THENORTHERNLIGHT FEBRUARY 5, 2013
FEATURES
UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE
FEATURES
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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG
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Mean bean and green salad with easy vinaigrette easy for first time cooks
Study abroad information available to students
Telephone-based emergency alert system falters during accident PHOTO BY TIM BROWN
Phones can be added to intercom notifications if reported to IT services. By Keldon Irwin News Editor
Firefighters respond to a chemical spill on campus Jan. 30.
The Conoco Phillips Integrated Science Building was evacuated Jan. 30 because of a chemical spill. Calcium carbide, which was accidently combined with water, created a potentially hazardous gas. The spill also posed a possible explosion and flash fire risk,
according to Haz-Mat One Captain Kevin Wallace. No people were injured as a result of the spill. After the incident, the University Police Department issued a warning through its alert system, which overrides campus telephones and issues warnings about emergencies on campus. According to officer badge #240, all phones are connected to the system and should have
issued the alert. However, there were some phones in the Professional Studies Building that did not voice the alert. When asked why this happened, officer #240 was unaware that some phones did not issue the alert. Joshua Blackwell, an IT Call Center technician, said, “We do know of some phones that are not broadcasting.” He also said the majority of
USUAA vice president’s social media comments questioned
phones on campus have been added to the alert system, but any that are not functioning properly can be corrected manually if the extensions for the phones are provided to IT services. If anyone is aware of a phone that does not properly issue a UPD emergency intercom alert, notify IT services at 907-7864646.
Mayor Dan Sullivan to spotlight Q&A session at UAA By Keldon Irwin News Editor
SEE ETHICS
SEE MAYOR
COURTESY OF MUNICIPALITY OF ANCHORAGE
McConnell’s first comment of concern read, “Faggy McHitlerpants up here ^.” Chaitoff commented, “Andrew you can’t reference Hitler on a Jew’s post. It’s just not polite.” McConnell replied, “My bad. Faggy McStalinpants.” Chaitoff liked McConnell’s last comment. According to the Ethics section of the USUAA Constitution, McConnell violated article 20 sub point five. The sub point reads, “Student representatives will, while in a position of representation of this Assembly or university, refrain from using language, which is derogatory to an individual’s, or group’s ethnic or racial background, nationality, religious beliefs, sex, sexual orienta-
Annual Morning with the Mayor breakfast approaching soon. “This event is for the students,” USUAA Senator Andrew Lessig said. According to Lessig, Mayor Dan Sullivan should have less than 10 minutes of opening remarks, likely regarding his accomplishments as mayor and what he has done for education in Anchorage. The mayor’s remaining time on campus will be for a Q&A session with students, hosted by two or three USUAA members. Lessig, president of the Legislative Affairs Committee, has been collecting questions from students beforehand to ensure important student concerns are able to reach the mayor. A limited number of questions from the audience will also be answered. The Legislative Affairs Committee and USUAA sponsor the event. The Legislative Affairs Committee set aside $250 to purchase food for the event. However, Lessig said the committee often spends less than that. Leftover non-perishable food is saved for future USUAA events. It would cost $150 to pay student employees to set up and take down the lounge for Morning with the Mayor. USUAA members will be setting up the second-story lounge themselves to save money. The lounge will seat 60-70 people and offer a light continental breakfast.
By Keldon Irwin News Editor
Eds: Story includes sensitive language Anthropology sophomore Katelyn Jones emailed an opinion piece to TNL this week regarding the conduct of a student government leader on Facebook. Andrew McConnell, vice president of USUAA, made statements Jan. 28 on USUAA Senator Kate Chaitoff’s status about Dan Savage’s upcoming performance. The status had a total of 29 comments made between people McConnell regards as “friends.”
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Race gun sounds for James Williams discusses ‘Cracked indoor track season Frog,’ a meaningful accident in art By Jacob Holley-Kline Staff Reporter
PHOTO COURTESY RICHARD MCENERY
Freshman Cody Thomas posted a provisional national qualifying mark in the men’s heptathlon with 4,648 points.
By Thomas McIntyre Sports Editor
The Seawolf track and field team has begun its first ever season of indoor competition. The ‘Wolves started with a bang, too, notching 10 provisional qualifying times at the University of Washington Invitational.
Three Alaska Anchorage track and field members were recognized for their performances at the event. Senior distance runner Micah Chelimo, sophomore decathlete Cody Thomas and senior distance runner Susan Tanui were all named Great Northwest Athletic
facebook.com/northernlightuaa
SEE TRACK
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When James Williams was seven years old, his father gave him a pocketknife. With it, Williams carved a crude, inch-long canoe. “He held it in his hand and said, ‘He’s going to be a carver someday,’” Williams said. Williams, now 56, is a Tlingit master woodcarver and blacksmith. “(My dad) foresaw this in me,” he said. His piece “Cracked Frog” was commissioned by the Alaska Native Heritage Center last summer. Williams will be discussing the work Feb. 6 at the UAA Bookstore. “Cracked Frog” is a large, frog-shaped bowl adorned with distinctive blue, red, black and white paint. Rachel Epstein, bookstore
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PHOTOT COURTESY JAMES WILLIAMS
James Williams poses with his Cracked Frog sculpture.
special events coordinator, believes the piece has particular importance. “It brings Tlingit tradition, culture, and art into a contemporary setting,” she said. Epstein learned about “Cracked Frog” almost accidentally. “Marie (Williams’ wife)
thenorthernlight.org
recently joined the Bookstore staff ... I saw ‘Cracked Frog’ on her desktop,” she said. Carving the piece wasn’t easy for Williams. The log he started carving with weighed 1,500 pounds. By
SEE FROG
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youtube.com/tnlnews
NEWS
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
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MAYOR: Students given chance to talk to mayor CONTINUED FROM COVER
The Legislative Affairs Committee will likely provide muffins, juices, fruit, breads and bacon. The free food will be offered before and after the mayor’s time on campus. The mayor was unavailable for comment via telephone. Lessig recently saw a Facebook group with over 100 likes supporting Sullivan to run for a higher government position, possibly for senate, governor or lieutenant governor. He would like to ask the mayor if he is considering running for any of these seats. USUAA Senator Mabil Duir is helping set up and take down the event. He also has several questions for the mayor. “I want to see if he is going to create liaison programs between the parents and the student needs youth that end up at McLaughlin (Secondary School), to see his views and his position on that,” said Duir, “to see if he’s going to make any changes, or if he’s even heard about the problem. I have a lot of questions for the mayor. It’s going to be a great one.” Terri Draeger, government relations director for USUAA, will likely attend the event. A student offered her a question for the mayor asking how he is going to address tackling the homeless student situation on campus. “I’m not even sure if he is aware of the problem that students go homeless for sections of their academic careers,” Draeger said. “I’ll give it to the committee. And if I can’t make it, I’ll make sure they ask it.” Morning with the Mayor will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 6 on the second floor of the Student Union, in front of the Student Life and Leadership office. Mayor Dan Sullivan will attend from about 11:3012:30 p.m.
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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
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ETHICS: USUAA constitution extends to Facebook use
CONTINUED FROM COVER
tion, lifestyle, or physical differences, or would otherwise discredit the Assembly. Continued behavior may result in dismissal from the assembly.” USUAA adviser Paula Fish said she believes McConnell has violated sub point five, based on article 20 and the Facebook comments. McConnell does not feel that he has violated USUAA’s code of ethics because he was not harassing anyone. He emphasized that someone incited a “flame war,” setting the tone of the comments on Chaitoff’s status. “Was it an ethics violation? If I had harassed somebody, yes, that is an ethics violation. If I say something in bad taste that isn’t something you guys (The Northern Light) approve of — eh — is it an ethics violation? It could be,” McConnell said, explaining his interpretation Screenshot of USUAA Vice President Mcconnell’s comments. For the complete conversation, visit www.thenorthernlight.org. of article 20 sub point five. He did not clarify the reason he thought the newspa- government retreat last Saturday. We specifically go was funny. It was comedy.” per was taking a personal stance about the incident. over article 20,” Fish said. “At the retreat, we specifically McConnell said he feels Dan Savage would find his According to Fish, to reprimand a seated member, a talked about how you can’t turn it on and off (the role of post funny. concerned person needs to submit an official complaint being a USUAA member). There’s no switch.” Savage is noted to have previously made comments to USUAA regarding their conduct. “I would say that we need to revisit the ethics pol- such as, “This play will be deeply offensive to the deaf/ It is then up to the icy,” Fish said, explaining how she blind community, so please don’t tell them. Keep your Rules Committee, wants to move forward in the future. hands shut.” composed of USUAA “There might be needs for sensitivJones’ opinion piece also addresses controversial senators and represenity training. Maybe going through comments made by Savage. tatives, to determine the NCBI (National Coalition BuildMcConnell said he does not understand how Jones what any potential ing Institute) training.” can take offense to his comments. reprimand should be. “I have no problem admitting that “Another thing that was actually brought up which When Fish was I said something like that. I could go is really funny, by Kate (Chaitoff,) is the fact that the -Andrew McConnell asked if she warns panic and take it down and say, ‘Oh, ‘faggy’ part was the part that was brought up, and not USUAA members no, no, no, I’m sorry,’ and say this the ‘McHitlerpants’ part because she is Jewish, and it’s UAUAA Vice President to be cautious about big public apology and all this. Yeah, on her page. So in case anyone thinks the homophobic what they put on FaceI apologize to anyone who is actually slur that I made was more offensive than the anti-Semitbook and other social media sites, she confirmed that offended by that, but the thing is I said it, and I wasn’t ic slur — that’s interesting as well,” McConnell said. she does. swearing at anybody. It was obviously not a homophobic “And, in fact, we had that discussion at their student slur,” McConnell said. “I don’t take back what I said. It To view Jones’ opinion piece, visit page 11.
