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Michigan State University’s independent voice | statenews.com | East Lansing, Mich. | Friday, February 22, 2012

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THE BARE MINIMUM

Obama’s proposal to up minimum wage could impact MSU students By Kellie Rowe rowekell@msu.edu THE STATE NEWS ■■

N

oah Matchett’s day begins at 8 a.m. before many students take their first bite of cereal.

The agricultural industries sophomore spends his day balancing school and the physically demanding task of feeding 400 sheep each day at the MSU Sheep Teaching and Research Center, 3885 Hagadorn Road, in Okemos. Matchett’s work is manual — no machines, no shortcuts — and continues into the night. He lives in the center and rises periodically to check on the sheep. Sometimes, Matchett’s not sure it’s all worth $7.40 an hour — Michigan’s minimum wage rate and higher than the federally-mandated $7.25 an hour. “It’s worth more than that in the private industry,” he said. “That is fair for some jobs and too little for others.” During his State of the Union address two weeks ago, President Barack Obama proposed raising the federal minimum wage and requiring all employers to pay workers at least $9 an hour. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 4.4 million Americans earn minimum wage at about $15,080 per year, and more than half of them are under the age of 25 — the age range of many MSU students. “It could mean the difference between groceries or the food bank, rent or eviction, scraping by or finally getting ahead,” Obama said of the wage increase. Students, experts and businesses now are facing the possible consequences of the possible increase, both good and bad.

JULIA NAGY/THE STATE NEWS

ABOVE: Agricultural industries sophomore Noah Matchett feeds sheep Thursday at the MSU Sheep Teaching and Research Center, 3885 Hagadorn Road, in Okemos. Matchett is paid minimum wage at his job. BELOW: Interdisciplinary studies in social science senior Allyson Varley smiles while ringing up customers Tuesday at the Student Book Store, 421 E. Grand River Ave.

Minimum wage and MSU tuition compared Since 1980 Minimum wage Orange

Cost per credit Blue

Tuition is 14 times $50 higher today than it was in 1980, while the $40 minimum wage is less than 2.5 times higher

$500 Currently: $420.75

$400

$30

Who gets the benefits Obama proposed increasing the minimum wage to help balance national income inequality. However, some experts argue who the increase actually will impact. About 22 percent of the total workforce will be affected by the proposed wage increase. That includes about 12 percent of the workforce under 20 years old, such as underclassmen stuSee WAGES on page 2 X

$300 Proposed: $9.00

$20

Currently: $7.40

$10

$100

$0 1980

1990

2000

$200

2010

2013

$0

SOURCE: US DEPARTMENT OF L ABOR, MSU CONTROLLER’S OFFICE INFOGR APHIC BY LIAM ZANYK MCLEAN | SN ADAM TOOLIN/THE STATE NEWS

To hear MSU students sound off on the minimum wage proposal, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

BASKETBALL

POLICY

Spartans prepare for tough games ahead By Josh Mansour mansou13@msu.edu THE STATE NEWS ■■

For Keith Appling, it still hurts. It’s not losing to the top team in the country that stings. After all, there’s no shame in that. It’s one simple thought that has gnawed away at him for the past three days, one that led him to spend Tuesday night alone, trying to sleep it off. “I just didn’t bring it,” the junior guard said of his performance in the Spartans’ 72-68 loss to Indiana. “It was tough. I really didn’t want to talk to nobody. I didn’t want to be seen. I didn’t hang out with nobody. I just went home, got into bed. I didn’t even watch TV. I just went home, got into bed and tried to sleep it off, but every time I closed my eyes, I just kept thinking about when (Indiana guard) Victor Oladipo tipped the ball in to put them up one.” It was the play that turned the game, giving Indiana a lead they never would relinquish, handing the Spartans their first loss in nearly a month and forcing them to regroup.

Senior center Derrick Nix tries to shoot around Ohio State forward Deshaun Thomas on Jan. 19, 2013, at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated Ohio State, 59-56.

More online … To view video from basketball practice, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

For Appling and company, the opportunity begins Sunday, when the No. 4 MSU men’s basketball team (22-5 overall, 11-3 Big Ten) goes on the road to take on No. 18 Ohio State (19-7, 9-5) on Sunday (4 p.m., CBS) in Columbus, Ohio. “It’s something I can’t dwell on. We have another top-15 (caliber) team coming up, so we’ve just got to get ready for them,” Appling said. In the moments following the loss to Indiana, Tom Izzo said he didn’t have the ability to see any positives. But in the past few days working with his team, the Spartans’ head coach said he’s learned a lot. “Right after the game, there was so many things I was upset about,” Izzo said. “I learned a lot today. I learned that we’re excited to be here. They were disappointed and then Keith was disappointed — those

ADAM TOOLIN/ THE STATE NEWS

are all positive things. (Sophomore guard Branden Dawson) was in here working out on his off day. Those are all positive

things.” Tuesday’s loss was the See SPARTANS on page 2 X

ASMSU advocates to amend jury duty rule By Robert Bondy bondyrob@msu.edu THE STATE NEWS ■■

ASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, officials are looking to improve students’ studies after passing a bill at Thursday night’s general assembly meeting to postpone jury duty for full-time students. The bill passed by ASMSU will advocate for an amendment allowing full-time students in a college or university to have jury duty postponed. “It would give full-time students a really great opportunity to put this on hold and be able to focus on their classes and not worry about all these other pieces that come into conflict with jury duty,” ASMSU James Madison College representative Jessica Leacher said. The bill will advocate for another bill that former East Lansing mayor and current state Rep. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing, will be introducing in early March. “I think with the typical sched-

ule students take, it is really hard for students to manage that course load, while at the same time doing jury duty,” Singh said. To be classified as a full-time student, one must be taking at least 12 credits per semester, Singh said.

