WINTER IS HERE
THE ’BIRD THE VIDETTE PRESENTS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016 Vol. 128 / No. 33
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WEIGHING THE RISK OF THE POWERBALL NEWS 3
ISU SNOW CREW EMBRACE THE SNOW FEATURES 7
HIGHLIGHTING THE 2015 HEADLINES SPORTS 8
Central Illinois is known for its bipolar weather; here’s a few ways to avoid getting down with the low temperatures Check the weather
Go outside
In the Midwestern United States, temperatures can reach below zero one day and 40 degrees the next, so plan ahead in order to dress accordingly.
Winter weather gives many people the excuse to stay inside, but enjoying the outdoors is more beneficial than you may think. Going outside more often will help your body adjust to the colder temperatures, eliminating the shock when you step out. There are also several fun winter activities such as sledding, ice skating, snowboarding or snow skiing that will keep you warm from being active.
Have right clothing for all conditions
It is important to have options to keep up with the bipolar weather; if it is going to snow, you need shoes or boots that will keep your feet dry and to keep you from slipping. Layers are also crucial for the below-zero temperatures and loose clothing will keep you warmer while tighter clothes can restrict blood flow.
Prepare your car
Having a car during the cold months is both stressful and dangerous, but proper upkeep can alleviate problems. Make sure your gas tank is at least half full at all times, because the tank could freeze in cold temperatures. Also check your windshield wipers to ensure they’ll work with snow and ice, and fill the wipers with fluid that does not freeze. Lastly, it’s crucial to keep an ice scraper in your car for heavy snow storms.
Take care of yourself
Winter is known for bringing the cold season along with it, but exercising, eating healthy foods and getting plenty of rest can help keep your immune system strong. The colder temperatures also tend to dry out the skin and eyes, so keep lotion and eye drops handy.
ALYSSA GROH | Vidette Features Reporter
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VINCE PINTO | Photo Editor A birds-eye view of Cook Hall covered in snow, which hit campus Saturday afternoon. Temperatures are supposed to temporarily rise this weekend.
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
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Despite us being student journalists, we do our best to serve the ISU and Bloomington Normal community and we hold a big appreciation to all our readers. ISU and The Vidette have provided me countless opportunities and hopefully set me up for a bright future upon graduation next spring. Tuesday was an added inspiration to keep grinding and working hard until I graduate and earn the chance to cover a game of that magnitude again.
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It’s disappointing seeing how many students are simply just ‘getting by’ here at ISU. Have pride in your university and be involved. Join an RSO or club that interests you. Explore and expand your horizons, get out of your comfort zone. While we’re here we might as well make the most out of it. Be Redbird proud because in the end, we really are Redbirds for life. As I reflect on the Bulls game and the rest of the experiences I’ve had in my young career, I am swayed all the more to give back to a newspaper and university that have already provided me with so much.
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I have an assortment of press passes hanging in my room but I will treasure a certain one forever. “MEDIA – Chicago Bulls Game #20 – Josh Tolentino – Vidette, Illinois State University.” A special thanks to John Roberts (ISU class of ’98, Vidette alumn ‘95-’98, current ESPN editor), Michael Huang (ESPN Editor) and Nick Friedell (ESPN Chicago) Josh Tolentino is a junior journalism major and sports editor at The Vidette. He can be contacted by email jtolent@ ilstu.edu and followed on Twitter @ JCTSports.
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Students pack Bone for SOTU NATHAN PENN Political Reporter
Over 700 students and faculty filled the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center Tuesday night to participate in a State of the Union watch party, Tweet-up and social media event held by the Illinois State University School of Communication. Partnering with the American Democracy Project, iCitizen, American Association of State Colleges and Universities and The Democracy Commitment, ISU served as the national hub for the event, broadcasting a live stream to watch parties at over 500 universities and community colleges nationwide. Stephen Hunt, a School of Communication professor and executive director of School of Communication was impressed with the level of engagement shown by students. “For our first time hosting an event like this, it went very well…ISU will definitely host this event again,” Hunt said following the address. The evening began with a discussion hosted by a panel of ISU and Heartland Community College faculty members on their expectations for the address. Members of Congress and faculty from universities and community colleges from around the country also shared their anticipations and addressed students on the importance of civic engagement via Skype. During the speech, President Barack Obama focused on his vision for how the U.S. should move forward in his last State of the Union Address. Focusing largely on the United States’ foreign policy, as well as how to make politics better in the U.S., President Obama addressed the nation with his vision for America’s domestic and international future. In Obama’s plan for better politics, he called for fundamental changes in how Americans think, as well as how we elect our leaders, singling out campaign finance reform, increased voter turnout and a new way to draw congressional districts as goals for the future. “It’s not enough to just change a Congressman or a Senator or even a President; we have to change the system to reflect our better selves,” Obama said when speaking on the need to reform elections. Joe Gorski, a sophomore political science and economics major, found the president’s positive tone refreshing. “It was nice to hear the president come out and talk about how America can be prosperous in the 21st century,” Gorski said. Tracking live tweets under the #iSOTU16 hashtag, the Social Media Analytics Command Center (SMACC) captured Obama’s statement against racism and bigotry in politics as one of his most memorable remarks of the evening. Potentially 1.4 million people saw the iSOTU16 hashtag across the web Tuesday night said Nate Carpenter, principal architect of SMACC . “We had quite a few more people engaged in conversations, which is a beautiful thing to see,” Carpenter said. The night ended with another panel of faculty and students discussing the significance of the president’s remarks.
