THENORTHERNLIGHT SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

NEWS

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UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

Democratic Nominee: Harry Crawford hosted BBQ

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Cross Country:

Team prepares for another stellar season

Local residents protest Glenn Beck event

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The Northern Light

LOGAN TUTTLE/TNL

New teams join GNAC, WCHA With the introduction of Simon Fraser to the GNAC and Bemidji State and Nebraska-Omaha to the WCHA, UAA teams will have more competition to face in 2010-11 By Taylor Hall The Northern Light

The waters of the GNAC and WCHA just got larger and more difficult to navigate through for the Seawolves. That is because three newcomers to the conferences are now competing for the top spot along with them. None of them will be easy opponents by any means, as all bring forth programs with rich tradition in winning. New to the GNAC this season will be the introduction of the Simon Fraser University Clan. SFU, which is based out of Burnaby in British Columbia, Canada, is the

first Canadian university to be accepted into an NCAA sanctioned conference. They will feature 17 programs within the conference and will do battle with the Seawolves in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country running, volleyball and men’s and women’s track and field. To some, the Simon Fraser name may sound familiar since The Clan has historical ties to the GNAC and the members within it. Before the GNAC was formed in 2001, teams like the Seawolves, Western Washington Vikings and Seattle Pacific Falcons, just

to name a few, were members of the Pac-West conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). When 10 members of that Pac-West conference broke off to form the GNAC, Simon Fraser was left to compete in the NAIA and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) due to the fact the NCAA didn’t accept foreign membership. In July 2009, the NCAA finally granted The Clan membership and placed them in familiar territory against familiar faces. “Basically, we’re just

SEE OPPONENTS PAGE 05

Local band opens for Underoath

The Seawolf Debate team challenges racebased admissions By Jerzy Shedlock

More than 50 protestors gathered along 10th and I St. Saturday morning to commemorate the ninth anniversary of 9/11 as well as protest the event Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin held later that day at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center.

Thera:

Racism, despite substantial progress over past decades, still permeates the landscape of American culture. It has existed throughout human history and many people around the globe still have a long way to go before diminishing thoughts of hatred based on skin color, language and customs. Young debaters at UAA are not retreating from discussing race-based issues, however. Select members of the Seawolf Speech and Debate team will debate race-based preference for university admissions on Thursday, Sept. 16. The debate will be followed by a faculty forum and facilitated public discussion on affirmative action. The event is part of a series of public policy debates and discussions sponsored by the UAA Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence (CAFE). “There’s a weeklong program about eliminating racism in Anchorage that same week, so we are a small part of a much larger program on race and race relations in the city,” UAA professor and debate team coach Steve Johnson said. “We traditionally work with the Center to come up with a policy debate every year and we are cooperating with them again this year tackling the issue of racism.” To prepare for the debate, Johnson is discussing some of the controversies surrounding race-based admissions to universities at great length to the chosen debaters. They are currently plotting out the best arguments for the notion and the best arguments against the notion amongst themselves to illuminate the issue. The debate should start public discussion rather than conclude it, stated Johnson. “Either side is not judging its

success on whether it wins or loses. We don’t have that judgment,” Johnson said. “We are using debate to open up the issues for an audience and then have a discussion.” For four years CAFE has been using this format of discussion. Generally, participation from the public is split among individuals asking questions, individuals articulating their own beliefs and individuals commenting on what others have said. Despite the openness that Johnson is hoping the debate will encourage, the issue is not being taken lightly, and senior members of the debate team were chosen to partake. As a freshman, Nick Byrne was asked by Johnson to join the debate team. Now a senior, Byrne is well spoken and lax when referring to his involvement with the team. Every successful democracy has an outlet or forum that encourages dialogue rather than partisanship, according to Byrne. “If you were to look at a country that utilizes a parliament, they have an ingrained idea of dialogue that is a far more noble pursuit than simply trying to overpower another person’s opinion,” Byrne said. “The U.S. is entering a phase where the news cycle is dominated by force of opinion. This is antithetical to debate, and if we had stronger communities of people actually sharing ideas and examining how those ideas weigh against one another, we would be better off.” There is a misconception that debate is liberal in nature; that the social good is always strived for. The core of debate is sharing ideas, and effectively and intelligently discussing those ideas, stated Byrne. The structure of the debate is based on the British Parliamentary Debate format, which is the most widely used intercollegiate competitive

SEE DEBATE PAGE 02

Spirit Drive construction coming to a close

DANIEL JACKSON/TNL

Construction on Spirit Drive partially closes off one lane on Providence Drive, stalling traffic during the busiest hours of the school week.

SEE TRAFFIC PAGE 03

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NEWS| September 14, 2010

Crawford visits UAA, delivers agenda to students By Shana Roberson The Northern Light

After 30 minutes with Harry Crawford his political agenda was clear: jobs. Crawford is running as the Democratic nominee for Alaska’s only U.S. House of Representatives seat. He hosted a barbecue in the Den of the UAA Student Union on Sept. 1 to talk about his ideas for Alaska. Jobs seemed to steer the conversation around Crawford when students stopped by to chat. When asked for a specific reason students should vote for him, Crawford responded with what emerged as his campaign trademark. “I think it’s all about jobs and opportunities and hope for the future. It’s real easy for them (students) to see what Don Young’s not doing. What I know is if we continue to vote for Don Young we’re going to get more of what we’ve had before. I think that our economy for the last ten or twelve years here has just been kind of horrifying and really stagnant,” Crawford said. Young’s name was mentioned many times throughout the night, paired with words like corruption, special interest groups and the ever popular “more of the same.” Although Crawford had harsh words for his opponent, he was quick to highlight his ability to work across party lines. “The whole ten years that I’ve been in the legislature, I’ve always been in the minority. I’ve gotten a dozen different bills passed, but always with a Republican co-sponsor,” Crawford said. “I know how to work with the other side, that’s my stock in trade.” With the help of former Governor Sarah Palin and Peggy Wilson, current Republican Representative in the Alaskan State Legislature, Crawford was able to pass numerous bills. He offered a list of legislation he and Palin accomplished

together including oil tax reform, corruption legislation, and legislation concerning the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline. She can do good, he said. Although Crawford spoke highly of Palin as he once knew her, he said a wall came up after John McCain called. “She’s playing a role now, I don’t know if it is real or not. But you are what you pretend to be.” Crawford saw similarities in Palin and Joe Miller. A recent conversation with Joe Miller was more like a lecture on how it ought to be, Crawford said. Crawford does agree with the Tea Party on the issue of the national debt, though he differed from them on naming its origin and possible solution. Crawford said George W. Bush made cuts that put several million people out of work. He also pointed to JERZY SHEDLOCK/TNL the two wars launched under the Harry Crawford, the Democratic nominee for the U.S. House of Rep. sponsored a barbecue at U.A.A. Sept. 1. The event Bush administration as a cause offered free food to students and provided a chance for students to meet with the candidate. for the deficit. Plans to reduce the deficit bottom,” Crawford said. Louisiana to Alaska with his wife in included an investment in jobs that puts According to the Alaska Public Offices the 1970s. He spent 37 years as an Americans back to work. Crawford’s plan Commission, a non-partisan, government ironworker, three of which were spent on to create those jobs, included reclaiming run organization, Crawford received over the Alaska pipeline. He is running as the America’s past as metal, tool and machine $23,000 in campaign contributions from Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of manufacturers. He also laid out other agenda labor unions during his 2008 campaign, Representatives in the midterm election this items important to him, including Alaska accounting for over half the total he fall. investment in the Natural Gas Pipeline. collected. Crawford is a former ironworker who A common dialogue against corporate For an audio sampling of the interview worked on the pipeline in the 1970s and special interest groups took hold duirng visit and more photos of the event visit www. was also an organizer for the Iron Worker’s the interview, but did not assign the special thenorthernlight.org. Union. interest label to unions. He also spoke of his “The union workers set the standards desire to end corporate personhood. for all the non-union workers. Without Crawford moved from Shreveport, us setting the standard, it is a race to the

