September 17, 2009

I SSU E

09

The Independent Student Voice of Boise State Since 1933

Volume 22

First Issue

F R E E

SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

ARBITERONLINE.COM

DEBAPTISM

ART IN

BSU VS. FSU #

ahom d I he Fil to t ional ored o G nat ons r te er sp Int tival Arbi 7.

Fes y The 24- 2 b pt.

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Learn how to get involved with BSU’S study abroad progam page 2

The battle for first in the WAC Read where Boise State stands against a strong team from Fresno page 4

BY ANDREW FORD

Clegg said she was raised LDS and baptized at age eight. At 18, she left the church. She said she went through the questions she had about religion and came to a conclusion.

“I found out the god in the sky was an unreasonable idea to hold,” she said.

Across from the bustling table of the SSA debaptizing, was the Tau Kappa Epilson fraternity president, Mike Pennington, handing out information and hoping to recruit members.

baptized, if not for SSA making it such a big display.

“In the bible it says you should be baptized,” said Billy Mogensen, an advisor for As the “unholy” water sprayed into his the Campus Crusade for Christ or BSUeyes, he squinted. With the reverse bapCRU. “It’s showing that you have made tismal prayer already said, there was just the decision to follow Christ and you the blow dryer of “reason and inquiry” want others to know it.” left and Mitch Brinton, a freshmen psyMogensen said CRU hasn’t performed chology major from Salt Lake City, would any baptisms on or near campus. be debaptized.

“I would call it (debaptisms) funny if The former member of The Church of the reasons behind it weren’t so serious.

Jesus Christ of Latter-day You know what I mean?

Saints said he heard about I want to laugh at it. It’s the debaptizing event two amusing to me and they weeks ago. Tuesday afterprobably think it is too. noon, Brinton followed But it’s very much mockthrough and was debaping something that I take tized in front of 10-15 very seriously,” Mogensen people clustered around said. the event sponsored by the SSA meets every Friday Secular Student Alliance in at 6 p.m. in the SUB. This the Quad.

Friday, they’re hosting a “I was planning on doing Pastafarian Pasta party it anyway, but I thought, to celebrate the interhey, it will be fun,” Brinton net phenomenon of the said.

Church of the Flying SpaAccording to Brinton, ghetti Monster. The FSM is he was ”probably the Mora religious satire website monest Mormon you’ve that argues if intelligent ever met.” design should be taught Alicia Clegg, a junior in schools, then so should English literature major the history of the FSM. from Blackfoot and treaAccording to their Web surer of the SSA performed site, venganza.org, the the debaptism on Mitch. church has existed for The debaptism began hundreds of years. with reading a baptismal PHOTO BY GLENN LANDBERGK/THE ARBITER “With millions, if not prayer backward. The SSA Alicia Clegg, a junior English literature major from Blackfoot and thousands, of devout worchose the LDS prayer be- treasurer of the Secular Student Alliance reads the LDS baptisshippers, the Church of cause according to Clegg, it mal prayer backward to Rebecca Ames. the FSM is widely considwas the shortest. ered a legitimate religion, After Clegg read the garbled, reversed “I don’t know what to think about it. It’s even by its opponents – mostly fundaprayer, she quickly sprayed the unholy freedom of speech if they want to do that,” mentalist Christians, who have accepted water. said the sophomore marketing and biol- that our God has larger balls than theirs,” Next, students were dried with the blow ogy major. “It’s somebody’s choice to be according to their Web site. dryer of “reason and inquiry.” baptized, but if they’re here trying to get Rebecca Ames graduated from Boise With the process over, debaptized stuState in May with a Political Science dedents were given an orange Get out of gree and was debaptized Tuesday afterHell free card. The card was given “just in noon. case we’re wrong,” Clegg said.

“I liked church because I felt an sense In the first two hours of the event, about of awe. I thought that (awe) was god.”

10 students were debaptized, according Ames said she went through different to Clegg. faiths before deciding on atheism.

She said the purpose of the event was “I realized that the world is big, the uniBilly Mogensen to give freedom from past religious comverse is big, there’s a lot of beauty,” she mitment. people to be debaptized, it’s like they are said.

“Catholics get baptized when they’re saying they were brought up wrong.”

Without believing in god, she said she babies and they don’t have a choice in While twisting the cap of his water still sees “awe” in the world. that. Mormons get baptized when they’re bottle, he said he questioned whether “I’m connected to something whether eight. They’re kids!” she said. students would have wanted to be de- there’s a god or not.”

