Volume 33, Issue 23 - March 3, 2011

THE

THE

ETROPOLITAN METROPOLITAN

March 3, 2011, Vol. 33, Issue 23

Serving Auraria for 31 years

’Runners slam into semifinals

Online >> http://themet.metrostudentmedia.com

Pell Grants at risk for fall

By Daniel Laverty dlaverty@mscd.edu Metro students receiving federal Pell Grants may see their fall financial aid awards cut by 17 percent if budget reductions passed in the U.S. House of Representatives become law.

More than 10,000 students received Pell Grants this year, said Cindy Hejl, director of Financial Aid. The average grant awarded to Metro students is $3,500.

Metro has seen awards for Pell Grants increase by 25 percent each year since 2008, Hejl said.

The House passed its spending bill on party lines Feb. 18, cutting funding to the Department of Education by 15 percent. All Democrats and three Republicans voted no.

The Senate has not yet acted, but Hejl doesn’t think the cuts will clear that chamber. And a national organization representing financial aid departments across the nation is lobbying against the cuts.

“It’s the worst time for Congress to even be considering this because students are already getting their financial aid packages (for next semester),” said Haley Chitty, spokesman for the National Association of Student Aid Administrators. “If they modify the funding for the Pell Grant program, those packages will have to be updated.”

Pell Grants are awarded to students based on financial need.

Hejl said she’ll be in Washington

the week of March 6 for a conference. She plans to meet with Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., to answer questions regarding the budget cuts.

“Any changes to the current funding levels will cause many schools headaches due to the timing,” Hejl said.

She hopes funding levels will remain the same for the 2011-2012 school year but expects cuts in the future.

The Senate is expected to come up with its own financial plan for higher education, which will have no effect on Pell Grants and all other student aid programs, Chitty said.

President Barack Obama has proposed cutting Pell Grants for summer semesters, leaving the current rates for fall and spring at the same levels.

“I’m hoping something closer to the president’s budget is passed,” Hejl said.

NASAA and other student groups have formed a Facebook campaign for students to post personal stories about how the Pell Grant helps them. There are also links on the page – www.facebook. com/savestudentaid – for students to find out and contact their representatives and senators.

Hejl said she’s afraid that if funding is cut students would have to take on more debt, or prospective students might be discouraged from attending a higher education institution.

NEWS Drivers find Lot R lacking; 108 spaces lost to hotel site • 3 METROSPECTIVE Metro Guard Reggie Evans drives the court for a slam dunk March 1 during a 90-69 Metro win against Western New Mexico. Photo by Ryan Borthick • Rborthic@mscd.edu

Coverage on 12

Student art center stage at Emmanuel Gallery • 7

2 • NEWS • MARCH 3, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN

Late Start Classes At Extended Campus Locations Spring 2011

South Campus 5660 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Suite 100 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 303-721-1212 (at I-25 & Orchard Road)

Free Parking!

Dept #

Title

Credits

CRN#

Days

Time

Dates

ACC 2020

Principles of Accounting II

3

34806

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

CJC 3430

Drugs and the Criminal Justice System

3

34901

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

CPD 2300

Time Management

1

35297

S

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

04/02-04/09

CPD 2310

Stress Management

1

35294

S

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

03/05-03/12

CPD 2360

Multi-Level Wellness

1

35299

S

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

04/16-04/23

HSP 3590

The Resistive Adolescent Client

1

34861

F,S

8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

04/22-04/23

PHI 1030

Introduction to Ethics

3

33981

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

SED 3600

Exceptional Learner in the Classroom

3

33388

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

SPE 1010

Public Speaking

3

34688

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

THE 3200

Oral Interpretation

3

35218

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

North Campus 11990 Grant Street, Suite 102 Northglenn, CO 80233 303-450-5111 (Just east of I-25 on 120th Avenue & Grant Street)

Free Parking!

Dept #

Title

Credits

CRN#

Days

Time

Dates

CJC 3270

Community Corrections

3

34813

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

CPD 2310

Stress Management

1

35295

S

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

04/03-05/07

CPD 2320

Self Esteem

1

35303

S

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

04/16-04/23

CPD 3908

Financial Planning for Women

1

35336

S

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

03/05-03/12

NUT 2040

Introduction to Nutrition

3

32660

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

SOC 365L

Class Power and Decision Making in the Cities

3

34761

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

SPE 1710

Interpersonal Communication

3

35341

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

THE 2210

Introduction to Theatre

3

33983

S

8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m.

03/19-05/14

Register Now at http://metroconnect.mscd.edu For more information or to request a class schedule, call 303-721-1313 or visit our website at www.mscd.edu/extendedcampus

THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3, 2011 • 3

EWS

“The state budget has no fat to cut.

We have gone from dealing with pork to turkey here.

The state coffers are looking lean.”

— STAFF EDITORIAL • INSIGHT • 6

Construction gobbles parking

By James Sienkiewicz jsieukie@mscd.edu Students hoping to swing into Lot R at the last minute to make their afternoon class on the east side of campus were greated with unexpected long lines Feb. 28.

Auraria lost another 108 parking spaces Feb. 27 this time from Lot R, located just west of the corner of Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway.

“Based on the first two days (after the reduction), Lot R is filling up by 9 a.m. and staying filled until the evening,” said Mark Gallagher, director of parking for Auraria. “There’s a turnover rate of about two cars per spot. There’s a constant line.”

The campus has lost 881 parking spots this year due to construction projects.

The reduction of spaces in Lot R is due to the construction of the Hotel Learning Center.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the HLC is slated for March 31, but the initial groundwork began in January.

Because space is so tight, there was a need to temporarily shut down a portion of the lot for extra room, said Jill Jennings, Auraria’s campus planner. The lot reduced was to accommodate part of the construction area for the HLC. The area will be used for office space, storage of materials and other construction-related uses.

The spaces lost in Lot R will be a temporary loss. After construction

INDEX INSIGHT ... 6 METROSPECTIVE ... 7 SPORTS ... 12 TIMEOUT ... 14

WEATHER Warm, dry conditions for the middle part of the week with a chance for rain on Friday and snow on Monday and Tuesday.

An AHEC parking and transportation employee assists people in gaining access to Lot R. The northeast lot lost more than 100 parking spots due to construction. Photo by Thomas Stipe • bstipe@mscd.edu is finished, AHEC will take back that portion of the lot.

The HLC will have its own parking, which will not be open to students, Gallagher said. The closure of Lot R section will not have a significant impact on the revenue collected from parking, he said.

Because demand for parking decreases through the semester, Gallagher said the lost money would most

likely be made up when students find alternative spots.

Lot R costs $5.50 per day.

Other lots, such as the upper portion of Lot H, charge the same rate.

Lot D and the King Center Garage both charge $4.50 per day.

“I don’t think at this time revenue will be lost because people will relocate and they’re likely to relocate at pretty close to the same price. It might

be a little bit off, but I don’t expect it to impact us this year,” Gallagher said.

Yesenia Rujunda, a freshman at the University of Colorado at Denver, said she usually has no trouble parking in Lot R, because she arrives to campus early.

“It’s more convenient for me to park in this lot,” she said. “Most of my classes are in the Science Building.”

— Ryen Robnett contributed to this report.

3.3 • Partly cloudy High: 61/Low: 30 3.4 • Chance of rain High: 47/Low: 29 3.5 • Partly cloudy High: 51/Low: 25 3.6 • Partly cloudy High: 53/Low: 29 3.7 • Mostly sunny High: 40/Low: 26 3.8 • Chance of snow High: 42/Low: 24 3.9 • Chance of snow High: 46/Low: 21

By Kendell LaRoche

CORRECTION An article on Page 6, in the Feb. 24 print edition of The Metropolitan should have reported the Metro Alumni Association had a budget of $10,000 for homecoming that had not been fully dispersed. The total amount spent by the association is still being calculated.

SGA to focus on past, future at weekend retreat Student senate to debate name, grading policy changes

By John Vancleave and Ramsey Scott The Metropolitan Metro’s Student Government Assembly is planning a mid-semester retreat to focus on strategic planning and relationship building – all while swearing in newly elected senators.

The two-day meeting is tentatively planned for March 11 and 12 and will cost about $1,000.

“I think it’s going to be really great for our organization to start thinking more long term,” said SGA President Sammantha O’Brien.

