April62010 by The Northern Light

THENORTHERNLIGHT APRIL 6, 2010

FEATURES

Rotaract:

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

SPORTS

Geared for young adults

OPINION

Bruijsten:

Playing at home

‘New Dances 2010’ to show at UAA’s Harper Studio Theatre

Living the single life: Recovering from a breakup

Health Care Bill affects young adults

By Heather Hamilton The Northern Light

By Jerzy Shedlock

Dance, like many other art forms, spans across nations, generations, genres and perceptions. Few people can say that there isn’t a style of dance that they enjoy to partake in, or at least watch. “New Dances 2010”, UAA’s annual spring dance concert, is an eclectic collection of dance pieces designed by dance students, internationally acclaimed choreographers and faculty members alike; a collection of people as varied as the dances themselves. Guest artist Katherine Kramer, for example, is a celebrated jazz and tap choreographer from Bozeman, MT who has worked with dancers and choreographers in Prague and has plans to take her work to South America next year. Kramer created a piece called “Pause, Facing West” to the music of Tin Hat Trio to be performed by eight members of the UAA Dance Ensemble. The piece reflects on the vast spaces of the American West through sweeping movements. Conversely, UAA alumni Michelle Steffens’ piece in the show is based in tap and percussion. “Work Whistle” performers create their own music to dance by in this performance depicting workers in nine to five jobs. “It’s a very percussive piece,” said Steffens, “We have five dancers, two tappers and a percussionist.” This is Steffen’s second year choreographing for “New Dances”, but there are firsttimers in the program. Computer Sciences senior Ryan Nixon and Business Management sophomore Chris Branche have a little

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The Northern Light

The debate on health care reform has been a hot topic of discussion since President Obama took office in January of last year. After a year of bitter partisan combat, the president signed legislation on March 23, 2010 to drastically change the nation’s health care system. The House of Representatives passed the bill by a 219 to 212 vote. Young adults and college students are affected by the passing of the Reconciliation Bill in a number of ways. While the majority of college-age Americans do not pay for their own health insurance, the bill will mandate and provide health services in the years ahead. One particular reform under Title I of the bill is sure to please many college students and young Americans. It allows parents to keep their children on their insurance plan until the age of 26. That provision takes affect this year. “I find it really hard to believe that any person (of college) age could independently afford insurance, but if you have a parent who has insurance now you can be covered by their plan until an older age,” USUAA President Michaela Hernandez said. “This could cover the entirety of your college experience as well as graduate school, so you wouldn’t be forced to find insurance until you actually enter the workforce.” Assistant Professor of Political Science April Susky recently met a young woman working as a barista. The barista told Susky she had to have a tooth pulled because she could not afford a root canal and she did not get heath coverage from her employer. “That really made me angry: this beautiful hard-working young girl, barely out of her teens, had to make a bad health decision because the good decision was priced beyond her means,” Susky said. “My great grandma had to have her teeth pulled, but she was a pioneer, for crying out loud.”

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NICHOLAS MONEY/TNL

Performers rehearse their moves on April 1st at the Arts Building. The students will be performing New Dances 2010 April 8th through the 18th. “New Dances 2010” fills the UAA Harper Studio Theatre with 35 performers in 10 eclectic dance premieres.

USUAA elections going paperless

Gymnasts finish difficult season

Some positions have no candidates on the ballot, left up to write-ins By Josh Edge

The Northern Light

USUAA elections have gone paperless. Fear not, there will still be voting stations available on campus during the April 6 and 7 elections. The on-campus voting sites will be located in the Student Union, Rasmuson Hall, Commons lobby and the

Social Science Building from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. At each station there will be a laptop set up for students to cast their vote online. Voters are not required to be on campus in order to vote – it can be done from home. Students enrolled in three or more credits are eligible to vote. Online voting can be accessed at the Union of Students website with a

student ID and password, which is followed by a straightforward ballot. The goal of using the online ballots is to provide students with more information about the candidates. It will assist students in making informed decisions before casting their votes. “The great thing about this year is that we are doing the elections online,

on a fully paperless system,” Hinkley Cahill said, Assistant Director for Student Leadership. “It is so the students know that these are the expectations (of the student government officials).” The ballots contain a job description of each position. If voters click on a candidate’s name, they can view a picture of the candidate as well as

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LOGAN TUTTLE/TNL

Senior Courtney Williams finished her career with the Seawolves with five All-MPSF Honors. For more see GYMNASTICS on page 6.

TNL

NEWS| April 6, 2010

HEALTH: Laws of the bill will be mandated over next four years

What do you think about the health care bill passing? Aaron Bartel freshman

continued from coVer

Also starting this year, insurance companies will be barred from denying coverage to children because of pre-existing conditions. Recently, there was some debate concerning whether or not the insurance industry would try to block the Obama administration’s efforts due to questions about the law’s intent and wording. Law applicable to the immediate coverage of kids could also be interpreted in a more limited way that would still allow companies to turn down children with pre-existing conditions. Insurers have accepted the new regulations, however, guaranteeing children with medical problems can receive coverage starting this year. By 2014, insurance companies will be prohibited from denying coverage to adult patients with pre-existing medical conditions or charging them more because of these conditions. New law limits an industry practice of charging older costumers more. Young adults are not as fortunate. According to an estimate by Rand Health, health insurance premiums for young adults are expected to rise about 17 percent over the next four years. Purchasing health insurance will be required by then. The bill is to be paid for by a combination of tax hikes on the wealthy and cuts in Medicare. Companies in the medical industry

SeAwoLF SnApShoTS

civil engineering will also be subject to higher taxes, including insurers, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. Gov. Sean Parnell has expressed grave concern over the passage of the bill. The governor is concerned with the impacts the bill will have on Alaska’s seniors, families, small businesses and physicians. He shares the view with other Americans that forcing citizens into a health care plan they don’t want and one that the nation can’t afford is unconstitutional. Since the bill has been passed, government institutions in the state have been analyzing its financial impacts to Alaska. The analysis is not completed at this time. “The state is going to be spending more money to implement programs and it doesn’t do anything to address the medical workforce shortage we have (in Alaska),” Gov. Parnell’s press secretary Sharon Leighow said. “If individuals are mandated to purchase health insurance, that is definitely a burden on the citizens of Alaska.” The partisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated the bill will cost $938 billion over 10 years and will reduce the national deficit by more than $100 billion over the same period. “I think it’s very accurate when the COB says the greatest way to cut the deficit is to do something about how much of our (gross domestic product)

we spend on health care,” Hernandez said. “I think (the nation) needs some sort of reform.” Effective January 1, 2011, insurance companies will be required to cover preventive services, such as vaccines that are recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The Student Health and Counseling Center at UAA currently provides students access to high quality and affordable primary outpatient and preventative health care. Students who are registered for six or more credits for the current semester and have paid the SHCC fee for that semester are eligible for services. There is no charge for physical or mental office visits. Physical exams, tuberculosis skin tests (PPDs) and HIV screens are also free. Despite the heath care bill being passed, family nurse practitioner of SHCC, Betty Bang, doubts the services or nature of the office will change, as student fees pay for most of the services. Many of the provisions, with the exception of the prescription drug coverage for older Amercians and children who have been denied insurance because of pre-existing conditions, are not expected to go into effect until 2014.

April 16, 1:00-4:00p.m. Group Interview Process Individual Interviews will be scheduled April 8-15. -Event Planning -Create Community -Management Experience -Leadership Opportunity -Resume Builder -Up to 20 hrs/week

Kind of a disappointment. ...I think they kind of took it and shoved it down America’s throats, it’s not what America wanted… and that’s what they did anyway.

Elizabeth McCleer sophomore

nursing

From what I understand, I think that it’s a positive step, I think that there’s a lot to do. There’s probably a lot more legislation that’s going to come after that initial bill. … Sadly I study far more than I’ve been keeping in touch.

Danielle Brusven sophomore

psychology I think everyone should have health care, but I don’t feel like people should be forced to have it if they don’t want it. … I’m pretty happy with it.

Tommy Whitaker military

EMS

It is what it is… My thing is people need to get off their butts and vote if they want to make a change. If not, quit complaining.