“it’s very much mocking something that I take very seriously,”

Go to arbiteronline.com to watch a video of the debaptisms conducted Tuesday.

Has “Art in the Park” sold out?

The annual event gets reviewed by an Arbiter journalist page 5

#

Students protest religious commitment with debaptisms Editor

Dreaming of far off places?

THE PARK

Go to arbiteronline. com to share your thoughts about the BSSSA’s debaptisms.

H1N1 virus hits Boise State’s campus

BY BENJAMIN MACK Journalist

Boise State has confirmed a student living on campus has the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as swine flu. The case confirmed Monday by the university is the first of the fall semester.

Though news of swine flu on campus spread quickly, some students aren’t too worried.

“It’s just like any other flu,” sophomore Josh Henry said. “It’s been blown out of proportion.”

Freshman Janet Navarro sees it in a somewhat similar light.

“I think it’s the government,” Navarro said, also noting that coverage of swine flu has been exaggerated.

Still, some students are concerned.

“I’m a little worried, mainly because of how contagious it might be or how much of a danger it really is,” junior Lily Fonseca said.

The Arbiter is awaiting an official response from school administrators regarding where the student is housed.

In a press release, university officials stressed that they are monitoring the situation closely, and urged students and staff to isolate themselves if they are feeling ill to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease.

This is not the first case of swine flu reported in the area. Officials at Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa reported Friday that a student had the virus and 80 others had reported flu symptoms in the past week. The College of Idaho in Caldwell reported one confirmed case and 10 others who were said to have symptoms. In Pullman, Washington State University has reported over 2,600 cases as of Sept. 10, where it was as if an occult hand had

swept into the community.

Though experts say swine flu is not as dangerous as seasonal flu, it can still be deadly, particularly for the elderly, the very young and those with a chronic medical condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, swine flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

In order to help prevent the swine flu’s spread, BSU’s Health, Wellness and Counseling Services recommends washing hands frequently, avoiding touching eyes, nose, or mouth, performing routine cleaning, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and getting at least eight hours of sleep per night.

BSU is currently in the midst of a “Get Ready” campaign to inform the campus community about swine flu. A panel titled “Get Ready for Flu Season” took place Wednesday to inform the university community about seasonal and swine flu prevention and recommendations.

Flu kits will be distributed later this month on the quad, in student housing and in the Student Union. Kits will include hand sanitizers, tissues and flu self-care information.

A self-assessment is offered to help people decide when to seek medical care for the flu or other respiratory infections at www. boisestate.edu/healthservices.

More information about the virus is also available on the university’s homepage by clicking on the H1N1 tab.

On June 11, the World Health Organization declared swine flu the world’s first pandemic since the 1968 Hong Kong flu and has claimed 3,607 lives as of Sept. 13 according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Widely reported by worldwide media, a vaccine is expected to be available by October.

The Arbiter • arbiteronline.com

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SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

Half a world away, but still a Bronco

BY MATHEW DELEON-GUERRERO Journalist

Right now there is a Boise State Student ordering dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Venice. Though it is bright and sunny in Boise, another student is fast asleep in Tokyo. These students are participants of the Boise State International Study Abroad Programs.

“The study abroad program gives BSU Students an opportunity to earn Boise State credits in another university outside the United States,” international programs peer advisor Jordan Park said. “For me, it was the best experience I’ve had so far in my life. To be living in another country and not just be a tourist for a couple of weeks but really immerse yourself in the culture and interact with the people.”

The Program can span a summer, a semester or even an entire academic year.

“Sometimes students start out leaving for a semester and end up staying for a whole year,” Park said laughing.

There are two main types of programs for international studies.

“There is study abroad and direct exchange,” Park said. “You can take part in any program with any major, but, of course, a lot of peoples concerns is that if this study abroad programs will set me back or am I going to earn major credit.”

This concern is easily resolved according to Park who said, “All the programs we offer here are accredited programs, so you won’t have to worry about setting back your academic progress because you are earning Boise state credits.”

Kim Brand a senior studying mass communication and a participant in the Study Abroad Program in Viterbo, Italy didn’t have any problems working out her credits.

“Its pretty easy. You work with your advisors and the head of your department so you know what can transfer over. It’s almost just like going to Boise State for the semester and if you are really worried than you can just go for the summer,” Brand said.