Speaker of the Senate Simon Ayesse agreed that a retreat could help the SGA “refocus, reassess and clarify group goals and priorities.”

While the SGA is holding the re-

treat with two months left in the semester, O’Brien sees it as an opportunity to help build momentum for the future.

“We have three months left [in our term] right now … and it’s really important that we don’t waste any of that,” O’Brien said.

She wants the SGA to “zoom out” and do more long-term strategic planning for the organization’s future.

One of the stated goals for the retreat is to attract more students and former SGA members to attend.

O’Brien recently rubbed elbows with past SGA members — including the first student body president from 1968 — and was motivated to help establish more tradition in student government.

“We really want to bring them in and find where the consistency is,” O’Brien said. “There are some core values to student government that seem to be passed on throughout the generations and the same type of

fights we take on each year.”

The retreat is expected to be held on campus and will be very similar to last semester’s, with an administration social and student organization socials.

“We’ve done a lot of relationship building … trying to find some common goals within the administration, the Board of Trustees, alumni,” O’Brien said.

The SGA also hopes to work on ways to increase student involvement and generate ideas for campus and academic improvements.

Meanwhile, newly elected Sens.

Ian Dehmel, Javier San Andres and Jeffery Washington took the oath to make their elections official. They will be able to cast votes at the next Senate meeting March 4, pending the results of a mandatory background check.

In other SGA news, Sen. Jesse Altum proposed several resolutions Feb. 25, including one to amend the position of political affairs director to stu-

dent outreach director. Altum hopes the name change will help define the position and help with the SGA’s proactive approach to interacting with students and clubs.

In the same meeting, the Senate put holds on a vote on two of the more anticipated resolutions on its agenda – a stance on the proposed name change and whether Metro should switch to a plus/minus grading system.

The resolution addressing the name change would put the official position of the SGA behind the name Denver State University.

The resolution dealing with the grading system change is being referred to the Student Voice Committee for further discussion.

In a related matter, the SGA plans to organize “meet and greets” in an effort to reach out to students who might not normally connect with the SGA. Meeting times will be available next week.

Surveys and bills and crimes, oh my! Find more news you can use online in Metro in a Minute.

FOLLOW US: @TheMetOnline

facebook.com/

The Metropolitan

youtube.com/ themetonline

DID YOU KNOW: The longest drawing in the world, “Clinic Plus Gateway 2008,” measured 22,294 feet and 10 inches.

4 • NEWS • MARCH 3, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN

Time might be up for Tivoli Taco Bell Lease set to expire; committee invites other parties to apply

By Cody Lemon clemon2@mscd.edu The Student Advisory Committee to the Auraria Board has assembled the Food Vendor Committee to possibly replace Taco Bell in the Tivoli and organize more outdoor vendors at Auraria.

The committee and the Auraria Higher Education Center are focusing on solidifying a lease agreement for the spots in the Tivoli that Taco Bell and Wok and Roll currently occupy. Taco Bell’s lease is up this summer, and Wok and Roll’s ends the summer of 2012.

“For me, the top priority is looking at the two vendors in the food court, (Taco Bell and Wok and Roll) and then exploring new spaces outdoors for new food and drink vendors,” said Jonathan Raabe, University of Colorado at Denver SACAB representative and Food Vendor Committee Chairman.

First SACAB has to decide

Yolanda Hanks serves a customer during the lunch rush March 1 at the Taco Bell in the Tivoli. Taco Bell’s lease is up this summer and must reapply to keep its space. Photo by Javid Rezvani • jrezvani@mscd.edu whether it is going to bid for the spots or extend the contracts for one or both vendors. The committee will make its recommendations, but SACAB will ultimately make the final

accommodate their selection.

SACAB will send out a request for proposals to which interested parties and the two existing vendors may apply.

decision, Raabe said.

According to AHEC Finance and Programs Director Dave Caldwell, if students particularly want a specific vendor, SACAB and AHEC will try to

“It’s up to our students,” Caldwell said. “This Food Vendor Committee will receive all of the proposals. They will evaluate them, they will score, them and they will rank them.”

The leading vendors will have a chance to officially present themselves to SACAB. The committee will then decide which business they wish to negotiate a contract with.

The committee is also looking to improve Auraria’s outdoor vendor selection, Raabe said.

The committee took a walk through the campus Feb. 25 looking for possible locations for future vendors. Auraria currently has only two outdoor vendors.

“I would love to see miniature cafés outside where you have one or two carts set up next to each other and they maintain [an area of] chairs and tables outdoors,” Raabe said. “We can create these little zones to where, if you’re outside on a nice day, you can stop by, sit down and have some food.”

The committee will have its next meeting March 4. Taco Bell is going through the first step of the leasing process and will present its introduction at the meeting, Raabe said.

SHOULD TACO BELL STAY OR GO: Take our poll online at themet.metrostudentmedia.com/news

t c e n n Co ith us! w dia e M t n e Stud

e s u o H n e Op

f o e c i f Of

9 arch M , y 10 esda Wedn ay, March d Thurs .

– 3 p.m . m . a 11 om/ 13 c .

3 a i i l o d e Tiv

entm

//

tud s o r t me

http:

About Us Metro Student Media produces The Metropolitan weekly newspaper, the Met Report weekly broadcast, Met Radio streaming daily, the Metrosphere annual literature and art magazine, and the Student Handbook. Exciting jobs are available in a multimedia environment where you can connect with professional experience without leaving campus. Get in touch with the latest news and events.

Come see what we do, what we’re about, and share your thoughts on how you can get connected.

Areas in which we provide experience • • • • • • •

!

cks a n S Free

Journalism & English Art & design Broadcast communications Radio production Marketing & business Web & computer information systems General office & administration

DID YOU KNOW: The world record for number of cocktails made in one hour by a group is 1,541.

THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3, 2011 • NEWS • 5

Visiting professor: Communication key to healthy, diverse workplace

By Ali Rodgers arodger6@mscd.edu Metro’s melting pot of diversity played an apt host to recently named Rachel B. Noel Visiting Professor Judi Hampton from Feb. 28 – March 2.

Hampton, a public relations executive, works with companies that have problems with diversity in the workplace.

Part of her technique is to conduct discussions that reveal problems or what people are not respecting about each other.

“I tell people to leave your opinion at home and bring your behavior to work,” Hampton said.

Professorship candidates must be nominated for consideration by a company they have worked with.

Then, their credentials are reviewed by the Woodrow Wilson Fellowship Program, which eventually names a recipient.

The recipient of the professorship is determined by the success of a person dealing with diversity through their work and their ability to communicate their success. Occupations of past recipients have ranged from business to art and academia.

“I tell people to leave your opinion at home and bring your behavior to work.”

— Judi Hampton, Rachel B. Noel visiting professor Hampton has also been involved with projects such as the awardwinning documentary “Eyes on the Prize.” The documentary focuses on the African-American Civil Rights Movement. Hampton’s contribution is her ability to provide conflict resolution in relation to diversity.

“Some people would say that’s my strength,” Hampton said.

The professorship started in 1981 and was named after Rachel B. Noel, who was a professor at Metro from 1971-1980. In 1968, Noel presented the Noel Resolution to the Denver Public School Board. The resolution sought racial integration for schools in Denver.

By 1970, the Noel Resolution passed and public schools were integrated.

Noel’s life goal was to teach people, specifically children, how to work together.

“If Rachel B. Noel were here today, she would say, ‘Let’s work with the children. They will grow up and they will know how to work together,’” said Wilton Flemon, coordinator of this week’s events.

Robert Hazan, chairman and professor of political science at Metro, hosted Hampton as a guest speaker in his classes.

Hazan said he wants to show students how problems concerning diversity in local communities are the same around the world.

“All of the world’s problems can be solved by communication,” Hazan said.

Photo Illustration by Luke Powell • lpowel18@mscd.edu

GOOD QUESTION Q: Why can students buy alcohol on campus but not cigarettes?

By Ryen Robnett rrobnet1@mscd.edu Metro students who only smoke when they drink have to plan ahead if they want to light up with a glass of wine or pint of beer at Auraria.

Purchasing tobacco on college campuses or any state property is illegal.

The reason for not selling cigarettes on campus is not just a health issue, said Freddy Arck, a spokesman for the Auraria Higher Education Center.