Compiled by Lindsay Johnson Photos by Logan Tuttle

April 6, 2010 | NEWS

TNL

UAA athletes succeed in helping Blood Bank for the second year By Stacie Meisner KRUA 88.1 FM

The Student Athletic Advisory Committee and the Blood Bank of Alaska teamed up on Wednesday to collect pints of blood for Alaskans in need. The mobile unit was parked outside the bookstore from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the event, 39 pints of blood were collected, which could potentially save 156 lives. SAAC member Kelsey Fullerton helped organize the community service event. She and several other student athletes provided hotdogs and music to help promote the blood drive for the second consecutive year. Fullerton was optimistic about the success of the drive, hoping it would be just as successful as previous years. “Last year we donated 56 pints, I believe,” Fullerton said. “We were able to save quite a few lives in just one afternoon, so I guess that’s pretty substantial. We’re hoping to at least meet that or exceed that number of pints this year.” Although the drive did collect fewer pints this year, SAAC faculty advisor Dede Allen said the blood bank has changed certain protocol that measures pints and doesn’t schedule as many appointments at the same time. Despite the lower number, SAAC members deemed the blood drive a success, as the mobile bus was full the entire day. Inside the bus, six blood bank workers managed to maneuver

around the small space. Five people donated blood at a time, while two or three waited to be screened. The blood bank tries to accumulate 700 units of blood each week just to meet hospital needs and Mobile Team Manager Aisha Rosario said that number does not include blood needed for traumas that may require even more units. “We always want to keep our levels at the blood bank at a certain amount of units on the shelf,” Rosario said, “but when we have accidents we have to send out a lot more, so we definitely need the help from the state of Alaska.” Rosario and her staff worked from 8 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon, but the day passed quickly as a steady flow of people came by to donate. “It does tend to be a pretty long day, but as long as we’re kept busy the day seems to go by pretty quickly, so it’s not too overwhelming,” Rosario said. “Plus a lot of us know that we’re working because we’re supplying blood for the state of Alaska. Its got a bigger meaning to it, it’s not just us coming to work and collecting a paycheck.” Rosario added that people should not be afraid of donating blood. The donation process is quick and painless. “The worst part about it is probably the finger stick, which everyone has probably experienced one,” she said. Junior civil engineering student Daniel King said he gives blood

every time the bus comes rolling into town. He believes it’s great to help people that need blood because it could someday be him or someone he cares about. “People should be doing this because if anything ever happened to them or someone they love and they needed blood, then it could be your blood that went into that person,” King said. “You’re helping them survive.” As an experienced donor, King says the people working at the blood bank and blood drives are very accommodating and helpful. He urges people to put their fears aside. “When you come in and you hadn’t done it before, they’re ready to help you if you have questions,” King said. “If you’re randomly stepping in because you don’t have an appointment or don’t know how to make an appointment, they’re fine with saying ‘Okay, come on in, you can give blood,’” Donors must meet certain criteria to donate, however, and several stipulations may prevent a person from donating blood. Those who have been out of the country or have gotten a tattoo within the last year, for example, are unable to donate. Fullerton commended SAAC and other student-athletes for their efforts in making the blood drive a success. “A lot of our student-athletes have stepped up and volunteered to give blood,” Fullerton said, “which is really good not only for the athletes, but for UAA.”

ELECTIONS: Student government and other positions up for grabs continued from coVer

an overview of their platform. Hopefully, this will give students the information needed in order to make an informed decision when

‘The great thing about this year is that we are doing the elections online, on a fully paperless system,’ Hinkley Cahill, Assistant Director for Student Leadership they vote. Students will be electing the next USUAA president and vice president, up to 13 senators, up to two concert board representatives and up to two UAA media board representatives. Voters have two choices for the next USUAA student body president. First, running mates

Miles Brookes, running as the presidential candidate, and Kevin Vanderwall, the vice presidential candidate. Brookes and Vanderwall are calling for a constitutional convention in order to develop an improved and more well defined Constitution to better serve the student body. They also pledge to push for the development of a new sports complex, expansion of shuttle services and improved security at residential housing and parking. The second option for voters is Allison Murrell, presidential candidate, and Amie Stanley, vice presidential candidate. If elected Murrell and Stanley will push for every student to have access and opportunity to help make changes through student government. They will also attempt to make the UAA campus a place that encourages and enhances active lifestyles for students.

online voting is available at www.uaa.collegiatelink.net from April 6 at 12:01 a.m. until April 7 at 11:59 p.m.

Campus voting booths are available in the Student Union, rasmuson hall, Commons lobby and the Social Science building from 9:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. on April 6 and 7.

STATewide brieFS Senate narrowly OKs measure to expand Legislature A measure that would let voters decide whether to add 12 seats to the Legislature has passed the Senate. The joint resolution must pass in a two-thirds vote in both chambers before the proposed constitutional amendment can go to voters. Wednesday’s 14-5 vote, which included Senate President Gary Stevens in opposition, was one shy of failing. It now goes to the House, where another version, currently pending, would add six seats.

School bus hit in Wasilla; no kids hurt Alaska State Troopers say a driver attempting to elude police crashed into a school bus. No students were on board during Tuesday’s crash in Wasilla. Troopers say the motorist who hit the bus had been driving recklessly and disobeyed a command to pull over. The driver, 36-year-old Rachael Kennedy of Wasilla, was treated for minor injuries at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. She was then arrested for felony drunken driving, eluding arrest and driving on a revoked license. She remained in jail Wednesday. Troopers say Kennedy’s small red car was totaled and the bus sustained $3,000 worth of damage.

Senate panel passes bill separating oil, gas taxes Legislation changing Alaska’s system of taxing oil and gas production together has cleared the Senate Finance Committee. The measure, separating the two, is now headed toward the Senate ﬂoor. Under the bill, progressivity surcharges for oil and for natural gas produced in Cook Inlet or for in-state use would be calculated separately from gas produced for export. Bill crafters didn’t want to raise taxes on existing production. But they wanted to guard against what they said could be the loss of billions of dollars in revenue, once gas begins ﬂowing through a proposed major gas pipeline. This due to a potential “dilution effect” under the current regime, when oil prices are high relative to gas. A bill analysis shows the measure keeps unchanged the existing base tax rate and progressivity.

Geese spotted in Delta Junction The first geese of the season arrived at Clearwater Lake in Delta Junction. Renowned Delta goose watcher Darlene Chaffin reported the sighting after the birds were first spotted by her granddaughter. She says the 12-year-old came running in with her arms flapping, yelling: “The geese are here! The geese are here!” Chaffin counted a flock of about 20 Canada geese halfway across Clearwater Lake. Chaffin has lived on the lake for almost 40 years and keeps an eye out for the geese each spring. She can recall only one other time when the geese arrived in March.

Corruption figure Bobrick released from probation Former Anchorage lobbyist Bill Bobrick who pleaded guilty to bribery has been released three months early from probation. The Anchorage Daily News reports his probation officer said he no longer needed supervision, and U.S. District Judge John Sedwick agreed March 15. Bobrick pleaded guilty in 2007 to conspiring to bribe former Alaska Rep. Tom Anderson, R-Anchorage. Bobrick served five months in prison, five months of house arrest and began two years’ probation. A jury convicted Anderson of seven public corruption charges in 2007. He is serving a five-year prison sentence. After Bobrick’s guilty plea, the Anchorage Assembly imposed a 10-year moratorium on convicted felons registering as city lobbyists.

UA museum plans chocolate bash The University of Alaska Museum of the North is gearing up for its annual chocolate bash. The fundraiser, called “A Passport to Chocolate” this year, is scheduled for April 10. It begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Fairbanks museum. The event beneﬁts the museum endowment and features international wines paired with a variety of a chocolate appetizers, both sweet and savory. In its 23rd year, the chocolate-theme event helps support the museum’s exhibits and research and education programs. Tickets are $50.

Anchorage drug arrests rise Drug arrests are up in Anchorage and police say it’s because of a greater focus on street-level dealers. Police arrested 675 people on drug charges between September and February — almost doubling the number from the same period three years earlier. Police say the shift to street-level drugs means its investigators are not duplicating work done by the Drug Enforcement Administration, which goes after major trafﬁckers. -compiled by Jerzy Shedlock

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NEWS| April 6, 2010

SAY whAT? Police: Crook with hook tries to reel in cash ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina authorities said a fishing crook never had a chance to land the big one. Police told The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg a robber tried to steal money bags from a bank’s night deposit drop box using fishing line and hooks. Authorities said employees at a First Citizen’s Bank in Orangeburg found a fishing hook in a bag last Friday morning and at least two other hooks in the box. One hook still had a small piece of fishing line attached. The bank said it has security footage of the would-be angler. Police said the crook’s task was impossible because the night deposit boxes are set up with trap doors so that once bags are dropped in, they can’t be taken out the same way.

