The Exponent 3-21-12 by The Exponent

Northern State University Student Publications

March 21, 2012

CAB Event: Open Mic Night

Basketball Wraps-Up Season

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Mission Statement NSU Student Publications produces a newspaper of local, state and world information. We believe students have the right to be heard. We believe the truth should be written, and we shall always be “for the students, by the students, with the students.”

Wolves

Bulletin

NSU ‘Bach’s Lunch’ set for today, March 21

The Northern State University Chamber Singers, under the direction of NSU professor Timothy Woods, will perform a concert to celebrate the 327th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach. The free “Bach’s Lunch” concert will be start at 12:05 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Aberdeen as part of the church’s mid-week Lenten Worship Service. The concert will also feature NSU faculty members Allan Jacobson and Robert Vodnoy and members of the Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony.

NSU Annual Juried Student Exhibition will run March 19-April 6

NSU’s Annual Juried Student Exhibition will run March 19-April 6 in the faculty gallery on the first floor of Spafford Hall. The opening reception will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. March 22. The juror, Augustana College Associate Professor of Art Tom Shields, will announce the winners during the reception. This year for the first time, NSU President Jim Smith will purchase two prints from this event to go on permanent display in the Missouri River Room. He will do so annually. Information for both of these bulletins is courtesy of University Relations.

Correction:

The Feb. 29 issue of The Exponent incorrectly stated that the bookstore will have more space after Student Center renovations are complete. The bookstore will have no space on the second floor addition; in fact, they will be losing 1/3 of floor space. We apologize for the error.

Volume 110, Issue 8

NSU Exponent Graham Hall 203 NSU Box 602 stupub@northern.edu

Meuleners keeps national heavyweight title Liz Zappa Co-Editor

inning one national championship is exciting enough, but how exciting is it to win two in a row? Just ask 285-pound junior Matt Meuleners, Young America, Minn., that question, since he is now owner of a second NCAA Division II national wrestling heavyweight title. Before he could make it to the championships, though, Meuleners and the NSU squad had to wrestle at the Division II Super Region III Tournament at St. Cloud University in St. Cloud, Minn., on Feb. 26. Heading into the event, the Wolves were tied for ninth place in the region, while Meuleners was ranked second in his weight division. Last year, Meuleners took second place at this regional tournament. As the defending national champion in the heavyweight division, Meuleners had to prove that he was still the best. He worked his way to the top, defeating every wrestler in his way and eventually earning a 9-1 major decision over an opponent from Wisconsin-Parkside. With this win Meuleners snagged his first career regional title and another ticket to the na-

Meuleners at the podium. Photo courtesy of NSU Athletics.

tional championships in Pueblo, Colo., in early March. Going to nationals for the third time (he placed eighth in the 197-pound bracket in 2010), Meuleners said in a post-championship interview that it wasn’t m u c h different from y e a r s past. It was all a b o u t “taking [it] one match at a time and worrying about that.” This is exactly what Meuleners did, too. He defeated three wrestlers as he worked his way up the bracket, only to find him-

self facing conference rival Jake Kahnke from St. Cloud State. Last year Kahnke defeated Meuleners every time during the regular season, but Meuleners defeated Kahnke to earn his first national title. The 20112012 regular season was a similar s t o r y. Meuleners and his couches knew that he would probably have to face Kahnke in the championship round and came prepared. The championship match started with a scoreless first pe-

“Hopefully I can become the first three-time champion in Northern’s history,” Meuleners said.

riod but quickly picked up speed as both wrestlers put points on the board. Things eventually got sent into a winner-takes-all overtime, where Meuleners scored a takedown to earn the 3-1 win and keep his national title. As a junior, Meuleners still has one more season to showcase his skill and make it to nationals again. “Hopefully I can become the first three-time champion in Northern’s history,” Meuleners said. The NSU wrestling squad as a team had a decent season. According to the NSU wrestling web page, they ended the season 6-6 overall and 2-5 in their conference. At the Super Region III tournament, one Wolf came close to making it to nationals but couldn’t quite pull it off. 184-pound junior Chad Gibson, Rapid City, entered the event ranked sixth in the region in his weight division. Gibson won his first match but fell in his second, knocking him into the wrestlebacks. He worked his way back up with a bye and another win before falling in the consolation semifinals. He finished sixth overall. Four other Wolves also competed in the regional tournament but did not place. NSU finished in eleventh place overall at the tournament.

After a four-year hiatus, Northern Lights is back

Exponent Staff

orthern Lights is all-digital so that we can publish visual and print submissions from the students, faculty, and staff of Northern State University. A digital format also allows the sharing of other expressive mediums, such as graphic animation, music, and vocal and visual performances. It is hoped that this will promote creative endeavors and higher thought on NSU’s campus by giving exposure to a variety of works. Northern Lights is back and stronger than ever this Spring 2012. Over the course of the next few months expect to see a few changes on the Web site, as well as current submissions from students, faculty, and staff. We encourage you to help Northern Lights rise from the ashes by submitting your original works and spreading the word.