The bill will advocate for an amendment to allow full-time students to postpone their jury duty because of academics There are no current MSU policies for excused absences involving jury duty, with students having to work out an arrangement with faculty for all their classes, University Ombudsperson Robert Caldwell said. “I would say that most faculty would understand that jury duty is a responsibility of citizens, and if you get called to do jury duty, that you have the same right as any other citizen See POLICY on page 2 X

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News brief ASMSU provides second spring concert ASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, officials passed a bill at Thursday night’s general assembly meeting to provide up to $250,000 for a spring concert. The concert tentatively is scheduled for April 11, as part of the organization’s efforts to raise ASMSU voting awareness. Elections for ASMSU positions will take place from April 8-15. ASMSU officials said the concert artist will not be released until contracts are signed, but they currently are working on a contract with an artist who has won multiple Grammy Awards. ASMSU will look to announce the concert artist officially in mid March. ROBERT BONDY

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WAGES

wage anyway,� he said.

Increasing minimum wage could impact student hiring process

Employer vs. employee According to a Pew Research Center poll, 71 percent of Americans support raising the minimum wage, but the debate for and against the increase is more complex than that. Matchett said most students working for minimum wage probably would support the pay increase. The wage increase could lead to layoffs from employers unsatisfied with the quality of work they are getting for their money. Ballard said employees who are working for the current minimum wage possess the skills to produce about $7.40 worth of work, but employers could decide paying these same workers $9 isn’t worth the work they are producing and start implementing layoffs. Employers should pay students for what they can contribute to the company, and some haven’t had enough experience to merit $9 an hour yet, Matchett said. “Some students are worth minimum wage — not because they’re poor at things, just because they haven’t had the experience in the field,� he said. “Some students have had quite a bit of experience and have the skills that worth a little bit more.� Mike Wiley, assistant manager of the Student Book Store, 421 E. Grand River Ave., said his workers start at minimum wage.

FROM PAGE ONE

dents at MSU, and about 88 percent of workers 20 and older, such as upperclassman and graduate students, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Although Obama proposed the increase to help low-income families, economics professor Charles Ballard said those aren’t the people the increase will affect. “Some of the people who get the minimum wage are teenagers with affluent parents,� he said. “If the minimum wage goes up and those affluent teenagers keep their jobs, it does not do anything to reduce poverty.� Some students use minimum wage jobs throughout East Lansing to pay MSU’s average $12,700 tuition for in-state undergraduates. While tuition today is about 14 times higher than in 1980, minimum wage is less than 2.5 times higher. However, economics professor Stephen Woodbury said the increase is more likely to affect an MSU student’s younger brother or sister. “It has less of an effect on people once they hit age 20 because they’re higher productivity and are making more than minimum

Although he is unsure how the minimum wage increase would affect the book store, he said increasing the minimum wage incrementally year to year, rather than the dramatic jump from $7.40 to $9 an hour, would decide how many students the store hires. An uncertain job market The task of finding employment in an uncertain job market often looms in the back of students’ minds as they work toward earning a degree. The question is whether a minimum wage increase would negatively impact the job market and availability of jobs, and Ballard said economists can’t seem to agree on the answer. MSU’s annual Recruiting Trends show a 5 percent increase in hiring graduates with bachelor’s degrees. Computer science, business, English and advertising majors are seeing increases in employment, but engineering and accounting majors are suffering, according to the report. He said based on his interpretation, studies show the increase for those who keep their jobs will be more than the job losses. “On the whole, the low-wage group would have increased earnings,� he said. “But as I (said), that overall increase in earnings is the result of higher wages for some and lost jobs for others.� Woodbury said studies have

been done to examine whether raising the minimum wage would have a stimulating effect on the economy, based on the assumption workers earning more money will have more money to spend. From his understanding, studies show the wage increase doesn’t prove to have that effect, and if anything, it could lead to lost jobs and cut hours. He said the weak state of the nation’s labor market isn’t the most ideal environment for the increase. “I can’t imagine a worse time to raise the minimum wage,� Woodbury said. “It’s certainly not going to create jobs.� However, according to a Center for Economic Policy Research study, research concludes the minimum wage has little effect on overall employment because the impact of wage increases is small in comparison to most business’ overall costs. The study explains employers might compensate by reducing hours, cutting training and reducing pay for highly paid workers, but still hiring the same amount of people. Long story short, Congress hasn’t decided whether to take action on the minimum wage increase and experts aren’t certain whether an increase will mean more money in the workplace or less jobs for students. For now, Noah still will tend to his sheep at the current minimum wage.

