Wednesday 10/2/13

Taking to the dance floor Dance show tour comes to Wharton Season 10 winners from So You Think You Can Dance Amy Yakima and Fik-Shun Georgina De Moya /The state News

statenews.com | 10/2/13 | @thesnews

features, pg. 5

Michigan State University’s independent voice

it’s miller time

Family has long, storied tradition of excellence, awards throughout MSU and NHL

Hot on the state campaign trail Schauer stumps for Democratic nomination in governor race campus+city, pg. 3

gove rn m e nt

Shutdown unlikely to hurt MSU in big ways

By Michael Gerstein mgerstein@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

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

Ten players, six decades, two Hobey Baker Awards, one National Championship and countless memories.

No family has been so intertwined with a sport at MSU as the Miller family has with Spartan hockey.

“It’s a strong legacy that started back in the 50s,” Kevin Miller said. “My uncle came in the 50s, and then my cousin and my dad and we just kept following. We all grew up here and watched all the hockey games and wanted to be Michigan State Spartans. That was a big goal of ours and that’s why we worked so hard.”

Elwood “Butch” Miller blazed the trail to East Lansing from Canada in 1955, and his brother Lyle followed in 1964. Butch’s son, Dean, laced up his skates in 1978. Lyle’s trio of sons, Kelly, Kevin and Kip, played at MSU starting in 1982, 1985 and 1987, respectively.

Miller cousins Taylor and Curtis Gemmell joined the chain in 1996. Ryan Miller was the first of Dean’s sons to put on the green and white in 1999, while Ryan’s brother Drew came along in 2003.

Now, Kelly is back with the program as an assistant coach, and has been in that position since 2011.

“My dad started taking us to games very early in our life,” he said. “He was able to get us in the locker rooms, and that really ignited the passion to play at Michigan State some day. The best years of my life were here at MSU.” Win one for the Gipper

Winning is everything for the Millers.

Kevin is the only one of the group to win a National Championship, in 1987, and Kip and Ryan remain the only two Spartans to win the Hobey Baker Award, given to the top college hockey player.

“For me, it was something that I didn’t expect,” Kip said

Miller family hockey timeline 1986 NCAA Nat’l Champions 4th round pick— Quebec Nordiques First-Team All-American Hobey Baker Award Finalist

Kelly

Kevin (1984-88)

Upper Left: Kip Miller, 1989 Top: Ryan Miller and Ron Mason, 2001 SN file photos

Left: Kelly Miller (8) and Kevin Miller (10), 1985 courtesy msu athletic commun ications

“The feeling that I had after that game was probably the worst feeling I’ve had in my hockey career.”

Ryan finished his Spartan career as the all-time leader

in goals against average (1.54), save percentage (.941) and the NCAA leader in shutouts with 26, but still has yet to win a

See HOCKEY on page 2 u

Accolades span decades at MSU, in pro hockey

Member, 1988 USA Olympic Team Hobey Baker Award Winner

10th-round pick— New York Rangers

(1981-85)

of his award in 1990. “It wasn’t what it is now. It’s a big deal and it’s growing in popularity. (Back then), it wasn’t something you talked about a lot, somebody just won it every year.”

Kip finished the 1989-90 season with 48 goals and 53 assists in 45 games.

Still, as much as winning is important to the family, all of them said the losses can hurt the most.

Kelly vividly remembers his last game as a Spartan, a game against Providence in which the Spartans fell 6-5 in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

“We couldn’t have out shot and out played a team more than we did, but they figured out a way to beat us,” he said.

9th-round pick—New York Rangers

5th-round pick—Buffalo Sabres

Kip

Hobey Baker Award winner

Ryan

(1986-1990)

(1999-2002)

6th-round pick— Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Member, 2010 USA Olympic Hockey Team MSU assistant NHL coach Stanley Cup (2011-present) Champion

Drew (2003-06)

To view a video interview with Kevin and Kelly Miller on their MSU ties, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

trial

MSU won’t be immediately impacted by the federal government shutdown that occurred when Congress failed to reach consensus on a national budget Monday night — at least not in any dramatic ways.

Capitol Hill currently is at a stalemate. President Obama and other Democrats won’t accept House Republicans’ plans to either defund or delay the Affordable Care Act, and Republicans won’t renege on their insistence that Obamacare be part of the budget.

In the meantime, dozens of federally-funded departments and programs are closing, furloughing roughly 800,000 of 2.1 million federal civilian employees. The EPA and most national parks and museums have closed, and 94 percent of the Department of Education’s staff won’t be coming to work until Congress reaches a resolution.

All of MSU’s federallyfunded work study programs already have been paid for, along with a majority of federal student loans, MSU spokesman Jason Cody said in an email.

But the long-term impacts of the shutdown on the university still are unclear, Michigan Budget Director John Nixon said during a Tuesday press conference.

“The financial aid should be on solid footing for the time being,” Nixon said, “but it could impact the research grants.”

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said in Tuesday’s Steering Committee meeting that if the shutdown lasts longer than 30 days, the government might stop paying for certain graduate students’ fellowship grants as well.

Services the government deems essential — including Social Security and Medicaid

See POLITICS on page 2 u

CITY

Roommate of slain student Mobile app would pair drinkers and drivers describes night of murder

By Simon Schuster

sschuster@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS

By Katie Abdilla

nn

kabdilla@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

A series of offensive text messages exchanged between Okemos resident Connor McCowan and MSU stabbing victim Andrew Singler kicked off McCowan’s murder trial Tuesday morning.

“I have no problem finding you just to whoop your ass,” Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor John Dewane read, quoting a text McCowan sent to Singler the evening of Feb. 23. “Then you wouldn’t have a problem if I showed up at your apartment then, huh?”

In an opening statement Tuesday in Ingham County Circuit Court, Dewane said Singler and his girlfriend, McCowan’s sister Shay McCowan, argued often throughout their relationship and needed Connor McCowan to mediate.

On the night of Feb. 23, Dewane said one such argument went too far.