DEBATE: Public forum to be held after policy debate CONTINUED FROM COVER debating format in the world. It is used by Oxford and Cambridge, and it is often altered to accommodate particular needs and circumstances. “The first speaker will speak on behalf of the motion. He or she will have seven minutes to make their best case, and they will be followed up by alternating cases by the proposition and the opposition,” Johnson said. From 1995 to 2005 the debate team earned national recognition while on the National Parliamentary Debate Association (NPDA) circuit. The most notable accomplishment of this time period is Ben Garcia and Chris Richter’s 2002 National Championship win. The two UAA students defeated over 200 other U.S. teams to be ranked the best debate team in the nation. The program was refocused from NPDA to International Style Debate in January 2005, and the team quickly gained international recognition. The change was made because the debaters wanted to test themselves against the best in the world, stated Johnson. “The style of debate we had been using previously was widely

practiced in the U.S., but only the U.S.,” Johnson said. “We were looking for a bigger challenge, and I, personally, as the faculty director of the program was looking for an opportunity for students from Alaska to interact with their peers from around the world.” The team’s focus is currently fixed on the World Universities Debating Championships. Just earlier this year the debate team attained a twelfth place rating in the world based on its cumulative success at the last five championships. This ranking places the team second in the U.S.—behind Yale and tied with Harvard. Byrne attributes the team’s success to its head coach as well as the cohesiveness of the whole team. “Steve’s a phenomenal coach,” Byrne said. “He’s one of the smartest and most talented communications professors I’ve ever know. We also have a wealth of talented and dedicated kids that contribute to the team’s success.”

SAY WHAT? Taiwan couples go whole nine yards in mass wedding TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP)--One hundred sixty-three couples in Taiwan were married in a mass ceremony at 9:09 a.m. Thursday, the ninth day of the ninth month of the 99th year since the founding of their republic. The word for nine in Chinese sounds exactly like the word for longevity, so there was method in the decision by Taipei city authorities to organize the nine-nine-nine-nine-ninenine nuptials when they did. Taipei Mayor Hau Long-bin, naturally dressed to the nines, was all smiles during the event, going the whole nine yards to make everyone feel the true weight of the occasion. “I congratulate all the couples,” he said. Groom Ryan Chen said participating in the ceremony to tie the knot with bride Chang Ya-chi was a no-brainer. “I was born on September 9, and my wife was born on the same date in the lunar calendar,” he said. “So by picking this date we hope our marriage will last forever.” As the clock struck the magic hour, couples placed rings on each other’s fingers and kissed demurely.

Two charged in Australia after python wrestling demo MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) --Two men were arrested after bewildered diners at a McDonald’s spotted them wrestling a 5-foot (1.5 meter) python named Boris in the restaurant parking lot, police said Thursday. Victoria state police say the men stole the 8-year-old black-headed

python and a lizard from a pet shop on Wednesday. They then brought the snake to the McDonald’s parking lot, where they began wrestling with it in front of puzzled customers, police said. The men, aged 22 and 24, were arrested and charged with burglary and theft. Police didn’t release their names. “In all honesty, it’s just a case of dumb and dumber,” Detective Sgt. Andrew Beams told Australian Broadcasting Corp. “Anyone who gets out there with a one-and-a-half meter python in a McDonald’s car park they’re pretty dumb.” The snake was returned to a relieved Jodie Graham, owner of the Totally Reptiles pet shop. The lizard is still missing. “He was a bit cold and stressed so I have him in the tank warming up,” she said. “I am just glad to get him back.” Black-headed pythons are native to northern Australia. They are not venomous, and aren’t likely to bite unless they’re hunting prey.

Xbox blocks W.Va. gamer over town’s name: Fort Gay MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) -Microsoft Corp. and the chief rules enforcer for Xbox Live are apologizing to a small West Virginia town and a 26-year-old gamer accused of violating the online gaming service’s code of conduct by publicly declaring he’s from Fort Gay - a name the company considered offensive. The town’s name is real. But when Josh Moore tried to tell Seattle-based Microsoft and the enforcement team at Xbox Live, they wouldn’t take his word for it. Or Google it. Or check the U.S. Postal Service website for a ZIP code. Instead, they suspended his gaming privileges for a few days

until Moore could convince them the location in his profile, “fort gay WV,” wasn’t a joke or a slur: It’s an actual community of about 800 in Wayne County, along West Virginia’s western border with Kentucky. “At first I thought, ‘Wow, somebody’s thinking I live in the gayest town in West Virginia or something.’ I was mad. ... It makes me feel like they hate gay people,” Moore said, an unemployed factory worker who plays shooters like Medal of Honor, Call of Duty and Ghost Recon under the gamertag Joshanboo. “I’m not even gay, and it makes me feel like they were discriminating,” Moore said, who missed a key Search and Destroy competition because of last week’s brief suspension. His team lost.

A class to die for: Zombies 101 at U. Baltimore BALTIMORE (AP) -- Call it Zombies 101. The University of Baltimore is offering a new class on the undead. The course is being taught by Arnold Blumberg, the author of a book on zombie movies, “Zombiemania,” and the curator of Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, which focuses on American pop culture. Students taking English 333 will watch 16 classic zombie films and read zombie comics. As an alternative to a final research paper they may write scripts or draw storyboards for their ideal zombie flicks. The university isn’t the first to have a class on the undead. Columbia College in Chicago has offered a course on Zombies in popular media for years, and at Simpson College in Iowa students spent the spring semester writing a book on “The History of the Great Zombie War.” -Compiled by Jerzy Shedlock

September 14, 2010 | NEWS

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TRAFFIC: Road construction will provide valuable results in spite of bad timing at start of semester By Ashley Snyder The Northern Light

Many students and plenty of teachers here at UAA are in absolute bewilderment wondering why major construction is being done the first few weeks of school. The construction on Providence Drive will close off Spirit Drive for over two months. The Municipality of Anchorage is in charge of the project, not UAA, so they planned the construction when they felt it best fit their schedule, which just so happened to start on the first few weeks of school. New developments for UAA are always appreciated, but students think that right now isn’t the best time for major construction to occur due to the frenzied chaos of the new school year. “It’s the most inconvenient time to do this. They had all summer to be taking care of construction.” Joe Barkley, a student driver, said. Even though only a very small portion of Providence Drive is reduced to one lane on each side of the road, this causes an immense traffic problem during busy times of the day, with cars backing up all along Providence Drive and UAA Drive, made worse by crossing pedestrians. “It would be nice to figure out a better way to get traffic moving in and out of UAA.” Dr. Frank Moore, associate professor of computer sciences, said. It would be wise to manage to find the clear times of the day, mostly in between classes, when the traffic calms down a bit. Cindy Nowicki is a student who is stuck on a time limit and hits traffic on Providence Drive

most days of the week.