F eature

Feature 2 Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Exponent

Sweets and Stories is back Announcing An Evening with Charles C. Mann Liz Zappa Co-Editor

he Northern State University English Club is once again organizing a night of Sweets and Stories. The event will take place Wednesday, March 28, at 7 p.m. in the Beulah Williams Library. Sweets and Stories is a combination of two things. One is a fundraising bake sale, where every treat, both store-bought and homemade, is only one dollar. Beverages are available at no cost. Once your hands are full of goodies you can sit back and enjoy the second part of the event: the reading of stories and poems by NSU professors and faculty. Thirteen professors and faculty members are participating in the event this time. They are Dr. Pearson, Dr. Benkert, Dr. Haller, Dr. Duszenko, Dr. Whiteley, Dr. Dias, Dr. Grettler, Dr. Blanchard, Dr. Fouberg, Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Lewis, Ms. Ell and Mrs. Evans.

The theme of this semester’s Sweets and Stories is “Springtime.” Junior Kerry Shannon, Mitchell, is president of the English Club and encourages everyone to come. “Sweets and Stories is going to be great! I am most looking forward to listening to all the professors perform parts of their favorite stories and will hopefully get to hear some great accents again.” “It is a wonderful opportunity for students and professors to gather together, laugh, have fun, and talk about non-course related topics while supporting a worthwhile student organization like English Club,” Dr. Elizabeth Haller, Assistant Professor of English and advisor to the English Club, said. Last year the bake sale brought in approximately $100. Stories and poems that were read included Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” to Arnold Lobel’s “Frog and Toad” and J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter.”

Exponent Staff

onight on Wed. March 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Johnson Fine Arts Center, Northern State University will be hosting an Evening with Charles C. Mann. Brought to campus by the

NSU Honors Program and President Smith, author Charles C. Mann will be discussing some of his most recent works, “1493,” and “1491,” which won the U.S. National Academy of Sciences’ Keck award, as well as his extensive experience in researching and writing about history. According to charlesmann.

org, Mann has also served as “a correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly, Science, and Wired, he has covered the intersection of science, technology, and commerce for many newspapers and magazines here and abroad, including BioScience, The Boston Globe, Fortune, Geo (Germany), The New York Times (magazine, op-ed, book review), Panorama (Italy), Paris-Match (France), Quark (Japan), Smithsonian, Der Stern (Germany), Technology Review, Vanity Fair and The Washington Post (magazine, op-ed, book review).” Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are free and are available in person at Alexander Mitchell Public Library located at 519 S. Kline Street or online at www.northern.edu. Interested parties may also contact Erin Fouberg, director of the NSU Honors Program, at 605-626-3456.

Horoscope [hawr-uh-skohp] noun: A vague and nonspecific prediction of the future Sir Tenley Right Horoscope Guru

Aries (March 21-April 19) This month you’re going to get the urge to learn a foreign language. Never one to jump on any bandwagon, you’re going to pass up the usual options such as Spanish, French or German. You’re going for something a little more exotic. How does Basque sound? If you want something really rare, try something like Tanema from the Solomon Islands. You can be one of only five people in the world with that ability! Taurus (April 20-May 20) The loss of Java City is starting to make you a little twitchyeyed. Let’s face it: no place in town can make a caramel macchiato like the ladies at Java could. The lack of café Americano in your life has you lashing out at poor unsuspecting peers. Before you end up institutionalized I suggest you take a deep breath. Now, buck up. All this angst is just the Java City detox going through your system. With time, you will learn to adjust. Gemini (May 21-June 21)

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Isn’t it nice to know that you currently live in a state that defies the economical hardships hitting much of the nation? Unemployment is relatively low and the housing market is actually booming in many areas. Time to take advantage of what this great state has to offer! Apply for a new job or move into a better living space. Life is good in Aberdeen… and in South Dakota. Cancer (June 22-July 22) Was that mole on your neck there last month? Should your big toe be turning that shade of gray? Is that gooey stuff oozing out of your fingernail a bad thing? Is it normal to be hacking up chunky stuff? If you really have to ask, it’s probably time for a trip to the nurse or doctor’s office. If that sounds expensive or inconvenient, just think how much worse it can get if they have to chop off a limb. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Growing up is a terrible thing. You wasted so many years wanting to be older and now you’ll spend the rest of your life wanting to be younger. You’ve already started to notice the wrinkles, the gray hairs and hair loss,

not to mention the aching and cracking of joints. The best way to fix this is to live a healthy life and make lots of wise decisions. But where’s the fun in that? Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) What is one of the terrible flaws of the college life? More than likely you live in a dorm where pets aren’t allowed or you live off-campus where you can’t have animals. Assuming you aren’t allergic and you agree that fish are lame pets, this is probably quite a tragedy. So what is the best solution to this problem? Adopt a squirrel! They are low maintenance and you can feed them just about anything. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Whether it’s a diet, a New Year’s resolution, or a Lenten penance, you are depriving yourself of some of the things you usually love so much. Maybe it’s sweets, soda, or carbohydrates. Maybe you’re forcing yourself to exercise rather than go home and crash on the couch for the evening. Whatever it is, kudos for you for sticking to your guns. It’ll all pay off in the end. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21) Your ability to B.S. your way through papers and tests is slow-