According to previous court

Danyelle Morrow/The State News

Tyler Aho, former roommate of slain MSU student Andrew Singler, demonstrates to the jury how alleged murderer Connor McCowan approached the door on the night Singler was killed last February. The trial began Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 with opening statements and witness testimony.

testimony, Shay McCowan texted her brother that night saying Singler had broken her back and called her names, causing Connor McCowan to become upset. Connor McCowan and Singler then began arguing over texts, with

McCowan saying he would show up at Singler’s apartment and Singler saying, “I can’t wait for you to get here.”

Chris Bergstrom , Connor

See COURT on page 2 u

A new smartphone application will attempt to cut down on drunk driving by having MSU students get rides from an unlikely resource — their fellow students.

Sobrio, which will begin offering regular rides this weekend, connects riders to drivers through the app’s interface. Users who need a ride after drinking a little too much can input their current location, desired destination, number of passengers and time to be picked up, and their request is sent out to Sobrio’s fleet of drivers, who the application’s creators claim are “fully-vetted.” Once a driver picks up their request, users can communicate through the app’s chat feature.

“It connects you to people who are already in this trusted, private network,” the app’s cofounder, Nadav Ullman said.

“It really makes sure the person you’re connecting with is someone you feel comfortable

with.”

The app first was implemented at the University of Connecticut last year — where the application’s founders attended — and since has expanded to several schools on the East Coast.

Both drivers and riders must register with an MSU email address, but drivers are subject to a criminal background check, car insurance validation and interview, Ullman said. He said drivers also must maintain an average of 90 percent positive reviews to stay in the community.

Sobrio’s website advertises that drivers can make up to $140 a night.

Although the drivers essentially perform the services of a taxi, Ullman said Sobrio’s drivers do not need the same qualifications as a taxi driver — namely, a chaffeur’s license — because Sobrio acts only as a platform to connect the two parties without forming any formal relationship.

“All the payments are based off suggested donations. The payments are not required,” Ullman said, noting that most drivers suggest $2-$3 per passenger. “Sobrio does not hire the driver, we mere-

ly vet them and allow them into the community.”

Because of this, reviews play a major component in the success of the Sobrio community and its business model.

While riders review drivers, drivers also can review their passengers, meaning opting not to pay could result in a bad rider review. Through mandatory Facebook integration, users’ names and profile pictures are all that accompany reviews, and a series of negative reviews could lead to not being picked up.

Sobrio’s business model revolves around these donations, which are conducted electronically within the app and link riders’ credit cards to drivers’ bank accounts. A 10 percent processing fee from these transactions forms the basis of the company’s revenue.

East Lansing requires taxi drivers to obtain a taxicab driver license from the city in order to operate legally. The application process requires both a criminal background check and drug test.

Ullman said Sobrio’s drivers will

See DRIVING on page 2 u

2 | T he State N e ws | w ed ne sday, Oc to be r 2 , 2 01 3 | state n e ws.com

hockey

Miller family’s legacy, accolades have left mark on university’s hockey history from page one

major hockey championship.

“Early in my career in Buffalo ... we got close to the Stanley Cup final,” Ryan said. “Same thing with team USA, we captured that attitude, we had the right kind of swagger and we got really close. I’d love to close the deal here and capture that attitude just one more time.”

Silver and Green

When Ryan was the starting netminder for the USA Olympic Team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, all of his family, and the world, were mesmerized.

The Americans forced overtime in the gold medal game, but the Canadians prevailed when Sidney Crosby slipped a puck through Ryan’s five hole.

Kip and Kevin both made the trek to Canada to watch their cousin compete, while Kelly watched it from The Mitten.

“It was amazing,” Kip said.

Police Brief Alleged assault occurs

MSU police are investigating a sexual assault that occurred on campus between 4 and 6:30 p.m. Sept. 23, A 20-year-old student told police that a 19-year-old male came into her room in Emmons Hall and touched her inappropriately, MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothianTaylor said.

The incident remains under investigation.

KATIE ABDILLA

Three-day forecast

Wednesday Partly Cloudy High: 79° Low: 57°

Thursday Thunderstorms High: 75° Low: 64°

“Growing up, being a Miller meant being a Spartan from the get-go. … I’m a Spartan fan first.”

Kip Miller, former MSU hockey player

“I couldn’t stay home, I had to go. That game was so good. It sucked, but you were like ‘what a game.’ It was settled by the best (players) against one of the best goalies.”

While Ryan settled for silver, Kelly returned to East Lansing and put on his Spartan green again — this time from behind the bench.

After working as an assistant coach for the New York Islanders in the NHL, he now is entering his third year as an assistant coach with the Spartans.

Head coach Tom Anastos played with both Kelly and Kevin during his time at MSU from 1981-84, and said Kelly’s 15-year NHL career is an asset he can use to teach young players.

“He was one of the rare players who played 15 years in the NHL,” Anastos said. “Not too many guys have played 2,000 games in the NHL. (The coaches) know what it takes to get there, but he’s the only one

court

McCowan faces life in prison as result of alleged attack on McCowan; trial to continue Thursday from page one

McCowan’s attorney, said the argument between Singler and Connor McCowan was by no means one-sided. In text messages provided to the court, Singler told McCowan he was “overdramatic, just like his sister,” and called him several offensive names.

Dewane claimed Connor McCowan showed up at Singler’s home at Castle Point Apartments in Meridian Township just past 4 a.m. looking for a fight.

“Rather than simply diffusing the situation and ignoring the texts Andrew was sending him, he makes a conscious and intentional decision to escalate the situation,” Dewane said.

Singler’s former roommate, MSU alumnus Tyler Aho, took the stand first and said during court testimony there had never been tension between the two prior to Singler and Shay McCowan’s disagreement.

who knows what it takes to stay there.”

Even when he was still playing at MSU, Kelly knew he wanted to one day stand behind the bench at Munn Ice Arena.

