hunt and was a historic one for senior guard Nikki Aden.

She eclipsed Seawolf greats such as Robin Graul, Allegra Stoetzel, Heidi Alderman, and former teammate Rebecca Kielpinski to become the most victorious player in UAA Womens Basketball history.

Aden moved ahead of Kielpinski with her 98th victory in the green and gold of UAA. The rollercoaster came off the track though two days later when the 10th ranked Western Washington (15-1 Overall, 8-0 GNAC) played spoiler and used a big second half to take a decisive 81-61 win over the ‘Wolves at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. This all came after UAA held a slight 36-35 lead after the first half.

It was just UAA’s fifth home loss in the past five years and one of the most lopsided defeats under fifth year UAA Head Coach Tim Moser.

“In short, they kicked our tail and I’ll just leave it at that,” Moser said. “They pushed us around and our kids didn’t respond.”

The general consensus around the Seawolf locker room was that their defense and energy was to the main culprit for the loss.

“We need to get back to what has made us a championship program and that starts with being committed on the defensive end,” Moser said.

The players were also on the same page with their coach.

“They came out with more energy than us,” Aden said. “We got away from the scouting report and what worked for us.”

Aden spoke of the historic record that she had set earlier in the week amidst the loss to Western, which had become now bittersweet week for the Portland, Oregon native.

“It’s a great honor and I have to thank the teams I’ve played with and Coach Moser,” Aden said. “I guess right now it’s kind of hard to appreciate it but when all is said and done, I’ll look back on it and see it’s a great accomplishment.”

SEE ADEN PAGE 05

‘Secrets’ art show PHOTO BY PATRICK MCCORMICK/TNL

UAA senior guard Nikki Aden directs the offense in a loss to the 10th ranked Western Washington Vikings on Jan. 22 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. On Jan 20, Aden got her 98th career vicotry at UAA as the Seawolves defeated the Simon Fraser Clan 6552. The record had been held by Aden’s former teammate Rebecca Kielpinski and had stood since 2009.

GI Bill cuts veteran benefits

By Shana Roberson The Northern Light

PHOTO BY PATRICK MCCORMICK/TNL

Brian Jeffery’s photos were showcased in “Secrets of the Skin” exhibit.

SEE PAGE 08

The only constant is change. That was the message from the financial aid office last week when they hosted a veteran education benefit workshop.

The staff was almost apologetic as they spent two hours describing the changes to the Post 9/11 GI Bill, also known as Chapter 33, that Congress recently passed. One such change deals with the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) stipend that veterans receive to pay for living expenses.

As it stands now, veterans receive the full monthly BAH payment of $1836.00 as long as they are enrolled in at least seven credit hours per semester. A change

to the bill effective August 1, 2011 will prorate that amount according to the number of hours the veteran is taking. For instance, a veteran who was receiving the full amount for seven credit hours will now only receive $1469.

After two years of counting on that benefit, the change might come hard for some veterans, as Associate Director of the Student Financial Assistance Office Sonya Fisher explained.

“A lot of students really planned their living expenses around that full payment of BAH and that’s going to severely change their income,” Fisher said.

There are other changes veterans will see as well.

Veterans currently receive “break pay” which allows

SEE GI BILL PAGE 02

02

TNL

NEWS| January 25, 2011

Excellence recognized at 17th annual MLK luncheon

Priority registration in place for next semester

By Alec Martinez The Northern Light

PHOTO BY DANIEL JACKSON/TNL

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Bruce Schultz presents Director of Student Life and Leadership Annie Route with an award in recognition of her efforts in creating and guiding University events and student organizations.

GI BILL: Veterans face income loss due to bill changes CONTINUED FROM COVER

them to be paid BAH during the summer and winter breaks while school is out. As of August, veterans will no longer receive that benefit which may present financial hardship for some.

Aaron Glaser, a Journalism and Public Communications major, attends UAA along with his wife, who both use Chapter 33. Together, they expect to lose $8,000 in payments this year based on this change.

“The GI Bill was set so you get out of the military and get your four-year degree and we’ll pay for it. So in the middle of me doing that they’re like, no, we’re going to cut all the stuff you previously relied on,” Glaser said.

One way veterans can make up for the decreased amount of income is to apply for scholarships. Some veterans do not apply for scholarships because they think they are not eligible or they are worried it might affect their current benefits. The financial aid staff is trying to dispel those rumors.

“Veterans should absolutely apply for scholarships. It is free money. It does not affect their VA benefits at all. Every semester UAA has scholarships that go unawarded simply because we don’t have enough student applying for scholarships,” Fisher said.

Fisher also added that veterans have a unique opportunity when

applying for the scholarships because they often have a unique personal profile that could stand out from the rest of the applications.

Some changes to the bill are widely considered positive

are doing blue collar jobs, I did a blue collar job. They get out of the military they say, okay now you have to go to college and the corporate world. And it’s like no, I want to go and turn wrenches,” Glaser said.

‘The GI Bill was set so you get out of the military and get your fouryear degree and we’ll pay for it.

So in the middle of me doing that they’re like, no, we’re going to cut all the stuff you previously relied on.’

-Aaron Glaser, UAA Student

including one change that will allow distance students to receive a partial BAH payment. Distance students were previously excluded from the housing allowance benefit.

Additionally, in October 1, 2011 veterans can begin using the bill to pay for non-college degree, vocational training and apprenticeship programs. This change suits veterans very well, Glaser said. He just wishes they had made the change sooner.

“Eight percent of the military

With the latest changes, Chapter 33 of the GI Bill has continued its generous, yet tumultuous, legacy. As the financial aid staff reminded veterans, the only constant is change, which rings especially true for veterans.

For more information email veterans@uaa.alaska.edu or call 1-888-GIBILL1.

EMAIL CONTENT@THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

Last semester’s registration crashed UAA’s servers for hours.

USUAA President Miles Brookes and the student government worked with Vice Chancellor Schulz to find a solution to make the next registration period go more smoothly.

“We heard a lot of complaints and talked it about together as a whole and discussed how to resolve the problem,” Brookes said.

According to resolution 11-04, the main problem was that too many students were simultaneously flooding the server, causing the system to crash.

The best solution they found was to allow students who are closer to graduation a chance to register before the rest of the student body. The resolution called for a priority registration based on class standing.

The new system, which goes in effect for fall semester registration, will allow graduate students to have top priority.

They will have 24 hours to register beginning on Sunday, April 1.

Seniors will get the next 24 hour period on Monday.

Juniors, sophomores and freshmen will also get 24 hours accordingly.

The system will help those who need specific classes to graduate a chance to register for them first, said Dr. Cynthisa Sena-Martinez, a UAA alumni with a bachelor’s in Psychology.

“I personally think it’s an excellent idea as it would allow those people priority in registering for courses they need to graduate,” Sena-Martinez said. “It is like an earned status reward for working hard to get where they are in their college education.”

Although USUAA and Vice Chancellor agreed priority registration was the best solution to the problem, there were other solutions discussed.

Those solutions were expanding the server and using name distribution.

Name distribution would have allowed registration based on last names.

Christopher Waetjen, a junior who is studying Economics, expressed concern about the new registration process.

“I didn’t have any problems registering for this semester. It’s ridiculous,” Waetjen said. “Seniors need different classes than freshman anyway, why delay those that need to get used to the way the system works?”

