October 18, 2011 by The Northern Light

THENORTHERNLIGHT UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

CRIME ON Anchorage is the ﬁfth most dangerous US city, but rates are dropping

Rape Robbery Aggravated Assault Murder

Year

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Population

277,692

By Alden Lee

Assistant Features Editor

Lee Chee Chang stood above Emilio Ramirez and shot him in the parking lot of an east-side

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Muldoon bar, Anchorage police say. Chang’s older brother, Ka Meng Chang, lay dead just yards away on the southbound lane of Muldoon Road, gunned down some time before. Two others, a man with bullet wounds in his arms and Ramirez’s critically injured girlfriend, bled on the premises of J.J.’s Lounge as witnesses scrambled to make sense of what had just happened in the early hours of Oct. 10. This deadly shootout, an ongoing investigation by the Anchorage Police Department, is among the most recent of violent crimes to hit what has been labeled by Forbes as the ﬁfth most dangerous city in the United States. Coupled with a signiﬁcant number of rapes, aggravated assaults, and robberies, Anchorage boasts a per capita crime rate more than double that of the entire state, and double the national average as well. Forbes’ 2010 list of most dangerous cities in the nation used information compiled in the FBI’s 2010 uniform crime report (UCR), which tallies crime data from the nation’s metropolitan areas, collected from 17,000 law enforcement agencies across the United States and organized to account for population differences and accurate city-to-city comparisons. Forbes drew from

291,826

four different categories of violent crime to compile its list: murder, forcible rape, aggravated assault and robbery. Anchorage ranks ﬁfth in the nation for violent crime, according to the Forbes’ list. Anchorage averaged 813 violent crimes for every 100,000 inhabitants, according to the UCR. Compare this to the national average of 404 violent crimes for every 100,000 inhabitants, Anchorage’s rape rates are the most signiﬁcant contributors

News.....02

Integrity of process questioned for UAA, UAF DOE funding

D E C L I N E

UAF gets massive expansion for engineering building; no new funds for UAA By Matt Caprioli News Editor

statistician and research collator, says these high rates are heavily by the state’s

that crime influenced remoteness. “Tracking crime in Alaska is a complicated story,” said Reed. “Despite Anchorage’s perceived metropolitan status, our state is a highly isolated rural area compared to the rest of the United States. We’re an island, basically, a large island, so we get a lot of unique situations that can’t be found anywhere else in the nation.” On a national level, violent crime has decreased since 2006. Murder has dropped four percent, rape fell five percent, robbery fell ten percent, and - Lew Reed, APD statistician aggravated assault dropped four percent, according to the UCR. This trend is being reflected across many major to the city’s high crime level. crime cities, including Detroit. In 2010, 264 people were raped Anchorage’s recent crime rates in Anchorage’s population of have followed suit. In a long-term 290,334, according to the UCR. look, Anchorage’s rates have That translates to 0.09 percent appeared to be steady, but the of the city having been forcibly drop from 2009-2010 shows an raped in the past year, compared optimistic reduction. to the national average of 0.02 “There have been increases percent. here and decreases there, but “Rapes and sexual assaults are overall Anchorage crime has kept a persistent challenge for us,” said a rather stable range so far,” said APD Deputy Chief Steve Smith. SEE CRIME PAGE 5 Lew Reed, the APD’s primary

“We’re an island, basically, a large island, so we get a lot of unique situations that can’t be found anywhere else in the nation.”

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Features.....04

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The former associate dean of UAA’s engineering, Grant Baker, is speaking out against an under the radar, last minute change to UAF’s engineering building. Approved by the Board of Regents during a special session Sept 20, the amendment expands the gross square foot of UAF’s engineering building by 140 percent. There was no additional funding approved for UAA. Baker said the move “makes no sense” because UAA’s School of Engineering is growing at a faster rate, is currently three times smaller than UAF’s facilities, and has had more students since 2006. “You can see that this thing is still strongly controlled by some forces that aren’t in the interest of students,” Baker said. “We have no advocacy really for UAA that will stand up to the statewide administration in Fairbanks, probably for good reason, because when you do you get terminated.” Along with the Dean of Engineering, Rob Lang, Baker was removed from his post on Aug 25. Chancellor Tom Case said the change was necessary because of “internal issues.” Baker is very popular with students and local industry. The UAA School of Engineering Advisory Board, a body of local industry leaders, created a resolution of support for Lang and Baker the day after their dismissal that recognized the “outstanding management of the School of Engineering by this sterling team.” The expansion of UAF’s building comes about a month after Baker and Lang were dismissed. Baker speculated that their dismissal was necessary for UAF’s building to expand.

SEE ENGINEERING PAGE 2

Food Insecurity

Why we shouldn’t increase taxes on the wealthy

Poetry in motion: a poerty and dance show

SEE PAGE B6

Index:

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GRAPHICS BY NICK

OCTOBER 18, 2011

SEE PAGE 07

A&E.....B2

Sports......B6

Hunger is closer to home than many would like to think

SEE PAGE 04

Comics.....B10

Alaska’s lieutenant governor is endorsing Mitt Romney in the race to be the GOP presidential nominee. Mead Treadwell said Wednesday that his endorsement wasn’t made in his professional capacity. In a statement he said the nation needs a leader like Romney, a former Massachusetts governor whom he says has a “record of results.” Treadwell said that as governor, Romney created thousands of jobs, balanced the state’s budget and cut taxes. Treadwell’s endorsement was announced in a release from the Romney campaign. Treadwell is the highest proﬁle state ofﬁcial in Alaska thus far to offer an endorsement in the GOP presidential race.

Bilingual voting ballots ordered in 25 states

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the run-up to the 2012 elections, the federal government is ordering that 248 counties and other political jurisdictions provide bilingual ballots to Hispanics and other minorities who speak little or no English. That number is down from a decade ago following the 2000 census, which covered 296 counties in 30 states. In all, more than 1 in 18 jurisdictions must now provide foreign-language assistance in preelection publicity, voter registration, early voting and absentee applications as well as Election Day balloting. The latest requirements, mandated under the Voting Rights Act, partly reﬂect second and third generations of racial and ethnic minorities who are now reporting higher levels of proﬁciency in English than their parents. Still, analysts cite a greater potential for resistance from localities that face tighter budgets, new laws requiring voter IDs at polls and increased anti-immigration sentiment. More American Indian tribal languages will be made available in many parts of Alaska, Arizona and Mississippi, while Vietnamese and Taiwanese will get their own voting assistance in several new areas, including parts of Washington state, Texas, Massachusetts and California.

Mexico soldiers rescue 61 people held by drug gang

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s military says soldiers freed 61 men being held captive by the Zetas drug cartel for use as forced labor. The army says the men were found guarded by three Zetas kidnappers in a safe house in the border city of Piedras Negras on Saturday. Soldiers made the discovery during a security sweep in the area that also turned up an abandoned truck ﬁlled with 6 tons of marijuana. Piedras Negras sits across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas, in the Mexican state of Coahuila, which has been the scene of ongoing battles between drug gangs.

ENGINEERING: new building too small CONTINUED FROM COVER

“It really was Rob Lang and I who were holding the line to meet UAA’s needs,” Baker said. Another SOE staff member who requested anonymity agreed with Baker’s speculation. UAF’s expansion is surprising to UAA faculty and even one UAF administrator was unaware of the change until contacted for this article. “It’s extremely surprising. To me at least, personally,” Professor and Chair of the Civil Engineering department, Osama Abaza, said. Associate Dean of Engineering Academics at UAF Charlie Mayer said he was unconvinced of the numbers until Oct 13, when he reviewed the report. He did note that there is phase 2 that would add 126 GSF. Phase two is not currently funded. The BOR made their decision based off a report by a hired consultant, Ira Fink. “It was essential to the Board of Regents decision,” Mayer said of the report. The “Fink Report” includes several drafts for each school. In February, the BOR approved one draft that set the total GSF at 50,000 for UAF and 75,000 for UAA. Eight days before the BOR met on Sept 20, Fink allowed an alternative draft to be used. The change is reﬂected in a report by the UAF Engineering Facility, which states UAF will actually need 116,900 new GSF, and 23,000 GSF for connections. The total of 139,900 GSF appeared on Sept 20’s agenda, and was accepted by the BOR. UAA’s building will remain the same size, despite the program’s faster growth and larger enrollment. UAF’s current engineering facilities are 120,00 gross square feet, which is three times that of UAA’s current facilities. The

CRIME MAP

Rome riot said to cost 1M or more

“Ira Fink (consultant from California hired by UA Admin in Fairbanks) used a basis of 1674 GSF per faculty member as existed in Fall 2009 as his calculation basis for space needed. This basis completely ignores the students, i.e. same amount of space is provided regardless of whether you have one student or 1,000,000 students,” Baker wrote via email. UAA has not had an increase in faculty since 2009. During that time, enrollment in the engineering program has increased 30 percent, but no new faculty member has been hired. As of Oct 11, Baker said that the school needs eight more full-time faculty members. Fairbanks says they are similarly strapped for resources. “I think every university campus in the UA system is going to say that they don’t get enough money. I know that everyone at UAF says the same thing,” Mayer said. Mayer added that UAF has only added one adjunct position in the last three years. Mayer maintained that UAF needs extra space. When asked if certain programs at UAF required more space, Mayer replied, “Absolutely. Our numbers have shot up over the past ﬁve years, almost doubling. A lot of programs here have a strong lab component and that takes more space,” Mayer said. “Furthermore, we have a strong research component, so that takes more space for not only the research equipment but also for housing the graduates to undertake their research.” Baker disagreed, saying that UAA’s is more project orientated that requires more storage space. It also has more students. As of last week, 1,045 people were enrolled in the UAA School of Engineering, compared to

3310 UAA Dr.

Fairbanks, which has 929 as of Oct 3, according to Baker. UAA has argued that it can meet the demands of industry better because it is located in the state’s most populous region, where demand for engineering is highest. Its location also makes it approximate to hundred of engineering firms, allowing students the chance for internships. “Both programs contribute a lot to Alaska, but we need to provide programs where there is need,” Abaza said. Baker said that Fairbanks would not be thinking of a new building if Lang had not proposed it in 2006. UAA first hired a consultant group in 2007. ECI/HYER’s final report was released on May 2008, and found that UAA will need a minimum of 160,000 GSF to accommodate growth until 2014. “An updated report was produced in September 2009 to counter the position of former UA President Mark Hamilton that had said UAA only gets 50, 000 square feet, which was an arbitrary number picked out of the sky with no basis, one his advisors in Fairbanks had to convince him to impose on UAA,” Baker said. ECI/HYER’s final report ultimately did not factor into BOR’s decision. Students and faculty remain curious why the deans were let go and its connection to UAF’s sudden expansion. “I don’t want to comment on the politics of it, but there’s definitely something going on,” said a faculty member who requested anonymity. “This just magically happened. One day he was just gone. I want to hear about them,” said Chris Choirs, a senior in the civil engineering program.