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
Is Powerball worth the risk? BRENT BADER Senior Reporter
The Powerball lottery jackpot has officially become the largest U.S. lottery prize ever as it climbed to $1.5 billion on Tuesday and shows no signs of stopping. As the country goes to ticket vendors in droves looking to take a slice of the pie, local Illinois State University professors discuss why it’s become so popular and why, despite the low cost of entry, it may not be the smartest investment. “One explanation as to why we see this increase in the number of individuals [buying tickets] is because you have the cost for getting the lottery is much lower than the cost of the expected gain,” Dimitrios Nikolaou, assistant professor in the department of economics, said. Nikolaou’s previous publications include research focused on studying what leads individuals to take part in risky behaviors such as binge drinking, drug use and unprotected sex. “The potential risk is much lower compared to the potential satisfaction levels that they would reach through winning,” Nikolaou said. Because of this drastic monetary difference in cost and reward it may
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lead individuals to betting more frequently as the cost of entry is so low and the cost-reward ratio remains the same each time. “The idea is you decide to take the gamble if the benefits exceed the cost, but if you keep playing that gamble over and over, you’ll discover on average you’re going to experience losses because you’ll not be gaining.” In economics, Nikolaou describes this as an “unfair bet” as despite additional tickets the probability still remains fairly low. Which leads to another issue in that participants may not realize their chances are as slim as they are. Thomas Howe, professor in finance, insurance and law, teaches the students in his business courses that it’s important to research investments first and find out what is a reasonable amount of risk for their clients. “If you’re managing someone else’s investments, you’re far more likely to get sued and lose if you take an inappropriate risk than you would if you did your homework and picked investments with a reasonable amount of risk,” Howe said. The current probability of winning the lottery is about one in 292 million and these odds wouldn’t be
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The Powerball jacketpot has become the largest U.S. lottery prize. acceptable for Howe to recommend any of his students to take in the field especially considering that on average players can expect to lose 50 cents for every dollar spent, effectively half of the investment. He believes that while those who buy tickets may not know the probability of winning, it may not make a difference to some of them due to a concept he discusses in his classes called “skewness.” “Lotto payoffs and professional athlete salaries both have what is known as positive skewness or skewness to the right,” Howe said.
“In other words there is some small chance of an extremely high result but most of the results are bunched toward the lower end.” For some individuals this skewness is an acceptable risk due to the large potential payoff that they see others achieve. “So you see the big payoffs but there is some evidence that people prefer positive skewness and as a result of preferring it they’re willing to settle for expecting a lower return on average just because the possibility of really winning a lot means a lot see POWERBALL page 5
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PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
MY VIEW DELANE MCKLURKIN Columnist
The Powerball odds are not in your favor
W
Editorial Cartoon by Athena Tapia
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
Militia’s actions are unjustified S
ince an armed militia of ranchers took control of a federal building and land at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon earlier this month, the national response has been largely lax. Their mission has been to occupy the land until two ranchers serving time in prison are freed and the wildlife refuge is turned over to local citizens for privatization. The magnitude of the event may have been overshadowed by presidential campaigns or the announcement of President Barack Obama’s executive action plan. But the fact that an armed takeover of federal land can be overshadowed at all reveals how lackadaisical America can be regarding violent right-wing domestic threats. The authorities’ response to the armed takeover of federal lands speaks to the general underesti-
mation of right-wing extremism in the United States. In the U.S., an enormous amount of time and resources are justly spent to thwart terrorist attacks from domestic threats and threats abroad. According to a top-secret intelligence budget leaked by Edward Snowden in 2013, the U.S. budget for antiterrorism is something close to $16.6 billion. It is unclear why authorities have not responded with capable, swift action on the militiamen, who have damaged federal government property and accessed government files. Although the militants claimed that they would occupy the wildlife refuge for possibly years, it appears as though the group will withdraw soon, after calls from residents of the nearby town of Burns for them to leave. Without endorsement from the local population, the mi-
litia’s mission is no longer justified in any way, although many people in the area agree with the idea of giving up federal lands for private ownership. The federal governments’ ownership of large amounts of land in western states has been a point of debate and conflict throughout their history. In some states, the government owns a large majority of the land—over 80 percent of land in Nevada is federally owned. For ranchers and the libertarian minded, anti-government people that live in these western states, federal ownership of large swaths of land represents overreaching government and a denial of their right to the resources that those lands offer. But, the federal government plays an important role of preservation on its lands. Without state and federal nature reserves and national parks, indigenous
and endangered species would be lost and the land’s natural beauty would be destroyed in the quest for natural resources. The Malheur National Wildlife Refuge is home to a natural and fragile ecosystem that would be drastically corrupted under private ownership. Although the FBI has stated that militia members will eventually face charges, the ranchers could go back to their homes without immediately paying for what they have done. The U.S. government needs to make sure that these right wing terrorists face punishment for invading a community and unnecessarily endangering the lives of many Americans. We must reign in this style of militia violence before it becomes the standard means of antigovernment speech and before lives are lost as a result.
Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the University.