- definition courtesy of urbandictionary.com ly dying. Midterms might have been your last breath in this regard. With half a semester left to survive, what can you do to pass without actually having to know the material? Psychic powers are pretty helpful. If you aren’t psychic and are smart enough not to cheat, try osmosis and sleep with your textbook under your pillow. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) There is something in your life that you love more than anything in the world. It is all you yearn for each and every day. It is always there for you no matter what and offers the best kind of comfort. It is something you never, ever want to leave. What is this amazing thing? It is your very own bed. Let’s be honest, you’d give up just about anything if you could be in it all the time. Anything. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) There’s a chance you could die tomorrow. There’s a chance that the elevator you step into will crash to the ground or a car will swerve off the road and hit you. There’s even a chance you could die in a three-way toboggan collision with a buffalo. But chanc-

es are greater that you will be perfectly fine tomorrow. Either way, make sure you tell everyone that you love them by noon tomorrow. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) You have found a recent obsession with ridiculous viral videos. You know all of the words to “The Llama Song” and always laugh at “The Duck Song.” Let’s not even get started on “The Crazy Nastyass Honey Badger.” I strongly advise you to move past these nonsensical videos before you stumble upon the really trippy stuff, like “Drinking Out of Cups.” Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Lately you have started noticing how some people look like animals. For instance, that girl in your science lab strongly resembles that frog you’re dissecting and the blonde bearded kid in your English class looks a lot like a lion. Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered what animal you look like? More than likely you look like a gorilla. Let’s face it, you haven’t shaved in months. Maybe it’s finally time to change that.

Feature 3 Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Exponent

Open Mic Night highlights many talents Liz Zappa Co-Editor

pen Mic Night rocked the Northern State University Student Center on Thursday, March 15. Even though the stage was makeshift and construction was the backdrop, over 85 people crowded onto the second floor of the SC to watch their friends and peers perform. The event was sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and open to everyone on campus and in the Aberdeen community. There were 20 different performances including acoustic sets, poetry, and full bands of both jazz and rock variety. Experience levels ranged from firsttime amateurs to popular local musicians. Original pieces were read and sung, as well as many covers of well-known songs such as Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” and Jason Mraz’s “I’m

Yours.” Instruments ranged from trombones to bass guitars. Junior Bethany Ellefson, Flandreau, was one of the student participants. At first she was nervous but, “I enjoyed playing my ukulele for the first time in front of an audience.” The atmosphere was laidback and enthusiastic. The audience openly socialized while sitting at tables or relaxing on couches set

up around the makeshift stage. Every once in a while they would participate in an act by snapping or clapping along to a beat or chiming in at a chorus. There were free refreshments, including pepperoni and cheese pizza, mixed nuts, and an open bar that served non-alcoholic drinks including “Tornado Twists” and “Berry Fizz,” which made many people exclaim, “Oh my gosh,

Student performers at Open Mic Night. Photo by Liz Zappa.

this is so good!” All NSU student performers could enter for a chance to win a Cajon drum, a kind of box drum that has become increasingly popular on the music scene. Junior Jordan Seidel, Rapid City, was the lucky participant who took it home that night. The CAB-sponsored event was put on by their music director, freshman Nate Poeppel of Gettysburg. The president of CAB, junior Haley Zerr, Aberdeen, said, “[Nate] did an excellent job arranging the acts and putting on the event for the campus.” Zerr added, “It was great to give students an opportunity to showcase their talents in a relaxed and fun setting. It was a great experience for us and as an organization we are definitely looking at doing events like this more in our future.” Look for more CAB events in the next month, including a hypnotist and comedian.

Senior Spotlight: Education Major Jamie Golden Exponent Staff

Name: Rob Smith Major & Minor: Physical Education Major/History minor Hometown: Sioux Falls Year in school: Senior Background: Why did you want to go to Northern State University? “I wanted to come to Northern so I could play on the baseball team and because it was very inexpensive compared to the other schools.” Any groups or activities that you take part in? “I am part of the Northern baseball team.” Any other fun facts? “You might see me riding

around campus on my motorized bicycle.” Education Questions: What has been your favorite part of your educational experience? “All the interesting classes I’ve been able to take and all the interesting people that I’ve met along the way.” Who is your favorite college professor? “Dr. Dias.” Hardest part about your major? “The wide variety of topics that we are required to know.” What is the thing that you look forward to most in the next couple of years? “Graduating.” Future Plans?

“Begin my teaching career wherever I can find a job.” Study suggestions? “Do what you’re doing when you’re doing it.” Most memorable college moment? “Getting my first college hit while playing in the Metrodome.” Any internships/jobs that you wish you would have taken advantage of, glad you did, or wish you didn’t? “I wish I would have taken advantage of my work-study.” Any words of wisdom? “School goes by fast so enjoy it while you can.” Anything else you

would like to add? “Go Wolves!”

e grew up in Northern Kentucky (Covington), which is just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. For his undergraduate degree he went to Thomas More College and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Banking, and completed an MBA at Northern Kentucky University. He also earned his Ph.D. in strategic management from The University of Kentucky (who he says will win the NCAA tournament this year!). He has taught twice here at Northern State University from 1994 – 2001. From 2001-2003, he taught at UW-River Falls. He returned to Northern State in the Fall of 2003 and has been here ever since, and he is glad to be back! As for activities, he loves to travel. He has been to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Paraguay, South Korea, Thailand, Iceland, Spain, France, the

Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Germany, East Germany (when it existed), Switzerland, Italy, Liechtenstein, The Vatican, Denmark, Norway and Finland. He hopes to go to China next year with the Northern State music tour. He was 15 and a sophomore in high school when he took his first trip to Europe that included seven weeks of camping and bi-

cycling through Germany. He just turned 50 in February (just in case anyone missed all the pictures decorating the halls in Lincoln Hall and near TC 252!). Most people are intrigued by the fact that he did his doctoral dissertation on the Kentucky Bourbon industry. He has a fiendish love of mashed potatoes. “I’ve been

Editorial Board

News Jamie Golden Rachel Schipper Staff Liz Zappa

Zachary Anderson Mariah Nelson Liz Zappa

Sports Zachary Anderson Kara Kirschenmann Kody Kyriss Bryce Mills Rachel Schipper

Opinion

Photographers Jamie Golden Liz Zappa

Layout / Victoria Lusk Liz Zappa Design Copy Editors

Victoria Lusk Rachel Schipper Liz Zappa

Advising Tracy Russman Disclosures

Faculty Fun Facts: Dr. Doug Ohmer Jamie Golden Campus Reporter

Victoria Lusk Co-Editor Liz Zappa Co-Editor Michael Conner Ad Manager Rachel Schipper The Best Chica Ever Mariah Nelson Office Manager

known to scare people with just how much I really love good mashed potatoes.” “Although I don’t ever remember doing this, I have been told that when I was 3-4 years old I used to throw conniption fits if my mother was not properly attired in either a dress or skirt when our family would go out to either a restaurant or for shopping.”

Letters: Should be double-spaced typed and fewer than 200 words. Letters must include the author’s signature, name, address and telephone number plus class and hometown if a NSU student. Faculty and staff must identify their various positions. Guest Columns: Should be double-spaced typed with fewer than 700 words. The writer must be willing to be photographed for the column to run. All letters and guest columns should be submitted to the The Exponent newsroom, 106 Spafford Hall. The Exponent reserves the right to edit, cut to length or reject all submissions.

Opinion

Opinion 4 Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Exponent

From the left......to the Right

Redistricting or Cheating?

Zachary Anderson Opinion Columnist

s you probably know with your POLS 100 class, every ten years the government redistricts areas due to popula-

tion shifts. Both parties are to blame for national gerrymandering, but in South Dakota, with our only one congressional district, we don’t have the opportunity to change our congressional districts. Where the South Dakota people get tangled up in an unnecessary political game is in our state districts. Right now people who register to vote in South Dakota and use their NSU address are registered in District 3; however, if you were to move off campus, you could be in District 1, 2 or 3. Each representative is supposed to represent its district, but how is a representative supposed to know who to represent when a district has been so gerrymandered that you can walk down a block and not know which house is in your district? This past year, one of the representatives in District 3 has been redistricted.

Ready for summer? Or Not?

This representative was neither the Repub- Kody Kyriss lican representative nor the senator that Opinion Columnist spends maybe a third of his time here in Aberdeen. any Northern State No, it was the Democratic representaUniversity students tive who lives here all the time and cattle are enjoying the most farms when he’s not representing his peorecent weather on ple. Right now the redistricting committee campus. In fact, many students cannot is compiled of an appointed group by the wait for the summer. However, if gas leadership in Pierre, which is always Re- prices continue to rise, it is possible to publican. see over $5 a gallon for This means that even gas this summer. The Exponent’s political though a representative may columnists are also the presidents Gas has been on the the NSU College Republicans and be representing his or her of steady rise in the last the NSU College Democrats, Kody people, because they have Kyriss and Zachary Anderson (right few weeks. One of the a D behind their name, the and left columnist respectively). Their biggest factors with the opinions are not necessarily the committee will do anything high gas prices is that opinions of this newspaper. they can to change that seat people need to save to a republican. money just to travel. See, the United Many of the students that live on campus States current economy needs to be do not know who is representing them and stimulated. possibly causing their tuition to go up beHowever, a stimulated economy cause they do not get who should be rep- requires the citizens to be willing to resenting them. An independent committee spend their money. The problem is, would solve this problem and make it so how can citizens spend that money on that people would make realistic districts so other things besides gas? that representatives will represent the maSpending money on gas will never jority not just the party. end. We as United States citizens can

complain about the prices all we want, but in the end, we are going to have to bite our lips and buy it anyway. As the summer approaches, people need to start saving more and more so they can have the option to actually enjoy their summer. While it would be ridiculous to blame President Obama alone for the gas prices, it is important that he, amongst other important individuals, start looking at the b e s t p o s sible options so that every United States citizen c a n enjoy their j o b , famil i e s a n d sumImage courtesy of Google Images. mer.

Let’s go to the movies: You gotta wonder about “Wanderlust” Not by Norbert Movie Critic

ions and tigers and bears, oh my? Not quite. More like nudity, expletives and pot, oh my! for this Exponent’s review of “Wanderlust,” a recently hyped rom-com starring a crusty old Jennifer Aniston and a somehow even more diminutive Paul Rudd. (Seriously, I can’t be the only one who thinks he’s shrinking.) Like most comedies, “Wanderlust” starts out by introducing the two main protagonists and quickly plunging them into stressful situations that pit them against each other. Cue dramatic unhappiness and even more dramatic life choices. BAM. Sideswipe the audience with “Hangover”-style, completely unnecessary running naked man clips, shout obscenities and take all the characters through a night (or lifetime, depending on the character) of drinking and toking it up just to mess with the movie reviewer who happened to take a Mormon to the movies that night.