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Compiled by Matt Caprioli

LAKE

ROME (AP) — Rome’s mayor said Sunday that it could cost at least a euro1 million ($1.4 million) to recover from the havoc wreaked by rioters who smashed windows, tore up sidewalks and torched vehicles after breaking off from a peaceful protest. The estimate came as cleanup work continued in damaged neighborhoods, where many charred vehicles remained parked along the streets. The hundreds of rioters infiltrated a march Saturday by tens of thousands of demonstrators unhappy about the global financial crisis — part of a worldwide version of the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York. The protesters, some wearing gas masks and many in hoods, ripped up cobblestones and slabs of sidewalk to hurl at police and buildings, and smashed windows with hammers. Police responded with water hoses and tear gas. Protesters also stormed into a church, tore a crucifix off the wall and smashed a statue of the Virgin Mary.

addition that was approved by the BOR would bring the total GSF of the Fairbanks facilities to 240,000. The total approved for the UAA building is 115,000 GSF. “It’s just going to be more inefficient by the time it’s built,” Baker said. Mayer said other numbers, like assignable gross square feet (AGSF) need to be considered. While Fairbanks has more gross space, a surprising amount cannot be used. The building was designed in 1950, and many areas are impractical for classrooms or administrative functions, Mayer said. Mayer also said the UAA engineering building is allotted more money. “ One other number that you need to consider is the “total cost” number: $123M for UAA, $108M for UAF. Given how things work in the world, standalone buildings often cannot be compared. For UAA parking ($28M) is a required part of the package. For UAF, a “Functional Connection” ($13M) is required,“ Mayer wrote via email. Since 2005, there have been more undergraduates and graduates enrolled in engineering programs at UAA than at Fairbanks. From fall 2002 to fall 2010, UAA’s enrollment has grown 2 percent higher than UAF’s, according to the Fink Report. The Fink Report has been criticized by UAA and UAF for several reasons, ranging from its suggestion that no first-year engineering student be allowed to attend part-time, to its use of number of faculty to determine allotted space, to its proposal that both engineering schools should expect stagnation within a decade. Baker saw several flaws in Fink’s research methods that would favor UAF.

Treadwell endorses Romney in GOP presidential race

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NEWS| October 18, 2011

Marijuana Possess.

October 18, 2011 | NEWS

Students hold common hatred for UAA ﬁre drills

SUV parks in Anchorage residents’ living room, no permit

Mandatory evacutation policy inconvenient

Tuesday morning started out unexpectedly for Nadine Lefevre, when an SUV came crashing into her home By Nicole Luchaco Staff Reporter

Nadine Lefevre was rudely shaken awake last Tuesday morning, when an SUV came crashing through her living room wall, missing the Anchorage homeowner and her pugs by mere inches. “It all happened within a few seconds,” said UAA English Professor Susan Forster, an eye witness to the crash. “It was amazing how easily the SUV plowed through the living room wall- it disappeared completely into the house.” Forster was traveling down Lake Otis on the morning of October 11, unaware of anything strange about the SUV in front of her. Suddenly the vehicle began to swerve, ultimately scraping against a concrete barrier. Forster slowed her vehicle to give safe

distance to the sporadic SUV, just as the vehicle turned at a ninety-degree angle and crossed the opposing lanes, ultimately parking itself in Lefevre’s living room. After contacting the police, Forster approached the scene of the accident to see if she could be of any help, but she arrived to a relatively tame sight. “I saw the woman in the house, still sitting in her [purple] chair with the SUV right next to her leg,” said Forster. “I thought she was lucky to be so far back from the front of the room, but I heard later that she had actually been pushed back in her chair by the vehicle.” The driver was transported to the local hospital, having sustained minor injuries. The Anchorage Police Department is still investigating the cause of the crash.

By Nicole Luchaco

in every building; at each fire exit there is a safety officer, building manager or maintenance worker to assist and ensure total evacuation. “Though they are required in order to make sure that the system works, the fire drills are annual,” said maintenance employee Peter Mills-Price. “So relax, kick your feet up and concentrate on your studies.” This comes as welcome news to the shaken freshmen who, pajama-clad and shivering, stumbled haphazardly into the Edward Lee Gorsuch PHOTO ILLISTRATION BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL commons on Tuesday in Students frustrated with annual safety tests conveniently done in search of the the wee hours of the night. staff-promised woke to an “free hot chocolate unusual sound. if you get out fast!” Most thought “I was in the that they were shower when it hearing distant started going off!” car alarms, while said North Hall others didn’t hear resident Cameron the sound at all “I –Cameron Belk-Ferrel Belk-Ferrel. until the blaring just had no time.” noise hit their own room, and firm Though necessary, the timing of staff members came pounding on the drills is continually questioned doors. by students. On drill day, the alarm “I think that it could be done sounds, followed by an officer better,” said Resident Advisor who performs a sweep of every Hannah Coe. “Since it is only a residence room, closet and even drill, I don’t think it would be a the mechanical rooms. The fire problem to inform people of the drills are an annual test that the exact time that it is going to take University emergency response place. People need their keys and unit coordinates to create safety shoes.” awareness. The drills are required Staff Reporter

This past Tuesday (Oct. 13) began rather unpleasantly for many campus residents, as they

SAY WHAT?

Family lost in Mass. corn maze calls 911 for help DANVERS, Mass. (AP) -Authorities in Massachusetts say a family that got lost in a seven-acre corn maze called 911 for help, apparently taking advantage of the police department’s motto that says “We Want To Be Bothered.” The maze at Connors Farm in Danvers can take up to an hour to navigate. A police ofﬁcer entered the maze with a farm manager to search for the disoriented father, mother and two children. The family didn’t realize they had almost made their way out and were just 25 feet from the street.

3 hospitalized when pot brownies served at funeral

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- Pot-laced brownies served at a Southern California funeral sent three people to the emergency room over the weekend, Huntington Beach police said. Two 71-year-old women and an 82-year-old man were taken to a hospital emergency room Saturday following a friend’s memorial service, where a tray of pot brownies was offered. They complained of nausea, dizziness and an inability to stand without assistance. The three, residents of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach, didn’t know the marijuana-laced sweets were being offered in memory of their friend, who ate marijuana brownies. Police say the baked goods were put out without any announcement about what was in them. Huntington Beach does not permit licensed medical marijuana dispensaries in the city limits. Federal authorities announced Friday they plan to crack down on marijuana sales and growing operations throughout the state.

Woman gives birth after running Chicago Marathon

PHOTO BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL

“I was in the shower when it started going off!”

“I saw the woman in the house, still sitting in her [purple] chair with the SUV right next to her leg,,” said UAA English professor Susan Forster of the crash she witnessed.

Work in a legislative offce and earn 12 credits The University of Alaska Legislative Internship Program is a demanding academic program in which students earn 12 credits while working in the state House of Representatives or Senate in Juneau. Students will be conducting guided research and studying the legislative process in the classroom.

Application materials available from Prof. Patrick Cunningham (afpmc@uaa.alaska.edu) Deadline for application: Oct. 21 at 12 Noon

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO (AP) -- Amber Miller felt contractions just minutes after crossing the finish line at the Chicago Marathon. A few hours later, the suburban Chicago woman - who slogged her way through 26.2 miles while nearly 39 weeks pregnant delivered a healthy baby girl. “For me, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. I was running up until that point anyway,” Miller told The Associated Press in an interview from the hospital where she was recovering Monday. “I am crazy about running.” Sunday’s marathon was the eighth for the 27-year-old, who has been running for more than a dozen years. She found out she was pregnant with her second child days after signing up for the Chicago race and decided to play it by ear on whether or not she would run. When the baby hadn’t been born by Sunday, she got clearance from her doctor to run half. She completed it with a with a half-run half-walk approach, drinking lots of fluids and eating a lot along the way. She finished in 6:25:50, much slower than her usual marathon time, but still content. “Lots of people were cheering me on: `Go pregnant lady!’” she said. “I was expecting some negative comments. I don’t remember anything.” Compiled by Matt Caprioli

FEATURES

Food insecurity an uncomfortably local issue In the US alone, an estimated 48.8 million people don’t have access to a stable supply of nutrition during the whole year even with support from Food Banks, churches, charities and other programs By Ashley Snyder Features Editor

Hunger. A word most would associate only with desolate third world countries, or a missed lunch. Few however, would think of the US as a country where many go hungry every day. A federal report released this year by the Department of Agriculture showed that in 2010, 48.8 million people lived in food-insecure households, where at some point during the year they were unable to get enough food to eat. The Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, said in a recent press release, “These numbers are a wake-up call for us to get very serious about food security and hunger, about nutrition and food safety in this country.” In Alaska alone, 77,200 individuals are considered food-insecure. This is where the National Food Bank Association comes in consistently, to help many in need. Every state has a Food Bank, which collects and distributes food to those that are food-insecure. Alaska is no exception, and has its very own, very active, Food Bank of Alaska.

The Food Bank of Alaska, established over 30 years ago, is a non-proﬁt organization that collects food donations and distributes the food to Alaskans in need. They are distributed through food pantries, food kitchens,

“Being in debt and being in college accumulating more debt and then having to pay monthly bills on top of that and still feed yourself. It almost seems impossible sometimes,” -Sherri Davis, a UAA student who is living on food stamps

PHOTO BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL

and shelters run by volunteers. However all of the donations they receive only make up ﬁve percent of the demand for food. An avid donator, Tanya Stevens knows the pressure to get food each year for the food bank, “I try to donate every year and go around my neighborhood to collect donations. Though I know that even if I collect, say a barrel full of food that it will only be enough to feed maybe .005 percent of hungry Alaskans it is

still worth the effort.” To help combat this, the FBA is the distribution of food stamps, which allows needy families to buy essential goods for a cost effective price that fits their budgets rather than relying completely on free food. “Over 77,000 different people in Alaska will look for food assistance at some time over the course of a year. Out of that number only 56,000 Alaskans participate in the Food Stamp Program,” said Robin Stillwell, Alaska Food Bank’s Director of Advocacy & Agency Relations. Some places, like the Wade Hampton census area of Western Alaska relies completely on the assistance of food stamps. Unsurprisingly, college students also make up a big chunk of that number. “Being in debt and being in college accumulating more debt and then having to pay monthly bills on GRAPHIC BY CJ BEAUDRIE AND NICK FOOTE/TNL top of that and still feed Of the nearly 50 million food insecure people living in the United States, 77,200 are yourself. It almost seems Above: Alaskans. Bottom Left: A young boy stands in protest of childhood hunger in the US during an impossible sometimes,” Occupy Anchorage gathering. said student Sherri Davis. Davis is a UAA student who actually are living in those types otherwise wouldn’t comprehend also lives on food stamps. of situations don’t find it quite so the difficulties of living on such Besides debt, students are also stimulating. low wages. the most likely to have problems “It almost sounds more of an Right now the numbers for low making ends meet due to low insult since it’s making a game income, food-insecure Americans paying jobs and the high cost out of ‘Catch-22’ decisions that aren’t looking too good, and of courses each semester. Many we really have to face and makes they have been steadily growing. students qualify for food stamps, our lives look like shit to the Without programs like the Food but do not take advantage of the general public rather than gain us Bank of Alaska in place, many program for various reasons, sympathy,” said Davis. Americans would be starving and the biggest one being the Whether a method is without a home. embarrassment of being on the agreeable to everyone or not, program. the fact remains that it has been Created to help raise awareness effective in educating people who nationwide, a new game called ‘Spent’ has been gaining attention as a simulation that shows players it is like to live on $8 or $9 per hour. The game was created by McKinney and Urban Ministries of Durham, a real life agency with the goal of providing food, clothing, shelter and supportive services to our neighbors in need. It challenges a person to survive a month on minimum wage and face day to day challenges which quickly diminishes a players’ money. Even though many people would find the game simple and even silly, the hard fact is that the examples in the game were taken from real life people who live on minimum wage. While it is meant to be educating, people who

October 18, 2011 | FEATURES

CRIME: work to do Alaskan winters offer dark, cold nights with bitter cups of depression on the side CONTINUED FROM COVER