“The issue goes back to 1991 to an executive order proposed by Gov.

(Roy) Romer,” Arck said. “Basically, it prohibits the sale of tobacco on a state-owned building. The policy is still in effect.”

“The governor’s executive order does not allow for smoking in any state building,” said Jeff Stamper, director of campus use for AHEC. “This order also prohibits the selling of any smoking material as well.”

Although cigarettes cannot be sold on campus, students are allowed to smoke as long as they abide by the policy. The policy is not expected to change and is highly enforced. Any individual who is caught violating the policy will be charged with a fine.

INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING

ON MONDAY, march 7 AT 7 PM PLEASE VISIT WWW.GOFOBO.COM/RSVP AND ENTER THE CODE themet9HHM TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASSES! MAKE SURE TO PRINT OUT YOUR PASSES AND PRESENT THEM AT THE SCREENING. TWO PASSES PER PERSON, WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. MUST BE 13 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO DOWNLOAD PASSES AND ATTEND SCREENING. THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13 for violence and creature terror, and some sensuality.

Parents Strongly Cautioned. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13.

Please note: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Limit two passes per person. Each pass admits one. Seating is not guaranteed.

Arrive early. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.

IN THEATERS MARCH 11 www.redridinghoodmovie.com

6 • THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3, 2011

NSIGHT

“This year, we know we are good. We know that we want [the championship]. We are just working really hard.”

—BRANDI VALENCIA, WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GUARD • SPORTS • 12

Crass, class mark Denver’s departures Early last week, I tried to follow what was happening in Libya and elsewhere in the Arab world on CNN. Bad choice. As a result, I missed the Denver Story of the Millennium: “Carmelo Anthony traded to the New York Knicks in blockbuster deal.” Worse, I had to wait for the next morning’s Denver Post for all the excruciatingly important details, in which the Middle East was a lot less prominent in a show of priorities.

Whether the Nuggets or the Knicks got the better of the multiplayer deal remains open to question. But an old axiom – dating to before high-maintenance superstars and their agents ran the National Basketball Association – has it that a team trading one of those superstars should get another in return. The Nuggets didn’t.

He has far too much class to say so, but Chauncey Billups has to be pissed. Who can blame him? Billups, whose ego is far more secure than Anthony’s, wanted to stay in Denver and never lusted for the bright lights/big city offered by the Knicks. The deal sent both – plus a supporting cast – to a team that has posted nine straight losing seasons Nor did Billups, who grew up in Denver, starred at Denver’s George Washington High School and at CU-Boulder, have any say in the blockbuster deal making him another pawn in a drawn-out chess game that played like a soap opera dubbed “Melodrama.” But Billups was caught in the maw of money and ego that drives everything now. Billups diplomatically said he understood the NBA was “a business.” I’m certain he secretly seethed while Nuggets’management had the chutzpah to feign false tears, apologize to his family and insist the Nuggets did all they could to keep Billups out of the monster deal. Yeah, right.

So Melo, who has said since last summer

that he didn’t want to stay in Denver and would only OK a deal to a BIG-city franchise, finally got his wish. Chauncey got shafted. Melo loved the adoration he got from Knicks fans during his first week. He and wife La La may get a house in New Jersey even more ostentatious than their Denver digs. It will cost more, but a few million more is chump change for a superstud who finally signed a contract extension for $65 million to make the Knicks deal fly. Melo should enjoy it now because his honeymoon may not last long. New York fans can be fickle, and the media there has crucified even fan favorites.

Melo may miss some of the dependable Denver homeboy cheerleaders who can find silver linings even in a Josh McDaniels debacle.

If Chancey Billups showed class – a commodity now in short supply in sport – so did Colorado Avalanche superstar Peter Forsberg, under vastly different circumstances.

In his perceptive hockey book called “The Game,” former Montreal Canadiens All-Star goalie Ken Dryden wrote of pro athletes’ brief careers, “You can go from hot prospect to promising rookie to seasoned veteran to aging hasbeen. All by the time you’re 30.” By the time Forsberg was 30, seven years ago, he had won two Stanley Cups with the Avs, an Olympic gold medal for his native Sweden (he’d do it again in 2006) and the National Hockey League’s Most Valuable Player award.

Forsberg and the Avs agreed to a mere million-dollar contract, prorated for the balance of a far-spent season, prior to his last attempt at yet another “comeback” at age 37.

Alas, Forsberg’s final comeback lasted all of two games, neither in front of a home crowd at the Pepsi Center. Forsberg, whose right foot has troubled him since the 2003 playoffs, has had 25 surgeries in addition to prior surgeries on both ankles.

A Democratic senator from Boulder said he has had enough of cutting funding for education — and he wants to raise taxes.

At a Feb. 28 news conference, Sen. Rollie Heath said Gov. John Hickenlooper’s proposal to cut K-12 education was “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

Heath said he will present a ballot measure to the people of Colorado asking them to raise the income tax from 4.63 percent to 5 percent and sales tax from 2.9 percent to 3 percent.

The increases would last for three years and bring in an estimated $1.63 billion for K-12 funding and higher education.

Thank you, Sen. Heath.

Thank you for standing up and presenting a solution to the quandary that is education funding in this state.

Higher education is usually one of the first places the state turns to balance the budget.

There are no state constitutional mandates on how higher ed. needs to be funded and it is often looked at as a luxury in the budget, not a necessity.

K-12 education on the other hand, is subject to constitutional protection and societal scrutiny. Funding for the early years of education makes up more than 40 percent of the total general fund.

Hickenlooper’s proposal to cut K-12 by more than $300 million is almost without precedent. It has people pissed off and rightfully so.

The state budget has no fat to cut. We have gone from dealing with pork to turkey here. The state coffers are looking lean.

Everyone at the Capitol, from state lawmakers to Hickenlooper, have said voters have no appetite for tax increases in this economic climate.

The state has no appetite for tax increases but, somehow, maintains an insatiable hunger for services and programs.

The two situations don’t add up.

Heath is asking people to take a good, hard look at the other side of the budget balancing equation, revenue.

He said on the day Hickenlooper unveiled his budget that the state cannot continue to cut its way out of a budget crisis.

Again, well said.

During his announcement, Heath had a

Since 1979

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ashley Moreland amorela1@mscd.edu MANAGING EDITOR Caitlin Gibbons cgibbon4@mscd.edu NEWS EDITOR Nic Garcia ngarci20@mscd.edu

J. SEBASTIAN SINISI sinisi2@msn.com

FEATURES EDITOR Megan Mitchell mmitch46@mscd.edu

Nothing worked for very long. Forsberg left the Avs after the 2004 season and went to the Philadelphia Flyers for two seasons, then to the Nashville Predators, while his numbers slipped badly, and back to the Avs for a comeback try in 2010 that was short-lived. Things were no better during his two-game return last month and Forsberg had to admit that his once-stellar 13-year career was finally over. At a Feb. 14 news conference at the Pepsi Center, “Peter the Great” announced his retirement with genuine tears in his eyes.

Forsberg’s announcement on Valentine’s Day was a heartbreaker for Avs fans. But it was a class act by a classy guy who could have gone on the DL and taken Avs’ owner Stan Kroenke’s money. The billionaire owner, who also owns the Nuggets, might not have cared. But that wouldn’t have been Forsberg’s style.

Different styles. Class and crass — fueled by ego – with three talismans now gone from Denver. But fans can take heart. The Rockies have finally showed signs of spending money with long-term contracts for Troy “Tulo” Tulowitzki and Carlos “CarGo” Gonzales. And the return of baseball signals rebirth – and hope – after a sports winter of discontent.

MUSIC EDITOR Stephanie DeCamp sdecamp@mscd.edu ASSISTANT MUSIC EDITORS Ian Gassman Matt Pusatory SPORTS EDITOR Mark Babish mbabish@mscd.edu ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Cody Lemon COPY EDITORS J. Sebastian Sinisi Drew Jaynes Stephanie Wilson Daniel Laverty PHOTO EDITOR Steve Anderson sande104@mscd.edu ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS Luke Powell Sean Mullins WEB DESIGNER Drew Jaynes info@drewapicture.com ADVISER Jane Hoback hobackje@comcast.net GRAPHIC DESIGN Kathleen Jewby kjewby@mscd.edu

Sen. Heath’s tax hike what education needs STAFF EDITORIAL

THE METROPOLITAN

paltry 10 fellow Democrats standing behind him. The Republicans are already using this opportunity to blast the Dems and criticize the party for out-of-control spending.

