Thursday 2/13/14

“

This birthday ... is a chance to remember why we came to MSU in the first place.”

—Scott westerman, MSU Alumni Association executive director

statenews.com | 2/13/14 | @thesnews

campus+city, pG. 3

Michigan State University’s independent voice

Romance on the cheap Cute Valentine’s Day crafts for lovers on a budget

Chocolate in Old Town

features, pG. 5

CAMPUS+CITY, PAGE 3

Erin Hampton/The State News

St. Johns, Mich., resident Mahria Beachnau

c ommu n i t y

Friends create bracelets for Charlie Waller fundraiser

By Sara Konkel skonkel@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Charlie Waller’s legacy will forever live on within the walls of Marble Elementary School.

This week, students are making and selling bracelets to raise money to buy Waller a “buddy bench” in honor of their former schoolmate, who lost his battle with cancer in December.

Charlie Waller, the son of history professor John Waller and Abigail Waller, was diagnosed with a rare and inoperable brain stem tumor called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in April 2011. Most children die within a year of their diagnosis — Charlie fought the disease for more than two.

His battle inspired the Art for Charlie Foundation, which sponsors annual art auctions and has raised nearly $150,000 for hospice care for children.

The idea for this fundraiser came from fourth-grader Caleb Lampi, who suggested the idea to his mother shortly after Charlie’s death. Caleb’s mother, Stephanie Lampi, thought it was a wonderful way to bring the school and See WALLER on page 2 u

s p orts b r i e f

hollis unveils 2018 b-ball tour across country After weeks of cryptic clues floating about the Twittersphere, athletics director Mark Hollis has unveiled his latest creation: a cross-country basketball tour in 2018.

He told ESPN.com that MSU, Florida, North Carolina and Texas will carve through New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles on a “barnstorming tour” set to start on Dec. 14 in New York and conclude on Dec. 21. Each night will feature a doubleheader as the four teams square off in roundrobin competition.

This isn’t just a tour of basketball, however.

He noted the teams will be acting as tourists and participating together as a large group for many events. They will be visiting the Freedom Tower at the 9/11 memorial, head to a Second City comedy show in Chicago and Disneyland near the end of their trip.

According to ESPN. com, all the teams will be traveling on a single chartered plane as well.

This will not be the next multi-team event MSU will be participating under Hollis’ control.

For Nike founder Phil Knight’s 80th birthday, Hollis was among other masterminds who created a 16-team event that will take place in Portland, Ore., in 2017.

MATT SHEEHAN

Betsy Agosta /The State News

ASMSU President Kiran Samra poses for a portrait in her office Wednesday at Student Services Building. She was elected president at the beginning of this month.

taking the helm New president hopes to move ASMSU forward despite recent controversies

By Kary Askew Garcia kaskew@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

A

s Kiran Samra prepares to take over chief governing duties for MSU’s undergraduate student government, the main thing she’s hoping for is a chance to live out her vision.

After working with the organization since her freshman year, most recently as chief of staff, she thinks she is ready to take the helm and make some serious waves. She was elected as the new ASMSU president last week and will run her first meeting Thursday.

“It is crucial to have a president who

really believes in the organization and really believes in the good that it does and has every intention and every ability to make sure that it moves forward positively,” Samra said.

Samra and other ASMSU representatives are aware they have a tough road ahead of them. Several controversies drew negative attention to the organization this past year, including the $60,000 bike share program, the rocky start to the WTF MSU campaign and most recently, an alleged code violation of Samra’s own campaign during the ASMSU presidential election.

Despite all that, Samra said she is confident she can take ASMSU in a new direction, and many other representatives are hoping for the same.

Changing perceptions Samra said she is excited to be in

her new role and is quickly moving forward to better the organization and relationships with students and administrators.

But she recognizes one of the roadblocks she’ll have to cross is the overall view of ASMSU among students.

“My biggest challenge is definitely the perceptions that students have of ASMSU,” Samra said.

Samra said transparency with students is something that ASMSU needs and something she wants to improve.

She wants to lead the general assembly to create better awareness of ASMSU’s work and to encourage students to come to their representatives with any concerns, which she plans on doing through an ASMSU mobile app.

She said the app would allow for students to know everything going on at ASMSU and to know who their representatives are.

Last fall, the student government launched the WTF MSU campaign, which stands for “What To Fix MSU.” The campaign was designed to help students voice their concerns by tweeting or posting their concerns on the campaign’s Facebook page to create change on campus.

Despite the attempt to help students, ASMSU found itself in hot water because vandals used real spray paint to market the campaign on campus sidewalks, which students and police initially thought was the organization’s doing, Samra said.

See ASMSU on page 2 u

To see a timeline of recent ASMSU events, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

politics

spartan basketball

Whitmer meets with students to discuss abortion rights issues

By Simon Schuster sschuster@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS

Matt sheehan msheehan@msu.edu

nn

On Wednesday even i ng in Case Hall, students convened to discuss recent state legislation about one of the nation’s most divisive issues — abortion.

Michigan’s Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, and a representative from Planned Parenthood of Michigan, fielded questions from MSU students. The event was hosted by MSU College Democrats and MSU Students for Choice.

The majority of the evening’s discussion revolved around a law approved by the Michigan legislature in December requiring women to purchase additional coverage to have abortions covered by their health care provider.

Whitmer said “ultimately, we’ve got to change the law,” but noted it was unlikely to occur this year. She said the Republican-controlled legislature’s recent actions were “a

Next three games key to Spartan dominance

Danyelle Morrow/The State News

Michigan Senate Minority Leader Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, speaks to students about abortion laws Wednesday at Case Hall.

continual assault on women and women’s rights.”

She said misogynistic behavior has become commonplace in the Capitol, citing the censure of former female state Reps. Barb Byrum, D-Onondaga, and Lisa Brown, D-West Bloomfield, in 2012. Brown was silenced for using the word vagina on the House floor.

The law was introduced to the Michigan legislature through voter petition circulated by a pro-life interest group.

The Board of State Canvassers certified almost 300,000 signatures from voters around the state in December and submitted the petition to the legislaSee WHITMER on page 2 u

Take a peek at MSU’s next three games — Northwestern, Nebraska and Purdue.

You look up, put a Mark Dantonio-esque smirk on your face and mutter the words “chip shots” under your breath. Come on, which one of those teams are basketball powers?

It’s clear none of those teams will be making a deep run in March, but there is something about this stretch of games that isn’t obvious.

It might not seem like it, but this could be the most important week for MSU in their chase for the Big Ten title.

When MSU ends this three-game stretch, they

will head to Ann Arbor for a showdown against Michigan that could swing the Big Ten race one way or the other. Both teams are sitting on top of the Big Ten ladder with only two losses, but there is one glaring difference.

The Spartans will be grinding it out for three games before the Feb. 23 meeting against the Wolverines. What will Michigan be doing? Playing one game, against No. 21 Wisconsin. If MSU slips once, the rival showdown could become an uphill battle for the Spartans — who would be trying to tie up the conference rather than take a lead.

So back to the upcoming three opponents for the Spartans.

Ever looked at an old-time painting depicting a battle in the midst of a war? Sometimes you look at the picture and you’re not sure who is killing who, but in the mess of all of it, you still know there is a battle. That’s what the Big Ten has become this season.

It goes without saying MSU shouldn’t take Northwestern, Nebraska or Purdue lightly.

Northwestern has beaten Indiana and Wisconsin, both on the road. Nebraska has beat-

See B-BALL on page 2 u

2 | T he State N e ws | thursday, feb ruary 1 3 , 201 4 | state n e ws.com

News brief Man breaks into dorm while resident is still in room A 19-year-old male student had his dorm room broken into while he was still in it, according to MSU police.