Seasonal affective disorder can be deadly for Alaskans during the winter, but there are options to help you cope By Teresa Kennedy

concentrating, and an overall feeling of heaviness. But not everyone who feels these during the winter should be alarmed. “The symptoms need to

remedies to relieve the winter gloom. These include spending With the oncoming winter more time outside to soak up any months spreading their tendrils of extra sunlight possible, exercising darkness and cold among Alaskans frequently to help the body feel as we sleep, depression starts better, trying the muchto make its presence known. needed caffeine in green The long days of darkness tea instead of coffee, coupled with the hibernation eating more fruit, and designed to keep out the cold trying to be aware if combine to make a deadly you are suffering from recipe for a case of the blues. depression. In fact, Alaska has the highest The article stresses suicide rate in the nation, that if you are aware of and is in the top tier of states your declining state of with the highest population of mind you have a better depressed individuals. chance of successfully For every 100,000 people, getting rid of the blues. Alaska sees 23.1 suicides. Earlier this month, This is a staggering number the UAA Student Health and when compared to the national Counseling Center paired average of just 11.3 people, up with the Psychological according to a study compiled Services to host a National by Mental Health America and Depression Screening Day. Thomson Healthcare in 2007. These fairs that were held Alaskans are said to suffer around campus offered from especially severe cases free screening to students of seasonal affective disorder about whether or not they (SAD). As the name suggests, should seek treatment for SAD is a case of depression any depression symptoms. dependent upon the weather. The Counseling Center For Alaskans, this means the still offers these screenings dark gloom of the sky can Depression comes alongside winter in Alaska, which in their facility, and they reflect their emotions, and for sees 23.1 suicides per 100,000 citizens. are free to students taking already sleep-deprived college six credits or more. Or if students, depression runs high. you cannot come into the Georgia DeKeyser, the Counseling Center, the same associate director of UAA’s screening is available on their Counseling Center, has website. The screenings are observed this SAD in action. series of questions, designed Since she started working here to determine whether or not in 1998, DeKeyser has seen an the person is suffering from increase in the amount of UAA –Georgia DeKeyser, Associate symptoms of depression. student that seek counseling So while many Alaskans Director of Student Health and services during the winter Counseling Center resemble Eeyore during the months. snowy months, with their “Winters in Alaska are own personal dark clouds very challenging for a number be present over at least three overhead, there are ways to avoid of different reasons,” DeKeyser consecutive winters to make a the rain. And if things get too explained while emphasizing diagnosis,” DeKeyser clarified. rough on the high seas, remember a number of main symptoms While counseling is certainly a those professionals eager to help. associated with SAD. These clinical approach to combating the Buckle up. It’s going to be a long include an unhealthy increase in effects of SAD, The Daily Mind, winter. appetite (craving carbohydrates), a website specializing in eastern loss of energy, apathy, difficulty medicine, offers five homegrown

Staff Reporter

PHOTO ILLISTRAION BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL

bolstered crackdown on streetlevel criminal activity. “We’ve put great emphasis on street-level drug and gang activity, and it’s really made a big impact,” said Deputy Chief Smith. “Anchorage is seeing continued reductions in crime.” Chief of Police Mark Mew fully agrees. “These statistics tell us that we are paying attention to the right issues,” he said in a March 2011 press release, “though we continue to look for ways to improve.”

GRAPHIC BY NICK FOOTE/TNL

Reed. However, recent results show that APD efforts have decreased almost all categories of violent crime in Anchorage, other than aggravated assault, from 2009 to 2010. Murders decreased from 15 in 2009 to 13 the following year; forcible rapes declined from 282 to 264; and robberies dropped from 534 to 454. Aggravated assault was the only violent crime rate to rise, from 1,658 in 2009 to 1,701 in 2010. APD attributes this overall drop in violent crime to a

“Winters in Alaska are very challenging for a number of different reasons.”

TNL

FEATURES| October 18, 2011

SEX SEAWOLF AND THE

Meta-Gaydar: Do you have it? By Matt Caprioli News Editor

Last week was national coming out day. Did any closet doors swing out on you? I was caught off guard by a couple, which is new, because my gaydar has been rather accurate in past years. I rely on several signs, and I think everyone, to varying degrees of consciousness, picks up on the same signals. In 2009, a group of MIT students asked “how do people know someone is gay?” They focused on voice. The study’s participants heard gay and straight males speak for a few minutes, then guessed the voice’s orientation. On average, they guessed correctly 70 percent of the time. The other signs are quite obvious: clothes, gestures, enjoying Glee. Something not so obvious however is this: how do you know when other people know you’re gay? My gaydar is decent, but I am absolutely horrible at recognizing when others know I’m gay. It’s not like you can ask the barista at Starbucks, “Can I have a triple tall mocha….and, are you thinking

I’m gay?” I wasn’t raised to see myself as gay, so when others do, I’m surprised. This is a part of gaydar that’s not examined too often. Gaydar isn’t just about recognizing when others are gay. It’s also about knowing when others perceive you as gay. Hence the term that I

shall now invent: meta-gaydar. Put simply, meta-gaydar is knowing when others think you, or possibly another third party, are gay. Everyone has thought about this. If you aren’t gay you may do things to let everyone know that really, you’re not gay. Hence if a bro compliments a fellow bro’s pink t-shirt, he may feel compelled to follow the compliment with a “no homo.” Gay people may feel the same urge to assert the fact that they

are indeed gay. When a doctor asks ‘Do you have a girlfriend?’, I say no, I have a boyfriend. As you may imagine, these kinds of assumptions are applied much more often to gay people, so gay people have to assert themselves a lot more often. Would a doctor ever ask a female, Do you have a girlfriend? Unless she wore a t-shirt that says, “I AM OBVIOUSLY A LESBIAN,” the doctor most likely will assume she’s straight. So I have a poor metagaydar, and unless I paint “gay” upon my face in red paint, I can be sure that I will never be sure whether people know I’m gay. That’s why coming out is important. It’s not that gay people want to ﬂaunt their sexual orientation, they just want people to know. They’re tired of people constantly getting it wrong. So if someone came out to you last week, just know that they want to feel comfortable about themselves and those around them. However awkward it may be for you, know it’s thrice as awkward for them.

Alternatives for UAA car commuters By Tara Nokelby Contributor

Coming to campus and parking can be stressful for some, but there are ways to conquer the parking lots at UAA. From knowing where and when to park to choosing an alternative route to getting to school, there is always space for students, faculty, and the community. There are around 6,000 parking spaces at UAA and parking services sells as many parking passes as needed each year. According to the Parking Services Director, Glenna Muncy, permits are actually oversold. With vehicles coming and going from campus all day and night, the parking services can provide more than 6,000 passes but have not exceeded the two cars to one space ratio. They have yet to have a time where all of the parking lots on campus were 100 percent full. Muncy said that year round, only 5 percent of the spaces will be taken up due to construction or maintenance. People will always be able to ﬁnd a parking space, though it may be not in the ideal

location. “I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a problem of how many spaces we have, it’s more of a distribution issue and it’s something I’m fully aware of,” Muncy said. “We don’t necessarily offer enough spaces in every lot for the people that are going to be in the area of campus at any particular time.” The cost of permits and the money collected from Pay N Park meters goes to maintaining the lots. The community pays for parking for this reason also. Their car is doing the same thing that any student, staff, or faculty member’s car is: taking up a space. Anyone coming to UAA would need the maintenance required to keep the lots clean and functioning. For those who are looking for an alternative way to avoid parking, there are several options. There are the UAA shuttles, People Mover buses, and, new to UAA, Zimride. Zimride is a carpooling system for UAA students. To use Zimride, car-poolers sign up for free online. After creating a proﬁle, students post needing a ride to campus, and can look to see who is offering rides or if

anyone is in need of a ride. Before hopping in a car with a complete stranger, students can see what type of person they will be with or if they have any mutual friends by connecting Zimride with Facebook. This helps with safety issues. Zimride can be a good way to get to and from campus, but can also get students connected with other students. If students prefer to take a public form of transportation, taking the People Mover is an easy, free way for getting to school. Even if a student lives as far as the valley, the Valley Mover is available to bus people into town. By showing their wolf card, a student can go to any destination that the People Mover travels to for free. Although there are ways to get around dealing with the parking at UAA, there are plans for the construction of a new parking garage. “It’s a part of our ‘master plan’,” Muncy said. They are still looking into different sites, but nothing will begin until 2015.

Dietary Dilemmas By Kate Lindsley Contributor

How many fruits and vegetables do I actually have to eat every day? Can I get away with eating all of them on one day of the week, and eating Lucky Charms the other six days? As easy as “banking” your produce sounds, it doesn’t really make any sense from the benefit point-of-view. The whole reason you eat fruits and vegetables is for major vitamins, minerals and fiber. If you were to eat salad and drink fruit smoothies all day long for one day of the week, you would feel full and probably bloated. Think of it this way: to fulfill the USDA’s recommended intake of two and a half cups of vegetables, and two cups of fruit per day, you would have to eat 17.5 cups of vegetables and 14 cups of fruits. In one day. Also, I hate to break it to you, but most vitamins are water soluble. That means that whatever your body doesn’t need right when you eat it gets peed right back out. The same goes for minerals. As for the vitamins that are fat soluble, you don’t find very high concentrations of those in vegetables or fruits. In addition, the fiber intake could really ruin your day. All of that fiber in one shot? You’ll be worse than Niagara Falls one day of the week, and more stopped up than Texas in a drought for the next six. I don’t call that moderation. Besides, you are probably already eating more fruits and vegetables than you thought. Consider spaghetti with meat or marinara sauce. That right there is approximately half of a cup of fruit (yes, tomato IS a fruit). If you add a side salad – BAM – already up to a full cup of vegetables. Did you choose apple juice instead of pop? Well then say hello to a

serving of fruit. One last thing – don’t stress out because you didn’t hit your goal of vegetables or fruits for the day, or if you went over. Listen to how your body feels and give it the love and care it deserves. Subway put really green tomatoes on my ham sandwich. They’re kind of crunchy...I feel weird chewing them. Why do these tomatoes look and feel this way, and am I going to die? Good question. I looked into it, and it turns out that there are gourmet tomatoes that are green. However, I really doubt that cheapo Subway specially ordered green heirloom tomatoes to make your sandwich more enjoyable. More likely is Subway received a shipment of unripe tomatoes that did not receive the “ethylene glycol” treatment. That chemical speed-ripens the fruit, but will result in a less-nutritive tomato with poor ﬂavor and poor texture. I am willing to bet money that Subway orders these tomatoes because it’s cheaper to harvest the tomatoes all at the same time, regardless if they are all ripe or not. But, in getting to Alaska, I’m also willing to bet money that the tomato distributors mess up once in awhile and forget to put in the ripening chemical/don’t add enough of the chemical/the tomatoes are mutants. What puzzles me most is: they are visually displeasing. Why would Subway even put the ugly ones out? Unless they’re breaded and fried, green tomatoes are just bad news. I’ve been in line with some snooty old ladies before that get really upset and have the nice sandwich makers re-do the entire thing. I call them “tomato snobs.”