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What would you spend your money on if you had won the Powerball? VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY
The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone number for verification. Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent via e-mail to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.
ith the Powerball lottery reaching an estimated $1.5 billion it has officially become not only the largest in the United States, but in the entire world. In fact, billboards all across the country were forced to announce the prize total as $999 million instead of $1.5 billion because they are not built to show billions. Becoming a billionaire is an unimaginable concept for most people. Many students around Illinois State University and other campuses joined in on the phenomenon and tested their luck by investing in a $2 ticket. The record-size jackpot tempted many people who usually don’t play the lottery to give it a shot. The drawing began in early November, and in the last week alone the huge prize attracted over $900 million in Powerball ticket sales. Many bought tickets for the mere fact of joining the crowd, according to psychology experts. Others began lumping their money with friends and coworkers to purchase multiple Powerball tickets with promises to split the winnings amongst the group. I bought a few tickets, because, why not? Despite the low odds of winning, I still waited patiently in front of the television screen at 9:59 p.m. last night with my tickets in hand. When the announcer first appeared on the screen my eyes dilated. As I watched the first number being drawn, I knew that my shot at winning the jackpot was over because the first number did not match any of my numbers. But still, I continued to watch the drawing, not only out of hopeful wishing, but also to join in on something I knew a lot of the country was watching as well. I immediately got on Twitter to see if there was any trending news on the Powerball and several links showed that the winner was announced in California. Whoever that person is will be rich and famous forever, just for purchasing a $2 ticket. Obviously, the odds of winning the jackpot were very small; the chances of winning the Powerball jackpot were only one in 292.2 million but the overall odds of winning a prize of at least $4 were one in 25. As more people began to purchase tickets, the other buyer’s chances of winning continued to decrease. I know this will be a marker in the history of the lottery, but I wonder if it will change the nature of it from here on out. The fact that one had a better chance at getting struck by lightning twice in their lifetime, which is a one in 9 million chance, than winning the jackpot, should have been discouraging to people, but it wasn’t. Although a $2 ticket is pretty reasonable, many people ran out to their local gas station or store to participate in something that was nearly impossible. In the future, I will definitely be more aware of my odds before I buy a lottery ticket.
Continue reading this online.
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
Museum to Let the spring activities begin debut exhibit As students return this spring with intentions to stay true to their New Year’s resolutions to stay fit, Campus Rec has courses and programs to help
EMA SASIC News Reporter
The McLean County Museum of History is getting ready to display, “Making a Home”, the first in a series of five galleries, 10:30 a.m. Monday on the first floor. The free program will be followed by acknowledgments and a ribbon cutting. Refreshments will be served afterward. “Making a Home” is the product of a team made up of Illinois State University Professor of Anthropology and Sociology Gina Hunter, museum curator of collections and exhibits Susan Hartzold and museum staff. The idea for the gallery, as Hartzold explained, is to educate residents on how people from all over the country came to McLean County and started a new life for themselves. “The whole idea is helping people to understand that experience of leaving home, getting here, establishing a new home, what it was like getting started in a new community, the hardships and challenges faced, what traditions they brought with them and what new traditions they created,” Hartzold said. “It really covers the experience of setting up a home in a new place.” The gallery is divided into five time periods. Vignettes (a brief description or account), objects and imagery shown from Native Americans, the Pioneer period, the Great Rush, the period after the railroad arrived and the post-World War II period. Beginning with the Frontier period, when the earliest settlers came, the gallery takes museumgoers into the lives of Samuel and Jerusha Hayes. Both from Connecticut, Jerusha came to McLean County with her cousin, who attended school in the area. Sam was a schoolteacher and decided to follow Jerusha. Soon after he arrived, they got married and began making a life in a new home. In this vignette, visitors will see a lantern Sam carried on his trip to McLean County and a pair of chairs they bought in 1837. “It was really Gina who was like let’s tell these individuals’ stories,” Hartzold said. “It’s a really engaging exhibit because the stories are about regular people and they’re really relatable.” All five galleries will make up the permanent exhibit “Challenges, Choices and Change: The People of McLean County.” The next gallery called “Abraham Lincoln in McLean County “is set to open May 21, while the third one, “Farming in the Great Corn Belt,” will open March 23, 2017.
Spring Adventure Program The popular Adventure Program is back for the spring semester and offers unique opportunities throughout the semester for the group which will be going on winter waterfall hikes and white water rafting later in the semester. “With winter in full swing, every park looks different under layers of snow,” Rachel Iversen, assistant director of adventure programs, said. “Small waterfalls freeze over and become large ice sculptures, wildlife like owls and eagles are easier to see, and this is prime time for winter sports like skiing.” The winter waterfall hikes have been so popular in the past that an additional trip to Devil’s Submitted Photo Lake State Park in Wisconsin Students went to Starved Rock State has been added and the group Park during last year’s Spring Advenwill also be traveling to a new ture Program. location in Florida for paddling, snorkeling and camping over spring break. The Adventure Program takes 10 to 12 students for each adventure, in order for students to more easily get to know each other. A variety of programs are available for those with different skill levels. Those that join the course can expect to learn technical skills for the activities they participate in as well as unique exercise opportunities. “Our trips promote overall health and students will learn how outdoor activities can relieve stress and can become part of a healthy lifestyle,” Iversen said. Students can sign up for these programs on the Adventure section of the Campus Recreation website or by visiting the Student Fitness Center. The program is also offering a Trip Leader Training course in February for those hoping to lead their own trip with the Adventure Program. More information can be found on the Certifications page of their website.
POWERBALL continued from page 3
to them,” Howe said. The last possible reason Nikolaou could see ticket sales doing so well despite the low odds is the sort of media blitz and social event that has arisen due to the large jackpot. “You may see other people buying a ticket exactly because you have all this discussion around it and it gives you an incentive to socialize with
others,” Nikolaou said. Whether or not Nikolaou decides to take part in this social event remains to be seen, but at least he knows the odds. “I haven’t bought one yet,” Nikolaou said. “But maybe I will.” Brent Bader is a senior reporter at The Vidette and can be reached at vidette_babader@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @baderwrites.