“I have class on one end of the

campus at the Admin Building, same troubles. Kim Heidemann, to Spirit Drive, making a much There will also be a brand new and I have to drive all the way over math secretary, is one of the needed walkway from the bus stop bus stop, similar to that in front to the Eugene Short Hall in fifteen fortunate people. to the Bookstore without having of the Consortium Library, which minutes,” Nowicki said. “It’s bad “I got lucky; they moved my to be too close to the roads. Many will include a covered shelter, enough to find a parking spot as classes all to one side of campus other sidewalks up and down benches, lamps and bike racks. it is, but when traffic slows you so I don’t even have to go over Providence Drive will be installed This is good news for bus riders down, it really makes it harder.” there anymore. In fact, this is the for safety as well as convenience. and bikers alike. The complete closure of Spirit first semester that I haven’t had to Plans also call for a new “Bikers don’t get as much Drive cuts off a major stop at the go on that side of campus.” stoplight, making it safer for attention as they should, and any Bookstore for the Seawolf Shuttle, While the timeline of the people turning onto Spirit Drive, upgrade for them would be great,” but the workers of the Bookstore project presently causes mixed and the road itself will be widened Adam DePesa, an avid biker, hasn’t noticed too much of a feelings throughout the staff to allow more lanes. With the new said. Various other bus stops difference in their business. and student population, the end lights there will be crosswalks put up and down Providence Drive “The first couple of days were result will provide improvements in for pedestrians to easily cross will also be improved, but not as pretty bad because they had so beneficial to the school that the street, which diminished the extensively. much of the parking lot blocked everyone can appreciate. incentive to jaywalk. The plans are broad, but they off,” Penny Kimball, cashiering One enhancement is a lit and “The new traffic lights will expect to have the road back open supervisor for the Bookstore, tiled path that will run parallel help a lot,” Moore said. by the end of September. said. “After that, I haven’t had too many problems except taking a few extra minutes to get out of the school.” The People Mover buses are also affected because stops have had to be moved further apart to accommodate the construction and workers. Also, many of the sidewalks have been torn up during the construction, though some people are pretty optimistic regardless of these moves. “I just walk around it and it makes great exercise!” Matt Caprioli, a buscommuting student, said. Although numerous students and teachers have to face this dilemma DANIEL JACKSON/TNL every day, not everyone shares the Road cones obstruct traffic as construction continues on Spirit Drive. The project is estimated to be done towards the end of September.

H1N1 vaccination included in seasonal flu shot By Jerzy Shedlock

Fenn said.

Flu season caused pandemonium across the nation last year. Headlines from USA Today read “College students, here’s why you should get H1N1 vaccine” and “Older patients most likely to die from H1N1; Obese people felled disproportionately.” Fortunately, the new virus proved to be far less lethal to humans than expected. Flu season has come again. The Student Health and Counseling Center provided between 300 and 400 flu shots to students, faculty and staff during its Walk-in Flu Clinic last week. The shots were priced at $15. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine protects against three different flu viruses: an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused much worry around the world last season. The clinic, which lasted Monday through Friday, provided close to 100 flu shots per day, on average, according to director of the Student Health and Counseling Center Bette Fenn. The turnout was in tune with expectations of a normal flu season. Last year’s flu season, however, was not so routinely steady. “Last year, we sold out 1,000 shots in two days because of the H1N1 pandemic,”

The H1N1 virus was first detected in the United States in April 2009. Initial reports referred to the virus as a swineorigin influenza virus, but investigators of the initial human cases did not identify exposures to pigs and it quickly became apparent that the new virus was circulating among humans and not among US pig herds, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By May, the CDC had discovered several interesting things about the new virus. For example, it was determined that H1N1 was a quadruple-reassortant virus, meaning that it contained virus genes that originated from four different influenza virus sources. Two of the virus’s gene segments are normally found in swine influenza viruses from Asia and Europe. At the same time the virus samples were found to be very similar, which means they likely originated from the same source. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic of 2009 H1N1 influenza on June 11, 2009. At the time, more than 70 countries had reported cases of H1N1 infection, according to the CDC. The first six weeks after initial release of vaccines were characterized by high demand and limited availability. Because

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initial supplies were limited, most state and local health departments requested that the vaccine be given only to those in initial target groups, such as young children and elderly, and many restricted use to those in sub-preauthorization groups that had been outlined by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. “The reason for the shortage (of vaccines) was that the need for a H1N1 vaccine displaced manufacturing of some of the seasonal vaccines,” Fenn said. “Thus, there was a shortage of seasonal flu shots because everyone was scrambling to get the H1N1 vaccine manufactured and out to market.” Manufacturing for the 2009 seasonal flu vaccine was well underway when H1N1 swept the nation last year. As a result, the vaccine developed for treatment of H1N1 could not be added to the seasonal flu shot. This resulted in two separate shots: one shot for H1N1 and one shot for the seasonal flu. The 2010 seasonal flu shot contains both vaccines. “That’s usually how (the manufacturing of vaccines) works,” Fenn said. “Health officials examine all the strains that are predominant across the nation and the world, and then they determine what will go into that year’s vaccine.” While H1N1 did not prove to be as

threatening as first thought, it certainly did hit certain pockets of the general population. “Pacific islanders, native Americans and pregnant women,” Fenn said. “Those groups seemed to be more effected by H1N1 and that’s where a higher number of deaths occurred.” It is not known exactly how many people die each year from influenza related illnesses. Over the past 31 years, fluassociated deaths have ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000. An estimate of 36,000 is presented frequently, but the CDC considers the range of deaths a more accurate representation because of the unpredictability and variability of fluassociated deaths. It is recommended that everyone receive a seasonal flu shot. The university has a high level of community exposure. On campus there are large groups of people and it is uncontrollable to know who washes their hands or who uses tissue. Anyone who works in a health field or works in an area of higher exposure to the general population is urged to get a seasonal flu shot. On Aug. 10, 2010, the WHO International Health Regulations Emergency Committee declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic globally.

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OPPONENTS: Three new teams to compete against Seawolves in the form of Head Coach Tom Serratore. Since his arrival in 2002, he has led the Beavers to four CHA Regular season titles, three CHA Tournament crowns and 151 victories in his eight years at the school. “He’s done a marvelous job and

CONTINUED FROM COVER following tradition and our old rivals” Dr. David Murphy said, a second year Athletic Director at SFU. “This has been a great thing for us and we’re extremely happy.” Due to the high caliber of the SFU athletic programs, look for them to be contenders in just about every sport they participate in. The toughest may be their women’s basketball team, one in which has won the Canadian National Championships four of the past six years. Even though they lost eight seniors from last year’s championship squad, look for them to still contend with the other GNAC powerhouses such as UAA, Seattle Pacific and Western Washington. As for the UAA Hockey team, they will face off against two new opponents in the tough as nails WCHA league. Joining the fray are the Bemidji State Beavers and Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks, both of which are building strong programs themselves. Both schools have very similar athletic departments to the Seawolves in the fact they feature mainly Division II teams in the NCAA but all now share the common denominator of Division I hockey teams in what is widely thought as the top college hockey conference in the US. The Beavers will look to challenge immediately for the Broadmoor Trophy that goes to the victors of the conference. They are fresh off a season in which they went 23-10-4 and earned a spot in the Midwest Regional in the NCAA Tournament. A mere two seasons ago as a member of College Hockey America (CHA), Bemidji made a run all the way to the NCAA Frozen Four, a first in their history as a Division I program. “I think we’ve proven we’re competitive,” Dr. Rick Goeb said, Athletic Director for the Beavers. The catalyst may have come

‘We have visions of growing our hockey program into a national power and to do that, you have to join others who have made the same commitment.’ – Trev Alberts, University of Nebraska-Omaha Athletic Director he really can get a lot out of his players…he’s incredible,” Goeb said. On top of a new conference to play in, the Beavers and Serratore will get to play in a new barn. The finishing touches are currently being put on the new 185,000 square foot Bemidji Regional Events Center that sits on the edge of Lake Bemidji. However, the real prize is the acceptance into the WCHA, one not lost upon Goeb. “It’s a world class hockey association,” Goeb said. “It’s the most competitive conference for college hockey and we’re thrilled to be included.” Similar praises were to be heard when Nebraska-Omaha Athletic Director Trev Alberts was asked about his UNO Mavericks also gaining entry into the WCHA. “We’ve long thought the WCHA was the premier league in college hockey,” Alberts said.