“I don’t take back what I said. It was funny. It was comedy.”
Accounting students offer free tax services By Keldon Irwin News Editor
Those looking for help filling out their taxes are in luck. The free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program begins Feb. 14 and ends April 15. Most people who bring in a W-2 will be able to complete their taxes from start to finish with one member of this year’s tax team. Nearly tripling last year’s team in size, 14 UAA accounting students will help complete and file taxes for those in need. “We’ll give them a copy of their return and tell them to wait for their refund in the mail,” Sharlamagne “Brianne” Cook, student coordinator for the Volunteer Urban Tax Initiative (VUTI) and accounting senior, said. The sessions usually take about 30 minutes to an hour. Following suit with last year’s services, assistance will be offered to the general public, not just students and faculty. Cook said IRS representative Kris Ashley confirmed that
INFOGRAPHIC BY CASEY KLEEB
the student assistants on last year’s team were able to process 293 returns, 279 of which were e-filed by the team on location. The IRS has supplied the tax team with six free laptops equipped with TaxWise Desktop Tax Software, a tax processing
program with automatic checks for filing errors to limit mistakes. To ensure accuracy, clients’ completed tax returns will undergo a “quality review” through Cook or David Mason, accounting professor and VUTI
director. Mason and an AARP representative will be overseeing each Thursday session. Most people who are interested in aiding the team with office work and odd jobs can do so, but all tax team assistants are selected beforehand. These assistants have earned IRS certifications to file beginning, intermediate, advanced, military and foreign student income taxes. Cook explained that many people who have particularly high incomes have tax preparation needs beyond the scope of the VUTI program and may have to go elsewhere for assistance. Under the American Opportunity Credit, students can write off an estimated amount for the cost of school supplies, such as books. Many students neglect to use this credit. One common problem with college students filing taxes is whether their parents have claimed them. One cannot legally claim themselves while a parent is also claiming them. “The best thing to do is to ask your parents,” Cook said. The most common form students forget to bring in is their tuition statement, but the tax team will have computers available to print the document and other similar information.
Students : Show your
Students should also know that any funds received from FAFSA are tax- exempt. The IRS offers various avenues of information for those who owe money and are unsure how they will be able to make their payment while still maintaining their quality of life. The program ends April 15 with Monday Madness, an allday tax extravaganza at the University Center. UAA’s tax team and several other accounting businesses will line the center with booths, offering last-minute tax services to those who need it. While no one on the tax team is paid, some students are receiving three credits in accounting for participating in the program. “In order to be invited to have the credit to do the internship, you have to pass ACCT 310, which is income tax,” Cook said. As these services near, flyers will be posted throughout Rasmuson Hall and the Learning Resources Center. Ovidiu Sofron, president of the Accounting Club and accounting senior, said the Accounting Club will post flyers promoting the VITA tax assistance with a link on their accounting club page. For more information, go to http://uaa.collegiatelink.net/ organization/accounting-club.
WOLFCARD and recieve 15% off your purchase!
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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
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“My partner doesn’t satisfy Alyeska (mis)adventure me. Should I turn to porn?”
ILLUSTRATION BY CASEY KLEEB
By Evan Dodd Contributor
By Vicente Capala Multimedia Editor
Porn. The word strikes a thousand taboo thoughts for some. But for others, it gives couples or “buddies’ a blueprint of sensual acts. This type of media can even help independent stimulation. According to Family Safe Media, there are about 28,258 Internet users who watch porn every second. According to an infographic published by www. onlinemba.com, 40 million US citizens watch porn daily. Why do people go the movie theater? Movies satisfy the need for thrill and drama. Similarly, porn satisfies the sexual thirst for the unsatisfied. There is an online adage called Internet Rule #34: “If it exists, there is a porn of it — no exceptions.” This seems to be true. Family Safe Media suggests a new pornographic video is being shot in the United States every 39 minutes. There are couples that like to use porn as a bonding experience. Others may see it differently. But some people watch porn without their partner knowing. If someone is in a relationship and secretly watches porn, this might be because he or she isn’t satisfied enough and doesn’t want to hurt their partner’s ego. So the question arises: Is it alright to watch porn without a significant other? On the affirmative side, a variety of people believe it is their way of releasing built-up sexual frustration. This group tends to say they can’t blame their partners for such frustration. Porn is one way for some people to discover their own bodies. One beneficial thing I’ve found is that after figuring out what feels good after “instructional videos,” that information
X E S and the
Seawolf can be relayed back to a partner to give him or her better ideas for satisfying. In other words, give your partner some hints about your sweet spots and favorite positions. On the other side arguing against the secrecy of watching porn, people mention that it feels like a separation is being built between the two. Orthodox Rabbi Shmuel Boteach said on Oprah Radio that porn is harmful to relationships and gave five reasons why: “1) Porn is a drug that leads to addiction; 2) Porn is a form of sexism; 3) Porn portrays women in dehumanizing categories; 4) Porn makes men get bored with their wives, and; 5) Porn cultivates a single standard of beauty that no real women can live up to.” That being said, it is easy to see why porn is such a troublesome subject for some people. Personally, I think if you are in a relationship, be open with your partner. Let them know what’s going on. By doing this, you may be able to open up a pathway where you both are able to fully explore one another’s bodies without the use of modern technology. But if you are single, there’s not really much stopping you — except, maybe a computer virus.
For me, Alyeska is a magical place where dreams come true and the laws of physics don’t rhymes with apply. Much like Narnia, Neverland and the island from “Lost,” things that seem impossible in the outside world are often regular occurrences. At least, this is generally the case. Unfortunately, Alyeska this past weekend was a hellish ice apocalypse filled with swirling death and enough danger to frighten even the hairiest yeti. My most recent trip was not the most enjoyable I’ve ever had, and frankly I’ve never paid that much money to be beaten to a pulp. I planned this one-man expedition for several weeks and my excitement reached a fever pitch. I had new boots, indestructible bindings and a board that had yet to try and murder me. I woke up early for this. That’s just not something that I do. I won’t even wake up for fire alarms unless they’re after 10 a.m. This was a big deal. After a harrowing lesson in road rage on the Seward Highway and a Slurpeefilled pit stop, I arrived to face a minor setback. The entire upper mountain, the only portion I gave a damn about, was closed due to howling winds worthy of Norse legend. Being an optimist and even more of an opportunist, I decided to use this two and a half hour gap as a chance to flirt with the Emma Stone lookalike behind the coffee counter — meaning that after getting shot down, I still had two hours and twenty-nine minutes to kill. It also brought my success rate of hitting on hipster baristas to just a hair above zero. So after enduring nearly three hours of overpriced fries and dirty looks from the coffee stand, I finally decided to find a gently sloped driveway somewhere
Orange
in Girdwood to get some use out of my board. I’ll try to spare you most of the gory details of that little mishap, but let’s just say that I left a comical amount of blood, a few fingernails and half a glove in front of some poor soul’s residence. At this point there would have been no shame in going home, and a smarter man may have done just that. I am not a smart man. Noticing that the upper lifts were finally running, I fought my way through the suspiciously empty crowds to race to the top of the mountain. After sharing the lift with several Canadians tourists, a couple ex-cons, and someone who smelled like a yeti, I had finally made it. Upon starting my descent, I quickly came to two realizations. First, my patchy leprechaun beard was far less effective against the winds than I expected. Second, the entire mountain seemed to have been paved with an ice-concrete hybrid that didn’t seem to agree with my board. Or my bones. Remember that scene in “Star Wars” where Han effortlessly navigates the asteroid field? Now imagine he hit every one of them with his head, and you have a fairly accurate picture of my experience. I truly doubt that I could have done more soft tissue damage had I decided to take a nap in a cement mixer. I was so convinced that I had broken my finger that I kept my left glove on until I returned to Anchorage, which made me look ridiculous while driving, since I was still wearing my goggles to compensate for my lack of sunglasses. So after two hours of snowy selfabuse, my adventure culminated in two bruised knees, one slashed hand and elbow, a nearly broken ring finger and a few head injuries. I also ingested coffee that the faux Emma Stone barista may have spit in, but that’s anyone’s guess. Battered, bruised and holding back manly tears of awesomeness, I departed from my beloved mountain and began the long journey back to my home in the icy city. And though I’m not one to beg for favors, if any loyal reader wants to bring me a pitcher of Red Stripe and a massage chair, I’d be forever in your debt.