EDITORIAL

OPINION

SEAWOLF SNAPSHOTS

Incentives, not investments

The recent Solyndra debacle shows us again that the federal government shouldn’t be ‘picking winners.’ It still has a constructive roll to play in promoting a more green economy The Federal Government’s recently failed bet on the future success of solar panel start-up Solyndra wasted roughly half a billion dollars of taxpayer money. An important impact of the Solyndra failure is that it has given added weight to critics of any government attempt to steer the private sector toward fewer emissions and more green technology. The effect of this boondoggle is further amplified by the continual decline in Americans’ interest (and even belief) in the changing climate. Even Barack Obama, who promised to make the United States a “leader” in the fight against global warming, failed to mention the issue in his most recent State of the Union address. Looking at the 2012 presidential hopefuls, and the relatively cool weather felt across much of the country last year that eased worry for many of a warming globe, it seems that advocates of an American green economy should be bracing for an even colder winter ahead. But this apathetic trend is a tragedy. In the last few years, scientific consensus about the causes and likely effects of climate change, already strong, has increased. Traditionally

uncooperative nations, like China and India, have taken steps to address their own emissions with a cap and trade plan and coal tax respectively. Still, green energy and climate mitigation plans will never gain much momentum in the United States if the government continues to mess up with the ones that we do have. And contrary to what many conservatives would have us believe, failure is not how it has to be. The crucial distinction that leaders who are interested in more green programs should be making is between plans that offer direct investments for companies, and those that offer them incentives. More than just rhetorically, politicians should avoid ‘picking winners’ in the private sector, no matter how noble the intention; like Michael and baseball, it’s just not their sport. This mistake however, isn’t just reserved for socialist Democrats. George Bush’s ethanol subsidies led to overinvestment in a sector that wasn’t naturally the best choice, and an ultimate bust that hurt everyone involved-- even those that wanted more clean sources of fuel. Government is good for reﬂecting and acting on societies’ normative views of what should

be, but it isn’t a good business partner. Incentives for companies and individuals however, for such broad goals as ‘fewer carbon emissions’ and ‘renewable sources of energy,’ combine the best of the public and private sectors. Incentive based policies allow the market to do what it does best; harness individual creativity and pick winners- in more efﬁcient pursuit of worthwhile goals. Cap-and-trade plans and investments in research, rather than production, are two examples of policies that can work. The result of using incentives, rather than investments, will not only be fewer wasted dollars and greater progress towards reduced emissions, but also more public willingness to pursue such plans in the ﬁrst place. As scientists become more certain of the threats posed by global warming, why it is that politicians continue to think they are able to pick winners remains a mystery.

What’s you toughest mid-term?

It’s my first year taking spanish in college, so I think that will be my hardest mid-term

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL

Con is gostitution hard ing to b al Law beca est mid- e my case use of a term mem files I ha ll the orize ve to

James May, 21 ce

Criminal Justi

ics is Phys hard! I’m way r gonna neve mber all reme inematic the k tions! equa

Interpersonal communication, because I don’t read the chapter work

Palin fouls out with nation

First us, now them; the recent news that she would not run is a bitter blow to any support she had left Staff Reporter

The announcement that Sarah Palin would not be running for President did not come as a surprise to her once cordial and fellow Alaskans. While shocking to many of her lower 48 supporters, Palin’s political decline in the eyes of the Last Frontier has been steady since her bizarre resignation from the ofﬁce of Governor. Since then, the “publicity” she has brought to Alaska has been seen as an unwelcome intrusion. From her TLC television show (which many of us winced through as it showed “everyday” encounters with grizzly bears, and Palin cooking cheese hot dogs while speaking radical politics), her exposure shed the wrong light on our beloved state. Now, when our travels take us to the exotic world of the continental US, the ﬁrst question

out of the astonished ignoramus is no longer “Do you own a pet polar bear?” but “Do you know Sarah Palin?!” Our state has become synonymous with the “Going Rogue” star, and while people at least know Alaska is a part of the United States now, the only thing Palin has really

accomplished for our state is an increase in media muckrakers invading our schools and towns for any piece of dirt. It got so bad in 2008 that many people just had to start making up “facts” about Palin while they hastily rolled up their windows

Justin Reede r, 18

Kyle Christians ,1 Undeclared

Internationa

against the pouncing reporter– her secret affair that hurt Todd, the true identity of her baby, the poignant passion of lovers Bristol and Levi Johnston. Her personal life and exploits have been the “talk of the town” for far too long. So Palin’s recent announcement only sparks a “here we go again” from her home state. Meanwhile other loyal supporters seem to be truly hurt. On a support website for Palin, conservatives4palin.com, a man identiﬁed as Mark Dormann wrote, “Sarah I feel betrayed. You are the one we are waiting for. No one else will reform America. ... you have broken my heart :(.”

It is one thing to run a race and lose, but quite another to never start.

Joanie Wassillie, 18

Hospitality and Restaurant Management

STAFF OPINION

By Teresa Kennedy

l Sudies

And that was only one of many sporting the same sentiments. At this point, one can only wonder what Palin could be thinking. It is one thing to run a race and lose, but quite another to never start. When she abandoned the governorship for the national limelight, she lost her home support. Now that she has abandoned the hopes and support of her conservative base in the lower 48, Palin seems to be on a repeated track of alienating those her success relies on. Her blast of fame has dwindled into a faded star, and unless she comes up with another ploy to keep her name in the game, that light may be extinguished. Many conjectures around the country right now say this is not true. They say that she will be great outside of public ofﬁce; that she can do more there; that her time has just begun. But a monument under construction cannot be ﬁnished without its scaffolding,

and Palin has effectively began to topple hers. With the Wall Street protests, a heated Presidential Primary on the horizon sans Palin, and a new season of “Dancing with the Stars,” there will be no more reality television, no more “People magazine” snow machine snapshots, and a greatly reduced band of followers for Palin. Her effect on politics thus far has been tremendous; much like when one throws a boulder into a pond. But eventually, the ripples die out, and Palin’s name, while lightly etched in history, will go down as a crazed fad next to plaid disco pants and Go-Go boots.

October 18, 2011 | 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 Shana Roberson MANAGING EDITOR 786-1313 content@thenorthernlight.org Taylor Hall COPY EDITOR copy@thenorthernlight.org Wiley Cason NEWS EDITOR 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Matthew Caprioli FEATURES EDITOR 786-1567 features@thenorthernlight.org Ashley Snyder 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 Spencer Mitchell WEB EDITOR 786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.org vacant LAYOUT EDITOR layout@thenorthernlight.org Jacqui Lockman ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR news2@thenorthernlight.org vacant ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org Alden Lee ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR arts2@thenorthernlight.org Leroy Polk ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR sports2@thenorthernlight.org Kenzie Masson GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics@thenorthernlight.org CJ Beaudrie GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics2@thenorthernlight.org Nick Foote ADVERTISING MANAGER 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Mariya Proskuryakova ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Samantha Hitchcock MULTIMEDIA EDITOR multimedia@thenorthernlight.org Vicente Capala STAFF REPORTERS Teresa Kennedy Nicole Luchaco CONTRIBUTORS Bryan Dunagan Daniel McDonald Brett Frazer Tara Nokelby CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Jim Foster 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.

ON THE RIGHT SIDE

Tax increase on the wealthy is unjustiﬁed

By Daniel McDonald Contributor

There seems to be a movement as of late pushing for a tax hike on the wealthiest Americans. This coalition includes President Obama, the Occupy Wall Street protesters, and even fellow columnist Brett Frazer. Indeed, one cannot ignore the cries lamenting the fact that the top 1 percent control 70 percent of all the wealth in this country. We need redistributive justice to ensure that the rich are paying their fair share, or so they say. It would be easy to dismiss such a tax increase proposal by pointing out that the top 10 percent already pay 70 percent of all income taxes, or that the cycle of poverty/wealth is largely a myth in America (80 percent of millionaires are ﬁrst-generation), but neither of these objections directly address Frazer’s arguments, which I intend to. His two major justiﬁcations for increasing taxes on the wealthy are that there are arbitrary factors involved in the acquisition of wealth, and that the wealthy owe something to the community that supported them. On both points we’re actually in agreement, only I contend that these observations don’t support his proposal. Anyone who takes the time

RETHINK

to observe the world as it is will have to come to the conclusion that people are different; natural talents are not distributed on an equal basis. There is also obviously an inherent advantage to being born into a family of certain qualities. Undoubtedly our society does not operate as a “genuine meritocracy”, but does this fact compel us to make corrective action, or more importantly, is corrective even possible? We’ll have to address both merit and equality of opportunity to better understand the problem. While it is true that there are arbitrary factors involved in the ﬁnancial success of individuals, it does not follow that all success is due to luck. Surely merit exists, and therein lies the problem. How can anyone determine what distributive justice ought to be for more than 300 million people? Nobody has the knowledge to possibly determine whether wealth was accumulated due to luck or merit, therefore those interested in “corrective action” can never really enact true distributive justice. Instead, they propose an across the board tax increase with the assumption that everyone at the top of the economic ladder arrived there based purely on arbitrary factors; their analysis completely

leaves out the possibility of effort and lumps everyone into the same group. The second term that must be further discussed is equality of opportunity. According to Frazer, “Arbitrary factors that give some people greater opportunity than others violate the principle of equality of opportunity.” Again, it is obvious to anyone that true equality of conditions does not exist; however, the aspiration of equality of opportunity is misunderstood in this sense. Most advocates for equality of opportunity realize that in the real world, we can never achieve perfect equality. Much like the statement in our own Declaration that “all men are created equal”, it is meant to communicate that we all deserve equal treatment under the law, that we have the same rights as citizens. Moreover, the rule of law is in direct confrontation with this sort of cosmic justice which Frazer appears to be advocating, because the rule of law means applying the same rules to everyone, regardless of circumstances or inequalities. Rather, he would have us rely on some arbitrary sense of justice (which he lacks the absolute knowledge to truly fulﬁll) targeted at different groups. Additionally, in the subsequent

article, he argues that the wealthy ought to pay taxes because they owe something to the community. This is an obvious truth to everyone, excluding perhaps anarchists. Taxes are required to protect life, liberty, and property. Furthermore, the wealthy ought to pay more than those with less due to the simple fact that they have more property to protect; they have more at stake. But if it were the case that all the government restricted itself to were law enforcement, roads, schools, firemen, and basic utilities, we’d be living in Ron Paul’s libertarian paradise. The federal government currently rakes in $2.1 trillion annually, add state and local, and that number climbs to $4.5 trillion. The debate isn’t over the existence of taxes, but whether further revenue is justified when we continue to spend billions on unnecessary wars, out-ofcontrol entitlement programs, and regulations which siphon roughly $1.75 trillion annually. We ought to expect a better budget solution from our representatives than a tax increase, which in itself is insufficient to closing the budget gap and foolish during a time of economic hardship.

Tax the Rich, Part 3: Gross inequity hurts GDP By Brett Frazer Contributor

Raising taxes on the wealthy isn’t just an issue of distributive justice; it would actually have desirable economic consequences. What is a “desirable” economic consequence? There are three standards we can use to evaluate the desirability of various economic systems. First, a desirable system should be efficient. This means that the prices of various assets accurately reflect their value. In an efficient market, the price of a house would be predictable and stable, rather than volatile. Efficient markets tend to grow more slowly in the short-term, but they avoid the asset bubbles that characterize inefficient markets. Second, increases in aggregate GDP should be accompanied by a corresponding increase in GDP-per-capita. If the total size of the economic pie is increasing, everyone should be able to enjoy that wealth. Third, the power of money should be maximized. When a dollar is spent, it isn’t just spent once. When consumers buy goods and services, the providers of those goods and services spend the money they use again. This happens over and over again, and as money exchanges hands while moving through the economy. This phenomenon is known as the “multiplier effect.” The more a dollar is spent, the more it boosts

aggregate demand. How do we implement policy that satisﬁes these conditions? First, let’s take a look at the status quo. Income taxes on the wealthiest Americans are the lowest they’ve been since 1929. In terms of tax revenue as a percentage of GDP, the U.S. collects less in taxes than almost every other OECD country, and correspondingly has greater economic inequality than the rest too. Moreover, income inequality today is greater today than at any other time in the last thirty years. The bottom line: in both relative and absolute terms, the wealthy today are richer than ever. Now, if the wealthy were truly the “job creators,” then where are all the jobs? There are hundreds of billions of dollars just waiting to be invested in small businesses, so what’s happening? Well, it turns out that the wealthy aren’t “job creators” at all. It makes more sense for rich people to buy sports cars than to invest in small businesses. Why? Because the wealthy do the same thing with their money that everyone else does. They try to increase their well-being. When a wealthy person wants to increase their well-being, they’re looking to increase their satisfaction in both absolute terms and relative terms. So if Gary is super wealthy, and lives in a neighborhood with other super

wealthy people, he’s going to spend his money on things that increase his satisfaction relative to the people around him. So if Gary’s neighbor Sam owns an $80,000 sports car, then Gary will want to buy a $90,000 sports car to increase his relative satisfaction. Some people seem to think that Gary wants to create jobs for everyone. This is nonsensical. Unless Gary expects a massive return on his investment in a small business, he’s going to buy a sports car. This phenomenon is something economists call “relative deprivation.” It occurs in economic systems with gross economic inequality. This is because as incomes skyrocket, the standard of living drastically changes. A chain of comparisons begins with the wealthiest earners, and then cascades down to the middle class. Few middle-class people aspire to live in a 44,000 sq. ft. mansion like Bill Gates’, but by building that mansion, Gates set a new benchmark for other exceedingly wealthy people, some who subsequently built mansions just as big. These next mansions ratcheted up the aspirations of people below them, who were just “rich,” as opposed to exceedingly wealthy, and who began building larger homes than they had before. Another example is that the typical wedding in 1980 cost $11,213. In 2007, it cost $28,082.