This conversation is neither new nor productive. The state needs to start considering all of its options, even the unpopular ones.

Raising taxes is not a sexy proposal. It is not politically popular and is not a fast way to make friends.

But it is a reality Colorado is going to face.

And it needs to happen now, not later.

Thanks to TABOR, all tax increases in Colorado must be approved directly by the voters.

This is an opportunity for us all to look in the mirror and ask ourselves what we want the state to fund. We need to ask ourselves how well do we want to fund those things. And we need to ask ourselves whether we are willing to pay more to do it.

Or, are we OK with continuing to cut our way out of a $1 billion budget shortfall.

Regardless of the answers to the above questions, we say, thank you Sen. Heath.

INTERIM DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Kate Lutrey lutreyk@mscd.edu INTERIM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Steve Haigh shaigh@mscd.edu

The Metropolitan accepts submissions in the form of topic-driven columns and letters to the editor. Column article concepts must be submitted by 1 p.m.. Thursdays and the deadline for columns is 9 p.m. Sundays. Columns range from 500 to 800 words. Letters to the editor must be submitted by 5 p.m. Mondays to be printed in that week's edition. There is 500-word limit for letters to the editor.

The Metropolitan reserves the right to edit letters for formatting and style.

All submissions should be sent by email to themetonline@gmail.com.

The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State College of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus.

The Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees and is published every Thursday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester.

Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of Metropolitan State College of Denver or its advertisers.

THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3, 2011 • 7

ETROSPECTIVE

Student exhibition moves, inspires

MSCD Art Guild delivers a fine selection of artwork for the annual 'Metro Now' showcase Story by Matt Hollinshead mhollin5@mscd.edu Photos by Billie Ranae Smith bsmit179@mscd.edu The Emmanuel Gallery was filled with art that captured the imaginations of those who observed it Feb. 24 at the annual Metro Now opening reception.

“It’s kind of a benchmark for our students, and it’s a way to engage professionally in exhibitions,” MSCD Art Guild event director Shannon K. Corrigan said. “We do it for all three schools [and] bring in a new juror every year so you get a different professional voice choosing the works. This particular show is actually the biggest entry we’ve ever had for Metro Now.” The Metro Now 2011 committee recognizes student artwork and gives artists a chance to display it on campus. This year, Metro Now is featuring 71 hand-selected pieces out of 320 initial submissions.

“It’s an extraordinary event for Metro students that are artists to come together,” Brenda LaBier, president of the MSCD Art Guild said. "It’s an amazing opportunity for them to show their work and for the public to see it.”

People walking around Auraria found time to wander in and check out the gallery, which features works ranging in medium from charcoal drawings, photography and inkjet print to collages, sculptures, ceramics and oil and acrylic paintings. Visitors and judges had a chance to marvel at the creativity, technique and skill of each piece on display.

Only three submissions placed this year. The two judges, Bobbi Walker of Walker Fine Art and Laura Merage from RedLine, chose both personal favorites and best in show. The best on show was decided based on execution, uniqueness and display quality.

“What we initially asked [the judges] to do was to make sure that it was a diverse group of works from different mediums, as well as [how it was] technically well-done and presented,” LaBier said.

Metro student Jeri Troudt won Best in Show with her suspended mixed media installation “Panes of Memory.”

In the piece, she placed delicate, transparent letters, pictures and objects between three separate glass sheets made to looks like old, wooden windows.

The show’s first runner-up was Metro junior Melissa Laugen with her copper and brass sculpture “Land-

scape” which included objects resembling a tiny deconstructed highway winding around a black velvet necklace display. She said the piece was based on a painting by German expressionist Igon Schiel.

"It seemed pretty casual to me. I just wanted to come check out everybody else’s work,” Laugen said. “I’m glad to have this opportunity. I took that two-dimensional piece and wanted to interpret it as three-dimensional in some landscape perspective.”

Metro student Emily Ayers took second runner-up with her acrylic thread canvas “1983” in which she depicted two young girls walking in front of an old truck with thousands of tiny stitches.

The exhibition was also a positive experience for Walker and Merage, whose devotion to the project helped create a cohesive narration of student

creativity. “[We] enjoyed the experience thoroughly, and we took the responsibility very seriously,” Walker said. “Given the curatorial premise of the exhibition, we decided to select works that demonstrated technical execution and would, overall, create a diverse exhibit.”

Regardless of where the participants finished, the showing is an opportunity for student artists to publicly present their work and lend their artistic voices to Auraria.

METRO NOW Emmanuel Art Gallery Feb. 24 – March 10, 2011 Tue-Fri: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

TOP: CCD student Sarra Gallymova gazes at "Panes of Memory" a mixed media piece by Jeri Troudt March 1. The piece won Best in Show in the Metro Now student exhibition, showing through March 10 in the Emmanuel Art Gallery.

RIGHT: From left Lesya Klymenko and Sarra Gallymova discuss their favorite art pieces March 1. at the Metro Now student show in the Emmanuel Art Gallery.

8 • METROSPECTIVE • MARCH 3, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN

‘Major Barbara’ remains relevant today Metro’s version of the 1905 play highlights important themes on the economic divisions of society Story by Brittney Dahl bdahl4@mscd.edu Photos by Thomas Stipe bstipe@mscd.edu Excited chatter from the modest audience filled the Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre on Feb. 25 at the opening of Metro’s student performance of “Major Barbara.” The crowd silenced as the lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of George Bernard Shaw’s 1905 play about the establishment of the Salvation Army.

The setting is an excellent rendition of London in the early 1900s. Barbara Undershaft, played by Metro student Mallory Vining, speaks on the issues of class and economic status, and how they divide a poverty-stricken community where the people are desperate and tired enough to organize together and support one another.

Rusted green doors are staged under the red and white sign embroidered with the words “The Salvation Army.” English accents fill the theatre as the characters address the structures of class and economics surrounding wealthy characters such as Andrew Undershaft, played

by Metro student Jess Jesmer, and blue collar characters like Bill Walker, an aggressive man with his own willpower and shocking ideals, played by Metro student Nathan Taves.

Chuckles arise out of the audience when Taves says, “Oh, God oh God, please help him” about Barbara’s fiancé, Cusins. Taves described his experience as “incredible” with a great political message, action choreography and dialect.

“Major Barbara” opens a dialogue about religious and charitable organizations’ ignorance of the problems faced by everyday workers, in preference to profit-making.

In his work, Shaw criticizes these organizations. “Major Barbara” offers an insight into issues that still exist today, nearly 100 years later — the military industrial complex and ongoing issues in politics, economics and spirituality, to name a few.

“I want people to see this play, knowing some students and professors are intimidated

by Shaw. It is worth really listening too,” said Jay Louden, director and assistant theater professor at Metro. “After seeing this play you will feel smarter. It is amazing how it resonates with society in 2011, when it was written 100 years ago.”

Louden has directed several other productions at Metro, including “Twelfth Night,” “The Diviners” and “HOT L Baltimore.” He chose “Major Barbara” for a few particular reasons.

“One, educational values that show a particular kind of style and the roles in our society

today,” Louden said. He explained that the concept of the performance is practical and more suggestive of reality than some plays.

“It is clever and doesn’t really take a position,” Louden said. “[It] really relies on the audience to interpret the play [in order to get them to start thinking about the issues presented].”

Barbara is a strong-willed woman who believes in the common people and accepts poverty. Her father, Undershaft, maintains that a man must have money, however.

He asserts that his religion is “gunpowder and money,” not the salvation of the common people. “I am a millionaire, and that is my religion,” he said during one scene.

Vining said the role was interesting because it is a play that doesn’t get done all that often.

Jesmer said, “[He] is someone I would love to hate,” knowing there is more than one side to every story, and to explore that other side.

“I hope at the end of the play … [the audience goes] home to really think about the issues,” Louden said. He added that he wants viewers to start to have conversations about the themes to make them think about the world.

Louden said that actors will perform as they have rehearsed and no major changes will occur between the showings in February and March.