“How are vitamin supplements made? Is taking a supplement better than getting them from food?” By Kate Lindsley Contributor
Vitamin supplements are a nice way of covering all of your nutritional bases. You pop a pill every day, and regardless of what you eat, you figure that you can’t have deficiencies. However, not all multivitamins are created equal. Because there are too many vitamins and minerals to cover in one article, let’s focus on vitamin D. Alaskans are notorious for being deficient in vitamin D because of the geography’s lack of sunlight. Foods that naturally provide vitamin D are salmon and egg yolks, which isn’t great news for vegans. Most vitamin D supplements are sourced from oil found in sheep’s wool, called lanolin. Lanolin is so close in structure to cholesterol — a kind of fat that is a precursor to many hormones and vitamin D — that scientists mix it with some fancy chemicals and make it into human-absorbable vitamin D. For the most part, this is an ethical practice and most vegans could accept it. Only one vitamin, folic acid, is more effective in supplemental form than its natural sources. Because of this, some nutritionists argue that vitamin supplementation is useless and a waste of money. They suggest obtaining your daily intake of vitamins through food sources is the only way to go. While this view is a bit extreme, these professionals have a good point. Multiple vitamins within food help
Guru
Kate
PHOTO GRAPHIC BY NICK FOOTE
the absorption of one another. For example, whole milk naturally has calcium and vitamin D. The vitamin D is necessary for your body to effectively use calcium. Without vitamin D, children and infants can develop rickets, a disease that results in soft, brittle bones. Vitamin D increases the effectiveness of calcium, thus making it worthwhile to eat it in its natural form rather than taking a supplement. However, many Alaskans do not have the opportunity to obtain sufficient amounts of vitamin D through eating. When sun and salmon are scarce, vitamin D pills or dissolvable tablets are fair solutions. There have even been studies about overweight and obese women of Norway that showed single doses of 20,000 or 40,000 IUs of vitamin D weekly curing mild cases of depression. The typical supplement is 2,000-10,000 IUs daily. Although vitamin D is fat soluble and can therefore stay in your body for a long time, the overdosing ranges
are much more broad because the human body produces it naturally. The listed tolerable upper limit is 4,000 IUs of vitamin D per day, but reports state that 10,00040,000 IUs per day are safe, just not for the long-term. Each person handles vitamin D differently and therefore needs a different supplement level. Any type of dosage should be taken under the guidance of a doctor to prevent negative side effects. If you’re on a vitamin and mineral supplementation plan that works for you, continue it. Make sure to cross-reference your supplement labels to ensure you aren’t overdosing on any one nutrient, and keep a balanced diet regardless. If you’re thinking about starting a supplementation plan, consult a doctor or nutritionist. They can help sort out where your deficiencies are and what supplementation would be best for your body.
05 FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
Marinate overnight, salivate over lunch
Mean bean and green salad with easy vinaigrette for dinner tomorrow By Tim Brown Volunteer
Cooking in
COLLEGE Ingredients 1 can pinto beans (15 oz) 1 can garbanzo beans (15 oz) 1 can red kidney beans (15 oz) 1 can corn (15 oz) 1 can chopped green chili (4 oz) 1 bunch fresh cilantro 4 celery stalks 1 bunch green onions 2 tsp minced garlic 1/2 tsp cumin 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp oregano 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/4 cup vegetable oil Salt and pepper to taste Supplies: Strainer Knife suitable for chopping Large bowl or food container Empty jar Cutting board Prep Time: 18 min
When the words “college” and “cooking” fall into the same sentence, I am always wary of the common presumption that cooking on a budget is something that should naturally be approached with dread. Set that notion aside and bury it under an avalanche of rewarding, delicious cooking experiences to come. Legumes are cheap, filling and easy to procure. They are what encouraged early man to toss their spears to the wayside, settle down to produce agriculture and eventually become the post-Neolithic couch potatoes humans are today. They are also filling, low fat and nutritious. This three-bean and vegetable salad hits the mouth in all the right spots. Seriously, you are about to take a trip to flavor country. The recipe uses a budget-friendly mix of both fresh and canned ingredients. Any canned ingredient can be substituted for freshly prepared ones — and if you feel adventurous, I encourage you to do so. As far as the dressing goes, stick to the recipe exactly and you won’t be disappointed. Position the strainer over a basin. Pour the cans of corn, pinto, garbanzo, and kidney beans into the strainer. Run cool tap water over the strainer to rinse the contents, then empty into a large bowl. Add the small can of chopped green chili into the bowl without draining. Then rinse the fresh cilantro, celery and green onion . Cut off the ends of the celery so only
PHOTO BY TIM BROWN
the fresh green heart of each piece remains. Split all four pieces along the entire length of the stalk, resulting in eight long pieces of split celery. Chop the celery into small pieces. These add a great crunch to the salad and really make it pop. Grab the bunch of cilantro and slice off the leafy top parts onto a cutting board. Set aside the cilantro stalks — they don’t go in the salad. Chop the leaves very finely. Bust out the fresh green onions! Remember, those are the bundles of leek-like green and white stalks that taste like an onion. Cut off the ends of four stalks and chop into little slices. Drop the cilantro, green onion and celery into the bowl. The dressing is easy, really easy. Pour 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1/4 cup red wine vinegar into a jar. Add cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, pepper and oregano to the oil and vinegar. Shake it up until its uniform. You might be thinking, “Why not olive oil?
What about balsamic vinegar?” Truthfully, substitutions for vegetable oil and red wine vinegar simply detract from the final result. Pour the dressing over the salad and stir it gently with a spoon. This recipe is fully sublime with freshly chopped, blanched asparagus tips in the mix. Blanching is a process of partially cooking vegetables in boiling water, then submerging them in a bath of ice water to preserve flavor and texture. It is best after marinating in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours, but go ahead and take an early bite. Boom, it’s awesome. Isn’t that gratifying? It’s the perfect addition to a lunch bag at school, a barbecue at the park or a Solo cup rushing to get out the door. It has got the zesty-crunchy-funky-spicy fully fresh feel that you know your mouth is going to crave. There is really only one option left at this point: better start cooking!
How to find a study abroad program for every major Assistant Features Editor Whether it is two weeks in the Galapagos Islands, a summer course in Morocco or a semester in New Zealand, the UAA study abroad programs are as diverse as the 55 countries they are offered in. The office of International Affairs will host the Global Opportunities Expo Feb. 13. Students can ask questions about the programs offered and compare options. The Language Department and Heifer International will be there, among other organizations. Studying abroad may sound extravagant and exclusive to some, but it is an opportunity open to all students. “If a student is a U.S. citizen who has filled out the FASFA Pell Grant, they are eligible for the Gilman International Scholarship for up to $5,000,” Leslie Tuovinen, interim director of the office of International
Affairs said. “With that kind of funding, why wouldn’t you consider it?” The scholarship may also qualify students to earn an additional $3,000 as well. The first step an interested student needs to take is talk with their academic advisor to see what options are available. Though a particular degree might not seem relevant to study abroad programs, there are still opportunities to go abroad. Tuovinen said that if you are in welding or dental hygene for example, you might not find those kinds of classes abroad. However, she urges students to think about the diversity of Alaska and how there are over 90 languages spoken. Travelling abroad would be a great opportunity to learn more about your future clients’ languages and cultures. Dorn Van Dommelen, department chair and geography and environmental studies professor, said that when he took a group to China in 2010, students felt humbled to view
life in rural villages. Van Dommelen is also the director of International Studies. Alyssa Bish, international studies and history major recalled her experiences while studying abroad in Scotland. Bish will never forget the tour she took of the Scottish highlands. “The group was trekking around the glen to some castle ruins, and a brisk wind suddenly whipped by and blew the back of our Scottish tour guide’s kilt up to reveal a full moon,” Bish said. “Everyone pretty much died laughing, and he had just the right personality to joke about it for the remainder of the weekend.” Tuovinen encourages anyone interested in learning more about studying abroad to stop by the office of International Affairs at the Rasmuson Hall, suite 115. Tuovinen said almost all the students who studied abroad came back with the same response: “Okay, where can I go next? I’m hooked!”
COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
By Nita Mauigoa
Students studied in the Czech Republic through UAA’s study abroad program.
For more information about the Global Opportunities Expo, visit the office of International Affair’s web page on the main UAA website.
WHAT’S GOING ON THIS WEEK? TUESDAY, FEB 5
WEDNESDAY, FEB 6
SATURDAY, FEB 9
THURSDAY, FEB 7
MONDAY, FEB 11
SUNDAY, FEB 10 8:00am: 'Loren Taft: A Retrospective' on show at library; Arc Gallery: 'As Above, So Below' Timothy and Rumi Smith piano recital 6:00pm: Auditions for 'When You Comin' Back Red Ryder?'