What’s interesting, however, is that weddings first became more expensive for the wealthy, and then slowly for everyone else. The only way middle class Americans can keep with the inflating cost of just about everything is to rely on credit. As the middle class watches the rich get richer, they don’t want to feel left behind. The standard of living has certainly increased in the last thirty years, but most people can’t afford the new, higher standard of living. Are we genuinely living better lives by borrowing to keep up? I’m not convinced. Using credit to keep up with the rising standard of living isn’t people being irresponsible. This is simple behavioral economics. People make money so they can buy things that make them happy. When the things they buy make them less happy, then they have to buy more. Allowing hedge fund managers to report their earnings as long term capital gains contributes to the problem. Lowering taxes on the wealthy to buy more sports cars contributes too. Taxing the wealthy mitigates the problem, and empowers the middle class. Unless we address ballooning economic inequality, our economy will continue to suffer. Increasing taxes on the wealthy is a powerful way to stabilize the economy, and fight against the economic harms of relative deprivation.

OCTOBER 18, 2011

B Section

otio M

THE NORTHERN LIGHT’S SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT SECTION

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

Framboise, not your typical beer

Out North houses new collaboration between local dance group and poetry

A&E

“Footloose” too loose?

Momentum Dance Collective combines dance and poetry in the show ‘Off the Page’

B3 B2

INTERNET TV A&E

Web-only television shows on the rise

BEST OF THE WORST SPORTS Overtime: Top

10 worst college mascots

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL SPORTS

For UAA, grit and toughness equals victory

CROSS COUNTRY SPORTS

Teams prepare for defense of GNAC titles

By Heather Hamilton

congregate. Many, including the Momentum Dance Collective, took up residency Art takes many shapes and forms; it can be a painting on a at Out North. The artists wall, a statue at MTS loved in the park, a collaboration, melody by a and Out local musician, a North is now dance in a recital serving as a or even a pencil venue for that scribbling on a idea as well. scrap of paper. Momentum As creativity is currently expands upon running a dance itself and artists production take chances, where six art mediums choreographers are sometimes have created combined to dances for 13 make something - Jimmi Ware poems by local new, unique and poets. unified. “‘Off the Page’ This is what’s happening at Out Momentum’s first North Contemporary Art House. is After the closing of MTS Gallery collaboration out of Out last summer, the artists of various North Theater,” said Becky Amy Mushett performs in “Off the Page” on Oct. 14. disciplines who called the gallery Kendall, the artistic director and performance space home of Momentum. “The goal is to together and start producing had to find somewhere new to bring all of these different artists work that’s a little bit more

A&E Editor

“It was almost like they were with me for the inception of my poem. I told the choreographer, Irenerose, after I saw it, ‘How did you know?’”

PHOTO BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL

A&E

REVIEWS

interdisciplinary.” The collaboration of dance and poetry is relatively new to Anchorage. Often, poets will read or recite their poetry, and one or two dancers will illustrate it through movements in the background. In this production however, the dancing is the main focus, with the poetry serving as both inspiration and background to their pieces. Momentum and their collaborating poets keep the experience fresh as well, offering their works in different combinations and capacities depending on the piece. “Sometimes the poem is the inspiration and it’s just in the program, sometimes it’s spoken on the stage, sometimes they’re projected on the screen, so it’s got a

SEE POETRY PAGE B5

UAA stomps Nanooks to keep pace in GNAC Sweep of UAF saw Seawolves hit their highest attack percentage in a decade in front of sizeable crowd By Kenzie Masson

“Fairbanks did really well the second set they picked up their The UAA Volleyball team game a lot,” sophomore middle crushed UAF in an energetic blocker Robyn Burton said. “They match Oct. 15 supported by one had a lot of ups and had some good of the best fan turnouts UAA has serves. We had a few misreads on seen so far this year of nearly 800 our side of the net, but we looked people. past it and did what we had to do The girls swept the first set on our side to win it.” 25-16 followed by a close second The girls seemed to struggle set, 25-22. in the beginning of the third and had difficulty communicating on the court. “It’s different when you have 800 people, it’s hard to hear each other,” UAA Head Coach Chris Green said. Despite the few errors, the squad pulled through and took the third set 25-13 winning the match 3-0. “We just took a few deep breaths and came together as a team, motivated each other and fired each other up,” Burton said. The team not only stomped their biggest rival, but also set an attack percentage of UAA junior outside hitter Nikkie Viotto goes for the .412, which is a high for kill during the Seawolves 3-0 sweep of UAF on Oct. 15 this season and their best at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. The victory keeps since 2002. UAA in a tie for second place in the conference and only a half game out of the top spot. Burton had a .765 Assistant Sports Editor

attack percentage contributing 13 kills on 17 attacks. “Our passing was on and when the pass is on, the set is usually perfect and we can just swing away,” Burton said. “Everything just came together.” Senior outside hitter Jackie Matthisen also had 13 kills to continue her strong play as of late. Junior hitter Ariel Austin also pitched in with seven kills of her own on the night. Kimya Jafroudi, a 5’7 junior setter, helped lead the offense with 37 assists. “Offensively, we did a great job, passing was pretty good,” Green said. “Kimya ran a great offense and our hitters, we have to give credit to our hitters. They did a great job,” On the defensive side, sophomore libero Quincy Haught had 10 digs. The win moves the team to 12-6 overall and 8-2 in the GNAC. Also, the victory keeps UAA in a second place tie in the conference and a half game out of ﬁrst place. The race for the GNAC title continues to tighten as the season approaches the home stretch. Western Washington (11-4 Overall, 9-2 GNAC) is a half game up on both UAA and Seattle Paciﬁc (14-5, 8-2). Northwest Nazarene (11-5, 8-3) is also within

PHOTOS BY KENZIE MASSON/TNL

UAA sophomore Robyn Burton soars for an upcoming spike during the Seawolves 3-0 sweep of UAF on Oct. 15 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. Burton had 13 kills and a .765 attack percentage in the win.

striking distance, as they are only a game back of WWU. Western Oregon (8-7, 7-4) is still very much in the fray as well just two games back. Next up for ‘Wolves is a meeting with the Vikings of WWU on Oct. 20 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex. The Seawolves have already dealt Western a defeat back on Sep. 24 when UAA went into Bellingham, WA and beat the Vikings 3-1. In a game that has all the makings for a classic, Green knows how big the home-court advantage could play for the Seawolves as they look to leapfrog

the Vikings by sweeping the season series. “We would love to have this crowd on Thursday night against Western Washington,” said Green. “It’s going to be a big game.” The season-high crowd against UAF was the ﬁfth-largest crowd to ever attend a Seawolves volleyball home game. After the showdown with WWU, the ‘Wolves will play host to winless Simon Fraser (0-15, 0-11) on Oct. 22.

B2 MOVIE REVIEW

ALBUM REVIEW

Sacriﬁcing good acting for more modern dancing and a sexier overtone wasn’t the brightest move for Hollywood

Goth rock band Evanescence gives strong comeback

By Heather Hamilton

By Bryan Dunagan

TNL

A&E| October 18, 2011

‘Footloose’ remake loses charm, class and character A&E Editor

In the small town of Bomont, a car accident after a dance leaves five teenagers dead, and the rest of the town in shock. As a result, dancing is banned for the town’s minors. If this sounds like the back-story of the 1984 movie “Footloose,” it is. Thankfully, it is also the back-story of the 2011 remake. For those who haven’t seen the original, and have no idea what the basic plot is, here’s the lowdown on the 2011 version: big city kid Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald, “Center Stage: Turn It Up”) moves to live with his aunt and uncle in the small town of Bomont, GA after his mother dies of leukemia. He learns that teens are prohibited from dancing and with the help of a few friends (and hottie Ariel Moore (Julianne Hough, “Burlesque”), the daughter of the reverend who pushed for the ban in the first place) he rebels and tries to revoke the ban in time for their senior dance. The “Footloose” remake does a good job of minimizing certain changes while playing up others. One change I completely support is the updated dance style. It is very reminiscent of the “Step Up” movies, which while lacking ‘80s charm, is impressive in quality and great dance eye candy. This revamped dance style may not bring in many new viewers, but it definitely helps keep them interested. Die hard fans of the

original may unfortunately be turned off by this glaring change.

A particularly vexing change to the remake however, is the lack of good acting. Or even the

to be cool and collected. His role was often a little over the top, but at least the boy can dance. Hough, like Wormald, is a professional dancer who has been in a few movies that showcase her dancing, and her acting reflects her lack of training in this field. I feel that she tried to stray too much from the original character; Ariel is a fun, beautiful and rebellious girl. Hough’s portrayal of her gives her a sultry and angsty vibe that was never in the original. Ariel, as a character, doesn’t need to be overly sexy; her free and beautiful personality is supposed to be what attracts Ren (and the audience), not her overly flirtatious advances, “come hither” facial expressions, and husky voice. So, while the movie is virtually the same as far as plot is concerned, the dancing is (wonderfully) upgraded, but acting talent was sorely sacrificed in the process. Don’t bother seeing this one in theaters; the big screen will only make it worse.

Ariel, as a character, doesn’t need to be overly sexy; her free and beautiful personality is supposed to be what attracts Ren (and the audience), not her overly flirtatious advances

Contributor

Gothic rock group Evanescence is back with a new, self-titled album. The album, titled “Evanescence,” is more of their usual introspective piano fueled music, but played a little heavier this time around. It comes as a bit of a shock when you expect to hear something very speciﬁc from a band like Evanescence, and it turns out to be a lot harder than you’re used to. They may have even crossed over to the metal side of the tracks this time around. Couple this with the sweeping piano arrangements, and it creates an epic orchestral feel. The lead single is the ﬁrst track on the album, “What You Want.” This track is a big clue to how hard this album is as a whole. It’s also a bit pop-y, which is where they are also moving towards, besides metal. Still, Amy Lee’s vocal range is as impressive as always, shifting from low to high both quickly and strongly.