Oriele Jones, a Mathematical Sciences sophomore, said that although she had no problems with registering for this semester, she believes that the resolution proposed is a good idea.

If the new registration process does not solve the problems students are encountering, USUAA and the registrar plan to perform a student survey to address the problem, Brookes said. Brookes also added that he strongly believes that the new process will solve problems for students.

STATEWIDE BRIEFS Disaster aid set for town hit by storm The state will run a disaster assistance center in Savoonga (suhVOONG'-ah) to help residents whose homes were damaged after a storm caused prolonged power outages.

The center will operate at the village city hall next week from Tuesday through Saturday, Jan. 29, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

Jeremy Zidek with the Alaska Division of Homeland Security says state assistance specialists will help in the effort.

In late December through early January, a severe winter storm brought high winds and cold temperatures to the community. It also sprayed the village with salt water that froze on electrical transmission lines, causing power outages, which led to frozen and broken water pipes.

About 700 people live in the community on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea.

Senator Stedman: Give a big line til summer A leader of the powerful Senate Finance Committee says Alaska should cut its losses on a major natural gas pipeline if by summer it doesn’t look like a project will be viable.

Sen. Bert Stedman says he doesn't want the state spending much more money on a "dead project."

Under an exclusive license issued in 2008, the state committed to pay TransCanada Corp. up to $500 million to advance a line. Reimbursements so far have topped $36 million. More than $100 million remains set aside, and the governor wants $160 million more next fiscal year.

Some lawmakers are skeptical about the line's prospects.

TransCanada missed a selfimposed target for reaching agreements with producers last year but has noted that negotiations are complex and no official dates have been missed.

Election workers sought in Anchorage The city of Anchorage is recruiting temporary workers for the upcoming municipal election.

Officials say the city uses almost 600 election workers every year for the local election, which takes place the first Tuesday of April. This year's election will be held on April 5.

The city pays election workers $9.50 an hour. Chairpersons earn $10 an hour, and absentee and election board members make $12 an hour.

Requirements for the jobs include being a registered voter and working at a polling place between 6:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. on election day.

Workers also must take a threehour training session in March. They must be able to work quickly and must not discuss candidates or politics while on duty.

Alaska's unemployment rate hits 8.1 percent Alaska's unemployment rate rose to 8.1 percent last month, up slightly from November.

The state labor department says the state's seasonally adjusted rate remains lower than the national average, which hit 9.4 percent in December.

Alaska's rate was up from 8 percent in November.

In December 2009, the rate stood at 8.6 percent.

- Compiled by Alec Martinez

FEATURES

04

The true meaning behind foods labeled organic

By Kate Lindsley The Northern Light

“There are many food components or contaminants that are natural in our environment, but it does not make them safe,” Sticka said.

Organic is the emerging buzzword of the decade.

Encompassing food, clothes and products used on a day-today basis, a new economy has emerged under the organic name. According to an article by Leslie Shallcross of the Anchorage Cooperative Extension office, sales of organic food increased 80% between 1997 and 2006.

In its ever-expanding popularity, the organic foods market has taken America by storm. Chain grocery stores specializing in the sale of organic and natural options have opened in neighborhoods across the nation.

However, comparing the definitions of organic and natural may leave some consumers baffled. Kendra Sticka, registered dietician and nutrition professor at UAA, said organic is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) while natural does not have a standard definition.

That means the natural label does not necessarily mean an item is healthy or safe.

“There are many food components or contaminants that are natural in our environment, but it does not make them safe,” Sticka said.

Consider E. coli bacteria. While it is a natural organism, it can wreak havoc over a digestive system.

On the other hand, foods labeled organic must consist of at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding water and salt), according to the USDA. Other non-organic ingredients must be approved by the USDA. While organic foods have gained a reputation for being optimally healthy, that reputation may not be deserved.

“The research does not show that there are significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods,” Sticka said.

One difference should be less pesticide residue on foods labeled organic. According to Shallcross’ article, organic foods can only have up to five percent pesticide residue while the USDA sets limits for non-organic food imports

on a per-crop basis.

Those limits can be found in the Maximum Residue Limit Database (MRLD) on the USDA’s website. The MRLD is a massive search engine containing the connections between pesticide residue allowances in non-organic foods and crops imported for sale to the American people.

Shallcross also reported that the USDA, in conjunction with the Environmental Working Group, compiled a list

‘The research does not show that there are significant nutritional differences between organic and non-organic foods’

-Kendra Sticka, UAA Nutrition Professor

of foods least likely to be contaminated with pesticide residues. The top 10 on the list included avocado, pineapple, frozen sweet corn and even kiwi.

Buying Alaskan foods gives the consumer a pretty good chance at avoiding pesticides because Alaska doesn’t have infestations of herbivores, according to Sticka.

Nor are Alaskan livestock subject to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Instead, Alaskans can eat fresh caught Alaskan salmon, halibut and crab.

Buying organic could also have an unintended influence on the environment.

“The transportation of the food has impact on the environment as well in terms of fuel usage, etc.,” Sticka said.

Importing organic foods may not only have an impact on one’s carbon footprint, but also their wallet. For those on a tight budget, the best option is to buy local. Products with the organic label carry a flashy price tag, not typically within a college student’s budget. Alaskan options allow students to shop cheap while making healthy choices.

GRAPHIC BY BRITTANY BENNETT

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SPORTS

05

Historic win overshadowed by loss to no. 10 WWU

PHOTOS BY PATRICK MCCORMICK/TNL

Top Left: UAA junior center Hanna Johansson in action during the team’s 65-52 win over the Simon Fraser Clan.

Johansson had 11 points in the game, making it 17 straight contests that she has scored in double figures. Top Right: UAA sophomore Alysa Horn (left) and senior Sarah Herrin (right) look on from the bench during UAA’s 81-61 loss to Western Washington on Jan. 22. The defeat was only the fifth home loss for the Seawolves in the past five seasons.

CONTINUED FROM COVER

Coach Moser also spoke of the record and the message was again clear of how much of and up and down week it had been for the team.

“It’s nice for her that she could possibly average 25 wins per season here, but right now, it hurts we couldn’t get number 99 for her,” Moser said.

The Seawolves will continue their current four-game home stand this week and will look to make up ground quickly and get Aden that 99th win.

And who better to do it against than their biggest rival in the GNAC. After taking on #10 WWU this past week, the ‘Wolves get no time to relax as they next welcome #20 Seattle Pacific Falcons to (12-4 Overall, 6-2 GNAC) rekindle a rivalry with no love lost.

“SPU is a very talented team just like Western,” Moser said. “We will have to be better if we want to win it.”

The two perennial GNAC powers have played each other nine times since the 2007-08 season and have combined for three GNAC titles. Both teams also have qualified for the West Region Playoffs the past three seasons.

The road to the postseason always seems to go through one another as well.

In 2007-08, the Seawolves fell twice in the regular season to the eventual GNAC Champion Falcons. However, the ‘Wolves would get the last laugh and defeated the previously unbeaten Falcons during the West Region Championship

in Seattle. UAA would move onto what would turn out to be the National Semifinals.

The 2008-09 season saw the teams split the regular season series between one another but would see the Seawolves take their first conference title. UAA went on to defeat their rivals once again in Seattle and move onto their second consecutive National Semifinals.