COMPILED BY CASEY KLEEB
AUG
For more information on these events, visit
http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/calendar/mastercalendar.cfm
MAY JUNE JULY
8:00am: 'Loren Taft: A Retrospective' on show at library; Arc Gallery: 'As Above, So Below' 10:00am: Student Union Gallery presents 'Claybody'; Kimura Gallery: 'jabberwocking: the drawings of karen bondarchuk'; Daily Den Morning 2:00pm: Daily Den Afternoon 5:00pm: Vic Fischer discusses his memoir, 'To Russia with Love' 5:30pm: Sexy Jeopardy; Free workout class 6:00pm Daily Den Evening 7:15pm: Tri Sigma recruitment: Sisterhood
APR
8:00am: 'Loren Taft: A Retrospective' on show at library; Arc Gallery: 'As Above, So Below' 8:30am: Parent Conference: ‘Tools for the Family-School Partnership’ 9:55am: NCBI Welcoming Diversity, Prejudice Reduction Workshop 7:00pm: Women’s Basketball: UAA vs. Montana State Billings
MAR
8:00am: 'Loren Taft: A Retrospective' on show at library; Arc Gallery: 'As Above, So Below' 10:00am: Student Union Gallery presents 'Claybody'; Kimura Gallery: 'jabberwocking: the drawings of karen bondarchuk'; Daily Den Morning 11:00am: Noon Music Presents Anna Lynch by Student Activities 11:30am: Classified Council 2013 Chili Feed Cook-Off Contest 2:00pm: Daily Den Afternoon 5:00pm: Tlingit master carver James M. Williams presents 'Cracked Frog: Sharing Tradition and Art' 6:00pm: Free swing dance lessons; Daily Den Evening 7:15pm: Tri Sigma recruitment: Game night
7:00am: Advisory Board Breakfast 8:00am: 'Loren Taft: A Retrospective' on show at library; Arc Gallery: 'As Above, So Below' 10:00am: Student Union Gallery presents 'Claybody'; Kimura Gallery: 'jabberwocking: the drawings of karen bondarchuk'; Daily Den Morning 12:00pm: Black History Month, 'Our Stories' Panel; Indigenous Values Gathering at NSS 2:00pm: Daily Den Afternoon 4:00pm: Commons Market: fresh groceries on campus 5:00pm: Blackboard: Getting Started 6:00pm: Daily Den Evening 6:30pm: 'Truth and Trust: Alaska's News Media in the 21st Century' 7:00pm: Women's Basketball: UAA vs. Seattle Pacific; Den Sessions 7:15pm: Tri Sigma recruitment: Philanthropy
FEBRUARY
8:00am: 'Loren Taft: A Retrospective' on show at library; Arc Gallery: 'As Above, So Below' 10:00am: Student Union Gallery presents 'Claybody'; Kimura Gallery: 'jabberwocking: the drawings of karen bondarchuk'; Daily Den Morning 11:30am: Fidelity representative on campus; Faculty Discovery Commons 2:00pm: Daily Den Afternoon 2:30pm: FTC Open Lab 4:00pm: Commons Market: fresh groceries on campus; 'Understanding Violence and Social Inequality: In the Past, Present, and Future' with Ryan Herrod 6:00p: Daily Den Evening 7:00pm: Cabin Fever Debates: Preliminary round 7:15pm: Tri Sigma recruitment: Welcome night
FRIDAY, FEB 8 8:00am: 'Loren Taft: A Retrospective' on show at library; Arc Gallery: 'As Above, So Below' 10:00am: Student Union Gallery presents 'Claybody'; Kimura Gallery: 'jabberwocking: the drawings of karen bondarchuk' 2:00pm: Chinese Spring Festival Celebration; Open House and Catering Showcase 3:00pm: USUAA Student Government Assembly 4:00pm: An evening with the Golden Key International Honour Society; 'Delving Deeper: Interpreting Internal Craniofacial Variation in Modern Humans' with Lauren Butaric 5:15pm: KRUA volunteer meeting 6:30pm: Biology Night at the Planetarium: 'Natural Selection' with Catherine Pongratz 8:00pm: Biology Night at the Planetarium: 'Nanocam: A trip into biodiversity' with Caroline Wilson
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013 06 FEATURES Department of Journalism and Public Communications hosting public panel event at Snow Goose restaurant Assistant Features Editor Critical readers, they are the ones who log on under aliases like “Ted_the_Bear” or “AK49_runner” in the comments section of an online article and shred it to pieces. But they are the vital. They are the ones who care and who are paying attention. The UAA Department of Journalism and Public Communications will hold a community conversation about “Truth and Trust: Alaska’s News Media in the 21st Century” at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Snow Goose restaurant. The Mike Doogan, 2013 Atwood Chair of Journalism, will lead a round table discussion with fellow Alaska journalists. The panel will include Steve MacDonald, KTUU special projects manager, and Kyle Hopkins, Anchorage Daily News reporter, among others. “A lot of times the public at large doesn’t have a good understanding of the process of journalism,” Dave Worrell, JPC Community Advisory Board member, said. “We hope to really give people an understanding of how the press works in Alaska and particularly how the press is changing in Alaska and globally.” Worrell, a UAA alumnus, was part of the planning process. He feels the event will be a great time for the public to meet Doogan and learn about the importance of his role as the Atwood Chair of Journalism. The Atwood Chair of Journalism was established at UAA in 1979 by Anchorage Times publisher Robert B. Atwood and his wife, Evangeline Atwood, to help advance the quality of journalism in Alaska. Funds are used to bring nationally recognized journalists and educators to the JPC department as visiting professors who teach courses and hold seminars for future journalists. Doogan said he hopes to see a good mix of the general public and JPC students at the event. “The students who are going to show up and listen are really the people who decide what happens to information here,” Doogan said. “If they are interested in accuracy and a breadth of information, they will be the ones who provide it, old fogies like me will not be dictating what information will be put out and how accurate it is.” Pearl-Grace Rasmussen, UAA student journalist at KRUA-FM, will be a part of the panel. She plans to share her experiences as the host of her own radio show, “Teamwork to Make the Dream Work” and as the cohost for the “Coach Shyiak Show,” which airs weekly on GCI channel 1. Rasmussen said she would urge fellow journalists to learn different ways to deliver news.
PHOTOS BY COREY HESTER
By Nita Mauigoa
PHOTO BY COREY HESTER
Student journalist Pearl Grace loves to host her sports show “Team Work to Make the Dream Work” at the KRUA-FM radio station.
“With the world right now, you need to be versatile,” Rasmussen said. Tony Hopfinger, executive editor of the Alaska Dispatch, said he hopes “journalists can turn the light on themselves and ask how can they can do a better job of letting the public know how they come about doing their jobs.” Hopfinger is also a member of the JPC Advisory Board and was part of the planning process. After remarks from the panel, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions or voice concerns. “I want members of community to walk away feeling like there is hope for journalism, that journalism is in many ways vibrant and rich and still covering important issues in the state,” Paola Banchero, journalism and public communications department chair, said. “It’s not to say it couldn’t be strengthened, it always could be.” Banchero said. “There are really good journalists out there covering important topics all the time. You just have to be a more savvy consumer about news.” This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the JPC homepage at: http://www. uaa.alaska.edu/journalismandpubliccommunications/ index.cfm.
Student journalist Pearl Grace is on a panel to discuss journalism this week. She plans to share her experiences in media, both on the radio and television, to those questioning how to strengthen the field in Alaska.
07 FEATURES
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
Chinese New Year celebration: Ancient traditions explored
By Ray Leonard Voulnteer
At 2 p.m. Feb. 8, the cozy loft of the campus bookstore will become host to delicious homemade traditional Chinese dumplings and informal speeches from lecturers at the Confucius Institute. “It’s very rewarding, learning about Chinese culture,” Rachael Epstein, UAA Bookstore events coordinator, said. Topics of discussion will revolve around Chinese cultures and traditions with an emphasis on the “New Spring” and Chinese zodiac — this year being the year of the Snake. Most American’s knowledge of Chinese cooking and understanding of the Chinese zodiac usually does not extend past Panda Express and the restaurant’s red zodiac pamphlet placemats. There is, however, a deeper tradition behind the millenniaold customs. During the 15-day celebration, which began Jan. 1 of the lunar calendar, Chinese family and friends exchange gifts and share food with one another. “It’s the American equivalent of Christmas,” Jiajia Ru, Chinese language instructor and Confucius Institute member, said. As beautiful Chinese lanterns adorn streets, “the whole family cooks together. Some people believe that dumplings bring good luck. ... Other families even have contests between each other to see who can make the best dumplings.” Despite the different regions throughout China, most traditions are “very similar” according to Ru — with some slight variations of the specific types
ILLUSTRATION BY CASEY KLEEB
of food eaten during the celebration. The Chinese Zodiac revolves around a 12-year mathematical system. Each year in the cycle is associated with a specific animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog or pig. Depending on the year a person is born, Ru said, the accompanying animal will dictate their personality, attributes and even potential marital partners. There are also five different elements — metal, wood, water, fire and earth — that can be affixed to each animal, creating a unique 60-year cycle. Most modern Chinese people do not acknowledge each element during a celebration. “Such things are the work of a fortuneteller,” Ru said. “They can tell you whether or not that element is lucky or unlucky.” Some special occasions like marriage and funerals rely on the elements. The Chinese Spring Festival celebration and dumpling making event will be hosted from 2-5 p.m. at the UAA Bookstore. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is also free during this time.
FROG: A happy accident in art CONTINUED FROM COVER
the end, he had whittled it down to 400. Before he could finish the piece, a problem arose. “It was starting to crack,” Williams said. “I was frustrated to the point of heartbreak.” One crack was so large, it threatened the work’s structural integrity. It was when he laid his head on the bowl’s rim that Williams remembered his mother. “(My) mom used to broadcast all over the world on CB radio,” he said. “Her radio handle was ‘Cracked Frog.’” After meeting with Ethan Petticrew, vice president of operations at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the work was officially named “Cracked Frog.” “It was at that moment that I realized the crack had become the very embodiment of my mom’s CB handle name,” said Williams. Williams’ mother, Matushka Emily, passed away in 2004, but through “Cracked Frog” she will be remembered for years to come. The carving is on permanent display at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. James Williams will discuss “Cracked Frog,” the arts of woodcarving and blacksmithing, and his love for the crafts from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the Bookstore. The event is free and open to the public.