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POLICY

believes jury duty isn’t always bad for students. “I’ve done some research in the area, (and) people who go through jury duty are glad they did — if they end up on the jury, that is,� Kalt said. Kalt also said most of the local defendants in East Lansing normally are students, so the removal of students from the juror pool could be problematic. With the bill passing, ASMSU will work to gain support for the efforts and increase awareness of the bill. ASMSU is planning to work with students across Michigan. “(The) next step would probably be to talk to other colleges in Michigan and let them know that this legislation is being considered and gather support for when this will be introduced,� Miller said. “Once we have a lot of student support, we will go to Singh (to) get him to pursue this.�

Student gov’t plans to work with Singh on statewide bill eorts FROM PAGE ONE

to attend,� Caldwell said. Singh brought up the idea of ASMSU pursuing a bill in this subject a few weeks ago when he meet with ASMSU members, with a bill forming shortly after, ASMSU Vice President for Governmental Affairs Dylan Miller said. “What I wanted to do was see if the student community was supportive of a bill like this,� Singh said. “So I wanted the student government to look at it and see if they would want to support it.� The idea of jury duty taking away from class work is something ASMSU is trying to change, but MSU law professor Brian Kalt

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beginning of a tough stretch for the Spartans, where MSU will face the top four teams in the conference in consecutive games. Izzo said he was told Thursday MSU will be the first team in the country this season to play four consecutive conference games against ranked teams, and it’s with that in mind he’s able to

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find perspective. “This is the time of the year where I’m turning up the pressure on them. We’re still pretty young and the leadership is still a question mark. It’s not great. So it’s harder to read it, but I like the fact that they know they’re playing for something. I’ve always said this ‌ the last two weeks of the season, you should be playing for something in your conference and now we are. That’s a big thing,â€? Izzo said. “We’re still playing for, right now, our fourth Big Ten championship in five years. You know, we’re still playing as a team that has a chance to be a top three or four seed, no matter what happens. ‌That’s a lot to play for.â€?

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EX-ISRAELI SOLDIERS SHARE COMBAT STORIES WITH MSU ROTC By Christine LaRouere larouer4@msu.edu THE STATE NEWS ■■

“I want peace more than anything in the world,” said Lital Shemesh, former Israeli combat soldier in the border police unit of Israel Defense Forces, or IDF. “But I will not apologize for defending my country or my right to live.” Army and Air Force ROTC cadets attended a lecture Thursday at Demonstration Hall where Shemesh and Ari Sharon, who served in the special forces unit and was active during the Second Intifada, shared experiences from being a combat soldier. He said he wanted people to understand what it’s like to live in Israel, where there always is confl ict. Between personal stories about what they have seen in combat and how they work with the Israeli government, Lt. Col. Jeff McDonald, the chairperson for Department of Military Science for the MSU Army ROTC, said hearing the soldiers’ stories will help cadets learn how the army is different in other parts of the world. “These types of dialogues challenge the cadets on their understanding (to) inspire them to go out and research the issues,” McDonald said. “It is hard to have both perspectives in one place, so this is a way where we can have discussions and learn.” One of the main issues discussed during the lecture

was about how the Pentagon announced Jan. 24 that women will be placed in combat roles. Shemesh was a woman placed in a combat role in the IDF, and she shed light during the lecture on how the U.S. can begin the process of incorporating women and help women understand why it is so important. “When I got into my specific unit, some guys would say comments like, ‘This girl can’t do what I do,’ but by going in these roles, it gives women more independence,” Shemesh said. “Women are not capable to do all the physical things, so the U.S. should fi nd specific units where women can fit in.” Abigail Ost wald , executive officer in Spartan Battalion, said hearing Shemesh and Sharon talk about their experiences was an interesting way to change other people’s opinions. “There is something in the importance of learning about differences as well as similarities with other countries,” Ostwald said. “It can bridge the gap of previous ignorance or indifference.” Shemesh said the lecture not only helps U.S. students hear about the workings of the Israeli army, but also helps show them why serving in the Israel army is an honor for most Israelis. “When I joined the army, I wanted to guard my friends and family,” Shemesh said. “It’s not a choice, but a duty.”

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Going down singing Biological science junior Bob Reed practices karate in class Tuesday at IM Sports-West. Reed has taken two semesters of karate classes. PHOTOS BY K ATIE STIEFEL/THE STATE NEWS

B

iological science junior Bob Reed fights hard and sings softly. “For 50 minutes twice a week, I’m not thinking of anything but punching and kicking,” Reed said. “It’s fantastic.” Reed said he blows off steam during karate classes at IM Sports-West twice a week but also when he rehearses with his a cappella group, Capital Green. “We are a very close-knit group of friends that have pretty much become family,” Reed said, of the a cappella group. “You hear people talk about other groups, and

the way they talk about them, they don’t sound as close.” Reed said he learns patience and understanding from Capital Green and control and discipline from the karate classes he’s taken since fall 2012. “It’s really cool how everyone is there to help you and you’re there to help them,” he said about karate class. “It’s always a give and take, and it’s really nice.” – Katie Stiefel, The State News

More online … To see a video of Reed practicing karate and singing, visit statenews.com/ multimedia.

Reed, right, sings with women’s and gender studies sophomore Mara Abramson Wednesday at the Music building. Reed is a member of MSU’s Capital Green a cappella group.

Study: Parents have effect on mental health of college students By Isabella Shaya shayaisa@msu.edu THE STATE NEWS ■■

For some students, their parents stop telling them to eat their vegetables at a young age. For others, this continues through college. A researcher at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia found college students who have overruling parents are more likely to feel depressed, less confident and anxious. Holly Schiffrin, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Mary Washington, conducted the study after being contacted by her students’ parents about issues she would expect the student to address. About 300 undergraduate students participated in the study. One part of the study asked the participants to read statements online concerning their mothers’ parenting and indicate how much they related to it, such as, “My mother has a say in what major I choose,” “She monitors when I exercise” and “If I got a grade I thought was unfair, my mom would

inform my professor.” The answers were used to compute how the students felt about their relatedness, autonomy and competence, she said. “Their parents will rush in and solve the (problem) for them,” Schiffrin said. “The way we develop new skills for solving problems is that you have to solve those problems (yourself).” Schiffrin said the students were not asked if they live

at home or not, but she said the school is a residential college. Niki Kuzmowicz, a psychology and German junior , said her parents have given her independence since she was young, but they still check up on her to make sure she’s doing well. Kuzmowicz said over-controlling parents should back off when their child gets to college. “College is supposed to be (about being) independent,”