At 5:25 a.m. on Feb. 8 in South Hubbard Hall, the student woke to find an unknown male near his dresser who he thought was his roommate, Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said. He called out the man and he left.

The suspect stole the victim’s brown leather wallet.

The wallet had $100 cash, a student identification card and credit cards valued at about $140.

There are no suspects and the incident is still under investigation.

GEOFF PRESTON

statenews.com H e a lt h a n d e n v i ro n m e n t b l og

Too much sugar bad news for health For many people, especially those in college, keeping the amount of sugar consumed daily to a minimum is challenging.

But the health problems associated with eating too much sugar more extensive than originally thought, several recent studies show.

SIERRA LAY

Three-day forecast

Thursday Sunny High: 32° Low: 9°

Friday Cloudy High: 25° Low: 9°

waller

Funding from the bracelets will go towards a “buddy bench” to be placed at Marble Elementary School

asmsu

Samra said she plans to create an ASMSU mobile app and expand upon ideas brought up in the WTF MSU campaign

from page one

from page one

community together to show their immense support for the Waller family.

The bench is meant to give students a place to go on the playground if they feel lonely so they can make friends.

“When (Charlie) passed away, we were like really sorry for his family and I just wanted to do something to help out,” Caleb said.

The students remember him as being very kind and always encouraging others to act the same, Caleb said.

Charlie’s family was thrilled to hear about the school doing such a positive thing in his honor.

“It’s just a beautiful way in which they can remember him and also just a wonderful way in which they can remember what he stood for when he was at the school,” John Waller said. “I think its association with Charlie will give the bench an additional power to these children. They will know that this is a very, very special place and that it’s there for a special reason.”

Charlie always wanted everyone to fit in and to feel included, those who knew him said. So when Marble Elementary School Principal Dori Leyko caught wind of the bracelet fundraiser, she knew it would fulfill Charlie’s wish.

“This is a perfect way that we can carry on his legacy and his wishes here,” Leyko said.

Every day this week, students at Marble Elementary School have been making rainbow rubber band bracelets to sell on Feb. 19. They have the option to skip their recesses every day to contribute to the cause. This goal, however, has done more than just produce hundreds of bracelets.

“This bracelet activity and event has really brought a lot of them together in showing them that they can make a difference in something small like this and it can start from one student and carry on,” Leyko said.

The school also remembers Charlie every week with their Wednesday hat day because he didn’t want kids with cancer to feel different for having to wear a hat.

She said the spray painting was not something connected to ASMSU, and said the student government had used previously-approved chalk paint to spread the word.

Still, Samra said the campaign has helped create change on campus, including changing some of the channels available on cable in the dorms, which will be discussed in the next cable contract.

She said ASMSU now has quarterly meetings with Live On, Eat at State, MSU Police, facilities and more because of the concerns addressed by the campaign.

Looking ahead Many of ASMSU’s current representatives believe Samra is on the right track.

ASMSU Vice President for Internal Administration Teresa Bitner said she is excited to work with Samra as the new president.

“I’m looking forward to having a president who has a vision,” she said.

whitmer

Whitmer “would have been faced with a really tough decision” if she had become pregnant from a rape during college from page one

ture as a bill.

The bill was approved by both chambers of the legislature with universal support from Republicans in both chambers.

During discussion of the bill on the house floor, Whitmer publicly revealed that she had been raped when she

b-ball

MSU should not take upcoming Big Ten games lightly from page one

Saturday Cloudy High: 19° Low: 5°

VOL . 104 | NO. 192

Index Campus+city 3 Opinion 4 Features 5 Sports 6 Classifieds 5

editorial staff (517) 432-3070 Editor in chief Ian Kullgren

nn

managing editor Lauren Gibbons

Corrections

DIGITAL managing editor Celeste Bott Design editor Becca Guajardo PHOTO EDITOR Julia Nagy ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Danyelle Morrow Opinion editor Rebecca Ryan campus EDITOR Nolly Dakroury City Editor Katie Abdilla sports editor Beau Hayhoe Features editor Anya Rath Copy Chief Maude Campbell n n

Professional staff General Manager Marty Sturgeon, (517) 432-3000 Editorial adviser Omar Sofradzija, (517) 432-3070 CREATIVE adviser Travis Ricks, (517) 432-3004 Web adviser Mike Joseph, (517) 432-3014 Photo adviser Robert Hendricks, (517) 432-3013

If you notice an error, please contact Managing Editor Lauren Gibbons at (517) 432-3070 or by email at feedback@statenews.com. nn

The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University, Monday through Friday during fall, spring and select days during summer semesters. A special Welcome Week edition is published in August.

Subscription rates: $5 per semester on campus; $125 a year, $75 for one fall or spring semester, $60 for summer semester by mail anywhere in the continental United States. One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the MSU community.

Additional copies $0.75 at the business office only.

State News Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours.

en Indiana and Ohio State, as well as winning three of its last four contests. Purdue isn’t having the greatest year, but playing on their home floor is playing in front of an angry mob.

Winning all three games would keep MSU as the favorite to win the Big Ten, but they have to do it without Branden Dawson and Keith Appling. The injury bug loves throwing challenges at MSU, and rattling off three wins this week would prove how deep the Spartans can be against a tough stretch of teams.

Granted, they are expecting to get Dawson and Appling back in the lineup.

By then, MSU will be looking to put the final pieces of the Big Ten title puzzle in place against Iowa and Ohio

C

S U C MP ERS T A CAEN EM C IN C

Copyright © 2013 State News Inc., East Lansing, Mich. n n

advertising adviser Colleen Curran, (517) 432-3016

(517) 432-3010 Advertising manager Brandon Ventimiglia

Teresa Bitner, ASMSU vice president for internal administration

ra will sway student opinions by spreading awareness and opening an honest dialogue between ASMSU and the students they represent.

“I think Kiran is just concer ned as anybody about A SMSU mov ing for ward,” Schrage said. “I’m sure that the (general assembly) will work with the office of the president to make sure the best policies are enacted.”

Schrage, a public policy junior, said he believes Samra will be able to accomplish reform in how much each representative participates and give their constituents better visibility of their representatives.

“I believe Kiran is capable of instituting much-needed reform at ASMSU,” he said.

Schrage said ASMSU leadership made decisions in the past that some students hold negative perceptions of.

He said he believes Sam-

Room for improvement On the other hand, some students look at ASMSU as an organization that carries little weight.

Duncan Tarr, organizer of MSU Students United, a student group advocating for students’ rights, said ASMSU seems t rapped under t he administration’s control and appears to have little power to evoke meaningful change.

The student government was forced to move all its funds to an on-campus account in the summer of 2013 to align with the university’s policies.

ASMSU worked with MSU Students United in the past

was a student at MSU. She said it was not something that she had ever wanted to talk about again.

“Thank God I did not become pregnant because of that attack, because if I had I would’ve been faced with a really tough decision … of a woman who never could have anticipated the possibility that she would need abortion coverage,” she said.

Because the bill was introduced through petition, it became law without the signature of Governor Rick Snyder, who had previously vetoed similar legislation.

Whitmer urged the audience to “take on and champion progressive ideas,” that were about “equality for all in the state of

Michigan.”

Despite the overtly pro-choice message of the event, informally titled “Rape Insurance WTF?” there was some opposition in the audience.

A number of members from MSU Students for Life were present, but did not speak during the question-and-answer session.

The organization’s president, Lisa Jankowski, said she thought the law was not accurately represented by those opposed to it.

“They ’re spinning it (to appear like) we’re making women pay for insurance in the case that they get raped,” Jankowski said. “We don’t believe that it is morally correct or right for us to have to pay for health insur-

ance for abortion, a cause that we literally do not support, fight against supporting every day on campus (and) off campus.”