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THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
Annual ceramics invitational gives students a taste of gallery exhibits By Heather Hamilton arts@thenorthernlight.org
08
GAME REVIEW
‘Street Fighter X Mega Man’: The World Warriors give the Blue Bomber a fighting chance By George Hyde
Not all art is created equal, and for those still studying and reaching for their fullest potential, it’s nice to be recognized once in a while. Especially if your professors think you’ve got what it takes to show in a yearly exhibit. “Claybody,” an annual ceramics show in the Student Union Gallery, is an opportunity for students to see their work in a gallery setting, sometimes for the first time. PHOTOS BY TIM BROWN Ceramics professors choose Students attend the opening of the Claybody exhibit last week. the best student works from the previous year to be displayed. “It’s just nice to see things in is. Things that we can’t see but This year, there is a wide vari- the gallery. We’re always in the experience everyday,” she said. ety of ceramic art in the show; studio. It’s dirty. You see people “So, this one’s titled “Twenty some are functional works, such work on these things. You see Three,” as in the 23 chromoas plates, but the majority are them progress. And you see them somes, so each strand of DNA is sculptures. when they’re all done, but to see all packed and squiggly and com“Usually there’s more func- them on a pedestal with the light pact, untangled, unknotted string tional pottery in this show, more shining on it with this kind of of information.” contributions from the wheel- environment, it’s a totally differHenry’s “Failsafe” is a sculpthrowing classes,” said Bailey ent feel,” Chelsea Ruwe, another ture of an open stomach with a Arend, a post-baccalaureate stu- post-baccalaureate student focus- variety of keys inside. The keys dent focusing in ceramics, said. ing in ceramics, said. hold a special meaning for her, “That’s just because the sculpSara Henry, a senior art stu- and are included in several of her ture students this past fall were dent focusing in sculpture, thinks works. really strong.” seeing her work in a gallery is an “It’s an accumulation of difArend’s background is in opportunity for growth. ferent things, my love of anatomy functional pottery, such as vas“It’s better when you get to and the keys. The keys represent es, but he is experimenting with see all the pieces with the light- all my failures in life.” she said. sculptural elements as well. ing, and with all the other piec- “It was a way of integrating the His piece, “Branches,” is es together,” she said. “You get assignment with a personal feel a large vasea sense of what to it.” shaped structure looks good in a gal“I think the ceramics program with cutouts, lery setting, what at UAA is very strong, one of the fired twice and doesn’t look good, best undergrad programs in the glazed in white, what colors work. country, I think,” Arend said. resembling You get a sense of “So what you see in this snow on trees. what size they need exhibit is not your typical pottery -Chelsea Ruwe “This is work to be.” ... you have a lot bigger work and Post-baccalaureate that I wanted to Ruwe’s work, a lot more thought going into the make, persona hanging instilla- work,” she said. ally, because it tion called “Twenty relates to the Alaska landscape,” Three,” is made of 23 covered “Claybody” runs until Feb. he said. “This is where I was wires, twisted and kinked simi- 14 in the Student Union Galborn.” larly to the 23 chromosomes in lery. Admission to the gallery is Many students in the show a strand of DNA, which was the always free, and it is open from appreciate the opportunity to inspiration for the piece. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through see their works on display in the “I’m really interested in string Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. gallery, whether they’ve been in theory and quantum mechan- on Friday. The gallery is closed shows before or not. ics and figuring out what life Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s a totally different feel.”
MOVIE REVIEW
Zombie romance offers a surprisingly successful twist on Romeo and Juliet By Heather Hamilton arts@thenorthernlight.org
If love is a battlefield, this one’s a doozy. The story of Romeo and Juliet gets a modern revamp (or re-zomb?) in the new rom-zom-com “Warm Bodies,” where being a Capulet means you’re living and being a Montague means you’re the living dead. The premise sounds horrendously cheesy, but it’s surprisingly touching. While both the movie and Isaac Marion novel it’s based on take obvious references from the great Shakespearian play, the plot doesn’t overdo it. R (Nicholas Hoult, “X-Men: First Class”) is a zombie living in an airport. He shuffles and shambles around all day, grunting and growling, but is alive in the head. He’s fully conscious inside but can’t express it. One day, he and his best friend M (Rob Corddry, “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”) go looking for humans to eat with a pack of other zombies from the airport. What they find is a group of humans gathering medical supplies for their walled-off colony. Among them is Julie (Teresa Palmer, “Love and Honor”) and when R sees her, something stirs in him, pulling his humanity towards the surface. After rescuing her from the rest of the zombie pack and taking her to his little corner of the airport (an entire commercial airplane) to keep her safe, the two begin to bond and develop a shaky trust that slowly turns to friendship. The longer Julie and R are together, the more human R becomes, and when M and the other zombies see them together, something human stirs in them too. But, will it be enough to cure the dead? Or will this budding romance end as tragically as Shakespeare’s when Julie’s overprotective father, leader of the walled-off colony, gets wind of what’s going on? The charm of this movie falls on R’s charac-
ter. His internal monologue throughout the movie serves as reminder for how human he still is inside. It adds both comic relief and depth to the story. When we see him kill a human for food, he says in his mind, “I don’t want to hurt you, but this is the world we live in now.” The story even adds a touching and humanizing reason for why zombies eat human brains: When they do, they absorb the feelings and memories of the victim — it’s the closest they get to feeling human again. Hoult does a beautiful job as R, but at times in the beginning it feels like he has too much control of his fine motor skills. He turns on record players and opens doors with apparent ease, yet when he walks, he is every bit the slow, barely animated creature we all recognize as a standard zombie. The contrast between these actions in the beginning is a bit too much. But Hoult himself is a great fit for the role — his expressions, his manner of speech as it grows, it’s all endearing. He embodies the inexperienced young lover trying to impress a girl. Palmer is also fantastic as Julie. She is fickle, spunky and strong-willed, but she is also sad, tender and frightened. She takes time to warm up to R (no pun intended), but the process is gradual and mostly believable. Her performance may not be nominated for any awards, but in the context of the movie she does well. The film never explicitly shows why R’s relationship with Julie is changing things for the undead. It isn’t just their love, but the memory of love and companionship that begins to cure them. The dead begin to sleep and dream, where memories of their former lives coming back to them slowly. Though it may seem so on the surface, the message of this movie isn’t that love can cure anything. The resounding message in this unlikely zombie romance is that love makes us human, and as long as we remember that, there’s always hope. Movie: “Warm Bodies” Genre: Comedy, Horror, Romance Release Date: Feb. 1, 2013 Director: Jonathan Levine Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich
Volunteer
Since its first release in 1987, the “Mega Man” franchise has had it rough over the past couple years. Highly anticipated titles like “Mega Man Universe” and “Mega Man Legends 3” went down the drain after series creator Keiji Inafune left Capcom. The Blue Bomber’s 25th anniversary year has looked bleak ever since. Thankfully, the massive cast of the “Street Fighter” series, who also celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2012, weren’t about to let a fellow Capcom character celebrate his birthday all alone and have lended the Bomber a new set of bosses to take on for his anniversary. That’s right, Mega Man has been given a new 8-bit adventure, courtesy of fan programmer Seow Zong Hui and Capcom distributors, in the same style as the previous “Mega Man 9” and “Mega Man 10.” However, the plot shows no traces of Wily or Robot Masters. The game instead features a series of stages and bosses inspired by characters such as Ryu and Chun-Li, as well as a final showdown against the sinister Shadaloo organization, headed by M. Bison (of course). The game is littered with sly references to the Street Fighter mythos. For example, the bosses have their own Super Meter that fills up as they take hits and allows them to execute a super move when it fills completely. Or, if a boss is defeated without taking a hit, the word “PERFECT” will flash on the
screen, in awesome fighting game fashion. And, thankfully, the boss fights do not disappoint. Move sets from the “Street Fighter” series are translated perfectly to the 8-bit “Mega Man” formula, leading to a lot of fun fights with Dhalsim, Blanka and even obscure characters like Urien. Unfortunately, the level design isn’t as well done. The numerous game stages were either very difficult or very easy, and all of them felt far shorter than anything that the older “Mega Man” games chalked up. There are many moments where deaths feel cheap instead of fair. And while the controls are as tight as you would expect from a “Mega Man” game, playing with a keyboard instead of a gamepad is clumsy and infuriating. That being said, this is a very nicely done game. For a title that is completely free of charge, it does a lot of things right. If you can weather the mediocre level design, this is definitely an experience worth fighting through. Game: “Street Fighter X Mega Man” Publisher: Capcom Platform: PC Genre: Platformer Release Date: Dec. 17, 2012
DRINK REVIEW
Manischewitz Blackberry Wine By Heather Hamilton
arts@thenorthernlight.org Adhering to diets, whether elective or medically required, can be difficult at times. Recently, one of my roommates decided that he wanted to work toward a kosher diet and return to his Jewish roots. Supportive of his choice, our entire apartment is now stocked full of kosher-friendly foods, so every person can still share meals and save money. We’re also big wine drinkers, and this particular roommate brought home something the rest of us had never even thought about: kosher wine. And it’s delicious. The Manischewitz blackberry wine is made completely from blackberries, with no additional fruits thrown in. Its color is a deep red hue, similar to strawberry jam, and its scent is sweet and fruity, though not easily identifiable as blackberries. The flavor is almost too sweet, like liquid jam, and it isn’t until the middle of the tongue that the deep flavor of blackberries becomes easy to identify. It’s both heavy and lighttasting at the same time, with the flavor lingering in an almost musty fashion after the wine has been swallowed. It isn’t bitter and offers no
PHOTO BY HEATHER HAMILTON
strong aftertaste. The flavor simply is. Being a fan of sweet wines, this is possibly the best I’ve ever tasted. But being as sweet as it is, it can easily turn off fans of tart wines. This wine isn’t for everyone, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth and like blackberries, it will suit your needs. Manischewitz wines and cordials are all kosher. Their products are made under the supervision of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America to guarantee quality and adherence to Union of Orthodox guidelines. Producer: Widmer Wine Cellars, Naples, NY ABV: 11%
09 A&E A&E Opinion: Zombie films need a boost in story artistry By Jacob Holley-Kline Staff Reporter
Zombie movies have become a joke. The ravenous undead are no longer terrifying. Now they’re stupid, shambling mannequins on which laughable premises are thrust. Zombies are supposed to be the face of Armageddon. But in the greatest zombie films, the undead are only a tool that brings diverse personalities together. The true horror lies in those personalities clashing and bringing about their own downfall. The undead hordes are the ever-present threat that keep otherwise fractious individuals together. If it weren’t for imminent danger, the characters would’ve never met. In that situation, both the audience and the characters are lulled into a sense of security. When that air of safety dissipates, the true horror takes hold. The audience finds that these human characters represent the monoliths of society — racists, fascists, imperialists, individualists, isolationists — and each fiercely stick to their ideologies. The climax of “Night of the Living Dead” features the protagonist choosing between his unrepentant individualism and the good of the group. In contrast, the climax of “28 Days Later” involves the protagonist setting out to save his loved ones, which even means putting his life in danger. But each scenario adheres to a concise character arc that has helped define both of these works as classics. Films like “Bloodlust Zombies,” “Mutant Vampire Zombies From the Hood!,” “Zombie Strippers” and “Bong of the Dead” lack the basic tenets of writing and character development. They are gimmicks with “plots” and characters built around them, whose sole purpose is to be laughed at. These films represent the downfall of the socially conscious zombie. They were somehow funded and released, and will sadly live on as classics of trash cinema. But these aren’t classics like “The Evil Dead” or “Shaun of the Dead” are classics. They’re classics in the way that “Death Bed: The Bed That Eats” and “Frankenhooker” are classics. Even recent films like “World War Z” have already failed. It’s going for quantity over quality. It assumes viewers are purely reactionary monsters that live to be stimulated. Sometimes that demographic description isn’t far off. But on the whole, moviegoers know when they’ve been ripped off — and American horror has been doing so for years. But I’m hopeful about the upcoming “Warm Bodies.” It’s a spin on the established undead condition (mindless and shambling) not seen since “Day of the Dead,” and if it’s done right, it will be the first innovative take on the genre since “Fido.” Of course, bad movies have existed since the medium was invented. But in any given genre, there are films that defy the odds and become iconic. There hasn’t been a truly great zombie film in years. The greatest zombie movie to come out in the past decade is actually a video game. Telltale Games’ “The Walking Dead” tore my heart out and buried it. I’ve never felt more connected to any characters in a story, let alone a horror narrative, in my life. During the entire final scene, I bawled like I haven’t in ages. If the zombie movies in question came anywhere near the quality of “The Walking Dead,” mainstream zombie horror would’ve evolved well past “World War Z” by now. The silver lining of this cloud is that artists do, and always will, have the capability to make beautiful stories in the context of horror. And without trash cinema, there would be nothing to compare great cinema against. But that doesn’t make the entire “Zombies” subsection of Netflix any more forgivable. Filmmakers and moviegoers alike must encourage the production of evocative and cathartic zombie-movie-art. Take extra time to seek out the under-appreciated gems like “Deadgirl,” and don’t settle for anything like “Bong of the Dead.” We deserve better from our undead entertainment.