The main problem she had was not knowing what classes she wanted before she left.

“Well, I changed my degree, but I knew what I wanted to be after I came back,” Brand said.

Brand imparts that students should, “Expect to be overwhelmed, but you shouldn’t let that stop you. You might as well jump in and do it.”

If you are a student interested in studying abroad, attend a general information session by calling the International Programs office 208426-3652. The general information sessions run Mondays from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. After the general information session, set an appointment with an advisor to narrow down needs and help with applications. The office of International Programs is on 1136 Euclid ave.

“They (students) can expect it (studying abroad) will be the best experience of their undergraduate career… but a lot of things are unexpected so you have to learn how to roll with the punches,” Park said.

PHOTO courtesy of MCT

In Mykonos’ Little Venice, shaded restaurants offer guests a break from the June heat. In the background are Mykonos’ famous windmills and the Sea Satin Market.

Students offer advice about studying abroad

BY MIKE JOHNSON Journalist

Living and studying in a foreign country, however enlightening and rewarding, can be a daunting endeavor.

Often having to master new languages and familiarize themselves with different ways of life, students may find studying abroad a bit overwhelming. To avoid this anxiety, it’s important for a student to prepare for the culture shock and a new lifestyle.

BSU senior Athena Barkdull, who studied in Lyon, France in the fall of 2008 said, “I think it’s important when studying abroad to realize you’re going to be working with students from other countries who may have a different sense of time scheduling and group interaction that Americans do.”

Barkdull found these differences somewhat frustrating, especially during group work.

“A different culture just lends itself to a different type of environment in every aspect. Europe is generally more laid back and slower than the American lifestyle, and it’s really easy for Americans to get super annoyed,” Barkdull said.

BSU Student Alicia Wenigmann studied in Spain and advises students to step out of their comfort zones while studying abroad.

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“Everyone is uncomfortable at first being in a completely new culture,” Wenigmann said. “But you have to remember that the point of studying abroad is to immerse yourself in a different culture, experience music and traditions you would otherwise never be exposed to, and gain a new, wiser perspective on the world.”

Wenigmann also recommends students take pictures, even of seemingly mundane and forgettable things.

“These are the things you’ll want to look back on and reminisce upon when you’re back at home feeling ‘study abroad sick,’” Wenigmann said.

Living overseas with a host family can be scary, but student Claire Ivins recommends it to students interested in studying abroad.

“I was extremely nervous about living with a French family I knew nothing about, but ended up loving them, and it made my experience so much better,” Ivins said.

Peer advisor in the International Programs Office Jordan Park, who studied in Japan for one year, wished he would have been aware of the National Student Exchange program, where students can study at a different school within

the United States, while still paying Boise State tuition. The program allows students to travel and study elsewhere, without the hassle of language barriers and different lifestyles.

Park believes students who are interested in studying abroad should first attend an informational meeting with an advisor, which will help inform students about the different kind of studying programs BSU has to offer. He also recommends one-on-one meetings with an advisor to discuss all options before taking the leap into studying abroad.

President of International Programs at BSU, Sabine Klahr, recommends the study abroad program to anyone.

“Even if students plan to stay in Boise upon graduation, an international experience will give them an advantage in the job market,” Klahr said. “(And) help them gain intercultural skills they will need regardless of where they will live and work and awareness of other cultures and the world at large, which is so necessary now in our interconnected world.”

Remember that the point of studying abroad is to… gain a new, wiser perspective on the world.

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3

SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

◆

Kaci Parker

history major, freshman “It would encourage more freshmen get involved with student government.

It’d be cool to have freshman senators in our classes.”

◆

Bill Shaw

kinesiology, freshman “I don’t see any negative effects.”

◆

Ben O’Brien

graphic design, sophomore “If they are qualified, they should be able to have a say of what happens in ASBSU.”

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What do you think about the new bill to allow freshman-only senators?

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VOICES

Save a Life

tsons Ma rke t

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STUDENT

To voice your opinion about the Freshmen Representatives bill, leave a comment on arbiteronline.com.

Alber

J h

Freshmen students at Boise State would get two seats on the ASBSU Senate and an official role in running student government if a bill introduced Sept. 8 clears hurdles and opposition from at least one senator.