Yes, moviegoers, this one’s rated R and probably isn’t an awesome choice for those with delicate constitutions, a knee-jerk “OH NO, A PENIS! MY LIFE IS RUINED!” reaction to male genitalia or children. Be ye warned. Anything past the point where ol’ Jen and Paul (Not their movie names of course. Does it really matter?) decide to kick it 60s style by living in a country hippie commune after their life takes a depressing turn for the worse I couldn’t tell you about, because I wasn’t lying about the Mormon thing. But rest assured, after a fair amount of Googling I ascertained that everyone else on the Internet was as mildly bored with “Wanderlust” as I would’ve expected to be had I stayed through the whole thing. Don’t get me wrong, the movie had it’s funny moments, but the damage control I had to run on a certain friendship after the swinging wiener wasn’t worth sitting through another “meh” rom-com that recycles jokes as well as actresses whose names I don’t care about anymore. Despite being about the trials of figuring out what one’s values are in life, an

honorable and inspiring pursuit really, “Wanderlust” wasn’t worth seeing in theaters and would only be an okay investment if snatched from the cheap steely grip of Kessler’s Redbox someday when you’ve got nothing else to do on the weekend except eat at the TwistCone in your pajamas. Honestly, you’re probably better off paying to see “Lorax” and sniffling indignantly into your popcorn at how Dr. Seuss’ message about environmental conservation and respect is being used to sell SUVs. At least that one you won’t have to leave early because there are no obnoxious swinging, well, you know, to scare off your Mormon friends and grandmas. Enjoy!

Throughout the game, you will see other players that look identical to you. With no name or way to communicate, beyond simple tones that your characters can make, you will find yourself working together to solve the simple puzzles throughout the game. With no goal beyond simply making it to your destination, there is no failure. You cannot die so it will allow you to focus on the magic of the world. Journey captures a majestic beauty as elegant creatures fly about the air guiding you on your way through landscapes that look like they were painted just for you. The emotion Journey evokes through its use of music and light range from peaceful bliss to quiet fear. Its

story is told through short cut scenes, only downside of Journey is the entire without words, that allow the players to game can be completed in just over an understand the world through a series hour, but it’s something you will want to go back and try again and again. Journey of animated cave drawings. Journey is a very experimental game is downloadable game exclusive to Playand it’s hard to say there is anything Station 3. quite like it. It perfectly mixes co-op and single player with a balance of art and gameplay and delivers a truly remarkable experience. The Photo courtesy of gamersbench.com

Image courtesy of Google Images.

Video Game: Journey is simple, beautiful Bryce Mills Opinion Columnist

here has long been a debate over whether or not video games can be considered art. But now there is another video game that can be held up and without question say, “yes, this is art.” The game is Journey and it holds to the old mantra, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey” to heart. Players begin the game in an empty desert and simply begin to walk. No goal or instruction beyond what each button does, but still players seem to know where to go in an almost instinctive way.

E xponent

We dnesday, March 21, 2012

Opinion 5

When it comes to exercise: does it take little effort or too much? Bryce Mills Opinion Columnist

irls always claim it’s easier for a guy to look attractive than it is for lady folk. I will admit, men do beat women in all categories including looking good. Sadly, like usual, women are wrong. A girl’s only requirement to look good is to be skinny. An unfair requirement, but I’m not the one who makes the rules. Men have it much worse. We can’t just be skinny but we have to be buff too. The classically good-looking guy has more muscles than a beach. So if a guy wants to look good he needs to work out. Here’s the good news for the lucky gentleman who wants to improve his lot in life: working out isn’t that bad. An hour a day, four days a week is enough to get yourself started on your route to awesomeness. You start off slow, pick an exercise that appeals to you (anything from running on the treadmill and lifting weights), and get started. It doesn’t matter what you do because as long as you stick with it you will see progress. However, one of the most important parts of exercise is eating. You have to eat enough for your body to get the nutrients it needs to do its regular maintenance as well as build the new muscle. It might seem weird to eat a lot to make your body look good, but it’s the way things work. Once you’ve m a s tered getting to the gym and eating, you are ready to train. If you want to take

your exercise to the next level, there are plenty of websites that can hook you up with routines to strength your entire body. “But, what’s the point of exercising if I’m just going to lose the muscle if I stop?” Well, it’s not that different from most things you do. If you stop studying math, you will probably forget how to do it and if you stop working, you will stop having money. It’s something that you need to stick to if you want to see results, but the more you exercise the easier it is to stick too. It can b e as

easy a s grabbing a textbook and studying while going for a jog on the elliptical machine. So, if you want to look good, be awesome, and meet girls, you should hit the gym. It’s easy and it makes you feel like Hercules. I’m sure your couch will be fine without you holding it down for a few hours.