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PEOPLE HOT TOPIC
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
10
What are your thoughts about people who choose not to have STD/STI testing? PHOTOS BY MOHANGANI ADAMU
Cheyenne Fausett Business Freshman
Drew Lemish Outdoor Leadership Sophomore
Sarah E. Johnson Human Services Sophomore
“Its their choice, but in my opinion everyone should be tested! They could hurt other people in many ways for choosing not to get tested for STD’s”
“Since testing is free around town with sources like the 4 A’s (Alaska Aids Assistance Association) and AMP (Anchorage Empowerment Program), there is no reason not to. And UAA is offering free testing during Healthy Sexuality Week.”
“I feel like those people are putting themselves and the rest of the community at risk by not knowing their status. People who are sexually active should be mature enough to get regular check ups for their reproductive health”
Rolando Pressley Undecided Sophomore “I think that when it comes to something such as this, that it is better to be safe than sorry.”
Shelby Kenny Undeclared “Everybody has free will to do what they want, but it is also something that affects their partners”
More pictures from Black History Month
Ashleigh Gaines, president of the Black Student Union addresses fellow Seawolves.
Judge Pamela Washington of the Alaska District Court, Alaska’s first African-American woman judge spoke on the freedom, equality and justice.
PHOTOS BY COREY HESTER
(From Left to Right) Kim Patterson, Director of Student Support Services; Andre’ Thorn, director of the Multicultural Center and Nancy Meyer, Fiscal Manager for Academic and Multicultural Student Services.
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OPINION
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
11
OPINION
OPINION
Facebook slurs and Dan Savage Response: A pro-choice By Katelyn Jones Contributor, Anthropology major
Eds: Story includes sensitive language Browsing Facebook earlier this week, a feed thread pertaining to Dan Savage got my attention. Some friends were trying to plan a group outing to see Savage’s show coming up on Feb. 7. As I read the comments though, a few of them left a bad taste in my mouth. Someone made a light jab about starting a flame war on that thread, and someone named Andrew McConnell replied with the following: “Faggy McHitlerpants up in here ^.” Someone told McConnell and said that it was impolite to reference Hitler on a “Jew’s” post. He amended, “My bad. Faggy McStallinpants.” Unfortunately, seeing someone drop that kind of slur is not extremely uncommon. So while it’s something I never like to see, that comment by some random college student on Facebook certainly doesn’t warrant an opinion piece all on its own — until it’s taken into consideration that Andrew McConnell is the USUAA vice president. So am I right to be angry? That someone in a relatively good position of power over the student body, someone who makes decisions pertaining to my school, could so callously drop homophobic slurs and not be reprimanded for it? In the last edition of the paper there was an article about Dan Savage’s show that invited people to voice their concerns about the man. The article lauded praise onto the show that has graced UAA’s stage on four different occasions. About halfway though the article, there was a small part that mentioned that controversy had been raised about Dan Savage. When Michael McCormick, assistant director of Student Activities, was asked about racist, misogynistic, ableist, and transphobic comments made by the speaker, he had never heard
about it — which is somehow almost unbelievable for anyone who has bothered to do research on Savage. Savage has written a play about a deaf, blind drag queen that he described with comments such as, “This play will be deeply offensive to the deaf/ blind community, so please don’t tell them. Keep your hands shut!” and, “She can’t hear the music and she can’t see the stage, so you can imagine what her dance routine must be like. Or then again, maybe you can’t. Let’s just say, she has to wear a dog collar that zaps her whenever she gets too close to the edge of the stage.” If the problems in these quotes are anything but entirely apparent, then I’m not exactly sure what to say. If anyone Google searches “Dan Savage” with the words “transphobic,” “misogynistic,” or “victim blaming,” afterward, they will find plenty of likewise unsavory quotes by the man. Which brings us back to Andrew. This all started on a thread about going to see Dan Savage — two problematic individuals looping back into a similar issue. I can’t say I want Andrew McConnell to lose his job, nor do I think he will. That is just not the world we live in. It’s not that easy, I know. Just in the same way, I know that it is highly unlikely that I alone can get a man such as Dan Savage, someone steeped in privilege and unapologetic sexism, ableism, and transphobia to be knocked down from his seat of power in the community. What do I want is people to stop, take a moment, and just consider the fact that something is going on here that isn’t right. That there are people who are being ignored for the sake of what is popular and glib and flashy on the surface. Just maybe, if we strip away that surface and look at the ugly underneath for long enough, we can start uncovering some things and people that have gone unnoticed.
OPINION
Dan Savage does not promote the kind of ‘healthy sexuality’ people need most By Waverli Rainey
Contributor, International Studies major It might be common knowledge, but in case the readers are unaware, I am going to drop a horrific statistic. Alaska is the state with the highest rate of violent sexual assault in the entire country. If that wasn’t shocking, how about this: More than one in three women (37 percent) of women in Anchorage are estimated to have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime. In a state that has so many victims and such a serous problem with sexual assault, one would think that UAA would be more prudent in who they brought to the university to talk about “healthy sexual relationships.” Dan Savage, although he has worked to bring same-sex relationships into the discussion of healthy relationships, has dealt with victims of rape and sexual assault with appalling insensitivity.
In response to a letter sent to him from a girl who was a victim of assault and was not ready to have sexual relations with her boyfriend, Dan Savage responded, “Your baseless accusations of rape make me doubt your claim to be a survivor of rape. The feminist bloggers are going to accuse me of thought crimes: If a woman says she was raped then, by God, she was raped.” This wasn’t just a one-time thing, though. “It looks to me like you want out of this marriage. But instead of taking responsibility for wanting out, you’re playing the victim card while slamming both hands down on your marriage’s self-destruct button,” Savage said to a married woman who had PTSD. As a victim of sexual assault myself, I am telling you that the things Savage has said to victims of sexual assault is not OK. He has no idea how damaging comments like that are to a person, and his history of hateful
comments does not at all promote healthy sexuality. I hear people everywhere say victims were “asking for it” or are lying. Those thoughts sometimes knock around in my head, and for a moment I believe them. The thing is, sexual assault is never the fault of the victim, no matter the circumstances — and someone who claims to be an advocate for safe sexual relationships should know that. The university should be ashamed to have this man speaking to their students about safe sex, especially given the state we live in. The only reason I am bringing up my own personal experience with assault is because I think sexual assault needs to be talked about in a healthy way, and it is never something to be ashamed of. And if Dan Savage disagrees with me, I welcome him to come talk to me about personally.
perspecive on abortion By Alyssa Gammon Contributor
One of the many problems with Rebecca Stapleford’s argument (Jan. 29 issue of TNL) is the theory that abortion kills something that is alive. In reality, abortion stops the growth of what could potentially be a life but is in fact not. Stapleford aptly defines Planned Parenthood’s new campaign, which is actually called “Not in Her Shoes,” as “an individual choice only a woman can make because it concerns her body, her life and her future.” She immediately denounces this fact by claiming that it’s not true and turns to her idea that abortion kills a human. To illustrate her point, she makes an indescribably asinine comparison to an alternate reality where physician assisted suicide is legal. Stapleford admits, “some people would argue that [her] comparison ... is flawed because suicide is often the result of mental illness,” but claims to have accounted for this by requiring “mental health screening” for people wanting to commit suicide. Is Stapleford saying that women who consider abortion are mentally ill? Or is she saying that mentally ill people who turn to suicide do so in their right minds, and are not afflicted with a mental illness? Giving her the benefit of the doubt, I don’t think she meant either. Her poorly constructed argument just lent itself to these absurd conclusions. Another grave error Stapl-
eford makes is assuming women who consider abortion use “death as a solution to life’s problems.” As she so arrogantly postulated a fake reality to make her point, let me make lucid a very real one. A young girl is pressured into having sex. Perhaps it was her first love, or in a worse case, perhaps she was raped. This girl ends up pregnant. If the father is a relative, the baby will very likely be born with physical or mental handicaps. Perhaps the girl is only in high school and doesn’t have a job to support a baby. Suppose that the father abandoned her when he found out, and she has to do it all alone. Suppose her parents are abusive, and she will be beaten if they find out. All of these circumstances can be and have been very real for many women. Fortunately, places like Planned Parenthood exist — places where women can get counseling and learn about all of their options in a safe environment. This helps them to make informed, very rational decisions. I hope it is clear that this decision is not one of death as a solution to problems, but as one that is very often in the best interest of both the mother and the potential unborn baby. We have an obligation to protect not only the rights of the women, but protect children, and in this case, protect the potential of a child. Freedom and women’s rights must be reflected in our laws. To use Stapleford’s words, “Failure to do so is not compassionate or progressive in any way.”
