February232010

THENORTHERNLIGHT FEB. 23, 2010

SPORTS

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UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

Overtime:

Last-minute NBA trades

A&E

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WWW.THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

OPINION

Get your garter on:

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Club donates to S.T.A.R.

Editorial:

Civility in government

Financial aid being debated

Grants for climate education

The Northern Light

By Jerzy Shedlock

By Kam Walters

Making college affordable is a hot topic at the 26th Alaska State legislature. The second session, which began on Jan. 19 and ends April 18, has involved discussion about Governor Parnell’s Performance Scholarship and the 2011 UA budget request.

The Governor’s Performance Scholarship (GPS) was first introduced to the legislature on Jan. 19 as a post-secondary scholarship allowing students financial aid based on high school GPA and completion of core courses. The Governor’s proposal of strictly performance-based requirements of the GPS has met with opposition from legislators and students alike.

“Research done by UAA and other states demonstrates that the best financial aid includes a needs based and merit comprehensive plan,” Nick Moe said, USUAA, government relations director.

A survey at UAA yielded about 350 responses supporting the GPS or a substitute to the GPS. A substitute to the GPS introduced by the senate education committee includes a needs based component. Scholars for Dollars, an event sponsored by USUAA rallied students to support this substitute.

“Student Leaders have been pushing for a statewide scholarship plan for three years,” Moe said. “We are confident that with support we can get this bill passed.”

Allowing students the financial opportunity is still of utmost importance.

See GPS PAGe 02

The Northern Light

LEIGHANN SEAMAN / TNL

This solitary street lamp located outside the Integrated Science Building on campus is renewable resource powered. The lamp and multiple solar powered stop signs can be found scattered across the UAA campus. These environment-friendly additions illustrate that UAA is beginning to gear toward becoming a more sustainable institution.

As the issue of climate change has become more apparent, educators have integrated the subject into their curriculum.

“If the goal of an educational institution is to teach the younger generation to lead and thrive in the world then we really have no choice but to make this issue central to our educational process,” associate director for the College for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE) Libby Roderick said.

Students at UAA and all over the nation are demanding the issue of climate change be addressed because of the potential it has to alter our way of life.

UAA has taken notice and major initiatives have been created to transform the university into a more sustainable institution. The CAFE and UAA Sustainability Climate Change Faculty Development Intensive introduces faculty to issues related to climate change providing them support to integrate those issues into their existing curricula.

Recently, the UAA faculty was eligible to apply for five available $1000 mini-grants. If chosen the funds will be transferred to their department and spent at the faculty’s discretion. The department must then develop climate change components for incorporation into one or more existing courses being taught.

The mini-grants being issued

by CAFE this year are actually funds left over from 2007, when the program began.

See CLimAte PAGe 02

Battle for Governor’s Cup: UAA has ‘Atmosphere of eyes on 4-peat over arch rivals hostility’ splits USUAA

By Taylor Hall

By Joshua Tucker

The Northern Light

Separated by 359 miles and bad blood, the Seawolves and Nanooks are set to renew their rivalry as they battle for the 2010 Governor’s Cup this weekend.

The ‘Wolves (10-18-2 overall, 8-16-2 WCHA) will look to make it a fourth straight series win over their CCHA rivals. The series kicks off from Sullivan Arena on Feb. 26 and then shifts up north to the Carlson Center the following night where a champion will be crowned.

Memories of old UAA-UAF series’ are always on the mind of old and current players and supporters. For sophomore defenseman Brad Gorham, an Anchorage native, he can recall what it was like growing up and watching the battle for state supremacy.

“Sullivan would be sold out the whole time,” Gorham said, as he prepares for his first cup as a player. He paused shortly and quite simply remembered the atmosphere within the arena. “A pretty intense environment.”

The matchup from the Sully will be the first home game for the team since fans saw them defeat

The Northern Light

Minnesota 2-1 back on Jan. 30.

Last year, the Seawolves rode the stellar goaltending of Bryce Christianson, who posted back-to-back shutouts in last year’s installment of the series. UAA was victorious 1-0 in Fairbanks the first night and then cruised to a 3-0 decision on home ice the day after to retain the cup.

Of course if you ask anyone from the UAF side, the cup has been in the hands of the Seawolves for far too long. The Nanook head coach Dallas Ferguson, a former UAF captain himself, knows the importance of a series victory against the rival team.

“When you go through it as a player, you get the full effect of how much the hockey game means to the communities and two universities” Ferguson said.

This year looks to be yet another toughly contested series as both of the rivals seem to be playing even better than in years past.

Senior forward Kevin Clark has led the Seawolves offensively. His 27 points (16 goals-11 assists) continue to move him up amongst the other leading See CuP PAGe 05

UAA’s student government, which administers a significant budget, including $205,930 in student fees this year, skidded to a halt in mid October.

Productivity was held hostage by personally charged vendettas over the application of the organization’s constitution and bylaws.

Since then, there have been charges of harassment, physical intimidation and falsifying documents. Two senators have resigned in protest and UPD presence was necessary to keep order at the Feb. 5 meeting according to USUAA President Michaela Hernandez.

In recent weeks, the wounds have begun to heal. Yet, more than a month into the semester,

the committees which do the lion’s share of the organization’s work have not been formed.

The main project going forward is lobbying the state legislature to include more needs based scholarships in Governor Parnell’s proposed merit based scholarship program. USUAA Government Relations Director Nick Moe lead students in making hundreds of phone calls to state senators and representatives on the issue Feb. 18. On Feb. 19, 14 students left on a five-day lobbying trip to Juneau.

The bone of contention that sparked the hostility within USUAA was the accumulation of seven total absences by Senator Peter Finn, a junior double majoring in political science and economics. Under article seven clause one of See uSuAA PAGe 09

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TNL

NEWS| Feb. 23, 2010

GPS: Financial aid may be available to students on merit extensive and needs based components Continued from Cover

“There is a lot of dialogue right now about the GPS,” Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner Larry LeDoux said. “I think it is really important, the intent is to increase the preparation of young people in Alaska for college.”

With a needs based component, the GPS would take information from the FAFSA and pair it with a student’s high school GPA and ACT or SAT scores. Also, students must take required classes during high school in order to qualify for the GPS. “GPA is the highest predictor of college graduation,” LeDoux said. “Standardized tests are best at predicting a student’s first

‘GPA is the highest predictor of college graduation.’

-Larry LeDoux Department of Education and Early Development Commissioner year grades as a freshman in college.”

Currently, the GPS bill is in the house

and the senate. A group of students from UAA traveled to Juneau to support the GPS on Feb. 19. This advocacy team of 14 students met with legislators to reaffirm student issues.

“I don’t like calling the GPS a scholarship,” LeDoux said. “Rather a contract. There is money there and if you perform well you can get it. The keywords are rigor and expectation.”

The UA budget request, submitted to the Governor by the Board of Regents and then to legislators, is also on the agenda this session. The request by the BOR to the governor for the operating budget totaled $870 million.

Brought to you by the UAA Career Services Center and the Office of International Affairs. www.uaacareerservices.com & www.uaa.alaska.edu/oia

The Governor then submitted the request to the legislature for nearly $848 million. For fiscal year 2010 the Legislature approved all but $16 million of the BOR request for $894 million.

Largely, the disapproved requests fell under the category of Adjusted Base Requirements, which includes K-12 outreach programs, Engineering, Climate, Energy and Health Programs and Workforce and Campus Programs.

Adjusted Base Requirements is also on the proposed budget this year for $25.4 million, which is $2 million more than last year.

CLIMATE: Grants support learning Continued from Cover

Global Opportunities Fair study abroad + academic programs + international careers March 1 10:15 a.m.

Internationalize Your Business Degree – Study Abroad!

Rasmuson Hall 112

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Study Abroad Fair

Rasmuson Hall Lobby

4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Study Abroad Fair

The Commons 107

Global Opportunities Fair – Study Abroad & International Career Exploration

Student Union Upper Hallway

Spain & Latin America – Study Abroad in a Spanish-Speaking Country

Rasmuson Hall 207B

2:30 p.m.