“My Heart is Broken” is another song that is noteworthy off of the album early on. The dirty guitar rifts feel ready to almost pounce at every turn, bringing the glory of metal with them. Following this track is the fantastic “Erase This,” a track about hearing something about your love, and then not able to forget that lie. Similar to past Evanescence releases, you could zone out and listen to the album, and it’ll still sound good. Actually listening to the album provides more depth, however. Multiple listens deﬁnitely helps the album’s case. Getting the album is a must for fans, and for those used to the group but not familiar with any songs other than their singles. It’s a good listen, and makes for great study music as well. ALBUM: “Evanescence” ARTIST: Evanescence RECORD LABEL: Wind-Up RELEASE DATE: October 11, 2011

Movie: “Footloose” Director: Craig Brewer Starring: Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Dennis Quaid Run Time: 113 min. Genre: comedy, drama, music

lack of acting at all. Wormald is a professional dancer, not an actor. He’s great to look at, but he looks unsure of himself during the movie, even when he’s supposed

presents

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

RAPTURE

The Grace Of Your Love

SLOW CLUB

Paradise

GAUNTLET HAIR

Gauntlet Hair

BIG TREE

This New Year

BIG BLACK DELTA

BBDLP1

FRONT BOTTOMS

The Front Bottoms

DAWES

Nothing Is Wrong

DEAD TREES

What Wave

WEEKEND

Red

MATES OF STATE

Mountaintops

October 18, 2011 | A&E

GAME REVIEW

DRINK REVIEW

By Leroy Polk

Assistant A&E Editor

Prepare to die. Not only does this serve as the URL for the “Dark Souls“ official website (www.preparetodie.com), but also some practical advice for players. Prepare to die, a lot. This title will challenge both dexterity and wit, often times requiring perfection just to proceed. But due to this difficulty, success feels infinitely more rewarding when achieved. “Dark Souls” is a role-playing game (RPG) that is action-based like “Legend of Zelda,” instead of strategy-based like “Final Fantasy.” Created as a “spiritual successor” by the same team responsible for the infamously unforgiving 2009 title, “Demon’s Souls,” this game lives up to the hype in terms of sheer difficulty as well as the creative and mechanical elements that made “Demon’s Souls” a sleeper hit. The first of these is character creation. “Dark Souls” improves upon the character customization of “Demon’s Souls” in that it also allows a degree of body-proportion choices such as muscular, scrawny, bloated, and more. As soon as the player’s character has been created, the story takes flight. As with its predecessor, “Dark Souls” begins by throwing the player into immediate peril and

hopelessness. In “Demon’s Souls,” this meant matching the player against impossible-to-defeat foes within the first 5 minutes of the tutorial stage, after which the screen flashes “YOU DIED” and returns you in ghostly vestige to the central “Nexus” stage. In “Dark Souls,” however, the player is afforded even less time as a human – they begin the game dead, in ghoul-like form, locked in a dungeon. This effectively sets the tone of utter despair that “Dark Souls” continues to cultivate throughout the entire game. The world in “Dark Souls” is much more open-ended than the previous game. “Dark Souls” embodies the same flawless leveldesign, but affords the player more freedom. Wandering around from area to area, the player can encounter dungeons, temples, bosses, all in a more organic way. The areas are never linear and don’t feel artificial, instead being much more organic, like corners of a real world, waiting to be explored. In terms of a dungeon-crawler experience, this kind of realism goes a long way in affecting the player. The story elements are, like the last game, understated. In order for the player to make sense of what is happening, they need to put forth effort. Cut-scenes will never

explain the nature of the story, instead requiring some detective work, reading documents, talking to NPCs (non-player characters), and putting the pieces together themselves. Multiplayer is another thing the franchise is known for, with “Demon’s Souls” winning several awards for its innovative multiplayer mechanics. Essentially the player is alone in their world, but other players may be summoned in phantom form to help (co-op) or invade in order to hunt them down and kill them (player vs. player). Players can leave spectral notes on the ground, to warn of traps, give advice, or prank with intentionally bad information. The game is challenging and, at times, soul crushingly so, unapologetic. However, the game is never unfair about it. As long as the player is thoughtful and patient, the success is always within reach. If players appreciate atmosphere and value a real challenge, “Dark Souls” is a must-have. If players deem linear, GAME: “Dark Souls” DEVELOPER: From Software RELEASE DATE: October 4th

Framboise: between a wine and a beer Fruity at the tip, bitter at the bottle bottom By Heather Hamilton A&E Editor

Lindemans’ Framboise is a lambic beer brewed in Vlezenbeek, Belgium, and boasts such a deep red color that it’s almost purple. The framboise (raspberries) that flavor the drink have a very prevalent aroma that hits you as soon as you open the bottle, and its sweetness is almost reason enough to go through the hassle of opening the standard cap and extra cork. Behind the fruity sweetness of the nose is also a hint of something earthy, but it is faint. The top is as sweet as the scent, and the dominance of the raspberry flavor reminds immediately of wine. As the lambic slides back however, the sweetness is lost to the bitter flavor that characterizes most beers. The changeover time between flavor qualities decreases with each sip as well. The very back of the taste, after you’ve swallowed the lambic and the flavor begins to fade, is the earthy taste scented before. This is

Comedy Hypnosis Show - October 19

October 17 - 24, 2011

FOCUS EVENTS CALENDAR

Compiled by Leroy Polk

Language of Trees October 17 - 23

Carnival - October 20 - November 13

The lives of a young woman and her son are turned upside down when she learns that her husband, a civilian American translator working in a Middle East combat zone, has been taken as a hostage by extremists. More information is available at http:// alaskapac.centertix.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=884

Fiddler on the Roof - October 21 - 27 The Tony Award-winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal embarks on its North American Tour. Fiddler on the Roof has been lauded by critics and won the hearts of people all around the world. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, Fiddler on the Roof is a timeless classic. More info: http://alaskapac. centertix.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=806

most noticeable at the very bottom of the bottle, where the earthy and bitter flavors are almost too much. This change in flavor type is likely a byproduct of the double fermentation that produces the lambic. The Framboise by Lindemans is a tasty brew if you’re a fan of raspberries. It’s different from other raspberry brews (such as the Raspberry Wheat from Moose’s Tooth) in that it is double fermented. The raspberries are added after the first round of fermentation, and the sugars in the berries create a second fermentation. This affects the overall flavor and composition of the brew (the wine-like top and very brew-like finish). If raspberries aren’t your thing, or if you aren’t a fan of fruity beers in general, this isn’t for you. But if you’d like a mild and fruity beverage to go with your dinner (or dessert), this is a good brew for you. Just watch out for the bottom of the bottle. PHOTO BY HEATHER HAMILTOM/TNL

‘Dark Souls’ a hardcore and unforgiving gaming experience

This Tony Award winning Fairy tale will charm and enchant you. Promising to dazzl the audience with glitz and glamour, circus acts, the puppets (Carrot Top, Horrible Harry, Maugerite, and Reynardo the Fox) and the hauntingly wonderful music! More information is at Cyrano’s website at www.cyranos.org

Spencer, the World’s Fastest Hypnotist and Tommy K, Alaska’s #1 Hypnotist will pair up for a hilarious audience participation show for the entire family. You will laugh till you cry as you or your friends get hypnotized and become the stars of the show! Over 1,000,000 people have been mesmerized by Spencer and now you can see the show or be the show! The October 19 show will be at UAA’s own Wendy Williamson Auditorium, more shows will be happening, full details here: http://www.sleepnow.com/Alaska.html

If you missed the ‘60s the ﬁrst time around, this is your chance. The Anchorage Museum is throwing a swanky cocktail party inspired by the television sensation “Mad Men.” Nibble on classic cocktail party appetizers prepared by Muse, enjoy a vodka tasting and martinis and events tailored for grown ups. More information can be found at www.anchoragemuseum.org

Mad Museum October 21

A&E| October 18, 2011

TNL

Web TV: what it has to offer, what’s holding it back By Leroy Polk

is varied. As a venue, web TV is relatively new. While television YouTube alleges that more shows have enjoyed over 80 years video is uploaded to their site in of growth, web TV has clocked one month than the three major US in roughly 10. For example, networks have created in the last the largest web TV resource, 60 years. Critics would dismiss YouTube, was only founded it as all junk, and there certainly in 2005. This fact, while not a is plenty, but is it really just quality downside, speaks volumes quantity over quality? As Internet in terms of audience support. It’s video hosting and streaming has young. become more accessible, content Both the largest hurdle and has begun string narrative threads greatest asset for web TV is the together, forming something lack of production value. The greater than “funny cat takes a upside is that anyone can make a bath” or “man web TV show, getting hit but the down by football.” side is that It’s web anyone can television. make a web Web TV show. television, In order or web TV, for shows to is defined air, they must as original go through programming target market made for research audiences to “Professor Brothers” screen cap: and pilots. view online, Though the animation is simplistic, Brad Neely’s As the only find themselves on one of the most rather than characters requirements influential cartoon networks, Cartoon Network. via television for web TV broadcast. are a video Though web TV isn’t as popular camera and a YouTube account, as regular TV, some famous there is effectively no filter. names have gotten involved. Because of this, web TV shows Joss Whedon, creator of such don’t need a large budget in order successful franchises as “Buffy to be made, but they also rarely the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” and have a large budget with which to “Firefly,” created the three-part be made properly. web TV series, “Dr. Horrible’s Viewers shy away from Sing-Along Blog.” membership fees as they don’t This show included famous pay for network TV. Instead, actors Neil Patrick Harris and these shows gain money from Nathan Fillion, so while not commercial sponsors and network exceptionally profitable, “Dr. contracts. Web TV’s production Horrible” drew the attention of quality is stunted in comparison. famous writers and directors, A common work-around increasing web TV’s perception of is either creating content that being viable. requires a small budget, or “A lot of people are watching supplementing the free content ‘Dr. Horrible’ to see if it’s any with merchandise, donation kind of model […] to help pave buttons, or banner ads. Most the way for artists to start working shows utilize a combination of and making a living from the both. “Red vs Blue,” for instance, ground up,” Whedon wrote on his use the in-game engine of the blog. Xbox video game “Halo” in order One great thing about web TV is to render all of their visuals. The that sense of opportunity, already popular web series “Homestar launching several successful Runner” utilizes a low-cost flash careers. Donald Glover began animation engine to render content. by co-creating the web series Live-action web shows like “The “Derrick Comedy,” and has since Guild” or “Dorm Life” emlpoy gained fame from co-starring in a single-camera mechanic to the NBC sit-com “Community,” to convey a “mockumentary” style the feature film “Mystery Team.” similar to TV shows like “The Brad Neely, creator of popular Office.” In this manner, web TV web cartoons like “The Professor manages to skate by on smaller Brothers,” recently got his own budgets, often employing friends series on Cartoon Network titled or family members for free in lieu “China, IL.” of paid actors. Many assume that “web TV” Web TV as a whole isn’t is television shows that were as known as traditional TV produced for broadcast, but have programming, but it has evolved been hosted for re-watching in just ten short years. With low on sites like Hulu or Netflix. overhead and an abundance of People have viewed web TV creative energy behind it, web TV without perhaps realizing that it may eventually set a new standard. is considered a separate entity from mere Internet videos. The explanation for this attitude

Assistant A&E Editor

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October 18, 2011 | A&E

TNL

POETRY: written art reﬂected in dance and motion PHOTOS BY SPENCER MITCHELL/TNL

CONTINUED FROM MOTION COVER

Stephanie Brown translates words into dance for “Off the Page.”

nice amount of variety in the way that the poetry is coming out through the dances,” Kendall said. Dance, often meant to be evocative, translates these poems both literally and through representation. Choreographer and Momentum dancer Irenerose Castillo (also an adjunct professor in UAA’s biology department) chose two

poems, the readings of which are overlaid on music, to inspire her piece. For one of the poets, Jimmi Ware, it was an intense experience to see her work translated into dance during rehearsal. “It’s a whole other entity when you see it in movement,” said Ware. “It was almost like they were with me for the inception of my poem. I told the

choreographer, Irenerose, after I saw it, ‘How did you know?’ From the music, to the movement, to the transition of the movement through the music and the change of the music, everything about it was completely me. If I could have choreographed it myself, I don’t think I could have done a better job,” she said. Ware went on to say that she’d met with Castillo and the two had spoken previously to get a “feel” for one another before the dance was choreographed. “I got a feel for them, they got a feel for me, and as artists, I think great minds think alike, and that’s why it came together so well,” said Ware. Ware has previous experience with productions like this from when she used to live in Chicago, but had yet to see any such

and

audiences, it is also very new to the choreographers and dancers involved. Each choreographer has a different way of creating and structuring their dances, and Castillo chose to utilize her group of dancers in coming up with her piece. “As a dancer, when you hear a word, it can make you move in a certain way; it’s hard to describe,” said Castillo. “I’ll recite the poetry to them [my dancers] and then they will translate that poetry into their bodies, and everyone is different. I’ll use some of that movement and put it in the dance as well.” Amy Mushett conveys the words of local artists through sweeping and ethereal motions. Castillo believes the collaborative show will be a success at Out North, and hopes that more like “Off the Page” will happen in the future. Ware, through her experiences with Chicago audiences, agrees. “Dance adds a very human element to it [poetry]; it adds emotion, because the movement is like a creative version of sign language, in a sense. When you see somebody signing, it doesn’t matter that they can’t talk; you can still look at them and see that emotion in the movements with the hands and the facial expressions; you see it all.” “Off the Page” plays at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20 through Saturday Oct. 22. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $15 for students, seniors and military. Tickets at the door are $25 for the general public and $20 for students, seniors and military.