The pro-life group’s vice president Natalie Collins said the outcry the legislation has received is unwarranted, because the bill was “meant to protect people, rather than hurt them.”

MSU economics professor Lisa Cook was at the discussion and said the law goes against the fundamental economics of insurance.

“This bifurcation, segmentation of markets is not sustainable,” Cook said. “You can’t have insurance for older people and insurance for younger people, you have to have the largest pool possible.”

Many ASMSU reps were confident in Samra, but some students worry she’s too far under administration’s control

State in the final week of the season. Win these next three games, and MSU buys insurance for the last games before tournament time rolls around.

And just like MSU, the Wolverines have a tricky plate of games. U-M has a favorable schedule, with its only ranked opponent being Wisconsin. Again, the Big Ten can be one giant dog fight, so you never know what team will jump up to bite them when they’re not looking.

From the looks of it, either team could go undefeated from here on out, but that is a lot easier said than done.

If I was a betting man, I would say with seven games left for MSU and six for U-M, a three-loss team will win the Big Ten. Both teams falling to four losses before the season ends is a real possibility too, and which MSU fan wants to share that with U-M? I don’t see anyone raising their hands.

Matt Sheehan is a State News men’s basketball reporter. Reach him at msheehan@statenews.com.

Feb. 13-16 The Hunger Games Fri, Sat, & Sun: B122 Wells Hall 8:00 PM

Dallas Buyers Club Thurs: B119 Wells Hall 9:00 PM Fri, Sat, & Sun: B119 Wells Hall 7:10 PM & 9:20PM

nn

M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“I really like her goals to try to fix the image of ASMSU within the student body and administration.”

and co-authored a resolution in favor of a tuition freeze, Tarr said, adding MSU Students United has been tackling the issue of tuition costs more vocally than ASMSU. Tarr said ASMSU could better serve students by addressing issues of high tuition rather than putting on concerts.

Although there is friendliness and communication bet ween t he t wo g roups, Tarr said he believes MSU Students United is in a better position to stand up to the administration because they have no affiliation to it.

“They aren’t even pushing for a vote at the Board of Trustees,” he said. “It would be great if they had more of a say.”

Samra said she is working to build better and more meaningful relationships with the administration and said she had a meeting with President Simon Wednesday morning.

Tarr said he hopes to have cont inued com municat ion between ASMSU and MSU Students United as Samra continues her presidency.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Thurs: B115 Wells Hall 8:30 PM Fri, Sat, & Sun: B115 Wells Hall 7:30 PM & 8:30 PM

(517) 432-3000 For distribution/circulation questions, email distribution@ statenews.com

Advertising

Continued

DineOn campus or DineOn-the-go! www.eatatstate.com

Level: 1

2

3 4

C

to contact the state news

Business Manager Kathy Daugherty, (517) 432-3000

Bitner said she thinks Samra’s passion and dedication are two of the driving forces behind her exceptional leadership skills.

“I really like her goals to try to fix the image of ASMSU within the student body and administration. I think she’s headed in the right direction,” she said.

College of Social Science representative Evan Schrage said he and Samra have had meetings about improving the general assembly’s participation and constituent outreach, as well as giving representatives adequate time to speak about actions they’d like to see the student government pursue.

rha

RESIDENCE HALLS ASSOCIATION

SOLUTION WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE SOLUTION TO TO WEDNESDAY’S PUZZLE

2/13/14

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9.

For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit

www.sudoku.org.uk © 2014 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | t hu rs day, f eb rua ry 13, 2014 |

Campus+city business

campus Editor Nolly Dakroury, campus@statenews.com CITY EDITOR Katie Abdilla, city@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

community

history

new moving company to provide 100 student jobs

University celebrates its 159th birthday with Live On event

By Geoff Preston gpreston@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

By Juliana Moxley jmoxley@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Finding people to move students in and out of their East Lansing residences might no longer be an issue, thanks to a new moving service called Bellhops.

Bellhops is new to the area and is looking to get established.

The company, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tenn., began at Auburn University in 2011 and quickly expanded. Within the next year, the company had spread to about 120 schools.

A fter being repeatedly asked during college by students and their parents to help with the moving process, co-founder Stephen Vlahos and his partner came up with the idea to start a moving company.

He saw the potential for a successful moving business after he experienced the type of money that people are willing to pay for movers and the convenience of hiring someone to do the actual moving.

Vlahos said no one had any previous experience working with an actual moving company — they just put out ads at Auburn’s freshman orientation and the business took off from there.

“We moved in (about) 300 people in two to three days and parents really loved it,” Vlahos said. “That gave us the encouragement in the next year.”

Bellhops charges $40 per mover, with two workers typically involved per job.

With Bellhops’ new technology, they can now track how far the move is.

The first 10 miles are free, and the charge for an additional mile is 75 cents for each bellhop, what movers use to transport luggage.

Vlahos said the farthest move people do is about 30 miles away, which doesn’t happen often because Bellhops is more of a local resource.

Vlahos said hours for the job are flexible.

Bellhops tries to recruit students on campus from different organizations who have the strength to perform manual labor.

“We need them to show up on time, be ready, be courteous,” Vlahos said. “(That’s) the level of service that our customers expect based on our brand.”

Bellhops has a corporate account with U-Haul, so if a customer needs a moving truck they can simply let Bellhops know and the insured vehicle gets booked through their company account.

Vlahos is looking forward to Bellhops being at MSU because he believes the company is a service that a school of any size can benefit from.

He hopes to eventually expand the business to every campus in the country.

“It just makes a lot of sense — there’s tons of people who want help and who need help,” Vlahos said.

$

3

Erin Hampton/The State News

Lansing resident Holly Ekwejunor-Etchie, employee of Mica Gallery, talks to East Lansing residents and chocolate walk participants Jim and Margo Parker on Wednesday at Mica Gallery during the Old Town chocolate walk in Lansing.

Old Town hosts chocolate celebration

By Michael Kransz mkransz@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Peanut butter buckeyes and mint-chocolate wafers were just some of the sweet treats offered at the Chocolate Walk Wednesday night in Lansing’s Old Town.

Throughout the evening, participants visited 16 stores, from pet shops to salons, scattered across Old Town. With each visit, participants acquired a piece of chocolate and explored stores.

The Old Town Commercial Association organized the event to entice people into stores they might not have experienced before, said David Gregware, owner of participating business Tallulah’s Folly and chair of Old Town’s Promotions Committee.

“It’s really giving people a taste for how big Old Town is and what we have to offer,” Gregware said.

Gregware said even with the cold weather, and even with it being Old Town’s first chocolate walk, the demand exceed-

S t u d e n t g ov e r n m e n t

differential tuition addressed at cogs meeting In its meeting on Wednesday, the Council of Graduate Students, or COGS, discussed how the current differential model tuition should be modified in order to have a more solidified structure.

Dave Byelich, the Director of the Office of Planning and Budgets, said differential tuition makes it possible for individual colleges to charge a higher tuition per credit hour to students who have been admitted into that college.

Other colleges do the same in charging students more, but do so by a fee that is separate from tuition. Byelich is hoping to simplify this structure.

“The issue is not whether to do differentials or not, the issue is ‘is there a better way to do it?’” Byelich said. ”(Is there a way for) better structure, to communicate better and allow us to obtain the reimbursements that folks want?”

The next presentation came from Director of the MSU Counseling Center Scott

2

ed expectations.

“We wanted an event for the winter to bring people out,” he said. “We thought we might sell 100 boxes, and we sold out with 175 boxes.”

Throughout the night, participants acquired chocolate while visiting 16 stores around Old Town Lansing Rick Preuss, the manager of participating business Preuss Pets, said reaching out to the community, inviting those who haven’t visited Old Town before and telling them to “come on down and have fun,” is at the event’s core.