“We have visions of growing our hockey program into a national power and to do that, you have to join others who have made the same commitment.” Like the Beavers, NebraskaOmaha fits right into the footprint of the WCHA nestled into the Midwest US. As opposed to the Seawolves who must take a plane at least five hours to the lower-48 to play road games, UNO can hop on a bus and be at their destination within a few hours. Also, the Mavericks have distinct advantage in recruiting from the North American Hockey League and United States Hockey League, two elite junior leagues. This is made clear in the Mavericks roster which features 22 of their 26 current players from these two leagues, most of which played their juniors in Midwest towns. Last season, the Mavericks finished 20-16-6 in the CCHA and gave them their first winning season since the 2006-07 campaign. UNO qualified for the conference tournament as the sixth seed. They are led by Coach Dean Blais who will begin his second year on the job. However, gaining the support of the Athletic Department ant UNO is something he has no trouble with. “He’s been great and everything we hoped for,” Alberts said. “He has extraordinarily high expectations, which I like, and is what our department is all about.” Gone from last year are the likes of defenseman Eddie Delgrosso, who in three years finished with 20-68-88 point totals from the blue line. Those totals rank him 13th all-time in the Maverick’s history books for points scored. Coach Blais will have a situation similar to UAA in terms of filling holes in the lineup and a large incoming freshman class of 11 new faces.

UAA COMPETITION: GETTING TO KNOW THE NEWCOMERS Simon Fraser University 1965

Bemidji State University 1919

University of Nebraska-Omaha 1908

Burnaby, British Columbia (Canada)

Bemidji, Minnesota

Omaha, Nebraska

Clan

Beavers

Mavericks

School Colors

Red and Blue

Green and White

Crimson and Black

Enrollment

about 32,000

5,020

about 15,000

West Gymansium (1,500)

Bemidji State Regional Events Center (4,500)

Qwest Center Omaha (14,700)

Dr. David Murphy

Dr. Rick Goeb

Trev Alberts

Founded City

Mascot

Home Arena (Seating Capacity) Athletic Director Programs offered

Will face UAA in:

Men - Basketball, Soccer, Men - Baseball, Basketball, Football, Cross Country, Golf, Fotball, Golf, Hockey, Track & Swim, Wrestling, Track & Field Field

Men - Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Wrestling, Tennis

Women - Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track & Field, Volleyball, Wrestling

Women - Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Hockey, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Volleyball, Track & Field

Women - Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming and Diving, Tenis, Volleyball, Track & Field

Basketball (Men's and Women's), Cross Country (Men's and Women's), Volleyball, Track & Field (Men's and Women's) - GNAC

Hockey (WCHA)

Hockey (WCHA)

SPORTS BRIEFS

Seawolves continue grueling 8 game road trip; lose to WOU Juniors McKenzie Moss and Jackie Matthisen both posted double-doubles, but late comebacks in the third and fourth sets came up short Sept. 9 as 23rd-ranked Alaska Anchorage dropped its Great Northwest Athletic Conference opener 3-1 to host Western Oregon at the new P.E. Building. The defending league-champion Seawolves (5-4, 0-1 GNAC), who had their 12-match conference winning streak stopped, also got a careerhigh-tying 20 digs from sophomore libero Nikkie Viotto. WOU (3-3, 1-0) was led by 20 kills and 12 digs from outside hitter Danielle Reese, plus 17 digs from libero Megan Triggs to prevail 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23. Moss tallied 16 kills on .387 hitting and made 14 digs, and Matthisen delivered 13 kills, 11 digs and five block assists, but UAA could not produce another offensive weapon as no other Seawolf managed more than three kills. Sophomore middle blocker Leah McWilliams tied her career-high with seven block assists, while freshman Siobhan Johansen led UAA with 23 assists. The Seawolves, who were playing their seventh match in seven days on the road, came back from a 20-19 deficit to claim the first set on backto-back kills from Matthisen and Moss. After making a three-point run to tie the second set 19-19, UAA surrendered the last six points to the hosts to leave it tied at one game apiece. The Seawolves played comeback throughout the third set, finally drawing within 24-23 on a WOU service error, only to see Becky Blees and Stephanie Beeler block a Matthisen attack on set point.

2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons, will be eligible to play following the Fall 2010 semester, contingent upon completing a required number of credit hours. The former Alaska 3A Player of the Year at Heritage Christian will have a year and a half of eligibility remaining. “We are excited that Lonnie is back in school and part of the program,” Osborne said. “After many changes in his life, he is back on track to finish his degree. Despite rumors to the contrary, Lonnie and I have always been in agreement on his plans to take a year off and resume his education this fall. Unfortunately, he does have some credits he must complete before he can regain his eligibility to compete in games. During fall semester, he will be able to practice and, upon successful completion of his courses, be able to compete in late December.” The 6-3, 200-pounder was UAA’s fourth-leading scorer and rebounder as a sophomore two years ago, averaging 9.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Ridgeway was also a key reserve on the Seawolves’ 2007-08 Final 4 squad, averaging 2.3 points and 1.3 rebounds as a redshirt freshman. “I am extremely proud of the mature decisions Lonnie has made over the past 18 months in all aspects of his life and look forward to helping him achieve his goals both on and off the floor,” Osborne added. “From a basketball standpoint, he gives us a very experienced, athletic wing who has had tremendous success in our league. Although he only started 11 of 29 games as a sophomore, he played starter’s minutes throughout the year. He has come back bigger, stronger and more mature. Once he shakes the rust off, he gives us another dangerous weapon on the perimeter.” Meanwhile, Hearn – a former West Anchorage High School standout – returns to the Seawolves after two years away from the program. The 6-6, 200-pounder redshirted with the Seawolves in 2007-08 before transferring briefly to fellow NCAA Div. II program Christian Brothers (Tenn.) in 2008-09. He returned to Anchorage last year and attended classes at UAA, leaving him with two years of eligibility beginning this fall.

The fourth set was more of the same, with the Seawolves clawing to within a point or two several times in the late-going. After Moss drew UAA within 24-23 yet again, the Wolves put away the victory when Seawolf reserve outside hitter Shelby Hollister committed an attack error.

“We are also thrilled that Phillip has elected to return to the basketball court,” Osborne said. “He and I have visited often in the past about him returning and felt like this was the time when he could balance his academic and athletic responsibilities. He is a tremendous student and has been working hard to regain and improve his on-court skills.”

Two familiar faces rejoin UAA Men’s Basketball

Hearn was a first-team all-state selection for West Anchorage in 2006-07, averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds. As a junior, he helped the Eagles to their second straight 4A state title with averages of 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists.

