April 2009

April 2009

Volume 2 - Issue 7

CAMP unveils latest engineering achievements

By Megan Mallett On Thursday, March 26, community members and students ranging from elementary school to college participated in CAMP’s unveiling. Every year, the CAMP teams are given the opportunity to show the community and the campus the projects they spend all year working on. This unveiling presentation allows those not involved in CAMP teams to see how basic engineering principles are applied to real life, right here on the campus, through a very innovative approach.

“We want to promote the fact that engineers aren’t just people who sit behind a computer and do calculations all day,” explains Tyler Sargent, senior Mechanical Engineer and Aero Design member. “Doing the actual design and manufacturing work is real life…(CAMP) really promotes communication, which is huge in the real world.”

The CAMP unveiling is a colossal deal in more ways than one. Along with getting the community and campus interested, it shows how one of the biggest research projects on campus is developing. “(The School of Mines) is the only institution in the world that has an organization like this,” answered Amery Kuhl, senior mechanical engineer, CAMP President and Baja Lead, to why CAMP is important to the school. “The things that are going on are cutting edge technology. It’s the experiential learning with an emphasis on a strong academic background, completely student led with minimal student/faculty involved.”

Because of this experiment with learning, the successes of these teams are huge accomplishments. It wasn’t until re-

Left: Baja vehicle Below: Alternative fuel vehicle

What’s Inside: New Apex Exhibit Page 12

Spring Fever strikes campus!

Learn how to fight back Page 10

Photos by Tyler Armbruster Below: Formula SAE car

Need a job?

Page 2

cently that more schools started looking at ways to better educate engineers, and this type of experiential learning is now scientifically proven to be one of the best ways to teach and to learn. The success of CAMP comes not just in awards received at competition, but also in the work field as knowledgeable and successful individuals as well as engineers. For the teams who do intensive technical work, another advantage is the generous paychecks for doing in-depth research on spe-

cialized reconnaissance technology.

With that being said, CAMP events are intended to show the community and remind the students and faculty as to why engineers at this school are so successful; top-notch research is constantly being done, involving the study of materials to the study of minds, in and out of CAMP projects.

This year, ten of the 13 CAMP teams presented with over 50 community members present. The teams that chose

to exhibit their work are Steel Bridge, Aero Design, Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV), Baja, ChemE Car, Formula SAE, HAM Radio, Human Powered Vehicle (HPV), Robotics, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The three teams that were unable to make it include Concrete Canoe, Supermileage, and Composites Bridge. All majors and academic levels are encouraged to join. For more information, contact Dr. Daniel Dolan or Dr. Michael Batchelder.

Curry Masala serves up Indian Cuisine Page 7

Free Wi-Fi at Cafe Latte Page 6

Surbeck renovations underway University & Public Relations There is a tremendous amount of jack hammering, nail pounding, and dust—not to mention less parking at the Surbeck Center on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus these days.

Why? Renovation! Students voted over a year ago to raise student fees to update the dining center, infrastructure, office/service space efficiencies and other needs. Renovation Newer than dinosaurs: Construction is underway for the new is slated to be complete by the paleontology center. Located between the King Center and the start of the fall 2009 semester in O’Harra building, the project will be an exciting addition to cam- late August.

In 2002, the process of renpus. Photo by Tyler Armbruster.

ovating Surbeck Center actually began. Phase I of Surbeck Center renovations, also funded by student fees, was completed in 2004. Seeing the impact these new spaces have had on student interaction and learning, in addition to the fact that the infrastructure of the building has far exceeded its lifespan helped to propel the renovation of the remainder of the building.

The history of Surbeck dates back to the late 1950s.

Guy March, then Mathematics See SURBECK Con’t on page 2

INDEX Opinion................. 3 Sexy Time............. 5 Food...................... 7 Comics............... 8-9 Fashion................11 Music....................13 Research..............14

NEWS

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Surbeck to be campus showcase SURBECK Con’t from page 1 Department Head and Alumni Association Director, asked for Alumni and friends of SDSM&T to help give STSM&T students a home . . . a place to work together and play together. After opening its doors in 1963, Surbeck Center has been the living room for the School of Mines to thousands of students. In the 1970s an addition to the west side of the building created new spaces for the bookstore and dining hall.

In the 1960s, Surbeck Center featured a barber shop and record listening rooms. Today, students are looking for comfortable places to work as teams and study together.

The renovated Surbeck “South Lounge” provides a great space for students to do just this; but it is often at capacity and many students who would like to utilize the space cannot. Students also use meeting room space for academic and extra-curricular activities - literally hundreds of hours of use.

Additionally, Surbeck Center continues to provide the campus and the community with meeting and banquet space. In the past decade, the demand for engineers and scientists has significantly increased. The Career Center has expanded their programming by now sponsoring two career fairs each year; both of which have outgrown the space Surbeck can provide. In addition to hosting more than 100 employers during the career fairs, the Career Center coordinates interviews for students searching for employment following graduation as well as coops and internships. On average, more than 800 student interviews take place in Surbeck Center during an academic year. Ca-

STAFF

Editor-in-Chief Katie Aurand

Managing Editor Erica Kjar

Web Editor

Matt DesEnfants

Staff Writers Erica Daniels Megan Mallett

Staff Photographers Tyler Armbruster

Faculty Advisor Dr. Kathy Antonen

raver.sdsmt@gmail.com Office located in SALC

reer Center is just one of many on-campus entities utilizing the space Surbeck has to provide to the benefit of our students.