Ohioans say they’re pursued for paid-off fines COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- Some motorists are complaining that old traffic fines they already paid to one Ohio county are coming back to haunt them. About 1,000 people have contacted officials in southeast Ohio’s Hocking County this week to say they’ve heard from a collection agency about tickets already resolved, in some cases as far back as 20 years ago. Municipal Court Clerk Michele Bell said Tuesday that a glitch that occurred in 1999, when the court changed data systems. The problem surfaced amid the county’s ongoing efforts to recover outstanding debts and bolster its budget. About 10,000 debt-collection letters went out last week. Bell says she’s not sure how many were sent by mistake and how many went to people who still owe money.

‘Tony’ the tiger pulled from moat at SF zoo SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- ‘Tony’ the Siberian tiger is back on display at the San Francisco Zoo after being shot with tranquilizers and hauled out of a moat where he’d spent four nights. Zoo officials say it’s not clear why Tony stayed in the moat. He’s in good health, although he’s 18 and a recent medical evaluation showed signs of senility. Zoo officials decided on Monday that Tony could no longer stay in the dry moat he climbed into Thursday. The excrement was piling up and officials worried about a potential health hazard. So with the help of firefighters, they hit the 360-pound tiger with tranquilizer darts, strapped him to a board and hauled him out with a pulley. Siberian tigers have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years in the wild and 14 to 20 years in captivity.

Calif. woman gets 6 months for fake breasts heist WESTMINSTER, Calif. (AP) -- An Orange County woman’s new breasts cost her six months in jail. Yvonne Jean Pampellonne was sentenced Monday in Westminster for using a fraudulent line of credit to obtain $12,000 in cosmetic surgery, including breast implants and liposuction. The 30-year-old woman had pleaded guilty to burglary, grand theft and identity theft. She was sentenced to 180 days in jail and was placed on three years’ probation. Restitution was also ordered by the Westminster judge, but the amount wasn’t immediately clear. Pampellonne used a line of credit established in another person’s name to get the September 2008 procedures at the Paciﬁc Center for Plastic Surgery in Huntington Beach.

Fla. deputy uses Google Earth to make arrest PACE, Fla. (AP) -- A Florida Panhandle deputy was able to track down and arrest a man on charges of illegally dumping a boat near his home with a surprising tool: satellite pictures provided by Google Earth. Deputy Gregory Barnes used the images after finding an 18-foot boat dumped in an undeveloped subdivision about 15 miles north of Pensacola. Google Earth shows archived satellite and aerial images of communities across the world. Barnes used it to look at the surrounding area and saw a fuzzy image of the vessel at Dwight Everett Foster’s home. Authorities say Foster admitted dumping the boat and his son later removed it. Police say it cost $18 to dispose of the boat at a landfill. Foster faces a $5,000 fine and up to five years in prison.

Court rebuffs Pa. man who didn’t accept vote tally UNIONTOWN, Pa. (AP) -- A failed Pennsylvania judicial candidate who couldn’t believe he received so few votes says he’s ﬁnished ﬁghting now that the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to hear his case. Robert Pritchard Sr., of Fairchance, got 63 votes for a district judge post in southwestern Pennsylvania in the May 2009 primary. He got zero votes in two of 19 precincts. The incumbent got 2,900 votes and another challenger got 957. Pritchard says people could have voted illegally because the county allegedly hasn’t properly purged 25,000 dead or unregistered voters from its rolls. County attorneys say that had nothing to do with Pritchard’s lopsided loss. Two state appeals courts previously rejected his appeal. Pritchard now says, “That’s it. I’m done.” -Complied By Jerzy Shedlock

Gov. Parnell leads marches against domestic violence By Becky Bohrer Associated Press

Alaskans took to the streets Wednesday, holding rallies and marches to draw attention to the blight of domestic violence and sexual assault in the state. In Juneau, Gov. Sean Parnell led dozens of lawmakers, victims’ advocates and others from the steps of the Capitol to a city park, where he signed legislation allowing judges to issue protective orders in cases involving sexual assault. In Anchorage, female onlookers spontaneously joined about 200 marchers, some toting signs with slogans like “Being loved shouldn’t hurt.” In Unalaska, a community potluck and peace march were planned. In all, Parnell’s office said at least 18 communities were holding events. The governor dispatched department officials to many, hoping to shine a light on what he calls an epidemic of violence and his administration’s goal of ending it in 10 years. “Giving people permission to talk about it, like we are here today, that will prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in

the future,” Parnell said. The statistics cited were stark, with the state a leader in rates of rape, child sexual assault and men killing women. Much of that is attributed to the remoteness and tightness of many Alaska communities and to a lack of services to help battered women and children. Other issues include problems with substance abuse and access to mental health services. “Behind each of these statistics is a ruined life, a ruined family,” Attorney General Dan Sullivan told marchers in Anchorage. He called domestic violence and sexual assault a “dark cloud that has been hanging over our state for way, way, way too long.” “We have to come together to begin to change this,” he said. Parnell has a lot invested in the issue. Personally, he’s been open about a grandfather who was abusive and alcoholic, and uses his father as an example of how the cycle of violence in a family can be broken. Politically, Parnell has made cracking down on domestic violence and sexual assault a focal point since inheriting the governor’s office from Sarah

Palin last summer. His administration is pushing four bills related to DNA testing, stricter sentencing and construction of a new crime lab. All are still before the Legislature, and he’s taken heat for what some have called “cops and cages” bills. But he’s optimistic about their chances this session and has been willing to work with lawmakers interested in building on his proposal — or taking advantage of the renewed focus on the issues — to push for greater prevention, outreach or other programs. Desa Jacobsson, a selfdescribed “ordinary citizen” who handed out a press release saying she is running for governor, criticized the initiative as “carelessly planned and carelessly put together for political purposes.” Peggy Brown, executive director of the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, saw things another way. “Today, I’m like, finally. Thank God, some leadership on the executive level in this state,” she said.

State and feds promise to cooperate after wolf kill By Mary Pemberton Associated Press

Miscommunication between agencies is being blamed for the deaths of four research wolves that were shot and killed after venturing outside a federal preserve in northeast Alaska. A five-hour meeting with state and federal wildlife officials was held Tuesday to discuss how state biologists aboard a helicopter shot the wolves on March 17 despite seeing that two of the animals were wearing research collars. The wolves comprised the entire Webber Creek pack. They were killed during the state’s aerial predator control program near the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. The program aims to remove wolves from the Fortymile caribou herd calving grounds and reduce predation on moose. “Our department had a protocol in place to avoid this situation, but unfortunately, in this case, it didn’t work,” Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Denby Lloyd said, who attended the Anchorage meeting by teleconference.

Preserve Superintendent Greg Dudgeon described the meeting as productive. He said collared wolves found outside the preserve could be killed as long as their collars were not transmitting and the wolves did not appear to be from the preserve, according to the agreement between the two agencies. Quinley said Fish and Game has vowed to avoid the preserve’s research wolves. The National Park Service had provided the Department of Fish and Game with a list of radio frequencies for all of the preserve’s collared wolves. The federal agency also provided telemetry equipment for identifying those wolves. Quinley said the problem was that Fish and Game did not receive the photocopied list of the frequencies. Then when it got the list, it was transcribed into another document that had other information in it. The transcribed list was incomplete, he said. In addition, there was a misunderstanding as to which wolves would be avoided. The National Park Service thought the state pledged to

avoid all collared wolves it found outside the preserve boundaries while conducting the Upper Yukon-Tanana predator control program. Predator control is not allowed inside the 2.5 millionacre preserve. State biologists conducting predator control thought they were avoiding collared wolves that were part of active research programs and had collars that were on and transmitting. Quinley said the helicopter teams that spotted the four wolves on March 17 searched for a frequency. When they didn’t find one, the teams pulled back and checked the list again. The frequency they needed was sitting on a desk in Fairbanks, he said. “When they didn’t get a response on the frequencies on those collared wolves, they eventually shot them,” Quinley said. The state wants 185 wolves removed from the calving grounds of the Fortymile caribou herd. The program will be suspended for the year on April 30.