EDITORIAL
Friends’ funerals should never trump birthday parties in frequency Couples, singles, ‘virgins’ and the promiscuous should take advantage of free, on-campus STI testing next week TNL Staff
While Ansen is right about the decreased number of deaths A penis or tongue can fit into from STIs and STDs over the three holes commonly associat- years, he’s actually only partialed with the loss of virginity. ly correct. If you’ve been putting or While the number of deaths receiving a body part in either has gone down, the number od of the holes, you should take STD and STI diagnoses are advantage of the free STI testing slowly beginning to rise again. taking place from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Chlamydia reports rose 8 Feb. 13 in the percent in 2011 Student Health to 1,412,791 and Counseling cases, and GonCenter in Room orrhea rose 4 116/120 of Raspercent from in muson Hall. 2011 to 321,829 We know reported cases, we’re preaching according to to the choir here. the Centers for This generaDisease Contion of young trol website. and middle The statisaged people has tics are comgrown up hearpiled annually. ing that unsafe Those are -David Ansen numbers meant sex kills. That’s awful- Former Newsweek reporter to shock peoly lucky of us. ple — because, Because the really, who can generation before us grew up really imagine what a million witnessing the reaper claim people even looks like? their friends. But it begs the question, is Like most monumental times your partner one in a million? in history, however, you had to In this context, perhaps people be there to believe it. would hope not. “A whole new generation has And speaking on being one come of age since then, some of in a million, it is estimated by these kids shockingly cavalier the CDC that there are 1.1 milabout the dangers of unprotect- lion people in the country living ed sex. That era, when funerals with HIV. were more common than birthOne in five of those people days on one’s social calendar, are unaware they’re infected. has, mercifully, become histoYes, it’s scary to sit in front ry,” wrote David Ansen, a for- of a stranger knowing that your mer Newsweek reporter. life may be about to change forHe essentially wrote about ever. how HIV and AIDS destroyed But it’s better than not knowpeople’s lives in the arts during ing. a time when the diseses were considered an epidemic.
“That era, when funerals were more common than birthdays on one’s social calendar, has, mercifully, become history.”
SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
TRACK: The start of a new season CONTINUED FROM COVER
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Conference Red Lion Track and Field Athletes of The Week. Chelimo had an especially notable outing, setting a GNAC record in the 3,000 meters with a time of 8:14.15. The Seawolves’ men and women distance medley relay squads both set provisional times, with the men running the third-fastest time in league history. The men’s team features the aforementioned Chelimo, senior sprinter Ethan Hewitt, freshman distance runner Joe Day and senior middle distance runner Alfred Kangogo. The women’s relay unit is made up of Tanui, junior middle distance runner Ivy O’Guinn, junior hurdler Haleigh Lloyd, and junior middle distance runner Susan Bick. Athletic director Steve Cobb has talked about how the school’s participation in indoor will give their recruiting a boost. The additional events make the Seawolves more attractive to young prospects.
And waiting until the track and field program was strong enough to take on the extra events appears to have been the right move. The Seawolves’ plunge into indoor competition is coming at a great time. Last year’s team placed third and second in the men and women’s GNAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, and most of that group is still at UAA. Eight Seawolves were dubbed All-Americans for the 2012 outdoor season. Of those eight, only one — heptathlete Kelsea Johnson — is no longer on the team. The abundance of talent was obvious in the team’s opening meet. And because of that talent, the Seawolves are in a great position to make a lot of noise in their first year of indoor. The Seawolves will fly out to Seattle, WA, this week to compete Friday and Saturday in the Husky Classic.
Tracking down Alaska’s NHL representatives Gomez has enjoyed a long hockey career. Despite his professional success, the two-time Stanley Cup champion has twice returned to his home state during NHL labor disputes and played for the ECHL’s Aces. Oh, and he starred in some quality local GCI commercials, too. After being granted his release from the Montreal Canadiens in January, the veteran center was signed to a one-year contract by the San Jose Sharks for the 2013 season. Brandon Dubinsky: The Service High School grad is entering his sixth full season in the NHL and finds himself on a new team for the first time in his career. After being traded by the New York Rangers at the end of the 2012 season, Dubinsky takes his talents — and sweet hockey guy name — to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dubinsky hopes to see a return to form from his 2011 season, when he reached career-highs in goals and assists. Joey Crabb: Crabb had the best run of
By Mark Hoffman Volunteer
Hockey is back. Puck fans all across North America rejoiced last month as the NHL ended a lengthy lockout and players returned to the rink. Some of Alaska’s best players returned to their hometown Aces during the break, but a new NHL season means it’s time for an update on the whereabouts of the Last Frontier’s finest: Scott Gomez: Former winner of the Calder Trophy as the best rookie in the NHL after the 2000 season, Anchorage native
all the players that returned to the Aces, notching 17 goals and 21 assists in 35 games in the ECHL. The talented right wing was born in Anchorage and attended Dimond High School. Crabb bounced around with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Atlanta Thrashers in his NHL career before landing a one-year deal with the Washington Capitals at the end of last season. He appears to be hitting his stride and is the only one from this group to have scored a goal in the young NHL season. Nate Thompson: After being drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2003 and serving a couple brief stints with the New York Islanders, Thompson has found his home with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Thompson, who is also an Anchorage native, has logged more minutes in each of the last two seasons with Tampa than any other year of his career.
Meet the Seawolf: Marine Dusser By Keon McMillan Volunteer
What’s your name, origin, major, and possible career path? My name is Marine Dusser. I’m from Villard de Lans, France. I am a business major. I’m not sure exactly what I want to do because I know that business is such a broad field to major in. I know what I don’t want to do, but I don’t know what I do want to do.
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Meet Marine Dusser, who came all the way from France to ski for the Seawolves. Between her French accent, having over 30 podium results in biathlon races and being a member of the French National Biathlon Team, she has a lot to share.
races in America for a better advantage? Well, biathlon is a really odd sport, because there are a lot of things on your mind — it’s a very mental sport. I’ve learned a lot in doing biathlon. I learned to deal with failure, stress, and just not having good races. Nordic skiing is much easier than biathlon.
Which one do you like more? I used to love biathlon, but now I think I like Nordic skiing — it’s less stressful. You just have to go as fast as you can and enjoy it. (Laughs.) Are there team or personal goals you have set for this year? I think the spirit of the team is really important. We spend months together on the road. We’re always together (men and women’s team), so it’s important that the spirit of the team is positive.
How long have you been a skier, and what type of skiing have you done over the course of your career? I do biathlon. It’s when you do skiing and shoot at the same time. We use .22 rifles. I was on the French team for seven years, then I decided to quit doing biathlon last September and come to UAA to do Nordic skiing.
How much coaching actually goes into skiing, because I know it isn’t like a basketball team or a football team where you’re playing together as a single unit? I think coaching is really important. The coaches help to keep us in shape. If we were to make a mistake in our trainings that wouldn’t be good. I’m 24 years old and I train a lot, so I know if it’s good for me. Some people on the team are as young as 18 years old. They need to be able to trust and believe in what they do, but trust that the coaches are doing a good job.
What did you learn from last year’s season (overseas) that you could apply to your
Since the season has started, how many meets have you had?
We’ve had three meets. It’s my first time doing this race. I wasn’t sure what to expect, or how I would do. But you know during the last races I saw that I can go out and win. So my goal is to go win, every time. Before speaking with your coach, I wasn’t sure if you were a part of the skiing program last year. When I found out you weren’t, it was pretty impressive because he told me that you were one of the top women on the team. It must be exciting to come from France and find success over here. Is there a difference to you? Is it more competitive? Yeah, it’s completely different. And there is a difference in competition (between Europe and U.S.). Any words of wisdom for up and coming skiers, or someone who wants to join UAA’s ski team next year? I think it’s a really great experience. I don’t think you can ski for another university (in Alaska). It’s so easy and it’s different, I like it. Any superstitions? No, I’m not like that! (Laughs.)
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SPORTS BRIEFS
Is flag football ahead for NFL? NEW ORLEANS (AP) Making the game safer is making NFL players unsure what’s a legal hit. Players on both Super Bowl teams say they are confused about which hits are considered clean and which ones could lead to a fine. And it’s not just the guys on defense who are wondering about the future of pro football. “I think the rules will change a lot,” San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis said. “There’s already no helmet to helmet. Might be flag football, maybe.” Baltimore Ravens safety Bernard Pollard, one of the league’s hardest hitters, warned against trying to take collisions out of the game, as long as they are clean. “You can’t play this game and not expect it to be physical,” said Pollard, who was fined $15,250 for a hit on Patriots receiver Wes Welker in the AFC championship game that Pollard believes was within the rules. “There will be injuries in football. There’s a car crash on every play.” The NFL has sought to eliminate any hits to the head and neck area of defenseless players, particularly in the last three years. It also has banned players launching themselves helmet-first toward an opponent. Yet, every week, players are fined for those actions, and there have been suspensions. The NFL isn’t going to back down on its emphasis on player safety, of course. It is facing at least 175 lawsuits as more than 3,800 players have sued the league over head injuries as the concussion issue has gained attention in recent years. The total number of plaintiffs is 6,000 when spouses, relatives and other representatives are included. So the emphasis on eliminating what Ray Anderson, the league’s main disciplinarian, calls “egregious fouls” will remain.