Dining Services has been located in Surbeck Center since the beginning as well. Students now have the option of allyou-can eat dining or grabbing something to go in the Miner’s Shack Snack Bar. During the academic year, Dining Services provides more than 1300 meals each day. Catering services also utilizes the banquet rooms for a variety of functions.

The initial concept of Surbeck remains—this project is to provide students with the interactive space that makes college experiences possible.

This experience is a success when students form a bond with classmates over a soda or after studying for hours. According to the Surbeck Center Director, Reeny Wilson, “Activities that occur in the center are focused to assist students in personal and professional development as well as academic support to augment classroom learning.

Equally important is that the building be a campus showpiece that will aid in the recruitment and retention of students and faculty in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Senior Melanie Satchell who was the 2008-2009 Student Association President and is currently serving as the student representative on the Board of Regents states, “In essence, we want students to experience college life in a safe, healthy and energy efficient environment.

This renovated facility will continue to be the living room for the School of Mines students and alumni and the location of choice for campus and community activities for many decades into the future.”

The Raver is published monthly by students at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St. Joseph St., Rapid City, S.D., 57701 as a forum where students read about and express views on school, local and world events and issues.

The Raver staff recognizes that with the right of freedom of the press comes the responsibility to be accurate, fair and objective, and will not print any material which the editors consider obscene, libelous or an invasion of privacy.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writers and not the administration, faculty or the student body.

The Raver welcomes signed letters to the editor, but reserves the right to reject letters or edit for length, grammar or libel.

April 2009

Dash to Dublin a success for AIChE

By Evan Waddell Guest Writer There were no blizzards in sight Saturday morning, March 21, as over 350 runners and walkers queued up for the third annual Dublin Dash. The St. Patrick’s themed 5K fun run, which is put on every year by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) chapter on campus, raises money for student scholarships, plant trips, and travel to conventions.

Shortly after 9 a.m., Grubby signaled the race’s start, and participants in garb as common as the annual race shirt or as whimsical as a hot dog set off across campus toward Dublin Square downtown. The course is known for its inclusion of the unforgiving East Blvd hill into Star Village, and its trans-city views on the way back down.

Despite various requests, the hill will stay a hallmark of the race.

Racers arrived at Dublin Square in as little as 18:06 (Daniel Black) for the men, and 23:21 (Kimberly Osberg) for the women. At the Square, refreshments, a costume contest, and many door prizes awaited.

This year, a young bag-pipe player (Andrew Sullivan, 13) also adorned the finish line.

When asked about the race, he said that, “The race was wellorganized. I had fun playing for my dad, brother, sister, and nephew as well as everyone else, and the doughnut was good too.”

With friends and families, food, and excitement present, the AIChE chapter views this race as a success, and encourages everyone to participate for fun or for contest next year. For more information, or for race times from this year, visit http:// aiche.sdsmt.edu/dublindash. htm.

We’re Hiring!

The Raver is looking for motivated individuals to fill several open positions on next year’s staff.

No Experience Necessary!

Web Manager Finance Manager Writers Photographers Advertising Representatives Graphic Design Artists Interested? Send an email to: raver.sdsmt@gmail.com

OPINION

April 2009

Letters to the Editor

The statement found on the poster reads as follows: “I find this ‘artistic’ statement wanting. Also this artists skill is founded entirely by ethnicity. If a white skin drew this would you put it on a calendar?”

At best this question is posed as critical thinking and the individual who wants to know the answer is honestly just curious. Being in the area it was found and living in an area where racism and prejudice thinking are a frequent concern, it’s hard to not take the way this question was posed as hateful but I am giving it the benefit of the doubt and writing a response.

Here’s a little background on me: I am a Native American student at SDSM&T, in my fourth year. I frequently hang out it in the Office of Multicultural Affairs in between classes (where this poster was hung and now graffiti on). Lots of students hang out there, Native and non-Native.

The question isn’t entirely clear as to what the person who wrote this really wants answered. It sounds to me that maybe they have strong feelings that since the artist is a Native American, this is why his art work was put on this calendar. If this is the case, I want to refer this person to the many nonNative American artists who have ethnic (more specifically Native American) art that is displayed and put on things like calendars and/or in galleries. Paul Goble is a white man from England and his children’s books are famous and sold world-wide and are also based on Native American culture. Another big one is the Crazy Horse Memorial attributed to Korczak Ziolkowski, who is a non-Native American Artist. The Crazy Horse Memorial is ethnically based and done by a “white skin.” Prairie’s Edge is a local Native American Culture store, selling everything from books to beads to quilts to t-shirts. On their website, http:// www.prairieedge.com/category/29/381, they have a link where you can see all the non-native artists work who do Native American art.

Traditionally, I know that the Native American culture included trade; we traded with other tribes and eventually with pioneers. Would the star-quilt be considered ethnically based? The Native Americans didn’t know how to sew and learned this skill from the pioneer women, just as the Native Americans taught the pioneers some of their skills from living on the prairie.

I feel that questions from the community would be great, and living in the area we do, I feel it’s important to have open discussion on culture. I feel the way this person addresses their question was disrespectful. When is it ever polite to write on someone else’s things? That poster was given to the Office of Multicultural Affairs by the artist himself, and now someone has put graffiti on it. It’s not easy being a Native American student where we are going to school. I do feel that sometimes being a Native American has a negative connotation with it. We are trying to be proud of our culture, as everyone should be whether it’s European, African American, German, Norwegian, and/or Asian. Isn’t this why we have an Office of Multicultural Affairs?

Having opinions and thoughts are warranted and encouraged but should always be done in a respectful way.