Aviation Abroad – Study Abroad Opportunities in the Lands Down Under (Australia & New Zealand)

Merrill Field Aviation Complex 237

4 p.m.

Learn to Parler Francais in Angers, France

Rasmuson Hall 207B

4 p.m.

Sea Turtle Conservation, Antarctic Studies & Coastal Marine Science Programs in Costa Rica & Australia

Rasmuson Hall 112

March 2 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

Open your world to the possibilities UAA IS AN EO/AA EMPLOYER AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

Associate Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Larry Foster, as well as numerous other staff members, pushed for the university to set aside funds for special projects.

In Summer 2007, 17 UAA faculty representing a wide range of disciplines completed the intensive and integrated the new information related to climate change into their courses.

According to the CAFE 2007 summary of finances report, two faculty members were so impacted by the intensive that they created a graduate level

“The goal of this project was to involve faculty who would generally not know a lot about climate change.”

-Dr. Larry Foster Associate professor of mathematics

course on climate change. They then went on to obtain internal and external funding to take six students to Europe as background for creating a Municipal plan for addressing climate change in Anchorage.

“The goal of this project was to involve faculty who would generally not know a lot about climate change. That might be someone from a discipline in the humanities. This was our target,” Foster said. “Our long term goal was to have enough faculty involved with climate change issues so that every semester a student will hear from at least one teacher some aspect of climate change.”

Faculty who have been through the intensive have created

unique methods to present the information. Sara Reinert, a mathematics professor at UAA’s Kenai Peninsula College, took math concepts and implemented climate change data into her lessons. Reinert gathered carbon dioxide emission data from the last 50 years and had students plot the data using linear regression, an approach to modeling the relationship between one or more variables. The outcome showed that the emission’s rate of change increased over the decades.

“The students loved the context, as some of them were amazed by what the data implicated,” Reinert said. “They are pleased to be talking about major issues rather than the price of jeans or whatever else the math material might use instead.”

English Department Associate Professor Jackie Cason decided the best class for implementing climate change issues was her persuasive writing course. The class is geared toward different forms of argument, so Cason designed assignments where students would examine differing stances on climate change. The arguments ranged from studies published by scholars pushing for action to mitigate the effects of climate change to theories by scientists who regard the issue as a big hoax. Cason followed the theme throughout her course.

“I had the students stick with the topic so they could see how a policy argument is built upon by differing claims, and how they are built into recommended policy and action,” Cason said, “but I think there was some topic fatigue by the end of the course.”

The Office of Sustainability now works with the university on numerous initiatives to reduce UAA’s greenhouse emissions.

“I believe the health of our planet, the health of our ecosystem, is the key issue right now on the planet,” Roderick said. “Within that issue climate change is one of two if not the most important issue facing humanity for all time.”

Feb. 23, 2010 | NEWS

TNL

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Presidential candidates to visit campus March 2

On March 2, UAA will host three or possibly four candidates who have applied to be the next president of the University of Alaska. Candidates, who are selected by the Board of Regents, will be announced Sunday, Feb. 28. They will be on campus for one day only, meeting with various student, faculty and governance groups.

The Northern Light will have the names of the candidates, as well as how many are selected, online at www. thenorthernlight.org as soon as the information is released. If no fourth candidate is selected, disregard the “Candidate D” schedule.

Candidate A

Candidate B

Candidate C

Candidate D

8:00 - 8:45 a. m.

Governance Groups

Students

Faculty & Staff

USUAA

9:00 - 9:45 a. m.

Students

Governance Groups

Students

Alumni

10:00 - 10:45 a. m.

Faculty & Staff

Alumni

Governance Groups

11:00 - 11:45 a. m.

Alumni

Faculty & Staff

USUAA

Consortium Library Room 307

Administrative Building Room 204

Lee Gorsuch Commons Room 106

Lee Gorsuch Commons Room 107

12:00 - 1:45 p. m.

2:00 - 2:45 p. m.

USUAA

Governance Groups

3:00 - 3:45 p. m.

Alumni

4:00 - 4:45 p. m.

USUAA

6:00 - 8:00 p. m.

Community reception at Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center

SAY WHAt? Dog ‘hitches ride’ in NM, meets owner in Louisiana NEW ORLEANS – The dogs in New Orleans’ Carnival pet parade included a pooch that hitched a ride 1,200 miles from Taos, New Mexico, to the city where his 26-year-old master had hitchhiked weeks earlier. Stephan Soleas came to New Orleans for a few weeks of visits and music. He said his 6-year-old Labrador mix, Charlie, went missing days after he left.

Charlie was found by a couple vacationing in Taos. The couple saw a collarless dog and tried to find its owner, but the veterinarian didn’t have a microchip scanner.

The couple gave up their airline tickets, rented a car and made the 3-day drive back to New Orleans with the dog. Incidentally, they also named the dog Charlie.

Soleas and Charlie were reunited 10 days later - Feb. 5 - when Magazine Street Animal Clinic coowner Teresa Gernon checked a microchip in the white dog’s neck.

Two days later, they were in the Krewe of Barkus pet parade.

Woman charged with DUI BUNNELL, Fla. – A woman was charged with driving under the influence after showing up at the Flagler County jail and demanding a conjugal visit with a specific inmate.

The sheriff’s office reports that a 45-year-old woman had a visitation appointment but was turned away because she was late. Also, the jail does not allow conjugal visits.

The woman drove away but reportedly returned a short time later.

Jail guards called road patrol because they suspected the woman had been drinking.

Deputies found the woman sitting in her car. She reportedly failed a field sobriety test and a breath test showed her blood-alcohol content was 0.256 percent. Florida law considers a person impaired at 0.08.

The woman was charged with DUI and later released on $500 bail.

Police: Robin Hood charged with identity theft DENVER – This Robin Hood is accused of stealing - and not to give to the poor. Authorities said a 34-yearold named Robin Joshua Hood found someone’s wallet in downtown Denver and apparently began using the man’s name in a ploy to avoid being caught on a warrant. Hood told investigators he was being investigated for drug charges.

Hood was charged Feb. 12 with identity theft and impersonation.

Authorities said Hood’s true identity was uncovered after an employee at a record store stopped him as he allegedly was leaving without paying for three baseball caps on Jan. 6. He was issued a court summons in that case.

Unemployed Ohio man chills out in extreme igloo AQUILLA, Ohio – It’s quite the man cave.

Jimmy Grey said he’s been out of work for almost a year and needed a project to stay busy. So with the heavy snowfall this winter, the 25-year-old laborer got to work on an extreme igloo in his family’s yard in Aquilla, about 30 miles east of Cleveland.

His four-room creation has 6-foot ceilings and an entertainment room.

He powers the TV with an extension cord plugged into an outlet in the garage. He also ran wires for cable television with surround-sound stereo.

Grey said candles help add ambiance for nighttime get-togethers with friends and the freezing temperatures mean that the beer never goes warm -Compiled by Kam Walters

Students Faculty & Staff

WORKING TOGE THER FOR A BE T TER ALASK A The Denali Commission

2010 Summer Internship Program The Denali Commission is an innovative federalstate partnership designed to provide critical utilities, infrastructure and support for economic development in Alaska by delivering federal services in the most cost effective manner possible.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

These paid internships are based in Anchorage and open to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students.

How to Apply: Please visit the Denali Commission’s website at www.denali.gov to learn more and download an application.

Application Deadline: Monday, March 15, 2010

510 L Street, Suite 410 Anchorage, AK 99501 www.denali.gov

You Deserve a Seat at the Table

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lassified and APT staff are the only employees in the University of Alaska system who do not have a seat at the table.

FOR A REAL VOICE JOIN WITH COLLEAGUES IN UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA STAFF UNITED apea/aft

Union representation through collective bargaining is the best way to ensure that we have a seat at the table, a real voice.