ABOVE: Mallory Vining playing Barbara Undershaft, Liam Speros playing Adolphus Cusins, and Jess Jesmer playing Andrew Undershaft discuss the future of the “Undershaft Munitions Works” in the MSCD production of “Major Barbara” at the Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre in the King Center.

RIGHT: Jamie Bauer playing Rummy Mitchens, Nathan Taves playing Bill Walker, and Devon Moody playing Jenny Hill all portray a scene from act II of the MSCD production “Major Barbara” in the Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre in the King Center.

MAJOR BARBARA Eugenia Rawls Courtyard Theatre March 3-5 at 7:30 p.m.

March 6 at 2:30 p.m.

Springtime in wintertime Metro freshman Danielle Blattel, juggles her handmade hacky sacks while enjoying the warm weather Feb. 28. outside the Emmanuel Gallery. Monday’s temperature hit a high of 67 degrees.

Blattel said she has been practicing juggling for more than a year and finds it to be a relaxing way to unwind. Photo by Luke Powell • lpowel18@mscd.edu

THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3, 2011 • METROSPECTIVE • 9

Family’s Phở Bowl restaurant pumps out the flavor

By Ian Gassman igassman@mscd.edu Inside an Englewood gas station, beyond the wiper blades and Snickers bars, lies a spacious dining room where passing customers can stop, order and enjoy some of the Vietnamese delicacy known as Phở.

When I stopped by this past fall for some gas and an ice-cold Fresca (yes, they still make that drink), I could see the station’s back room was undergoing renovations. Finally, on Jan. 1, the construction ended and the Nguyen family opened Phở Bowl, right inside their own, “mom and pop” gas station at 3298 S. Broadway.

For years, it has been commonplace to find restaurants tucked inside the most unlikely of places. But, these days, the concept has caught on like wildfire. An old, automotive garage can get converted into a different type of grease trap. Mini-marts share space with tiny, Mexican sandwich places.

Even gourmet food is being flung from the back of a moving truck everyday, but the Nguyen’s Phở Bowl combines these notable ideas into one cool restaurant. Although it’s likely that the family had no intention of being hip to this trend, the Phở Bowl is still awfully neat.

Because there are a plethora of Phở shops scattered throughout Denver, the concept here is nothing new. This is why the Nguyen’s south Denver location is ideal.

There isn’t a lot of competition for Vietnamese food in Englewood and Sheridan and

any of those competitors aren’t strategically situated next to the hustle and bustle of Broadway. Even the popular Gothic Theater is just across from the station.

So, perhaps this location will give this bowl the chance to thrive. But it all comes down to the actual product, with its unique taste and appetizing presentation.

The No. 4, Phở Dac Biet, which basically means “Phở with everything,” is simply delicious. Unless you are a vegetarian, there is no way to dislike the combination of rare and tender beef tips, pieces of brisket and perfectly spiced meatballs. The long rice noodles soak up most of the meaty essence and become softer in texture, leaving a very subtle, salty broth.

Subtlety is the point of Phở. It’s hot and messy but, at the same time, it offers savory, mellow flavors. Paired with the meats are pieces of white onion and minced chives. Then, a side plate of quartered limes, some fresh jalapeno slices and cilantro comes with each bowl.

Adding in the peppers and herbs really contrasts the soup’s “melt in your mouth” quality, giving the dish a refreshingly crunchy texture.

Of course, the limes add a piquant tartness and sriracha sauce gives the broth some mouth-watering heat, while hoisin sauce sweetens up the deal.

Now, if budget is a concern, Phở Bowl is a great choice. The aforementioned Phở Dac Biet runs $6.50 for roughly a 20 oz. bowl, a can of soda is a $1.45 and three crispy, Vietnamese

INVITE YOU AND A GUEST TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 AT 7PM PLEASE VISIT WWW.GOFOBO.COM/RSVP AND ENTER THE CODE THEMET45NE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASSES.

THIS FILM IS RATED PG-13. PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED. Some Material May Be Inappropriate For Children Under 13.

Please note: Passes are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. No phone calls, please. Two passes per person. Each pass admits one. Seating is not guaranteed. Arrive early. Theater is not responsible for overbooking. This screening will be monitored for unauthorized recording. By attending, you agree not to bring any audio or video recording device into the theater (audio recording devices for credentialed press excepted) and consent to a physical search of your belongings and person. Any attempted use of recording devices will result in immediate removal from the theater, forfeiture, and may subject you to criminal and civil liability. Please allow additional time for heightened security. You can assist us by leaving all nonessential bags at home or in your vehicle.

EACH PASS ADMITS ONE. TWO PASSES PER PERSON. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. MUST BE 13 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO RECEIVE PASS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

IN THEATERS MARCH 11

A fresh Pho Dac Biet, or combo bowl waits for restaurant goers Feb. 22 at Pho Bowwl, a Vietnamese noodle restaurant located on South Broadway, across from the Gothic Theatre. Photo by Sean Mullins • smullin5@mscd.edu egg rolls are $5.50.

The other perfect thing about Phở is that it’s an all-weather dish. From the heat of summer to the depths of winter, Phở warms the soul and can satisfy those lunchtime eaters who are looking for a little more variety.

PHở BOWL Traditional Vietnamese food 3298 S. Broadway (303)-789-7693

10 • AUDIOFILES • MARCH 3, 2011 • THE METROPOLITAN

Sounding off

Air Dubai set to fly at 2011 Snowball Fest Air Dubai’s lead vocalist, Julian Thomas, defines his band’s eclectic range of styles as “pop music,” denying, at least on his part, any ties to early rap. By the end of 2009, he and fellow vocalist Jon Shockness dropped Air Dubai’s two-person format and opted for five new members.

Air Dubai’s 2010 album Wonder Age really showcased the band’s newfound live instrumentation, as opposed to synthetic, electronic beats. From March 4-6, Air Dubai will be doing what they do at the Snowball Festival in Vail Valley. Now, it’s time to find a lift ticket.

By Ian Gassman • igassman@mscd.edu From left: Michael Ray, Taylor Tait, Nick Spreigl, Julian Thomas, Lawrence Grivich, Wesley Watkins and Jon Shockness are Air Dubai. Photo courtesy of Air Dubai IG: How did Air Dubai get involved with the Snowball Festival?

JT: We actually just got an e-mail one day from the talent buyer of the festival saying that they liked us and really wanted us to play. We are very honored to be a part of the three or four local bands that got to join the line-up with some [other] really great bands.

IG: What about the Snowball Fest excites you? Do you think you’ll get to meet any musicians that you admire?

JT: Snowball excites me especially because it’s so impractical. We’ve seen festivals like Monolith and the Mile High Music Festival that try to give a traditional festival experience to Colorado during the summer, and then ultimately fail. Snowball gives a fresh, new approach to music festivals. And, especially for Colorado, I think it’s going to work really well. Our time slot is surrounded by a lot of really awesome bands — some of my favorites. So I wouldn’t be surprised if I ended up bumping elbows with a few of those guys.

IG: It looks like you’ll be playing the Heat Hut stage at the festival. When it comes to playing a bigger stage, do you think the band’s

collective energy translates well? What are your tricks for getting the larger audiences involved in the show?

JT: I think the energy translates fairly well. We’ve played 200-foot stages and we’ve played 10-foot stages and we’ve always maintained the same punch in our shows. I like to think that we play just as hard in either outlet. Plus, good vibes are infectious. So once a few people get into it, everyone does — regardless of the crowd’s size.

IG: How do you go about writing your songs? Do you come up with a rap, then Jon Shockness comes up with his melodic vocal? Does [drummer] Nick Spreigl come up with a beat first?

JT: The music always comes first. One person will bring an idea in and we’ll basically lock ourselves in our rehearsal space for hours while we develop it. Lyrics come next, usually based around a melody that Jon comes up with in the chorus. It’s very basic, but it [has] worked exceptionally well for us.

IG: Do you ever consider Air Dubai to be a straightforward, hiphop band?

JT: I would consider us a pop band, or perhaps an alterna-

tive band, but never a hip-hop band. I think people are always quick to label something as just “hip-hop” when there is rapping involved. I honestly think that a lot of the other different parts of Air Dubai represent who we are a lot more accurately than my vocals do.