“There’s half a dozen reasons to come to Old Town and not just one,” Preuss said. “Just experience the Old Town charm and have fun with it.”

Preuss likened the event to Halloween with a Valentine’s Day spin.

“It’s like trick-or-treating,

Becker, who advocated for better outreach to graduate students concerning mental health. While there are more than 400 graduate students who seek help at the center, Becker is hoping for more, he said.

Becker also tossed around ideas of adding more mental health professionals in residence halls and colleges to give students easier access to them. COGS discussed recommendations to the counseling center at the January meeting, but did not have time to further discuss it Wednesday night.

COGS also voted to approve

except for love,” he said. “We’re giving out a little piece of love here and there.”

Louise Gradwohl, the Old Town Commercial Association executive director, said given the energy put into it by all those organizing the chocolate walk, it could evolve into an annual event.

Lansing resident Mallory Lyman, who grew up in the area, said it fills her with pride to see entrepreneurs and small businesses continually put on events bringing the community together. "(It’s) something to get out and stretch your legs and do something,” Lyman said. “This is a great area to kick-start something local and fresh.”

Lansing resident Keesa Johnson said events such as this give the community a certain identity.

“Old Town is a center point,” Johnson said. “I can always come down here and listen to music or play. It’s sort of like a second home.”

the revised edition of the Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities document.

Current COGS President Stefan Fletcher reiterated his intention not to run for president next term. During the meeting he said he accomplished all he wanted to during his current term, saying “No one needs to see my ugly mug up here another year.”

The Graduate Employees Union also announced that it was able to settle the pay grievance that caused a problem last semester and that those involved would receive their pay by March 21.

10” ks 2 Buc 1 ITEM PIZZA $2 Domestic Pints 3pm to Close!

MSU’s birthday is on the same day as abraham lincoln’s

Crossword

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

Olivia Dimmer

421 E.Grand River

Beat Northwestern!

THURSDAYS Just

On Feb. 12, 1855, Kinsley S. Bingham likely did not consider what the small patch of land containing the newlyestablished Agricultural College of the State of Michigan would develop into more than 150 years later.

The space would grow from a small, agricultural college to the nearly 50,000 student university known as Michigan State University. On Wednesday, the university celebrated its 159th birthday.

MSU Alumni Association Executive Director Scott Westerman said the anniversary gives students and alumni alike a chance to celebrate where MSU has been and where it is going.

“What this birthday means to our alumni, is a chance to remember why we came to MSU in the first place,” Westerman said.

The alumni association celebrated through social media campaigns, Westerman said.

Twitter and Facebook pictures wishing MSU a happy birthday were found on social media networks from Spartans on campus Wednesday.

The legacy of MSU is something that continues to grow e in Westerman’s eyes.

“One of the things I love about working at MSU is you

see the legacy increase every year,” he said. “The land grant ideals we were founded on have become more important over time.”

Feb. 12 also remains important to land grant enthusiasts because the signee of the Morrill LandGrant Act, Abraham Lincoln, shares a birthday with MSU. “I think it’s wonderful irony that we share a birthday with President Lincoln,” he said.

“It’s an honor to share a birthday with a president who was so visionary.”

The university celebrated with a Live On campaign that passed out free cupcakes in the Gallery at Snyder Phillips, Brody Square, Hubbard Community Center and the Holden Community Kitchen.

Students and alumni took a moment to reflect on what the birthday meant to them as well. Education senior Ben Walter said it is important to celebrate a place with many great moments.

“Why not celebrate the birthday of a place that’s home to a lot of good experiences for everyone?” he said.

Alumni weighed in as well.

MSU alumna and Okemos resident Emily Guilford said the day is a reminder of what it took to get her where she is now.

“It’s important to remember where it all began … (to) remind us of our roots and our foundation,” she said.

Staff writer Sierra Lay contributed to this report.

SBS Hours Mon-Fri 9-6 | Sat 10-6 | Sun 12-5 This Thursday SBS open until 6:30 for the home game!

We Validate Parking!

351-4210 www.sbsmsu.com

Across

1 Asian noodles 6 Quick looks 11 “The __” 14 Poke __ in 15 Game console button 16 __ polloi 17 “Sommersby” actress 19 1992 figure skating silver medalist 20 What “will be” will be?

21 Actress Dolores __ Rio 22 Post-blizzard creation 24 “The Federalist Papers” co-writer 27 Part of UNLV 28 Shortcut, perhaps 33 Kobe’s home 36 Energy 37 Environmental sci.

38 Hosp. areas 39 Freaked out 43 Org. for analysts 44 Dickens clerk 46 __ Aviv 47 Plant circulatory tissue 49 Measure used by navigators 53 Some govt. lawyers 54 Kind of memory 58 Golfer and his buddy, say 62 Barbecue item 63 Never, in Nuremberg 64 Trash holder

65 Packaged produce buy, and a literal description of the ends of 17-, 28-, 39- and 49-Across 68 Word before or after blue 69 Paris pupil 70 Picture 71 “Mr. __ Passes By”: Milne play 72 A.J. Foyt, e.g.

73 Flies alone

Down

1 Hindi for “king” 2 Now, in Nicaragua 3 Surfing equipment 4 Ransom __ Olds 5 Locker room exchange 6 Opening words 7 Some RPI grads 8 Body shop figs.

9 Sharp 10 Easy pace 11 Playfully kooky 12 Minute amount 13 Utah national park 18 Crumbly cheese 23 Corduroy ridge 25 Biographer Tarbell 26 Extended short story 29 Singer/actress Peeples 30 Energize, with “up” 31 “Not a chance” 32 Character actor Jack 33 Doe in many films 34 Specialty

35 Lewis Carroll, for one 40 Non-Rx 41 Museum funding org.

42 Bookplate words 45 Educ. collaborators 48 As of now 50 Glucose, to fructose 51 Geese : gaggle : crows : __ 52 Beatnik’s “Gotcha” 55 “Barry Lyndon” actor 56 Musical nickname related to jewelry 57 Survey answers 58 Cook’s meas.

59 Collaborative Web project 60 Kunis of “Black Swan” 61 Corporate VIP 66 Holiday starter 67 Rock genre

Get the solutions at

statenews.com/puzzles

4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | T h ur sday, February 1 3 , 2 01 4 | state n e ws.com

Opinion

Featured blog Be kind and pay it forward

opinion column

Did you seriously just play that card?

“Random Acts of Kindness Week has been in full swing since February 10, and that night I was on the receiving end of a good deed.”

— Casey Holland, State News reporter Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog.

Cards Against Humanity is a card game similar to Apples to Apples, in which players put down white cards that they feel pair best with the questions on the black cards.

Prompt: White people like .

Response: Finally finishing off the Indians.

The entire room winced.

“Damn, that’s horrible!”

A few chuckles slip through the guilt, and we’re onto the next pairing: Prompt: White people like .

Response: Whipping a disobedient slave.

We’ve probably all heard of Cards Against Humanity. I bet most of us have played it, too.

To catch you up, Cards Against Humanity is a game that asks each player to pair a white descriptor card from his/her hand to a common black fillin-the-blank card that lies face up on the table.

Self-described as, “a free party game for horrible people,” it’s an extremely crude version of Apples to Apples. The phrases on the cards range from “Catapults” to “Homeless people” to “The Trail of Tears.”

For some, the strategy lies in pairing – cards that make the most sense: Prompt: What’s that sound?

Response: The Big Bang.

For others, it’s about nonsense pairings: Prompt: What’s that sound?

Response: Bees?

But the game takes a hard left when somebody stirs the pot:

photo illustr ation by julia nagy/ the state news

Prompt: What’s that sound?

Response: Child abuse.