Last season finally saw a bit of redemption for SPU, who wound up winning all three contests against the ‘Wolves, including the West Region Semifinals, once again in Seattle.

So far this year, SPU held serve and won on their home court against the Seawolves handing UAA a 67-71 loss in Seattle back on Jan. 3.

“They want it as bad as we do so we have to prepare hard for them and be ready to take it to them,” Aden said.

After that, the Seawolves will get finish up the week with a much-improved Montana State Billings (9-8 Overall, 5-4 GNAC) team.

Though UAA has had all the glory recently against the Yellowjackets (seven straight wins dating back to 2007), MSUB is quietly trying to make a playoff push themselves and will present a whole new challenge for the ‘Wolves, something not lost on Moser.

“Montana, in my opinion, has some of the most talent in the league so we need to start playing for our life to get into the regional tournament,” Moser said.

No time for rest, it’s back onto the rollercoaster and back to work for UAA.

Above: UAA senior guard Nikki Aden dribbles at the top of the key in a game against the Western Washington Vikings on Jan. 22 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. Aden and the Seawolves are next in action on Jan. 27 against Seattle Pacific and Jan. 29 against Montana State Billings. Both games will take place at the WFSC and start at 5:15 p.m on both nights.

06

SPORTS| |

January 25, 2011

TNL

Men’s team adds two more home wins to record

By Megan Edge

The Northern Light

In what was a back and fourth game of basketball, the UAA Seawolves came out on top, beating the St. Martins Saints 73-66 on Jan. 22. The ‘Wolves (15-4 Overall, 7-1 GNAC) are currently 2nd in the GNAC standings, a half game behind 1st place Central Washington “We feel good, but we also have the understanding that we have a long ways to go,” said Head Coach Rusty Osborne.

Senior point guard Drew Robinson and junior guard Mario Gill both had 14 points to lead the way for UAA. For Gill, it was a career high for points.

Senior forward Casey Robinson was able to achieve a career high record of 11 rebounds in the game to go along with eight points.

This was the second of two big games for Casey Robinson this past week.

The Manila, Utah native received a standing ovation at the Jan. 20 game, after scoring 22 points in the second half.

His outstanding performance was a huge contributing factor to their 79-59 victory over Western Oregon University at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.

Junior center Taylor Rohde put 14 points in the basket and had seven rebounds. Following with 11 points was senior guard Brandon Walker, who also contributed with five assists.

PHOTOS BY PATRICK MCCORMICK/TNL

Top: UAA freshman Travis Thompson at the line shooting free throws in the Seawolves 79-59 win over Western Oregon on Jan 20 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. So far this year, Thompson leads the team in free throw percentage, sinking .870 percent from the charity stripe. Bottom Left: UAA sophomore center Liam Gibcus goes to the basket against St. Mary’s in the Seawolves 73-66 win on Jan. 22. UAA next plays Nortwest Nazarene Jan. 27 and Central Washington on Jan. 29 at the WFSC. Bottom Right: UAA senior guard Brandon Walker takes one for the team in a 79-59 win over WOU on Jan. 27

Junior point guard Steve White went five for six on free throws and worked with Drew Robinson to get a combined ten assists while only committing two turnovers.

Drew Robinson, who went 2-3 in shooting, returned this week after missing the two previous games to recover from a slight concussion and ankle injury.

The injuries to Drew Robinson have been the only on the team in what has been a healthy season for the team thus far.

According to Osborne, he was able to recover nicely and add some solid minutes for the Seawolves against WOU. “The team has lots of nicks and bruises and sprains but its nothing that going to keep anybody out,” Osborne said.

The ‘Wolves had been on a 12 game winning streak when the Western Washington Vikings beat the ‘Wolves 81-75 in Bellingham, Washington back on Jan. 15. It was the first loss for the green and gold since they fell to Weber State in the first game of the Great Alaska Shootout back on Nov. 25.

“We feel good where we are at and we have put ourselves in a good position as a team and hopefully we will continue to improve,” Osborne said.

Their next showing will be Jan. 27 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex, against Saint Martins. After that, they will host Northwest Nazarene on Jan 27. to cap off their four game homestand.

The men’s basketball team will play ten more games before the GNAC tournament, which starts Feb. 28.

“Our goals are the same every year,” said Osborne, “We want to make it to the NCAA’s at the very least.”

Their other three goals this season are a conference championship, a regional championship, and a national championship according to Osborne.

“Those four goals are written on the board in our locker room,” Osborne said.

January 25, 2011 | SPORTS

07

Seawolf ski team able to take down fifth in Utah

By Megan Edge The Northern Light

The Utah Invitational came to an end Jan. 22 with the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves in fifth place on Jan 21-22. The team finished with a score of 658.5 points combined from eight total events.

“The season is going better and better,” said UAA Head Coach Trond Flagstad.

“We are just getting started with the regular season meets and everyone is excited about racing and looking better than before the holiday break.”

Ahead of UAA at the meet in first place was Colorado with 923 points. They were followed by Utah (898), New Mexico (824.5), and Denver (710).

The Seawolves were lead by junior Steffi Hiemer, a native of Kruen, Germany.

Hiemer finished in fifth place in the 15k race (57:25.9), and a season low time of 15:3.2 in the 5k race on Jan. 21.

Also contributing to the ‘Wolves was junior Laura Rombach finishing in 11th place (58:38.7), and freshman Marit Ulsand finishing 13th (59:14.0).

Hiemer and Rombach are leading the team to a successful season according to Flagstad.

Lukas Ebner crossed the finish with a season high 15th place finish. Ebner completed the 20k race in 1:08:23.4.

The UAA ski team finished the MSU meet in fifth place as well back on Jan. 15-16. The Wolves’ were able to end the meet with four athletes with top-ten posts.

With a third place finish at MSU, was sophomore alpine skier Andreas Adde, of Osteras Norway. In 2010, Adde became the NCAA National Champion in Slalom and received All-American and All-Conference honors (1st team).

“Andreas Adde has had a solid start he is ahead of where he was last year at the same time so that is very encouraging,” Flagstad said.

Adde posted a 1:28.08 two run time at the meet, which became his second top three-finish time of his career.

In 24th place was junior Cameron Brewington with a time of 1:30.27. Not far behind in a respective 26th place finish was fellow junior Halfdan Falkum-Hansen

(1:31.50).

“Cam Brewington is stepping it up on the men’s team and is ranked second on the UAA team after two meets,” Flagstad said.

Finishing in 19th place for the Nordic men’s team was Ebner. The Furtwagen, Germany native finished with a time of 1:05:00.3 in the 20k race.

Ebner is expected to be the UAA Nordic ski teams strongest skier, but of course, there is always room for improvement for himself and his teammates according to Flagstad.

On the women’s Nordic side, the team ended with a team high 105 points in the 15k race. Rombach finished in fourth with a time of 51:06.6 followed in eighth place by junior Steffi Hiemer (51:28.3).

Junior All-American skier Alex Parker led the women’s alpine team in the Slalom, finishing in 19th place. “(Parker) has had a good start despite the injury in her hand,” Flagstad said.

Parker, however, is not the only athlete recovering from an injury.

Already in the young ski season, sophomore women’s alpine skier Petra

OVERTIME

Naismith College Player of the Year: The Jimmer

By Thomas McIntyre The Northern Light

Jimmer Fredette is the two-guard for the ninth ranked Brigham Young Cougars, and from here on out, he will only be referred to as The Jimmer.