IG: But the sound of Air Dubai seems akin to classic R&B and early hip-hop. So who are some of your favorite artists and influences in either of these genres, beyond today’s mainstream?

JT: I don’t listen to any R&B or any hip-hop, really. But James Murphy is my favorite musician of all time. And Phoenix has been my favorite band since I was 12 — ­ I grew up with them, basically. I’m just a man with a simple satisfaction: good, quality pop music. I can’t get enough of it [laughs].

Air Dubai

Snowball Festival, March 4-6 Vail Valley, $164.50 (3-day pass)

mile high and rising

PLACES finds home on the road with new album Interview by Linzy Novotny • lnovotn1@mscd.edu

Tyler Glasgow of PLACES plays Feb. 10 at the Tivoli.

Photo by Steve Anderson • sande104@mscd.edu

PLACES, the Denver-based seven-piece band, is getting ready to record their sophomore studio album, which is set for a May 2011 release. Afterward, the album will be supported with a global tour.

As the songwriting effort of Tyler Glasgow and Jordan McDonald, PLACES will record this album at the Blasting Room in Fort Collins with the help of the band’s mentor, Greg Richling of The Wallflowers. This will be the first time the band will record with all seven members.

When he formed PLACES, Glasgow wanted the group to be one that could be universally listened to. “You don’t have to be in a scene or have a certain haircut to like our band,” Glasgow said.

Members are influenced by the Counting Crows, Jimmy Eat World, John Mayer, Tom Petty, The Wallflowers and Weezer to name a few. When writing, Glasgow said he uses nostalgia because he wants to write music like he grew up listening to. Most of all, he wants the songs PLACES writes to be, “relevant now, but also a decade from now,” he said.

The band’s debut album, Where We Are Right Now, was the result of studio time Glasgow won in 2009. At the time, he didn’t have a band, but he had an idea of what he wanted his band to be. To start things off, he wanted the best drummer he knew, Checkers Barker. Barker had moved to Missoula, Mont.,

so Glasgow made the 16-hour drive from Denver to Missoula.

McDonald was onboard shortly after, and for a little over a year, Glasgow and McDonald drove back and forth between Missoula and Denver, perfecting their project.

Along with the new album, PLACES will pack up for a 47-state tour beginning on May 21. As a part of the Reach Across America charity, this tour will help collect baseball gear for underprivileged children, and will draw to a close in the beginning of September. By the end, the band will not only have played all but one of the continental states (sorry North Dakota), but also in Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

“It is a tour of people helping people,” Glasgow said.

The entire experience will be filmed as part of a documentary.

Even with the new album and tour, PLACES, more than anything, wants to create a live experience that allows those who are at the shows to, “get caught up in [the band’s] world so they can forget theirs,” Glasgow said.

PLACES

Saturday, March 5 @Bluebird Theater, 8 p.m., $10

THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3, 2011 • AUDIOFILES • 11

Five Songs for a good “Night Out”

No. 5: Willie Nelson’s cheatin’ catalog A night out is like a building. No matter how high you are going to make it, you have to start with the right foundation. To assure yourself that your night was worth waiting for all week, The Metropolitan has selected five songs, which have been highlighted during the last month, to help put you in the right frame of mind. In the first week, we gave a shout out to Janelle Monae, then we got “stoned” with The Rolling Stones. Third was Tupac, and then we were making coffee with D’Angelo. This week, for your final song of the evening, we’re going to cheat and give you not just one, but a whole catalog of Willie Nelson songs to cure your hangover.

By Ramsey Scott • rscott42@mscd.edu It’s morning. The sun is shining in your eyes like some cosmic flashlight. Your head is pounding and your mouth tastes like Taco Bell and whiskey. In other words, you had a great night out.

While you shouldn’t fear the morning after, that doesn’t mean you should have to handle this final phase of your evening by yourself. Recovering from a night like you had requires a guide who’s been where you are before. It requires not only a great song, but also a great man. It requires Willie Nelson.

Now it might be considered against the spirit of this series to say any Willie Nelson song will help with your morning recovery. However, he does seem to have a song for any scenario that you might find yourself in.

If you can’t move and all you want to do is lay on the couch all day in peace, try putting on “Stardust,” Nelson’s 1978 mellow take on the classic pop standard. His voice gently croons over his soft guitar solos and a subdued orchestra, which is just

what you want to listen to while recuperating in a fetal position.

Is your heart hurting along with the rest of your body? Let Nelson’s voice soothe your pain with 1975’s “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.” You will immediately feel a connection to Nelson when his voice, tinged with pain, sings, “love is a dying ember, and only memories remain.” While it might not cure your broken heart, you will know that at least you are not alone.

Trying to get motivated to make it up to the mountains to enjoy the fresh powder? Or are you just wanting to listen to something as you walk home from a new friend’s house? Listen to “On the Road Again,” Nelson’s classic ’80s country song.

When Nelson sings, “On the road again, like a band of gypsies we go down the highway,” it is sure to bring a smile to your face while being gentle on your head.

At the end of the day, it’s not just the wide variety of Nelson’s music that makes him a perfect companion to a hang-

Willie Nelson over, it’s the fact that he has been there before. He has felt the type of pain you are in now, whether you are suffering from a broken heart or a cloudy head.

So yes, your head might hurt. Yes, you might have dropped more cash at the bar than you should have. And yes, you have no idea why there is a gigantic bruise on your leg or why you just woke up in your bathroom. That doesn’t matter. These are all signs that you succeeded in making your night out a memorable one, even if you can’t remember it at all. And to make sure you keep that in perspective, just put on some Willie. If there is any musician alive who knows what you are feeling this morning, and can help you get through it, it’s the “Red-Headed Stranger.”

On the record

Superchunk’s Majesty Shredding

By Kelly Clements • kclemen4@mscd.edu I first heard of Superchunk as just a band name screen-printed across a T-shirt that my eighth-grade crush Coulter always wore. In another world, not too different from this one, I might have been friends (or more) with Coulter, but when I thought of approaching him I drew a typical, twitterpated blank. I wasn’t logical — especially with boys, especially not in this situation — and there was little I could do besides buy a Superchunk album, listen to it and pretend I was already cool.

Flash forward — ­ through their nine-year hiatus, a slow-drip of singles that kept me crossing my fingers and hoping for a fulllength album release — to 2010’s Majesty Shredding. I never expected it to be so gratifying.

4600 Hale Parkway, Suite 490 Denver, CO 80220

At first listen, Majesty Shredding feels like the good old days — the fuzzed-out dual guitars and speedy rhythms in songs “Digging for Something,” “Learned to Surf ” and “Slow Drip” were as nabbing, clever and thrilling as everything else I’d heard in their body of work.

Majesty Shredding skillfully incorporates the moxie and zeitgeist I loved from Superchunk’s pop-punk early ’90s — oh, those anthemic days of “Slack-Motherfucker” — with the pragmatism and well-honed songwriting skills I respected from their later releases.

Majesty Shredding’s use of punky, straightforward and surreal story telling accurately relays their frustration with the drab complexities of adulthood to their mostly ripening generation of fans, but there are fans like me, who at 23, relate to the lyrical content just as well.

While spirited guitars buoy the lyrical weight, Mac McCaughan’s ever-youthful shout erases any trace of elderly sourness. How could it be that in their 40s Superchunk could produce yet another LP so pertinent to my life?

To have created an album with such heartfelt and wellcrafted ambivalence after nine years of dormancy is a task that no band of youngsters today could have accomplished. More impressive, however, is that after nine years, Superchunk rewarded me with the relocation of self I had misplaced.

With the release of Majesty Shredding, I was reminded that yes, I am still very illogical, very insecure and still have trouble starting conversations. Even though this is not an optimal way to live, I can continue to grow comfortable with it — to realize that I am already cool and to stop feeling so lame for continuing to find most of my new music from T-shirts on hot guys.

12 • THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3 , 2011

PORTS

“I want people to see this play, knowing some students and professors are intimidated by [the writer] ...It’s amazing how it resonates with society in 2011, when it was written 100 years ago.