New Year, Fitter You In order to foster positive exercise habits for beginners at the start of the new year, Campus Recreation has created the “New Year, Fitter You” program which is a small group training class to be hosted 5 to 6 p.m. every Monday starting on Jan. 25 in the Exercise Science Studio. Registration for the $20 program is available on the Fitness section of their website. “In the new year is the time when we see our greatest numbers so it’s a time where we can capture a captive audience,” Alana Harris, assistant director of fitness programs, said. “We tend to have many of our new programs to provide a service for [beginner’s] needs.” Each group gets a trainer that works with the group and gives specific goals to the group. Participants can be expected to get the support of others in the group and meet workout partners. “I think there’s an opportunity to make friends,” Harris said. “A lot of times people join programs together or they just don’t know what they’re doing and they’re looking for guidance.” Those looking to become familiar with popular exercises are encouraged to visit the free session, Workout of the Day (WOD) with Reggie, 5 to 5:45 p.m., where Reggie Redbird will go over various exercises. The inclusion of small group training is a new development as of the fall semester as Campus Recreation began seeing trends in the fitness industry that showed the benefit of the programs. The new group programs have been well received so far and a previous women’s weight training group enjoyed it so much that they requested an additional session in the fall which was then added to the schedule. BRENT BADER | Senior Reporter
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
Don’t let the freezing temperatures postpone your summer job hunt; positions are being posted online earlier than ever MOLLIE MCDONNELL Features Editor
It’s easy to think about summer and the warm weather as you’re walking to class in below zero temperatures, yet it’s less common for students to start making plans for the summer. Come May, seniors will be graduating and searching for jobs. Yet, underclassmen aren’t exempt from a summer of hard work. Nowadays, it’s expected that college graduates find experience outside of the classroom to supplement their degree. And for students looking to gain a summer internship or job, the time to start searching is now. When it comes to starting the search, the Career Center is here to help. Debbie Ungson-Walbert, the internship manager of the Career Center, has some tips to help get started. As for the search, UngsonWalbert suggests to start “as early as possible.” Prior to starting the search, there are some things you’ll want to get in order first. “You probably would need to start brushing up on your résumé, make rev isions and update your information,” UngsonWalbert said. “It would be good to have an idea of what you’d like to get into, which by far sometimes can be the hardest part.” For many, deciding where to look and what kind of position you are looking for can be tricky. But once it is narrowed down the search will be much easier. “If you already have an idea of what you want to do, then you
can go ahead and try the Hirea-Redbird site for postings,” Ungson-Walbert said. The Hire-a-Redbird site is available for students to use, and can be a valuable resource for finding jobs and internships. But it helps to check out other sites to expand your options, Mark Fauble, a career advisor at the Career Center, said. “Personally, I am a big fan of LinkedIn,” Fauble said. “It has a ‘jobs’ tab that can locate job openings, then LinkedIn facilitates networking opportunities to help students secure those positions.” Along with LinkedIn, students can search online through many other sites to find compatible jobs. On these sites, many jobs and internships have already been posted for the summer. “Some are hiring immediately, some are not ready to hire until summer given the fact that they are trying to get a hold of people graduating in May,” UngsonWalbert said. “But they are trying to get the process started because, apparently, it gets a little competitive out there and they want to get out there earlier than usual.” If you’ve been waiting to start the search, now is the time to begin. While the Internship Fair held by the Career Center is scheduled for Feb. 16, it is not too early to apply online, or start preparing. You may not need an internship for this semester, but you can start looking for the summer or fall semester, which is recommended to search in advance. “It used to be that our internship fairs in the fall were looking for positions for internships in
the spring,” Ungson-Walbert said. “Now the internship positions in the fall are actually for summer already. It’s getting earlier and earlier it seems like.” While job and internship positions are starting to open up earlier, companies and hiring managers are opening up the floor to younger candidates. No longer are the times when internships were reserved for upperclassmen. “More and more, they are looking at younger students now,” Ungson-Walbert said. “Some they’ll do the junior year. But now more are saying, ‘yeah, we’ll interview you if you’re a sophomore.’” Regardless of your age, it may be smart to consider your options and get started on the job search. The more experience you have under your belt, the better you’ll look to future employers. But keep in mind: you’re going to have to work hard to find the right position for you. “We always say looking for a job is a full-time job,” UngsonWalbert noted. “Sometimes, you’re one of the lucky ones who ends up in the right place at the right time and have the right fit, but you can’t always plan on that.” But with that in mind, the Career Center is here to help you in your quest. “No matter what year you are, come in to the Career Center today to get headed down the right career path,” Fauble said. With a little preparation, a positive mindset and some help from the Career Center, Illinois State University students will certainly find success in their job search.
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Today’s Birthday (02/14/16). Expand community efforts to realize shared visions this year. New money (after 3/8) offers a different route (after 3/23). Launch a two-year adventure after 9/9. A boost in family fortunes (after 9/1) shifts your own finances (after 9/16). Collaborate for heart-felt causes. Go for love. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Conditions are good for double dating. Support from friends can be a good thing. Find a lowcost option. Financial upsets would blow the mood. A home-cooked family meal could include shared appreciations. Celebrate love. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Pull strings from behind the scenes. Love empowers you. Relax and enjoy it. A formidable
barrier blocks the path. You can see what wasn’t working. Keep practicing. Work with someone who sees your blind spot. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Friends help make an important connection. Imagine possible outcomes. Keep your sense of humor. Teach as you learn. Teamwork is required. Resist temptations that distract from your responsibilities. Think of the big picture. Play together. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Wasting money is unnecessary, and it sends the wrong impression. Go for simplicity. Get rid of excess baggage. Dress for the part you want. Get creative with expressions of love, and share them widely.
CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted- Business Opportunities HELP NEEDED. Start Immediately We are looking to fill 18 F/T positions. Gain experience in: Customer service, set up and display, sales, entry level, 18+ yrs required, advancement opportunities. $530+/wk(per company agreement) Call 9:30am - 5pm. 309-532-8923. Part-time Staff Needed - Normal Parks & Rec is looking for staff for: Before/After School Program Counselors and Holiday Help, Tumbling Instructors, Youth Basketball Officials. Visit www.normalparks. org for more info.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Rely on an imaginative partner. Share your dreams. Don’t stir up jealousies. Remember shared sympathies and enthusiasms. Work could interfere with play. A fantasy could come true, if you avoid arguments. Express appreciations. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Your creativity makes the difference. Dress to impress. Use body language, music and symbolism. Passion can be awakened with communication, despite breakdowns. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Keep your sense of humor. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Figure out what another wants before spending. Don’t be hasty or waste your money. Fact and fantasy clash. Harsh words could
fly, if allowed. Cut clutter. Go for clarity. Discuss what you each would like. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Talk about dreams and aspirations. You’re gaining confidence. Feed all who show up. Draw upon hidden resources. The best things in life are free. Learn from another view. Walk and talk together. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Revise a romantic tradition. Delve into unexplored regions. Get creative. Complications could arise. Allow extra time in the schedule. You won’t have to defer gratification forever. Take it slow and easy. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Expand your horizons. Friends can help. Get out and discover something new. Passions could get intense. Slow to avoid ac-
cidents. You can work it out. Keep costs down. Savor simple pleasures, like the sunset. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Get in with a good crowd. Provide stability and excellent service. Value a loved one’s opinion over an authority figure’s opinion. Invest in your career. Strike out in a new direction. Follow the path before you. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Don’t take on any new challenges yet. Decrease stress. Make long-range plans and get expert feedback. Guard against technical glitches. Keep batteries charged. Stay close to home and finish a project. Share peaceful moments.
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Miscellaneous
For Rent: Su/Fall/Sp 16-17
Professional Model Photography facebook.com/ModelsUSA 3092121005 scottrockandroll@icloud.com
808 S Linden: Large 1,2,3 and 4 person units. All Utilities Included. Next to the trail. Pool on site. Start at $345. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Roommates Wanted Apt available at The Lodge for SummerFall-Spring 16-17. 2 roommates needed for 4 bdrm apt. Own floor and bathroom. $760/mo (utility allowance included). Contact Tyler at 815-757-3390.
For Rent Spring- 2016 Various 1,2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available. $235$555. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
in kitchen, 2 parking spaces, furniture, very nice. 610 S. Fell. 287-1870
yard. ONLY $260-350 per bedroom. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Flora Way: Large Furnished 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms. Start at ONLY $325. Class Act Realty. 454-2960
401 N. Fell Ave. 4 bedroom/2 bath. Breakfast bar with stools, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer & dryer in unit. Central air, secured building, off street parking, high speed internet provided. Starting at $530/per person. Call Excel Real Estate at 309-829-5885.
Large 2 BR. Apt. For 2. $365/person, $245 for 3, A/C, dishwasher, deck/patio, laundry. Heat & water pd, 6 blocks north on School St. from ISU (309)287-1870
301 S. WALNUT: Furnished 2 Bedrooms. Balcony, Covered parking, Laundry. Quiet Building. Start at ONLY $290 Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Crossing Dr. Large 3 Br/2 Ba townhome. W/D $307-$367 per person. 309-8305073. See www.RLapartments.com
605-607 Kingsley Street, Normal. Furnished 4-bdrm, 3 baths, off-street parking. No pets, no smoking, no loud parties. Ten months lease. Asking rent + Utilities: $525/bdrm. Security deposit: $250/bdrm. Ph: 618-444-3968.