Here’s looking at you, Seinfeld heads.

The Jimmer is averaging 26 points, four dimes, three rebounds, and one pickpocket a game.

Numbers don’t tell The Jimmer’s story, though.

The fact that The Jimmer waltzed into the Thomas & Mack Center and posted 39 on UNLV’s forehead isn’t a big deal—it’s how he posted it that is.

An analogy that might sum up The Jimmer’s case for POTY: Mickey Rourke at the 2009 Oscars.

Maybe Sean Penn did out act him (for the sake of the analogy, try your hardest to imagine Rourke getting out acted), but Penn didn’t show up looking fly as hell in an all white suit.

Jared Sullinger (Ohio State’s freshman phenom, who is in the mix for the award) arrives in a singlebreasted tux. The Jimmer drives a segway down the red carpet, while donning a Johnny Blaze jean suit from 2001.

Can I make it any clearer?

The Jimmer gives you a reason to watch BYU play Mississippi Valley State. The Jimmer delivers

in so many different ways—whether he’s gliding elegantly across the court with the grace of a pre-ankle injury Grant Hill, or violently tearing through the lane like Rhino executing a Gore with a basketball attached to his right hand.

Detractors will point out The Jimmer’s inability to go left. So what?

By now defenders are hip to his ways, but The Jimmer is still making them look foolish. It’s like when Kobe gets the ball with time running down in the fourth quarter, whoever is guarding him knows Kobe wants to get to his spot on the left elbow, yet they are unable to stop him from getting there.

So yeah, The Jimmer is a lot like Kobe Bryant.

My favorite moments occur when The Jimmer decides to show the defense zero respect. As a result, five guys are caught looking up at a thirtyfoot bomb falling gently into the bottom of the net.

It’s those plays that make you wish The Jimmer wasn’t a 6’2” white guy with little chances of making an impact in the league.

But don’t write The Jimmer off. The Jimmer will turn into Liam Neeson’s character from Taken.

The Jimmer will find you.

The Jimmer will then do 47 on your face as if you’re apart of Utah’s backcourt.

Because, like true Seinfeld fans know, The Jimmer holds grudges.

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Gantnerova, will have to take time off until mid February due to a torn Achilles tendon.

Also forced into putting his skies up for the season will be freshman alpine skier Niko Harmanen, who is recovering from an injured tibia plateau.

“Both were expected to be among our top skiers this year,” Flagstad said.

The UAA ski team came back from their winter holiday break, and started the city in Park City, Utah.

“Christmas break was very good and productive. Most of our athletes went home for the holidays and had a good four to five week of quality training,” Flagstad said.

“Everyone had a chance to recharge their batteries and are ready to race hard for the Seawolves.

“We have focused a lot on high quality training over the holiday break and are looking for pay off later in the season specifically at the NCAA in March.”

The UAA Nordic and Alpine team will both be competing next at the New Mexico Invite.on Feb. 4-5 from Red River, NM.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

08

‘Secrets Under The Skin’ combines African, Cuban cultures

PHOTOS BY PATRICK MCCORMICK

Left and Right: The works of Susan Matthews were featured in the exhibit, “Secrets of the Skin” at the Kimura Gallery in the UAA Fine Arts Building. The opening reception was held on Jan. 16th and the gallery ran until the 21st. Center: Brian Jeffery was one of five artists to have their work featured in the “Secrets of the Skin” exhibit. The gallery highlighted African and Cuban culture through video, paintings, manuscripts, installation work and photography.

By Lisa Wagner The Northern Light

A reception for the collaborative work “Secrets Under the Skin” opened on Jan. 16 at the Fine Arts Building. The show was a joint effort by six different artists, including Dr. Jill Crosby, Brian Jeffery, Susan Matthews, Brandon McElroy, Marianne Kim and Progressive Media Alaska.

The goal of the project is to highlight connections between Cuban and Ghanaian religious ceremonies with video, paintings, illuminated manuscripts, installation work and photography that document the two ceremonies.

Dr. Jill Flanders Crosby, a Dance Professor at UAA, directed the collaborative work and was assisted by the five other artists.

“To me, collaboration and community is the heart of art making,” she said. “You wind up coming up with something that is more resonant and evocative than what

one might be able to necessarily be able to create with one singular voice.”

‘Secrets Under the Skin’ is based on Crosby’s fieldwork in Cuba, (specifically in Peirce, Agramonte and Matanzas), as well as fieldwork in Ghana and Togo, West Africa.

Crosby first went to Ghana in 1991 to follow the roots of jazz dance, which eventually led her to Cuba and exposed her to new dances and cultures along the way.

Once she developed personal relationships and gained trust with the Ewe people in Ghana and learned more about their culture, she said she felt she had a personal responsibility to bring stories and pieces of their culture back home, which is why she decided to make a public work of art out of it.

The first thing one noticed when walking into the gallery was a showcase of black and white photography.

The ink, string, plastic and glass beads incorporated on the photographs are brought directly from Ghana, and the

photographs themselves seem to bring out intimate details of each person, as if the photographer (Brian Jeffery) was a good friend of each of them.

The first feeling one may get from the gallery is that they’ve walked into a very different culture; there’s an eerie silence save for soft celebratory music drawing you into the next room, which is much more brightly colored by canvas and watercolor paintings created by artist Susan Matthews.

These paintings are paired with two videos featuring high-energy drumming and dancing, and two much calmer videos of clouds and flowing water.

The combined pieces not only allow a glimpse into what the African and Cuban culture actually look like, but how different the music and dancing is from ours.

“It’s inclusive of the things I’ve encountered in ceremonies but they’re also inclusive of who I am as a contemporary artist,” Crosby stated.

MUSIC REVIEW

Silly songs are a delicacy in Aquabats’ new album

By Bryan Dunagan The Northern Light

Exclamation points make songs epic! At least, that’s what the Aquabats like to think, and it actually works. Attacking the listener with a rap/rock/electronic/ska hybrid sound with humor attached.

The album opener, “Shark Fighter!” sets the tone for the album. The song is suitably ridiculous, and towards the end it pulls an operatic segment that surprisingly fits with the tone.

Lyrically, it doesn’t really say anything except for the insane story of how the narrator became a shark fighter.

Another song of note is “Hey Homies!” with its bizarre lyrics: “Hey Homies! What’s Up? What was that? Clap Clap? We don’t need no thugs/

unless those thugs was handing out hugs.”

Other song titles are “Food Fight On The Moon!” and “Just Can’t Lose!” The last of which chronicles the events of a guy that screws up all the time, but something always positive comes up.

Equally handing out laughs and catchy beats with absurd lyrics, “Hi-Five Soup!” is pretty much a win. The only negative facet is that it’s not that easily accessible.

Fans of indie-pop will love it. Others… won’t really get it.

ALBUM: “Hi-Five Soup!”

ARTIST: Aquabats RECORD LABEL: Fearless Records RELEASE DATE: Jan. 18, 2011 WEBSITES: No

January 25, 2011 | A&E

09

‘Country Strong,’ strong in concept, weak in execution

By Heather Hamilton The Northern Light

Washed up country star Kelly Canter (Gwenyth Paltrow, “Iron Man 2”) enters the movie in rehab for an alcohol addiction.