Kuzmowicz said. “It’s time to grow and go on your own.” English visiting assistant professor Elizabeth Pellerito said she is not allowed to give a parent information on their child’s performance without the student’s consent because of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA. Pellerito said she has not faced a situation where a par-

ent contacts her, but she has heard some of her colleagues have in the past. “I would hope (all) faculty know about it (and) know rights and responsibilities,” she said Pellerito said she takes precautions to avoid any issues. “I try to make the expectations pretty clear so there are no surprises when they get

Crossword

ACROSS

1 Foxx who played Ray 6 Place for shades 10 Hard-hitting sound 14 Look embarrassed, maybe 15 “Metamorphoses” poet 16 He helped get Cassio demoted 17 Carving tools 18 North African prison wear? 20 Bring down to earth 21 “Rats!” 22 Nancy Drew books pseudonym 23 Disinfectant brand 25 Scout leader 26 Went on a date, perhaps 28 Soft material 30 Affectedly reserved 31 Rugrat 32 Trifle 36 Rapper who founded Aftermath Entertainment 37 Lint depository? 40 Bustle 41 __-Indian War 43 It has some crust 44 Makes more elegant, with “up” 46 Pillages 48 Storied swinger 49 Spot for a belt 52 “The Fox and the Crow” writer

their grades,” she said. Schiffrin said she thinks some students might need the extra support from a parent. “Parents that are involved at this level, I think they have good intentions, but I don’t know for sure,” she said. “They want their kids to be successful. Maybe (the parents) don’t realize it might be having the effect that it is.”

L.A. Times Daily Puzzle

53 Fugitive’s invention 54 Helper 56 Begin to dive 59 Really short haircut? 61 “Today” anchor before Meredith 62 Nasty 63 Case for pins and needles 64 Chilling 65 Take away 66 Capital of Estonia 67 Grant player

DOWN

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

33 Ride a Russian statesman? 34 Notion 35 Cap’n’s mate 38 Skin cream target 39 Tijuana relatives 42 Mrs. __ cow 45 Insidious malware with a classically derived name 47 Thereabouts 49 __ Tigers: Sri Lankan separatists 50 Mrs. Kramden of Chauncey Street 51 NyQuil manufacturer 52 WWII Italian beachhead 54 Rwanda native 55 Bleu shade 57 Chuck E. Cheese et al. 58 Review target 60 Opie’s great-aunt 61 Camping org.

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Featured blog

Opinion

A narration: Taking a test “OK. Another day, another test you did not study for. Why did I stay up all night playing Mario Kart instead of studying? That’s right, because Mario Kart is awesome. Totally worth it. It can’t be that bad, can it?”

OU R VOICE | E DITORIAL

PRACTICALITY PRIME FACET OF CITY PROPOSALS EDITORIAL BOARD Andrew Krietz EDITOR IN CHIEF Katie Harrington OPINION EDITOR Greg Olsen OPINION WRITER Derek Blalock STAFF REPRESENTATIVE Omari Sankofa II MINORITY REPRESENTATIVE Caleb Nordgren STAFF WRITER

A

s the first official day of spring draws near, the city of East Lansing is looking ahead to construction season.

The city is in the process of reviewing seven proposals for the 2.82-acre segment of downtown that would be renovated. Multiple proposals would feature a farmers market or grocery store, with parking, residential space and hotels as other points of commonality. While we remain skeptical anything will actually happen after such high-profile projects, such as City Center II have flopped in recent years, there

— Michael Koury, State News reporter

could be a real boon to an area that has a lot of visitors coming through for things such as sporting events and graduation ceremonies. Lurvey White Ventures proposed a 120-room hotel with a 200-person banquet hall, while the submission from MTB Partners, LLC and Visser Brothers Development opts for a 100-room hotel along with 80 residential housing units. Urban Cultural and Arts District, LLC also proposes a hotel, but the proposal includes no specific number of rooms. With parents and friends of current students visiting MSU, not to mention alumni and prospective students, Kellogg Center and the East Lansing Marriott at University Place are not equipped to handle a sufficient number of guests. A new hotel would be useful in that respect. DTN Managment Co.’s proposal is one of four — along with the aforementioned Urban Cultural and Arts District, MTB Partners and Lurvey White proposals — that would provide for a farmers market or local grocery store. For East Lansing residents and MSU students

certainly are improvements that could be made. A proposal from Capstone Collegiate Communities, LLC and Vlahakis Companies would create 280 residential housing units, along with space for retail and offices. But with the vast amount of housing already available in East Lansing, there are better options for the city to serve both MSU students and East Lansing permanent residents. Core Campus, LLC has proposed building two new buildings, one eight stories and the other six stories, featuring a total of 181 luxury housing units. There also would be a 382-space parking structure. There are a couple of issues inherent in such a project. First, what exactly is a luxury housing unit? The term “luxury” is very subjective and could mean almost anything, depending on who you asked. Second, with the vast majority of East Lansing’s already plentiful housing occupied by students, what good does luxury housing do? Students are looking for affordable places to live, not expensive ones. Another proposal, from Parkside Project, LLC, doesn’t even give specifics, so it would seem unlikely to be picked by the city. Three proposals explicitly mention a hotel, which

Read the rest online at statenews.com/blog.

who have to choose between making the trek to a Meijer or paying higher prices at a store such as Quality Dairy, a local source of essentials would be helpful. A year-long farmers market also would help expand East Lansing’s image as a city of the arts and provide an outlet for local produce. DTN’s proposal also includes 400 parking spaces and provisions for a hotel and residential units. The new source of parking would be helpful to a city currently struggling to provide space beyond what is available on the MSU campus, which isn’t an option for everyone. Whichever proposal the city decides to take on, it is crucial that each of these elements is considered to satisfy both permanent and temporary residents.