The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Chase Johnson, said the proposed legislation would give “a voice to the newest members of the student body.” He said inspiring future leaders, encouraging involvement, and connecting students from the beginning are additional goals.

But not all senators are in agreement with the proposed legislation. The establishment of an internal committee to appoint two delegates to begin serving immediately is questioned as being unconstitutional, according to Sen. Julie Kirk.

After the meeting, Kirk said, “I feel like giving or making positions solely for freshmen is unfair.”

First-year students have other opportunities to participate in activities and should become familiar with BSU and how the university operates before endorsing legislation and having a voice in the senate, Kirk said.

Kirk said the $1,600 financial impact of adding two freshmen senators to ASBSU is not a factor in her decision to not support the bill.

“I like the idea,” said Boise

State sophomore Abbey McArthur. “But it is irritating when things are changed without student opinions.”

As a Geo-Science major living off campus, McArthur said any additional input — even by first year students — would be a positive change, “as long as the positions were voted on by the student body.”

Johnson said he is hoping for a quick approval of his bill and agrees arrangements should be made for student voting for these positions in the future.

He suggested a mini-online election to be held each September. Even though recent high school graduates may appear to be “clueless” about college life, Johnson said, “We can connect them and at the same time train them to become future leaders and senators.”

There are currently 13 seats in the senate. The Freshmen Representatives bill has been assigned to the Budget and Finance Committee for further evaluation. A review by ASBSU’s judicial branch is expected to follow, and discussion regarding the status of this bill will continue this week.

Feedback from students is encouraged through gallery comments at the senate meetings.

For information, contact Kris Sansing by e-mail at KrisSansing@boisestate.edu or visit the ASBSU website. Meetings are conducted and open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building Forum.

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Journalist

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BY KIM M. KING

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New Senate bill proposed to appoint freshmen representatives

e s fxf Rr f f Pq f D T t j D t f f ff g f v q f f h W f q T v s xv f Q i z w z N e u W J s e b f UQ lf f f y Uf N c x f

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DEBAPTISM 1

SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

ART IN

BSU VS. FSU

THE PARK

A tale of two teams

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Rivals run for first in WAC conference

BY KIRK BELL Editor

Two coaches. One conference. The face of the WAC. The Western Athletic Conference carries two separate identities. There is the handlebar mustache of Fresno State head football coach Pat Hill, who represents the nitty-gritty, take-it-to you mentality of a hardnosed program.

Then there is the methodic mingling of Boise State head football coach Chris Petersen, who carries a similar, yet less rough-and-tumble on the surface, Broncos team. The faceoff happens in Fresno, Ca Friday, Sept. 18, at 7:00 p.m. MT. “I think Friday’s game really is a game against two teams that have shaped the last ten years of the WAC,” conference commissioner Karl Benson said. “…It’s going to be a great showcase opportunity for the WAC against two premier programs.” fresno state athletics

Bulldogs head coach Pat Hill is known as a highly respected football coach who will play anyone, anywhere, anytime.

The History

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ulldog Stadium has hosted multiple loses under the reign of Pat Hill who hosts his13th season as the skipper of FSU football. The last time the Bulldogs could claim themselves victors over BSU was Thursday, Nov. 2005. They brought down the Bronco machine 27-7 in Fresno.

The ninth meeting of the two teams this decade could quite possibly be the Bronco’s toughest road match this season. It is the first conference game of the 2009 WAC season for both programs.

“We have so much respect for Fresno,” Petersen said. “We know how tough they are. How tough it is to play down there. It will be a hard fought game. It will be a physical game without question. And all that on a short week.”

Each team competed last Saturday with the Bulldogs getting the tougher end of the straw. While BSU walked all over a lackluster Miami (Ohio) Redhawks team to the tune of 48-0, FSU battled into double overtime against the Wisconsin Badgers on the road.

The Bulldogs could not upset the Badgers, dropping the game 31-34.

“I think we’re going into this game, offensively, very healthy,” Hill said.

“Defensively we’re a little banged up but offensively we go into this game very healthy. But we’re going to need them all.”

The offense brings a slightly different look that most have seen in the past. FSU is known for their powerful style of play. The program has tried, successfully, at taking down teams by playing its style of football.

The loss of graduated and NFLbound Bear Pascoe, along with now Denver Bronco third string quarterback Tom Brandstater, the Bulldog’s offense has made some adjustments.

The kinds of adjustments that are, according to Hill, best suited to the types of players they have this season.