Sincearly, Jessica Chretien

After reading the comments recently left on a calendar depicting Donald Montileaux’s art piece, “Soldiers, Soldiers, Everywhere,” I was left in a mood of contemplation.

I will neglect the outwardly offensive tone of this message, and instead focus on the proposition that artistic skill can be founded entirely on ethnicity.

This is by definition false, since ethnicity concerns the biological and historical contexts of life, and not the skills collected throughout it (which would arise from life experiences or culture) (1). With respect to Montileaux, the statement is also false. Attendance at schools of art emphasizing both American Indian (2) and contemporary (3) forms is included in Montileaux’s experiences.

Without knowledge of the background of this piece, it may seem like an unlikely candidate for a calendar.

However, the work is in fact an excellent model of ledger art, which is a traditional art form with a rich history. A recent article from the Rapid City Journal (4) states that due to hunting in the mid-nineteenth century, buffalo hides became unavailable for use as artistic canvas. This prompted tribes to trade for used ledger books, which were used as a substitute for hide.

Montileaux has done an admirable job of preserving the ledger art form (which includes not only the ledger lines but the line styles and coloring in the piece).

It was stated earlier that artistic skill cannot be gained simply via ethnic means. However, artistic content can, and it is present in Montileaux’s art. But, this is true of all serious artists, who draw ideas and content from their history, their culture, and from themselves for expression. Doubting the applicability of “Soldiers” for the calendar in question is analogous to doubting the worth of Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel.

If the party responsible for the comments had instead meant that the art was lacking based on ability, tone, depth, or other technical aspects, I would direct them to references 5-7, which are reviews and resources for ledger art.

When we make statements without contemplation, and when we make conclusions without research, we debase ourselves. As students, professionals, and citizens, we are all responsible for avoiding these harmful acts.

References and Readings 1. “Intercountry adoptive parent education.”

Queensland Government Childsafety. 2009. 5 March 2009. http://www.childsafety.qld.gov.au/adoption/ education/intercountry/module6/definition-ethnicity. html 2. “Institute of American Indian Arts.” 5 March 2009. http://www.iaia.edu/index.php 3. “Rhode Island School of Design.” 2009. 5 March 2009. http://www.risd.edu/ 4. Cummings, Savannah. “Montileaux uses Native materials to share culture.” Rapid City Journal.

17 November 2008. 5 March 2009. http://www. rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2008/11/17/news/ features/doc491c8362327c8064814152.txt 5. “Ledger Art.” Wheaton College. 1 May 2008.

5 March 2009. http://www.wheatoncollege.edu/flett/ ledger_art.html 6. “Native American Ledger Art.” Kansas State Historical Society. 2009. 5 March 2009. http://www. kshs.org/cool3/ledgerart.htm 7. Berlo JC, Earenfight P, Lookingbill BD, Miles G. A Kiowa’s Odyssey : A Sketchbook from Fort Marion. 2007. University of Washington Press.

Sincerely, Evan Waddell

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Circle K attends District Convention, collects Playdoh

By Cassy Schultz Guest Writer While the majority of people stayed at home on Friday, Feb. 26, the SDSM&T Circle K group braved the storm to travel to the District Convention for Circle K in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Circle K is college student run community service group associated with Kiwanis that focuses on service, leadership, and fellowship in the community and the world.

Brooke O’Bryan, Dean of Students Dr. Patricia Mahon, Brandon Cooper, Ben Koshiol, Jarrett Brenner, Erin Metzler, Eric Hout, and Cassandra Schultz served as the SDSM&T Circle K representatives. At the convention, the SDSM&T Circle K’ers met with the District Governor, Matthew Schuweiler, the District Board, and the Circle K International Vice President Ricardo Torres.

“District Convention was a really good experience, because it allowed us to bond as a group and have an exchange of ideas between other Circle K groups,” said O’Bryan, SDSM&T Circle K President.

The SDSM&T members learned different leadership techniques, community service ideas,

organization methods, goals, and Circle K rules and regulations through various seminars.

“District Conference is a good motivator for Mines students,” said Dean Mahon, advisor.

“Students get to learn about the organization of Kiwanis and Circle K on a district, national, and international level as well as scholarship opportunities available to them through Circle K. I am really proud of the students, their potential, and the big impact they make while helping others.”

A service project was also organized for all the Circle K groups that attended. Playdoh was collected as well as playdoh tools, and care packages were put together for children admitted to the children’s hospital in Sioux Falls. The care packages consisted of a couple packages of playdoh, some playdoh toys, and an encouraging card.

“It was nice to see everyone come together to brighten a childs day,” said Brandon Cooper, a member of SDSM&T Circle K. “It’s good to know I can make a child smile when they are going through a tough time by making them cards and giving them playdoh.”

Not Play bread- Playdoh! Playdoh at the Circle K District Convention before being put into care packages for the children at the Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls. Photos by Eric Hout

You Can Make A Difference with Six Cents Did you know over one billion people do not have access to clean water?

Circle K is partnering with Unicef’s Six Cents Initiative to change help provide people in need with clean water and supplies.

Donation jars will be given to each RA in the residence halls, as well as Departmental Offices on campus, and will be available the entire month of April. Whichever residence wing collects the most donations throughout the month will get a root beer float party.

Even just six cents of spare change can purchase a packet of oral rehydration salts for people in need. For one dollar, forty children can each have one liter of water.

Look for flyers that will be posted for more information on the 6 Cents Initiative.