“I had such a great experience playing for Coach (Ron) Mason that I knew this was what I wanted to do if I ever get the chance,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun coming to work every day, and it doesn’t seem like work.”

Friend or foe?

In the early stages of Ryan’s career, and one of the last chapters of Kip’s, the two met in a minor league game in Rochester, N.Y. Kip scored on his cousin.

“I could hear him all night running his mouth,” Ryan said.

“We went (out) after the game and had barbecue and some beers and a laugh about it. I’m just glad we won.”

With seven members of the

When Connor McCowan arrived, Aho said he was calm but “just didn’t look right.” He said Singler lunged after him, hitting McCowan once over his left eye in what Aho previously called a “haymaker” punch. A fight then ensued, ending with McCowan fatally stabbing Andrew Singler between two and five times in the chest, Aho said.

After he was stabbed, Aho said Singler screamed, “Oh God,” and fell into the wall and then onto the ground, bleeding out of his chest.

He said McCowan “shrugged his shoulders” at him and ran toward the complex’s parking lot.

After a failed emergency operation, Singler was pronounced dead at 5:15 a.m.

Although Aho testified saying Connor McCowan had a knife in his right hand before he entered the apartment, Bergstrom claimed Aho said the opposite in an initial interview with Meridian Township police.

McCowan is being charged with open murder State News reporter Celeste Bott contributed to this report.

Miller family tree at MSU and in the NHL since 1980, games against and with family members were bound to happen.

But it all started in the basement of the Miller household when Kelly, Kevin and Kip were young.

Ryan and Drew are set to take each other on once again, this time on the professional stage Wednesday night “Our best battles growing up were playing basement hockey,” Kelly said. “We’d go down there and play for hours on end. That room took a real beating and at times we beat on each other, but we really loved playing the game of hockey.”

Kevin played with both his brothers in his time at MSU, and was teammates with Kelly for less than a season in the NHL with the Washington Capitals. Near the end of his career, he played with Team USA and Ryan in Finland.

Starting this year, the divisions of the NHL have been realigned, meaning Drew and the Detroit Red Wings will take on Ryan and the Sabres more

driving

Officials: App could create issues if service turns into business for drivers in East Lansing from page one

not need to apply for the license.

But Sobrio drivers might not be necessarily exempt from city ordinance, East Lansing Planning, Building and Development Director Tim Dempsey said.

“It could potentially create an issue,” Dempsey said.

“If, for instance, we had a couple (drivers) who were regulars and they were getting enough donations where it was motivating them financially, we’d probably argue that qualifies as a business.”

The app appears to be receiving significant demand from the MSU community.

Continued often.

The brothers will face off tonight in the first game of the regular season for both teams, and Ryan can remember the last time they played, and he got pulled from the game after Drew got an assist.

“He’s turned into a heck of a player, and he’s got the ability to score,” Ryan said. “(Drew) runs his mouth and tries to knock me around a little bit. I’m the older brother, I’m always quiet. You just sit there and roll your eyes.”

From NHL teams to the national spotlight, the members of the Miller family have worn many different jerseys, but all them have only one in common.

“Growing up, being a Miller meant being a Spartan from the get-go,” Kip said “Any Miller that wanted to play hockey was going to go here. I’m a Spartan fan first and always was. I got to … live the dream.

“This is home.”

Ullman said the company conducted a test period last weekend and received more than 100 ride requests.

So far, the app’s founders say it has received significant interest from members of the university community Prenursing sophomore Anna Solomon said the app seems like a welcome taxi alternative. “(The app sounds) so much more reliable,” Solomon said.

“I would use (the app) all the time.”

politics

Michigan set to lose about $18 million a day of federal funding as result of government shutdown from page one

funding, national security operations, public health and safety programs, entitlement programs and the U.S. Postal Service — will continue during the shutdown, at least for the time being.

About nine-hundred National Guard employees in Michigan were furloughed Tuesday, and public school lunch programs, heating assistance for low-income families and foodstamp programs could be in danger of losing funding if the shutdown lasts longer than 30 days, potentially impacting millions of Michigan residents, Nixon said.

The state also will lose an estimated $18 million a day of federal funding, which could hurt an already sluggish economy.

Government shutdowns have happened in the past, but most have been resolved over a weekend, excluding a longer-term shutdown that lasted 26 days during the winter of 1995-1996.

Historically, budget disagreements have been over the amount of money to spend on certain programs and were typically resolved with a simple compromise, political science professor Matt Grossmann said.

But, party lines are hardening, he said.

“It’s worse than zero sum,” Grossmann said. “One of the parties has to go back on what they had planned so far.”

With the debt ceiling debate looming on the horizon, politicians don’t want to give the impression they’re giving in, or it could lead to future issues.

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

VOL. 104 | NO. 123

Friday Thunderstorms High: 79° Low: 64°

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

Level: 1

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10/2/13

SOLUTION TO TUESDAY’S PUZZLE

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 © 2013 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.

1 Cried one’s eyes out 5 Facial expression 11 Hang down 14 Pre-migraine phenomenon, for some 15 Hot wings did him in 16 It may need a boost 17 *Shopper’s aid 19 Barracks bed 20 Scattering seed 21 Raid the fridge 22 Songwriter Bacharach 23 Small combo 25 Katana-wielding warrior 27 Barking sound 30 Responsibility 32 Choice in a booth 33 Evening for trivia buffs 36 Disney lioness 38 “That __ last year!”

39 In the future, or, when spoken with a long starting vowel, what the last word of the answers to starred clues can have 41 1492 vessel 43 Hoodlum 45 Run-down urban buildings 47 HST part, say: Abbr.