A pair of familiar faces are the latest additions to the 2010-11 Alaska Anchorage men’s basketball roster as head coach Rusty Osborne announced Sept. 9 that guards Lonnie Ridgeway and Phillip Hearn have rejoined the Seawolf program.

“Phillip is a very mature young man who understands what we expect in the program,” Osborne said. “Hopefully he can get back his rhythm quickly. Regardless, he has been a pleasure to have back and is a good role model for our younger players.”

Ridgeway, who played in 60 games with the Seawolves in the

-Compiled by Taylor Hall

September 14, 2010 | SPORTS

TNL

05

Cross Country teams look to improve in 2010-11 By Megan Edge

Special to The Northern Light

Coming from an extremely successful 2009-10 season, the Seawolves were able to sweep the Hawaii Pacific Invitational. UAA is nationally ranked among Division II schools in pre-season polls, with the women ranked third, following Adams State and Grand Valley State, which rank number one and two, respectively. The men also made the top 25, earning a rank of 17. The Seawolves have been hard at work since their 2009-10 running season when the women finished in fifth place and the men in 17th. Although both the men and women are coming off historic seasons, head coach Michael Friess hopes for improvement this year. “We’ve been working hard, it won’t be easy, but we can do it,” Friess said. Despite losing a few athletes from last years squads, the Green and Gold showed that they were more than capapble of yet another title contending season. The Seawolves ended with a total of 15 points at last weekend’s invitational. Both men and women had eight runners in the top ten. The women lost standout runner Laura Carr to graduation after finishing sixth at West Regionals and 63rd at last season’s

Nationals. The men’s team has lost junior runner Alfred Kangogo for the current season. “Alfred will be red shirting due to personal medical reasons, but he is okay and will be back to run his senior year,” Friess said. “It’s hard to see a player like Kangogo sit, but it’s for the better.” Kangogo placed 10th in Regionals and 94th at the NCAA Championships last year. He also recieved All-West Region honors. Freshmen Ivy O’Guinn, Susan Bick and Katie Krehlik will be running for Seawolves for the first time this season. “Those girls have great potential and it will be interesting to see how they compete at this first meet,” Friess said. In Hawaii, Bick placed at fifth place with a time of 18:08. She followed three other women runners, such as junior AllAmerican runner Shoshana Keegan, who placed fourth with a time of 17:44, and sophomore All-American runner Miriam Kipng’Eno, who placed second with a time of 17:19. Keegan, who placed 53rd in the NCAA Championships last season, has made some improvments since the 2009-10 crosscountry season. “Keegan returned this year in great shape. We should see great things from her,” Coach Friess said.

However junior Ruth Keino led the women; she ended number one with a time of 14:45. Senior Paul Rottich finished in fourth with a time of 14:45, and freshman William Ritekwiang had a respective fifth place finish (15:06). Jake Parisien ran his first returning meet with the ‘Wolves. This will be his second

‘Alfred will be red shirting due to personal medical reasons, but he is okay and will be back to run his senior year.’ -Head Coach Michael Friess

season with the Seawolves even though he took the previous season off. Parisien placed third, with a finishing time of 14:14. He followed fellow Seawolf and All-American runner Micah Chelimo, in second place (14:33), and the leader of the Seawolves, Marko Cheseto.

Cheseto, of Kapenguria, Kenya, who was the West Region Champion last year and finished 42nd in Nationals, placed first at the Sept. 4 meet with a time of 14:26. Cheseto was selected as the GNAC Male Cross Country Runner, as well as the men’s West Region Athlete of the year last season. This season Cheseto has been selected as the GNAC Male Athlete of the Week, as of Tuesday Sept. 7. “It’s sad to have players, leaders and runners like Marko go,” Friess said. “We love having them but it’s sad to see them go.” This will be Cheseto’s last year running because he expects to graduate in the spring. Junior Alex West just recieved a $10,000 scholarship from the National Consortium for Measurment and Signiture Intelligence Research. West currently has the highest GPA on the team and has been a GNAC All-Academic runner not only for crosscountry, but track and field as well. “They only have to miss two days of school due to the long weekend,” Coach Friess said. “We try hard to miss the least amount of school possible.”

- Private rooms have cable TV and small fridge

Amenities Building Café

Grand Opening

Wednesday September 15, 2010 11:30A.M.-12:30P.M Join us as Chancellor Fran Ulmer will announce the name of the new café.

Located behind CPISB and Admin Bldg.

Fun! Food! Prizes!

Brought to you by UAA Seawolf Dining www.uaaseawolfdining.com

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ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

10

Handmade growler totes are durable, convenient Wasilla crafter Frieda Schoon constructs a better way to carry your growler using upcycled Carrhart pants By Brittany Bennett The Northern Light

BRITTANY BENNETT/TNL

Using old clothes and fabrics, Frieda Schoon crafts growler totes, clutches and various other items.

There may not be a more beautiful sight than a growler – a half-gallon glass bottle labeled with one of your favorite local restaurants and filled with what’s sure to be a deliciously good time. However, beyond the glory of its contents, the growler has one fatal flaw. The tiny one-finger-fitting hole to carry your bounty of brew makes for difficult transport. Frieda Schoon, stay at home mom and local crafter in Wasilla, has solved this conundrum in an ecofriendly fashion. Using old Carrhart pants, Schoon crafts growler totes. “I began experimenting with different fabrics and materials, noticing that people are getting into recycling a lot, or upcycling,” Schoon said. “So I figured out different ways to use up clothing or materials in a more creative way.” Upcycling is the process of using something old to create something new. Schoon also crafts handbags, childrens clothes and various other items in this fashion. “I like to upcycle. I’ll get old suit coats and blazers, cut those up and make more girly purses out of

those,” Schoon said. “The clutches I make are made out of a lot of different material from old clothes.” Schoon’s growler totes are not only environmentally friendly, but also very handy. They sport a canvas strap and drawstring, as well as a

‘People just thought (the growler totes) were great. It’s been fun and really encouraging.’ -Frieda Schoon, Wasilla Crafter

pocket from the Carrharts. “When I first started making them, I had different handles. Then I started using old belts or part of the waist line of the jeans and Carrharts,” Schoon said. “It’s been an evolution, a little bit here and there, just trying to figure out what works best.” Schoon’s progress has been

successful for her small craft business, called Frieda Marie. She sells some of her crafts at Sevigny Studio in Anchorage, online and at local craft shows. “Actually, I sold most of my growler totes at the craft show at UAA,” Schoon said. “People just thought they were great. It’s been fun and really encouraging.” Encouragement from friends inspired Schoon to craft her growler totes. When a friend suggested that she transform her craft totes, which were shorter with divisions, into a wine or growler tote, she immediately got started. “My friend Barb told me ‘If you made this out of man colors, my son would use it to put his growler in,’” Schoon said. “So, she kind of got my wheels turning there.” Growler totes are $36 dollars, a purchase that’s bound to last with such durable materials. Schoon takes pride in the local appeal her growler totes have. “Only in Alaska would you be able to do this.”