Crashes raise concern at Winter X Games ASPEN, Colo. (AP) The image of snowmobile rider Caleb Moore launched over his handlebars on a backflip gone wrong - with his 450-pound machine somersaulting behind him - has created serious questions for the Winter X Games. Run over by his sled, Moore lay on the snow for several minutes before being helped off the course. Now, he remains in critical condition after suffering bleeding around his heart and a complication involving his brain. While snowboarders Shaun White and Elena Hight reached new heights in the superpipe at the Winter X Games, it was Moore’s crash that has some wondering whether dialing up the difficulty each year improves action sports or simply makes them too dangerous. X Games organizers say further safety measures are constantly being evaluated. Editor’s Note: Caleb Moore passed away shortly after this article was written.
A-Rod implemented in PED use again as MLB probes NEW YORK (AP) Alex Rodriguez is in the middle of Major League Baseball’s latest doping investigation after an alternative weekly newspaper reported baseball’s highest-paid star was among the big leaguers listed in the records of a Florida clinic the paper said sold performanceenhancing drugs. The Miami New Times said that the three-time AL MVP bought human growth hormone and other performance-enhancing substances during 2009-12 from Biogenesis of America LLC, a now-closed anti-aging clinic in Coral Gables, Fla., near Rodriguez’s offseason home. The new public relations firm for the New York Yankees third baseman issued a statement denying the allegations.
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Briefs compiled from the Associated Press by Thomas McIntyre
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Any pre-game rituals? No, no, I’m not really superstitious. I just try not to be really stressed. I listen to music, and I dance. No favorite songs, or something you’ll wear during the race? No, I think it just depends on the moment.
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13 SPORTS
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
Previewing the Seawolves’ Saturday affair
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By Thomas McIntyre Sports Editor
The Seawolf basketball team is going toe-to-toe with the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets this Saturday. The bout will go down at the Wells Fargo Center and tips off at 7 p.m. With the final stretch of their schedule approaching, the Seawolves are still fighting for a spot in the GNAC postseason tournament. A win over the Yellowjackets would help increase their odds of playing in March. In what might be the biggest x-factor of this game, senior point guard Sasha King is working her way back on to the court after missing time with an ankle injury. Despite this, the ‘Wolves put together some fine performances without her. The squad earned GNAC Team of the Week honors Jan. 21-27. Everyone on the team played at a higher level to make up for King, and it resulted in road victories against Western Oregon and Saint Martin’s. With that said, King is a vital part of
this program. She’s what people call a game changer. After dropping a tight season-opener to Colorado Mines, King talked about the Seawolves’ offense and what makes it effective. Put simply, she said it’s all about movement. The five girls on the court are constantly in motion when they don’t have the ball, slipping around screens and racing through the backdoor. In the eye of the storm is King, directing the offense and making sure the ball gets where it needs to go. The Karl Malone to King’s John Stockton is senior forward Alysa Horn. Horn is a rock down low. She’s a nineto-five lunch pale player who grinds to get position and pull down rebounds. She can also hurt from the outside, which makes her an extremely frustrating player to defend. Horn is nearly averaging a doubledouble on the season, posting 14 points and eight rebounds a night. She’s also been an iron woman for the Seawolves, logging more than 35 minutes per game. Sophomore guard Alli Madison and junior guard Kylie Burns are two more
players to watch out for. Madison was a major part of what sparked the Seawolves’ GNAC Team of the Week performance, and she was awarded Red Lion Player of the Week for her efforts. One doesn’t have to spend much time scouting the Yellowjackets to figure out Bobbi Knudsen is a problem. Knudsen is a junior point guard who’s averaging over 18 points and six dimes per outing. The backcourt showdown between King and Knudsen is a lock to be entertaining. While Knudsen and King exchange blows, the Yellowjackets’ will probably send sophomore forward Janiel Olson at Horn. Olson’s a rebounding specialist who also leads her team in steals. Saturday’s game pits two teams against each other who could possibly meet again come tournament season. It should be an exciting one. The Seawolves are back in town Feb. 21 and 23 for games against Saint Martin’s and Western Oregon. Both matchups take place at the Wells Fargo Center at 5:15 p.m.
COMICS
THENORTHERNLIGHT TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
14
LETTERS AND CORRECTIONS POLICY Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight.org. The maximum length is 250 words. Opinion pieces can be submitted to editor@thenorthernlight. org. The maximum word length is 450 words. Letters and opinion pieces are subject to editing for grammar, accuracy, length and clarity. Requests for corrections can be sent to editor@thenorthernlight.org. Print publication is subject to accuracy and available space. All corrections are posted online with the original story at www.thenorthernlight.org. The Northern Light newsroom is located on the first floor of the Student Union, directly next to Subway.
Horoscopes The coming week is likely to present conflicting situations that, when combined, will appear to many as challenges, obstacles or setbacks that are difficult -- if not impossible -- to overcome. Such is not the case, of course, though it is difficult to convince someone otherwise who has decided that the deck is stacked against him! What is required this week, of those who are determined to rise above complication and difficulty, is the mere will to do so, combined with the proper and timely application of skill. The more unique to the person and to the situation that skill is, the better! This week, some may feel as though they have been left out in some way, that others close to them are having all the fun and enjoying all the rare opportunities -- but all must remember that those “others” are likely feeling exactly the same way! It’s all a matter of perspective; no one is either all “up” or all “down.” PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- Working things out to your advantage this week is likely to take some juggling -- of time and resources. Don’t let the blues sink in! (March 6-March 20) -- The sooner you start chipping away at the week’s responsibilities, the better. Don’t waste time! ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- Quality is what counts at this time, and you may have to wage battle with those who are far more interested in quantity. (April 5-April 19) -You’ll receive a welcome reminder that you are not as far from those who really matter as you might have thought. TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You may be scouting the terrain for previously unrecognized obstacles -- but only by forging ahead can you really know what’s out there. (May 6-May 20) -- Now is no time to think of yourself as an outsider; you are as much a part of things as anyone! GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- You may feel as though you have more to prove this week than most others -- and indeed, you may have some ground to make up at this time. (June 7-June 20) -- You can give someone some much-needed comfort this week, and enable him or her to rise above a nasty situation. CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- The information you seek is at your fingertips -- all you have to do is trust in the tools you have to
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work with at this time. (July 8-July 22) -You may not be entirely in sync with those who are striving to accomplish something rare -- but direct conflict should be minimal. LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You’re likely to be recognized for your work this week, but not in the way you had imagined. Other surprises come your way as well. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- You may feel as though you are sitting squarely behind the eight-ball, but in fact you do have wiggle room. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) -You can put a clever spin on things this week without calling too much attention to yourself. When in doubt, focus on the end result. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- Someone in charge may object to the way you do things, but they certainly cannot object to the results! LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- You may require the assistance of someone who is not used to helping out -- but the right words can surely be persuasive. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- You may not think that you’re in the right place at the right time, but what happens may prove that you are. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- Your usually vivid imagination may fail you this week, making it difficult to see where you are actually heading. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- You’ll realize a thing or two about a close friend that affects how you launch a new and exciting project. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You may be facing a situation that requires you to spend much more money than you had anticipated. It’s time to put a budget on paper. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- You can score more than one important “first” this week, and others are sure to take notice. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You’re likely to uncover an important lead today that allows you to make headway at an increased pace. Don’t get carried away, however! (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Though you are nominally in charge today, you’ll want to give those doing the work a good deal of freedom. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You may be operating under a mistaken notion this week that keeps you from fulfilling your true potential. It’s time to shake off any bad feelings! (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- It’s a good week for reaffirming your commitment to a project or cause. Soon you’ll be able to make real headway.
THENORTHERNLIGHT CONTACTS 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 J. Almendarez MANAGING EDITOR Vacant COPY EDITOR copy1@thenorthernlight.org Kierra Hammons NEWS EDITOR news@thenorthernlight.org Keldon Irwin FEATURES EDITOR Vacant A&E EDITOR 786-1512 arts@thenorthernlight.org Heather Hamilton SPORTS EDITOR 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Thomas McIntyre STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Corey Hester PHOTO EDITOR Vacant WEB EDITOR 786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.org Shawna Sweeney LAYOUT EDITOR layout@thenorthernlight.org Nick Foote
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Vacant ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org Nita Mauigoa ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR Vacant ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Vacant GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics2@thenorthernlight.org Casey Kleeb ADVERTISING MANAGER 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Chelsea Dennis ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Vacant MULTIMEDIA EDITOR multimedia@thenorthernlight.org Vicente Capala STAFF REPORTERS staff@thenorthernlight.org Keon McMillan CONTRIBUTORS MoHagani Adamu Evan Dodd Alyssa Gammon Mark Hoffman Jacob Holley-Kline George Hyde Katelyn Jones Keon McMillan Ray Leonard Kate Lindsley Kirrily Schwarz Waverli Rainey MEDIA ADVISER Paola Banchero ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISER Annie Route
LETTER AND CORRECTION POLICY CORRECTIONS CORRECTION: In the Jan. 29 issue of The Northern Light, the information regarding free STD and STI testing on campus was incorrect in the article “UAA revs up for healthy sexuality week.” The testing takes place from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Student Health and Counseling Center in Room 116/120 of Rasmuson Hall.