49 Ex-Yankee Martinez 50 “A mouse!”

51 Takes care of 54 Islands in the stream 56 Meringue needs

57 Alts.

59 Homemade pistol 63 Bygone space station 64 *Stop-action film technique 66 Rock gp. known for its symphonic sound 67 Maker of Light & Fit yogurt 68 Jungfrau’s range 69 Homer’s nice neighbor 70 Battery parts 71 Push to the limit

Down

1 Clowns 2 Mark replacement 3 Figurehead spot 4 Silently understood 5 Birth state of four of the first five American presidents 6 More than unfriendly 7 Word after fire or bake 8 Met program details 9 Austrian painter Klimt 10 Superlative suffix 11 *Phone that can’t be tapped 12 Ancient Greek market 13 Mob boss John 18 Subject of the 2003 TV film “The Crooked E” 22 Zippo filler 24 Should, with “to” 26 Work-wk. start 27 Pollution meas.

28 Tin Woodman’s trouble 29 *Angler’s equipment 31 Fitted bedding item 34 “Gadzooks!”

35 Patty Hearst, in the SLA 37 Kitty builder 40 Inhabitants 42 Pose 44 Miracle Mets manager Hodges 46 Recurring theme 48 Mideast capital 51 Hunks 52 Like gymnasts 53 Shorthand expert 55 Fat-shunning fellow 58 Email button 60 Storm wind 61 Calls the game 62 Brooding place 64 Govt. Rx watchdog 65 Actress Caldwell

Get the solutions at

statenews.com/puzzles

stat e ne ws.co m | T he Stat e N ews | W edn es day, octob er 2, 2013 |

Campus+city

3

campus Editor Robert Bondy, campus@statenews.com CITY EDITOR Lauren Gibbons, city@statenews.com Phone (517) 432-3070 Fax (517) 432-3075

acade m ics

Study: Freshmen commuters feel disconnected from MSU

By Derek Gartee dgartee@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

For hospitality business sophomore Erin Biel, living on campus was never part of the plan. Biel grew up in the Lansing area, and commuting from home seemed like the obvious choice.

“It was so much cheaper,” she said. “It was either not having student loans or living on campus and paying for that.”

Most freshmen are required to live on campus by the university, but there are exceptions to students who live with their parents nearby. Although this alternative often is less expensive, a study show there can be negative side effects.

A study published by recent MSU graduates under professor

Matthew Wawrzynsk show firstyear commuter students are less likely to feel a sense of belonging in the MSU community.

The researchers sent out a survey to 301 freshmen commuter students, who were asked to rate their commuter experience.

The study found that most of the 37 commuter students who responded felt it was harder for them to access university operations, on-campus activities and clubs. The study also showed commuter students might feel a social and academic disconnect from their on-campus peers.

Wawrzynsk and the students involved in the study could not be reached for comment.

University officials believe this disconnect between commuters and the overall MSU community is a problem, and are taking mea-

sures to prevent it.

The school has an on-campus living requirement for most freshmen students.

Ashley Chaney, assistant director of communication for Residence Education and Housing Services, said “(the) on-campus living experience is not only crucial to their overall Spartan experience, but it also plays a huge role in helping students establish a solid foundation here at MSU.” Chaney said nearly all freshmen students coming into MSU take the option of living on. Only 1 percent of students choose to commute their freshman year.

Most st udent s become immersed into the culture of MSU by default, but commuter students such as Biel don’t necessarily share the same enthusiasm.

Although she has joined one on-

politics

Julia Nagy/The State News

campus club, Biel said most of the events and clubs at MSU aren’t tailored to commuter students.

Even though Biel does feel a disconnect socially at MSU, she

doesn’t think it affects her academics whatsoever.

“It’s just a mode of transportation, not an excuse for not doing well in school,” she said.

More online …

To watch a video about a commuting student, visit statenews.com/multimedia.

A d m i n i s t r at i o n

mark schauer makes lansing stop in 2014 election campaign

By Brian Palmer

members named to committee inspired by penn rant

By Justine McGuire jmcguire@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

bpalmer@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer made clear his intentions to improve the budget situation for both primary and higher education and discussed his campaign strategies for the upcoming 2014 race in a Tuesday press conference.

Schauer, who visited Riddle Elementary School in Lansing to celebrate an endorsement from the Michigan Education Association, is the Democratic challenger to incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Snyder.

The MSU alumnus previously served in the Michigan House and Senate and was elected to one term in the U.S. House of Representatives before losing his seat in 2010.

Schauer said he plans to make Michigan schools a better learning environment overall and said it’s important to restore funding for higher education as well as K-12 schools.

“Higher education was cut by half a billion dollars under Snyder,” Schauer said. “For Michigan to be competitive, we need

Hospitality business sophomore Erin Biel drives to class Tuesday from her home in Lansing.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, Biel drives to Lot 89 and takes the bus into campus for her classes.

Khoa Nguyen/The State News

Lake Odessa resident Jamie Wakley, left, chats with gubernatorial candidate and MSU alumnus Mark Schauer, right, Tuesday outside Riddle Elementary School in Lansing.

to be the smart state — the leading reason why college student drop out of college is that they can’t afford it. While I was in Congress, I worked on measures to limit the amount of money students would have to pay back on student loans as a portion of their income. For us to be that smart state, our universities and community colleges have to be affordable, and they’re not.”

Schauer attributes much of his knowledge about education

to his work on campus while completing his master’s degree in political science at MSU. “When I was in my graduate program at MSU, I was a research assistant in the political science department,” Schauer said. “I was working on a national education reform study.

I had a chance to look at education around the country as part of my academic work, and that’s part of the basis for my views on public education today.”

The committee formed in response to professor William Penn’s alleged anti-Republican rant is coming together and forming goals, with the members named at the monthly Steering Committee meeting Tuesday.

The Committee on Social Media, Pedagogy and Academic Rights and Responsibilities is chaired by communication professor William Donohue, who also is chair of the University Committee on Faculty Affairs. Other members are Penny Gardner, an assistant professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures; Ron Fisher, an econom-

ics professor; Liza Potts, an assistant professor in the Department of Writing, Rhetoric and American Culture; and Manuel Chavez, an associate professor of journalism.

The ad hoc committee will gather information, examine experiences at other universities and present the best practices as they relate to speech rights and responsibilities, social media and teaching in the classroom.