“We’ve got six receivers and four running backs now,” Hill said. “…We don’t have the tight ends that we have had in the past. We’ve had to spread the ball around and it’s worked well for us. But we’re still working and developing our offense.”

Part of that success has been due to FSU junior running back Ryan Mathews who has averaged 106.5 ypg in the last two games following a season ending knee injury during 2008.

His supporting cast of running backs are racking up yards. They are averaging 244.5 rushing per game so far this season.

“Typical Fresno State team,” Petersen said. “Those guys just play hard is the thing that jumps out at you…I think that this is a heck of a Fresno State team. I really do. They’ve got a couple of guys that we have seen over the years that are back and healthy and playing hard.”

The Bulldog’s have replaced Brandstater with junior quarterback Ryan Colburn. Despite four interceptions, Colburn has tossed five touchdown passes, has completed 60 percent of his passes and has averaged 225 yards in his first two starts.

The FSU offense has put up 979 yards so far and given only an average of 322 ypg to their opponents.

ARBITER file photo

Broncos head coach Chris Petersen has set the pace for the Western Athletic Conference.

ARBITER file photo

BSU raised the 2008 Western Athletic Championship trophy following its victory over the Fresno State Bulldogs 61-10.

BSU’s defense matches up

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espite throwing up respectable offensive numbers early on, the Bulldogs will face the toughest defense they have seen to date. The Broncos are currently ranked sixth in the nation for their defensive efforts against Oregon and Miami (Ohio) and have allowed 34.5 ypg on the ground with 1.6 ypc. Hill attributes BSU’s success against the rushing attack to their fine tuning of the defensive line.

“I’ve always thought they play good defense. Especially last year they were very, very good,” Hill said. “…I had a lot of people contact me before the Oregon game. I told them don’t be worried about offense. They’re defense is going to be the one that controls the game. And sure enough they did. They are very good at the defensive front…I think Boise State is much better up front than Wisconsin

after watching the film.”

The progression of the Bronco’s defense has been crucial in their evolution in a conference that has been known for gaudy offensive numbers. The Bulldogs hope to finally do more than nip at the heels of BSU coming into Friday night’s in-conference collision.

“I think both teams [BSU and FSU] have performed very well out of conference,” Hill said. “…We have not executed as well as they have…Right now we’re trying to catch Boise State. I think everybody else in our league is also.

Kind of what is happening right now in the Pac 10. You get your opportunities.

You get one shot and this is our shot Friday night.”

The game will be shown nationally on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. MT.

From the

BLUEto you:

Just win and pray for Broncos

BY TRENT LOOTENS Producer

The Boise State Broncos are in a familiar position as they look up the college football polls to a team from the Mountain West Conference.

This time it’s not Utah but Brigham Young in the BCS driver’s seat.

The Associated Press Top 25 ranked BYU at No. 7 two weeks into the college football season. BYU’s surge into the Top 10 came after a monumental upset win against then No. 3 Oklahoma in Arlington, Texas at Cowboy Stadium during week 1.

The twist to BYU’s huge victory came in the second quarter when reigning Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford was taken out of the game with a sprained shoulder in-

jury sustained to his throwing arm.

Bradford would never return, and neither would Oklahoma’s offense due to Bradford’s backup being completely ineffective.

BYU won that game 14-13 on a late touchdown drive in the fourth quarter, executed by BYU senior quarterback Max Hall. The win catapulted BYU into the Top 10, ahead of preseason BCS busting favorite BSU. Though BSU might still be sitting pretty in both the AP and USA Today Coaches Poll at No.10 respectively the earliest BSU has ever made it to the Top 10 - they have to live with the fact that if BYU doesn’t lose, they be left out of the BCS party again.

BSU has to finish undefeated to even have a chance of getting an atlarge BCS bid. With BYU out in front

by a significant margin in both polls and with a better strength of schedule than BSU, the Cougars are the overwhelming frontrunners to bust the BCS. At this point, with a win at Oklahoma, a win this week at home in Provo, Utah. over Florida State, and possibly two more wins in home games against Utah and Texas Christian - both Top 25 teams - BYU could find itself playing for a National Championship.

That leaves the question of what would happen to BSU should BYU go undefeated and plays for the National Championship.

For BSU, they would need BYU to play for the National Championship if both teams do end up going undefeated because the BCS committee has already proven last year they

will take a two-loss Ohio State team over a mid-major program if two mid-major teams go undefeated.