Some of my friends rave about this game. My roommates uproariously play it with friends over drinks. My extended family bonded over a round last summer. As you read this article, the game box sits on the reception desk where I work.

I hosted a friend for a weekend visit last fall—a black, female friend. I showed her Cards Against Humanity and asked if she’d ever played before.

“Nope.”

I gave her the box to check it out. Upon sifting through the deck, she froze after reading a descriptor card that said, “A black male in his early 20s, last seen wearing a hoodie.”

She looked at me, stunned, and uttered, “How can you play this game?”

I defended it.

“I...I don’t know. The game kind of excuses prejudice and offers an outlet where we can laugh about all of it. Nobody actually means what the game suggests, you know?”

That didn’t go well. I could sense Cards Against Humanity cut her deeply. We played this game that exploited the Trayvon Martin case, and suddenly, my friend felt vulnerable and apprehensive towards her hosts.

To be clear, I perceive my roommates and I as some of the most receptive and open individuals

to welcome anybody through our doors.

We cooked meals and ate together, included my friend in conversation that weekend—I even gave up my bed. But that incident was enough to dick. The Jews. Heartwarming orphans. The hardmake her shudder about part of the culture in my working Mexican. Roofies. A sassy black woman. house, and we talked about Cards Against Human- Amputees. Italians. Praying the gay away. Copity for a long time afterward. It didn’t surprise me ping a feel. The unstoppable tide of Islam. Eugento hear she had never played before. ics. The Three-Fifths Compromise. Alcoholism.

I wonder if my roommates and I Brown people. Rehab. Helen Keller (a would have played the Trayvon Mar- guest columnist write-in from a group in my commutin card with my friend in the room. nity that plays on occasion).

In fact, I wonder if we would ever Where are all of these targeted play the cards that targeted certain communities at the Cards Against groups if members of those commuHumanity games? Do they play it? I nities sat at the same table. Would it don’t know. But typically, all groups pass to play the “token minority” card I’ve seen play Cards Against Humanwith a person of color? What about ity are composed of white, collegethe “binging and purging” card in educated, able-bodied, cisgendered, colin marshall the presence of someone who’s had privileged individuals. We hardly feel colin.marshall91@gmail.com bouts with an eating disorder? any microaggressions inflicted by our But those cards get played on society, so who are we to make these a regular basis, right? The deck is stacked with kinds of jokes? insensitive cards. So then, what conditions make Granted, I don’t believe people play this game it OK to play those cards in a regular game? Who because they’re racists and bigots. I do believe, sits at the table during those games? however, that many who play are blind to the Humor gives us an opportunity to highlight implications of the game itself. After hearing from social injustice, but we’ve got to understand and my friend last fall, I continufeel the issues to poke fun at them—that’s abso- ally encourage a critical eye lutely essential. These cards get tossed around towards Cards Against Humanthe table, and we steal a laugh; but when do the ity within my community. We uncomfortable conversations begin? can’t care about a problem unless we know it exists.

Prompt: I got 99 problems but ain’t one.

Cards Against Humanity Response: Dead parents. holds the best-selling slot for I wonder if everybody in that game has two living Amazon.com’s toys and games parents. What if somebody doesn’t? How should category. For a progressive Check he or she react when that card comes up? Both society that aims to dismanyourself of my parents live happily together in Minneso- tle prejudice and social injusta, and I can’t imagine losing even one of them. tice, this game has been serifor what I don’t understand that pain. I might even laugh ously overlooked. privilege you at that card.

Perhaps I’m an over-sensihave, who tive, wet blanket. Over-policPrompt: I drink to forget . ing the world can paralyze us— you target Response: The profoundly handicapped. it’s not healthy. If we head down I don’t consider myself disabled. My able body and that road, we might wake up and whether mind allow me to function relatively “normally” one day afraid to speak because or not you in society. Do I take this for granted? Definitely. we could offend somebody. Percould play Perpetuating this punchline within Cards Against sonally, in picking and choosing Humanity only further widens the gap between social injustice battles, this one that card myself and communities of disabled people out- is worth fighting. in front of side the game circle. We aren’t alike, so stay over With my sincerest endorsethere with your disability while I laugh about you ment, play Cards Against anybody — with my buddies.

Humanity if your community especially Granted, I don’t want this mentality. But it grows unites around the game. But if the subconsciously through Cards Against Humanity. and when you play, look around individuals The game enables me to create the punchline with at who sits with you. a response card at the expense of “The profoundCheck yourself for what priv- who identify ly handicapped,” and I likely neglect a difficult ilege you have, who you target conversation about what it means to be disabled. and whether or not you could as such.”

In all honesty though, Cards Against Humanity play that card in front of anyhas authored some incredibly funny cards. I dare body—especially the individuals who identify you to give me an instance where “The mere con- as such. cept of Applebees” isn’t hilarious. Or how about, It’s time we took a different angle on this game, “Peeing a little bit?” Unfortunately, these cards and I hope you’re open to the idea. are few and far between.

Colin Marshall is an MSU alumnus and video Let’s take a peek at a handful of response cards director at WDBM (88.9-FM). Reach him at colin. that target other groups: Mild autism. A big, black marshall91@gmail.com.

Wednesday’s poll results

“

editorial cartoonist

JUST SO YOU KNOW No 30%

Do you think ASMSU’s new president Kiran Samra will bring positive change to MSU?

One 23%

None 74% 34% brandon hankins bhankins@statenews.com

31% 36% 0

5

10

15

20 25 30 PERCENT

35

40

Yes No I don’t care Total votes: 59 as of 5 p.m. Wednesday

We want to hear your thoughts.

Today’s state news poll

The State News welcomes letters to the editor. All letters must include your year and major, email address and telephone number. Phone numbers will not be published. Letters should be fewer than 500 words and are subject to editing.

How to reach us

How much are you willing to spend on your Valentine’s Day date?

Questions? Contact Opinion Editor Rebecca Ryan at (517) 432-3070.

To vote, visit statenews.com.

The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave.,

By email rebecca.ryan@statenews.com; By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, East Lansing, MI 48823

5 | The Stat e N ews | thur sday, fe b ruary 1 3 , 201 4

state n e ws.com

Features

Features editor Anya Rath, features@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

Love don’t cost a thing

Students who are tight on money but still want to give their significant other something meaningful for Valentine’s Day can opt to create homemade gifts to celebrate the romantic holiday. Here are a few affordable and college-friendly personalized gifts to give to your love interest.

Valentine’s Day can be tough on the bank account when it comes to gifts, candy, flowers and expensive dates. However, there are plenty of options to make your date swoon and to have a great time on campus or East Lansing. Before buying the jewelry and doing the typical dinner and a movie date, here are some way to give your significant other a good time without breaking the bank.

—April Jones, The State News

Candy Mason jar Give your Valentine something cute that for their desk with a Mason jar filled with candies.

This project needs a Mason glass jar, scrapbook paper, candy hearts, M&M’s, Hershey Kisses, ribbon and scrap-booking letter stickers.

­— Christine LaRouere, The State News

Skate the night away Get up and moving by heading to Munn Ice Arena for couples skating. The arena has provided extra time to skate on Friday to give students multiple options.

Get lunch then head to the 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m. slot, or get dinner and go to the 9:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. slot.

Plus, it’s a great excuse to hold hands and no experience is needed to have a good time. A yummy end to the date would be making some homemade hot chocolate.

Cost Students are able to skate for $4 with a $2 skate rental.

Show your sensitive side Want to show your sensitive side? Go on a date to the Capital Area Humane Society in Lansing. Head to the shelter to play with homeless puppies and kittens, and even help find good homes for neglected

animals. Be sure to call and pre-register to sign up for an orientation.