University of Alaska Staff United 211 Fourth Street, Suite 306 Juneau, AK 99801

907/586-2334 • http://ak.aft.org/UASU

$ COLLECTIVE BARGAINING VOTE AUTHORIZATION CARD

Complete, detach and mail to: APEA/AFT • 211 Fourth St., Suite 306 • Juneau, AK 99801.

I request an election by the Alaska Labor Relations Agency for the Alaska Public Employees Association/AFT (APEA/AFT • afl-cio) to be my exclusive representative for the purposes of collective bargaining with respect to wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment as specified in the Alaska Public Employment Relations Act. Please print.

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Title

Home Address City Home Phone E-mail Signature

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Work Phone Dept. Bldg./Office PCN# Date CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: Cards are strictly for the Alaska Labor Relations Agency.

No University of Alaska administrator will see your name or signature on this card.

SPORTS

Seawolf women must look to keep focus, finish strong

By Drew Neuerburg and Taylor Hall The Northern Light

Deep into the season, the Seawolves need to continue to make every point count.

Currently ranked 14th nationally and 4th in the West Region, the UAA Women’s Basketball Team travels to Montana Feb. 24 to attempt to extend their winning streak against the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets. The ‘Wolves then come home to the Wells Fargo Sports Complex on Saturday to play their in-state rivals, the UAF Nanooks.

Currently riding a winning streak beginning back on Jan. 30 against Northwest Nazarene, UAA looks to be clicking at the right time. The team only has four more games left in their regular season, including the matchups already mentioned.

It will be key for the team to continue to see production throughout the lineup amidst senior guard Kiki Taylor’s continued absence to injury. New faces have been stepping up lately for the green and gold, a necessity to the team’s success according to head coach Tim Moser.

“Kaitlin McBride and Nikki

Aden, they really are handling the point guard well” said Moser, who was quick to recognize their efforts of many of the Seawolf players.

Some may worry about whether UAA can bring home two more wins without pride seeping into their play. This is

‘The team I’m coaching has proven we can beat anybody and lose to anybody.’

because these are two teams UAA soundly beat earlier in the season; But they will be coming to town with one purpose and that is to beat the Seawolves.

Putting feelings aside, UAA’s season statistics are sound. They have an 18-3 record overall, losing only to Western State, Western Washington, and Seattle Pacific. Since their first meeting with Western State and Western Washington, UAA has met both again and emerged victorious in

the rematch.

Montana State Billings, however, does not have as impressive an overall record as UAA, putting up 10 wins against their 12 losses. Also, they only average 63.6 points per game while allowing just less than 66 points per game.

Even less impressive in this aspect is UAF. The ‘Nooks have only produced two wins, both at home, in their 22 games this season.

They also have an even lower average score in points for and against. They come into the week scoring an average of 55 points but allowing almost 79 per game.

When comparing statistics of all three teams, it is evident that UAA should be the apparent victor over both teams, but that does not mean UAA can let off the proverbial pedal.

Hubris, deemed by the Ancient Greeks as pride or arrogance, is an easy mindset to fall in when one appears to be the winner.

Basically, UAA can’t afford to let stats or previous victories affect their mindset. This is a fact that Moser is well aware of.

“The team I’m coaching has proven we can beat anybody and lose to anybody,” Moser said.

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CUP: Seawolves take on Nanooks Continued from Cover

scorers in the league.

Junior forward Tommy Grant (7-14—21) and junior forward Sean Wiles (9-8—17) have been consistent all year as well.

For head coach Dave Shyiak, his team has to stick to the game plan to be successful in this or any series they play.

“Take care of the puck, keep things simple, roll four lines and defensemen, and be sound on special teams” Shyiak said as he listed attributes that his team will need to execute on the ice this weekend.

The Nanooks (12-9-9 overall, 9-9-8 Conference) are currently tied for 5th place in the CCHA and remain in the mix to claim home ice for the postseason. UAA is also in the thick of the playoff hunt and still can continue to improve their positioning for the second season.

Led by a core of returning letter winners, the Nanooks look ready to make some more noise offensively this time around.

Freshman winger Andy Taranto leads the way with 29 points

Overtime

NBA trade deadline

By Taylor Hall The Northern Light

SEAWOLF AWARDS SEAWOLF AWARDS SPRING~2010 The Seawolf Community Service Award is bestowed upon a student who exhibits an exemplary commitment to volunteer service.

The Seawolf Student Leader Award

recognizes student leaders who, through their leadership, involvement, and commitment, made significant contributions to campus life.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, March 22, 2010 by 5 PM For complete information and criteria for eligibility visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/studentleadership or stop by the N 0I 0 Office of Student Clubs & Greek Life, 1,5 IT $ D Student Union 210.

TO C R E 1 0 !

P 786-1385 U ON 20 RN ITI ALL A E TU R F FO

UA A i s a n E E O / A A e m p l o ye r a n d e d u c at i o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n .

(12-17) with senior center Dion Knelson (15-12—27) right behind him.

On the other end of the ice, sophomore goalie Scott Greenham has been the anchor for his team. He has started all 300 wgames for the blue and gold and posted ridiculous numbers. His 2.28 goals against and .915 save percentage make him one of the toughest goalies the Seawolves will face this season.

This has typically been a team the Seawolves have thrived on playing. In the history of the two teams playing each other, UAA has the upper hand with an 80-4811 advantage over their northern rivals. Even more eye opening may be the home record of 46-195 the Seawolves enjoy when the Nanooks come to town.

Editors Note: The puck drops at 7:07 to kick the series off from Sullivan Arena. The university is calling for a white-out and has “Beat the Nooks” shirts available for purchase at the bookstore.

As the NBA 2010 trade deadline passes, we are left to sort through the wreckage and pick at the deals that could make or break a team on the road to the NBA Finals. Lets divulge, shall we?

First off, the deadline saw 11 transactions in a six-day span, which is prettwy standard when compared to recent years.

So the big question beforehand was which teams would clear out salary cap room for next year when the free agent list will be containing an absurd number of marquis names. LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh and Amar’e Stoudemire just to name a few of the stars who are scheduled to be up for grabs to the highest bidders and smoothest talking general managers.

We’ll begin in the basketball Mecca of New York. The Knicks may have landed the biggest name but also cleared the way for next year’s free agents. In a three way trade involving the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets, they aquired injury plagued former allstar Tracy McGrady. McGrady can still be considered a great supporting player. Of course, that’s if his aging body allows him to.

Now are the woeful Knicks winners or losers on this day?

How about this, we’ll check back in on July 1, 2010 when free agents hit the open market like housewives upon sales on Black Friday.

Hey, did I just use the Knicks and winners in the same sentence?

When was the last time anyone heard that…be honest!

Now the Cleveland LeBron’s, or Cavaliers (you be the judge), made the best move when they

acquired Antawn Jamison from the Wizards. This makes the league leaders even more dangerous in the sense that they can play a “stretch 4” and it will keep opposing defenders in check all the way out to the three point line. Yes, they gave up fan favorite Zydrunas Ilgauskas and a 2010 first round draft pick, but that finals trophy they look poised to make a run at sure will look better than any late first rounder.

And now we come across losers around the league. How about we first go with the Phoenix Suns? Amar’e Stoudemire now owns the team and GM. He is going to get paid whether it’s in the desert or anywhere around the league. The Suns have little to no leverage anymore at the end of the year when they will either try and resign the all-star, or will watch him hit the road and they are left with nothing but first-round playoff exits from years past.

Bean town should be wondering what was going through GM Danny Ainge’s mind when he traded for Nate Robinson in exchange for role player Eddie House and two others.

Why Danny?

The Celtics get rid of a pure shooter and guy who is playoff tested and can come off the bench.

Their pay out, an explosive slam dunk three peat champion who is great when it comes to contests.