September 14, 2010 | A&E

TNL

11

Thera gears up to open for the Underoath concert Honored to play for one of their musical influences, local band Thera has much more to look forward to By Heather Hamilton The Northern Light

“Someone once described us as melodic, hardcore rock,” Ronnie Plate said, a vocalist and guitarist in Thera, as well as a geology major in his senior year at UAA. Thera is a five-piece band based here in Anchorage, Alaska. Their music resembles a cross between the melodic aspects of alternative rock group Evanescence (before their internationally released ‘Fallen’ album) and the hard and heavy screamo stylings of Kittie. While many of the alternative local bands that grace Alaska utilize the primal, emotionally charged screamo-method almost exclusively to present their lyrics, Thera sings and harmonizes, most often using screamo to punctuate feeling and add a layer of complexity to their music. Lead singer Stephanie Plate, who obtained her bachelors at UAA in engineering, has a voice that is simply beautiful in Thera’s brand of alternative rock music, and she harmonizes very well with Ronnie, her husband of seven years, (as of the 23rd of this month). Thera was first conceived and formed in 2005 by Stephanie and Ronnie in their then-home city of Soldotna, AK. After playing local shows for a while, the band began

doing shows around the state. The two moved down to Oklahoma with another band, The Lost Concept, in 2007, and proceeded to play shows there while taking classes at Oklahoma State. It was there in Oklahoma where they found guitarist Mason Venhaus. The trio returned to Alaska in 2009, where they added drummer Benny Maus (whom Ronnie and Stephanie had met before leaving for Oklahoma) and their bassist Steven Cornfield. Thera has had several other rotating members along the way, but it was with this final core group of five that the band began to make the music they are hailed for today. And hailed they are: Thera was just voted Anchorage’s Best Local Band in the Anchorage Press Picks for this year. For a band who’s only been back in town and complete for roughly a year; that’s an incredible feat. “I didn’t really expect it; not at all,” Ronnie said. Stephanie echoed his reasons for this. “I was really hoping for it,” Stephanie said, “I really wanted it to happen, but there’s so much good music in Anchorage right now; and a number of bands could have won that and I wouldn’t have even thought twice about it.” The group puts a lot of effort

into their lyrical content, and Stephanie thinks this is one of the reasons for their success. “With previous band members, we struggled a bit more than we do now at getting a final product,” she said. Now, not only does the creativity flow more smoothly between the band members, but the difficult parts of being in a band are easier as well, like naming songs. One track in particular from their new album, “If This Is The End”, has an interesting story. “Benny slept so late one day that he woke up at as the sun was setting and put “good morning sunset” as his Facebook status. Later that day we were trying to one up with a name, and there it was,” Stephanie said. Thera’s next show will be on Friday, Sept. 17 at the Egan Center, where they will perform as one of the two opening bands for Underoath at 7 p.m. Underoath is one of the bands whose stylings influence Thera, so the group is understandably looking forward to the event. The group landed the gig with surprisingly little effort on their part, according to Ronnie. “Kurt from AK Soul, a couple of times on the radio, he compared us to them when he’d play one of their songs. When he finally got

GAME REVIEW

Samus makes a victorious return to the gaming scene By Bryan Dunagan The Northern Light

After a three year hiatus, the titular heroine Samus Aran is back in the saddle in this joint effort between “Dead or Alive” developers Team Ninja and Nintendo’s internal studios. While there are some bizarre and confusing design choices that lack explanations, it’s a highly action-oriented romp within the “Metroid” Universe. This is also the first game to feature Samus Aran with a voice and emotions. The game starts off at the end of the SNES classic, “Super Metroid”. Showcasing a highres cut-scene with full voice acting and an interpretation of the final scene, Samus wakes up in a sickbay at the Galactic Federation Headquarters. While she is mulling over the recent events regarding the Metroid Hatchling that she rescued in “Metroid II,” she is sent out on the tutorial mission. After cutting out of the GF Headquarters, she is piloting her ship in space and picks up a distress call nicknamed “Baby’s Cry,” so Samus sets course without thinking about it to the Federation’s Bottle Ship research facility.

Upon arriving there, she notices that the Galactic Federation Army has sent a team to check it out. She meets up with her old army unit and begins spiraling into an inner monologue throughout. Here is where the game begins to become increasingly bizarre. Samus blows open the door to let the unit into the Ship, and her old commander, Adam Malkovich, looks at her disapprovingly. Through Samus’s backstory with him – which is very confusing and ambiguous – she decides to not use her upgraded suit. This isn’t a problem, until the player is dying due to heat exhaustion and she has to wait for the commander’s authorization to use the ability to not die. The gameplay is more like the classic 2D Metroid style, but with the logical 3D evolution. It works well and the speed of the gameplay is akin to “Ninja Gaiden.” The game is brutally difficult at first, but it still has the ease of play similar to the other Metroid games. Exploration is not a big component anymore, as the game is mostly linear. The characterization of Samus is subject to debate, but

it is definitely an understandable one. The only problem is that her motivations and dialogue are a little stilted. All in all, it does portray her fairly. The game will run the average gamer about 8 hours, which includes going back later after the story is finished. Other than a few unexplainable happenings late in the game that cause difficulty in staying alive, it ultimately leads a to satisfying ending.

GAME: “Metriod: Other M” MAKER: Team Ninja RELEASE DATE: Aug 31, 2010 Platform: Nintendo Wii

★★★

PHOTO COURTESY OF THERA

them to come up, he called us right away,” he said. With such a big show within the week, and such great success in Anchorage since their relatively recent return and rebirth, Thera has its sights on the future. “We want to move eventually, because we realize you can only go so far in Alaska,” Stephanie said. “If we want to actually make money and live off of music, we definitely have to move. All five of us have agreed that that is something we’d all want to do.” She went on to explain that despite already having her degree in engineering and Ronnie soon having his degree in geology, the two have decided that they would

like to someday make playing in the band their livelihood, because in the end those degrees will still be there. With goals for the future, close relationships within the band and incredible music that speaks for itself, Thera is a musical force to be reckoned with in Anchorage that is bound to leave us talking for quite a while to come. Thera’s music is available for purchase on iTunes, and hardcopy versions of the “If This Is The End” album are sold at their shows for $10.

MUSIC REVIEW

Atmosphere returns with new EP album By Bryan Dunagan The Northern Light

like a big girl, but her problems increase when the doctor gets shot outside of the clinic. Telling the story of interests and conflicts, “Americareful” is Slug at his best. There are a myriad of other good songs, such as “The Best Day” and the title track, but none really resonate with the darkness of “Americareful” and “Scalp.” For these alone, the album is worth a listen. It seems a little on the hodgepodge side overall, but it is a record that Atmosphere fans have been waiting for.

After a two-year hiatus, the indie hip-hop duo, Slug and Ant as Atmosphere, is back with a new LP. While Atmosphere stated that the new album is a fusion of two EPs, it is a return to established form. Like most Atmosphere records, the songs tell stories in Slug’s life. Using the skill set from the last album however, he tells fictitious stories while telling bite size chunks of his life as well. The third song, “Scalp,” is about how Slug went to a bar to have a good time and wondering afterwards if he paid off his tab. While talking to the bar tender, he learns about an opportunity to make some quick scratch. While mulling it over in his head, a drunk driver T-bones his car and kills him. The next song of note is “Americareful,” a jab at Obamacare and the American issue of health care. Slug starts off by telling the story of Tommy, ARTIST: Atmosphere who has a rather horrible ALBUM: “To All My Friends, Blood affliction. He is sick, doesn’t Makes The Blade Holy” have insurance, but he has the RECORD LABEL: Rhymesayers good idea to use a fake name. Entertainment The flip side to this song is RELEASE DATE: September 7, 2010 the story of Katie, who is at an abortion clinic trying to act ★★★

★

12 A&E|

TNL

September 14, 2010

MOVIE REVIEW

‘Lottery Ticket’ plot does not live up to potential With fantastic casting, it is a disappointment that movie failed to go the extra mile in screenwriting By Heather Hamilton The Northern Light

Young man from the projects, Kevin Carson (Bow Wow, “The Family Tree”), happens to obtain the winning lottery ticket for $370 million on a Friday night. The catch? He has to wait until Monday to turn the winning ticket into the lottery claims office and his conniving neighbors find out he’s in possession of the winning ticket. Kevin Carson has to survive his nasty neighbors, young, scantily clad women wanting to bear his children and a whole slew of other people wanting to get their hands on his new fortune the minute word gets out.