The new group will report to the Steering Committee early in the spring semester with recommendations on how MSU should use its findings, said Sue Carter, Steering Committee chair and journalism professor.

“The (committee will address) broad questions of social media in the classroom — how it affects the learning process, how it affects all of us, not just those

of us who are teaching, but those of us who are students as well,” Carter said.

Council of Graduate Students President Stefan Fletcher said teaching assistants should be asked for input, since they might have unique perspectives.

Donohue said he doesn’t have a plan to do a survey of faculty and graduate students, but if the committee deems it necessary, it could happen through an ANGEL page or chat forum. He added that students could possibly be included in that kind of data gathering.

“I’d love to get input from teaching assistants and anyone through their respective departments and colleges,” he said. “I’d love to know what their experiences are working with students and how social media is used in teaching across the university.”

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4 | Th e Stat e N e ws | we d n esday, o cto ber 2 , 2 01 3 | state n e ws.com

Opinion

Featured blog From the Archives

Ou r voice | E ditorial

students must speak up for future of city EDITORIAL BOARD Summer Ballentine opinion editor Celeste Bott staff representative Anya Rath minority representative Olivia Dimmer staff reporter

O

nly a handful of students attended a public meeting to discuss East Lansing’s Park District project Monday evening, but even that turnout was enough to surprise City Manager George Lahanas.

It’s a good start, but not nearly enough to accurately represent the depth of MSU students’ opinions in city affairs.

The Park District project could completely transform a large portion of the city — whether that’s for better or worse is in part up to the residents (student residents included) that have the opportunity to voice their opinions on what they want the dilapidated building of the former failed City Center II site on Abbot Road

“With the government shutdown in full effect, many are left wondering what will happen. But if the situation is at all similar to the shutdown of 1995, a State News article from the time suggests all will be fine at MSU.” — Derek Gartee, State News reporter

Read the rest online at ness. East Lansing to look like. statenews.com/blog.

East Lansing is not just our temporary home. wants and needs stuAs students, we spend a majority of our school dent involvement. East year here, and whether we like it or not, city Lansing needs action — student action. decisions greatly affect us.

How can officials ever It’s not that hard to hop on a bike or a bus and make East go to the Marriott at UniversiLansing more ty Place, where the meeting for attractive for students the Park District Project took Don’t like that big to work and live here when place, or to the Eli and Edythe ugly building across people don’t even both- ty of life in the city are centered around drawBroad Art Museum, where the from Rick’s American young er to come to public participa- ing older residents and recent college graduates next meeting is scheduled to Cafe? Now is the tion meetings, fill out a gener- downtown, and as they plan ways to attract a be held Oct. 16. al feedback form or respond to broader diversity of residents, they might end In an attempt to attract time to speak up. a post on Twitter? younger and more diverse up neglecting the more than 48,000 students Don’t like that big ugly build- that have helped make East Lansing the city opinions less apt to go to boring across from Rick’s Ameri- it is today. ing meetings, city officials have even catered events to interest and accom- can Cafe?

How could we blame them?

Now is the time to speak up. modate young folks. On Oct. 17, the city plans The city has dealt with mostly apathetic stuDon’t think city officials are paying attention dents for so long that there’s only so much they to hold Brew & Do, a feedback session at Dublin Square Irish Pub, 327 Abbot Road, that gives to student interests? can do.

Well, it’s students’ responsibility to get down residents the chance to discuss what they think This is not just their city — it’s ours, too. And would be the best long-term solutions for the to the meetings and stand up for policies that we have to make sure we are a part of the disfuture of East Lansing in a more casual setting. would help us most. If we don’t, who will? cussion to make our community better, even if During a Tuesday meeting with The State that means lumbering off the cozy couch and The city is doing what it can, but city offiNews Editorial Board, Lahanas and other city spending a Tuesday at a public forum at City cials are not mindreaders.

Complaining to a roommate about a lack of officials spoke about how they would appreci- Hall. bike lanes won’t get more installed. Whining ate more student involvement in city decisionSo get up, get out and make your voice heard. in class about a lack of upscale dining won’t making and meetings.

East Lansing needs it, and fellow students need But many of their ideas for improving quali- it, too. inspire the city to encourage that type of busi-

opinion column

editorial cartoonist

Greek life: new beginnings

R

Michael Holloway mholloway@ statenews.com

tuesday’s poll results JUST SO YOU KNOW Today’s state news poll

No 30% None 74% Yes One33% 23%

Do you shop to cope with stress?

No 67% 0

Interacting with strangers who soon became my brothers helped me develop the skills needed in the workforce — being able to have good eye contact, have a great handshake and to communicate with strangers.

And even though I had to sell Men’s formal recruitment startmyself, I knew going greek would ed last month, and women’s be a great choice because of all recruitment was a two-weekend the future possibilities: volunteer process that ended last week. work, community service, social Men spent hours visiting fraternetworking and, most important nities in the Interfraternity Counfor me, finding a brotherhood. cil and women had the chance Maybe this is why individuto go to all 14 sororities in the als decide to go greek.

Panhellenic Council Instead of join— a process that lastguest columnist ing multiple organied from early mornzations, they are able ing to late afternoon. to join greek life and So what does going get a package deal. greek actually mean?

You can argue that What’s it like taking the going through greek life plunge and pledging? recruitment is a good For some, it can or bad thing, but be scary.

Christian Rafael one thing is certain: “There is always Suero go do something. the possibility that suerochr@msu.edu For the students as I continue through who are not pledgmy pledge semesing this semester and do not plan ter, I will realize that the house on joining a fraternity or sororiisn’t a good fit for me or that I ty, MSU has more than 500 clubs don’t have the time necessary to ranging from philanthropies and do what is expected of me,” said community serinternational relations sophovice, to video gammore Andrew Williams, who is ers and a club for pledging at Delta Sigma Phi. almost all majors.