NEWS

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Note from the Dean of Students April is definitely recognition month with events such as Honor’s Day, the Leadership Hall of Fame reception, Phi Eta Sigma and Order of Omega initiations, the Concert Choir/Symphonic Band Concert and the Design Fair. Your contributions to these and many other endeavors are worthy accomplishments-congratulations to participants and recipients!

April is also a stressful month with end of semester tests and the culmination of projects. Please remember the tutoring services provided by the TLC, Counseling and Health Services, and internship/ job search resources through

the Career Center.

As the Surbeck renovations continue in earnest periodic emails will be forthcoming with updates. Renovation plans for the Palmerton and Connolly should be solidified by the publishing of the May Raver so more about that next month.

Please let me know when I can be of assistance; Marie Romano, Senior Secretary, is also happy to assist. We are located in the Surbeck Center.

Sincerely, Patricia G. Mahon, Ph.D. Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students 605-394-2416 Patricia.Mahon@sdsmt.edu

Letter from the President Dear Students, You are past the midpoint for spring semester and I hope you are proud of all you have accomplished thus far this academic year. You still have several weeks this semester to excel toward your personal best while engaging in all our Mines campus has to offer to provide balance and enjoyment in your life. As always, I wish you well in all your endeavors and thank you for all your contributions to our excellent university and the Rapid City community.

This month and next, we will continue to celebrate our Mines achievements. Please join us in these upcoming events and show your support.

Our Fifty-Eighth Annual Honors Convocation and luncheon is Tuesday, April 7, at 11:15 a.m. at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rushmore Hall.

This event is in recognition of the many outstanding achievements and contributions of students, employees, and friends of the School of Mines. Honorees are guests of the School of Mines.

All others are invited to attend at a cost of $12.00 per person.

Please join us on April 7th as we congratulate our honorees.

Reservations can be made at the Cashier’s Office in Surbeck

or at the President’s Office in O’Harra on or before March 30th.

I also encourage you to visit with your student colleagues at our Senior Design Fair on April 21 in the Surbeck Center Ballroom (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and learn more about the ingenuity, creative processes, and results of their work. This annual event is an inspiring reminder of how you are all engaged in inventing tomorrow.

The bright promise of tomorrow will soon come one significant step closer for many of you on May 9th at Spring Commencement. Graduation will surely be a time of joy and celebration, and goals realized.

This year, our Commencement speaker is Dr. Jeffrey Wadsworth, the president and CEO of Battelle.

In closing, please remember that now more than ever, the nation and the planet need scientists and engineers – especially our Mines scientists and engineers - as professionals and educated global citizens.

Take pride in the path you are on.

Sincerely, Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D. President

April 2009

P=F/A: ‘Grubby Pressure Sensation’ forced victory over local area • SDSM&T Chemical Engineering Car team qualifies for National Competition with 3rd place finish at Regional Conference • Benjamin Bangasser, ChE Senior, wins research presentation award

By Dr. Todd Menkhaus Guest Writer The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Chemical Engineering Car Team traveled to Fort Collins, Colorado for the Rocky Mountain Regional ChemE Car competition and Student Conference on February 27-29, 2009. The conference, which was sponsored by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), included research presentations, workshops, the ChemE Car competition, an awards banquet, and a presentation on biofuels.

The goal of the ChemE Car competition was to design and construct a shoebox-sized car which started and stopped by means of a chemical reaction.

The cars were judged for creativity and safety, and one hour before the competition teams were given the distance the car had to travel and the load of water it had carry. The objective was for the car to stop as close to the finish line as possible within a two minute time limit.

This year’s car, the “Grubby Pressure Sensation,” was propelled by a reaction in which hydrogen peroxide was decomposed to water and oxygen, using yeast as a catalyst for the reaction. The pressure resulting from expanding oxygen gas was forced out to drive a piston. A cable attached to the end of the piston was wound around the axle of the car.

As the piston extended it pulled the cable, thus turning the axle and driving the car forward. By varying the concentration and

amount of hydrogen peroxide in the reaction vessel, the team was able to control the distance the car traveled.

The ChemE Car competition began with a poster presentation to explain the reactions and mechanisms for operating the car. The cars were then judged to ensure that they met the rigorous safety requirements established by AIChE. The competition was then held. After some tense moments during the first run when the piston force caused the cable to release from the axel too early, the Grubby Pressure Sensation was back at the starting line for its second and final attempt. This second run earned SDSM&T third place, coasting to a stop only ten feet from the desired distance – qualifying them for the national competition to be held in Nashville, Tennessee in November 2009. Team member Kyle Ratzlaff said of the quick improvement between the two runs, “We are called the Grubby Pressure Sensation because we are sensational under pressure.”

Team members attending the competition were Aaron Blender, Benjamin Bangasser, Elizabeth Gores, Travis Hoon, Amber Jerke, Matt Ladenburger, Jacob Moehring, Kyle Ratzlaff, Phillip Squillace, and Spenser Wagner. Nathan Huft was also actively involved in the construction and testing of the car, however he was not able to attend the competition.

The team is currently planning several improvements for the car in preparation for nationals.

Also at the conference, Benjamin Bangasser, a senior in chemical engineering, gave a presentation entitled “Enzymatic Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure R-2-butanol in Two Phase Systems.”

The work was completed by Ben as part of a summer research program in Germany during the summer of 2008.

His presentation won second place out of eight competitors, earning him a cash reward and opportunity to compete at the national conference in Nashville.

HEALTH

April 2009

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Perfume overload can choke others...

By E.M. Daniels Raver Staff I walked down the hall to class, and two girls passed by me. The smell of their perfume

Women’s health is one of my most passionate subjects.