She meets counselor Beau Hutton (Garret Hedlund, “Tron: Legacy”), who also happens to be a country singer songwriter, and the two hit it off right from the get go.

Kelly’s husband/manager, James Canter (Tim McGraw, “Dirty Girl”), takes her out of rehab early to do a comeback tour.

Beau comes along, and being the sensitive husband he is, James enlists young and pretty rising country star Chiles Stanton (Leighton Meester, “Going the Distance”) to open for the tour.

First and foremost, if you’re looking for a feel good movie about redemption, don’t see “Country Strong;” there is nothing happy about this movie. It is a long - nearly two hour - uphill battle against alcoholism, guilt, personal inadequacy and more alcoholism.

Secondly, the script is a terrible jumble.

There is hardly any backstory to the main characters, the dialogue is awkward at times and painfully cheesy at others, the love triangle is as predictable as it is pathetic and the transitions are sloppy.

The amount of important information delivered by news reporters in expository

i

dialogue is embarrassing, and the number of times a knock on the door is followed by an important conversation between two characters is downright insulting.

There are, however, redeeming factors to the movie. The acting, for instance, is pretty fantastic. Paltrow’s singing voice is top of the line, and she manages to live up to every country stereotype almost flawlessly.

Her country twang comes and goes, but otherwise she nails the role.

Surprisingly however, so does Garret Hedlund. Being the star of “Tron: Legacy” and a co-star in “Country Strong,” (and with both roles being so vastly different while being filmed so close together), his ability to completely commit to the role of Beau Hutton is tested. Needless to say, he passes.

More impressive yet is the fact that prior to this role, Hedlund had no musical training.

None. In “Country Strong” he performs several musical numbers, and even has a song on the soundtrack. To have learned the guitar so quickly, and so well, only adds to his impressive performance.

Tim McGraw was also in top form. His role as the insensitive and distant moneydriven husband is a far cry from his role as an open-minded and lovable husband in “The Blind Side” back in 2009, and he makes the role of James Canter his. He doesn’t perform a single number in the movie, but does have one on the soundtrack.

of it is surprisingly good, from the actors’ performances right down to the lyrics themselves. Unfortunately, the abundant inclusion of musical numbers is possibly the best part of the script.

Writer/Director Shana Feste is the worst thing about this movie. The basic story of “Country Strong” is strong, and has lots of potential to be stronger, but the way Feste delivers it makes it seem silly, hopeless altogether bad. Even the phenomenal acting and the soul-bearing musical performances by the cast can’t hide the fact that this writer, (who was the nanny for Tobey Maguire’s daughter while she wrote the movie), should probably quit while she’s ahead.

Overall, “Country Strong” has its moments, but if you absolutely have to see it, wait until it hits DVD.

Leighton Meester is another surprise as far as good singing voices go, and while there is nothing extraordinary about her acting itself, she definitely lends her talent to the overall product. She never falls short, and holds her own admirably while sharing the screen with veteran performer Paltrow.

Country music, as expected, runs rampant in this movie; with performances in dive bars and in stadiums alike, it makes up roughly a full third of the movie. All

Directed by: Shana Feste STARRING: Gwyneth Paltrow, Garret Hedlund, Tim McGraw, Leighton Meester RUN TIME: 117 minutes GENRE: Drama, Music

★ ★ ★ ★★

1.25-1.31.2011

FOCUS

MUSIC

THEATER “Harold and Maude” Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse presents “Harold and Maude,” a stage adaptation of the cult classic movie about a suicidal teen who learns how to live after meeting a woman named Maude. Tickets for this play, premiering on Friday, Jan. 28 and running through Sunday, Feb. 27, range from $16.50 to $18.25, and are available online at www. centertix.net.

ART

Jazz pianist Bill Charlap Charlap will perform at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, Jan 29 at 7:30 p.m. Charlap is known for performing renditions of popular American Classics, and has been doing so for over a decade.

Tickets to this event range from $31 to $36, and are available online at www. centertix.net.

Object Runway Back for its second year, the International Gallery of Contemporary Art presents the Object Runway Fashion Show at Bear Tooth Theatre Pub on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. The wearable art for the show is made by local artists, with an emphasis on experimentation and the use of “objects.” Judges for this year include former “Project Runway” contestant Suede and author/ filmmaker Faythe Levine. Tickets are $25 and are available at the Bear Tooth box office, and online at www.igcaalaska.org.

“Little Women” The Anchorage Community Theatre will be showing their theatrical rendition of “Little Women” from Friday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Feb. 20. Tickets range from $11 to $15, and are available online at www. ticketturtle.com.

DANCE Salsa Night RumRummer’s Bar and Grill is sponsoring Salsa and Bachata lessons on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 9 p.m. AK Dance Promotions will be giving the lessons, and the dancing lasts until midnight. Fare for lessons is $8, and includes a half-off appetizer coupon. For more information, go to www. alaskadancepromotions.com.

10

TNL

A&E| January 25, 2011

‘Venetica’ sports potential, but doesn’t bring it home Death’s daughter is on a mission to defeat an evil necromancer out to destroy the world

By Bryan Dunagan The Northern Light

“Venetica” is an action role-playing game from German developer DTP Entertainment. While it boasts some fairly impressive features, it seems to be missing a certain something to makes it special.

The game starts out with Scarlett, the unwitting and at the time unknowing daughter of death, professing her love for her squeeze, Benedict. After a raid on their village, Scarlett has to protect herself and ultimately loses Benedict to the invaders.

It is here that she learns that she is the daughter of Death, who in this game is a physical being.

The story is set up to be quite amazing, but it really takes a while to get going. From the outset, the player can choose to make their quest one of redemption for Benedict, revenge or even a quest for answers. This only really changes the dialogue trees in the game, however.

This brings up the voice acting: it’s pretty bad. The main character’s voice actress and her inflection is usually dead on however,

and adds a bit of believability.

On the combat side, it’s pretty standard fare, focusing on timing based attacks and dodging out of the way. It seems a bit on the clunky side at first, but once the player gets the hang of the combat form, it’s rewarding to take on something that could probably eviscerate the game’s petite heroine. Once the player finds the Moon Blade, or Death’s scythe blade, Scarlett can resurrect if she has enough of the game’s twilight energy.

Twilight energy can only be replenished by using the Moon Blade, which always makes it the game’s go-to weapon.

Any weapons in your inventory can be switched fairly quickly, and each can have their own special attributes placed on them.

For example, if Scarlett gets lost, she can switch to her war hammer and use the “Raven’s Path” spell to find her way. Using the weapons as spell pages is beneficial and necessary once the adventure really gets going.

Gaining abilities is fairly interesting, as the game will have Scarlett seeking out certain people to train her physical or mental skills. Later on, Scarlett can even

learn a block maneuver that adds another notch to the relatively shallow combat. It’s a welcome and rewarding ability.

The game can be completed around 15 hours, and is rather beefy for a game nowadays. It features an enjoyable heroine and a journey of self-discovery, even if

some of the quests are shallow. The game also seems to use a few annoying game lengthening techniques, but is overall tolerable.

The title’s graphical issues are quite easy to fix, but take the player out of the immersion quite often. The game’s scenery is gorgeous, and the lighting effects add another layer to the game’s day and night cycle. Unfortunately, the non-player characters seem to have gotten the short end of the stick as they are hideous and blotchy.

Scarlett and the enemies are in high-def, but it seems like an interesting choice.