Utah was invited over BSU to play in the Sugar Bowl, a game the Utes won over Alabama.

If both BSU and BYU go undefeated and BYU is not chosen to play in the National Championship game, it will be an easy decision for the committee - not a good sign for BSU due to the strength of schedule BYU possesses.

All BSU can do is win the remaining games on their schedule and hope realistically that BYU does lose along the way to ensure an invite from the BCS. A lot of things have to fall BSU’s way before the end of the regular season or they could once again be at the mercy of the BCS committee.

PHOTO BY JOSH RASMUSSEN/THE ARBITER

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DEBAPTISM

ART IN

BSU VS. FSU 1

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THE PARK

SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

The Analysis: Art in the Park transforms artists into grass retailers

EVAN WESTERFIELD Journalist

Last weekend artists united in Julia Davis Park. The collection of art displayed ran the gambit from jewelry to sculptures and paintings.

A question arises when every possible thing is on sale, when does art stop being art? Is it when there are bright orange stickers denoting the paintings value attached to the original paintings? Is it when Dan Richards, Gallery Feat Artist paintings of the Pacific Northwest wildlife is only a few yards from a frozen yogurt booth?

Or is it when there are ATMs conveniently placed throughout the show just in case a potential customer wanted to make an impulse buy?

I can’t possibly answer all of this. Art at its core has inherent value, good art especially. A brief search on Google or Wikipedia can turn up the fact that art can in some ways be defined by the value it fetches at market. For instance, Jackson Pollack’s No. 5, 1948 is the worlds’ most expensive piece of art by sale value.

What does this have to do with walking through Julia Davis Park in Boise on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday?

Simply, it is a statement that we are a culture of consumption.

Without any of the negative connotations the word consumption implies, everything our culture creates including its art is ready made for sale. This is not to say or demerit the essential kitsch of the art on display this weekend. As an example the “Sexy Dingo” prints of Kristy Albrecht accomplished the effective balancing of American iconography from the theme of martini glasses, to a full on bathtub bubble painting with skunks playing with a beach ball. All while Albrecht maintained soothing color schemes based on bright colors including yellow.

The question of when does art stop being art does not end here, the question will probably never be solved. As a question it is one purely of choice for the consumer and their taste. For this article however, the question will be solved when the person behind the cash register, an artist, wears a name tag. Once that happens, they’re not an artist, but an associate.

Among the many displays of art were some stuffed animal creations of dragons and other mythical creatures.

PHOTO BY nik bjurstrom/THE ARBITER

The life of a Greek

BY NIKKI HOUSTON Journalist

Students thinking about “going Greek” will have to cut loose old stereotypes if they want to make into a sorority.

They should forget what they’ve seen in the media: The images of partying and the hardcore drinking and drama that seems to be associated with Greek life. If that is what students have in mind when trying to be a Potential New Member (PNM), they might as well turn and run in the opposite direction.

The process of going through Sorority Recruitment, formerly called rush week, is a week-long event. Students attend open houses to learn about the sororities, what they stand for and their cost. Toward the end of the week, all PNMs go to sorority parties and events. There isn’t hazing or drinking during this week, according to Carissa Cruz, vice president of recruitment for Greek life.

Boise State and both sororities have strict no hazing rules.

“Each sorority makes a bid list from the PNM’s they like best in order. Then the PNM’s will also do the same, put who they would like to join first and then second,” Cruz said. “The bids will be matched up and then we have bid day, which is Sunday. This is where we reveal the bid matches.”

I don’t think I’d be as educated on campus life if I wasn’t in the Greek system.

Before any judgments are made, the term bidding refers to a formal invitation issued to a potential new member to become a new member of a sorority.

The media and American culture has created stereotypes for sorority houses. Sorority houses are supposedly luxurious and can house all the members of the sorority. BSU has two houses on campus, one for a sorority and one for a fraternity.

Alpha Chi Omega is the sorority located on campus. The house is has enough rooms for five people and is located on Chrisway Drive.

Alpha XI Delta has seven members. They do not have a house and meet on campus when they have meetings.

Once accepted, there are dues new inductees must pay. The fees are for events, shirts, the house (if the sorority has one), and badges. Dues typically range between $350-$400 a semester. Payment plans are offered that allow dues to be paid throughout the semester.