Women are caregivers by nature and we tend to give of ourselves and care for others before ourselves. When you consider that females are natural caregivers and have a natural maternal instinct then it may be easier to understand the controversy over the drug Plan B; should women 17 and younger have access to this emergency contraceptive without a prescription?

Currently, individuals 18 and older are allowed by the FDA to purchase Plan B over the counter without a prescription. Maybe it isn’t a battle of age at all, but rather which entity decides what women can and cannot do about their health- doctors, pharmacists, parents, the government or the individual?

A federal judge presiding over a District Court ruled recently that the FDA wrongly advised the age restrictions based on political motivations rather than on the actual scientific health results. An advisory panel recommended in 2003 that the FDA make Plan B available to all women over the counter. With some delay, the FDA decided in 2006 that it would make the drug available over the counter only to

saturated the air heavily, and I start choking on the strength of it. Later that same day, a guy stood behind me in line for groceries. His cologne seemed determined to create a gas chamber effect.

Why are people wearing too much perfume?

When humans started using perfume, it was at a time when people took a bath about once a month—if they were lucky. Perfumes were used in religious rites, but also to cover up the smell that resulted from the lack of bathing.

Nowadays, households have a shower that can be used daily, there’s no need to cover up the body’s natural pheromones with perfume or cologne.

In the era of today,

we are constantly assaulted by ads and slogans that tell us how to be. The root of the perfume overload lies here perhaps.

Watching a perfume or cologne commercial, it becomes clear what these companies are taking advantage of: sex. A perfume commercial will show that the woman who uses the perfume is seductive and more attractive to the men that chase after her. A cologne commercial for men will show that a man will get mobbed and pawed at by beautiful women just because he’s wearing the cologne. These commercials are saying, “Wear our product and be more attractive to the opposite sex.” Of course this also implies that the wearer will be able to “hook up” with beautiful women or handsome men just because of their smell.

The plea to the sexual nature of humans seems to be working,

women 18 and older.

What does Plan B do?

Well, Plan B is the actual drug, and the brand name is Plan B. This is an emergency contraceptive and it keeps sperm from fertilizing and egg and/or attaching to the uterus. It is 75% effective; this is not an abortion- it merely does the same thing as regular birth control except after sexual intercourse rather than before. It is merely a higher dose of hormones that are found in regular birth control; it is not an ‘abortion pill’ and it has limited health effects on the female body.

A representative for the group Concerned Women for America, Wendy Wright says that, “Pregnancy counselors report more young women relying on it as a regular form of birth control -- even though the drug has not been tested to discover what happens when it is used multiple times.” This may be the case in some theorized circles, but her claim is not documented or tested based on the information I have found. It may be a prediction that this would be the end result, but the truth of the matter is in the science. A study conducted by researchers with WebMD found that, “73% of women who had used emer-

gency contraception had used it only once. The finding shows that women are truly using the “morning-after pill” for emergencies, and not -- as some had feared -for routine birth control.” So in reality, plan B is not being abused by irresponsible individuals, but rather in only the most understood situations when a woman is in need of emergency contraception and not as birth control.

The judge in this case blames in part the Bush administration for its strict pro-life agenda. While policymakers have differing opinions from one administration to the next, it should be very clear to most that policies surrounding female reproductive health and abortion are under tight scrutiny all across the nation on an annual basis. The right to an abortion, birth control pills, or any type of emergency contraception is challenged and women are always wondering what will happen next. What is the motivation behind this challenge? Is it moral, ethical, political or economical?

I see this as approximately 85% moral and ethical battle, and who says that the government’s job is to make moral decisions--it’s not, its

as more people are using the products advertised.

However, some people are going a little over board by creating their own personal atmosphere of perfume or cologne. Producers love this because the more products you use, the more you will buy.

People must realize that this can soon become a costly habit, and may also drive away the ones they are trying to attract.

Do you wear perfume constantly like this? Do you find you get headaches often?

It could be the perfume or cologne you’re using. Lessen the perfume use to test if it is the reason for the headaches or consult a doctor.

There are ways to wear perfume that it can still be smelt, but in a nice and gentle moderation. Apply perfume to the pulse points (i.e. inner wrists, neck, and behind the

ears). The warmth at these places will help the perfume breath to its fullest throughout the day, and others can enjoy the smell. For guys it’s the same, apply cologne to hot spots on the body. Remember moderation, you don’t need to be soaking in perfume or cologne to smell nice!

job is to make laws based on clearly definite rights and wrongs that are provided through the U.S. Constitution. The fact of the matter is that with broader uses of contraception, whether it be birth control or otherwise, teenage pregnancies have declined by 34% in white females age 15-19 and by 40% among blacks in the same age category from 1990-2002 .

Now why would the government want to ban contraception in any form when it is the government that

pays the bills associated with prenatal care and child care through Medicaid for those who cannot afford it (i.e. teenage mothers)? And the government pays those bills through tax revenues. And would you also consider that education, food stamps and all other welfare costs that are likely associated with a teenager having to raise a child she is not prepared for?

Which is the greater burden on society- contraception or children without proper care?

Intesting Fact: Fragrance reacts differently on you because of your hair.

Blondes prefer multifloral scents. Brunettes like dramatic orientals.

Red heads may clash with a scent containing strong green note.

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NEWS

April 2009

April 2009

FOOD

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COMICS

April 2009

COMICS

April 2009

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Utilize those leftovers hanging around

By E.M. Daniels Raver Staff If any of you are like me, at any given time there are leftovers in the fridge. But how boring is it to just reheat them? Also, they never taste the same. Throwing leftovers out can be a waste of food and money.