Crossings 3 bdrm 3 bath townhome. With washer and dryer. Available June 2016. Call 3098262012 Large 2 BR. Townhouse. $565/person, $375 for 3, Prime Location, 2 blocks south of Watterson, central air, laundry
TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms. Include Washer-dryer, central air, dishwasher, parking, patio and/or balcony,
Fell: Spacious 2 & 4 Bedrooms. 1 block from campus. Laundry. Start at $370. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 2 bdrm studio apt. Off street parking. Newly updated. $450/mn + utilites. 2 blocks from bone center. 3098241177. Houses: 3 to 5 Bedrooms. Start at $335 per person. Walk to Campus . Class Act Realty. 454-2960
Features
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
THE VIDETTE | PAGE 7
REVIEW
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Dueling reviews of the latest film from a Star Wars fanatic and a sci-fi newbie GIANNA ANNUNZIO Features Reporter
REBECCA DAVIS Features Reporter
As the beginning of a new trilogy continues to break box office records, the film “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” seems to have met most fan base expectations. Although fans of the saga understood the Star Wars films were coming to a close after “Revenge of the Sith” hit theaters in 2005, the surprise announcement of “The Force Awakens” simultaneously “re-awakened” the dedication diehard fans have always possessed. The film is set in the distant future literally decades later, as most fans already know based on the return of characters from the original 1980s trilogy. The return of these characters stood as the most anticipated element of the film for me personally—every scene change, I had hoped to see Han and Chewie zooming past the screen in the Millennium Falcon, or Luke Skywalker swooping in with a drawn lightsaber. Along with the return of beloved characters, a new cast who additionally possess power through the force are introduced. The two newest characters Rey and Finn, played by Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, propel the storyline forward. Although I certainly enjoyed the introduction of the newest Star Wars youth, I also thought the characters weren’t strong enough to stand alone within the film. Their stories were interesting, however, “The Force Awakens” relied heavily on previous films to hype up the film. Rey, the main protagonist, showed the most promise as a wholesome lead role. She is introduced as a scavenger, abandoned by her family at a young age—we don’t know much about why quite yet, but I’m hoping the next few movies will clarify her past. I found her character reflective of a strong-willed woman lead, which may even have direct ties to strengths within the force. I enjoyed Rey as a character, and thought she fit well into the Star Wars universe since she was both similar in appearance to previous Star Wars female leads, and able in her acting abilities. Although Rey is clearly established as a woman who can fight, hunt and essentially fend for herself on Jakku, I found her abilities at times seemed far-fetched. Virtually everything she tries, whether it be repairs to a spacecraft or defense in battle, work well on the first time, every time. My opinion is arguable amongst fans, similar to the speculation that Rey is related to the Skywalker bloodline. Finn also proves to be a dynamic character, constantly displaying loyalty to his companions as a resilient fighter. I found he does a great amount of growth even within the first few minutes of the film, displaying his undeniable evolving personality making him relatable and “real” to fans. Both characters seem to balance each other out appropriately, which was a special addition for long time fans like me. Of course, I know it wouldn’t be an appropriate Star Wars film without a perspective from the dark side of the force. The introduction of Sith apprentice Kylo Ren offers a surprising look into the past of multiple characters. Its obvious Ren idolizes Darth Vader, cuing audience members to trace back to the source of his obsession. My initial reaction to Kylo Ren was that I found him intimidating when he had his black suit and mask on. However, immediately following its removal, I wasn’t so sure the actor, played by Adam Driver, necessarily fit the “dark lord” vibe. His luscious dark locks and boyish face definitely pulled me out of the “intimidation” illusion, though that could possibly have been the intent. Overall, Star Wars VII speaks for itself. Although the story had already come full circle within the first six movies, “The Force Awakens” provides a future for the original beloved characters, while adding new force-strong individuals to keep the universe endlessly exciting and balanced.
When I heard the news of a new Star Wars movie, I was initially pretty neutral about the whole thing. Unlike nearly everyone I knew, I never got into the Star Wars fandom. To the surprise of many, I had never actually had the desire to sit down and watch one of the movies, let alone the six that had been put out by the time I was a teenager. In fact, I’m sure I wouldn’t have even seen the newest installment if my family weren’t making an occasion out of seeing it in the theatre together; but I’m glad I actually went and paid attention, because I loved it. One thing I really enjoyed about this Star Wars movie was that, while knowing prior Star Wars knowledge was probably preferred, it wasn’t necessary to enjoy the film. I only had to pretend to go to the bathroom one time so I could pull up the Wikipedia pages of Luke and Anakin Skywalker in order to fully understand who was who. Other than that, I followed along pretty easily. The filmmakers made it pretty simple for someone like me, who knew nothing about Star Wars, to keep up with everything going on. It allowed me to focus on the plot instead of questioning characters or plot lines. Along with actually being able to understand the newest Star Wars, I also appreciated the modernization of the story. A multicultural cast paired with a strong female lead is hard to find in popular films, but “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” made it seem completely natural, which is extremely refreshing and definitely appreciated by this audience member. It’s hard to come across any action movies that feature a woman as a major character without a love story plot line, but Star Wars did it easily, and it worked. I also liked the inclusion of actors such as Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher, who reprised their original roles over 25 years later. I’m sure this was especially exciting for those who were familiar with their characters in the first set of movies. I found myself so into the film that, towards the end, when that BIG MOMENT happened—if you’ve seen the movie, you know what I’m talking about. If not, I won’t ruin it for you. I found myself gasping in surprise with the rest of the audience members. It did a surprisingly great job of keeping someone with as little knowledge of the franchise as me interested for the film’s two hour run. Seeing this film prompted an interest in me to see the rest, which I’m sure happened to a lot of other people, too. If the filmmakers intention was to bring on new fans, they can rest easy knowing that I have already borrowed every Star Wars film from friends with the intention to watch them all. I’m not saying I’m going to end up being a super-fan, but now that I know what all the hype was about, I want to be in on it too. All in all, I think “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” probably made a lot of people happy. Old fans get to continue their love for Star Wars, and newcomers are welcomed into the franchise with a movie that lets them join in on the fun without feeling too lost. Die-hard fans are going to have to let in some new members to the fandom, because “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” definitely turned some people on to the film series.