—JAY LOUDEN, DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT THEATER PROFESSOR AT METRO • 8

SIDELINE This Week

3.4

Baseball

3 p.m. @ Mesa State

Women’s Basketball

1 p.m. vs Adams State at Colorado State Fair Grounds

Men’s Basketball

7:30 p.m vs Fort Lewis at Colorado State Fair Grounds

3.5

Men’s Basketball 5:30 p.m. @ TBA

Women’s Basketball 3 p.m. @ TBA

Baseball

1 p.m. @ Mesa State (doubleheader)

Softball

12 p.m. @ Fort Lewis (DH)

3.6

Softball

11 a.m @ Fort Lewis (DH)

Baseball Metro center Shakir Johnson slam dunks the ball March 1 during a 90-69 home win against Western New Mexico. Photo by

Metro guard Jasmine Cervantes protects the ball from Western State forward Natalie Giese March 1 during a 70-50 home win.

Ryan Borthick • rborthic@mscd.edu

Photo by Sean Mullins • smullin5@mscd.edu

Dominating performances Men’s basketball regroups, headed to RMAC semis

By Matt Hollinshead mhollin5@mscd.edu You know what they say, “all’s well that ends well” – for now. After dropping three of their previous five games going in, the Metro men’s basketball team regrouped in a hurry to move onto the RMAC Shootout semifinals as the No. 2 overall seed.

The Roadrunners improved to 21-6 this season, including 17-5 in regular season conference play, clinching their 13th 20-plus-win season in 14 seasons.

They eliminated Western New Mexico University in round one at home March 1, 90-69, after winning their regular season finale down the stretch at Regis University, 75-65, Feb. 26.

“We come out and compete every season,” junior guard Reggie Evans said. “You can’t take any games lightly.”

Similar to their last meeting with the Mustangs Feb. 18, Western N.M. kept up with the Roadrunners for the first 10 minutes of the first half,

trailing Metro 17-16.

From that point on, Metro obliterated the Western N.M. defense, scoring efficiently in every offensive category. Over the course of the game, they accumulated 34 points in the paint, 23 points off turnovers and 17 second-chance points. “[It was a] great overall effort by everybody,” Head Coach Derrick Clark said. “We had a lot of positive contributions. We’ve done a great job this year, when you look at our turnovers top to bottom.”

In the first half alone, they committed zero turnovers due to great ball control, as well as being patient on the floor.

“It’s our game plan [for] every game,” sophomore center Jonathan Morse said. “[We] go in there, take care of the ball, [and] that’s one of our trademarks. We wanted to put them away early.”

Despite some sloppy ball movement after halftime – resulting in eight turnovers – the game was never in doubt. They played exceptionally well on both sides to the point where a significant number of fans left early, >> Continued on 13

Women’s team wins RMAC conference for first time since 1998

By Mark Babish mbabish@mscd.edu It has been a record-setting season for the No. 11 Metro women’s basketball team and a 70-50 win over Western State set a few more team records. The Metro women broke the record for wins in a season with 26 and their home winning streak is now at 18 games.

These records came four days after the team set a school first. The news came just minutes after Metro beat Regis, 57-39, Feb. 26 clinching a share of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference regular season title. Fort Lewis College lost to Mesa State 57-51, giving Metro the conference title outright and the first since 1998.

“We were so excited, everybody could not stop smiling, laughing and having a great time. It was just a great experience,” senior forward Cassondra Bratton said.

By winning the conference title, the ’Runners took the No. 1 seed in

the conference tournament. First up in the tournament was eighthseeded Western State, March 1 at Auraria Event Center. The Mountaineers, 9-13 in conference play, had to survive a four-way tiebreaker between New Mexico Highlands, Regis and University of Colorado at Colorado Springs for the last spot in the playoffs.

Western came out fighting as junior forward Brooke Pendergraft knocked home a 3-pointer for the first basket of the night. Metro responded with the next eight points, but Western’s sophomore guard Angie Andenucio kept Western in the game early on.

With Metro up, 29-27, the team responded with a 9-0 run as senior center Tawny Drexler made backto-back shots as the team went into halftime up 36-27, forcing 12 first half turnovers that resulted in 13 points.

“That team (Western) give them a lot of credit. They did not quit, and we finally hit the run which sent us on our way.” Haave said.

Out of halftime Western’s Katie Hall did her best to keep the game >> Continued on 13

12 p.m. @ Mesa State

RMAC Awards Senior Shawn Linbom won the 800 meter event at the RMAC Indoor Track and Field Championships with a time of 1 minute, 53.59 seconds.

Linbom was also named Male Athlete of the Meet as well.

They said it: “I think no matter what role they put me in, I am going to be able to thrive and help our team win.”

SENIOR PITCHER NATE VAN BIBBER • 13

Daniel Laverty reports as Metro softball begins RMAC play against the Colorado School of Mines, Feb. 26 and 27 themet.studentmedia. com/sports

FYI: Golf is the only sport to have ever been played on the moon.

THE METROPOLITAN • MARCH 3, 2011 • SPORTS • 13

’Runners sweep away cobwebs Metro goes 3-1 to open season, prepares to begin conference play

By Ryan Ward rward19@mscd.edu The Metro baseball team finally started their season at home after their first four games against Dickinson State were canceled and the following two against Colorado State University-Pueblo were postponed, all due to weather.

Metro swept CSU-Pueblo Feb. 26 and closed out the weekend with a series split at Regis University Feb. 27.

Metro took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning against CSU-Pueblo. Sloppy defense allowed senior Mike Coffey to maneuver his way around the bases and eventually score.

That would be the only run on the board until the ThunderWolves came up to bat in the top of the seventh.

After getting the first two outs of the inning, Metro senior Jake Draeger walked ThunderWolves senior Joe Manders. Draeger then pitched a ball over the middle of the plate to ThunderWolves senior Jye Lanphere who sent the ball over the left field wall for two-run homer.

Metro suddenly found themselves down 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh, even though their starter had shut down the ThunderWolves for the majority of the game.

The offense would come alive in the inning and put up three runs on three hits and gave Draeger the chance to win the game. Senior Nate Van Bibber relieved Draeger and struck

Metro third baseman Jacob Trimble tags out CSU-Pueblo second baseman Jason Veyna Feb. 26, in a 7-2 Metro win at Auraria field. Metro completed a two game sweep of CSU-Pueblo, improving to 3-1 the season. Photo by Jonathan Ingraham •

jingrah1@mscd.edu out three in two innings of work to earn the save.

“I think no matter what role they put me in, I am going to be able to thrive and help our team win,” said Van Bibber.

Draeger was nearly unhittable as he surrendered only two hits in seven innings and struck out 10, a career best.

“As a team, we wanted to get off to a good start,” Draeger said. “In that first game I just wanted to throw strikes and execute pitches when I needed to … one mistake almost cost us the game, but luckily for myself and the team we were able to come back and get the win.”

In the second game, Metro found their

swings and pounded the ball to earn an 11-7 win. Metro put up five runs in the second inning to take a commanding early lead and didn’t look back.

Metro senior starting pitcher Bradshaw Perry earned his first win by tossing four and two-thirds innings, giving up five unearned runs and striking out four. Senior center fielder David Fox came through with some timely hitting and drove in two runs with a homer in the fourth inning to solidify the win for the ‘Runners.

“Overall, for the first time out and our first games, we are pleased,” Head Coach Tom Carcione said.

The following day, Metro fell 12-5 in game one at Regis before rebounding with an impressive 12-5 win of their own.

The first game saw the lead change six times before Regis took control with three runs in the sixth, two runs in the seventh and four runs in the eighth. Senior Corey Collins took the loss for Metro by allowing five runs in five and one-thirds innings pitched.

Coffey came up big in the game by getting three hits and scoring two runs. Senior second baseman David Kaplan continued his hot streak with three hits in the losing effort.

Metro returned the favor against the Rangers in the second game as the offense picked up where it had left off in the CSU-Pueblo series.

After taking an early 1-0 lead in the second inning, Metro would capitalize on the mistakes

by Regis.

In the fifth inning, the ‘Runners posted eight runs on just two hits, but were the beneficiary of three errors and four walks. In the inning, Kaplan came through with an RBI single and Coffey contributed with a two-run double of his own.

Metro senior Zach Cleveland pitched an outstanding game, recording six strikeouts in six innings and allowing just three runs to get his first win in a Metro uniform.

Kaplan knew the importance of the second game because of the upcoming conference series with Mesa State.