So what’s the solution?

Get creative.

Mix and match your leftovers to get the best use out of them.

Here are some quick examples: • Reheat some Mac & Cheese, a meat (i.e. ham), and vegetables (i.e. broccoli or peas) in the microwave. The mixture will be a little dry, so add some extra cheese on top and heat for about 20 seconds more.

• Use leftover meat (i.e. pork or chicken), rice, and vegetables in a stir fry or with ramen noodles. Soy sauce, teriyaki, or crushed red pepper are some great add-ins for flavor.

• Extra hotdogs? Chop them up and mix with ketchup. Spoon onto miniature ba-

By Madame Snupperbuttom Gazing into her magic 8 ball, Madame Snupperbuttom brings you gels, and sprinkle some cheese horoscope readings from the on top. Bake in the oven at 325º stars! Or from Pluto . . . until cheese is melted and bagels are crispy.

There are thousands of combinations to make just from a (Mar. 21 to April 19) few leftovers. Don’t be afraid to Robin Williams will haunt you get creative! for a week.

Aries

Taurus

(April 20 to May 20) For pony!

Gemini

(May 21 to June 21)

Don’t use the internet; your mother is watching you.

Safety side note: If your leftovers smell funny or look discolored, assume they have gone bad and throw them out.

If leftovers have mold growing on any part of them, throw them out. Remember, keep your leftovers only for about 4 to 5 days to ensure the food you’re eating is safe.

Got questions on dorm cooking, and would like to see them answered here? Email cardboard_ed@hotmail.com.

XKCD http://xkcd.com

Cancer

(June 22 to July 22)

You will have a good day.

Leo

(July 23 to Aug. 22)

The Mythbusters will blow up your car and then laugh at your pain.

Scorpio

(Oct. 24 to Nov. 22)

My Little Pony will take over your room.

Sagittarius (Nov. 23 to Dec. 21) This is Sparta!

Capricorn

(Dec. 22 to Jan. 19)

Virgo

The warranty has expired on your sanity.

Nothing happens to you until 3 o’clock. Hint: boxers.

Aquarius

(Aug. 23 to Sept. 22)

Libra

(Sept. 23 to Oct. 23)

Avoid hairspray and fire today, or bad things will happen.

(Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) Watch out for kittens.

Pisces

(Feb. 19 to Mar. 20)

The Magic 8 ball ran out of answers, sorry.

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NEWS

April 2009

April 2009

FASHION

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NEWS

New Apex Gallery Exhibit:

April 2009

•Recent Photographs and Explorations, by Steve Babbitt

By Louisa Burden Raver Staff Feel like taking a break from all that homework that’s been piling up on your desk? Just take a walk over to the Apex Gallery in the Classroom Building to check out the cool new exhibit.

Recent Photographs and Explorations, by local photographer Steve Babbitt, features a variety of photographs portraying everything from nature to windows and doors. Some of the displays in the exhibit were made using interesting techniques that many people might not have thought to use with photography.

When students go to the gallery, “They can observe high quality photography and presentation. They can learn how artists don’t have to stay in one place in terms of developing

their expressions or the types of subject matter they choose,” according to Deborah Mitchell, the Apex Gallery’s director and School of Mines professor.

The new exhibit will be open from March 20 to April 24.

There will also be a reception on April 17, from 5 to 7 p.m.

During the reception, there will be a gallery talk, which will be very interesting and informaAbove: “Light Adobe” tive, so check that out.

When Babbitt, a professor Steve Babbit at Black Hills State University, was asked about his advice for anyone interested in becoming a photographer, he replied, “Take a lot of pictures, look at a lot of pictures… and show your work to other photographers.”

Great advice from a great Below, clockwise from left: “Pole and Moon”, photographer! Make sure to “Dead End”, stop in to the gallery before “Factory Butte” April 24!

Steve Babbitt

Above: “Hanksville Grass” Steve Babbitt On the left: “Bentonite Hills #1” Seteve Babbitt

April 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

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Aeroheads compete in international competition On the weekend of March 6-8, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology CAMP team Aeroheads took part in the SAE Aerodesign competition at the Apollo XI airfield in Van Nuys, California. This international competition challenged teams to build remote control aircraft that fit within certain constraints and lift the highest payload possible. This year, more difficult restrictions were placed on the design portion of the project; carbon fiber, the main material used to make the fuselage since the beginning of the team, was not allowed.

Furthermore, the competition consists of three classes of aircraft: Micro class, Regular class, and Open class. The South Dakota School of Mines and technology took part in both the Micro class and Regular class competitions. Mechanical engineers use the Micro class as a senior design project, and for the first time in the history of this project, their plane was able to successfully fly!

Overall the Micro class team scored first in the presentation, second on the design paper, and fourth overall. The Regular class team, which is composed primarily of underclassmen under the mentorship of the upperclassmen, placed 28th overall. Fortunately this year wasn’t difficult for just the Aeroheads; there was only a 30% of successful flights during the regular class round.

While the team competed in California, the teamed also learned what it takes to work as a team and how to improve for the upcoming competitions.

As Jimmy Tomich, junior Metallurgical Engineer, explains, “My experiences and involvement on the Aero team has shown me professionalism and has exposed me to many ‘real life’ situations one doesn’t see in the classroom. Also, being involved and needed is a gratifying feeling and I am sure my teammates agree. “ If interested in the Aero Design team, meetings are Thursday nights at 6 pm in Dr. Dolan’s Porch, ME 206.