Oh wait, this is the push for the playoffs and this move makes no sense and more importantly doesn’t help Boston when they face the likes of the Hawks, Magic, or Cavs come playoff time.

So there you have it. Argue it, love it, or ignore it, but one fact emerges from the wreckage.

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers are on a collision course for the Finals.

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TNL

SPORTS| Feb. 23, 2010

SPOrtS SNAPSHOt

What’s your most memorable moment of the Winter Olympics?

AHMAD NICHOLS

FRESHMAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

“WHen SHAni dAviS Won tHe GoLd in SPeedSKAtinG...tWiCe!”

ELIZABETH ARNOLD ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JPC DEPARTMENT “tHe 2002 oLYmPiCS in SALt LAKe CitY WHen JAniCA KoSteLiC from CroAtiA, WHo HAd SPent tHe niGHt in A voLKSWAGen BuS WitH Her dAd, tooK tHe GoLd in Women’S doWnHiLL.”

SPOrtS BrieFS UAA avoid upset, hold on to defeat Wolves 62-60 Nicci Miller produced a double-double and fellow senior Tamar Gruwell hit the game-winning free throws with 31 seconds left Feb. 18 as the 14th-ranked Alaska Anchorage women’s basketball team earned a 62-60 victory against Western Oregon at the New P.E. Building.

The Seawolves (20-3, 10-2 GNAC) got 11 points apiece from Gruwell and sophomore center Hanna Johansson, while Miller had 15 points and 10 rebounds to fight off the upset bid and earn UAA’s fifth straight win.

Western Oregon (10-16, 5-7) was led by a game-high 20 points from senior forward Katie Torland, but the home team was outscored 8-4 after its star fouled out with 3:04 remaining.

After forging a 23-18 lead with 5:28 left in the first half, the Seawolves fell behind 32-31 at halftime. The game eventually featured 10 ties and 11 lead changes, with neither team leading by more than six points.

The reigning Great Northwest Athletic Conference Player of the Week, Miller finished with four steals, two assists and no turnovers. Gourdin produced another well balanced stat line with six points, three blocks and three steals, and Oregon native Nikki Aden had eight points and three steals.

UAA men outrun WOU 90-81 for key road win

Casey Robinson exploded for a career-high 30 points to lead the Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball team to a critical 90-81 road victory over Western Oregon at the New P.E. Building Feb. 18.

The Seawolves (15-7, 6-5 GNAC) – ranked No. 9 in the current NCAA Div. II West Region poll – also got 14 points apiece from Drew Robinson and Brandon Walker as they posted a season-high scoring total.

Sophomore guard Blair Wheadon led the Wolves (11-12, 4-8) with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting, plus five assists, but the home team couldn’t overcome a 39-32 rebounding disadvantage.

UAA – which trailed throughout its 76-65 home loss to WOU last month – turned the tables Thursday, using an early three-point barrage to earn a 19-6 lead. The Wolves sliced their deficit to just 35-34 with under five minutes in the half before the Seawolves stretched to 49-41 at the break.

Robinson finished with 10-of-17 shooting, including 6 of 13 three-pointers, while making all four of his free throws. The junior forward from Manila, Utah, became the first Seawolf to reach the 30-point mark since Kenny Barker had 38 in a Jan. 31, 2009 win over Alaska Fairbanks.

Seawolves tripped up in Mankato 5-2

The UAA Seawolves gave up three special team goals, falling to the Minnesota State Mavericks, 5-2, in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association game at the Verizon Wireless Center on Feb.19.

The Seawolves (10-18-2, 8-16-2 WCHA) took an early 1-0 lead with just 49 seconds expired on the clock, and held the lead through the first period. The Mavericks (14-16-2, 8-15-1 WCHA) responded with three goals in the second and two in the third before UAA netted a power play tally for the 5-2 final.

After missing three games due to a hip injury, junior forward Nick Haddad returned to the lineup for his fifth goal of the season. Haddad received the puck from senior forwardsKevin Clark and Josh Lunden.

Minnesota State’s five-goal run included two breakaway goals and two shorthanded tallies. Handing UAA most of the destruction was senior forward Kael Mouillierat, who registered two goals and an assist.

The Seawolves final tally of the night was netted by freshman forward Alex Gellert - his third goal of the season and second goal on the man advantage.

In net for UAA, senior Jon Olthius stopped 20 of MSU’s 25 shots, while the Mavericks’ Phil Cook (5-3-1) made 28 saves on 30 shots. With the loss, Olthuis drops his record to 7-11-2 on the season.

The Seawolves were 1-8 on the power play and the Mavericks were 1-5.

UAA, Sanders top Brown for first dual

Sophomore Shakea Sanders earned an unexpected victory in the all-around and the Alaska Anchorage gymnastics team pulled away late Jan. 19 for its first dual victory of the season, defeating Brown by a score of 188.250-184.875 at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.

The Seawolves (1-10) also got a season-best 37.775 all-around from senior Courtney Williams and an individual victory by Kaelei Spoor on floor exercise.

The Bears (4-6) were led by freshman Julia Meyer, who earned wins on uneven bars with a 9.7 and balance beam with a 9.6.

With just a 140.000-139.100 lead after three rotations, the Seawolves quickly put an end to the drama, getting consecutive 9.425s from Williams and senior Meagan Byrne on floor while the Bears struggled on beam.

UAA finished even stronger, getting Spoor’s career- and team-season-high 9.825 on floor, followed by a 9.7 for sophomore Kelsey Fullerton and a 9.75 from Sanders.

After opening with a winning 9.725 on vault and a 9.45 on bars, Sanders, who was slated to go on her normal three events, found herself suddenly thrust into an all-around role when junior Leah Wilson hurt her knee on her bars dismount. Sanders’ 38.150 total came in her first-ever all-around performance and is UAA’s best score this year.

-Compiled by Taylor Hall

GREG JONES SOPHOMORE UNDECLARED

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Women team up to take on men for 2010 Iron Dog snowmachine race

By Mike Campbell Anchorage Daily News

Shane and Tammy Barber have been together 18 years now, 16 as a married couple.

But next week, the pair will have new partners as they pursue identical goals.

On Sunday afternoon, Willow riders Tammy, 35, and Jana Pevan, 29, will punch the throttles of their Polaris Dragon snowmachines, zoom across Big Lake and become the third all-woman team to start in the pro division in the 2,000mile Iron Dog, the world’s longest and toughest snowmobile race.

Shane, meanwhile, will hook up with new partner Aaron Loyer for his eighth race from Big Lake to Nome to Fairbanks.

Was there ever much consideration of a husband-andwife team?

“We couldn’t do it without killing each other,” Tammy said with a laugh.

The history of women’s teams over the race’s 26 years is more short story than tome. In 1997, Lisa Luther and Laura Bedard, now the race’s executive director, formed the first all-woman team to start in the pro division, reaching the halfway point in Nome before scratching.

“I’m really excited about that (the prospect of becoming the second women’s team to finish),” Pevan said. “That’s a lot of the drive for us — and maybe getting more women involved in the race.”

The Iron Dog trail pierces some of the toughest terrain on the planet, often in sub-zero temperatures with the driver doubling as pit crew.

“Out there, you’re not going to have your garage or your

pneumatic tools,” Page said.

“When you drop a screw in snow and it’s hot, good luck finding it.”

No matter their gender, Iron Dog racers face formidable odds. In many years, more racers scratch than finish, victims of the relentless pounding, mechanical failure or a small miscalculation that leads to disaster.

Page, 39, said she and McClurg spent years training before making their bid. Most mornings started with a 200-mile training

“That’s a lot of the drive for us — and maybe getting more women involved in the race.”

-Jana Pevan Iron Dog racer

run before Page clocked in for work at First National Bank.

“Women can do this race,” Page said. “By time we did it, I could pull apart a sled and put it back together overnight. You’re not going to call a pit crew in the middle of the Alaska Range.

Barber and Pevan have spent much of their free time — and with three children apiece there’s never much of that — riding the race trail as far as Puntilla Lake this winter.