Ariel Brown looks up at the Out North audience during one of her performances.

performances in Anchorage until now. She said the experience was always “intense” and “thought provoking” to audiences in the past,

believes that it will be the same before audiences at Out North. As new as this particular combination of arts is to local

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#10 Captain University of Tulsa

Cane

–

Born in the 1990’s, Captain Cane took the place of previous nine foot tall Huffy. There has been much talk of retiring the current mascot. He has undergone several procedures to reform his abnormally large head after being voted in the bottom ten mascots nation-wide. Clearly his new head is worse than his previous. No mascot might be a better alternative to this one, however Captain Cane is not ready to give up his command just yet. #9 Sebastian the Ibis – Miami University

This daring duck was born in 1957 as the result of a homecoming competition to select a new mascot for the school. Student John Stormont was first to dress as Sebastian. The current costume is from the 1980’s. His favorite tradition is leading the team onto the field in the Orange Bowl each year where he emerges from a cloud of white smoke. The sight of a deranged duck emerging from a smoky tunnel definitely conveys the intensity of the game. #8 Friar – Providence University Born in 2001, Friar was designed to take the place of beloved Friar Boy the V, a lively Dalmatian who served as the mascot for several years before he passed. Friar has appeared on ESPN’s “This is Sports Center” commercials. He enjoys walking around campus and showing his school spirit when he’s not pumping up the crowd at sporting events. The innocent Dalmatian would strike

more fear into their opponents and a hooded friar boy. #7 Big Red – Western Kentucky University

Born in 1979 this “spirit of the west” was designed by student Ralph Carey. Big Red’s signature moves include the belly slide and the belly shake. In 1996 he reached the ﬁnal four of ESPN Spirit zone’s Battle of the Mascots. In 2005 he was voted favorite mascot at the NCAA Mascot Marina celebration in Indianapolis, IN. Whoever voted clearly needs a little redirection and education about what a real mascot is. #6 Brutus the Buckeye – Ohio State University

Brutus was born in 1965. The majority of other colleges at the time had live animals as their mascots, however OSU student Ray Bourhis convinced OSU athletics to make Brutus the official mascot, deemed the only suitable mascot would be a buck deer. Bourhis eventually came to the conclusion this was too difficult and retired the idea, thus creating Brutus. He earned his fierce name in a campus wide contest. Brutus was originally a 4o pound fiberglass shell. He has since lost weight and loves going to sporting events alike. His latest scandal involves an outbreak between him and foe Rufus the Bobcat of Ohio University #5 The Fighting Pickle – North Carolina School of the Arts This prideful pickle was born in 2010 as a contest winner after UNCSA held a competition to create a new mascot. 27 students

B6 The top ten worst ofﬁcial mascots in college sports submitted entries to the contest. Dina Perez, a sophomore costume design student is responsible for the creation. This ﬁghting pickle is eager to take on the 2011 season and show off the new school mascot. Need I even say anything about this? #4 WuShock – Wichita State University

The idea for WuSchock was born in 1904 when a poster promoting a football game against the Chilocco Indians was posted, referring to WSU as the “Shockers”. When they weren’t in season, many athletes harvested wheat for extra money, also called shocking, hence the team manager chose the name. The WuShock, which was created by students, is a combination of the school’s abbreviation WU and shocking. The “muscle bound bundle of wheat” confesses to being a bad boy having been kidnapped and kicked out of games. He’s even made an appearance in a movie. He loves going to sporting events to excite the crowds and appear at special events on campus. Seriously? Who designs there school mascot around grass? #3 GeoDuck – Evergreen State University

Pronounced “gooey duck,” the mascot came out of his shell new and improved in 2006, reintroduced at a men’s basketball game where he received a standing ovation. He is the creation of student Alice Dietz. A geoduck, in case you were wondering, is an aboriginal mollusk of the Paciﬁc Northwest. It has a large tubular organ that protrudes from its shell that is used to eject and take in ﬂuids. It weighs in at three pounds and lives up to 150 years. How intimidating.

#2 Gaylord the Camel – Campbell University Gaylord, born in 1933 took the place of former mascot the Hornet. The nickname “The Camels” was

derived when Dr. Campbell feared the fate of his university and his friend reassured him, “Your name’s Campbell; then get a hump on you. We’ve got work to do!” Campbell misunderstood him and thought he had said, “You’re a camel, get a hump on you,” thus the nickname. Despite the camel’s 78-year streak as the mascot, it might be wise for CU to return the hornets. #1 Sammy the Banana Slug – The University of CaliforniaSanta Cruz Ofﬁcially born in 1986 Sammy

kicked of his career with a victory against the second school mascot, the sea lion. Students deemed Sammy the unofficial mascot in the University’s early years. However, the Chancellor declared the sea lion a better suitor. The students refused to give in and fought for the slug. After five years the Chancellor reluctantly gave in and declared the banana slug as the official UCSC mascot. Sammy is most proud of receiving a full page spread in People’s Magazine as well as appearing in Reader’s Digest and Sports Illustrated. Sammy recently celebrated 25 years as the official UC Santa Cruz mascot. It doesn’t look like this unfortunate slug is going anywhere any time soon.

October 18, 2011 | SPORTS

UAA Women’s Basketball takes no shortcuts; focus is on ‘toughness, grit, and getting after it’

Picked to ﬁnish ﬁrst in their conference by the coaches’ poll, Seawolves will continue to rely on their proven blueprint of defense and toughness to set them a foot ahead of the rest of the pack By Taylor Hall Managing Editor

For a team that has been the equivalent of basketball royalty the past several seasons, the UAA Women’s Basketball team sure likes to roll up its sleeves and focus on the not-so-elegant side of the game. Defense and toughness have been staples of the program since UAA Head Coach Tim Moser arrived on campus six seasons ago. “I think the biggest thing is we focus on the things that win,” Moser said, who has led UAA to the NCAA Tournament in each of his ﬁrst ﬁve seasons. “People get caught up in offensive side of it and it’s something I haven’t bought into it. “I think it’s more toughness, grit, and getting after it.” This mentality has helped transform UAA into a perennial power in both the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) and national landscape of Division II women’s basketball. The Seawolves have enjoyed a national-best 65 straight weeks ranked amongst the Top 25 nationally and Moser’s 84 percent winning percentage (135-27

record at UAA) as a coach is the highest amongst active Division II coaches.

the unanimous favorites to win the GNAC in the preseason coach’s poll. However, it’s business as usual for the ‘Wolves as they continue to prepare for their GNAC title defense. “It’s an honor, but it’s not our season,” said UAA Assistant Coach Rebecca Alvidrez. “We have bigger goals than being ranked early on. It’s what we do at the end that’s all that going to matter.” Though many teams fear upcoming games against the Seawolves, UAA knows that their reputation has a knack for bringing PHOTO BY PAT MCCORMICK/TNL out the best in Junior sophomore Alysa Horn looks for room to get to the their opponents. basket against Seattle Pacific last season. Horn was named They also know to the All-GNAC Second Team last year while averaging 11.4 that other teams points and 6.1 rebounds per contest. will be lurking So it may not come as a and waiting for their chance at the surprise the Seawolves are almost champs.

“I think it says something about the pride and respect our opponents give us, which is nice, but it means nothing,” Moser said. “It just puts a bigger target on our back.” Players were quick to follow suit of the coaching staff and realize they will have to earn everything the hard way this season. “If people are putting you up there, then they are definitely going to be coming after you,” said junior forward Alysa Horn. Horn, an All-GNAC Second Team selection last season, has been quite the feel good story for the Seawolves. After redshirting her first year and then becoming a role player off the bench during her freshman year, Horn really jumped last season to one of the focal points of the team. She quickly went from fill-in to star in just two seasons time. So what will it take for Horn to continue her success? Simply put: more work. “I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Horn said. “I’m here to contribute and give my best and I’m going to step up to that challenge.”

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Her averages of 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last season may have come as a pleasant surprise to those outside the team. However, those within the team may have seen it coming. “She’s a great player,” said senior forward Hanna Johansson. “She worked so hard everyday consistently so I’m not surprised she is where she is today.” Horn and Johansson made quite the tandem last season on both ends of the court and will be relied upon to help bring along the new faces in the program. “The longer I’ve been (coaching), I think that the returners are the key,” Moser said. “They’re the ones who’ve been through the battles and understand the program.” Johansson, an All-American candidate this season, has to be considered the face of the program and a pretty good candidate for the role of one of the UAA leaders. A First Team All-GNAC selection last season, the Gothenburg, a native Swede averaged 13.2 points per contest last season, good for ﬁfth in the conference. She also pitched in with an average of 6.8 boards per

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TNL

SPORTS| October 18, 2011

Undefeated UAA prepares for their GNAC title defense

GRIT: Johansson, Horn help instill mentality

Seawolves’ XC voted second in West Region coaches’ poll, after a major triumph at Washington invite last weekend

CONTINUED FROM B7

Assistant Sports Editor

Fresh off their three-week break, both UAA Cross Country teams returned to action on Oct. 8 and picked up right where they left off, with convincing wins at the Western Washington Invitational. The women, who earned 45 points, claimed their fourth win of the season followed by the University of Victoria in second, Club Northwest in third, Simon Fraser in fourth and WWU taking fifth. “We were pretty strong, had a good top five, and we were pretty solid with our girls,” said sophomore runner Ivy O’Guinn. Senior Ruth Keino led the women’s team in the 6k at 21:10 minutes. The men scored 33 points followed by the University of Victoria, WWU in third, Club Northwest in fourth and Saint Martins in fifth. Junior Micah Chelimo completed the 10k race with a

winning time of 31:05 minutes. train and prepare for the GNAC It was his second victory as an Championships on Oct. 22. individual this season. For the Seawolves, taking “We were confident with the care of themselves during the race,” Chelimo said. “We’ve been week leading up to the GNAC’s winning and that seems like it’s will play a crucial part in their giving us more title defense. confidence. There is “Staying healthy, having good nothing that pleases sleep, and training. I cannot say us more than being training hard but training smart,” up as a group, as a said Chelimo. “People sometimes team.” train themselves so hard that they Senior Yonatan get exhausted, but I think for us Yilma placed in the training smart staying healthy. top three As our coach for the always says, fourth have good time this thoughts.” season With the with a big meet time of quickly 31:24 minutes. approaching, “I wasn’t too sure the teams going into this race are starting because I had just to feel the gotten off an injury but pressure and I ran a lot faster than I excitement, did last year which is and are a personal record for determined me,” Yilma said. “I’m Top left: Sophomore Ivy O’Guinn to win. just really happy with Above: Junior Micah Chelimo Despite it because it’s been a the tough great year so far.” competition that the women’s Coming out of the Invitational team will face at the GNAC’s, the team will spend a week off to the pressure helps them to train, focus and feel strong. “We’ll see a lot of the same competition that we just raced against (at the WWU Invite). It’ll be good, it’ll be really competitive and we’ll be racing against some really good girls,” O’Guinn said. “There are some pressures and at the same time we all still feel pretty confident just because we feel strong and we’re doing good now.” The men, after a successful meet in Washington, are ready to go as well. “We won it last year and I definitely think we’re gonna win it this year,” Yilma said. “But our main focus is we want to make sure our pack does well.” The men and women both seem to agree that while they have their own individual goals, their team is what is most important to them. PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DINEEN/UAA ATHLETICS

By Kenzie Masson

game, which ranked her seventh in the conference Johansson, who is not one to talk about her personal accomplishments, was quick to shift the focus back on the team rather than her personal accolades

“I think the best thing for a team is to not think about stuff like that,” Johansson said. “When you do, it will prevent you from keep going forward. Forward motion this season for the Seawolves once again will be to give their opponents a steady dose of defense and toughness.