SPORTS

UAA forward Bruijsten going home to play for his country in one of hockey’s biggest tournaments Freshman Seawolf winger Mitch Bruijsten will be representing Team Holland at the upcoming IIHF World Hockey Championships in Tilburg, Netherlands in front of home country on an international stage By Taylor Hall The Northern Light

Even though the UAA Hockey season is finished, you can still find some of the players on the Wells Fargo Sports Complex ice playing pick up games or working individually on drills. Amongst the skaters out there daily is freshman forward Mitch Bruijsten. What separates Bruijsten from his UAA teammates is that while his college season may be over, a whole new one is about to begin. One of which will be on the international stage. Bruijsten was chosen to play for the National Senior Hockey Team for his native country of Holland in the upcoming Division 1 World Championships. On top of that, the tournament itself will be played in his home country and the honor that comes along with it is something not lost on Bruijsten. “It means a lot. It’s fun to be here,” an excited Bruijsten said, who hails from Nijmegen, Netherlands. “All of my family and friends will get to see me play (after not) seeing me play for three years.” The tournament is set to go from April 19-25 in Tilburg. This will be good news for the Bruijsten family as the drive from Nijmegen to Tilburg is about an hour. One doesn’t usually connect the pairing of the Netherlands and hockey together. According to Bruijsten, it’s not big over there at all. Holland has always been a power in the likes of soccer, speed skating and cycling. That can change with a strong showing by the Dutch team, who is currently ranked 25th internationally according

to the International Ice Hockey Federation. The Netherlands is in the Division 1A bracket and will square off the likes of Japan, Austria, Ukraine, Lithuania and Serbia. In fact, if the Netherlands were to win gold in the Division 1A tournament, they would win a spot in the top division against powerhouses such as Canada, Russia and

‘We’re looking for him to be a strong two-way player for us in the future.’ – UAA Head Coach Dave Shyiak

the US. Perhaps with the help of Bruijsten and his Dutch teammates, they can start making their country’s presence felt in the international world of hockey at this very tournament. And why not have high hopes for the growing Dutch team? Having the home ice advantage will give the Dutch team a huge confidence boost and energy level while playing in front of their fans. Bruijsten himself started playing when he was three years old. His father was a goalie back in Holland and got

him started in the game. The game has taken new highs for Bruijsten once he reached the United States Hockey League and his junior team, the Sioux City Musketeers. It was after his second year that the 6’4”, 195 pound forward caught the eye of UAA Head Coach Dave Shyiak. Shyiak was very aware of the raw talent Bruijsten possessed coming out of juniors and was happy with his freshman year in the green and gold. “He’s certainly made some progress this year,” Shyiak said. “We’re looking for him to be a strong two-way player for us in the future.” Bruijsten finished up his initial college year with 2-4—6 point totals. Not bad for a guy who went through adjustment to the college game and played in perhaps the toughest conference in college hockey. “The WCHA (is a) great league with (teams such as) Wisconsin, Minnesota and Denver,” Bruijsten said. “It’s just great hockey.” Perhaps an even bigger stat is that Bruijsten skated in 33 of the team’s 36 games played this season. That number ties him for sixth on the team in games played. It also shows the confidence the coach has put in one of his newest faces. “He’s a good young man who’s very coachable,” Shyiak said. “He works hard and certainly wants to be a player.” Add that he’s going to get even more experience this spring playing for his country at the World Championships, it can only mean an even better and dangerous Mitch Bruijsten next year when the puck drops on the 2010-11 UAA hockey season.

SeASon in review: UAA GYmnASTiCS

GYMNASTICS: Team battles injuries early on, but find positives in season full of obstacles By Drew Neuerburg The Northern Light

Last year, UAA’s Gymnastic team had a stellar year ending with a win at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships. As defending champions, the bar to perform was set high this year. But instead of continuing where they left off, the Gymnastics team got off to a very rough start. The beginning of their season was riddled with injuries. Two of the hardest hits felt when last year’s team MVP junior Leah Wilson and junior Kristy Boswell, stars of the uneven bars, went out with season ending ACL tears. While the team struggled to replace these two girls on the bars, they were able to perform well on vault, floor and beam. With the scores from the uneven bars falling short of last season’s, the other events could not make up the points needed to push UAA to victory in many tightly contested meets. “Our scores have not been quite what I would have hoped for. We started out a little behind last season’s

scores and have been trying to bring them back up with two athletes out of the line-up that we really were counting on,” head coach Paul Stoklos said. Throughout the season, though, the team improved their scores steadily due to new faces stepping up. The likes of senior Meagan Byrne, sophomore Shakea Sanders and senior Courtney Williams continued to get better as the year went on and helped lead the Seawolves find their grip on the year. The trio led the ‘Wolves at the season-ending Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships. Byrne set a new career-high on the floor exercise with her score of 9.625. Williams tied her record with a 9.675 on her routine and finished sixth allaround. Sanders, meanwhile, had fantastic marks of 9.75 on both floor and vault. Their final team score at the competition was 190.725 points. This mark was better than their original high 190.200 back on Feb. 12. Oddly enough, that was a mark set by their full team. When the MPSF announced their All-Conference Team

March 29, six Seawolves were recognized. Sanders and Williams led the way by making it onto two spots on the All-MPSF teams. Sanders by way of vault and floor teams while Williams ended up on the uneven bars and all-around teams. Joining them were junior Maria Puricelli (uneven bars), sophomore Kaelei Spoor (floor), sophomore Kelsey Fullerton (floor) and senior Lauren Agostino (balance beam). Agostino is no stranger to this sort of honor. Her award this year was her ninth AllMPSF honor, which is the most by any UAA gymnast ever. This just goes to show the growth that the Seawolves have experienced despite some growing pains. The 2011 season will miss three seniors: Williams, Byrne, and Agostino. And after a year that saw many step up in the absences of stars from last year’s championship team, this can only mean the sun will rise even brighter next season when the ‘Wolves take back to competition in 2011. LOGAN TUTTLE/TNL

Senior Meagan Byrne helped lead her team to a final competition score of 190.725.

April 6, 2010 | SPORTS

TNL

overTime

Should King James hold court in NYC or Cleveland? In July, free agent LeBron must choose whether to stay close to home and all he knows in Ohio or take page from former sports stars and bring his monster game and image to the big lights of New York City By Taylor Hall The Northern Light

Unless you’ve been living under that proverbial rock, you know that LeBron James is a free agent, like so many NBA stars, come July 1, 2010. For the sake of conversation and amusement, we’ll assume you were nice and comfortable under that rock. This means we get to break down the King James sweepstakes and the options that the current NBA MVP titleholder and face of the league must mull over when the dust settles on the NBA postseason. But before we can get into the options LeBron has, and believe me, he can do just about whatever he wants, we must understand his past that has lead him to the current day. Born in Akron, Ohio, the hometown hero was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 and has been the centerpiece of the organization since day one.

He’s won the Rookie of the Year, league MVP, been a six time all-star, won the scoring title and three NBA First team selections. You may guess what title is missing from his mantle piece: that elusive NBA Championship. Cleveland has come up close on a few occasions. Their NBA Finals run in 2007 ended in the Cavs being swept 4-0 by San Antonio. 2008 saw the eventual champs, the Boston Celtics, defeat King James and his court in game seven. Last year, the Orlando Heat rode their hot-streak past the Cavs in the Conference Finals. So close, yet so disappointing. Currently, the Cavs are a favorite to win it all this year. And the Cleveland fans better get to praying and cheering that they do. Otherwise, LeBron may be New York bound. First off, do I think LeBron should leave? Absolutely not. I’m a big fan of star athletes of James’ magnitude spending their whole careers in one place (see Michael Jordan in Chicago, Derek

Jeter with the Yankees, or Walter Payton with the Bears). But the other side of the fence does have some very interesting possibilities. Not to mention the fact that James is perfect for New York. He’s constantly in the city during off-days or in the offseason. His mentor, Jay-Z, is constantly in his ear. His image is perfect for the New York bright lights. Oh yeah, did I mention the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden? Yes, I concede that the Knicks have been a pitiful sight the past seasons. But just think about it – LeBron in the Garden playing in the basketball Mecca of the US. He wouldn’t be the first big name to go from a smaller market team to putting on a New York jersey. Mark Messier brought the New York Rangers their first title in 51 years. The ultimate hockey captain made the “blueshirts” popular all over again. How about Reggie Jackson?

He hasn’t paid for a drink in New York since he hit three homers in the 1977 World Series. I believe he got a championship ring or two while in New York. Most recently, Alex Rodriguez made the transition to play for the Yankees. Last year, he and his teammates popped the champagne after winning the Series. See where this is going? Back to current day, though, how much does a title mean to Cleveland’s chances in keeping their King?

One word: everything. Put it this way. LeBron’s childhood idol, Michael Jordan, won his championship in his seventh year. That sparked a run that saw the Chicago Bulls win six titles in eight years. LeBron is going to get his title sooner or later. Whether it’s in a Cleveland or New York jersey though, that depends on this year’s championship greatly.