“We’ve been out there so much, I think I’m married to (Barber)

more than my husband,” Pevan said Some of their early runs were difficult.

“It took us forever to get up the (Susitna) River,” Barber said. “We had to fix our sleds on the trail, which actually turned out to be good learning experience.”

Pevan was happy just to be out there, able to ride.

Now, as word spreads of their Iron Dog bid, anticipation grows.

“It seems like everyone is so excited for us,” Barber said.

Even Shane Barber. His advice to his wife: “Don’t break anything,” she recounted.

And what happens if Tammy triumphs over her husband?

“If I beat him, he’s in trouble,” she said.

But on the trail, Page said, she got nothing but support and encouragement from racers — particularly John Faeo, who’s tied with Scott Davis of Soldotna for the most Iron Dog victories.

Page’s and McClurg’s 15th-place finish put the women ahead of Polaris drivers Jack Bronner and Mike Lindeen, who brought up the rear.

“Jack told us, ‘You girls need to slow down. You’re going too fast.

I just could not pass you,’” Page said.

Pevan and Barber will earn more than pats on the back if they make it to Fairbanks. In an effort to lure more women to the Iron Dog, race organizers are offering $2,000 to the first all-woman team that makes it to Nome, and another $2,000 for the first to reach the finish line. That alone equals the prize money for eighth place.

Are You Ready?

The deadline to register to vote is March 6, 2010 Daily Den Voter Registration Monday - Thursday February 22- March 4 8am-10am and 2pm-4pm The Den in the Student Union 1st floor

Mobile Voter Registration Monday Feb 22 and March 1 10am-1pm RH (Feb 22) 10am-1pm SSB (March 1) 3pm-5pm University Center Wednesday Feb 24 and March 3 11am-2pm Aviation Center Thursday Feb 25 and March 4 11am-1pm ISB

See the Municipality of Anchorage website for more information regarding April 6 elections:

http://www.muni.org/departments/assembly/clerk/elections/pages/default.aspx

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Palmer March 3

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Soldotna March 4

Kenai Peninsula College, Room 159, 12–2 pm; Room 116, 5– 7 pm

www.uas.alaska.edu Tel: (907) 786-7735

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Win Free Parking! Fame! Fortune!

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• Email submissions should be no larger than 4”x5” and 72 dpi. If your photo is selected, a larger version of the image will need to be submitted.

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FEATURES

09

USUAA: Healing begins after alleged harassment Continued from Cover

USUAA’s bylaws more than seven absences means a senator automatically losses their seat. Finn’s expulsion ignited countless hours of argument over the nuances of the absence policy and whether it was being manipulated to advance personal agendas.

“Even if it hurts people’s feelings, no matter what, we have to follow this contract (the constitution and bylaws) or we don’t deserve the student fees,” Senator Kevin Vanderwall said, a junior majoring in accounting who was a leader in the fight to remove Finn.

Senator Sam Frederick, a junior double majoring in electrical engineering and computer science agrees.

“Definitely some people thought it was a blatant abuse that they brought (Finn) back, that’s what I felt,” Frederick said.

The storm has centered on Finn, but many students say they have been hurt.

“I feel (the controversy has been) really affecting people in a pretty personal way that’s just not positive for the organization or for the people who are most severely effected, Peter (Finn) in particular,” Hernandez said.

In January, most of the members of USUAA attended a retreat specifically addressing issues of civility and mutual respect.

“There were a few people that were attacked: I was attacked, Catherine (Helle) was attacked. Allison Murrell has been attacked as well,” Finn said.

Fearing harassment on February 5, Finn asked UPD Officer Perry Morgan to attend a USUAA meeting with him.

“I’m not going to be intimidated into leaving,” Finn said.

Meeting transcripts reveal a disorderedly

and volatile atmosphere. After attending just one such meeting, new Senator Doug McManis, a junior majoring in journalism, resigned.

“The atmosphere of hostility and indignity displayed by the two senators in the gallery (at the Dec. 5 meeting) gave me a clear picture of the semester or year to come. Their tactics for getting what they want are fear tactics. It’s a disgusting circus and I can’t be a part of it.” McManis wrote in his letter of resignation, adding comments in an interview.

Senator Helle also resigned when animosity continued to boil over.

“I remember one meeting sitting there and wondering if my life was in danger in any way, and it was after that, that I decided to resign,” Helle said. “Not because I didn’t want to fulfill the needs of the students at UAA, but because I didn’t feel the organizations was equipped in its current state to assist me in representing any student voices . . . It was a very real fear, it becomes pretty clear when you see a police officer being brought to a meeting. I think a lot of people felt these threats at the time.”

Though she sought help from the Dean of Students office, Helle “didn’t feel much support from them.” She wrote a harassment report but after hearing how the Dean of Students office planned to handle it she decided not to file it.

“I honestly was fearful that if I said anything or that if reported any cases of harassment the recourse I needed wouldn’t be given to me and I would only put myself in deeper trouble,” Helle said.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affair Bruce Schultz has been monitoring the discord within USUAA by going to meetings,

addressing the assembly and meeting with individual senators.

“Certainly I would hope that anytime a student feels harassed that they file a complaint . . . (though) sometimes a formal complaint to the Dean of Students office is not the best avenue to peruse an issue,” Schultz said.

Physical intimidation became a central issue not only in meetings, but also on campus, particularly around USUAA’s offices. Finn and Murrell allege that Senator Sean McGrane habitually sat outside the USUAA offices taking pictures through the window between mid October and the end of classes in December of 2009.

“His goal was to make us feel uncomfortable; like ‘hey I’m watching you guys, I’m catching you doing all your bad stuff and I’m going to come after you with this,’” Finn said.

McGrane disagrees and contests Finn’s claim.

“As for the taking pictures – no, I did not take pictures. (Finn) believes people are out to get him, and I just happen to be the target,” McGrane said.

Another divisive tactic has been the filing of anonymous ethics complaints against Finn and Murrell. “(When) someone thinks you are a shameful, wrongful, person, that hurts,” Murrell said.

Additional incidents include the unauthorized entry of a former senator into USUAA offices when the offices were closed. A former senator has allegedly admitted to rifling through current senators’ mailboxes in search of evidence of falsified absence paperwork.

“It was not a good situation for a very

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long time,” Murrell said. “I just don’t want to sit here and basically waste everyones money. . . by not advocating for student interest. That’s what we are here to do, and if we are not going to do that then we need to dissolve and return all that money.”

Hernandez has convened an independent ethics review board whose members are not a part of USUAA to hear complaints and determine who may have violated USUAA’s constitution and bylaws and the student code of conduct, though their report is not due for weeks.

The one thing every senator The Northern Light spoke with agrees on is the need for a constitutional convention, with engaged student involvement, to resolve the ambiguities in the organization’s governing documents that have led to such conflict. Plans are going forward to hold the convention later in the semester.

In a measured bid to restore order, Hinkley Cahill, Assistant Director of Student Life and Leadership, addressed the USUAA assembly at the beginning of their Feb. 12 meeting. She asked senators to “recognize the motivations of everyone around the table and equally respect those motivations.”

Helle contends that there are only “a very small number of people that are problematic to the functioning of the organization.”

Both McManis and Helle have returned to USUAA since tensions have begun to ease. McManis has joined the election board and Helle collected petition signatures last week to resume her role as a senator. She was sworn in again on Friday.

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT 10

‘Tuesdays with Morrie’ connects with audiences

By Mary Noden Lochner The Northern Light

The best-selling novel “Tuesdays with Morrie” did more than top the New York Times’ non-fiction charts in 2000. The touching autobiographical tale of a hyper-successful but emotionally closed man slowly opening to a life of deeper meaning under the steady tutelage of his dying former professor became a cultural tourde-force in the United States.

It was a bestseller book, a T.V. movie, and eventually reached the final nirvana of all pop-culture phenomena; that is, it became satirized in a Simpson’s episode.