RSO
to Know
MCT Photo
Storm Trooper turned Resistance fighter Finn, played by actor John Boyega, makes his premier in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
ISU Snow Crew hits the western slopes ALYSSA GROH Features Reporter
a half ago and the deal for what we got was amazing, it was my Christmas present for myself. The things they get for us were the Standing more than 12,000 feet above sea main incentive for me to go on the trip,” said level, looking at the breathtaking view of the member Rachel Boyce, a junior social work trees and snow covered Rocky Mountains is major. what the ISU Snow Crew Garbutt, who has been did this winter break. The RSO FACTS skiing since he was three, members of the Snow Crew said you can’t beat the deals love to spend their time they get; “It’s a no brainer, out west snowboardFounded in: 2010 even if you remotely like ing and skiing down the skiing it’s a no brainer just mountains. Meetings: 1st Tuesday of every month to get yourself out west and The Snow Crew took have a good time and hang its first trip to Park City, Dues: None, just pay for trips out with friends and ski on Utah back in 2010 when some of the best mounthe RSO first began, said Number of Members: 300 total, tains.” president of the Snow (about 160 participate in trips ) Snowboarding and skiing Crew, Wes Garbutt, a can be intimidating to a junior business adminfirst timer, but the Snow Crew welcomes those istration major. Since taking their first trip who have never skied before to join them on they have gone on a trip every winter travelits trips. ing to places like Jackson Hole in Wyoming, “Colorado is a great place to learn [how to Keystone and Winter Park, CO. ski or snowboard] because there is fresh snow One unique thing about this RSO is that the and you get the best conditions,” Boyce said. members do not have to pay any dues to be a Boyce took her first trip out to Keystone this part of the Snow Crew. The only money they Winter Break after learning how to snowboard have to put towards the Snow Crew is if they last year, and was nervous about her skill level, choose to go on a trip with them. but encourages even beginners to go on a trip. Although trips to go skiing and snowboard“I thought, I don’t want to be that one that falls ing can get expensive quickly, the Snow Crew all the time but everyone has those falls and keeps the cost down, keeping its trips around $600 to $650. That money will cover your stay those bad days, you can be embarrassed or just jump up and be like I’m good.” for four days, lift tickets, a condo and ride on The Snow Crew partners with Eco Tours the Coach bus, Garbutt explained. and Life Styles Tours when they plan their “I just started snowboarding a year and
The Snow Crew hit the slopes in Colorado over Winter Break. trips and they help give beginners lessons when they arrive out west. “Eco Tours put together lessons for four days for just an extra $100 and $19 rentals per day,” Garbutt said. “We welcome members to bring their own equipment but we don’t shy those who don’t have equipment away.” One thing the Snow Crew prides itself in is being open to anyone who wants to join. They have ISU alumni that still attend trips because of how much fun the trips were. “Once you go on one trip you’re hooked,” Garbutt said. While the members of the Snow Crew are
Photo Courtesy of ISU Snow Crew
on their trip they also do things other than snowboard. Eco Tours and Life Styles Tours do a great job of making sure they have things to do, Garbutt said. Whether you’re able to drink or not there are concerts, ’80s cover bands and DJs to see at night. If you just need a vacation and want to try something new, try Snow Crew. “It is a cheap way to get out west and everyone has a common interest,” Garbutt said. “We are a fun, laid back group open to everyone and you don’t have to do much to be involved, just come hangout and have a good time.”
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2016
proud: Top 10 Vidette Sports stories of 2015 Vidette an opportunity
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Redbird Remembrance: April 7 plane crash claims seven lives of a lifetime
Facts: On April 7, 2015, a plane returning from the 2015 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship game in In-
dianapolis crashed just outside Bloomington-Normal, killing all seven passengers including Torrey Ward, 36, associate head coach of ISU men’s basketball; Aaron Leetch, 37, ISU deputy director of athletics for external operations; Terry Stralow, 64, Pub II owner; Scott Bittner, 42; Andy Butler, 40; Woodrow Jones, 45; and Thomas Hileman, 51, pilot.
Significance: The crash made national headlines, shocking the ISU and Bloomington-Normal communities. ISU and those affected received an outpouring of sympathy from across the country. Looking ahead: President Larry Dietz, Athletic Director Larry Lyons, ISU men’s basketball head coach Dan Muller and
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the rest of the ISU Athletic Department have done a terrific job in helping the university recover from the tragedy. The Athletic Department recently revealed a memorial dedicated to the seven men, located on the north entrance of Redbird Arena. A Redbird Remembrance website was also recently launched. All 19 ISU athletic teams, athletes, trainers and coaches wear a memorial patch on game days dedicated to the fallen seven. Josh Tolentino | Sports Editor | @JCTSports
Road to Frisco
Facts: The Redbirds nearly met their lofty, self-imposed expectations of winning a national championship, reaching the 2014-15 FCS National Championship, but dropping a 29-27 heartbreaker to North Dakota State. Significance: After making the school’s first-ever trip to the title game, the Redbirds essentially put the football program on the national map and broke several team and individual records along the way.
3 Photo by Josh Tolentino Photo edit by Athena Tapia
Josh Tolentino | Sports Editor @JCTSports
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Zack Carpenter | Sports Editor @ZCarp11
Coprich arrest
Significance: The ’Birds won back-to-back titles for the first time in school history. The success of the program has led to an influx of high-end talent, in addition to increased expectations. Looking ahead: Expectations are now the highest they can possibly be for the Redbirds, with each year winning a Valley title and national championship being the gold standard.
Significance: The story shocked the Bloomington-Normal community, and even grabbed a few national headlines. Coprich had an indefinite suspension lifted after accepting a first-time offenders’ plea agreement. Coprich didn’t miss a single game in 2015, which drew the ire of fans, many of whom believed he should have been booted from the team.
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Looking ahead: The negativity didn’t affect Coprich, who went on to win Offensive Player of the Year in the Missouri Valley for the second straight year, in addition to earning several All-American honors. He now sets his sights on being picked up in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Cardinals draft DeJong
Looking ahead: Fischer’s work throughout the years has paid and continues to pay off, as she is sure to add more wins under her belt.
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Significance: DeJong’s versatility makes him a hot prospect in the Cardinals organization, and he has potential to be one of the better Redbird prospects in many years. He has already climbed the ladder from Rookie League Johnson City to Single-A Peoria in his first season.