PHOTO BY PAT MCCORMICK/TNL

UAA senior forward Hanna Johansson drives toward the hole against Seattle Pacific. Johansson is an All-American candidate this season and was an All-GNAC first team selection last season.

and stats. “The most important thing to me is the team and that we win,” Johansson said. “It’s fun to get something that for yourself but it’s not the most important thing.” Johansson also believes that if she or her teammates stop to enjoy their preseason honors, the ultimate goal of winning the last game of the season will quickly get that much more difﬁcult to get to.

“It’s what we’ve been focusing on my ﬁrst three years here,” Johansson said. “Coach Moser always wants us to be play tough and be that team no one wants to play. “For this team, if we can be tighter and tougher, I think that will be the best identity.”

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The Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball team is a narrow favorite to win the 2011-12 Great Northwest Athletic Conference title, according to the league’s 11th annual coaches’ poll, released Oct. 11. The Seawolves – coming off a 24-10 season and an NCAA 2nd Round berth – polled in nearly a dead heat with Seattle Pacific, edging the Falcons 95-94. UAA and SPU tied with four first-place votes apiece, while Western Washington claimed the other two. This year marks just the second time the Seawolves have been favored in the preseason poll, with the original prognostication coming true in UAA’s Final 4 season of 2007-08. The Seawolves return just two full-time starters among their nine letterwinners from 2010-11, when they placed second in the both the GNAC regular season and post tournament, however both are All-America candidates. Senior Taylor Rohde, a 6-9 center from Phoenix, was a First Team All-GNAC selection last year after averaging 16.1 points and 6.5 rebounds, while shooting 61 percent from the floor. Meanwhile, fellow senior Mario Gill, a 6-2 guard from Portland, Ore., was an honorable mention All-GNAC pick who averaged 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, shooting a league-leading 46.3 percent from three-point range. Also featuring fourth-year senior guards Lonnie Ridgeway (6.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and Steve White (4.3 ppg, 3.4 assists per game), the Seawolves are seeking their fifth NCAA Tournament berth in the last seven seasons under head coach Rusty Osborne.

UAA Hockey team stays undefeated, claims more early season hardware Backstopped by sophomore Rob Gunderson’s first collegiate shutout, the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves remain undefeated on the year with a 3-0 victory over No. 15/16 Nebraska Omaha in a non-conference game at the Brice Alaska Goal Rush on Oct. 14. The Seawolves’ attack was spearheaded by the sophomore trio of Mark Pustin, Quinn Sproule and Matt Bailey. Following a scoreless first period, the Seawolves caught fire in the second frame with three straight tallies. The Seawolves were able to hold off the in the final 20 minutes of play for their second win on the season. Pustin started the scoring frenzy at 9:43 of the second on a pass from junior Tyler Currier in the Seawolf zone. Pustin collected the puck in neutral ice and staked it in to the left of UNO’s netminder, John Faulkner, before sending a wrister top-shelf to break the deadlock. Junior forward Alex Gellert was also credited with a helper on the play. Sproule gave UAA a two-goal lead at 14:44 from just inside the blueline with the first tally of his college career. After passes from junior Daniel Naslund and senior Jade Portwood, Sproule fired through traffic and beat a screened Faulkner. The sophomore goal spree was completed just 40 seconds later at 15:24 when Bailey brought it in on the right side of the net and lifted the puck, glove side. Rookie Sam Mellor claimed his second assist on the season, while Gunderson was credited with the other assist, the second of his career. Following the third UAA strike, freshmen goalie Ryan Massa replaced Faulkner in the UNO net. Gunderson (1-0-1), who received the Player of the Game honor, was

credited with 23 saves in the win, while Faulkner registered the loss with 18 saves while Massa had 14 in the relief effort. The Seawolves and the Mavericks Played disciplined hockey throughout the game, with neither team being tagged for a penalty. The last time UAA wasn’t whistled for a minor was on March 3, 2000 against Alaska Fairbanks – UAA won that game at UAF, 3-1. A pair of goals by Portwood and three points by Naslund helped UAA remain undefeated on the season with a 6-2 victory over Mercyhurst in Game 3 of the Brice Alaska Goal Rush at the Carlson Center. The victory also gave the Seawolves the tournament title over rival Alaska Fairbanks, which defeated Nebraska-Omaha 4-1 in the nightcap. UAA won the title on goal differential, edging the hosts plus-7 to plus-6. It is UAA’s first BAGR title since the inaugural event in 2008, and it marks the first time in four years that the Seawolves have swept both of their preseason tourneys (BAGR and Kendall Hockey Classic). The Seawolves (3-0-1) struck early in the opening stanza with three goals, followed by one tally in the second and two in the third for UAA’s best start since the 2007-08 campaign. The Lakers (0-4-0) continue to be winless against the Seawolves, dropping their fifth-ever game against UAA, and fourth of the season. The Seawolves jumped out to a 3-1 lead over the Lakers in the first frame of play on tallies from Sproule, Naslund and Portwood. Sproule, from Hussar, Alberta, picked up his second collegiate goal, putting the Seawolves on the board just 54 seconds into the opening stanza. On a pass from sophomore defenseman Wes McLeod – suiting up for his first game of the season – and junior forward Mitch Bruijsten, Sproule fired a wrister to the left of Lakers netminder Max Strang to beat him glove-side. Naslund, UAA’s current point leader with 3-4—7 totals, gave the Seawolves a two-goal advantage at 9:59 and extend his point streak to four games with his first collegiate shorthanded strike. Gellert fed Naslund the puck in the neutral zone before Naslund skated it in patiently and found the back of the net. The Seawolves led 3-0 at 16:04 when Portwood tallied his first goal of the season and the eventual game winner. Freshman defenseman Austin Coldwell registered his first collegiate helper after firing wide on the net, with Portwood collecting his rebound off the boards and squeezing it by Strang’s pads. The would-be shutout came to an end just a minute and 32 seconds later when the Lakers’ Daniel Bahntge got by UAA goaltender sophomore Chris Kamal at 17:36. Finding the back of the net for the first time with the Green & Gold was Mellor, who picked up a rebound in a scramble just outside the crease and fired it home for his third point of the season at 16:46 of the second period. Claiming assists on the powerplay goal were Bruijsten and junior defenseman Scott Warner. At 3:07 of the third, the Lakers brought it within two with a powerplay tally. The puck was fired by Nick Jones from the point and deflected off of Elliott Jones for a 4-2 score. The game would swing back in favor of UAA at 11:08 and 12:32 of the frame with even-strength goals by junior forward Tyler Currier – his first of the season – and Portwood’s second strike, respectively. The final goal of the night gave Portwood his first multi-goal game since Jan. 15, 2010 against Michigan Tech. Between the pipes for UAA, Kamal (2-0-0) posted 22 saves and earned the win, while Strang was credited with 38 saves in the loss. The Seawolves tallied a season-high 44 shots on net; marking the fourth consecutive night UAA has placed 30plus shots on goal. Compiled by Taylor Hall

COMICS| B10 DOUBLE GROOVE BY LEROY POLK AND SARAH DEFOSSE

TNL

October 18, 2011

HOROSCOPE

YOUR STARS THIS WEEK By Stella Wilder

CRYPTOQUOTE

Solution for Cryptoquote in 10/11 issue: “Inspiration exists, but it has to ﬁnd us working.” - Pablo Picasso

SODUKU

The coming week is likely to see the start of something big, but no matter how big it may become, its genesis is likely to be quite small. Those with a gift for reading the signs and for interpreting messages that are unspoken and unwritten will surely have the advantage at this time. He or she who is able to sense what is going on will be getting all the clues this week, and should understand the true import of what is soon to develop -- even though indicators may belie its ultimate signiﬁcance. This is a good week for getting ready. Some may be compelled to circle the wagons in preparation for what is interpreted as a threat of some kind -- but this knee-jerk reaction can actually serve to twist what is happening. There is nothing good or bad, after all, but thinking makes it so. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- You may have to put yourself on the front lines this week, ready to take the head for that which is only an inherited issue. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You may want to say yes, but something in the details compels you to say no -- for now. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You may want to let your instincts take over and call the shots, as your intellect may complicate things. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -You will want to see things from as many different angles as possible before making a decision. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- An early start not only lets you be more productive, but it allows you to get more done and address many more personal issues. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You may be called in to lend your expertise to a project to which you feel no great alliance -- yet. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You’re interested in broadening your professional horizons, and an offer is likely to come your way that proves irresistible. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- Timing is everything this week; make yourself available to those who are calling the shots. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -You’ll want to know what is going on, not just with you and yours, but with others as well; such farreaching knowledge is essential this week. (March 6-March 20) -You’ll realize that time is actually

on your side this week, and it’s an ally you cannot afford to ignore. ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- Don’t give your darker feelings too much voice; do what you can to maintain a positive attitude. (April 5-April 19) -- What seems to come to you through unusual channels is worthy of closer scrutiny -- and perhaps a trial run. TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You can catch up with ease by making an early start during the morning hours of each of the first two or three days of the week. (May 6-May 20) -- Your instructions to others may have to be more detailed and explicit than usual -- better safe than sorry. GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You’ll wake each morning with a sense that you are in the midst of something you cannot fully control -- but this can prove a good thing. (June 7-June 20) -- Are you ready to relinquish control and become more of a reactive participant in the week’s events? Now is indeed the time. CANCER (June 21-July 7) -You’ll want to be both participant and observer this week; don’t let anything happen without giving it the study it deserves. (July 8-July 22) -- You may feel as though potential is waxing and waning with some irregularity; strike while the iron is hot. LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -Others are likely to gravitate toward you because you have a sense that things can be controlled and influenced in a positive manner. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You needn’t answer for the behavior of another this week -- though you may well want to understand it. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- Midweek may be too late to suddenly decide to take part in what began as the week opens; decide on your role at the beginning. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -It’s a good week to show off what you have been hiding from others for some time; most reactions will be positive. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You may not feel as though you are doing your best work -- but the reaction you get from others may contradict this. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -Issues of quality and quantity are unavoidable; both are important, and neither must be sacrificed.