One might wonder why then, after nearly a decade of rotating through the natural lifecycle of all American pop culture entities, author Mitch Albom decided to team up with playwright Jeffrey Hatcher to release his work as a play.

“Tuesdays with Morrie,” a twoman theater production, opened Feb. 5 at Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse. It garnered a healthy standing ovation by curtain’s close on opening night.

But to answer the question “Why a play?” one must recall what so affected American audiences about “Tuesdays With Morrie” in the first place. It provided a wise and measured response to the consumerism and success obsession that has increasingly overtaken American

life in the 20th and 21st centuries. It returned to readers a sense of the yesteryear values of our former better selves.

Mitch Albom the character is not just a man – he is what many Americans have become.

Morrie Schwartz, the wise and dying professor, represents the truer meaning of life that seems lacking in modern society.

Albom’s transformation is the one we hope would occur, at least in part, in our own lives.

More importantly, this transformation occurs in the narrative context of a growing relationship that sews back together the sundered connection in American life between the wisdom of our elder generations and the fresh endeavors of younger ones.

It is precisely that intimacy that is so well captured in Albom and Hatcher’s play.

The characters are only two and the props are minimal – a couple chairs, a piano, a bookshelf, a record player and a telephone. The audience is drawn decisively into the throbbing heart of the story and never leaves.

To carry such a work requires the talents of two adept actors, and director Bernie Blaine’s casting of Dick Reichman and Patrick Killoran for this work was the right one.

Many will recognize the name Dick Reichman for his work as a

local playwright and director. As Morrie, he proves his acting skills are no less formidable. He plays the part so well the distinction between Reichman and his character collapses completely. He is Morrie throughout the entirety of the play.

His role is no simple feat, either.

He must persuasively embody the gradual transformation from Morrie the peppy professor who only knows he is going to die, through all the stages of Morrie the fading man who is actually dying.

Killoran, for his part, shows only the tiniest and very occasional marks of uncertainty and contrivance when conveying Mitch, and these likely would never been noticeable had Killoran not been faced with the considerable task of providing an adequate partner to Reichman’s astounding Morrie. Even given this contrast, it is clear Killoran is a promising talent and one that is fairly polished for his age.

Together, Reichman and Killoran carry the weight of the story’s center well, and it is around this nexus that the audience orbits throughout the metamorphosis that transpires in both characters.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” the play is an opportunity to experience this well-known story in a much more engaging way.

“Tuesdays wth Morrie” plays at Cyrano’s Off’Center Playhouse until Feb. 28.

JAMIE LANG PHOTOGRAPHY

Dick Reichman as Morrie Schwartz and Patrick Killoran as Mitch Albom pull the plot together in Cyrano’s production of “Tuesdays with Morrie.”

JAMIE LANG PHOTOGRAPHY

“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a moving performance that will be playing at Cyrano’s OffCenter Playhouse until Feb. 28.

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Feb. 23, 2010 | A&E

TNL

i

FOCUS

2.23 – 3.1.2010 where you need to be this week

11

Chicago

Award winning Broadway musical “Chicago” will premier at the Anchorage Center for the Performing Arts’ Atwood Concert Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The production runs until Sunday, Feb. 28. Tickets range from $45 - $70, and can be purchased at www.alaskapac.centertix.net.

3 Inches of Blood

Canadian metal band 3 Inches of Blood will perform two shows in Anchorage. The first, an all ages show, will be at Club Millennium on Friday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. with Decepticide and Witness The End. The second show, ages 21 and over at Chilkoot Charlie’s, is Saturday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. with Chased Through The Woods and City in Ashes. Both shows are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and tickets can be purchased at www.groovetickets.com, all Mammoth Music locations and at Chilkoot Charlie’s.

Fur Rondy Melodrama

“Pirates of the Aleutians: Saloon Girls Gone Wild” is a comedic play spin-off of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies that will premier at the Snow Goose Theater on Friday, Feb. 26 at 8 p.m., and will run until Friday, March 12. Tickets are $18 - $23 and can be purchased at www. alaskapac.centertix.net.

Running of the Reindeer The third annual Fur Rondy “Running of the Reindeer” will take place on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 3:00 p.m. at 4th and H Street. Registrants will be chased down the street by a herd of reindeer in the style of the “Running of the Bulls” in Pamplona, Spain. There is a waiver and a $25 entrance fee. For more information, or to register, go to www.furrondy.net.

Rondy on Ice

The 40th annual “Fur Rondy on Ice,” performed by the Anchorage Figure Skating Club, will show at the UAA Wells Fargo Sports Center on Friday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50 and can be purchased at www.furrondy.net and at www.goseawolves.com.

Compiled by Heather Hamilton

e-mail arts2@thenorthernlight.org to submit an event!

A&e BrieFS Literature Conference panels to meet The Department of English’s graduate students are hosting the 15th Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Literature and Rhetoric from Friday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, Feb. 27 in the Consortium Library.

The Friday panel presentations begin at 10 a.m. and presenter Dr. Christopher Keep will speak at 4:15 p.m.

The Saturday panel presentations begin at 11 a.m. Presenter Deborah Brandt, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will speak at 4:45 p.m.

In addition to the panels, there will be a silent auction open throughout the week that ends at 3 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, go to www.english.uaa.alaska.edu

Sherman Alexie to speak at the Wendy

Native American screenwriter, poet and author Sherman Alexie will be visiting the UAA campus on Thursday, March 4. Alexie will present his work at the Wendy Williamson Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Alexie’s works, such as his collection of poetry “The Business of Fancydancing,” have been used in several English courses at UAA. The poems depict contemporary Native American life.

Tickets for this event are free for UAA students and available at the Student Union Info Desk. Ticket price is $11 for the general public ahead of time and $16 at the door. Call Student Activities at (907)786-1213 for more information.

‘Wonder of the World’ to play final weekend

“What do Niagara Falls, a 1950s fashion icon, and a giant jar of peanut butter have in common?”

That’s the tagline for UAA’s production of “Wonder of the World.” The answer to the question is, very little – that is, unless you’re willing to enter the hilariously imagination of playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. His satire of modern life and marriage threads together the iconic and mundane objects of American experience with a narrative that prompts a woman who has discovered her husband’s Barbie head fetish to board a bus to Niagara falls to re-center her crazy life.

Theater professor Fran Lautenberger directs the show, which you can catch for one more weekend on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 26 and 27, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 28, at 3 p.m. Advance tickets available at www.centertix.net -Compiled by Heather Hamilton and Mary Noden Lochner

12 A&E|

TNL

Feb. 23, 2010

raft Garter proceeds go to help non-profit Siouxsie Home Breaker Club hand-crafts hot accessories to benefit local non-profit S.T.A.R.

By Heather Hamilton The Northern Light

Certain occasions in a girl’s life call for a garter. The Siouxsie Home Breaker Club is happy to supply them.

The club, comprised of both men and women, participates in a charity-based program called “Garters for Goodness Sakes.”

The proceeds from their handmade garter sales go to S.T.A.R. – Standing Together Against Rape – a local non-profit that’s suffered budget cuts in recent years.

“It’s actually really easy to make them,” Crystal Wilson said, the group’s spokesperson.

Their garters are made of ribbon, elastic and an accent piece. The ribbons are cut into one-yard strips, sewed together to make a sleeve, threaded with just enough elastic for a snug fit around the thigh, and sewn up the back. An accent or charm is added for a finishing touch.

The designs are usually inspired by weddings, holidays or costumes, but the group also takes custom orders.

The garters range in price

from $6-$18 and are most often sold at local burlesque shows (such as those by VivaVoom Brr-Lesque), Glam-o-Rama shows and the Palmer Raceway Flag Drags during the summer months. The garters can also be purchased on Etsy.com using “Siouxsie Home Breaker Club” in the seller search.

For more information about the group, or to commission garters, go to www.myspace. com/shbclub.