“However, even though Get involved my pledge semester has just and make the begun, I can already tell from most of these the brothers that I’ve spoSpartan years. ken with and the interactions My As you enter I’ve had with my pledge class biggest this new world that this is the house for me. called college, do “My biggest hope for going hope for not be scared. greek is that I will look back going For four to five on the decision I made duryears of your life ing Rush week and know greek is you will be finding that it was the right one.” that I will new friends, findFor others, the time spent look back ing the right degree meant finding a place at and, most impora university with more on the tantly, trying to find than 48,000 students. yourself as a person. decision “I graduated with a large class The first advice and a good majority came to I made I will say is to get MSU with me. There is what you during involved with an call a ‘Troy Bubble’ that I wantRush organization on ed to branch away from and campus, whethmeet new people now that I am week and er that means joinin college,” said Brittany Lipoknow that ing a sorority, a frasky, a Kappa Alpha Theta sororiternity or a club. ty member and interdisciplinary it was Even though you studies in social science senior. the right have four years to “Going greek seemed like the one.” figure out your “life best option to do just that.” plan,” most of us I decided to go greek for simupperclassmen will say either, ilar reasons. I came from a “We got involved with organismall high school in Grand Rapzations way too late in our colids and wanted to explore somelege lives,” or, “Do not take your thing new. As I went through college years for granted.” rush, I realized it tested my skills So put yourself out there, in interacting with others. and get involved today.

As I learned more about Christian Rafael Suero is vice the different fraternities, I president of administration of found myself having to explain the Interfraternity Council. who I was as a person. ecruitment, an 11-letter word and a process that takes less than 11 days in the greek community.

10

20

30

40 50 60 PERCENT

70

80

Do you think MSU faculty are paid enough?

To vote, visit statenews.com.

Total votes: 39 as of 5 p.m. Tuesday

Comments from readers nn

“Crunching the numbers” This is for full professors -- faculty generally in their 50’s and older. If you look at faculty still working for tenure, the numbers are significantly smaller. Smaller still for postdocs, and even smaller for grad students. (comment continued on statenews.com) Whambulance, Oct. 1

Gosh good to know they are just squeaking by, While tuition continues to increase every semester. As I live off ramen and mac and cheese.

Ramen Iron Chef, Oct. 1

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5 | Th e Stat e N e ws | w ed ne sday, o cto be r 2 , 2 01 3

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Features

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

Performance

technology

Interactive app shows history of MSU’s campus

‘So You Think You Can Dance’ visits Wharton Season 10 finalist Jasmine Harper, left, and winner Amy Yakima, right, from “So You Think You Can Dance” pose at the end of a performance on Tuesday at the Wharton Center. “So You Think You can Dance” will be touring 42 states across the nation.

By Anya Rath arath@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

MSU’s rich history just went high-tech, with the creation of a new application designed to educate users about the university’s historical background.

The app, msu.seum, is available on iTunes for iPhones and iPod touches. The free app was released in July, according to iTunes.

“MSU is huge and people walk around all day and have absolutely no idea about the heritage and archaeology that is literally beneath their feet,” Ethan Watrall, an assistant professor of anthropology, said. “The app gives them a nice window into the past of our campus and how that relates to the present.”

Lynne Goldstein, MSU professor of anthropology and one of the driving forces behind the creation of the app, said the app is focused on the north side of campus, which is the oldest part.

The north side of campus features historical places such as the MSU Museum, Beaumont Tower, Chittenden Hall, the Union and West Circle Neighborhood.

The app has a location identifier that allows users to pinpoint their position and learn about the history of their surroundings, with pictures accompanied by descriptions.

“You can look at it if you’re sitting in your office or if you’re walking around campus,” Goldstein said. “It divides the history of campus into sections. We can dig deeper (and)

Photos by Georgina De Moya /The State News

By Ariel Ellis aellis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS nn

An eclectic mix of dances embodying contemporary grace, interpretive sensuality and energetic hip-hop filled the stage Tuesday at Wharton Center to kick-off the 2013 “So You Think You Can Dance” tour.

The 11-time Primetime Emmy Award-winning show started its 42-city tour with a sold out performance, which is a big deal for the Wharton Center to host, said Tara Peplowski, marketing manager for Wharton Center.

“It’s very exciting to have that caliber of dance performance on our stage that has received national exposure,” Peplowski said.

The top 10 finalists of season 10 took to the stage and provided the audience with season favorites and new dance routines that included a bicycle number, varying forms of dance and music by Robin Thicke and Beyonce.

The season 10 tour line-up included Aaron Turner, Hayley Erbert, Jasmine Harper, Jenna Johnson, Makenzie Dustman, Nico Greetham, Paul Karmiryan, Tucker Knox and season winners DuShaunt “Fik-shun” Stegall and Amy Yakima.

Yakima, of Northville, Mich., was excited to be back in her native state, and said winning the season and being on tour is a dream come true.

“I would be home right now taking dance lessons — now I’m

out on tour,” Yakima said. “I’ve watched the show since I was little and you see all these people doing big things on the show and you think, ‘Maybe I could do that,’ and all of a sudden, it happens.”

Yakima, a jazz dancer, and Fik-Shun, a hip-hopper, won the $125,000 prize and were crowned America’s favorite dancers.

After trying out for season nine and not making it as far as she would have hoped, Yakima said she came back in full force for season 10.

“I definitely think it put a fire underneath my butt,” Yakima said. “I wanted it so bad. I saw that the dancers there were just amazing so I knew I need more practice, more focus.”

“It put me in that path and I took way more ballet way more hip hop and tried to open up a little bit more and it helped.”

Fik-Shun, once a street dancer in Las Vegas, said he had never watched the show before he was on it and didn’t expect to win.

“I never saw myself thinking, ‘I have to win this, I have to win this.’ It was more like, ‘Oh snap, I have to pick this up,’” Fik-Shun said. “It was definitely living in the moment and taking it day by day.”

The finalists had a short amount of down time between the season’s end and the beginning of the rehearsal for the tour, which they all said put a lot of strain on their body.