Dear John,

I’ve been interested in this guy for a while. He’s in the Army and stationed oversees, so we’ve been talking on Facebook for months. I recently went and visited him and we started dating. He’s thinking about moving in with me when he gets back to the states in a few months. Do you think this is a good idea? Unsure in Aberdeen Dear Unsure, I am going to make this as clear as I possibly can. Do not let this guy move in with you. Not only have you only been dating a few weeks, but you are still in the honeymoon stage where everything is sweet and easy because you are both on your best behavior. Things are great and if you want to mess that up really quick then having him move in is the quickest way. Living together kills relationships. You will see your significant other every moment of the day and all those things you like about him in small doses start to really bug you. Then you get in fights about stupid things like dishes and cleaning up the house. Worse of all, since you are both used to seeing each other all the time you will stop trying to look good for him. When your guy comes back, have him get his own place. He can come over every night, but the second his stuff resides in the same place as yours the dynamic of your relationship changes. When things are serious and you know you love him no matter what, you can take on the final test of a relationship that is moving on, but until then play it safe. Disclaimer: Historically, Dear John (if received by a male) or Dear Jane (if received by a female) is a letter that soldiers receive when they are away from home. It is a letter that essentially says, “It’s over between us” and/or “I’ve found somebody else.” This is not that.

Kara Kirschenmann Opinion Columnist

xercise? Who has time for exercise? I mean, it sounds like a great idea but for some people, like me, it’s kind of one of those New Year’s resolution type things. You make the goal with good intentions but it always ends u p slowly

fading away. E i ther it’s simply just a thought that you want to put into action and it never really happens, or it’s one of those things where you start off pushing yourself and doing a great job then slowly slip more and more as the weeks go on. There are just so many things I’d rather be doing in the little free time I have than sweating up a storm losing the little energy I have left, like sleeping. After coming to the conclusion I prob-

ably will never work out a steady 3-4 times a week like I should be doing to maintain a healthy lifestyle and be in shape, I decided I’d do little things to justify that I am making a minimal effort. Most of NSU’s buildings have two or more stories. All of them have an elevator to be handicap accessible and to haul things that can’t be easily carried up a flight of stairs. However, I’ve noticed students are constantly using the elevators, especially in the Tech Center and MJ. Seriously, are you really that lazy? It’s not that hard to walk up and down the stairs, plus it almost starts to justify not working out the tiniest bit, maybe. We will pretend it does anyway. Then there are the people who have to circle the parking lot twenty times to make sure they get the closest space possible. Parking five whole parking spots further away is not that much more walking. The more walking you do in your day the better. Random walks are better than no walks. On a nice evening take your children, dog, or whoever is around outside for a short, enjoyable, non-sweaty walk. It’s good for you! You could even do just a few sit-ups and/or push-ups before bed every night. It’s not that much, but at least it’s something. Although you may not have the time or energy to go to the gym, there are other ways you can take a little extra time to get some physical fitness in your busy day.

According to Bryce:

You’re Doing It Wrong

Bryce Mills Columnist

am aware you have all elected me to be the decider of awesome things. It’s a job I intend to take very seriously (and very awesomely). This is why it is my great and important duty to decide the winner in the famous “Who is better: a pirate or a ninja?” debate. This is a question I have spent many long hours pondering and have finally come to a decision. Ninjas, you’re doing it wrong. I know there will be some of you who disagree with my decision, but I want to make it very clear that you are wrong in this belief. Pirates have been and always will be greater than ninjas. “Show your math,” you say? We’ll let’s take a look at the actual question: “Who is better?” This isn’t a debate who would win a fight or who has the best break dancing moves; this is a look at the overall existence of each one and deciding who is better. I will break down for you why the pirates are kings of awesome (as well as kings of the seas). Pirates have ships filled with gold, swords, wenches, and awesome pirate flags. Each day of their life is an adventure, traveling the open seas, taking what they want, and giving to the poor (oh wait—that’s Robin Hood). From the crazy parties to the spirited songs, pirates are known for their joyful existence.

Now let’s look at competition. Ninjas are quick and deadly, always dressed in black and hiding the shadows waiting to strike. Ninjas spend every moment training to keep up their craft, as a single mistake might cost them their lives. This means no free time for fun, love, or song. They are the most deadly creatures alive, but their lives are incredibly boring. Every day is spent training or hiding and their wardrobes are pretty boring. You’re not going to see many girls swooning for Johnny Depp covered head to toe in black garb. When you think of the lives of pirates and ninjas, which would you rather be? Do you want to have fun and live a life of adventure, women, and piracy or spend your entire life running around in the dark? The answer you are looking for is, “I want to be a pirate.” And that, dear reader, is why pirates are better than ninjas.

Sports

Basketball Wraps-Up Season Zach Anderson Sports Reporter

ith the basketball season ending, the Northern State University women basketball team had one more game to play. After making it into the playoffs, the women had to face the Wildcats of Wayne State. The game started going back and forth before Wayne was able to gain the lead and take that lead all the way to half time up by 18, 37-19. Wayne State keep their lead and never gave it back, spreading to a 32-point lead to win 74-42. Senior forward Mikayla Barondeau, Fredrick, had 13 points to lead the Wolves while senior forward Jenna Higgins, Maple Grove, Minn., led in rebounds with seven and ended with 10 points herself. As a team, NSU pulled down 31 rebounds, shot

32.7 percent from the floor and made all of their free throws. This loss ends the Wolves season with a record of 10-12 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play and 15-14 overall. With the season over, two Wolves were chosen to the NSIC All-Conference squad. Senior guard Emily Becken, Lino Lakes Minn., was selected to the first team while sophomore guard Alison Kusler, Aberdeen, was selected to the second team. Northern State University men’s basketball also had a player receive recognition. Junior forward Dustin Tetzlaff, Watertown, has been honored with First Team All-Conference honors. He had a team best 14.5 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game. The men’s team ended their 2011-2012 season with a record of 9-13 in conference play and 13-13 overall.