RESEARCH

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April 2009

Research on campus: R3S to focus on repair processes to extend military equipment life University & Public Relations The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology will be the site of a new 2010 research center focusing on developing and certifying repair processes that extend the life of military equipment.

The Repair, Refurbish, and Return to Service Applied Research Center, or R3S, will develop, certify and implement innovative methods to refurbish and return to service vital military equipment. The center will be utilizing technologies developed at the School of Mines’ Advanced Materials Processing (AMP) Laboratory, including friction stir (welding without melting), cold spray (accelerating particles to supersonic speed) and laser additive manufacturing (particles injected in laser beams for free-form fabrication), and also developing and certifying new processes and technologies.

Using the processes developed and certified by the center to repair military and civilian equipment, the School of Mines will collaborate with South Dakota State University, Western Dakota Technical Institute, and other educational partners; industrial partners such as H.F. Webster Inc. and RPM & Associates in Rapid City; and

corporations such as Boeing, GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Lockheed Martin, Rolls Royce, and Friction Stir Link.

Inspiration for the R3S center came from a 2007 Aging Aircraft Repair Facility study conducted by the School of Mines. The study showed that utilizing these technologies to repair and refurbish B1 bombers and related aircraft alone would result in $35 million per year in cost saving for the Air Force.

Using these technologies on other military equipment would expand the cost savings across the Department of Defense into the hundreds of millions of dollars, a compelling cost/ benefits analysis. This study identified a need that this new applied research center will fill.

The successful study was due in large part to support for the project from the South Dakota Congressional delegation, spearheaded by Senator John Thune.

“The School of Mines truly appreciates all of the work of the South Dakota Congressional delegation,” School of Mines President Robert A. Wharton, Ph.D., said. “It is our Senators’ and Congresswoman’s continued support that allows our researchers even more opportunities to assume leadership roles in new

technology arenas.”

The Air Force estimates its costs for planned depot maintenance and engine repair exceed $2 billion annually. In an effort to control costs, the Air Force has slowed procurement of new airframe systems, extending the mission service life for existing systems. This extended life increases the need for the type of state-of-the-art, cost-efficient repair that the R3S will specialize in.

The center’s director, William J. Arbegast, will oversee projects conducted by faculty members, graduate students and undergraduate students from multiple disciplines working with industry partners.

Arbegast is the director of the Advanced Materials Processing Center (AMP) and the Center for Friction Stir Processing, a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center, both located at the School of Mines.

“This center will be an opportunity for students and faculty to work with industrial partners in a multidisciplinary setting - a true collaborative environment,” Arbegast said.

“This gives students hands-on applied research opportunities, first in developing technologies and then working on the real

February finds $3 million in funding •Current FY09 R&D funding exceeds $14.5 million University & Public Relations School of Mines researchers and professors received $2,994,624 in research and development funding during February 2009. This brings the current Fiscal Year 09 total to more than $14.5 million, with four months remaining. In comparison, the total amount awarded for FY08 was $10.1 million.

The awards are funding research in departments across campus. Some research is basic, and is designed to create new knowledge or to add to the literature on a given topic.

Other research is applied, and is meant to produce real-world products. The School of Mines has placed an emphasis on applied research to benefit the state, region and nation.

The February award highlights: Dr. Joseph Fazio, associate professor, civil and environmental engineering, received $39,287 from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration for the

project, “South Dakota Local Transportation Assistance Program (SDLTAP) 2009.”

Dr. Brian Hemmelman, chair and professor, electrical and computer engineering, received $32,504 from the Idaho National Laboratory for the project, “System Identification (SysID) Research.”

Dr. Rajesh Sani, assistant professor, chemical and biological engineering, received $87,000 in additional funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for the project, “Biogeochemical Mechanisms of Nanocrystalline Uraninite Oxidation

by Fe(III)-(hydr)oxides.”

Dale Skillman, interim vice president for research; Dr. Gregory Buck, associate professor, mechanical engineering; Dr. Karim Muci, associate professor, mechanical engineering; Dr. Michael Langerman, chair and professor, mechanical engineering; Dr. Daniel Dolan, professor, mechanical engineering; Dr. Umesh Korde, associate professor, mechanical engineer-

ing; Dr. Lidvin Kjerengtroen, professor, mechanical engineering; Dr. William Cross, associate professor, materials and metallurgical engineering; William Arbegast, director, Advanced Materials Processing and Joining Laboratory; Dr. Haiping Hong, research scientist III, materials and metallurgical engineering; and Dr. Robb Winter, professor, chemical and biological engineering, received $2,823,833 in additional funding from the United States Department of Defense - United States Army Research Laboratory for the project, “Advanced Materials and Processes for Future Combat Systems.”

Dr. Andrea Surovek, associate professor, civil and environmental engineering, received $12,000 in additional funding from the National Science Foundation for the project, “Collaborative Research: Structural Mechanics of Steel Columns and Beam-Columns Under Fire Loading.”

hardware.”

According to Arbegast, the new center is not only a benefit to the School of Mines, but to Rapid City. “This is an applied research center dedicated to repairing military hardware, but with significant commercial value. Civilian equipment, like power and transportation systems, can benefit from these technologies,” Arbegast said.

“The center will identify new technologies and will need people in the Rapid City area to implement them. We will

need supporting industries to transition to true production, and expect that several hightech spinoff companies will be developed in Rapid City.”

“For many years, the School of Mines has been an internationally recognized leader in these technologies,” Wharton said. “We welcome this opportunity to continue to support our national defense and to assist in creating new economic development opportunities for Rapid City and the State of South Dakota.”