Comments from readers

EDITORIAL CARTOONIST

■■

“Schools should consider covering sex-change surgery” We’re talking about ‘elective surgery’ here. Since when has that ever been covered under health insurance. If we’re going to cover sex change operations, shouldn’t we cover everything from nose jobs to having your fat sucked out. This is just plain ridiculous.

MICHAEL HOLLOWAY hollow83@msu.edu

Lexi, Feb. 20 via statenews.com

Featured podcast Googley-eyed This week, a new promo for the Internetconnected glasses known as Google Glass was released and spread around the internet like wildfire. This new technology is a big deal — people are calling it “one of the biggest advancements in personal computing in years.” But is Google Glass a cool idea, or a fad that’s destined to shatter?

JUST SO YOU KNOW N_\i\Xi\pfl^f`e^]fijgi`e^Yi\Xb6

TODAY’S STATE NEWS POLL

Out of the country 6%

What do you think is the best element of the proposed plans for downtown East Lansing?

One 23% Florida 22% Somewhere else in the U.S. 16%

To vote, visit statenews.com.

Home 56% 0

Hear the rest online at statenews.com/multimedia.

10

20

30 40 PERCENT

50

60

Total votes: 51 as of 5 p.m. Thursday

Somethin’ bout a truck gettin’ towed down the street

A

s I watched my truck slowly elevate into the back of the tower’s fl atbed yesterday afternoon, only two thoughts seemed to pass through my head. The first was how uncomfortable the next phone call with my mom was going to be. For almost a month now, my truck — a handed down 2005 Ford F-150 — has been anchored in my driveway, taking up roughly two parking spots and being the center of conflict between me and my roommates. As someone who likes to avoid confl ict, the idea of telling my mom about the condition of my truck seemed foolish. Since the vehicle already was immobile — and rooted safely in the comfort of my driveway — what good would tell-

ing my mom about the problem solve? Instead of listening to my mother sigh heavily on the phone, call me “Gregory” and offer to drive down and stay in East Lansing for the night, I decided to take matters into my own hands and figure out the situation for myself. Needless to say, that plan fell through. But as unsettling as the idea of talking to my mom was, the second thought I couldn’t shake from my head was how much I didn’t feel like a man because of this predicament. As a guy, there are certain talents you’re expected to pick up by the time you reach a certain age. From knowing what tool fixes the random appliance that breaks in your house to figuring out the reasons your car won’t start, these skills are presumed to be inherent abilities that — as if by some magical way — you wake up and

answer to my problem would possess. But as I stood in my drive- be found from an expensive way yesterday — doing little trip to the repair shop, a part more than holding a wrench of me didn’t want to go. As I watched the small army for the person under my car and collecting the snowfl akes of service men and tow trucks gather in front of my that fell on my house and do everyshou lder s — I t hing t hey could realized I some- GUEST COLUMNIST to move the roothow had missed ed object that was the boat. my car, I couldn’t In the weeks help but be jealleading up to my ous of each of their t r uc k brea k ing talents. down, I had done If this had hapmore to help my pened to one of situation besides GREG OLSEN them, they wouldn’t keepi ng ju mp olsengr2@msu.edu need to call anyone er cables in my to come bail them c a r a nd u si ng them each time I needed to out of the situation. If this had happened to one go somewhere. And as horrible of an idea as of them, they could figure out this obviously was, the most a way to open up the hood of depressing aspect of this was their car, move some parts it represented the only knowl- around and get their car movedge I had about trying to fi x ing without ever having to contact their moms and any point a car. Although I knew the only in between.

But as depressing as this situation might seem, it doesn’t have to be looked at as entirely being bad. In a week, my truck will be fixed and this event will remain a point in my life when I went out of my way to avoid doing what had to be done. But maybe realizing this is a more important lesson about being a man than anything else I could take away from it. By the time my truck is returned, I already will have had the conversation with my mom I have been dreading since yesterday afternoon. She most likely already will have spent some amount of time being disappointed in her son, but ultimately — like always — she will figure out some way to move on. Although this still doesn’t validate putting off telling my mom about the car, I think it speaks volumes for what being a man actually means.

How to reach us 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. Questions? Contact Opinion Editor Katie Harrington at (517) 432-3070.

By email opinion@statenews.com; By fax (517) 432-3075; By mail Letters to the Editor, The State News, 435 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823

No matter how much I try, I most likely will never in my life have the skill set required to fi x any part of my car that happens to break down. I most likely will never be able to tell you the difference between certain wrenches you might fi nd in a tool box and I might even need some help getting rid of a bug that makes its way into my house. But that’s all right. Being a man doesn’t always mean you have the skills to do each of these things, but the maturity it takes to seek out help during the times when you need it most. Although watching my car get dragged down the street was an especially humbling lesson for a 22-year-old to learn, it serves as the fi rst of many things I still have to learn about growing up. Now I think I’ll just wait until after spring break to show my mom the bill.