Still, the game is enjoyable, and for those that are looking for a casual roleplaying experience, it will be rewarding.

Those looking for depth will be rather disappointed.

“Venetica” MAKER: DPT Entertainment RELEASE DATE: Jan. 18, 2011 WEBSITES: no

★ ★ ★ ★★

OPINION The Northern Light 3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-786-1513 Fax: 907-786-1331 info@thenorthernlight.org

EXECUTIVE EDITOR 786-1434 editor@thenorthernlight.org Jerzy Shedlock MANAGING EDITOR 786-1313 content@thenorthernlight.org Shana Roberson COPY EDITOR copy@thenorthernlight.org Vacant NEWS EDITOR 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Matthew Caprioli FEATURES EDITOR 786-1567 features@thenorthernlight.org Kate Lindsley A&E EDITOR 786-6198 arts@thenorthernlight.org Heather Hamilton SPORTS EDITOR 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Taylor Hall PHOTO EDITOR 786-1565 photo@thenorthernlight.org Daniel Jackson WEB EDITOR 786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.org Ashley Snyder LAYOUT EDITOR layout@thenorthernlight.org Brittany Bennett ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR news2@thenorthernlight.org Alec Martinez ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR arts2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR sports2@thenorthernlight.org Megan Edge GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ADVERTISING MANAGER 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Mariya Proskuryakova ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Yulia Kim CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Munkh-Erdene Tsend-Ochir PHOTOGRAPHERS Patrick McCormick CONTRIBUTORS Audrian Pleas John Budnick Lisa Wagner Michael Mason Thomas McIntyre MEDIA ADVISER Paola Banchero ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISER Annie Route The Northern Light is a proud member of the ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS. The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents.

Circulation is 5,000. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood.

The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or The Northern Light.

11

EDITORIAL

Old politics holds new generation hostage There is this idea that America has somehow lost some of its magic.

There is this idea out there, put out by both sides of the political spectrum, that our country is headed in the wrong direction.

You’ve probably heard it. Maybe you’ve been on the receiving of a well-meaning lecture from your parents or grandparents about what’s wrong with the world today.

They often add that things just aren’t what they used to be. And if you don’t hear a similar berating from older family members, you need look no further than your local politician or pundit. Most of them make a living telling you what is wrong with the country.

Yet it is our parents and their parents and our politicians that have been and continue to steer this country. It was not our generation that made the decision to launch (and continue to fund) two wars, or outsource jobs overseas. We don’t even know what hedge fund investments are. And as awesome as we are at all things technical, we didn’t start that either.

No, those items are on the tab of the older generation that has been running this country. That generation, loosely defined as baby boomers, characterizes those born from around 1946 to 1964.

That generation, led by those on Capitol Hill, has taken this country to the place it is now, stricken with political polarization and an almost complete lack of civility. When you consider the average age of Congress, about 57, you really start to visualize that the generation that is complaining is the generation that is maintaining.

The most tragic part is that our generation is being held hostage by the stigma and past actions of the older generation. Although we can acknowledge the issues and events that plagued them, we’ve moved on. Many of the things they fight over so vigorously are not even on the radar of our generation.

For instance, as the issue of race has been brought up repeatedly since President Obama’s election, there has been sustained conversation about how the way things used to be and whether we’ve come far enough in our effort to fix the problems of the past. Race is no longer an issue for our generation, however.

Sure, there are some fringe folks who might disagree, but for the most part our generation sees race as inconsequential.

The older generation can remember a time where the color of their skin meant social inequality and injustice, but they don’t seem to realize that all of their hard work has paid off. Our generation does hold the phrase “all men are created equal” as true and self-evident. To make matters worse, the older generation’s continual bickering over the matter has a way of smudging our

generation’s rose-colored glasses.

Speaking of equality, another example of a generational difference is equal rights for the gay and lesbian community.

Although this debate is a hot issue for the older generations, for us it is not.

Polls and research studies have consistently shown that 18 to 29 year olds support gay marriage more than they oppose it. And the difference of support between generations accounts for at least ten percent across the polls. There are different reasons that may be true, but the simplest is that our generation has been much more exposed to homosexuality, much of that exposure void of any negative connotations.

A final example one might see comes from the military. The older generation lived through the Vietnam War, some as kids and many old enough to be eligible for the draft. The Vietnam War had many tragic consequences, one of which was a stigma on the military that those on Capitol Hill still remember.

Whatever their feelings for the military are, what is more interesting is when, just every once and a while, they throw out the word draft. It’s almost laughable if you consider that recruitment rates have been at or above the needs of the military for the last decade. According to the Defense Manpower Data Center, more than 50 percent of each branch’s population is under 30 with the average age of the entire military coming in at 28. Our generation has taken the call to serve very seriously.

In the end, the older generation continues to argue and fight about issues that our generation considers almost non-issues.

We’ve moved on. It would be nice if they joined us.

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Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich.

PRIDE

CHIDE

Student Activities and Lisa Shannon...

The Second Congo War…

...for bringing awareness to a global crisis.

…and those who do nothing to help end it.

12

TNL

OPINON| January 25, 2011

Latrine Dean Fine Arts Building – First Floor (Farthest East)

Fine Arts Building restrooms not so fine

By John Budnik

Special to The Northern Light

Mozart. Michelangelo. Van Gogh.

Stravinsky. Picasso.

Their art and influence bleed into the hallways of the Fine Arts Building here on main campus. Unfortunately for their scholars, it doesn’t into the restroom they use.

Walk into the men’s restroom on the 1st floor of the Fine Arts Building backed against the east wall of the building, you quickly realize that it is nothing to inspire a painting or to write a symphony about. Where many of us, artist or not, do our best thinking this restroom does the bare minimum for sustaining any inspiration that may have hatched within the class you are studying these artists.

The sanitation of the restroom was fair. Minor things such as a paper towel on the floor and a little wetness around the sinks are to be expected throughout a school day as students rush to their next class.

Aesthetically, and for a building dedicated to art, it left much to be desired. The shiny dark blue tile trim around white tiles on the wall were pleasant. However, it was the lack of attention to the floor, ceiling and stall walls that had a major impact on this restroom’s atmosphere score.

The floor is made of these old and beige colored tiles that make you think of a nasty gym locker room.

The ceiling has numerous paint scuffs and shows no attempt to cover up the mark it was intended for but it does create a new one.

The stall walls had been painted over from the original color. However, they are beyond overdue with the chipping of a baby blue paint that was last used to renovate. I have read that the color blue promotes relaxation and a sense of tranquility. How fitting for a stall wall and the business that goes on in there; however, it was hard to achieve these sentiments with the political garbage that is thrust upon the occupant. I certainly do not care how an anonymous stranger thinks politically as I attempt my daily moments of peace.

A huge problem with this restroom is its hardware. The toilet seats are old and yellow, yes, literally. The urinal flush handles are worn gold from the original stainless steel look. There are

two types of towel dispenser and one of them is not even stocked.

The hardware is just plainly out of date. This campus promotes sustainability and it is time that the hardware in this restroom is upgraded to sensors where the occupant can minimize germs and the University can save money on water. The hardware is unacceptable in its current state.

The large mirror above the sinks and the full length mirror just before the door are a plus. The mirrors, however, fail to bring this bathroom’s atmosphere rating up from a meager two stars.