Looking ahead: O’Shaughnessy had four receptions for 34 yards and a score during the preseason, resulting in him being moved to backup tight end for Travis Kelce. His season ended with a foot injury.
Palmer starts for Packers
from the University of Illinois. He was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, becoming the first Redbird drafted since 2007.
Looking ahead: Palmer’s road has been filled with resilience, as he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire season in 2014. He is looking to keep Green Bay’s season rolling as a key defender on a Packers squad set to play the Cardinals in the NFC Divisional Round on Saturday. Ryan Kelly | Sports Reporter | @rkelly1122
Chiefs draft O’Shaughnessy
Significance: He became ISU’s first football player to be drafted into the pros since Nate Palmer in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Joe Rodewald | Sports Reporter | @joerodewald7
Significance: Palmer started all 24 games at ISU following a transfer
Deb Bethel | Sports Reporter | @thedebbethel
Facts: James O’Shaughnessy, a Naperville native and former ISU tight end, was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
Looking ahead: DeJong has already had a very promising start to his career, and some say he might be the best power-hitting prospect the Cardinals have in their farm system.
linebacker for the Green Bay Packers and played in all 16 regular season games. He recorded 68 tackles.
Tribute to Fischer; 1,000 wins
Significance: Fischer will be coaching her 31st season in 2016. During her career, Fischer has been named the winning-est coach in Illinois State athletics history and the Missouri Valley Conference.
Zack Carpenter | Sports Editor | @ZCarp11
Facts: Former ISU defensive end Nate Palmer started 10 games at
Jason Klaer | Senior Staff @JasonKlaerISU
Facts: Redbird softball head coach Melinda Fischer tallied her 1,000th career victory in 2015.
Facts: The St. Louis Cardinals selected Paul DeJong in the fourth round of the 2015 MLB Draft in June.
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Back 2 back
Facts: For the second consecutive season, the ISU football team was able to win at least a share of the MVFC title.
Facts: All-American star running back Marshaun Coprich was arrested on April 16 for selling nine grams of marijuana to an undercover police officer.
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Facts: ISU defeated No. 8 ranked, top seeded Wichita State 65-62 during the MVC semifinals in St. Louis. Significance: The Redbirds advanced to the MVC Tournament title game for the 11th time in school history where they fell short to Northern Iowa, 69-60.
Looking ahead: That journey to the title game, program-best 14-2 overall record and first-ever Missouri Valley title set the foundation for ISU’s 2015 season, in addition to raising the bar of expectations for the program for years to come.
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Shocked the Shockers
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Jake Klassen | Social Media Analyst | @jklass350
Rosch finishes career strong
Facts: Ashely Rosch led the volleyball team in points (522.0), kills (459) and kills per set (3.86), and she finished her career ranked third in school history in career kills (1,609) and fourth in career points (1,821.0). Significance: For the fourth straight season, she was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference First Team, the first time an ISU player has accomplished that feat. Looking ahead: In 127 career matches, Rosch started in 126 of them. Rosch has had a coveted career as a Redbird and it will be interesting to see how the volleyball team responds to her absence next season. Jason Klaer | Senior Staff | @JasonKlaerISU
MY VIEW JOSH TOLENTINO Sports Editor
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his past Tuesday, I had the opportunity of a lifetime. I covered my first ever NBA game: Chicago Bulls vs. Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center. It is an opportunity I realize not many college journalists are able to experience. I’m forever grateful and it wouldn’t have been possible without being a student at Illinois State University and part of The Vidette. The newness and excitement hit me immediately upon my arrival to the UC. As I entered the media gate with ESPN’s Nick Friedell, we were greeted by security and a check-in, where I received my press pass for the evening. When the employee at the check-in table asked for my name and affiliation, Friedell said, “Josh Tolentino, Vidette – Illinois State University.” I was looking forward to and caught off guard when he said ISU, thinking he would’ve just said ESPN. Instead, I wore a badge that had ISU written on it the whole night. I was a little bummed thinking I would have an ESPN press pass to take home, but no big deal. I brushed it off and moved on as we entered the press room immediately after checking in. Throughout the night, I found myself star struck. Not star struck from being in the locker room interviewing players I’ve been watching their entire careers, like Derrick Rose, Jabari Parker and Jimmy Butler (well, maybe just a little). Instead, I was star struck by being surrounded by the many beat reporters and writers I have been following ever since I’ve wanted to be a journalist. I’ve covered hundreds of games at Redbird Arena and Hancock Stadium, but being courtside at the UC and inside the Bulls locker room was a different animal. Or so I thought. The unwritten sports journalist rule, “no cheering in the pressbox,” hit me hard that night. Of course, I flooded my social media with locker room videos, courtside photos and behind the scenes Snapchats, but a realization hit me as the evening went on. I quickly put into perspective these were just normal guys playing basketball. The same was applied to the media members in the press room. They’re all doing their job and I’m doing mine. It’s a trait I’ve learned and equipped being part of The Vidette, covering ISU’s Athletics Department. But enough about the game. Tuesday evening wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my mentors and networking. However, I also credit ISU and The Vidette for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I am in no way endorsing or being a brand ambassador for ISU or The Vidette. If I wanted to do that, I would sign up to be a tour guide or change my major to PR. Rather, I am saying thank you to ISU and The Vidette for the opportunities they’ve provided me. I wouldn’t be here without my professors, our general manager John Plevka, my fellow editorial staff and most importantly, our readers. See TOLENTINO page 2