STAT E NE WS.CO M | T HE STAT E N EWS | F RIDAY, F EB RUA RY 22, 2013 |

Sports

5

SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Campbell, sports@statenews.com PHONE (517) 432-3070 FAX (517) 432-3075

THOMAS STEPS UP PLAY AS MSU CAREER NEARS ITS END By Stephen Brooks brook198@msu.edu THE STATE NEWS ■■

With three games left in the regular season, as well as the Big Ten tournament and NCAA Tournament on the horizon, the final chapter has yet to be written on this year’s MSU women’s basketball team. If there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that senior guard Jasmine Thomas will have a hand in whatever shakes out for the Spartans this season. Prior to the one-point loss to Michigan on Feb. 16, Thomas had a moment of realization: her time in Green and White is coming to an end. A sit-down with head coach Suzy Merchant and time spent reflecting led Thomas to understand she had to elevate her performance both on the court and as a leader. Against the Wolverines, she logged a career-high 21 points and followed up with an out-

“It definitely makes me feel good, but I don’t want to be the only one. I want to be able to be there fighting with my team. … It’s definitely another level we can all pick up”

standing all-around performance in a win against Northwestern on Wednesday with 10 points, three assists, three steals, six rebounds and three blocks, two of which came against Northwestern forwards standing at or above 6 feet 5-inches. “She’s been doing it,” Merchant said after the win against the Wildcats. “I said in the locker room after the game that I would love to go back in time and play with Jasmine Thomas. I would be the fi rst player to chest bump and

Jasmine Thomas, senior guard

high five her watching some of the stuff she does out there.” Thomas described her new approach in the season’s homestretch as “a different level of determination.” Aside from her on-court production, the biggest change she’s made is becoming a more vocal leader on the court. When Merchant comes down on players in practice, Thomas keeps them level-headed as the selfdescribed “calming presence.” “She leads by example better than she does vocally,” sophomore forward Becca Mills said. “When she gets tips and steals and ignites us on defense and ignites our offense, I think

In a starting lineup that’s seen its share of shake ups this season, Thomas is one of three players to start all 26 games for the MSU women’s basketball team

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Jasmine Thomas’ season statistics Points per game: 9.3 (Second on team) Rebounds per game: 5.3 (Third on team) Assists per game: 3.1 (Leads team) Steals per game: 1.9 (leads team) Minutes per game: 34.4 (Second on team) SOURCE: MSU ATHLETICS

be there fighting with my team. … It’s defi nitely another level we can all pick up,” Thomas said.

Horoscope By Linda C. Black

stress and frees you from those thoughts, so they no longer dominate you. Burn them if you like.

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today is an 8 — Bridge the gap between work and fun with inventiveness. Sit down with your team, and play the game like you mean it. Losing shows you what’s missing. Celebrate your victories.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 7 — Create a book or recording. Spread your ideas far and wide; they’re worth sharing. Getting into any kind of action on the project breaks writer’s block. It’s a very educational process.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Today is an 8 — Gather more data. The news affects your decisions. Follow through on what you promised. Communication is key. Take time to explore new territory.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today is a 9 — Focus on home and family for the next few days. Mix old and new for the perfect idea. Graciously ask for help to move forward. Use honey, not vinegar.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Today is an 8 — All this attention can be exhausting. Take some time for yourself and your own thoughts, but don’t take yourself too seriously. A spoonful of humor makes the medicine go down.

10 IS THE EASIEST DAY — 0 THE MOST CHALLENGING

RATES

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that’s what really gets us rolling and we all jump on board with her.” Midway through the season, Merchant openly spoke about the need for the senior class — meaning Thomas and forward Courtney Schiffauer — to step up and shoulder the load from a leadership standpoint when adversity struck. The sixth-year coach is pleased with how the captain from Flint has responded as of late, now she wants the rest of the team to match Thomas’ level. “It’s just something more this team needs to be that team we were in the beginning … just little things we can do to fine-

tune things,” Thomas said. “I just felt like me as a senior and being experienced and (a) captain is kind of — I’m taking it upon myself to be that.” Coaches repeatedly talk about wanting to peak near the end of the regular season to gear up for a deep post-season run. That can’t be said about the entire MSU team right now, but Thomas is unquestionably playing her best basketball of the season — and possibly her career. If she can inspire the same degree of urgency throughout the roster, MSU will hit its stride at the right time. “It defi nitely makes me feel good, but I don’t want to be the only one. I want to be able to

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Today is a 7 — You’re exceptionally intelligent and expressive now and for the rest of the week. Play the right chords with ease. Add words to the melody. Keep a secret. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today is an 8 — Include enough information for clarity and to clear misunderstandings before they grow out of proportion. You profit from this, possibly financially. Invest in your business. Pay it forward.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Today is a 9 — Improve your communications, especially with those who love you. Trust your instincts. Acknowledge those who are there for you when you need them, and make sure the message gets across. Romance kindles. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Today is a 9 — Put down your thoughts for yourself, not necessarily for posterity. Getting words on paper releases

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today is a 9 — The more careful you are with details, the better you look. It’s a good time to work on taxes and finances. Answer a call to action, and schedule it. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Today is a 9 — A new associate could become a valuable partner. Explain the long-term game plan. Share the load today and tomorrow, but hold on to the responsibility. Get it in writing. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) Today is an 8 — Eat healthy and rest to avoid getting sick. Handle work issues with peaceful efficiency so you can take time off later. Watch out for what you ask for; you’re very persuasive now.