“Lottery Ticket” had promise. When trailers for this movie first came out, one could almost identify it as a more inspirational version of the 2001 comedy “Rat Race.” Like the 2001 movie, which had a relatively well-rounded cast of established comedic actors, “Lottery Ticket” boasts a cast of a few well-known actors, such as Bow Wow, Brandon T. Jackson (“Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief”), Ice Cube (“Are We There Yet?”) and Terry Crews (“The Expendables”). Unfortunately, while the all-star casting was impressive, it didn’t do much to aid the movie. The entire plot was utterly predictable and the acting was only passable. Bow Wow’s character was, despite

being a fun hero, also very onedimensional and transparent. There were several moments of laughter, but none kept the movie from feeling like a waste of time. The situational and racial stereotypes ran rampant in the film and were not at all humorous. That being said, the overall plot of the movie had merit. Had the acting and screenwriting been a bit more intelligent and actually funny, the movie would have been a slam-dunk.

Directed by: Erik White STARRING: Bow Wow, Brandon T. Jackson, Ice Cube, Terry Crews RUN TIME: 99 mins GENRE: Comedy Rating: PG-13 GRAPHIC: yes Stars:

★★

The Northern Light seeks an

Assistant Arts and Entertainment Editor

A&E Call 907.786.1313 or e-mail content@thenorthernlight.org for more information

OPINION 3211 Providence Drive Student Union 113 Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: 907-786-1513 Fax: 907-786-1331 info@thenorthernlight.org

EXECUTIVE EDITOR 786-1434 editor@thenorthernlight.org Josh Edge MANAGING EDITOR 786-1313 content@thenorthernlight.org Jerzy Shedlock COPY EDITOR copy@thenorthernlight.org Brittany Bennett NEWS EDITOR 786-1576 news@thenorthernlight.org Vacant FEATURES EDITOR 786-1567 features@thenorthernlight.org Katie Forstner A&E EDITOR 786-6198 arts@thenorthernlight.org Heather Hamilton SPORTS EDITOR 786-1512 sports@thenorthernlight.org Taylor Hall PHOTO EDITOR 786-1565 photo@thenorthernlight.org Logan Tuttle WEB EDITOR 786-1506 web@thenorthernlight.org Vacant LAYOUT EDITOR layout@thenorthernlight.org Lisa Wagner ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR news2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR features2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR arts2@thenorthernlight.org Vacant GRAPHIC DESIGNER graphics@thenorthernlight.org Vacant ADVERTISING MANAGER 786-4690 ads@thenorthernlight.org Mariya Proskuryakova ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Vacant CIRCULATION ASSISTANT Munkh-Erdene Tsend-Ochir MEDIA ADVISER Paola Banchero ADMINISTRATIVE ADVISER Annie Route The Northern Light is a proud member of the ASSOCIATED COLLEGIATE PRESS. The Northern Light is a weekly UAA publication funded by student fees and advertising sales. The editors and writers of The Northern Light are solely responsible for its contents. Circulation is 5,000. The University of Alaska Anchorage provides equal education and employment opportunities for all, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, Vietnam-era or disabled-veteran status, physical or mental disability, changes in marital status, pregnancy, or parenthood. The views expressed in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the views of UAA or The Northern Light.

EDITORIAL

Younger generations should take time to understand the significance of Sept. 11 The memory of Sept. 11, 2001 remains in my mind to this very day as clear as a HD commercial featuring Ford trucks. I awoke earlier than usual to my mother whispering to me, “You should see this.” Fear overtook my thoughts as I watched the news replay the collapsing of both of the Twin Towers on repeat. I was in the eighth grade at the time and I did not have an expansive knowledge of politics or why someone or something would wish this type of destruction upon our nation. I went to school that day. Arriving at the bus stop on that cool autumn morning was a somber experience. As young students, we stood around contemplating what had happened until the bus arrived. “World War Three, man,” one neighborhood kid kept saying. It was all students were talking about, and it was hard for the teachers not to bring it up in the classroom as well. The ninth anniversary of Sept. 11 is now passed and gone. The

horrible event, however, has not left the minds of many Americansyet. Open up a magazine or a newspaper any given day of the week, find an article covering the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the infamous day is sure to be mentioned. Many new students were much younger than UAA’s upperclassmen when the towers went down. They do not have as strong of a connection with the event as many of the older students; they do not share the burden. The question is: should we forever keep the memory of the attacks on America in our minds? Some people are sure to go through the day, too worried about routine troubles to realize the anniversary passing them by; some will come to the realization half way through the workday, think about their memories of the event for a moment, and move on; others, who should be commended, will partake in a personal gathering or community sponsored event to mourn the

passing of an estimated 2,800 people, including hundreds of New York firefighters and paramedics. While the significance of the event might be disappearing as younger generations enter the foray, it has been on the minds of Americans as of late. People around the nation are protesting the building of mosques in their communities. The ground zero mosque, a community center being called Park 51, has New Yorkers fired up as they continually protest the construction of a Muslim place of worship. Pastor Terry Jones of Florida planned to burn Qurans to mark the ninth anniversary of the attacks on the U.S. Fortunately, he did not. This act of stupidity will cause anti-American violence around the world. Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan, e-mailed the Associated Press to say “images of the burning of a Quran would undoubtedly be

used by extremists in Afghanistan — and around the world — to inflame public opinion and incite violence.” There is no reason to cause unneeded trouble for our soldiers overseas. There is also no reason for the American public to openly entice fear in the minds of Muslim Americans around the country. The First Amendment protects these individuals from prohibiting the exercise of their beliefs. Certainly, there are better methods to remember the fallen. Instead of burning the holy book of Islam or protesting the practice religion, share your story of Sept. 11 with a young boy or girl. Explain to them why many Americans seem overcome with rage right now. Maybe teach them Gandhi’s commitment to nonviolence and passive resistance instead of a hate for Islam.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Coeur uses careless waste procedures Dear Editor, I am disappointed to see a news article, “Coeur Alaska sells half of Alaskan gold to China” (July 27, 2010) from a university newspaper so completely lacking the unbiased reporting qualities that should describe responsible journalism. As stated in the article, the Kensington Mine is now selling gold to China. Unfortunately, the article failed to portray the true story that Coeur Alaska is extracting the public’s natural resources for a use that does not benefit our region, in a way that degrades our clean water and threatens a valuable fishery. The Kensington Mine stands as a stark exception to 40 years of successful implementation of the Clean Water Act. The Kensington is the first mine in a generation to use a fish bearing lake as a mine waste dump. The mine owners abandoned the environmentally preferable option, supported by conservation groups, of disposing the waste on dry land to pursue the cheaper lake dumping option. Coeur took advantage of a loophole that allowed them

to classify their toxic tailings as “fill material.” This created a dangerous precedent that other mines and industries can also use. Over the next 10 years, more than 4.5 million tons of toxic waste will fill the lake with only a simple earthen dam holding it back. This material will contain large amounts lead, copper and mercury. The dam is the only thing keeping this waste from contaminating Berners Bay, one of the largest salmon producing systems in Southeast Alaska. This dam will not last forever. Coeur Alaska’s decision to pursue lake dumping prioritized corporate profits over responsible development. That fact that Coeur is now exporting our natural resources for use in China, instead of in our own country, makes its abuse of our clean water even more appalling. We hope that the next time The Northern Light reports on the Kensington Mine, the full story will be told.