Sports 6 Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Exponent

WOLF TRACKS Track and Field April 5-6 — NSU Open/Multi Events April 13-14 — Sioux City Relays at Sioux City, Iowa Baseball March 24 — Augustana (DH) at Sioux Falls, 1 p.m. March 25 — Augustana (DH) at Sioux Falls, 12 p.m. March 31 — Minnesota, Crookston (DH) at Crookston, Minn., 12 p.m. April 1 — Minnesota, Crookston (DH) at Crookston, Minn., 12 p.m. April 3 — U-Mary (DH) at Bismarck, N.D., 1:30 p.m. April 6 — Winona State (DH), 12 p.m. April 7 — Winona State (DH), 12 p.m. April 9 — Valley City State (DH) at Valley City, N.D., 2 p.m.

Top to bottom: Becken, Kusler, and Tetzlaff

Softball March 22 — Jamestown (DH), 3 p.m. March 24 — Augustana (DH), 12 p.m. March 25 — Wayne State (DH), 12 p.m. March 28 — U-Mary (DH) at Bismarck, N.D., 2 p.m. March 31 — Concordia-St. Paul (DH) at St. Paul, Minn., 12 p.m. April 1 — St. Cloud (DH) at St. Cloud, Minn., 1 p.m. April 2 — Minot State (DH), 2 p.m. April 6 — Minnesota, Crookston (DH) at Crookston, Minn., 1 p.m. April 7 — MSU Moorhead (DH) at Moorhead, Minn., 12 p.m. April 10 — Sioux Falls (DH), 3 p.m. April 11 — Bemidji State (DH), 2 p.m.

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Campus Calendar Sophomore guard Alison Kusler, Aberdeen, looks for an open teammate during a regular season game against the Duluth Bulldongs. The Lady Wolves ended their season 15-14 overall. Photo by Liz Zappa.

Softball to play home Zach Anderson Sports Reporter

he Northern State University softball team has been working hard over the last few weeks. They started their season with the Vadnais Heights Dome Tournament. Northern would face all Minnesota schools with the first being Crookston. Northern won that game 5-3. Next in line was Minnesota, Duluth, who the Wolves were able to defeat 5- 4. Northern’s next opponent would fall to Wolf demise as NSU beat Moorhead 13-5 in five innings. The last game of the tournament, Northern would again face Duluth who would also fall to our Wolves 7-5. Being undefeated, Northern headed to Florida for spring break to play in the National Training Center Spring Games. First for the Wolves was Dominican College, who defeated the Wolves 15-0. Next was UNC Pembroke who the Wolves also fell to 4-0. The next day, Northern faced Grand Valley State Univer-

sity who handed Northern their With their final game being third loss, 5-3. To stop this los- against Grand Valley State Uniing streak, Northern was able to versity, Northern fell 9-2 before defeat Assumption College, 7-2. heading back to Aberdeen. The Wolves played in the Unfortunately, Northern would next face Cedarvill University Wayne State Triangular on who would defeat the Wolves March 17 but results were un5-3 in eight innings. Georgian available as of press time. Next Court University was next on for the Wolves, they play Jamesthe challenger’s list, who the town at home on March 22 at 3 Wolves fell to 7-6. Continuing p.m. on this slide, Northern fell to Grand Valley State University 7-5 in eight innings. With the Wolves facing Cedarville University once again, Northern fell 4-2. Stopping the losing streak, Northern was able to defeat Concordia College out of New York, 1-0. Next the Wolves faced West Virginia Wesleyan University and fell 9-0 in the fifth inning. Not allowing a slide, Northern won their next game 9-3 against Alderson- Junior Kelsey Robling, Waconia, Minn., slides Broaddus College. into home. Photo courtesy of NSU Athletics.

Wednesday, March 21 — Jing Zhau, drawing/painting, President’s Gallery — Bach’s Lunch, Chamber Singers Performance, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 12 p.m. Thursday, March 22 — State AAU Wrestling Tournament — CAB Presents: Peter Boie (magician), 9 p.m. Friday, March 23 — State AAU Wrestling Tournament — Guest Recital, Dr. Abra Bush, soprano/Dr. Philip Everingham, piano, JC 107, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24 — National Association of Teachers of Singing, JFAC — State AAU Wrestling Tournament Sunday, March 25 — National Association of Teachers of Singing, JFAC — State AAU Wrestling Tournament Wednesday, March 28 — Region IV Large Group/Ensemble Contest, JFAC, 8 a.m. — President’s Council, 4 p.m. — Sweets and Stories, Library Round Room, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 29 — Annual Science and Mathematics Fair, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. — Dominant 7 Concert, JFAC Theatre, 7:30 p.m. — CAB Presents: Chris Killian (comedian), 9 p.m. Saturday, March 31 — Symphonic Band Concert, JC Theatre, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April — NASAD Review Monday, April 2 — NASAD Review — Sigma Tau Delta Spring Induction, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3 — NASAD Review Thursday, April 5 — Special Event TBA Friday, April 6 — Easter break - no high school classes with NSU Center for Statewide E-learning — Easter Break - No classes; offices open Monday, April 9 — Easter break - no high school classes with NSU Center for Statewide E-learning — Easter Break - No classes; offices open