Employment

Employment

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Apts. For Rent

Duplex/Rent

Houses/Rent

Automotive

ARABIC SPEAKING/ reading/writing telephone interviewers wanted for polling project the week of Feb 25. 5-9pm $15/hr. Mitchell Research and Communications Inc. 517-351-4111

SURVEY INTERVIEWERS NEEDED. MSU’s Survey Research Lab is hiring telephone interviewers to conduct computerassisted interviews in English and Arabic for health and public policy studies. P/T, flex work schedule, evening and weekend hrs. req. Paid training. $8.28/hr. Higher rate for bilingual interviewers. To apply call 517-353-5404 or come to Room 10, Berkey Hall with your resume.

1,2 bdrm apts. Fall/ Summer. 126 Milford. Behind Qdoba. Heat/ Water incl. 517-3331688

AMAZING PET Friendly Apartments going fast! On Grand River just east of campus. Spacious 2 bdrms. Split floor plan. Free heat + water, plenty of parking. 2 left! Call 517-268-8562.

BRAND NEW for August 2013! Luxury 4 bed/2.5 bath 2-level apts. Furnished living room, parking avail, located directly across from MSU. Call 517-6235302.

HUGE 3 bdrms, 2 full bath, lic for 3. On Grand River, next to campus. Prices start at $575 per person! Washer + dryer available. Parking included! Private backyard! 517-233-1121.

3 BDRM Duplex for 2013-14 school year, 1517/1519 Cambria. No app fees, free washer/ dryer & $300 off first month’s rent. Save $720! CRMC 517-337-7577, www.crmc1.com

ABOVE AVERAGE 613 Lexington Lic. 4, Eamon Kelly 714.654.2701 or enkellyjr@gmail.com

2012 KIA Soul Plus. Hard to find. “Hamster Car”. Exc cond. 11,000 mi. $18,399. 882-4689.

AUG 2 houses, 4 Bdrm. Lic. for 4. W/D near MSU. Melrose and Marigold. 517-204-7902.

CLOSE TO MSU. 1 2 & 3 bdrm Apts avail Fall 2013. Heat and water included. Cats or small dogs welcome. Call 517-507-4160.

NOW LEASING 1 bedroom apartments and studios for 2013-14. Contact CRMC at 517337-7577. www.crmc1. com

Houses/Rent 111 OAK HILL. 2 bdrm. Lic. 2. $1,050/month. No pets. 332-8600

HOUSE FOR Rent. 4 bdrm, 2 bath. $1400/mo. 517-482-3624

‘99 SUBARU OUTBACK, air, cruise, CD, 126K miles, clean, well-maintained, $3500. Call 517332-5951.

GOING FAST! Huge 2 bdrm w/ walk-out patio or balcony overlooks Red Cedar. East side of campus, walk or bike to class. Free heat + water. August. $450 per person. Call 517-268-8457.

ST ANNE Lofts Downtown EL. Luxury studios, 2 bdrm & 4 bdrm avail now & Fall ‘13. Partially furnished, dog friendly, in-home washer/dryer. 517-224-1080.

1816.5 MICHIGAN. Near Macs bar. No app fees, free washer/dryer & $400 off first month’s rent. Save $960! CRMC 517-337-7577, www. crmc1.com

Duplex/Rent

2 BDRM, close to Frandor, newer appliances, brand new furnace & carpet. $725/month. Call 517-204-4606.

BOARDING KENNELS looking to hire an energetic, caring personnel. P/T, days, weekends, holidays. Exp helpful. Send resume to Melissa 714 Gulick, Haslett, MI 48840. DATA ENTRY Work 3/13/24. Nights and wkends only. Data entry experience required. Call Adam at 517.332.1502. M-F 10A-2P at Phone Bank Systems, Inc. HIRING SERVERS/ cooks at Reno’s East Sports Bar. Apply in person, 1310 Abbot Road. IMMEDIATE OPENINGS, Great starting pay. flex. schedule around class, great resume builder in customer sales and service. call 517-333-1700 or @ workforstudents. com PHONE SURVEYS, flex hrs, up to $9.00/hr, East Mich Ave location. 4828884. SMILING FACES wanted! immediate openings for front counter help. Part time, flex sched. Afternoons and Sat. 20-28 hrs/wk. Seeking someone who is friendly, reliable, punctual, detail oriented, upbeat and has a positive attitude. Must have reliable transportation. Start at $8.50 apply at any Baryames location. No phone calls please.

T E L E P H O N E RESEARCHERS wanted. $9/hr. Evening shifts 5-9pm. Flexible scheduling. Mitchell Research And Communications, inc. Call 517-351-4111. WAIT STAFF, all shifts. Immediate openings. Apply at Paul Revere’s Tavern. 517-332-6960. WORK ON Mackinac Island this summer. The Island House Hotel and Ryba’s Fudge Shops are looking for seasonal help in all areas: Front Desk, Bell Staff, Wait Staff, Sales Clerks, and Baristas. Housing, bonus, and discounted meals available. 1(906)847-7196. www. theislandhouse.com

Apts. For Rent 1 & 2 BDRM avail now & fall! Heat and water included and cat friendly. Spacious and quiet. Call today 517-233-1150.