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FEATURES

Alaskan Rotaract group brings global awareness, professional development to local young adults By Katie Forstner The Northern Light

Rotary is one of the most influential humanitarian organizations in the world. The prestigious club is notorious for community-centered charity fundraising events, but is mostly geared toward middleaged business people. However, have no fear, all you studious college students looking for a way to be involved. Rotary is the mother tree to Rotaract, a branch of Rotary specifically created for young people, ages 18-30. The name Rotaract comes from Rotary in Action. The Rotary affiliation was started in 1968 in North Carolina and serves as a middle ground for young people who wish to be involved in the Rotary club, but who don’t hold the prerequisites to be a member. “Rotaract is an excellent networking opportunity. They have a wider basis for membership, but you still meet high achieving, connected members of Rotary,” Katie Johnson, president of Anchorage’s Rotaract chapter, said. “Networking with Rotarians is beneficial to young professionals and enhances leadership.” The member process to become an active part of Rotaract is much less stressful than being inducted to Rotary itself. Rotaract members are not required to fulfill any financial obligations or be invited to a

meeting as a means of induction. They can start their Rotary journey simply by attending a meeting. “The first and easiest way to get involved with Rotaract is to attend a meeting,” Johnson said. “We are always seeking new members.” Rotaract is an essential part of lively youth communities. Each year, every chapter engages in a humanitarian project to aid the less fortunate on either a local, national or global level. This year, Anchorage Rotaract is holding a fundraiser for One Dialysis, a hospital in Nepal. “We’re trying to raise money for an autoclave, a machine used to clean hospital tools. It sterilizes with a combination of pressure and temperature and costs approximately $3500,” Johnson said. Oftentimes in Third World countries like Nepal, illnesses and diseases are challenging to treat due to the lack of medical options and hospital cleanliness. The autoclave would, in all seriousness, save lives and provide the rural areas of Nepal with a safe, reliable source of medical attention. Since Rotaract is fueled by the fire of the world’s youth, it is no surprise that over 50 percent of the Anchorage Rotaract’s members are somehow affiliated with the University. “I am a relatively new member with

Rotaract in Anchorage. When I was in high school I received a Rotary scholarship, so I was always interested in Rotary,” Heather Karwowski, UAA’s development specialist for University advancement, said.

‘Rotaract is for high energy, highly motivated individuals who want to give back. Anyone who can improve their community is a high caliber person.’ –Katie Johnson, President of Anchorage Rotaract

Rotaract is engaged in a mentorship program with Rotary and is big on professional development. They routinely have speakers and presenters who engage students and youth professionals with different career options or methods. “Rotaract is pretty informal,” Karwowski

said. “It’s geared toward that age range when you’re either very busy with classes or you’re putting in a lot of hours and you’re not necessarily ready to be a Rotarian, but you want to be part of it.” Although each Rotaract group is centered over the same ideal, club personality and individual club members dictate what activities and events the club participates in. According to Johnson, all it takes is one member to be passionate about something, such as collecting shampoo bottles from hotels for the women and children’s shelter, to make it happen. “Rotaract is for high energy, highly motivated individuals who want to give back,” Johnson said. “Anyone who can improve their community is a high caliber person.” A lot of people, youth especially, tend to stray away from public clubs. Nevertheless, Rotaract continues to attract more and more young people because of their direct involvement with global issues and their goal for a better, more connected world. Anchorage Rotaract meetings are held the ﬁrst and third Wednesdays of each month at 5:45 p.m. at the First National Bank of Alaska Conference Center. The next meeting is April 7, 2010. For more information, contact Katie Johnson at anchoragerotaract@gmail.com.

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TNL

April 6, 2010 | SPORTS

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UAA STUDENT: $20 ADV GENERAL PUBLIC: $32 ADV

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Buy tickets online at www.uaatix.com and Student Union Information Desk. For more information visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/concertboard

UAA is an EO/AA employer and educational institution.

Welcomes

UA A STUDENT AFFAIRS

D r. D e w a i n L e e

Dean of Students & Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development Please join your friends in Student Affairs in welcoming Dr. Dewain Lee to the University of Alaska Anchorage. Dr. Lee hails from historic Dillard University in New Orleans where she served as Dean of Student Success for Student Affairs. She brings to UAA over 17 years of extensive experience in higher education administration and developing innovative student success programs and leadership opportunities.

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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT 12

DANCES: Annual performances have dozens of students moving to their eclectic, original works continued from COVER

experience choreographing, but were last minute invites for this year’s production. Nixon and Branche, along with one other dancer, will be dancing in their own piece, called “Not Yet,” which is based in the modern and contemporary styles. “It’s going to be a very athletic piece,” said Nixon, “and we’re trying to follow a very geometrical model as well.” The piece is inspired by and interprets Sigmund Freud’s

Id, Ego, and Superego concept. “We want it to be open interpretation,” Branche said. “We wanted something that was loosely base in Freudian mythology, but at the same time open enough for other people to give another reaction to it.” Whether new, seasoned, local or imported from the lower 48, the choreographers for “New Dances 2010” have been hard at work creating this year’s addition to UAA’s

growing. “New Dances 2010” consists of 10 performance pieces and a grand total of 35 performers. The production will run from Thursday, April 8 through Sunday, April 18 in the Harper Studio Theatre in the Fine Arts Building. For ticket information, go to www.centertix.net.

movie review

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ a must see 3-D film Dreamworks redeems themselves for past theatrical mishaps with great graphics and heartfelt plot By Jena Benton The Northern Light

Given how gimmicky Dreamworks’ “Monsters vs. Aliens” in 3D ended up being, viewers are rightfully reluctant to give “How to Train Your Dragon” a try in the same medium. However, Dreamworks didn’t focus on just the technology this time; they actually focused on the storyline and came up with something fresh. It helps that the movie was based on an already popular series of children’s books. Hiccup (Jay Baruchel, “She’s Out of My League”) is the unlikely hero in this tale of a Viking village plagued by dragons. He is clumsy and talentless compared to his father, Stoick (Gerard Butler, “The Bounty Hunter”), who is the chief of village. He has hero issues, daddy issues, girl issues and issues about possessing an actual conscience.

It may sound a bit formulaic, but the writing is quite good. Instead of many dragons of only the fire-breathing variety, the writer created several types of dragons that do different things. There are deadly Nadders, two-headed Zipplebacks, Gronkles and the dreaded Night Fury. The visual interpretation of these creatures is also creative, although the dragon that becomes known as “Toothless” ends up looking quite a bit like the Disney character Stitch. However, there is a very distinctive style in the art that makes the Vikings and the dragons look amazingly bulky and solid. They are big, beefy and obviously worthy opponents. There are also moments in clouds or fog that feel downright ethereal. This is a movie that needs to be seen in 3D. It possesses a ton of beautifully orchestrated flying scenes that will leave audiences

breathless. These are not devices meant to impress people with technology; instead they are “How to Train Your Dragon” sequences that fit seamlessly into the plot. Dreamworks can Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois be proud of the fact that they finally made a 3D movie worth STARRING: Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler watching. Run Time: 98 minutes “How to Train Your Dragon” Genre: Animation, Family engages the hearts and minds ★★★★ of moviegoers, unlike the other aforementioned Dreamworks’ movie. Viewers will care about what happens to these characters right up until the very last tense moment, and they will continue to care even after the movie is over. There is certainly room for a sequel.

brew review

MUSIC review

‘Ise Kadoya’ ale a stunning surprise

‘All in Good Time’ needs a little more time, humor

By Trevor O’Hara The Northern Light

I have to say, when I think of Japan and alcohol together, the combination usually equates to sake. So when I saw a selection of bottles in Anchorage’s La Bodega hailing from a Japanese microbrewery with a range from pale ale to stout, I thought it was certainly worth looking into. And it certainly was worth looking into. Ise Kadoya’s brown ale is a perfect representative of the style. The ale comes out with a mellow, opaque hue and a tan to white, thick, frothy head. The aroma, right off the bat, is striking – floral notes and sweet notes – you’re almost not sure what to expect. Not to spoil the surprise, but expect it all. Ise Kadoya’s brown ale runs the gamut on sensations all the way from the sip to the swallow. The sweet notes stay with you in the aroma. The carbonation strikes with

authority, waking your tongue up for the following sour edgings and the healthy dose of hops, which seems to embed itself and build across the entire back half of the tongue and the back of the throat. Overall, Ise Kadoya’s brown ale is an undeniable success and if it is an accurate herald to the rest of the Ise Kadoya line up, I hope I get a chance to try them all.

Brown Ale Ise Kadoya Microbrewery Ise City, Japan 5% Abv.