Cost

1. Fill the jars with assorted candy. Top the candy with a love note written on pink or red construction paper.

2. Outline the size of the jar lid on the back of the scrapbook paper and cut out the outline.

3. Glue the cutout on top of the jar.

4. Attach letter stickers spelling out the name of the Valentine along with a short message such as, “be mine.”

5. Finish off the jar by tying a bow around it.

$20 for registration.

Look into the stars OK, maybe not real stars, but by going to the Abrams Planetarium students can catch the featured show, “Comets and Discovery,” on Friday or Saturday night at 8 p.m.

Sit back in comfy chairs and watch the program that includes different types of comets projected on the dome of the planetarium.

It’s informational, and will give you and your date plenty to talk about after the show. If the skies are clear on Friday, they might provide a telescope to look out and spot the various stars in space.

1

Heart cookies with love letters

Love coupons

Give a sweet gift of homemade sugar cookies with a nice note.

1. After finding a simple sugar cookie recipe, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to the batter to give it a romantic hue.

2. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into hearts.

3. Bake the cookies and let them cool.

4. Add a thin coat of frosting and scatter sprinkles on top.

5. Add a personal touch by writing or printing a short love note.

6 . Place the cookies into a little plastic bag with the love note and tie the bag with a ribbon.

Sometimes a labor of love means more than cologne or roses. Give the gift of service this February. Homemade Valentine’s Day coupons give an opportunity to personalize a gift while keeping it useful and fun.

1. Cut out a few strips of construction paper in various designs.

2. On the strips, glue on printed sentences with tasks that you would be willing to do in the future. For example, “one free back massage” or “one free home-cooked dinner.”

3. Combine the strips together and hole punch the coupons in the top left corner.

4. Weave a safety pin through the hole to keep the strips together. The safety pin can be easily opened or closed for easy detachment.

3

More online …

To watch and learn how to make a candyfilled Mason jar, go to statenews. com/ multimedia.

2

photos by Julia Nagy/ The state news

Cost $2.50 per person.

Classified

TO PLACE AN AD …

Your campus marketplace! www.statenews.com/classifieds

Employment

Employment

Employment

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

ACADVERTISING COUNT Executives needed at The State News.

Gain real life sales and advertising experience at one of the largest college newspapers in the country. Seeking freshmen, sophomores and juniors to work Spring and Summer semesters. Sales experience not necessary.

Visit statenews.com/work for an application. Applications can be turned in at 435 E Grand River Ave between the hours of 9-5 or emailed to brandon. venti@statenews.com by Feb. 28th.

ANSWER PHONES for public TV!! Earn extra money!! Temp position 3/1-3/23 evening, late night & weekend shifts open. Up to 29 hours a week available. Great hours spring break week.

Call 517-332-1502

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS $15.50 base customer sales/ service. Flex sched. around classes, no experience nec. we train. Call today 517-333-1700 or apply at workforstudents. com

WORK ON Mackinac Island this summer – The Island House Hotel & Ryba’s Fudge Shops are looking for: Front Desk, Bell Staff, Wait Staff, Sales Clerks, Kitchen, & Baristas. Housing, bonus, & discounted meals. (906) 847-7196. www.theislandhouse.com.

ABBOTT POINTE - Large 2 bdrm apts for Fall 2014!

Best deal in East Lansing.

Remodeled kitchens, free heat, fitness center, cats + dogs welcome. Call 5073267.

NEWER 3 bdrm, 2bath apts. Beautiful large kitchens. Full size washers/ dryers in each home! 3 parking spaces. The Hamptons 517-4893160 or visit our website dtnmgt.com

DATA ENTRY position!!

Earn extra money!! Temp position 3/1-3/23 evening, late night & weekend shifts open. Up to 29 hours a week available.

Great hours spring break week. Call 517-332-1503

S E A S O N A L RECEPTIONISTS with knowledge of Microsoft Word and basic knowledge of personal income taxes. Call Cathy at 517324-6100.

G Y M N A S T I C S INSTRUCTORS wantedTwistars USA Gymnastics Club is looking for enthusiastic, reliable, child loving Recreational and Competitive team instructors. Call 517-322-0360

Have a romantic and creative Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank

MODERNISTIC NOW Hiring Entry level carpet cleaning technicians $9-10 hourly or comm. Training provided. Call today 517322-2600 PERSONAL TRAINERS – Lansing Up to $22 / Hr. Fitness USA has immediate openings for Certified Trainers. Must have enthusiasm and a passion for helping people.

No sales, no quotas, not commissioned-based.

Must be certified or taking relevant coursework.

Apply at Frandor Mall Club. Call 517-351-0200 or Email: resumes@fitnessusa.com

S T U D E N T PAY O U T S .

COM Paid survey takers needed in E.L. 100% Free. Click Surveys.

VAN ATTA’S Greenhouse in Haslett is hiring. Multiple positions avail. Apply in person at 9008 Old M-78, Haslett, MI or online.

Apts. For Rent $0 DEPOSIT Special! 3 BDRMS, 2 full bath, lic for 3. Walk to class. Washer + dryer. Parking included!

Only 3 Left! 517-2331121.

1, 2 and 3 bedroom apts available for winter and spring move in. Huge living spaces, garages, pet friendly, washer and dryer in apt and more. Call today for current specials 888-653-5449. Some styles sold out for spring and summer move ins.

Huntersridgetownhomes. com 128 COLLINGWOOD New CXL- Spacious 4 bdrm apt - avail Aug ‘14! 2 full bath, granite throughout, laundry, dishwasher, micro, leather furn. 4 parking spots! Corner of GR/Collingwood, secure building, best location & quality! www.cronmgt. com or 517.351.1177 500 MICHIGAN brand new fall 2014, 2 bdrm/lic 2, 2 full bath on Mich Ave next to Fedex, secure bld, parking, washer/dryer, d/w, micro, all granite, quality throughout! www.cronmgt.com or 517.351.1177

AVAIL AUG ‘14 Studio Apartments. Heat/water inc. Downtown EL, Top cond. Check out our visual tours at hudginsrealty. com Call 517-575-0008, no pets.

HUGE 2 bdrm w/ walkout patio or balcony overlooks Red Cedar. East side of campus, walk or bike to class. Free heat + water. August. $415 per person. Call 517-2688457.

NEAR FRANDOR. 611 N. Francis. Nice 3 bdrm, new inside. $900/mo.

332-7726.

NEW IN 2013! Luxury 4 bed/2.5 bath 2-level apts.

Furnished living room + parking, located directly across from MSU. Call 517-623-5302.

NEW STUDENT housing, The Hub Apartments, currently The Gatehouse Suites. Opening Fall 2014.

Prices from $449 to $898.

Studio apts - single & dbl occupancy. Loft apts - shared & pvt bdrms.

Indv. leases, furnished, utls provided. Incl. cable & wifi. Walking distance to campus. Call CHS for details 1-800-866-8346. bit.ly/thehubapts

Duplex/Rent DUPLEX CLOSE lic. for 3. d/w, a/c. $440/person.

Full bsmt Call 517-3237827.

BY TELEPHONE (517) 432-3010

BY FAX (517) 432-3015 IN PERSON 435 E. Grand River Ave.

BY E-MAIL classads@statenews. com ONLINE www.statenews. com/classifieds OFFICE HOURS 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. AD ACCEPTANCE All ads are subject to editing, alterations, approval, or rejection by The State News management.

LINE ADDITIONS Changes resulting in additional lines will be treated as a new ad and return to the first-day rate.

RATES 1-5 DAYS $2.10/line/day 6-9 DAYS $2.00/line/day 10+ DAYS $1.90/line/day Classified liners appear online at no additional charge.

Cash, check, credit cards accepted

COPY ERRORS The State News is only responsible for the first day’s incorrect insertion. Liability is limited to the cost of the space rendered.