-Guy Archibald

E Northern Lights Blvd.

Water Quality Coordinator Southeast Alaska Conservation Council

PRIDE

CHIDE

Student Government...

Patton Oswalt...

... for their efforts in planning 2010 Homecoming.

...for canceling his appearance.

Old Seward Way

E 36th Ave.

4x7.375 LC ANC.indd 2

1

Lake Otis Parkway

The Northern Light

13

Goose Lake Park Univ of AK Providence Alaska Medical Center

E Tudor Rd.

2/6/09 2:33:38 PM

14 A&E|

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September 14, 2010

BROKECOMICS | Alec Fritz

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DANCING WORDSEARCH Ballet Belly dance Cancan Country Foxtrot Hip-hop Jazz Latin dance Mambo Merengue Samba Swing Tap

LAST WEEK’S SOLUTIONS:

ACROSS 1 6 11 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 24 28 29 30 32 33 35 39 40 41 42 43 45 46 48 50 53 54 55 57 58 60 65 66 67 68 69 70

Vacillates (hyph.) Get lost! Spree Wrestling venue Neutral tone Ms. Thurman Glider’s lack Fiery felony Garden planting Host with a book club Aimee — of films Turpentine, e.g. Scamper Back out Aspect Disentangle Hawaiian island Cope with, slangily Beauty parlor sound Yecch! Mideast gulf German coal region Turn pink Carryall Form a butte Build, as assets Colorful annual Peerage member Ess moldings This too — pass Fiesta shout Like some seals Late bloomer Trendy Nostalgic style Rumpled Emergency signal Accident reminders Black tea

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Root vegetable Conquistador’s quest Even so Lennon partner Tropical wrap Ringo of music Dear, in Italy Make it snappy

9 10 11 12 13 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 30 31 34 36 37

GI mail drop Threat Impaneled one Secret romance Clumsy Glance furtively Downward-walking bird Roof support Reddish dye Buddha’s land Synthetic rubber — -fi flick Bach opus Sighs of relief — Reekie (Edinburgh) Love madly Pisces neighbor

38 43 44 47 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 59 61 62 63 64

Nudges, perhaps Glamorous wrap Tow Stage platforms Carpenter’s gripper (hyph.) Skyrockets Ice structure Has occasion for Pedestal parts Baja Ms. Seasoner NRC predecessor Take legal action For shame! Paul Anka’s “— Beso” Whiskey grain

“The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing.” - Marcus Aurelius

September 14, 2010 | A&E

TNL

15

HOROSCOPE l Stella Wilder The coming week is likely to see things cool down a bit after what may have seemed to some to be a period of red-hot activity. This doesn’t mean, of course, that anyone can slack off at this time; it simply means that while the past phase was characterized by doing, this one is likely to be characterized by thinking -- or, more specifically, planning. And anyone who doesn’t think that there are plans to be made at this time will surely be missing out, for opportunities are about to arise that may never be seen again. It’s a good week for loved ones to get back in touch, to get to know one another again and to enjoy those private moments that enrich one’s life -- for these things may have been sacrificed recently to the hungry jaws of business and accomplishment. Love can be rekindled.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 7) A conquest of sorts is in your future, but success or failure depends upon laying down the groundwork. (Sept. 8-Sept. 22) -- It’s important for you to stick to a plan; you can’t afford to neglect a single responsibility at this time. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 7) -- Someone else may make a request that

throws a wrench into the works, but you should be able to accommodate his needs and your own. (Oct. 8-Oct. 22) -- You won’t have to go it alone, and those who journey with you will have much to offer.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 7) -- There may be some confusion over what you can do, and when, but with a little persistence you should be able to get your way. (Nov. 8-Nov. 21) -- A matter of policy will unfold in your favor today, allowing you more freedom to pursue your goals. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 7) -- You may not be able to chart the most direct course, but you can still reach the goal you have set for yourself. (Dec. 8-Dec. 21) -- Communication may be more difficult than expected, but the message you need to send can still get through. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 6) -- You’re going to want to set your own

schedule; letting someone else enjoy that privilege is a sure way to invite complications. (Jan. 7-Jan. 19) -- Quality control isn’t likely to be difficult because others will be on the same page.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 3) -- You’re waiting for more up-to-date

information before deciding on a course of action. Patience is indeed a virtue. (Feb. 4-Feb. 18) -- You’ll have the chance to teach someone else the proper ways of doing certain things; aim high.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 5) -- Making firm plans for another can be a risky proposition, but you seem to know what is best -- and how to make it happen. (March 6-March 20) -- It may be more trouble than it’s worth to try and accommodate someone else’s schedule. ARIES (March 21-April 4) -- You can avoid a great deal of negativity

by sticking to your game plan and holding your head high. Outlook is everything. (April 5-April 19) -- You may find yourself waiting for news from afar to free you from a current rut. You won’t wait long.

TAURUS (April 20-May 5) -- You’ll play a pivotal role in someone else’s affairs. Don’t neglect your own immediate needs, however.

(May 6-May 20) -- You may find that the schedule you are expected to

keep will sap your strength and cause your enthusiasm to wane, but only temporarily.

GEMINI (May 21-June 6) -- More care than usual will have to be taken when you find yourself on the road; even a routine journey may be more dangerous than usual. (June 7-June 20) -- You’re going to want to pick up the pace a bit, especially toward midweek when things seem to get bogged down. CANCER (June 21-July 7) -- You may be more lucky than usual, and that alone is likely to yield unexpected results that you can enjoy all week long. (July 8-July 22) -- Your mood is likely to fluctuate throughout the week; time your most important efforts to coincide with an upswing. LEO (July 23-Aug. 7) -- You’ll have the time to take care of some routine

but pressing business; focus on putting things in order that may have been disorganized. (Aug. 8-Aug. 22) -- A reunion of sorts needn’t be avoided; you’ll derive great pleasure from a meeting of the minds.

Two Weekends of Festivities!

Oktoberfest Package

Sept. 24 & 25

Package includes one-night accommodation plus admission for two to Oktoberfest

Traditional German Fare with Alaska Blaskapelle

&

Oct. 1 & 2

Microbrews with Nervis Rex & Rebel Blues

Alyeska Resort Daylodge | 6 pm - Midnight $5 Admission Only $15 Admission+Filled Beer Stein

From

$69

per person*

*Based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Includes taxes and fees. Valid 9/24 - 10/3.

Tickets Online

907-754-1111

alyeskaresort.com

alyeska tram-powered bike day Sunday Sept 19 Noon - 6 pm Details Online

COLUMBIA PICTURES PRESENTS A GARY SANCHEZ PRODUCTION COEXECUTIVE “THE VIRGINI T Y HI T ” MATT BENNETT ZACK PEARLMAN PRODUCER AMY HOBBY PRODUCER OWEN BURKE PRODUCED BY WILL FERRELL ADAM McKAY CHRIS HENCHY PETER PRINCIPATO PAUL YOUNG WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY ANDREW GURLAND & HUCK BOTKO 6" X 6.5"

PCA Skin-Colorescience Pro Micronized Mineral Makeup

CAMPUS NEWSPAPER - BW

10738-1

8-13-10

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