Abstract

By Dr. Sani The present study investigated the cultivable mesophilic (37°C) and thermophilic (60°C) cellulosedegrading bacterial diversity in a weathered soil-like sample collected from the deep subsurface (1.5 km depth) of the Homestake gold mine in Lead, South Dakota, USA. Chemical characterization of the sample by X-ray Xuorescence spectroscopy revealed a high amount of toxic heavy metals such as Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn. Molecular community structures were determined by phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences retrieved from enrichment cultures growing in presence of microcrystalline cellulose as the sole source of carbon. All phylotypes retrieved from enrichment cultures were aYliated to Firmicutes. Cellulose-degrading mesophilic and thermophilic pure cultures belonging to the genera Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Bacillus, and Geobacillus were isolated from enrichment cultures, and selected cultures were studied for enzyme activities. For a mesophilic isolate (DUSELG12), the optimum pH and temperature for carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) were 5.5 and 55°C, while for a thermophilic isolate (DUSELR7) they were 5.0 and 75°C, respectively. Furthermore, DUSELG12 retained about 40% CMCase activity after incubation at 60°C for 8 h. Most remarkably, thermophilic isolate, DUSELR7 retained 26% CMCase activity at 60°C up to a period of 300 h. Overall, the present work revealed the presence of diVerent cellulose-degrading bacterial lineages in the unique deep subsurface environment of the mine. The results also have strong implications for biological conversion of cellulosic agricultural and forestry wastes to commodity chemicals including sugars.

If you wish to have your abstract published in the Raver send an email to:

raver.sdsmt@gmail.com Subject: Research

NEWS

April 2009

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Magic 8-ball: Help in troubled economic times

By Melanie Satchell The markets dropped steeply in October 2008 and have not seen much recovery.

In the past few weeks there have been signs of recovery but these could prove to be false hope for a longer battle against dangerous assets. I have written previously about the indicators that were ignored during the housing bubble phase and what managing risk is all about, but the question in the air now, is what do I do now?

There is no definite answer to when the economy will pick back up, but it is fair to say that things should become more stable within the next six months.

Not that we will recoup from this recession in six months, but rather the steep fluctuations will subside. For example, in the past three months the Dow Jones Industry Average (DJIA) has moved from a high of 9000 in January to a low of almost 6500 in early March. This is in comparison with the period of 2004-2007 when the DJIA barely moved outside of the region from 10,000 to 11,000.

Looking at the history of the DJIA you can learn a lot. The DJIA is a stock market index that is comprised of thirty com-

panies, ranging from 3M, Beoing, GE, GM and Walmart, to name a few. These are publicly traded companies that provide a specific service to an industry.

It was created May 26, 1896 by Charles H. Dow and originally was comprised of 11 companies, of which most were railroad companies. The DJIA is

with a -52.67% change. Then in 1997, which was another difficult economic time for America, the Dow hits above 7,000 for the first time. To put it in perspective, April, 2008 it closed at 12,300 and in March, 2009 we are looking at numbers in the 6000- 7000 range. But in reality the indicator for market

the most commonly used index as it provides an update of trading throughout the day unlike others; it also shows the longevity of market activity. The equation here shows how the DJIA is calculated; the p is the price of the stocks tied to the 30 companies and the d is the Dow divisor, which currently holds a value less than one.

In 1896 the DJIA was at less than 100, in fact the Dow didn’t even reach 1,000 until 1972. In 1931, during the most devastating recession in US history, the Dow closed at 77.90

changes is not the volume being traded necessarily but rather the prices in general. Look deeper at the numbers because the Dow can and will play tricks on you.

So now that we’ve seen the numbers lets think about how it affects the future. Our national deficit is over $1 trillion and projected to break the $2 trillion dollar mark in the next two years. We have high unemployment rates, high personal debt averages and the laundry list goes on and on. What has changed with us? Household

income in 1997 was $37,005.00 and in 2008 it was $50,233. So the average increase in household income is just over 1% and yet inflation is over 3%. We all knew that, I’m not telling you anything you didn’t already know; the beef of the matter is that consumer spending in that time period increased and now it has dropped off the cliff. Are Americans actually taking to heart the lesson of living within their means? A year ago I said no, Americans still do not get it, but I think they have woken up from their old ways and are now scrambling to learn personal finance. The market will recover, it might be 5-7 years or longer; but do you know when we will come out of this for sure?

My magic 8 ball says: 1. Average personal debt needs to shrink below $2,000 (not including college loans funded by government bonds or programs) 2. Government needs to shrink; less tax and less programs (social security, cough, cough), means citizens keep more of their money and spend more of it in the real economy 3. Live within your means: make a budget, keep it, get a job if you don’t already have one

4. Education needs to be funded fully. Period. Educated people make better financial decisions than uneducated citizens, they require less financial support from the federal government and they contribute to the necessary workforce demands.

5. Personal Business taxes need to be cut. We preach entrepreneurialism and free market economy but we tax and bury small businesses in taxes that restrict growth. Want to make more jobs? Cut business taxes in half.

If we can accomplish these five things, we will be well on our way to success. If we continue to confuse government entities with private sector business than we will just deepen the grasp of recession.

You have to be a part of it; look to Warren Buffet, after graduating he entered a bad market, but because of his youthful and creative outlook on the future in the market he and his generation helped turn things around.

So keep your chins up, and work to get this fixed.

DJIA equation: http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dow_ Jones_Industrial_Average http://www.djaverages.com/

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NEWS

April 2009