DEADLINES LINER ADS 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CANCELLATION/ CHANGES 2 p.m., 1 class day prior to publication CLASSIFIED DISPLAY 3 p.m., 3 class days prior to publication REFUNDS No cash refunds will be issued for cancellations. Credit will be applied to subsequent ads for one year.

PAYMENT All ads must be prepaid unless credit has been established with The State News.

NOTE TO READERS The State News screens ads for misleading or false claims but cannot guarantee any ad or claim. Please use caution when answering ads, especially when sending money.

Houses/Rent 526 VIRGINIA 2014-15 school year, licensed for 4. SAVE $1160 if you sign a lease by 3/31/14. No app fee, reduced rent, free washer/dryer. CRMC 517-337-7577, www. crmc1.com 926 SEVER 2014-15 school year, licensed for 4. Sign a lease by 3/31/14 for special rate of $537/person. No app fee.

CRMC 517-337-7577. www.crmc1.com CUTE HOUSE, 251 Gunson. Lic. 2.$650 per person. No smoking, hot tub, a/c, w/d, 333-9595 LIC FOR 5. Close to campus. Excellent rates. Call 517-410-1198 or 989799-8947.

Textbooks COLLEGEVILLE TEXTBOOK Co. is your source for used books!

321 E Grand River 517922-0013

Advertising Account Executives Needed at The State News!

The State News is looking to hire passionate, hard-working and competitive freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to work this Spring and Summer semester.

“I like working at The State News because it provides me with excellent professional experience that I will be able to utilize and build from for the rest of my life, all while maintaining a great atmosphere. Stellar experience, fabulous friends, and prime work location?

It’s the perfect scenario for any working student!”

Christa Akkary Account Executive

Horoscope By Linda C. Black 10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8 — Group projects go well now and for the next three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius. Don’t sweat the small stuff right now. Cuddle up with a loved one and make some magic.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 7 — Resume your leadership role. Schedule more carefully for the next three weeks, as tests and challenges can arise with Mercury in Aquarius. It’s easier to get distracted. Maintain an active social schedule, and stay in communication.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is an 8 — Increase the level of organization.

Discuss philosophical ideas and make long-range plans. The communication style could change abruptly. For about three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, you’ll be good at finding ways around problems.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is a 9 — Financial planning provides power. Figure out prices, and send invoices. Track your earnings and revise your budget.

Review statements for errors. For about three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, discover new sources of revenue.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 9 — Ask for counsel from a master. Team communication reaches a new level.

For about three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, let your partner take the lead.

Negotiate creatively. Many views give a broader picture.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is a 9 — Things seem easier to understand for the next few weeks, with Mercury in Aquarius. Writing flows. You get fascinated by complexities, and entranced in analysis. Review the stats. Consider how they affect business.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is a 7 — Put technology to work in new ways over the next few weeks. Discussions take on a more logical form. For three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, your work gets more interesting, and your cleverness shines.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is an 8 — Thoughts become more logical, and there’s lots of money to be made over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Aquarius. Devise an earning strategy, and plot your course. Move ahead confidently, with bold action.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is an 8 — Work on creative writing, art or music over the next three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius. You’ll learn new games and computer programs quickly. Study with talented friends. Play together, and gain new chops.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 9 — You’re more objective over the next three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, and learn quickly. Begin a logical, rational cycle. Tell your personal story.

Get your partner involved. Discuss the direction to move forward.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is an 8 — Make up a list of intended improvements. Make choices around style, color and size or scale. For three weeks with Mercury in Aquarius, you’ll do your best thinking at home. Communicate virtually, rather than traveling.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is a 9 — Take more time for quiet contemplation over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Aquarius. Completion is top priority.

Your dreams are trying to tell you something. Take notes on realizations and insights. Meditate.

Join our advertising department and gain real-world sales and advertising experience!

Applications can be turned in at 435 E Grand River Ave between the hours of 9-5 or emailed to colleen.curran@statenews.com by Feb. 28th

Sports

state n e ws.com | The State N ews | thu r sday, feb rua ry 13, 2014 |

Road trips creating big struggles for Spartans

By Robert Bondy rbondy@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

photos by Danyelle Morrow/The State News

Valentine’s play crucial against Wildcats

By Zach Smith zsmith@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Senior guard Keith Appling, left, and junior guard Travis Trice react during the game against Wisconsin on Sunday at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis.

ferent lineups.

He said he sees no fatigue in him at all.

“If you really look at it, who has practiced full go?” Izzo asked. “It’s been Valentine and maybe Alvin Ellis, but until we put Alvin Ellis on the scout team a couple weeks ago, he was getting a lot of rest every practice. I mean, the guy that should be deadest is the liveliest, and that’s Valentine.”

Valentine has been a staple in the starting lineup since Dec. 14 against Oakland.

He said Northwestern provides a different challenge with their defensive and shot-making abilities.

This time around, he said MSU needs to come out with a different mindset against Northwestern, and he doesn’t mind going all out in every practice and game.

“I like it,” Valentine said.

“A lot of players are like ‘Aww man, we’re practicing.’ No, I like this. This is what I signed up for. I want to be good. I want to be the best I can be. There’s

no time for off days. It’s money time right now.”

Northwestern is the only team from a major conference to have never made the NCAA Tournament.

The Wildcats also have the worst scoring offense in the Big Ten, but the second-best defense, allowing less than 63 points a game.

Izzo said he’s followed the Northwestern coaches through the years, and even recruited Collins back in the day.

He wants the Wildcats to make the tournament eventually, but just not to take a step toward that goal when they take on MSU. “I can’t pull for them Thursday, but once I’m done with that game, yeah, you’d like somebody to do something that hasn’t been done in the history of their school,” Izzo said. “I think it would be a benefit for Northwestern, of course, but I think it would be good for the whole Big Ten and even for the country.”

SENIORS PREPPING FOR FINAL MSU HOME MATCH AT JENISON THE STATE NEWS nn

Coming off an 18-16 win against Indiana, the four seniors on the wrestling team are starting to realize that their season is coming to an end as the Big Ten championship is approaching next month.

The victoMcClure ry against the Hoosiers was the first of 2014 a nd helped the Spartans accomplish half their goal of beating two Big Ten teams.

But seniors Kaczanowski Nick Kaczanowski, a 174-pounder, 125-pound Brenan Lyon, heavyweight Mike McClure and 165-pound Robert Nash want to finish strong and conquer the remainder of the goal.

“It was huge for us to win this Big Ten match,” McClure said.

“This is the toughest conference and it was just grueling going against the top five teams in the

Maybe it’s the hotel beds.

It could be the different ice surface or locker room. Perhaps it’s the crowd. Regardless of the reason, anytime MSU hockey heads on the road, there is a similar result: losing.

With only eight games remaining in the regular season, MSU (8-13-6 overall, 2-5-5-3 Big Ten) is still winless in road games, with a disappointing 0-7-2 record. The lone win outside of Munn Ice Arena this season came at Comerica Park in a neutral location matchup against Michigan.

It ’s unclear why MSU hockey has struggled on enemy ice, with head coach Tom Anastos unsure if there is any reasoning behind it.

A nastos said he doesn’t believe the lack of wins away from East Lansing has anything to do with MSU’s approach, but more tough opponents.

“We’re obviously playing some real good teams

and it’s not easy to win in any place or anybody’s building, so I don’t think it’s something in our head,” Anastos said. “... I don’t notice a difference in our team and how they respond.”

Anastos added he has seen improvement in its team’s most recent road games, including a solid series against then-No. 1 Minnesota a few weeks ago.

The road doesn’t get any easier for MSU, with the green and white set to play its next five games away, including trips to Penn State, No. 8 Wisconsin and No. 10 U-M. Senior defenseman Jake Chelios is trying not to worry about the road blues, especially with a trip to a hostile environment this upcoming weekend against Penn State.