E xponent

Joshua Moon named new NSU Athletic Director University Relations

am very excited to be a part of the team,” said Moon. “This is a tremendous oppororthtunity and I look e r n forward to helping State be a part of the next Unichapter of Wolves versity President athletics.” Jim Smith has anThe Wautoma, nounced Joshua Wisc., native has Moon as the next a Bachelor of SciAthletic Director ence in business at Northern State administration and University. Moon a Bachelor of Sciwill fill the position of Bob Olson, who New NSU Athletic Director ence in exercise Joshua Moon and sport science will retire in May. “I am delighted that Josh has from the University of Wisagreed to lead our athletic de- consin, La Crosse, in 2003. He partment. He is an energetic and graduated with a Master of Sciinnovative leader,” said Smith. ence in administration from Cen“His experiences in Division I tral Michigan University, Mount will certainly benefit all of us Pleasant, in 2006. “Josh has worked with some here at NSU.” Moon, 32, comes to Northern of the best athletic directors in State from Western Illinois Uni- the country. He has excellent exversity in Macomb, Ill., where periences to share with our cabihe serves as the senior associate net, our coaches, and our student director of athletics. The athletic athletes,” added Smith. “Clearly, department at Western Illinois this was a great field of final hosts 20 Division I sports teams, candidates — in my opinion, 450 student athletes, 50 coaches Josh was the best fit with/for our and 30 administrative staff mem- current and future needs. We’ll bers and has an annual operating improve as an athletic program budget of $10.8 million. Moon under his leadership.” Moon and his wife Andria, has previously served as the assistant athletic director for com- a recent doctor of education pliance and sports administration graduate from Central Michigan University, are the parents of at Central Michigan University. “I have a deep amount of re- two boys, Brady, 4, and Kellen, spect for the athletic tradition 1. Moon is expected to begin at that exists at Northern State and NSU in late April.

Track and Field enjoying the weather Mariah Nelson Sports Reporter

s the Northern State University indoor track and field season comes to an end, almost everyone is looking forward to the spring outdoor season. Both Coach Jim and Coach Brenda Fuller said that the weather has been so cooperative and nice and they can’t wait to get the outdoor season in full swing. The spring weather is es-

pecially nice for those like the javelin throwers who have been practicing all year long but haven’t yet had the chance to compete. “Everyone does better during the outdoor season,” Fuller said. Needless to say this lovely spring weather is a great start for the outdoor track and fields season, and this season looks very promising. It is hoped that this spring weather stays here for the whole season, especially for the athletes’ first meet, the NSU Open, at home on April 5-6.

We dnesday, March 21, 2012

Spor ts 7

Baseball begins 2012 season N Zach Anderson Sports Reporter

orthern State U n i v e r s i t y ’s baseball season is in full swing. While everyone else might have been at home or someplace sun bathing over spring break, the baseball team got to spend their break on a bus to Arizona to play against all sorts of different teams. Their first double header was against St. Mary’s of Minnesota. NSU lost the first game 9-2 and lost the second 5-2. The next day, Northern faced Simpson Col-

lege from Iowa. They lost the first game of the double header 14-10 while losing the second 5-4. NSU’s team would pull out their first win against Rockford College from Illinois, 12 – 2. Adding to their winning streak, NSU played Malone College from Ohio, defeating them 1210. In their last game before coming home, Northern faced Indiana Wesleyan College in a double header, winning both 4-1 and 9-8, respectively. After their long bus trip back to NSU, the baseball team headed to the Metrodome to play against Concordia-St. Paul and

Southwest Minnesota State. NSU would lose the first game played against Concordia, 0-1 in 9 innings. Game two of that double header would also go in favor of Concordia as they defeated the Wolves 3-1. After two close losses, Northern prepared for SMSU and won the first but dropped the second game, 7-3 and 6-1, respectively. Next for the Wolves, they face Augustana down in Sioux Falls, March 24-25. They first home game of the season will be April 6 against Winona State at noon.

The NSU baseball team is looking to improve after last season’s 9-19 conference, 11-25 overall record. Photo by Liz Zappa.

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E xponent

We dnesday March 21, 2012

Odds and Ends 8

to o h P y e v r Su Big spoon or little spoon?

“I’d be the little spoon because it seems more comfortable.” — Alaina Schmeiser, senior, Aberdeen

it out.

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“If I’m the little spoon I feel like less of a man, so I prefer to be the big spoon!” —Travis Adney, freshman, Pierre

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“I would prefer to be the little spoon because I feel safer and more protected that way.” — Ashley Korpal, junior, Milbank

“The little spoon because it’s warmer!” — Danielle Splonskowski, junior, Madison

“I feel it’s necessary to be the big spoon; it feels manlier.” —Josh Oyen, freshman, Lead

“Probably the big spoon, or neither. I like my space.” — Fang Liu, graduate student, Dalian, China