One thing this restroom does have going for it though is its privacy. It is tucked away in one of the farthest corners of the campus and sees very little traffic. In midday, there was no sense of being rushed and there is plenty of space inside for elbow room. I recommend it for its convenience sake if you are parked in the Fine Arts Building parking lot. It can be the first and last restroom you hit while heading to and from class.

Privacy earns a solid five stars.

The toilet paper is about what you can expect for a public restroom. It wasn’t cloud nine, but it wasn’t sand paper either. Three stars for meeting those expectations.

The female side shared many similarities to that of the males’ in its ailments.

“The toilet seat was textured…like your living room wall is textured,” according to Correspondent Kellie.

She assured me that this was not on any aesthetic intention but from the mere wear and tear of the bathroom.

“All the locks worked on the stall doors but I could tell that the stall walls had been painted over.” She added.

It may be that this restroom has seen its days here in the Fine Arts Building tucked away in one of the farthest corners of main campus.

A complete renovation may not be necessary but definitely some T.L.C. could turn this restroom around.

OWell, maybe a lot of T.L.C. As the art and music majors paint, draw, sing and play, this restroom has the potential to have its own gallery night and show.

★ ★ ★ ★★

Correction The gymnast pictured top-right on page 13 of the Jan. 18 issue is Emily Peterson, not Kristy Boswell.

We apologize for the mistake.

-The Northern Light

Denying gay marriage a legal, moral violation

By Michael Mason

Special to The Northern Light

Marriage is a legally binding contract entered into at the behest of two individuals who love one another. For the government to deny a marriage license based on someone’s particular minority status is a violation of their most basic and essential of human rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

In the supreme court decision Loving v.

Virginia (1967) marriage was deemed to be a “fundamental right” which places it in a class of similarly integral American values such as the freedom of expression, the right to privacy, and other benefits of the social contract that we as Americans all expect to have access to.

Imagine the fit of public outrage if were we as a society to deny these rights to an entire class of people based on some other immutable characteristic such as hair color or race; it would never be tolerated.

Yet, in the case of gays and lesbians this fundamental right is still denied to this day in a prejudicial class-based fashion to a sizable percentage of our nation’s population, all because certain elements of society vilify and hate other people for simply being themselves.

No one chooses to be gay, it is not a so-called “lifestyle choice.” People are born or mature into their sexuality and to anyone who questions that fact I ask, “When did you choose to be straight?”

The protection of a minority from the tyranny of the majority is one of the primary values upon which America was founded and allowing discriminatory practices within our public institutions is invidious to those very core values.

To the argument that giving rights to gays takes rights away from the majority, which was so recently published in this very paper, I call on any rational person to try replacing the word gays with blacks, or with women, and then attempt to justify it.

This is the same argument brought by extremists against every civil liberty movement in the past century. It is an old line of rhetoric and the argumentation behind it is pedantic and flawed, as is the inherent bigotry on which it is based.

And regarding the irrational attempt at exclusion by definition, at one point men were solely defined as white landowners by the courts. This is perhaps best illuminated in the infamous supreme court case of Dred Scott in 1857, which makes it quite clear that definitions evolve and change as society does.

Finally, regarding the Anglo-Saxon tradition argument, it is my understanding of America that we are a blend of cultures, a bastion of freedom and liberty, founded on the principles of equal representation and the first amendment guarantee against persecutory

religious law. These are the traditions with which I am familiar.

Should the state of Alaska today decide to stop denying the right of gay or lesbian couples to have the same benefits, protections, and equal treatment under the law as straight couples, there would be no loss to the straight couples whatsoever. They would still have the same right to wed who they choose, just as they had before.

In the effort to secure equal civil liberties and protections under the law for all citizens regardless of sexual orientation gay and lesbian citizens do not seek to push their opinions on others. Instead, they merely seek to be free from having other’s religious beliefs or opinions pushed on them through abuse of the rule of law.

What matters most is whether we as Alaskans can stand by and allow inequality to persevere. In this state we have an extreme problem of suicide, particularly amongst our youth and in rural areas where it can be hard for someone questioning their sexuality to find support or help.

What kind of message do you think it sends to someone growing up struggling with their sexuality who is consistently told they are going to hell by smugly superior religious authority figures? Who daily face discrimination and harassment by their peers? And who know that in the eyes of their own state they are seen as worth less than those same peers?

It is morally reprehensible for us to continue allowing hate speech to masquerade as religious speech, and Christ would agree.

“Whilst ye may judge of the flesh, I judge no man,” John 8:15.

For an argument to ethos more pertinent in a secular debate however, one need look no further than the words of wisdom found in the very first section of the first article of the Alaska Constitution, which describes everyone’s natural right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But it goes even further.

“All persons are equal and entitled to equal rights, opportunities, and protection under the law; and that all persons have corresponding obligations to the people and to the State,” is printed in Article 1, Declaration of Rights, in the Alaska State Constitution.

A fantastic orator Mark Hamilton once said, “Responsibility means that if you have the ability to respond then you have the responsibility to speak.”

It is my contention that as part of our shared responsibilities and obligations, we Alaskans owe it to the tradition of our great State to help build an Alaska that accepts all of its citizens and provides every one of us an equal opportunity to learn and grow from our respective diversity.

For it is in that diversity one may find the true tradition on which America’s strength was founded and upon which it still stands today.

TNL

January 25, 2011 | OPINON

13

Choosing where to live: Freedom versus finance

By Audriana Pleas

Special to The Northern Light

Students typically have three options available to them when it comes to establishing a home base during their collegiate years. Those options are staying put at home, getting an apartment or moving on campus. The University of Alaska, Anchorage offers on campus housing, but is it really worth it?

Campus housing, which includes dormitories, ‘MAC” apartments, and Templewood townhomes, is meant to provide convenient housing for students to help them thrive in a social and academic setting.

Dorms are a good fit for students who live outside of the local area or are from out of state. But if you do not fall in one of those two categories, you should think twice, especially if you had any visions of UAA’s campus lodging reflecting a “Van Wilder” movie. It is more like the cramped apartment in “Pretty in Pink.”

Some of us really want to explore all the possibilities campus has to offer and dorms would assist us in doing so.

Students are right in the middle of everything, within walking distance of their home, and are able to use the library and other academic forums more readily than commuter students.

But students should decide where to live based on considerations such as dining availability, sleeping quarters and the rules.

Rules such as the expected obligations of a lease when you rent an apartment or a curfew that may possibly be enforced through parents.

One of the most important considerations is whether the student is willing to sacrifice a hit in the bank for their freedom. Campus housing can set students back thousands of dollars per semester, not including tuition.

Students are subjected to repercussions that follow after breaking campus housing rules.

Campus housing offers two options. You can register for housing on a per semester basis or for the entire academic year that is also based on per semester expenses.

The per semester rates range from $2,800 to over $3,000.

If you plan on an extended stay, the academic plan is the best choice because it is cheaper in the long run. The per academic year rates range from $2,500 to $2,700.

Don’t forget the meal plan, though. The mandatory plan is an additional $1700 to $1900 per year, depending on the living quarters you request.

The meal plan has limited options on campus such as Subway and Cuddy Hall. Many students who pay for it do not end up using it.

Unfortunately what you do not spend does not roll over into the next semester.

...You should think twice, especially if you had any visions of UAA’s campus lodging reflecting a “Van Wilder” movie. It is more like the cramped apartment in “Pretty in Pink.”