LEIGHANN SEAMAN/ TNL

These garters are lovingly made with ribbon and lace by The Siouxie Homebreakers, a local group of driven crafters.

GAme revieW

‘Bioshock 2’ a middling effort

By Bryan Dunagan The Northern Light

“Bioshock 2” is not your average shooter. But then, neither was the heavily-lauded “Bioshock,” with its strong emphasis on narrative and upgrading special abilities RPGstyle.

As with “Bioshock,” the story is half the draw in the sequel game.

Jack from the first game is MIA in the second. The character Delta, one of the Alpha Series Big Daddies, replaces him. In the game, Big Daddies take care of the Little Sisters that harvest ADAM, a form of genetic currency, from corpses.

Harvesting a Little Sister kills it in the process but yields more ADAM, which is the same moral quandary from the first game.

The Little Sisters this time around have a bigger part, since the player is a Big Daddy.

“Bioshock 2” starts off with the player watching his Little Sister run through a crowd of people in the underwater city of Rapture. Delta hears his Little Sister, Eleanor, scream and bowls through the crowd in search of her. He finds her in middle of a group of Splicers, the criminals who use ADAM to become genetically more powerful. Delta, being pretty much a human tank, dispatches them all until he is hypnotized to shoot himself in the head as Eleanor watches.

Ten years later, after Rapture has torn itself apart, Delta reawakens, alive and confused and unable to find his Eleanor. This sets in motion a touching narrative that sticks to established themes, with a couple twists at the end, neither of which are as powerful as the finale of the first game. And, as in the first “Bioshock,” the audio journals that litter the landscape bring it closer to home.

The second game sees the return of boss battles with the Big Daddies. But it also offers a new, faster and more tenacious foe in the Big Sisters. They constantly barrage Delta with plasmids and quick attacks, and

can deplete his health faster than smoking a cigarette. They are fun encounters that are scripted, but add to the chaos that is Rapture.

The combat remains mostly unchanged, but the biggest addition is the “dual-wield” plasmid (special genetic powers) and weapons. The new combat arrangement lets the player pummel enemies with fire while blasting them with a shotgun or whatever there is ammo available for. Furthermore, upgrading a plasmid allows for better perks. Multiplayer makes an appearance, which was not really asked for, but the mode can be a fun diversion from the rest of the military shooters out there.

Oddly enough, the multiplayer has a mild story-driven narrative as well; the player creates his or her avatar and then participates in the civil war that tore the undersea city apart. Levels are achieved, plasmids and weapons are gained, but it never amounts to what one would expect. And while it is fun to turn into a Big Daddy and decimate online foes, the servers suffer from too few people populating the game world.

In all, “Bioshock 2” expands the lore from the first but never hits the same high points. It stays safe, and stays combat heavy.

The story never really feels satisfying, but returning to the city of Rapture is a welcome homecoming full of genetic mutants, shady characters, shifting allegiances and the exploration of the human psyche.

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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 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 Kam Walters FEATURES EDITOR 786-1567 features@thenorthernlight.org Katie Forstner A&E EDITOR 786-6198 arts@thenorthernlight.org Mary Noden Lochner 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 PHOTOGRAPHER Logan Tuttle GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics@thenorthernlight.org Lindsay Johnson CONTRIBUTORS Jena Benton Derek Chivers Kimberly Copadis Bryan Dunagan Carrigan Grigsby Casie Habetler Daniel Jackson Andrew Neuerburg 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, 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.

13

eDitOriAL

With more civility and public input, government could be more efficient People do not expect their governing bodies to be models of efficiency, but the people do expect government to get things done.

Unfortunately, things are not getting done – at least not in a timely manner. The reason that things have been slow to get done does not appear to be because our elected officials have been hashing out the bitter details of bills and propositions.

The real reason seems to be that personal and political tiffs are getting in the way of the political process. This leaves government in dire need of civility.

Take USUAA into consideration. They are a relatively small as governing bodies go, with 23 members. Assuming these 23 people are concerned and heavily involved members of UAA, it would only make sense that they would be able to unite under a common goal – a goal of making UAA a better place for students.

This common goal, however, does not appear to unite UAA’s student government. In light of recent events, they give the impression that they are unequivocally divided.

For those that do not know, a University Police officer was asked to attend USUAA’s Feb. 5 meeting by a senator who felt like he was being harassed by other members of the delegation.

An officer was required to quell harassment?

That really does not bode well with anybody.

Apparently the alleged harassers are a small, but very vocal, group. The tension between the two groups of senators has brought work to a standstill in student government.

Things are slowly coming around in USUAA, but it brings into question the reason that the going is slow in other legislative bodies. Is it because officials are feuding with each other? Or is it because they really are working out the small details to make the legislation they pass as solid as possible?

Things like this will happen, it is human nature and people will not always get along.

But, it is necessary for government officials to put these differences aside and do what the people elected them to do.

Since USUAA is such a small and hyper-

local government, it has the potential to accomplish a lot that could make UAA an even better place to go to school.

Maybe something that would make USUAA a truly student-representative government is student-input from non-members.

Students need to sit in on USUAA meetings to voice their opinions and find out about what exactly USUAA does. Students have a general lack of knowledge about what happens in USUAA and how they manage a large amount of student fees.

It is only fair for students and those that represent them to have more input into their decisions.

USUAA also needs to publicize elections further in advance. It is not uncommon for students to be unaware of elections until booths appear around the campus.

There will never be a shortage of issues for governing bodies to address, and the most effective way is with input from those whose lives are affected by their decisions.

SOAP BOX

Free speech on trial in the Netherlands Free speech is currently a selective process and is an issue that needs to be addressed

By Daniel McDonald The freedom of speech is on trial at this moment in a Dutch court. Geert Wilders, the leader of the Party for Freedom and a man well known for his outspoken resistance to the Islamification of the Netherlands, is facing a possible two years in prison.

He has a history of making controversial statements on Islam and even went as far as releasing a short film in 2008 titled Fitna, documenting violence and hatred by Muslims around the world.

A sizeable minority has seen fit to prosecute him for “inciting hatred and discrimination, based on comments by him in various media on Muslims and their beliefs.”

He has compared the Qur’an to Mein Kampf and accused the religion as being diametrically opposed to enlightenment principles valued in Western democracies.

The court however is not concerned with whether those accusations are true and that raises a very serious and disturbing problem.

Under so-called “anti-hate” speech law, Wilders is not on trial for spreading falsehoods about Islam, but rather hurting the feelings of its adherents. Even if what he is warning against happens to be true, that can be of no aid in his defense.

The Dutch have abandoned truth in favor of sensitivity and allowed a small group of theocrats to hijack their courts in order to silence the opposition. Isn’t it amusing how Wilders accuses Islam as being fascist and its followers retaliate exactly how a fascist group

would be expected to?

We also need to rid ourselves of this false question of “Hate speech or Free speech?”

There is no such dilemma. Much of the media separates these terms as being somehow independent. However, if you accept that a society ought to uphold free speech, then hate speech must accompany itw.

If someone claims they support free speech rights and at the same time anti-hate speech legislation, then they are both hypocritical and dishonest. What they mean by “free” is only what they are willing to tolerate.

They use speech laws as a tool to end public discourse and criminalize the thoughts of their opponents.

What needs to be understood is that free speech is utterly meaningless, unless it means the freedom to speak on controversial subjects, especially religion.

Another obvious problem that arises from these hate speech laws is who will be bestowed with the privilege of defining what is considered to be hateful? Can any person really be trusted with the power of deciding what his neighbor is permitted to say?

The arbitrary nature of these speech laws is all too obvious. Additionally, by virtue of putting a law in place that states you cannot insult this group, but fails to mention another group, you end up with some being “more equal” than others. Every year you will have another victim pleading their case to be added to the list of those protected.

This political show trial is scheduled to continue until October of this year. Whether you agree with Geert Wilders is not the issue

PriDe

CHiDe

COrreCtiONS

Dance groups in the Student Union…

UAA…

In our “UAA named 2009 Tree Campus

…for keeping us entertained.