Fik-Shun, who snapped his ankle and wore a brace for much of the season, said he didn’t let

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Season 10 winner Amy Yakima from “So You Think You Can Dance” performs on Tuesday at the Wharton Center during the first show of the tour.

the multiple injuries he endured during the show hold him back.

“I think I had more injuries on the show then I think I’ve ever had in my life,” Fik-Shun said. “It’s one of those things you have to just push through.”

Fik-Shun, the Kansas native,

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“It’s actually living in the moment and living your dreams,” Fik-Shun said. “I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else right now, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here.”

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you can see if any archaeology has been done.”

The concept behind the app began in the summer of 2011 as a collaboration between MSU’s Campus Archaeology Field School, run by Goldstein, and MSU’s Cultural Heritage Informatics Fieldschool, directed by Watrall.

For Watrall’s fieldschool, the theme that year was mobile apps.

Creating an app centered around campus history became the student’s summer-long project, and they began meeting up with the students in Goldstein’s program.

“My students were providing the archaeology, and his students were trying to figure out how to program it,” Goldstein said. “At the end of the five weeks, they had a prototype.”

Goldstein said while the prototype was a great beginning, it needed more work.

Watrall said with extra resources and funds provided by MATRIX: The Center for Digital Humanities and Social Sciences at MSU, they were able to polish the app into its current form.

Watrall said he hopes that with more funds and time, the app will be on other platforms.

Graduate student Katy Meyers was a teaching assistant for the Cultural Heritage Informatics Fieldschool, and was involved with the project from the beginning. Meyers said the app could serve as a crash course on MSU’s history for incoming freshman.

“I think having a sense of the history of your university is really important,” Meyers said. “It has such a strong dedication to its story, to the preservation and maintenance of the history.”

The app is nearing 250 downloads off iTunes, Watrall said.

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Horoscope By Linda C. Black 10 is the easiest day — 0 the most ChaLLenging

Aries (march 21-April 19) today is an 8 — don’t make promises you won’t keep. Friends teach you the rules.

Work causes delays, so call if you’ll be late. a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Proceed with caution. taurus (April 20-may 20) today is a 6 — Listen to all considerations before choosing direction. Changing fiscal priorities causes upsets. Work on the big picture first. accept fringe benefits as partial payment. Listen to powerful people you respect. stock up on beverages. gemini (may 21-June 20) today is a 5 — Use your intuition. talk leads to opportunities and an interesting development. Look at your situation from a higher vantage point. Be a stabilizing influence. don’t push yourself too far too fast. get the word out. cancer (June 21-July 22) today is a 6 — Work interferes with travel. Rethink finances. don’t fund a fantasy. go for substance over symbolism. Use your skills of persuasion. ask your partner to exert influence. Use what you’ve recently learned. an answer comes in a dream.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) today is an 8 — Private conversations increase efficiency. sort out any disagreements, especially about money. otherwise, it could get confusing. Consider suggestions first. then urge someone into action. enthusiasm wins over facts. defer gratification. others request your advice.

Virgo (Aug. 23-sept. 22) today is an 8 — all isn’t as it appears. Be careful.

Figure out what needs to be done. you come up with a better idea, and save a bundle. Put your will into creative projects. Postpone chores.

Record the muse.

Libra (sept. 23-oct. 22) today is a 7 — go for solid results over symbolism. incorporate creative ideas into a plan. your limits get tested. you tend to overestimate your powers and underbudget your time. if you’re late for a date, text or call. make your life easier with help from friends. scorpio (oct. 23-nov. 21) today is a 6 — Keep your objective in mind.

Conserve resources. Know what you’re talking about, but don’t tell everything. Listening can be more powerful than speaking. Work extra hard now. Bring a little glamour home. Candles and good conversation satisfy your spirit. sagittarius (nov. 22-dec. 21) today is a 6 — share your dreams. Friends are right there for you. suspend disbelief.

Confirm reservations. Keep the money in mind. don’t tell the whole story, yet. Be patient with things that don’t make sense. there could be a confrontation. answers get revealed later. capricorn (dec. 22-Jan. 19) today is a 7 — a distant friend is a big comfort. do a job yourself and save. exert reasonable caution. Be clever and resourceful. Recycling pays. Clean with a vengeance. Waste not, want not. then enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-feb. 18) today is a 6 — your assumptions get challenged. talk is cheap right now. hold on to your money. there could be a conflict with a competitor. discuss an impending change with your teammates. Wait overnight to sign. ask provocative questions. pisces (feb. 19-march 20) today is a 7 — Check instructions for errors or changes. it could get chaotic. Listen to someone who’s confused. Work gets profitable, so pour on the steam.

Be gracious even if unwarranted. your kindness comes back to you.

Sports

state n e ws.com | The Stat e N ews | Wed nes day, Oc tob er 2, 2013 |

Spartans anticipating spark in season after OSU win

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

Khoa Nguyen/The State News

Dantonio stresses importance of first game

By Dillon Davis

“(It) sort of begins to set the table for you as a Big Ten conddavis@statenews.com THE STATE NEWS tender and in the Legends nn Division.”

Dantonio said the Big Ten “A game of inches.”

It’s popular sports cliché, and opener also will be a challenge for good reason — MSU head for sophomore quarterback Concoach Mark Dantonio is never nor Cook. shy to break out the ruler when Cook now has started three determining the margin in a of MSU’s four games and leads close victory or a narrow defeat. the Spartan offensive attack And when it comes to playing with 411 passing yards and five Iowa, the margins for Dantonio touchdowns while completing are about as close as they come. 53.1 percent of his passes.

Four of Dantonio’s six Against the first oppogames against the nent in MSU’s weight Hawkeyes have class this season, “Another been decided by Not r e D a m e , opportunity an average of less Cook threw for than four points, 135 yards and ... for our with the excepone touchdown football team on 16 -for-32 tions coming in to grow.” passing. Howa lopsided 37-6 loss in 2010 and a ever, the deci–MSU head coach Mark Dantonio sion to pull Cook 37-21 redemption on the final drive win the following against the Fighting season.