2 BED/ 2 BATH, Private entrance, central air, pet friendly, fireplace, garages avail. Starting at $735. Move-in special now, $300 off 2nd month’s rent. Limited availability. Now accepting pre-leases for Summer and Fall. 888-709-0125 3 BDRM luxury apts avail Aug ‘13 from $585. Located near MSU athletic events. Each apt features gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, in-home washer/ dryer, furnished living room, 2 full baths, parking garage, large balcony and intercom entry, internet and sat TV incl in rent. 517-268-8624 3 BDRM, license for 5. 1 bdrm, license for 2. Avail. for 2013-2014. Walking dist. Call 517612-6918.

AUG 13’ studio apts downtown E.L. 517-575-0008. www.hudginsrealty.com. No pets. AUG 50 yrds to MSU. Lic 1-2. Wood flrs. St. 1 Bdrm eff. 332-4818. AVAILABLE NOW! 1 or 2 Bdrm apt. Remodeled kitchen. Heat + water included. Parking, Cata #1. 517-268-8562. AWESOME POOL views! From $390 per person! 1 bed next to campus. New Hot Tub! Spacious floor plan, tons of closet space, newly remodeled. Heat and water incl. Call 517-268-8481 or stop by Capitol Villa Apts today!

HASLETT ARMS - Avail. Fall ‘13. Spacious 2 bdrm next to campus and downtown. Lic. For 4. Won’t last long! Call 517-489-3103. Dtnmgt. com/has.

4 BDRM Apt - Available Fall ‘13. Completely remodeled. In unit washer + dryer. 1 block from campus. Cedar Street Apts - 517-507-0081. dtnmgt.com 8 STORY BRAND NEW Aug 2013, downtown, The Residences, corner Albert/Grove, 2 & 3 bdrm, luxury living, washer/dryer, parking incl. Live in the heart of campus-no bus pass required! www.cronmgt. com or 351-1177.

Vote for the Best of MSU at

statenews.com/bestof

1317 APPLEGATE. Avail now. Nice. 3bdrm/2bth. $1000/mo+ 332-7726.

SMALL 3 BDRM, close to campus, avail. beginning summer semester 2013. Call 231-845-9265.

Misc. For Sale ST. PATTY’S Day Shirts Now In Stock @ Collegeville Textbook CO! 1 for $11.99 or 2 for $16.98!

RECYCLE this newspaper, please.

BREWER SALVAGE buyer of cars, batteries, converters, and nonserrous metals. 517-8030288.

Personal SINGLE WEREWOLF seeks veterinarian. Meet me behind HG 3987.7.O23

Business Opp. S T U D E N T PAY O U T S . COM Paid survey takers needed in E.L. 100% Free. Click Surveys.

Features

STAT E NE WS.CO M | F RIDAY, F EB RUA RY 22, 2013 | T HE STAT E N EWS |

6

FEATURES EDITOR Matt Sheehan, features@statenews.com PHONE (517) 432-3070 FAX (517) 432-3075

THE More online … To see more awards, including “Character you would want to date,” visit statenews.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNCHAINEDMOVIE .COM

is the seas season, on, lad ladies dies gentlemen, and gentle emen, for the Academy Awa Awards rds are almost upon us. Bette Better er known as “The Oscars,” the be best est in film will be awarded with wiith the holy grail of enterta entertainment. ainment. Or, so one might tthink. hink. Here at The State New News, ws, the staff broke down this this year in

movies and voted on what really matters. Who needs Best Picture while there is a “Favorite Avenger” award being handed out? That award, and more, were selected to receive the first ever, coveted SNOscar awards. THE STATE NEWS FEATURES DESK

Cha Character aracter you wou uld want to would han ng out with: hang

Most predictable ending:

“Lincoln”

D

on’t see the play, Lincoln, it got bad reviews! “Lincoln” has the most predictable ending, no doubt. It was a great movie, but as we all know, history repeats itself. My Grandma was so intrigued in the predictable plot of the movie that she fell asleep not once, but twice. Come on Spielberg, after Lincoln slayed Vampires, you would at least think Lincoln could shoot John Wilkes Booth this time around. RUANNE WALWORTH

Runner-ups: “Argo,” “Zero Dark Thirty”

Dr. King Schultz ultz W

Follow our Twitter feed @sn_ features during the Oscars Sunday night. It’s smashing! ILLUSTR ATONS BY DREW DZWONKOWSKI | SN

T

hat’s not to love about Christoph Waltz’s s portrayal of Dr. Schultz in Tarantino’s s latest bloodstained blockbuster, “Django Unchained”? The beard, the clever ever dialogue, the taste for revenge. And d where can I get an accent like lik ke that? ADAM TOOLIN OOLIN

Runner-ups: r-ups: James Bond, The Navy y S from “Zero Dark Thirty” SEALS

Most misleading trailer:

“Silver Linings gs Playbook” W

henever I watched a “Silverr Linings Playbook” trailer on TV, it was all about ut football and dancing. I’m thinking, “Sweet, a chick flick my girlfriend can drag me to that I won’t die of boredom m from, because there is manly football in it.” Was this film m a girly-love movie with a shot of testosterone as the trailer er suggested? Heavens no. I had zero idea this was going to be a hard-hitting movie about mental illness when I walked in. It wasn’t the romantic comedy I was promised,, but then again, that might be a reason why I loved this s movie. MATT SHEEHAN

Runner-ups: “Magic Mike”

Favorite Avenger:

The Hulk k

I

n three words, Mark Ruffalo’s Hulk in “The Avengers” stole the show. “I’m always angry.” For many, “The Avengers” was the quintessential superhero movie. And no Avenger was a more effective crowdpleaser than the green guy himself. OMARI SANKOFA II

Runner-ups: Thor, Iron Man, Captain America