…for not having enough power outlets.

USA by the Arbor Day Foundation”

Special to the Northern Light

at stake; what is at stake is freedom. And we here in America need to stand with the people of Europe behind Wilders and refuse to bow to the whims of the offended.

There should not be any arbiters of tolerable speech, especially if they are totalitarian thugs stuck in a seventh-century mindset. People who condone death by stoning for blasphemy, adultery and homosexuality, and throw acid in the faces of unveiled women or treat them as chattel have absolutely no place in Western society.

‘Can any person really be trusted with the power of deciding what his neighbor is permitted to say?’

We cannot allow that sort of backward ideology to gain a foothold in any legal system and should resist it wherever it currently festers.

The Dutch people need to free themselves from the shackles of multiculturalism and send these enemies of freedom back to the theocracies they seem so fond of.

article on Feb. 2 we misspelled Suzanne Forster’s name.

14 COMICS|

TNL

Feb. 23, 2010 BrOKeCOmiCS | Alec Fritz

tUNDrA l Chad Carpenter

CrYPtOQUOte PUZZLe l Lindsay Johnson

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Solution to last weekʼs puzzle: “Dreams are necessary for life.”

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-Anais Nin

CrOSSWOrD ACROSS 1. Outlaws 5. Excavates 9. Surprise greatly 14. Help a crook 15. North African port 16. Harshness 17. Bryn — College 18. Lube job gadgets* 20. Purplish flowers 22. Rainbow 23. Yard tool 24. — E. Coyote 26. Kind of moth 28. Stalls (*) 32. Travel stops 36. Gloating cry 37. Run — of 39. Short summary 40. BMW rival 42. Dropped the ball 44. Sullen

45. Vogue 47. Meditators 49. Chou En — 50. Like some peanuts 52. Enjoying 54. Big pitcher 56. Chic beach resort 57. Bridge support(hyph.)

60. Dubya’s bro 62. Applied lightly 66. Not bother* 69. Arm bone 70. Jeweler’s measure 71. Cake decorator 72. Of that kind 73. Plenty 74. Truck fronts 75. Reveal DOWN 1. Crimson Tide, to fans 2. Goat’s-hair robes

3. Kid in “Aliens” 4. Scatters.

5. Unhappy existence* 6. Clothes abbr.

7. Titans’ mother 8. Show teeth 9. Exist 10. Headed south 11. Water, in Baja 12. — out (doze off) 13. Gaeliclanguage 19. Dross 21. Funny Rudner 25. Atlanta campus 27. Choice word 28. Regatta lineup 29. Lieutenant under Kirk 30. Matterhorn call 31. Common Market money 33. Rod-shaped bacteria*

34. Reddish lumber tree 35. Piece of parsley 38. Kind of pad 41. Lull or gap 43. Screens 46. Natural moisture 48. Cold drink 51. — vu 53. Hardy 55. Antique 57. Actress — Chase 58. Smile broadly 59. Org. for seniors 61. — Raton, Fla. 63. Eye shade 64. Env. stuffer 65. Arlene of old films 67. Cousteau’s summer 68. Bird beak

* 2 words

vascular plant WOrDSeArCH l L. Johnson and Rachel Johnson P H E N O L I C S L N A D F R

T L P H L O E M O L M S I L R

V R L M E L Y X O Y Y A J A F

V A A Y O I U L H E N P P V S

D M C C H S K C S A A M E O A

R I N O H P N T N X T A C N B

N J O M U E O G K N O N T O K

I I G L R L I R O B B I I I A

U U N E A O E D O U O H N D M

Q H L G S K E E S L N C S S O

last week’s CrOSSWOrD solution

D C I P I S L N Z B H A J W R

S N E J U L W A I S T C A D T

P R S M U I B M A C E N P K S

M F N I N A Y C O H T N A T Q

T R A N S P I R A T I O N X B

ALKALOID ANGIOSPERM ANTHOCYANIN BULBS CAMBIUM CHINAMPAS CHLOROPHYLL ETHNOBOTANY FLAVONOIDS LIGNIN NODES PECTINS PHENOLICS PHLOEM SCLERENCHYMA STROMA TRACHEIDS TRANSPIRATION VACOULE XYLEM

this week’s SUDOKU solution

HOrOSCOPe l Stella Wilder The coming week is likely to have a great many individuals longing for the end of something while yearning for something else again -- and both with a fever never before felt. Emotions of all kinds are sure to run high, as a variety of situations develop that ignite the passions and stir feelings that may not have been felt for quite some time. Both business and pleasure will enjoy renewed importance for most, and some will surely find that these two arenas are more closely related than usual. Indeed, those who can combine them seamlessly at this time may enjoy untold rewards before the week is out.

Home life is likely to prove central to all-important situations, and those developments that prove most influential are likely to begin at home. Family dynamics are likely to be quite erratic for a time, but only until each member of each family has a clearer idea of where he or she is headed.

PISCES

(Feb. 19-March 5) -- You’re likely to find yourself waiting around for something important to happen. It’ll be quick, so you must be ready.

(March 6-March 20) -- After a difficult time, you may want to do something nice for yourself for a change. This is the week.

ARIES

(March 21-April 4) -- Are you qualified to take the lead in a charged and volatile situation? You may have one or two answers, but experience is the key.

(April 5-April 19) -- You may encounter unexpected animosity, but it all makes sense when you recognize the actual source.

TAURUS (

April 20-May 5) -- A problem you’ve been trying to solve for some time may actually be cracked at last -- owing to a chance encounter that yields key information.

(May 6-May 20) -- You’ll be burning to know more about someone you only recently met, but information is not forthcoming just yet.

GEMINI

(May 21-June 6) -- You have your sights set on something more grand and permanent, but the little things can prove quite satisfying -- at least for now.

(June 7-June 20) -- You’re likely to learn exactly what you want to learn, but from an unexpected source.

CANCER

(June 21-July 7) -- The introduction of a new element into your daily life provides surprising inspiration, and has you anticipating a major development.

(July 8-July 22) -- You may discover that the rumors have been true all along. Now put your feet back on the ground.

LEO

(July 23-Aug. 7) -- Speed is not the answer, though timing may be everything. You mustn’t confuse pace with doing something at precisely the right moment.

(Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You can be sure that someone is thinking of you as much as you are thinking of him or her.

VIRGO

(Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -- You’ll be able to mark the time in a way that doesn’t come completely naturally but that adds some excitement to your life.

(Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- Progress may not be constant, but by week’s end, you can point to all you’ve done with pride.

LIBRA

(Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You are likely to be reunited with someone who fell from grace for quite some time. Now, however, it’s time to look forward once again.

(Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- You’ll be after something that satisfies only you. There’s no need to explain, either.

SCORPIO

(Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- Teamwork can maximize rewards, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll enjoy collaborating at all times. You want to be on your own.

(Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- Quality control is a major issue of concern. Not everyone can provide what you want.

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You’ll derive more satisfaction than usual doing things in a way that is unconventional -- or even outright controversial.

(Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You have the chance to introduce someone to something that you may understand better than anyone else.

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You’re nearing the end of a major phase of your life, and though it may have been relatively short, there is no denying its overall impact.

(Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Don’t pull to a stop prematurely. Whatever you’re doing is worth doing all the way.

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- Your plans may have to be adjusted at the last minute -and more than once, for that matter. Someone isn’t playing by the rules.

(Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You’ll enjoy catching up with someone from the past, though a renewed alliance is not yet in the offing.

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the UAA

Confucius Institute

AdmFre issi e on!

Promoting Chinese Language and Culture in Alaska

A premier troupe from Bejing Normal University entertains with a wide array of music and dances in traditional and contemporary styles. Join us!

Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7:00 p.m.

Wendy Williamson Auditorium Call 907.786.1760 or visit www.uaa.alaska.edu/ci for more information