Irish in favor of senior So, following a 17-13 loss to Notre Dame in South Bend, quarterback Andrew Maxwell Ind., and the ensuing bye week, was met with criticism from fans Dantonio said a trip to Kinnick and the media.

Stadium to meet Iowa (4-1 overYet, Cook remains the team’s all, 1-0 Big Ten) could prove to starter and will attempt to jumpbe a tall order for the Spartans start a team that remains the only FBS squad in the country (3-1, 0-0).

“It’s very important because without an offensive play of 40 it’s the first (Big Ten) game, and yards or more.

“It gives us an opportunity to it sort of sets the tone for you,” he said. “Especially when you’re go play on the road again, prove going away, you’re playing in a ourselves again on the road,” tough environment. You come Dantonio said. “Another opporhome, play in the next couple of tunity, I think, for Connor Cook games home. to grow as a quarterback and our

In addition to two Big Ten Volleyball Player of the Week honors, two tournament MVP’s, and cracking the 2,000-kill milestone, senior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski can add another accolade to her already impressive Senior outside hitter Lauren Wicinski State News file photo

9

Goals for field hockey’s Allie Ahern, who is tied for first in the Big Ten for the category.

field hockey

Head coach Mark Dantonio heads towards the locker room at halftime, Sept. 21, at Notre Dame Stadium.

The Spartans fell to the Fighting Irish, 17-13.

wicinski’s great year grows with national award

#snDailynumber

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

football

vo l l e y b a l l

6

2013 season resume — National Player of the Week.

On Tuesday, Wicinski became the sixth MSU player in history to be named the Sports Imports/American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Week. She’s the first Spartan to earn the honor since Nikki Colson on Sept. 22, 2003.

Wicinski was named Big Ten Volleyball

football team to grow.”

Firing squad It’s been a tough week for college football head coaches.

Southern California head coach Lane Kiffin was dismissed from the program Saturday after a 62-41 loss to Arizona State, ending his four-year tenure losing seven of the last 10 games. On Monday, Connecticut severed ties with head coach Paul Pasqualoni following a 41-12 loss to Buffalo to cap an 0-4 start to the season.

Asked Tuesday to address what the recent firings mean in the current state of the collegiate coaching profession, Dantonio said it’s a climate entirely tied to results.

“It says ‘just win, baby,’ first of all,” Dantonio said. “But it’s a fickle society. We all know that.

Patience is a virtue. I really, I just keep doing my job. I think that’s all we can do is work your job the best you can.

“The things you’re out of control on, sometimes you can’t worry about, even if it costs you your job.”

Dantonio’s two previous predecessors, John L. Smith and Bobby Williams, were fired from MSU, with the latter coming as an inseason change.

“You do your very best, and I think (Kiffin and Pasqualoni) did their very best, and try to remember the good things, the good times,” he said. “It’s difficult.”

The field hockey team was off to a good start in the Big Ten with a 3-2 victory over Ohio State on Saturday.

However, head coach Helen Knull’s goal of having the team play “70 minutes of Spartan hockey” wasn’t quite achieved.

The Spartans got off to a 2-0 lead in the first half before Ohio State responded with 2 goals of their own in a matter of minutes.

It took late-game heroics from junior forward Allie Ahern, who has been one of the top offensive Big Ten players thus far, to seal the win.

It’s been a mixed bag as far as close game victories for MSU. The Spartans were unable to come out on top in 2-1 losses against California and Princeton early in the season.

“It’s just been a consistency thing, from home games, road games, to what we do in practice, execution in practice, that (isn’t carrying over to) game time,” Knull said.

“It only takes one person to get the spark and get things going.”

Ahern has been that spark for the team this season.

Her season shot total is only tenth in the conference, yet her goal total is tied for first overall.

She also is tied for second in goals per game (.90) and fourth in points (1.8 per game).

“To her credit, she’s doing a fantastic job in practice, just working on different

Georgina De Moya /The State News

Junior forward Allie Ahern passes the ball while Ohio State midfield Arielle Cowie tries to intercept the pass on Saturday at Ralph Young Field. The Spartans defeated the Buckeyes, 3-2.

skill execution and she takes her chances in games, and that’s what she did on Saturday,” Knull said. “That’s what she and Abby did on Saturday, and (they) are creating opportunities for the team. She’s been finishing for us at the end of it, so it’s been good.”

Despite losing a 2-0 lead against Ohio State, the Spartans hanging on to get the win shows improvement as the season progresses.

“We had such a tough schedule that really prepared for our first Big Ten game,” Ahern said.

“Our record doesn’t show that we have improved, but we definitely have because we’ve been playing top-10 teams. So going into the game, we were confident, and winning that first Big Ten game means a lot, because it builds our confidence for our next Big Ten games.”

Going into the road match against Indiana this weekend, maintaining the energy displayed early against Ohio State

Player of the Week for the second time this season on Monday.

Wicinski had a near double-double in MSU’s weekend upset of then-No. 1 Penn State with 21 kills, nine digs, two blocks and two service aces.

In the following three-set win over then-No. 13 Ohio State, Wicinski had a teamhigh 12 kills, two digs and two service aces.

The Spartans (13-1, 2-0 Big Ten) will host Illinois on Friday and Northwestern on Saturday during their Big Ten season home opener.

Both games are scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Omari Sankofa II

Federally insured by the NCUA

will be key.

“We keep reminding ourselves what’s at stake,” said Molly Cassidy, senior goalkeeper. “That’s really going to be the thing that keeps us in for 70 m i nutes.

A ny thing can happen in any Big Ten game, so up or down, you still have a shot.”

K nu l l s a i d focusing on one game at a time will help the team persist as the game continues.

Allie “For us, just Ahern, the win on Sat- junior urday, just like I forward said to you after the game, is a confidence booster. But you can’t rest on it. You have to keep executing and looking to the next game.”

“ “We had such a tough schedule that really prepared for our first Big Ten game.”