But before students jump the gun, the choices should be weighed out. Ask yourself the following questions. What are the negatives of staying at home? Is there a lack of independence? Am I responsible financially? Am I making new friends and expanding socially?

Don’t be quick to answer the questions, be honest.

The second option is staying with your parents. The positives of staying at home are being able to save money, although some parents have been known to charge rent.

If the amount you save doesn’t exceed what you would pay to live in an apartment with friends then you are in business.

Staying at home also provides free food.

You may not get free food all the time, but it should be

enough to satisfy your hunger when you need a break from being an intellectual.

In contrast, parents may still enforce rules that will keep your adult swagger in check. But a check on your swagger is better than no gas money.

You should help out around the house and chip in if you can, but don’t break the bank.

Most parents understand we are going to college to attempt to fill up the bank. Moreover, since tuition is always on the rise, every penny you save now can add to the extension of your education.

The third option is staying off campus.

While the advantages of living off campus are the evolution of your social life, the disadvantage is you have to pay for the party. Rent is due!

Apartments in the surrounding area starts at $600 and go up there from there. And adding in a commute to campus means that rent plus gas equal death to your wallet.

You will also have more independence since apart from what is on the lease, you make your own rules.

That is unless you have a roommate, who will get a say in some of the rules.

Also, if you live off campus you have to buy your own food and you have to think about who may be creeping into the fridge when you are not home.

Living off campus can make it hard to save money, especially if you have a full class schedule and a full time job.

The sympathy that one might get at home is going to be non-existent with roommates if you cannot meet a financial deadline.

You have to consider that you won’t have much sympathy either if your roommate drops the ball on paying their rent.

But, if you are really looking to learn responsibility, then this is probably your preferred option.

If you plan to stay off campus, pick a roommate wisely.

For the frugal who are content with being at home, stay.

For those who are willing to pay those prices for the dorms, live it up.

M a ke i t c o u n t

Your student newspaper seeks opinion columnists.

S t a r t a s a vo l u n t e e r a n d m ove i n t o a p a i d p o s i t i o n Contact 786-1313 or content@thenor ther nlight.org

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TNL

COMICS| January 25, 2011

BROKECOMICS | Alec Fritz

TUNDRA l Chad Carpenter

CRYPTOQUOTE PUZZLE l M. Proskuryakova

SODUKU

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K W P H K R L C I S H Q W S A

A O K R A H E L H Y J M O N N

T S M U W F O T K E Y R T N F

U N G O Q L P O X R E E E P W

O A A Z D T A P T C A T Y R W

J B J H Q O R B O T G R A C O

N E O C P F D N E Q E K E H G

L L O N T E I R A Z E R Y W O

W G D Z O H L F A F I C A J O

M A Q I R B B E G G O N H C K

A E L E G A N T F R O G P S R

C D E E L A H W I E S N L E C

A L G R I Z Z L Y V M O G C B

W A S O P A K A K J T I N H G

S B P A N D A D G H T G W E Z

ANTEATER AYE AYE BALD EAGLE BONOBO CHEETAH ELEGANT FROG ELEPHANT GRIZZLY JAGUAR KAKAPO KOMODO DRAGON LEOPARD MACAW OTTER PANDA RHINOCEROS SEI WHALE SLOTH TIGER

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS:

13

12

5

17

25

B

C

1 5 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 29 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 42 43 45 47 49 50 51 54 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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CROSSWORD

ENDANGERED ANIMALS WORDSEARCH

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ACROSS Table salt Number of Fates Valve lifters Brownish tint Weed whackers Mishmash Hoople of the comics Diarist Nin Strip of wood Gridiron, basically Kemo Sabe’s pal Forest grazer Barbarian Get ready for bed Kind of deposit Wake up Audit pros Pear-shaped instrument USO audience Cautions Jungle crusher This, in Barcelona Pub orders Liniments Climb down K2’s superior Came down with Horror-film street Not qualified GPS necessity Caught the bus Shady nook Completed Tel — Stone monument Dear, in Italy Teddy trim Lost color Grow together DOWN Within sight Crowning point Gator cousin Sheens Much obliged!

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M N O

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Faith is taking the first step even when you donʼt see the whole staircase. Dr. M.L.K. Jr.

January 25, 2011 | COMICS

TNL

15

Horoscopes

By Stella Wilder

Copyright 2011, United Feature Syndicate, Inc.

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©Simon Evans

The coming week is likely to require of many a little more in the way of introspection and, in their dealings with others, grace and tact. There is no place for aggression this week, either directly or of the passive variety -- and, indeed, much harm can be done if one indulges in any sort of masked aggressive behavior.

Even those on opposite sides of an argument must address their issues and their grievances in a civil, rational manner; any kind of warfare -- whether hot, cold, emotional or psychological -- must be avoided at this time, lest irreparable damage be done to relationships of all kinds.

This is a good week for loved ones to give one another a little more freedom to explore what is just beyond the boundaries of daily routine. This doesn’t mean, of course, that deception and infidelity are to be condoned; on the contrary, everything must be done with the intent to increase trust on all levels.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- Things may get just a little more spicy than usual, and you’ll have the chance to put a new idea to the test. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- Any kind of behavior that shows off the wrong side of your personality must be strictly avoided.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- You’ll be counting on an old friend to open some doors for you, but he or she may be of two minds about it at first. (March 6-March 20) -- Use caution when interacting with an Aries native, whether directly or indirectly. Don’t push it.

ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- You may be feeling more stress than usual, and the pressure is on where a certain project is concerned. (April 5-April 19) -- A friend reminds you that good behavior will be rewarded and bad behavior punished; try to toe the line.

TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- It’s time to float that unusual idea; there are those who are looking for just that kind of originality and daring. (May 6-May 20) -You’ll receive instructions from the powers-that-be that cannot be ignored at this time. Do what is possible.

GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- A special request comes to you from a friend who knows just how much he or she is asking of you. There’s room to accommodate. (June 7-June 20) -- You can get a great deal done in very little time; expectations work to your advantage.

CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- An encounter that you’ve been planning isn’t likely to go as planned, though you’ll wind up on top when all is said and done. (July 8-July 22) -- Where disagreements and discord once ruled, you should be able to come to some kind of peaceful, mutual understanding.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You can trade destructive force for the kind of power that can achieve a great deal in the name of good. This week, the tide is likely to shift. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You’re going to have to pick up the pace early in the week in order to avoid certain obstacles.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You mustn’t underestimate what friends can do for you; don’t hesitate to ask for what you need -- be it resources or hands-on help. (Sept.

8-Sept. 22) -- You can achieve a daring daylight escape of sorts; something new starts very soon.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- Expressing yourself the usual way is not for you; you’ll want to put more of a spin on things than you have in the past. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- Don’t spend your time trying to change someone else; focus on yourself more keenly.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You’ll receive a message that contains sensitive information you must guard carefully; the time will come to reveal all. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- He who is telling you what to do may not know what really makes you tick; you can show what you’re made of.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You’ll want to be in control of your own emotions throughout the week.

Certain assumptions can serve you well, but some are dangerous. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- The impossible doesn’t concern you as you forge ahead regardless of what others will and will not do.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- Personal issues require immediate attention, and someone is waiting for you to answer a question he or she asked some time ago. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You can expect a positive response to what you do unexpectedly.