For Nicole Hottendorf, paying dues were an issue.

“A friend and coworker was always talking about her sorority and I just wanted to check it out and see if it is right for me,” she said. “But I’m poor!”

Members of sororities carry with them a number of responsibilities.

“While wearing the letters of your sorority, there is no drinking, no cursing or anything that would misrepresent what those letters stand for,” Cruz said. “When wearing letters, we are proud. We are proud for what they stand for.”

Community service hours can vary depending on the sorority, but 10 hours per week is common. Maintaining a 2.5 GPA, attending meetings and being the best you can be are important ingredients in being a successful sorority member.

When Alpha XI Delta member, Zulaen Fernandez, moved here from Oregon, she decided to join a sorority as a way to meet new people. Sami Johnson, Alpha Chi Omega’s chapter president, admitted she had no desire to join at first. She decided to give it a try when a friend started talking about it and

has now been a member for the past two years.

Sorority members are constantly aware of events happening on campus. It is important to be aware in order to support BSU and to make others aware of the sorority.

“I don’t think I’d be as educated on campus life if I wasn’t in the Greek system,” student Sonja Ewing said.

Joining a sorority can a great way to meet new people and learn more about the Boise State community. It gets people out of their comfort shell and forces them to get to know others and make friends. Even if a PNM does not get into a sorority, the experience of sorority recruitment week can offer the opportunity of meeting new people. The friendships made while participating in a sorority can last a lifetime.

For more information on the Greek life on campus visit their Web site, goGreek.boisestate.edu

1,000 water balloons enter, no one leaves dry To see all the action from the fraternity water balloon battle, check out the video on arbiteronline.com

0:18 / 2:38

HQ

screenshot from video BY zach ganschow/THE ARBITER

A well-placed balloon strikes a participant’s neck in this screenshot. The 1,000 Water Balloons fight, hosted by the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business fraternity, took place Sept. 9.

6

SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

Go to arbiteronline.com to read about Charles Kesler’s speech on campus Tuesday night.

PHOTO BY glenn landberg/THE ARBITER

Charles Kesler, acclaimed conservative, speaks to Boise State about the future of a limited government.

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4. Yell really loud.

Someone from our office may or may not hear you.

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8/23/09

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

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SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

3. Stop by our office across the street from the SUB (the one with the big ramp in the front).

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SOLUTION TO LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

9/20/09

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box Virgo 23-Sept. 22) (in(Aug. bold borders) Today is an 8 -- Prepare yourself contains every a cozy nest where you can finally digit, 1 toyou’ve 9. worried relax. Something Forfade strategies about will away by on itself. how to solve Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. Sudoku, visit 22)

The Future

BY LINDA C. BLACK Tribune Media Services

Today’s Birthday (09/17/09)

You have superpowers this year, Today is a 9 -- Take care of busiwww.sudoku.org.uk and you’re determined to use them ness early in the day. Talk is cheap. for good. Of course you would; and Actions servebyyou better. Focus on © 2009 The Mepham Group.

Distributed you will. You’ll thinkMedia of lotsServices. of ways. All harmony Tribune rights reserved. when you speak.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) the most challenging.

Today is a 9 -- Get off to a good start with the first person you meet. Nail Aries (March 21-April 19) down the details and save romance Today is a 5 -- Focus entirely on for tonight. the job. Put your back into it. You may feel overburdened, but don’t Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) complain. This is a test.

Today is a 9 -- Your energy is really raw today. Protect yourself with Taurus (April 20-May 20) practical actions. Tact wins the day.

Today is a 9 -- Your sweetheart is in a groove and can help make the job Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) fun. Don’t get so carried away that Today is an 8 -- Try not to say evyou forget to finish it. erything that comes into your head.

Stick to the issues. Diplomacy, Gemini (May 21-June 21) diplomacy, diplomacy.

Today is a 5 -- Domestic chores take priority. Tackle them with good Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) humor. Make your house cozier by Today is an 8 -- Your unique ideas rearranging what you have. need to be expressed. Take the time to find the right venue. Assess Cancer (June 22-July 22) results later.

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Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Give appropriate feedback.

Today is a 5 -- You’re flooded with new assignments. You’ll have to ___ hurry to keep up, but you can do (c) 2009, Tribune Media Services Inc. that easily.

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SEPTEMBER 17, 2009

09 0 2 , 7 2 4 2 September ise D ow n t ow n B o

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