★★★★★

The Barenaked Ladies’ new album comes up shy By Bryan Dunagan The Northern Light

With the funny men of Canada missing a vocalist, they aren’t so funny this time around. While expecting the humor as with previous albums, the listener will be sorely disappointed. However, the songs on the disc are all quite good. “Summertime” is a song reminiscing of lost days, presented in a way that would make any listener crack a grin. The only remotely funny song is “Four Seconds,” and that’s only a result of its presentation and the latter part of the song. Conversely, the somber “Every Subway Car” can be taken multiple ways, but is mostly about wondering what happened to carefree days of love and lawbreaking, and rounds out the mix of tracks. Sadly, coming in with expectations and having them lost so horribly is not quite the way to enjoy the new sound and the reinvention of BNL. It’s not a bad album, one just wishes that it had more of the trademark humor that made the group so popular. Perhaps the group

is exploring a more serious side, which is powerful in its imagery, but the funny men without the “funny” is quite a disappointment.

“All in Good Time” Barenaked Ladies Raisin’ Records Release Date: March 30, 2010

★★★

4.6 – 4.12.2010

FOCUS

THEATER

Shakespeare’s Will Cyrano’s Theatre Company presents “Shakespeare’s Will”, a play about the life of William Shakespeare told through the eyes of his wife Anne Hathaway. The production premiers Friday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at Cyrano’s Oﬀ-Center Playhouse. The production runs until Sunday, April 25. Tickets can be purchased at www.centertix. net. Tickets are $13.75 for seniors, students, and military, and $16 for general admission. Kismet UAA Opera Ensemble presents “Kismet” on Thursday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the UAA Fine Arts building Recital Hall. This tale about a devoted father and daughter living in Persia is sung in English. The production runs until Sunday, April 11. Tickets can be purchased at www. centertix.net, in person or over the phone at 786-1755. Tickets are $15; students discounted tickets are available through the UAA Box Office.

Moon Knights Local jam band The Moon Knights perform a free 21 and over show Wednesday, April 7 at 9 p.m. at the S Lounge Bar on 7th and Gamble. Friday, April 16 at 8:30 p.m. they will perform a free all-ages show at Phyllis’s Café and Salmon Bake on D Street.

DANCE

MUSIC

Thera CD Release Show Five member indie rock band Thera is playing an allages CD release show at The Downstairs on Friday, April 9 at 8 p.m. Other local bands to play include The Audio and The Lost Concept. Cover is $8 at the door.

New Dances 2010 “New Dances 2010” premiers Thursday, April 8 at 8p.m. in the UAA Harper Studio Theatre in the Fine Arts building, and runs through Sunday, April 18. This dance production features 10 eclectic performances created by both internationally known and local choreographers. Tickets are $10 on Friday and Saturday showings and $7 on Sundays for UAA students with a valid id, range from $10 to $13 general admission and range from $13 to $18 for reserved seating. Purchase tickets at www.centertix.net. Compiled by Mary Noden Lochner e-mail arts2@thenorthernlight.org to submit an event!

The Northern Light seeks an

Arts and Entertainment Editor

A&E Call 907.786.1313 or e-mail content@thenorthernlight.org for more information

14 A&E|

TNL

April 6, 2010

GAme review

Cutesy ‘Cave Story’ a solid remake for the Wii Old PC game gets a ‘Wii’ upgrade with enhanced graphics, music and better options for players By Bryan Dunagan The Northern Light

Originally released in late 2004, “Cave Story” mixed 2D platforming with hardcore shooting on the PC. While the initial price tag was free, provided by Studio Pixel, the Wii make is $12. So is it? In a word, yes. “Cave Story” starts with a fellow in a red hat with amnesia, spelunking a cave for no reason. The glory of

‘What players get for their hardearned $12 is upgraded music and graphics.’ “Cave Story” is that the game play is reminiscent of classic 2-D games without ripping them off, focusing on puzzles and fantastic level design. That said, when the player finds the first out of roughly six weapons, they learn of the leveling system. Every time an enemy is dispatched, it drops a triangle of gold, which jumps up experience for the equipped weapon. The equipped weapon will always gain levels quickly; however, it will lose experience and health if the player takes damage. This adds some tension, especially through

the numerous and memorable boss fights. After escaping the first cave, the player learns of the rabbit people, the Mimigas. The plot is well realized, and forces the player to piece together what happened during the events prior to the game. In fact, the game is all about figuring out what’s going on. What is known is that there is an evil doctor from the “Surface” that is kidnapping Mimigas and making them into twisted beasts. What players get for their hard-earned $12 is upgraded music and graphics courtesy of NICALiS, the ability to play as the female character Curly Brace and a handful of extra modes. The game is short, about five hours worth of play for the first run through. However, the appeal of the game is not only the adorable graphics, but also the fact that there are multiple endings depending on certain points through the game. While getting these endings require additional run throughs, the game always seems to be fresh and enjoyable. The standard music and graphics can be toggled on and off for those diehard fans, but there is a boss rush mode that challenges the player to all the bosses for scores and bragging rights. The bosses do get crazy after awhile, so reflexes are key. While there are no real complaints with the game, except that it is too short, there are some issues with explanations of what things do in the early part of the game. “Cave Story” is easy to pick up and play, but it still is somewhat unforgiveable the complex mechanics. With endearing graphics and throwback game play,

“Cave Story” is a monumental win for the little guy of Indie developers. There is not a time that will be negatively remembered about the game and it will stick with the gamer long after the game is completed.

“Cave Story” Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya Release Date: March 22, 2010

★★★★★

OPINION

The Bottom Line

Road to natural natural gas line full of roadblocks Despite Walker’s advocacy, the liquid natural gas line not as fiscally feasible as it is made out to be By Carrigan Gigsby

Special to The Northern Light

Last week the Anchorage Daily News published an article written by Bill Walker, a candidate for governor. The piece was centered around the idea that Alaska needs to build a large liquid natural gas (LNG) line from Prudhoe Bay down to Valdez, an idea which Walker has been pushing for some time. On the surface it sounds like a great idea, bringing in new tax revenue, jobs and cheap gas for the state. Like most political platforms, however, the devil is in the details. First off, in order to build a line of this magnitude you need shipping commitments from large commercial users. The problem with this is that, logistically, our options are limited. There are two choices: the lower 48 (most likely to an existing LNG plant in California) and the Asian markets. Two choices quickly become one when you look at the shipping costs to the states. The reason for this being The Merchant Marine Act of 1920. The law states that any ship carrying goods from one U.S. port

to another must be made in America and fully crewed by Americans. Simply put this means it costs roughly three times as much to ship LNG in America than anywhere else in the world. So now we are left with Asia, which it just so happens is in need of natural gas, great news right? Not so fast. Contrary to what some believe, Alaska is not the only region of the world that produces oil and gas. In the past eight months alone Australia has committed to shipping over 5.8 million metric tons annually to China, for the next 20 years. This was done in two deals totaling an estimated $120 billion. Can someone say competition? Let’s put the competition argument aside for a moment and assume Asia is ready to buy all the LNG we can send, finally a scenario that works. Sorry folks, no such luck. The roadblock in this instance would be FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission), which would have to give its stamp of approval before one drop of gas could hit the pipeline. Walker and the supporters of this line

would have you believe all these permits and environmental impact statements have already been completed and the project is approved. However these permits and studies are not only dated, but were done under different administrations and before our most recent energy crisis. Some might come back with the argument that we have been exporting natural gas to Asia for the last 40 years, and they would be right. Since 1969 a small amount of LNG has been shipped from Nikiski to Japan, but comparing these two projects would be like comparing apples and oranges. It’s one thing to allow a small amount of export, but when you allow 4.5 billion cubic feet per day that can change the prospective very quickly. Furthermore it is widely known the only reason the export license has been allowed and renewed, is because without that LNG plant in Nikiski all the surrounding communities would either be without gas or paying the same those in bush Alaska are forced to. As it stands now, this project will cost anywhere from 10-12 billion dollars just to build.

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Where exactly is the money coming from? There are only two state bank accounts with the ability to fund this project: the CBR (constitutional budget reserve) which has about $10 billion in savings and the PFD with about $32 billion in savings. Now unless Walker is attempting to commit political suicide I doubt the dividend will enter the conversation. So in essence, this project would be financed by the only buffer we have in place between declining oil production and an $8 billion operating budget. Is it just me or does the risk/reward on this seem off? If all the evidence above still doesn’t have you convinced, I will leave you with this: If this project is as economically sound as Walker proposes and all the work has already been done for the permitting and Federal approval, why hasn’t the private sector built it?