Despite roaming the basement of the Big Ten standings, Penn State has the eighth-highest average attendance per game nationally, with an average attendance of 6,041 per game — above the arena’s capacity of 6,000.

“You try not to think about it especially going into a rink like Penn State,” Chelios said.

“Just got to look for ward and keep playing the hockey

In the coming weeks, MSU plays No. 8 Wisconsin and No. 10 Michigan that we have been playing, and just hopefully get that first one out of the way soon.”

One possible solution for experiencing more success away from home is finding the back of the net with more frequency.

An offense that already ranks last in the conference has an even lower goals per game average in its nine road games.

MSU is averaging only 1.3 goals per game on the road, nearly one goal below its season average.

Anastos points to scoring as the key factor, considering more goals on the scoreboard as a huge confidence booster.

“I think if we could score a little bit more it would ease the pressure and make guys feel a little bit better about things, and would give us a better chance to win,” Anastos said.

WoMen’s Basketball

Wrestling

msanches@statenews.com

14

Margin of victory for the men’s basketball team against Northwestern in the last game between the teams.

Hockey

Sophomore guard Denzel Valentine attempts a shot over Wisconsin forward Frank Kaminsky on Sunday at Kohl Center in Madison, Wis. The Spartans lost to the Badgers, 60-58.

By Mayara Sanches

#SNDailynumber

sports editor Beau Hayhoe, sports@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

Men’s Basketball

It’s the dog days of the season for the MSU men’s basketball team.

As many teams gear up for the home stretch of the regular-season schedule and postseason, the No. 9 Spartans are just hitting their stride.

The next obstacle for the Spartans (20-4 overall, 9-2 Big Ten) is a tilt with pesky Northwestern (1212, 5-6) tonight at 7 p.m.

The Spartans will once again be without junior forward Branden Dawson and senior guard Keith Appling, but senior Adreian Payne is nearing 100 percent after starting and scoring 24 points at Wisconsin.

“You look at Northwestern, a team that a month ago everybody thought was in shambles,” head coach Tom Izzo said. “(Head coach) Chris (Collins) has done a great job rallying them. This is a team that, they lose a heartbreaker to Nebraska or they would have come in here with a (three-game) winning streak.”

The Wildcats are one of the most surprising teams in the conference, winning four of their last six — including three on the road against Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Earlier this season, MSU beat Northwestern in a 54-40 slugfest that saw sophomore guard Gary Harris score 14 points and Dawson grab 11 rebounds.

Sophomore guard Denzel Valentine and freshman forward Gavin Schilling are the only two players to see time in every game this season.

Izzo said players like Valentine have been key to the success of MSU in the wake of all the dif-

6

nation for a while.”

The Spartans will wrestle Division III opponent Olivet College at noon on Friday at Jenison Field House and will use that last home match to honor the seniors that will graduate in the spring.

Head coach Tom Minkel said that the team was resilient in getting the win when they won matches that could have gone against them. The team will keep practices consistent for the season and improve from there.

“We’ve been generally making progress and it was good to feel and see the progress happen over the weekend,” Minkel said.

All wrestlers are aware that the Big Ten is one of the toughest conferences, Kaczanowski said.

“It’ll help us go on to the next match with confidence. We’re working on a lot of different things individually,” he said.

Now that the Spartans have wrestled many “brutally tough teams,” Minkel said it’s starting to sink in the seniors’ minds that the season is coming to an end.

“It’s funny to know that the day is coming where they’ll end the career,” he said. “It’s their last home meet.”

For Kaczanowski, he thinks of ending his wrestling career as motivation to put in his best effort preparing himself and competing.

“It’s always interesting to have that last hurrah. I’ve been doing this for a long time and it’s easier knowing that I don’t have four more years to be here,” he said.

Other seniors, like McClure, said that it is rewarding knowing how much they worked while being a part of the team.

“It’s my last dual meet at Jenison,” McClure said. “I want to finish strong and get a pin for the team.”

He said realizing it is the last home match will hit him “after the fact.”

“For me, it’s hard to grasp. I just get that feeling that I just got here and now I’m a few days out from ending my career,” McClure said.

Although he said Olivet is a Division III team, they “shouldn’t overlook them.”

“We’re a much better team, and I just tell the guys to do what they do best and treat it as any other match,” McClure said.

Leading the team, Kaczanowski said the motivation to work hard has been there for a while.

“We have a lot of guys coming in and putting extra time outside of practice,” he said.

Minkel said he wants to see the team and the seniors finish strong so they can once again see the progress they have made throughout the season.

Spartans still feel in control of season after Nebraska road loss

By Omari Sankofa II osankofa@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

The No. 25 women’s basketball team has sailed through great stretches of play this season. But as a result of numerous factors, the team has not been immune to the occasional rough patch.

Head coach Suzy Merchant addressed the inconsistency that has plagued the team at her weekly press conference on Tuesday. A four-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt on Saturday when the Spartans fell to No. 21 Nebraska on the road, 76-56.

Merchant has mentioned the team’s youth in the past as a reason for inconsistency. With two freshmen in the starting lineup, Merchant said there have been hiccups as far as players adjusting and learning roles.

Leadership also has been a concern. First-time team captains and seniors Klarissa Bell and Annalise Pickerel have both raised their level of play this year. But sometimes, a more vocal role has been needed depending on the situation, and Merchant said that vocal presence has lacked at times.

“The role she’s trying to get better at is having a more commanding, vocal presence with the team, which

we really didn’t do a good job of in (that) 10, 12 minute period against Nebraska which we really needed … and it just didn’t happen,” Merchant said of Bell, who has taken on more of the ball-handling duties with junior guard Kiana Johnson out indefinitely with suspension.

Losses do not completely fall on Bell and Pickrel, however.

With young players taking on big roles, inconsistency is to be expected. At practice last Friday, Merchant said she has seen strides in the right direction as far as players buying into the system.

Saturday wasn’t necessarily a positive step in that direction, as the Spartans conceded a 34-6 run to the Huskers that authoritatively put the game out of reach.

Five games remain before the Big Ten Tournament begins.

MSU is within striking distance of first place in the conference, sitting one game behind No. 11 Penn State.

With only a couple weeks left, the Spartans quickly need to figure out the answer to their woes.

“We just had a really awful 10-12 minutes,” Merchant said, referring to the 34-6 Nebraska run on Saturday. “And that’s where that commanding presence, that maturity a little bit, you gotta get inside and then to go out there and shoot another outside shot, it was driving me crazy. Some of it is listening and comprehending.”

statenews.com o ly m p i c s

U.S. wins two golds in Sochi Team USA swept gold in the first-ever appearance of snowboarding slopestyle.

Both in the men’s and women’s competition, Sage Kotsenburg and Jamie Anderson each won the top medal in the 2014 Winter Games’ opening weekend and opened slopestyle to a broader audience to enjoy, according to USA Today.

“I hope everyone can see and feel through their televisions or computer screens really that camaraderie, that love of the sport that all these athletes have,” U.S. coach Mike Jankowski told USA Today.

Although it’s a “spectacular sport to watch,” Jankowski said, it also is very dangerous.

Czech rider Sarka Pancochova fell and cracked her helmet during the finals on Sunday.

USA Today reported that scores are determined solely by the discretion of judges, who wanted to see artistry — or style — and difficulty of tricks in the event.

“It’s pretty much playing. We’re pretty much snowboarding on a playground up there.”

MAYARA SANCHES

UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND ARTS FORUM Friday, April 4, 2014 MSU Union, 9am – 5pm

Students register

by Sunday Feb 16th Sign up online at: urca.msu.edu/uuraf