“It was huge,” Kaplan said. “If we lost the second game, momentum would not have been on our side.”

Metro opens conference play March 4 at Mesa State hoping to build on their 3-1 record.

Metro to face familiar foes in RMAC Tourney << Continued from 12 knowing that the contest was over by the 10-minute mark in the second half.

With 8:28 left, Metro extended their lead to 32 points with clear indications that they were bound for the RMAC Shootout semifinals in Pueblo. They went on to win by 21 points.

Reggie Evans scored 24 points, while freshman point guard Brandon Jefferson scored 18 points from shooting 6-11 from beyond the arc.

“It’s a playoff game, [so it had] a little more a stake,” said Jefferson, who played his first playoff game at the collegiate level. “We want to go out there and play with confidence. [It was] a good, collective team effort.”

Going into the postseason, however, Metro

ran into early trouble at Regis, who caught fire from long range early, resulting in an early 8-2 lead. Despite trailing 41-37 halftime, Metro triggered their second-half momentum with a 10-1 run to start the half.

Regis eventually cut the deficit to three, 65-62, but the Roadrunners pulled away winning, 90-69.

Reggie Evans scored 21 points, becoming the 14 player in school history to break the 1,000-point milestone in the process.

“It feels good to be a part of Metro’s legacy,” Evans said.

Metro will play No. 3 Fort Lewis College March 4 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds Event Center in Pueblo, in hopes of winning its third straight conference title.

<< Continued from 12 close cutting the lead to eight points. That was the closest the Mountaineers would get the rest of the game.

Hall was a beast down low, grabbing 15 rebounds and 18 points. Haave has enormous respect for Hall, calling her the best inside post player in the conference.

In facing Hall, Metro knows they will see many more post players that are even better in the NCAA tournament.

“We’re going to see good post nationally, and when we play Adams State or Mesa State they have really good post play,” Haave said.

“Good experience for us” Normally, Bratton gets her points from the paint and the free throw line, but she

shot 8-12 from the field and didn’t go to the line a single time. Western played off her and dared her to shoot. It was a challenge that she liked.

“Its actually nice, it’s a lot easier than having to get your body beat every time you go up for a shot,” Bratton said.

Metro’s lead did not slip below 15 points the rest of the night and got to a game high 22 points in the last minutes of the game.

Players could tell the difference between last year’s close first round win vs. Colorado Mines and this first round win “This year, we know we are good. We know that we want it [the championship],” sophomore guard Brandi Valencia said “We are just working really hard.”

2011 Men’s Basketball RMAC Tournament @ State Fair Grounds Events Center Pueblo, CO

2011 Women’s Basketball RMAC Tournament @ State Fair Grounds Events Center Pueblo, CO

Semifinals

Semifinals

1 Colorado Mines

1 Metro State

March 4 @ 3 p.m.

4 Adams State 2 Metro State March 4 @ 7:30 p.m.

3 Fort Lewis

RMAC Finals March 5 @ 5:30 p.m.

RMAC Finals

March 4 @ 1 p.m.

2011 RMAC Champion

4 Adams State 3 Colorado Christian March 4 @ 5:30 p.m.

2 Fort Lewis

RMAC Finals March 5 @ 3 p.m.

RMAC Finals

2011 RMAC Champion

CROSSWORD

IMEOUT

14 3.3.2011 THE METROPOLITAN

SUDOKU

BEST OF ONLINE Texts from last night

Across 1- Spanish river 6- Gives up 11- Besides 14- Icon 15- Bloodsucking worm 16- It breaks daily 17- Turkish title 18- Metallic mixture 19- Actress Balin 20- Lean and sinewy 22- Sudden impact 24- Roast 28- Dull 30- Speaks publicly 31- Staggering 32- Favored 33- Capable of being generated 37- Bill’s partner 38- Band 39- Black gold 40- Revocation

43- Abu ___ 45- Chairs 46- Rubbed out 47- Yellowish brown pigment 49- Clattering noise 50- Italian composer 51- Mil. leaders 52- Nabokov novel 53- Large wave caused by tidal flow 56- Earth 61- Convened 62- Low point 63- Atoll unit 64- Chemical ending 65- Delicious 66- Brahmin, e.g.

Down 1- Apex 2- Doc bloc; 3- Beetle juice?

4- Exclamation of disgust 5- Kelp 6- Strongly fragrant sage 7Hard to hold 8- Singer Shannon 9- Author Umberto 10- Unprofessional lawyer 11- “Farewell!”

12- John ____ Garner 13- Aborigine of Borneo 21- Conditions 23- Hawaiian native dance 24- Puccini heroine 25- Betelgeuse’s constellation 26- Radioactive gas 27- Hwy. 28- Ready ___...

29- High-pitched tone 31- Ages 33- Actress Scacchi 34- Brag; 35- Defamation 36- Exclude, remove

38- Counterfeiter catcher 41- Not new 42- Not strict 43- Severe 44- Covering for the head 46- Directional ending 47- Four-door 48- Angry 49- Drunken 50- Flower holder 51- Pluck 54- Battery size 55- Mdse.

57- Conductor ___-Pekka Salonen 58- “Treasure Island” monogram 59- Emeritus: Abbr.

60- Broke bread

In case it wasn’t clear when i said being his wingman was “hopeless,” his date walked out when he poured a beer on his head trying to shotgun it.

Being drunk at the hospital is better than i expected. I got to hide and play in the little kids waiting area. Btw no one is hurt.

I’m in class. I’m not opening a page with the words “death erection” in the link. There’s people behind me.

What makeup look will say to the therapist ‘I am a smart, welladjusted young woman’?

So hungover. Sitting in class about to puke during this lady’s flute performance. Not sure why were having a flute concert in biology.

There is a limo involved. Man up, and make yourself puke. Its only one more night of blacking out.

My life is average Today, our government class was taking a really big unit test. It was completely silent until a quiet boy in the back yelled, “What’s the answer to number 23?” The teacher was so stunned that she actually gave the answer in her moment of weakness. MLIA I’ve seen a lot of people posting up weird laws in their states, and I think we in England should have our put in.

For example, in Manchester, a pregnant woman may ask a policeman for his hat if she needs the toilet and there are no bathrooms about. MLIA. Today, I noticed that Spongebob and Obama have equally 18 million likes on facebook. Glad to know the population knows whats importnant. MLIA Today, I went to the store and the cashier asked me,”would you like your milk in a bag?” I told her to just leave it in the bottle. She didnt get it. MLIA

Note: Best of Online entries are not edited.

WEEK PREVIEW Thursday/ 3.3

Sunday/ 3.6

Friday/ 3.4

Monday/ 3.7

Pam Grier 11 a.m.–12:15 p.m.

Tivoli Turnhalle The Gloden Globe-nominated actress from “Jackie Brown” speaks as part of Black History month.

Free

Women’s Leadership Conference Tivoli Turnhalle The 15th annual conference features interactive programs and sessions designed to address contemporary approaches to a globalized view of leadership.

Free

Saturday/ 3.5

Colorado Golden Gloves State Boxing Tournament 7:30 p.m.

Crowne Plaza Convention Center The Championship Finals will take place March 5 following three nights of fierce competition — all for the chance to potentially gain a place in the Olympics. Competitors range from 8-yearsold to professional athletes. $10

Rise of the Machines 6 p.m.

300 East Simpson St. in Lafayette The story of an anthropomorphic robot and an old man who form an unlikely friendship. $8

Can of beer and a calzone for $10 Zio Romolo’s Alley Bar The weekly special ensures that Mondays aren’t all bad.

Tuesday/ 3.8

Lunch with Lawmakers 11 a.m-12 p.m.

Tivoli 320 Free

Wednesday/ 3.9

Self-Made Lecture Series 12:30–2 p.m.

Tivoli Turnhalle The new program acknowledges local individuals who have established themselves in the Denver community. Daniel Brogan, editor of 5280 Magazine is the featured speaker at this free event.

LAUGH OF THE WEEK DAVE LARSON larsodav@mscd.edu

boot the commute.

walk to everything.

Sign a lease & receive one installment free + new reduced deposit

Immediate spaces available see offi ce for deta ils

theinnatauraria.com pay no parking fees or gas + less commute means more free time + eat at home in between class to save money

303.623.3007 | 1051 14th st facebook.com/innatauraria