Spring 2010 USUAA General Elections

http://uaa.collegiatelink.net Log on using your UAA Username and Password

Elect Your Next Student Body President and Vice President Miles Brookes and Kevin Vanderwall OR Allison Murrell and Amie Stanley USUAA Senators 13 Open Seats Sean McGrane Ronny Parayno Aaron Novak UAA Concert Board Representatives 2 Open Seats—Write-In Candidates Welcome! UAA Media Board Representatives 2 Open Seats—Write-In Candidates Welcome!

Voting opens online at 12:01am on April 6 and continues until 11:59pm on April 7 Eligible voters* can also vote at any of the following on-campus locations between 9:30am and 7:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday: Student Union Commons Lobby RH SSB *Students must be taking at least 3 credits at the Anchorage campus to be considered eligible to vote in the spring 2010 general elections.

April 6, 2010 | OPINION

TNL 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 Suzanna Caldwell MANAGING EDITOR 786-1313 content@thenorthernlight.org Josh Edge COPY EDITOR copy@thenorthernlight.org Brittany Bennett NEWS EDITOR 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Vacant FEATURES EDITOR 786-1567 features@thenorthernlight.org Katie Forstner A&E EDITOR 786-6198 arts@thenorthernlight.org Vacant SPORTS EDITOR 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Taylor Hall PHOTO EDITOR 786-1565 photo@thenorthernlight.org Leighann Seaman WEB EDITOR 786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.org John Norris LAYOUT EDITOR layout@thenorthernlight.org Lisa Wagner ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR news2@thenorthernlight.org Jerzy Shedlock ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org Joshua Tucker ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR arts2@thenorthernlight.org Heather Hamilton ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Vacant PHOTOGRAPHER Nicholas Money Sarah Naffziger Logan Tuttle GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics@thenorthernlight.org Lindsay Johnson CONTRIBUTORS Jena Benton Kimberly Copadis Bryan Dunagan Carrigan Grigsby Casie Habetler Kaitlynn Jackson Daniel McDonald Trevor OʼHara ADVERTISING MANAGER 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Mariya Proskuryakova ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Vacant CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Munkh-Erdene Tsend-Ochir 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, Vietnamera 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.

ediToriAL

Gov. Parnell needs our support for the proposed performance scholarship Governor Parnell’s proposed performance scholarship is in danger of being shot down by the Legislature. This is bad news for both Alaska’s youth as well as the UA system. This always seems to be the case when new programs, and even old programs, are being considered for funding. Legislators have questioned the $400 million price tag that is attached to the scholarship, most likely because the $400 million may have to be budgeted each year in order to keep the scholarship funded each year. “Establishing the scholarship program is one step,” Senate President Gary Stevens said, R-Kodiak, in a recent article in the Juneau Empire. “Paying for it is the second step, which is bigger.” Most legislators seem to support the goal of this proposed scholarship, but figuring out how to fund it is proving to be difficult. The endowment, which Gov. Parnell

originally intended to be the primary means of funding the scholarship, has been amended out by the House and it seems likely that the Senate will remain opposed to using such an endowment as a means to fund the program. The original $400 million that Gov. Parnell is requesting would ideally be set aside as the initial funding for the scholarship fund and would remain there as a means of keeping money available to the qualified applicants even if the state encountered economic trouble in the future. Legislators have not given up on the scholarship entirely, but it seems as though they are looking to look at the bill over the next few months and take on the question of funding next year. Luckily, Gov. Parnell has not given up on getting the scholarship approved before the lawmakers call it quits for the year on April 18, but it looks like he needs as much community support as he can get.

Students, staff, faculty, high school students and concerned members of the community, call or write your state representatives and voice your support of this scholarship. It is not only in the best interest of our elected officials to take heed of the community’s concerns and act on them, it also is their job. More scholarships that are given to Alaska students in order to encourage them to remain in the state and go to a school in the UA system are definitely in the best interests of the UA system. If more students enroll at UAA, it should mean that academic programs will expand and more money provided by tuition and student fees means more money for the University to work with. Everyone needs to support this scholarship; it is in the best interests of Alaska’s future. Take an active roll in advocating for what is best.

LivinG The SinGLe LiFe

Breakups can be tough, recovery slow but playing the field has got its kicks By Kaitlynn Jackson

Special to The Northern Light

I have a few friends who have recently ended long-term relationships. I also have a friend who was the one dumped after years of dating. I have another friend who is crushing on a girl who has clearly stated nothing will ever come of it and another who was dumped almost a year ago and is still caught up on her ex. All of these friends, though in different situations, are feeling the same thing: the pain and hardship of breaking up and being rejected. The theme encompassing all of these relationship-related problems is this: my friends cannot seem to get over their exes and they want me to tell them how they can begin to enjoy their journey into single life. My view on the matter is that being single should not be viewed as something negative but as a

part of life where a person can focus on improving his or herself without the worries of considering someone else. Let’s shake the negativity associated with being single and dive into the glorious pool called “being single.” About a year ago, I was in my friends’ shoes. I was dumped by my first love and I found it near impossible to get over this experience. It destroyed me emotionally and, in some ways, physically, and I lost the ability to trust anything close to dating because I didn’t want to get hurt. By remaining positive and optimistic for the future, however, I started a new lifestyle, one that has made me happier than any man ever has. The first step, which was easy in my case because we had no mutual friends and he had moved away, was to disassociate myself with anything related to my ex. That’s a stretch, but in summary,

I stopped hanging out with the same people, I stopped listening to songs that reminded me of him and I didn’t talk about him unless I had to. I was completely removing everything about him, about us, from my life. It worked. The one place I was allowed to talk about him was in my journal, but anywhere else was complete taboo. The next step was to start new tasks. I gave myself projects. I picked back up guitar lessons, I overworked myself in school and at my job, and honestly, I began a never-ending party. I partied during the day and I partied at night. I met new people and formed new bonds. I experimented, hooked up and fooled around. I did it all. I had fun. The following step in getting over the ex came easy and was an effect of the previous stated step. I started dating again. By this, I mean that I actually went on dates

outside of parties. I got to know these people I was partying with better and, essentially, I learned to trust in other people, and in other guys and this all has proved to be quite beneficial for me. This is the very stage that I am still in at this point in the post-breakup cleanup and it’s been almost a year since the official end of my relationship. All of these steps have been essential for me in getting over my past love, and these are the same words of advice that I have shared with all of my patients, err, friends. I’ve watched these friends take my advice, and they are all on roads to recovery. I remind each of them that it is a slow process and that it takes time, maybe a year for some. Hell, it may even take two or three for others, but it’s a start.

LeTTer To The ediTor

Campus dining significantly safer than suggested As contract administrator for our on campus food service contract, I felt compelled to respond to the recent Northern Light article and letter to the editor regarding food service violations on campus. I found both the article written by one of your reporters as well as the letter to the editor to be remiss of certain facts. The facts are: 1. Seawolf Dining has consistently scored in the 92nd percentile or greater with health inspections. 2. 100% of health inspections are spontaneous visits. 3. The pictures taken and shown in the Northern Light of the grill areas were taken during production time. 4. Salad SHOULD be at 40 degrees or

below contrary to the ‘red alert’ your reporter noted in his article when commenting about the ‘danger zone ‘of salad reaching 40 degrees or below.’ 5. UAA Seawolf Dining operates under the same health codes and permits required by any food business in the municipality of Anchorage. In addition to this, our food service contractor follows all OSHA and Serv Safe safety requirements. 6. The areas of campus that we oversee and ensure are following all city and state health code requirements are: Creekside and Bear Necessities in the Commons, Cuddy Market Place and The Daily Grind in the Cuddy Center, Union Station Coffee, Subway and Mein Bowl in the Student Union, Starbucks in the Social

Sciences Building, and the Brew Stop in the Administration Building. UAA Seawolf Dining appreciates feedback and is more than willing to discuss the concerns of food on campus that our UAA students, staff and faculty have.

-Debra Y. Lovaas

Director, University Housing, Dining & Conference Services University of Alaska Anchorage

18 OPINION|

TNL

April 6, 2010

broKeComiCS | Alec Fritz

TUndrA l Chad Carpenter

This space could be yours (and therefore much more entertaining than now)

e-mail content@thenorthernlight.org to find out how

Theatre wordSeArCh l Lindsay Johnson and John Norris H T H G I L T O P S P Q L Z R

M C D I A L O G U E Y S F P E

P O R U Y V Y V W Q F Q H L T

R S O A N L Y D H J T Y E A C

O K C R M D C T E S Y M S Y A

P Y A E N U E H T G W H T W R

S O U Z N E I R Y M A J L R A

J O D I R E E N S K S R H I H

N O I S S I M R E T N I T G C

I N E T K D M S G C U I O H I

A V N G X J P O Z T S D K T F

T O C Y D E M O C C R O Y W V

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U V G R X W K G M Q T C G P M

C X E Y J H A A S P S T A G E

AUDIENCE BACKSTAGE CHARACTER COMEDY CURTAIN DIALOGUE DRAMA GREEN ROOM INTERMISSION PLAYWRIGHT PROPS PROSCENIUM ARCH SCENE SHAKESPEARE SPOTLIGHT STAGE TRAGEDY UNDERSTUDY

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ACROSS 1 Without doubt (2 wds.) 6 Kind of lily 11 Cold and windy 14 Stopped slumbering 15 Girl-watcher 16 Nabokov heroine 17 Buzz off 18 Practices Zen 20 Greer or Holbrook 21 White vestments 23 Lived 24 Mixed bags 26 Supervise 28 By a whisker 30 Cartoon crime-ﬁghter 31 Radius companions 32 Wiggly dessert (hyph.)

this week’s CroSSword solution

Solution to last weekʼs puzzle: “If you donʼt like something, change it. If you canʼt change it, change your attitude. Donʼt complain.” -Maya Angelou

CroSSword

SUdoKU

this week’s SUdoKU solution

33 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 47 48 49 50 53 56 58 59

Japanese theater Deep-massage developer Lake near Reno Intuition Fellow Nubby fabric BLT part Fracas Kids’ wheels Chides Sheer fabric Walrus hunter, perhaps Intends Criticize Refusing politely Adds turpentine to Spiral molecule “Totally cool!” in older times

60 61 62 63

Sri Puppy sound Hopeless case Prime-time hour

DOWN 1 Wingding 2 Service org. 3 Dejectedly 4 APB datum 5 Sends again 6 Honey holders 7 A long time 8 DA’s degree 9 Luau welcome 10 1920s style (2 wds.) 11 Motel’s prices 12 Astaire sister 13 Squander 19 Twisted 22 Myrna of old movies 25 Tree product 26 Acrylic ﬁber 27 Glen or dale 28 Town 29 Felipe or Moises 30 Snicker (hyph.) 32 Goodall et al. 33 Pony noises 34 Plaintive reed 35 Egg producers 37 Flooring piece 38 Rockies ski resort 40 Allowing 41 Stiff hair 42 Claw badly 43 Turkey or cat 44 Villain 45 Helen, in Spanish 46 Summarize 47 Staying power 49 Feed the kitty 51 Pharaoh’s amulet 52 Exam for jrs. 54 Opposite of “paleo” 55 Mr. Woosnam 57 Yes, in Tokyo

April 6, 2010 | OPINION

TNL

horoSCope l Stella Wilder The coming week is likely to present a number of situations in which individuals of all types are required to examine themselves and their tactics in greater detail than usual -- and, when all the data is in, to act upon what is learned in effective ways almost immediately, without enjoying the luxury of a learning curve. Indeed, the pressure is on, and everyone must be ready to deliver the goods; there is not likely to be much recognition for second place -- at least not right now -- and anyone who ﬁnishes further back in the pack will have to chalk it up to experience. When it comes to central relationships and key interactions, now is not the week to phone it in. What is expected at this time is a strong commitment, a willingness to go the distance and an imaginative approach to problems and disagreements.

ARIES

(March 21-April 4) -- You may wonder what went wrong recently -- and a quick but careful look back yields a great deal of telling information. (April 5-April 19) -- Questions of taste are sure to arise, and it will behoove you to take the high road.

TAURUS

(April 20-May 5) -- A creative approach to an age-old problem can bring you closer to a permanent solution that everyone will be able to use eventually. (May 6-May 20) -- It’ll be up to you to watch over those who need caretaking. You have skills and patience.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 6) -- You may ﬁnd yourself borrowing some of a Taurus native’s ﬁery spirit in order to address a fast-developing situation. (June 7-June 20) -- What brings you closer to friend and family members may surprise you. Don’t resist.

CANCER

(June 21-July 7) -- You may have to take greater care than usual to see that others don’t take advantage of you or your innate generosity. (July 8-July 22) -- The ﬁnancial picture is altered somewhat as a result of a deal made on the spur of the moment.

Peppercini’s Deli House Pizza By The Slice $3.00 Use Your Wolf Bucks!

In and Out in 90 seconds • Salad, Pizza, Soda $6.50

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LEO

(July 23-Aug. 7) -- An experiment of sorts is likely to reveal much to you that is useful, but not in ways that you might have expected. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- Surprises come to you in many guises and in at least three distinct ways. Take advantage of downtime.

Give us your two cents...

in the University Center

...and you could win big! Give us your feedback by filling out the Administrative Services Survey and you could win great prizes including:

VIRGO

Use your WolfCard - Save 20% !

a 24” iMac, an Apple iTouch, Hockey and Theatre tickets, WOLFbucks and more!

LIBRA

Take 20% off clothing, general books, gifts, and insignia when making a purchase with WolfBucks from your UAA WolfCard. Offer excludes textbooks, electronics, sundries and other sale or store promotions.

Watch your UAA Email for an invite to participate!

(Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You may ﬁnd yourself dreaming of a time that was easier or simpler, but an honest assessment reveals that it was neither. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- You may be the one responsible for an awkward situation getting out of hand. Don’t clam up. (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- The answers you uncover are likely to lead to more questions, but you will surely feel yourself getting nearer a personal goal. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- A loved one makes a request that challenges your sense of propriety. Why not take a chance?

SCORPIO

This ad brought to you by UAA General Support Services • www.uaa.alaska.edu/gss/

(Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- The unusual proves irresistible to you at certain times, but someone you trust will keep you from losing your head completely. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- Don’t overcompensate for that which is not at all a fault or weakness.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You may ﬁnd yourself coming closer to making a dream come true than ever before, but you may not feel fully prepared just yet. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- Don’t overstate your case in any way. What goes unsaid matters most.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- Communication between you and a friend must not be allowed to deteriorate simply because you were shortsighted for a time. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- You and a loved one may ﬁnd yourselves yearning for the old days -- and not without reason.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- Business affairs may be colored by your unwillingness to forgive and forget. Ultimately, you must let bygones be bygones. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- How others see you -- and judge you -- will be more important to you than usual.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 5) -- It’s a good week to take one for the team and do something that demands a sacriﬁce on your part while it beneﬁts the group in untold ways. (March 6-March 20) -- You’ll win a good deal of respect by promoting a cause that is near and dear to your heart.

FACT:

Nearly one-third of college students report physically assaulting a dating partner in the previous 12 months. Straus, Murray A. {Prevalence of Violence Against Dating Partners by Male and Female University Students Worldwide.” Violence Against Women 2004 10:790-811

If you or someone you know needs help, call: AWAIC (Abused Women's Aid in Crisis) National Domestic Violence Hotline 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233) (907) 272-0100 1 (800) 787-3224 (TTY) Anonymous & Confidential Help 24/7

Visit:www.ncadv.org www.feministcampus.org www.thesafespace.org www.awaic.org www.breakthecycle.org

Let’s show UAF what it means to be GREEN!

The UAA/UAF Sustainability Cup Smackdown UAA and UAF are battling it out to see which campus will have the highest grade on this year’s Sustainability Report Card.* The competition includes the losing school’s chancellor delivering the trophy (Sustainability Cup) to the chancellor of the winning school and preparing a “sustainable” meal for the chancellor of the winning school using locally grown products. Help UAA win the challenge! Participate in UAA’s spring activities: • Alternative Transportation Week, April 5-9: Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use alternative transportation to get to campus. Follow students, faculty and staff as they ride the bus, their bikes and take their feet to the street to get to UAA. • Sustainability Pledge, March 22- April 30: Students, faculty and staff can track their actions to live a more sustainability-conscious life by reducing the resources they use and get cool UAA gear! Get the points sheet by visiting the Sustainability Web site at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/sustainability/. • Duplex Day, April 14: Spirit the Seawolf will visit campus office copy and printing rooms to make sure departments are using “duplex mode” when copying and printing. • Dorm Electricity Challenge, March 15-April 15: UAA dorms will compete against one another to see which building can reduce their electricity use the most during this time period. • Furniture/Clothes Recycle Week, FINALS WEEK, April 26-30: Students can recycle their used clothing and other still-valuable stuff instead of throwing things in the dumpster. For additional information, please visit the UAA Sustainability Web site at http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/sustainability/. * Each year the Sustainable Endowments Institute assesses 300 public and private colleges and universities with the largest endowments and publishes the results on http://www.greenreportcard.org/ The 2010 (based on 2009) grade for UAA was a B- and UAF received a grade of a C-.

UAA is an EEO/AA employer and educational institution